Offshore structure support and foundation for use with a wind turbine and an associated method of assembly

Abstract

A pile based braced caisson structural support device includes a number of legs in is used to support a wind turbine. The wind turbine includes a base, a turbine generator and a blade mechanism. The legs are configured in a teepee type configuration such that the footprint of the base is larger than the footprint of the opposing end. This structural support can be used as a base for an offshore platform in that the support reduces the lateral forces on the support caused by wave action.

1 . A wind turbine in combination with a structure support comprising: 
 a wind turbine comprising a base;    a structure support, said structure support further comprising 
 at least three elements configured in a substantially teepee shaped configuration, wherein the at least three elements encompassing a vertical member;  
 a first end of the at least three elements capable of being affixed to a structure; and  
 a second end of the at least three elements adapted to be in contact with a surface, wherein the at least three elements intersect between the first end and the second end; and  
   a mounting flange connecting the structure support to the wind turbine.    
   
   
       2 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the surface is a sea floor and the second end extends below a mudline.  
   
   
       3 . The support of  claim 1 , where the at least three elements intersect above a waterline or at a waterline.  
   
   
       4 . The support of  claim 1 , wherein an angular guide maintains an orientation at least between the at least three elements.  
   
   
       5 . The support of  claim 1 , wherein the at least three elements are offset from each other by 120°.  
   
   
       6 . The support of  claim 1 , wherein the wind turbine further comprises a blade mechanism.  
   
   
       7 . The support of  claim 1 , wherein the structure support further comprises a deck on which the mounting frame is fastened.  
   
   
       8 . The support of  claim 7 , wherein the mounting frame includes a foundation body and an elliptical head extending below the deck.  
   
   
       9 . The support of  claim 1 , wherein the wind turbine further comprises a turbine element placed on the base and connecting to the blade mechanism.  
   
   
       10 . A method of constructing a wind turbine on a structure support comprising: 
 providing at least three legs in a teepee configuration;    placing an first end of the first three legs on a surface;    affixing a deck to a second end of the at least three legs;    affixing a wind turbine mounting flange to the structure;    affixing a base to the mounting frame;    affixing a turbine element to the mounting frame; and    affixing a blade mechanism to the turbine.    
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the structure is located at a position above an intersecting point of the at least three legs.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein a guide structure is used to orient the at least three legs.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising: 
 tuning the natural period of the wind turbine so that the wind turbine and structure operate at a predetermined frequency.    
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the natural period is tuned by adjusting the spacing between the three legs.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the three legs are attached to the mounting frame.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the mounting frame includes a foundation body and an elliptical head, and wherein the three legs are attached to the foundation body of the elliptical head.