Single Column Tension Leg Platform for Offshore Wind
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) systems are costly and inefficient, requiring complex designs and large installation vessels, which increases the Levelized Cost Of Electricity (LCOE) and poses challenges in deep water installations where 58% of US and 80% of global wind resources are located, necessitating a simpler, more scalable, and stable solution.
Innovation Solution
A single column tension leg platform (SCTLP) with a central vertical floating column, buoyant base, and station keeping system, designed for both Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWT) and Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT), allowing for onshore or quayside assembly, shallow draft for easy integration and tow-out, and a proprietary installation process to reduce costs and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex floating structure designs are used, then stability and functionality are improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The floating platform is divided into modular components including a buoyant base with multiple pontoons, a central column, and detachable turbine assembly. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while maintaining structural stability through standardized connection interfaces between modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The turbine assembly is designed as a separate, extractable component that can be removed and replaced independently from the floating platform. This extraction capability simplifies maintenance operations and reduces installation complexity by allowing pre-assembly and testing of the turbine before deployment.
2Productivity
If large installation vessels are used, then installation capability is improved, but project cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The floating platform and turbine assembly are prepared and pre-assembled onshore or at a quay before being transported to the installation site. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex offshore assembly operations and reduces dependency on large, expensive installation vessels.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform incorporates adjustable ballast systems and movable components that can be dynamically configured during installation and operation. This dynamic capability allows the platform to self-adjust to different installation conditions and reduces the need for specialized heavy-lift equipment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If deep water locations are targeted, then wind resource availability is improved, but foundation complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The floating platform design serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, ballast adjustment, turbine mounting, and station-keeping capabilities in a single integrated system. This multi-functionality allows the same platform design to be deployed across varying water depths without requiring complex depth-specific modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The successful floating platform design can be replicated and scaled for different wind farm configurations and water depths. The modular nature of the platform allows for copying the proven design rather than developing complex custom foundations for each deep water location.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The SCTLP system lowers LCOE by simplifying design and installation processes, enabling efficient deployment in deep waters with reduced reliance on large vessels, thereby enhancing the feasibility and scalability of offshore wind energy projects.
Implementation Method 1
a buoyant base (112) attached to the central main vertical floating column (111)
Data Source
AI summary
The floating system is a single column tension leg platform for a floating offshore wind turbine (SCTLP). The single column tension leg platform comprises a central main vertical floating column, a buoyant base attached to and disposed below the central main vertical floating column, a station keeping system attached to the buoyant base, and an inter array cable riser system. The buoyant base is of one of a triangular shape and a circular shape.