Disconnectable Truss Mating for Spar Buoy Wind Turbines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and removal of offshore wind turbines and other structures frequently require the use of a crane barge, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a truss structure with stabbings and receptacles, along with a Shock Absorbing Locking Device (SALD), allows for the assembly and disassembly of wind turbines on floating platforms like spar buoys without a crane barge, using flexible cables and umbilicals for power and signal transfer, and incorporating mooring systems for secure anchoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a crane barge is used for installing and removing wind turbines, then the connection reliability is improved, but the installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: a floating platform with a truss structure, a wind turbine with a separate truss structure, and disconnectable mating devices. This segmentation allows each component to be independently prepared and assembled, enabling faster installation without compromising connection reliability through the use of pre-engineered mating devices with stabbings and receptacles.
Solution Approach 2:
A mating device acts as an intermediary between the floating platform and wind turbine. This intermediary component with stabbings and receptacles enables direct connection without requiring a crane barge, maintaining connection reliability while significantly reducing installation time and cost.
2Strength
If a crane barge is used for installing and removing wind turbines, then the connection strength is improved, but the installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into discrete mating devices with stabbings and receptacles that can be independently designed and manufactured. This allows for optimized connection strength through specialized components rather than requiring complex crane barge operations, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining connection integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mating device serves as an intermediary that provides a simplified connection interface between the floating platform and wind turbine. This intermediary component ensures strong connections through its mechanical design while eliminating the need for complex crane barge equipment, thereby reducing installation system complexity and cost.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional mating methods are used, then the connection stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mating device incorporates dynamic elements including shock absorbers and spring mechanisms that automatically engage and adjust during the assembly process. This dynamic design maintains connection stability while simplifying operation, as the components self-align and secure without requiring complex manual intervention or heavy equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mating device with stabbings and receptacles acts as an intermediary that provides both stability and ease of operation. The mechanical design includes self-aligning features and automatic engagement mechanisms that ensure stable connections while allowing for simple, quick assembly and disassembly operations.
4Ease of operation
If disconnectable structures are used, then the ease of removal is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is segmented into modular components with standardized mating devices that can be easily connected and disconnected. This segmentation enables simple removal operations through straightforward engagement and disengagement of the mating devices, while the modular nature actually reduces overall system complexity compared to permanent fixed structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mating device serves as a disconnectable intermediary between the floating platform and wind turbine. This intermediary component is specifically designed for easy engagement and disengagement, providing simple removal operations while its standardized design actually simplifies the overall system architecture compared to custom permanent connections.
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 significantly reduces installation and removal time and costs by enabling efficient offshore assembly and disassembly of wind turbines on floating platforms, while ensuring secure and stable connections through the use of shock absorbers and locking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
Shock Absorbing Locking Device (SALD)
Implementation Method 2
truss structure with stabbings and receptacles
Implementation Method 3
flexible cables and umbilicals can be utilized between the foundation and wind turbine to transfer power and control signals
Implementation Method 4
incorporating mooring systems for secure anchoring
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments relate to systems and methods for mating a wind turbine off-shore to a spar buoy without the use of a crane barge. The system may include a spar buoy, wherein the spar buoy is secured to a foundation, and a wind turbine to be installed on the spar buoy. The system may also include a first truss affixed to the top of the spar buoy and a second truss affixed to the bottom of the wind turbine. The first truss may comprise either stabbings or receptacles configured for mating to the second truss and the second truss may comprise either receptacles or stabbings configured for mating to the first truss.