Offshore Wind Generator Segmentation for Transport Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional offshore wind power generator installation methods are prone to interruptions due to unpredictable marine weather and instability during transportation, as the integrally assembled generators are susceptible to swaying on barges, leading to unsteady delivery and increased installation time.
Innovation Solution
A method involving prefabrication of wind power generator segments, including a base, connecting member, tower, nacelle, and blade wheel, where the tower is inserted through the base's central hole, allowing for assembly into a prefabricated unit that can be transported and installed in stages, using ballast for stability and buffers for secure assembly, reducing the height and shaking during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wind power generator is assembled integrally offshore and lifted by a barge, then the installation can be completed in one piece, but the generator is prone to swaying and unsteady delivery due to its height and the barge being shaken by wind waves
Solution Approach 1:
The wind power generator is divided into multiple segments including a base segment, a tower segment, and a nacelle segment. These segments are assembled separately onshore and then connected offshore to form the complete structure, eliminating the need to transport the entire integrated generator by barge and reducing swaying issues during transport
2Productivity
If the wind power generator is assembled integrally onshore and transported offshore, then the assembly process is simplified, but the installation time is extended due to weather interruptions and unsteady delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The base segment, tower segment, and nacelle segment are pre-assembled onshore in a controlled environment before being transported to the offshore installation location. This preliminary assembly reduces the complexity and time required for final installation offshore, minimizing weather-related interruptions
3Weight of moving object
If a large barge is used to transport the integrally assembled generator, then the generator can be transported, but the barge is shaken by wind waves causing the generator to sway
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of transporting the complete integrated generator on a large barge, the system segments the generator into transportable components (base segment, tower segment, nacelle segment) that can be assembled offshore. This eliminates the need for large barges and reduces swaying during transport
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 time, enhances delivery stability, and allows for the use of smaller ships, while ensuring secure and cost-effective offshore installation by breaking down the installation process into prefabrication, removal, and staged assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The stage of removal is taking advantage of a ship to lift the prefabricated wind power generator and carry it to a second location. The stage of installation is furnishing the ship with ballast to enable the ship to land on a seabed
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an offshore installation method of a wind power generator and its fabrication segments. A prefabricated wind power generator is finished at a first location, and then carried by a ship to a second location for installation, largely saving installation time. With a tower inserted down through a base to shrink height of the generator, the ship can not only effectively diminish shaking posed by wind and sea waves, advancing steadiness of delivery, but also be one with smaller tonnage to save cost.