Wind-Wave PTO Structure for Floating Turbine Motion Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wind-wave integrated systems prioritize power generation over motion stability and safety, particularly in extreme sea conditions, leading to structural fatigue and increased failure rates of offshore floating wind turbines.
Innovation Solution
A kinetic energy recovery wind-wave integrated system incorporating a semi-submersible platform with a wave energy device and a PTO system using a permanent magnet synchronous linear motor and counterweight block to absorb and convert kinetic energy into electrical energy, enhancing stability and safety through active control and damping mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a floating wind turbine is used for deep sea power generation, then the advantage of accessing richer wind energy resources is achieved, but platform movement caused by wind and wave loads leads to structural fatigue and safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines wind power generation and wave energy conversion into an integrated wind-wave energy system. The wave energy conversion device is installed on the floating platform together with the wind turbine, allowing the platform to simultaneously harvest both wind and wave energy while the wave device counteracts platform motion through its mechanical design
Solution Approach 2:
The wave energy conversion device utilizes the harmful kinetic energy from wave-induced platform motion and converts it into beneficial electrical energy through its power take-off system. The oscillating motion of the floatation structure driven by waves is transformed into electricity, turning the destabilizing effect into a useful energy source
2Reliability
If the wave energy device converts kinetic energy into electrical energy, then the stability and safety of the wind turbine is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the PTO system and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The wave energy conversion device employs a dynamic design where the floatation structure oscillates freely with wave-induced platform motion. The system uses dynamic elements such as the spring-damper mechanism and movable floatation body rather than rigid fixed structures, allowing the device to adapt to varying wave conditions while maintaining relatively simple mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spring-damper mechanism as an intermediary element between the oscillating floatation structure and the power take-off system. This intermediary component simplifies the energy conversion process by providing a straightforward mechanical interface that transforms complex multi-directional platform motion into linear oscillating motion suitable for the PTO generator
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 system improves the stability and service life of offshore wind turbines by converting harmful kinetic energy into usable power, providing backup energy for active control and ensuring safety under harsh marine conditions, with a double resonance system for enhanced energy capture.
Implementation Method 1
The PTO system includes a permanent magnet synchronous linear motor and an active controller
Implementation Method 2
the counterweight block is connected to a top of the shell through a spring
Data Source
AI summary
This invention introduces a kinetic energy recovery wind-wave integrated system for offshore wind power generation. The system consists of a semi-submersible platform equipped with a fan and an internal wave energy device. The device includes a shell housing a Power Take-Off (PTO) system, featuring a permanent magnet synchronous linear motor and an active controller. The motor's stator is fixed inside the shell, while its mover is connected to a counterweight block outside the stator, linked to the shell's top via a spring. Limiters are installed at both ends of the shell to restrict the counterweight block's movement. This system utilizes the wave energy device to absorb kinetic energy, which otherwise affects wind turbine stability, and converts it into usable electrical energy via the PTO system. This enhances the stability and safety of offshore wind turbine power generation.