Floating Spar Ballast Layout for Wave Resonance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Floating offshore wind turbines experience large wave-induced motions, making it difficult to install and maintain components due to resonance with natural periods of the structure, limiting their deployment to sheltered waters.
Innovation Solution
A spar platform with adjustable ballast tanks, allowing control of the center of gravity and natural periods by distributing ballast between tanks, reducing wave-induced motions through adjustments during installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If floating wind turbines are deployed in deep waters, then energy generation capability is improved, but wave-induced motions increase making installation and maintenance difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The ballast tank system is designed to be dynamically adjustable during different operational phases. During installation, ballast is positioned to increase natural period and reduce wave-induced motions. During normal operation, ballast is repositioned to optimize stability and performance. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the platform to adapt to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the floating platform by redistributing ballast between different tank configurations. This alters the center of gravity position and natural period of the platform, transforming it from a state susceptible to wave resonance during installation to a stable operational state during normal wind turbine generation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ballast is added to raise center of gravity, then natural period increases reducing wave-induced motions, but stability during operation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The ballast system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one, allowing the platform to have different stability characteristics during installation versus operation. During installation, ballast is arranged to maximize natural period. During operation, ballast is repositioned to optimize stability, demonstrating dynamic adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ballast reconfiguration occurs periodically - first during installation to reduce wave-induced motions, then after installation to optimize operational stability. This periodic reconfiguration allows the system to address different requirements at different times in the operational lifecycle.
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
Enables stable installation and maintenance of wind turbines in rough waters by controlling natural periods and reducing wave-induced motions, expanding deployment options.
Implementation Method 1
A floating spar platform for supporting an offshore wind turbine, the spar platform comprising: at least one first ballast tank for holding adjustable ballast; and at least one second ballast tank for holding adjustable ballast, wherein the second ballast tank is arranged vertically higher than the first ballast tank.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5A~5C
AI summary
A floating spar platform 7 for supporting an offshore wind turbine comprises at least one first ballast tank 15 for holding adjustable ballast and at least one second ballast tank 16 for holding adjustable ballast. The second ballast tank 16 is arranged vertically higher than the first ballast tank 15, allowing a vertical distance between the bottom of the spar platform 7 and the centre of centre of gravity 31 of the spar platform 7 to be controlled by adjusting the amount of ballast held within the first and/or second ballast tanks 15, 16. This provides for control over the resonant response of the floating spar platform 7. During installation of a wind turbine on the floating spar platform 7, ballast associated with the spar platform may be adjusted in order to increase the vertical distance between the bottom of the spar platform 7 and the centre of gravity 31 of the spar platform 7, which reduces wave-induced resonant motions of the spar platform 7.