Triangular Floating Wind Turbine Platform for Modular Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Floating offshore wind energy converters face challenges in construction and installation due to large forces from waves, tides, and winds, requiring a platform that provides buoyancy and structural support while being easy to construct.
Innovation Solution
A floating wind turbine platform with a substantially triangular hull composed of interconnected columns and pontoon members, featuring irregular polygonal cross-sections for enhanced structural integrity and ease of construction, along with a ballast arrangement for weight distribution and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a large structure is constructed onshore and then moved to offshore location, then construction is easier onshore, but the structure becomes difficult and expensive to transport offshore
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into multiple modular units including pontoon members, columns, and connector assemblies that can be independently constructed onshore and then assembled offshore. Each module is designed to be transportable while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between ease of construction and transport feasibility.
2Strength
If the platform structure is made larger and more robust to withstand wave and tidal forces, then structural strength improves, but construction complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The platform employs modular pontoon members and column assemblies connected by standardized connector assemblies. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for strength independently while simplifying the overall construction process through repetitive modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly integrates multiple functions including structural connection, alignment features, and attachment points for wind turbine components. By merging these functions into a single integrated assembly, the design achieves structural strength without proportionally increasing construction complexity.
3Reliability
If traditional rectangular or circular platform designs are used, then construction methods are well-established, but structural efficiency and stability in harsh offshore conditions are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The platform utilizes a triangular arrangement of pontoon members and columns, creating an asymmetric geometry that provides superior structural efficiency and stability in wave and tidal forces compared to traditional symmetric designs. This asymmetric configuration optimizes load distribution while maintaining manufacturability through modular 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 provides improved structural soundness, ease of construction, and stability under dynamic offshore conditions, facilitating efficient installation and operation of wind turbines.
Implementation Method 1
a platform of a floating wind energy converted must be constructed to be able to provide buoyancy, as well as support a wind turbine tower and withstand direct wave and tidal forces
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a floating wind turbine platform, comprising: a substantially triangular hull configurable to support a wind turbine tower; the hull comprising a first, second and third column, the first, second and third columns being connected by a first, second and third pontoon member, as well as by a first, second and third connector.