Column-stabilized offshore platform with water-entrapment plates and asymmetric mooring system for support of offshore wind turbines
US8471396B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 6, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jun 25, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 15, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/727
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A floating wind turbine platform includes a floatation frame that includes at least three columns that are coupled to each other with horizontal main beams. A wind turbine tower is mounted above a tower support column to simplify the system construction and improve the structural strength. The turbine blades are coupled to a nacelle that rotates on top of the tower. The turbine's gearbox generator and other electrical gear can be mounted either traditionally in the nacelle, or lower in the tower or in the top of the tower-supporting column. The floatation frame includes a water ballasting system that pumps water between the columns to keep the tower in a vertical alignment regardless of the wind speed. Water-entrapment plates are mounted to the bottoms of the columns to minimize the rotational movement of the floatation frame due to waves.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.