Modular Submersible Offshore Platform With Reusable Buoyancy Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing offshore wind power generation system installation process is lengthy, costly, and requires multiple specialized vessels and personnel due to the piecemeal installation of components, necessitating a more efficient and economic platform with reusable components.
Innovation Solution
A submersible offshore platform comprising a primary node, support nodes, pontoon sections, and buoyant modules that are detachably connected, allowing for self-submergence and installation at a sea floor site, with buoyant modules being reusable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If individual components are fabricated onshore and transported to offshore site by various vessels, then manufacturing flexibility is maintained, but installation time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into modular components (primary node, support nodes, pontoon sections, buoyant modules) that can be independently fabricated and then assembled offshore. This segmentation allows parallel manufacturing of components while maintaining the ability to quickly assemble them into a complete platform structure, thereby reducing overall installation time without sacrificing manufacturing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple platform components are combined into integrated assemblies that can be transported as single units. The pontoon sections connect support nodes to the primary node, and buoyant modules are attached to support nodes, creating pre-assembled configurations that reduce the number of separate installation operations required offshore, thus decreasing installation time while maintaining manufacturing adaptability.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple specialized vessels are deployed for component installation, then installation precision is maintained, but operational complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The platform structure incorporates self-aligning and self-stabilizing features that reduce dependence on external specialized vessels. The pontoon sections and buoyant modules are designed to automatically position and secure themselves during assembly, allowing the platform to perform part of its own installation function without requiring multiple specialized installation vessels, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining installation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are designed with universal connection interfaces that can be assembled using general-purpose vessels rather than specialized installation ships. The standardized nodes and connection mechanisms allow any suitable vessel to perform the assembly operations, reducing the need for multiple specialized vessels and simplifying the operational complexity while maintaining precise assembly capabilities.
3Productivity
If reusable components are implemented, then installation cost is reduced, but component design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is segmented into discrete, standardized modules (primary node, support nodes, pontoon sections, buoyant modules) that can be reused across multiple platforms. Each module is designed with standardized interfaces and dimensions, allowing them to be manufactured once and reused repeatedly in different platform configurations, thereby improving installation efficiency while the standardization actually reduces long-term design complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The buoyant modules are designed to be temporarily attached during installation and then removed after the platform is deployed. These modules serve their purpose during installation and can be recovered and reused for subsequent platform installations, reducing installation costs for future projects. The temporary nature of their attachment simplifies their design compared to permanently integrated components.
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 platform enables efficient, cost-effective installation and deployment of wind turbines by reducing the need for multiple vessels and personnel, with buoyant modules being detachable and reusable, thus lowering installation costs and time.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of buoyant modules, wherein each of the plurality of buoyant modules is detachably connected to a respective support node
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a submersible offshore platform configured to be installed at a sea floor installation site and a method of installing the offshore platform. The offshore platform may include: a primary node and a primary column disposed thereon; a plurality of support nodes; a plurality of pontoon sections, each of the plurality of pontoon sections configured to connect the plurality of support nodes to the primary node or to each other; a plurality of buoyant modules, wherein each of the plurality of buoyant modules is detachably connected to a respective support node; and a primary column support system, wherein the primary column support system includes: a plurality of vertical supports fixed around a perimeter of the primary column, each of the plurality of vertical supports having one end connected to the primary column node; and a support structure connecting a top portion of each of the plurality of vertical supports to the primary column.