TLP Wind Turbine Node Stress Distribution via Multi-Directional Supports

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing offshore wind turbine platforms face instability and potential damage to the top plate of the node due to concentrated stress from the wind turbine load, which can lead to accidents.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves an arrangement of local structures for TLP-type floating offshore wind turbine platforms, featuring a node with a top plate supported by a plurality of supporting members elongated in different directions, resembling leaf veins, to distribute stress effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the node structure is simplified to reduce complexity, then manufacturing cost and device complexity are reduced, but stress distribution is insufficient and the top plate may damage under wind turbine load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenode structure complexityVSAvoidstress distribution capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The node structure is segmented into multiple functional components: the top plate, bottom plate, and multiple supporting members arranged in specific patterns. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while collectively providing comprehensive stress distribution without excessive overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Supporting members are strategically positioned at specific locations on the bottom plate where stress concentration is most likely to occur. The local arrangement of supporting members creates zones of enhanced strength precisely where needed, rather than uniformly strengthening the entire structure, thus avoiding unnecessary complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If the top plate is made stronger to prevent damage, then strength and reliability are improved, but the overall structure becomes more complex and heavier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetop plate strengthVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Supporting members act as intermediary elements between the top plate and the bottom plate. Instead of making the top plate itself stronger and more complex, the supporting members serve as mediators that transfer and distribute stress, allowing the top plate to remain simpler while still achieving the required strength through the intermediary support system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution moves from two-dimensional reinforcement (making the top plate thicker or adding plates) to three-dimensional reinforcement by adding supporting members that extend vertically from the bottom plate. This dimensional change provides structural support without increasing the complexity of the top plate itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If supporting members are added to distribute stress, then reliability and stress distribution are improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestress distribution capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing and assembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting member system is segmented into multiple identical or standardized components that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing processes while enabling complex stress distribution patterns through the assembled configuration, balancing manufacturing ease with structural reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 arrangement ensures stable support of the wind turbine by smoothly distributing stress across multiple directions, preventing damage to the top plate and enhancing the structural strength of the platform.

Implementation Method 1

when load is applied to the top plate of the node, stress is distributed through the supporting members and damage to the top plate is prevented

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStress distribution:

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of pontoons generating buoyancy on the sea by being connected to the node

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS20250026457A1Arrangement of local structures for TLP-type floating offshore wind turbine platform stress distribution and strength enhancement

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 KOREA INSTITUTE OF OCEAN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

AI summary

Proposed is an arrangement of local structures for TLP-type floating offshore wind turbine platform stress distribution and strength enhancement, the arrangement being characterized in that a plurality of supporting members of which at least one is elongated in a different direction protrudes from the bottom plate of a node, so the top plate of the node to which load is applied by a wind turbine is supported by the supporting members, stress is distributed, and damage to the top plate is prevented such that the wind turbine can be stably supported through the node.