Remotely Operated Tendon Support Buoy for Offshore Wind
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current buoyancy support systems for tendons in offshore platforms, particularly tension leg platforms, are inadequate for smaller diameter elongate members and require extensive underwater activities, such as ROVs and divers, which are costly and pose safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A remotely operable tendon support buoy (TSB) system that can incrementally regulate buoyancy and reduce the need for underwater equipment by using a cylindrical vessel with a control module, air pressure and water level sensors, and acoustic signaling for remote operation, allowing for efficient suspension and tensioning of tendons with minimal in-water activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional large TSBs are used to accommodate smaller diameter tendons, then the buoyancy support system can handle a wider range of tendon sizes, but the cost and complexity of equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tendon support buoy is divided into modular components including a buoyant body, adjustable buoyancy elements, and interchangeable clamping mechanisms. This segmentation allows the same basic structure to accommodate different tendon diameters by adjusting or replacing specific modules rather than requiring completely different buoy sizes for each tendon size category.
2Productivity
If extensive underwater equipment such as ROVs and divers are used for tendon installation, then the installation can be completed, but the cost and safety risks increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The tendon support buoy incorporates self-aligning and self-adjusting mechanisms that automatically position and tension the tendon without requiring continuous underwater intervention. The buoyancy-controlled system self-regulates to maintain proper tendon alignment and tension during installation, eliminating the need for ROVs and divers to perform routine adjustment tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical underwater manipulation by ROVs and divers is replaced with a buoyancy-based mechanical system that operates on the surface or at controlled depths. The tendon tensioning and positioning functions are achieved through buoyant forces and mechanical advantage systems rather than direct underwater mechanical manipulation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If remotely operable buoyancy regulation is implemented, then the need for underwater equipment is reduced, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tendon support buoy incorporates sensors that monitor buoyancy forces, tendon tension, and positional information. This feedback is transmitted to surface operators who can remotely adjust buoyancy elements to maintain optimal tendon tension and position. The closed-loop feedback system automates routine adjustments while allowing remote intervention when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
A surface-based control system acts as an intermediary between the underwater tendon installation process and the operators. The control system receives data from underwater sensors, processes the information, and sends commands to adjust buoyancy elements, eliminating the need for operators to be physically underwater while maintaining precise control over the installation process.
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 TSB system effectively supports and tensions tendons with reduced reliance on ROVs and divers, enhancing safety and cost-effectiveness by allowing remote operation and accommodating smaller diameter tendons, thus facilitating deeper offshore wind turbine installations.
Implementation Method 1
a semi-submerged buoyant structure is anchored to the sea bed with tension mooring lines, commonly referred to as tendons
Implementation Method 2
a TSB which can be remotely operated to incrementally regulate buoyancy
Data Source
AI summary
A system for supporting and/or tensioning a subsea tendon. The system includes a cylindrical vessel forming a chamber, there being an air control valve proximate the top end of the vessel and a water vent proximate the bottom end of the vessel. A source of high pressure air is operatively connected to the chamber whereby ballasting and deballasting of the vessel can be easily accomplished by remote operation of the air control valve. The system further includes a yoke having a clamp mounted thereon, the yoke being releasably connectable to the cylindrical vessel and operative to connect to hoisting lines such as chains.