Spud Stabilization for Submersible Platform Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing water-submersible platforms, such as offshore wind turbines, face challenges in stabilizing and transporting platforms with substantial superstructure above the water surface, as they tend to capsize when unattached to a vessel, requiring innovative solutions for stabilization and secure installation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a water-buoyant vessel with spuds that connect to the platform, allowing it to be lowered and raised while maintaining stability, using a locking assembly and winch system to manage buoyancy and positioning, enabling the platform to be transported and installed without capsizing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a water-submersible platform with substantial superstructure is transported unattached to a vessel, then transportation flexibility is improved, but the platform becomes unstable and tends to capsize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spuds as intermediary stabilizing elements that connect the platform to the vessel. These spuds act as mediators between the platform and vessel, providing stability during transportation without requiring permanent attachment. The spuds can be deployed and retracted as needed, allowing the platform to be stabilized when required while maintaining transportation flexibility when not in use.
2Stability of the object's composition
If spuds are used to stabilize the platform during lowering, then platform stability is improved, but the complexity of the installation system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spuds are designed to perform multiple functions: they stabilize the platform during transportation, assist in lowering the platform to the desired depth, and can be used for positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment for each operation, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while achieving multiple stabilization and positioning objectives.
3Measurement precision
If the platform is lowered to a depth that allows vessel placement, then vessel positioning accuracy is improved, but the time required for installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is pre-lowered to the appropriate depth before the vessel is positioned over it. This preliminary action ensures that when the vessel arrives, the platform is already at the correct depth for accurate positioning and connection, eliminating the need for time-consuming depth adjustments during the vessel connection phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a winch system with a locking assembly to control the spud depth and platform position. This mechanical control system replaces more complex positioning mechanisms and allows for precise depth control through controlled winding and locking, achieving accurate positioning efficiently without requiring elaborate mechanical positioning systems.
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
This method stabilizes the platform during transport and installation, allowing for the safe and efficient deployment of unstable platforms by imparting stability through controlled spud forces and buoyancy management, reducing the risk of capsizing and facilitating precise positioning.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the spuds apply a downward force on the platform to lower the platform in the water
Implementation Method 2
wherein the spuds apply an upward force on the platform while lowering the platform in the water
Implementation Method 3
A locking assembly at a lower end of the spuds is locked with keys
Data Source
AI summary
A method for installing a water-submersible platform is disclosed. The method includes lowering the platform in water from a vessel positioned above the platform while spuds connecting the vessel to the platform stabilize the platform during lowering. An assembly of the vessel and platform, and a vessel that is used to connect to the platform is also disclosed.