Offshore Wind Turbine Base Node Adapter Plate Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing offshore wind turbine support structures face challenges in managing large dynamic loads and weld-related weaknesses at base nodes due to the proximity and number of welds, which affect material strength and manufacturability.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an adapter plate and V-shaped adapter tubes at the base node, allowing for direct or indirect connection of X-pipes, reduces the number of welds and optimizes assembly, while maintaining structural integrity and material efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the base nodes are made larger to absorb and transfer required loads, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the number and density of welds increase, leading to strength problems and material weakening
Solution Approach 1:
The base node is segmented into a lower pipe segment and a separate adapter plate component. This segmentation allows the adapter plate to be welded to the lower pipe segment in a controlled manner, reducing the density of welds in the critical base node area while maintaining the ability to transfer large loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter plate acts as an intermediary component between the lower pipe segment and the X-pipes. It mediates the connection by providing a dedicated welding surface that distributes weld loads, thereby reducing the stress concentration and material weakening that would occur with direct welding of multiple X-pipes to the lower pipe segment.
2Reliability
If the number of welds is reduced to avoid material weakening, then the reliability of base nodes is improved, but the structural integrity and load transfer capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter plate introduces a new dimensional element (a flat plate surface) to the connection geometry. This allows welds to be distributed across a larger surface area in a different spatial dimension, reducing the linear density of welds while maintaining or enhancing the load transfer capability through the expanded welding surface.
3Strength
If more welds are used to ensure structural integrity, then the load transfer capability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter plate is prepared in advance as a separate component with predetermined welding features. This preliminary preparation allows for standardized welding procedures to be applied when connecting the X-pipes, reducing the complexity and time required during final assembly compared to creating complex multi-pipe connections without pre-prepared adapter plates.
4Ease of manufacture
If the base node design is simplified to reduce material consumption, then the manufacturability is improved, but the ability to handle large dynamic loads may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter plate allows for optimization of geometric parameters such as plate thickness, diameter, and welding configuration. These parameter changes enable the design of lighter, more manufacturable base nodes while maintaining the load handling capability through careful selection of parameters that balance material usage with structural performance.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an offshore supporting structure (1), in particular for wind turbines, which is able to be connected to a plurality of, preferably six, piles (2) which can be anchored in the seabed, comprising: a receptacle for a tower of a wind turbine; a truss structure (4) which is composed of a multitude of tubes (3) and which can be assembled from a plurality of prefabricated truss segments (6, 8, 10), wherein a segment (6, 8, 10) comprises a plurality of tubes connected by means of an X-node, and comprises a plurality of tubes which are substantially arranged horizontally when operational and which form a ring, and wherein the truss structure (4) comprises a plurality of foot nodes (12), by means of which the truss structure (4) is able to be coupled to the piles (2).