Wind Turbine Functional Platform Installation via Transition Unit Connectors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of wind turbine systems is hindered by the need for a predefined sequence of components, leading to delayed production and increased costs due to the requirement for simultaneous installation of wind turbines and functional platforms, especially in offshore settings where space and energy storage solutions are inefficient, and delivery delays can disrupt the process.
Innovation Solution
A method for installing a wind turbine system that allows for the separate and flexible assembly of the wind turbine and functional platform, where the wind turbine is first erected and capable of producing energy, with the functional platform aligned and fixed to the transition unit using connectors, enabling early testing and easier replacement or maintenance, thus avoiding delays and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a predefined installation sequence is used where the functional platform is installed before the wind turbine components are ready, then the installation schedule can be maintained, but the wind turbine production is delayed and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The installation process is segmented into independent phases: wind turbine component installation and functional platform installation. The functional platform is prepared separately and can be installed at the transition unit without requiring the complete wind turbine to be assembled first, allowing parallel preparation activities and eliminating waiting time.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional platform is prepared in advance and positioned at the transition unit before the wind turbine components are fully ready. This preliminary action allows the platform to be ready for immediate connection once the turbine components arrive, eliminating schedule delays and allowing the turbine to start producing electricity sooner.
2Ease of manufacture
If the wind turbine and functional platform are installed simultaneously in a predefined sequence, then the installation procedure becomes more complex, but coordination is required
Solution Approach 1:
The installation procedure is divided into separate, independent tasks: wind turbine assembly and functional platform installation. Each can be performed by different teams without interfering with the other, simplifying the overall installation procedure while eliminating the need for complex coordination between turbine and platform installation activities.
3Reliability
If land-based chemical energy storage systems are used, then electrical energy can be converted into chemical products, but extensive space and cooling systems are required causing additional costs
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system transitions from a land-based horizontal expansion model to an offshore vertical integration model. Chemical energy storage containers are placed on the functional platform above the transition unit, utilizing the vertical space and offshore location instead of requiring extensive land area and surface-level cooling infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage system is merged with the wind turbine structure by placing chemical energy storage containers on the functional platform that is integrated into the transition unit. This combines the turbine, platform, and storage system into a single integrated offshore structure, eliminating the need for separate land-based storage facilities and their associated cooling systems.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for installing a wind turbine system (1). The method comprises providing a wind turbine (2), arranging a functional platform (13) at an erected transition unit (12) of the wind turbine (2) by aligning a first functional connector (14) of the functional platform (13) with a first transition connector (15) of the transition unit (12) and by aligning a second functional connector (16) of the functional platform (13) with a second transition connector (17) of the transition unit (12), and fixing the connectors in a final end position (F). The invention also relates to a wind turbine system (1) with a wind turbine (2) for converting wind energy into electrical energy and a functional platform (13) for providing a technical function based on the electrical energy provided by the wind turbine (2).