EP1303699A1 - Structure flottante permettant de supporter une turbine eolienne au large - Google Patents

Structure flottante permettant de supporter une turbine eolienne au large

Info

Publication number
EP1303699A1
EP1303699A1 EP01953300A EP01953300A EP1303699A1 EP 1303699 A1 EP1303699 A1 EP 1303699A1 EP 01953300 A EP01953300 A EP 01953300A EP 01953300 A EP01953300 A EP 01953300A EP 1303699 A1 EP1303699 A1 EP 1303699A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
semi
submersible structure
submersible
floatable
primary
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP01953300A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Christoffer Hannevig
Thor Daniel Hannevig
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP1303699A1 publication Critical patent/EP1303699A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
    • B63B21/50—Anchoring arrangements or methods for special vessels, e.g. for floating drilling platforms or dredgers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03D—WIND MOTORS
    • F03D13/00—Assembly, mounting or commissioning of wind motors; Arrangements specially adapted for transporting wind motor components
    • F03D13/20—Arrangements for mounting or supporting wind motors; Masts or towers for wind motors
    • F03D13/25—Arrangements for mounting or supporting wind motors; Masts or towers for wind motors specially adapted for offshore installation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03D—WIND MOTORS
    • F03D15/00—Transmission of mechanical power
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03D—WIND MOTORS
    • F03D9/00—Adaptations of wind motors for special use; Combinations of wind motors with apparatus driven thereby; Wind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations
    • F03D9/20—Wind motors characterised by the driven apparatus
    • F03D9/25—Wind motors characterised by the driven apparatus the apparatus being an electrical generator
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
    • B63B21/50—Anchoring arrangements or methods for special vessels, e.g. for floating drilling platforms or dredgers
    • B63B2021/505—Methods for installation or mooring of floating offshore platforms on site
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B35/00—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for
    • B63B35/44—Floating buildings, stores, drilling platforms, or workshops, e.g. carrying water-oil separating devices
    • B63B2035/4433—Floating structures carrying electric power plants
    • B63B2035/446—Floating structures carrying electric power plants for converting wind energy into electric energy
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H12/00—Towers; Masts or poles; Chimney stacks; Water-towers; Methods of erecting such structures
    • E04H2012/006—Structures with truss-like sections combined with tubular-like sections
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2240/00—Components
    • F05B2240/90—Mounting on supporting structures or systems
    • F05B2240/93—Mounting on supporting structures or systems on a structure floating on a liquid surface
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/70—Wind energy
    • Y02E10/72—Wind turbines with rotation axis in wind direction
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/70—Wind energy
    • Y02E10/727—Offshore wind turbines

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a floatable structure for mounting a wind turbine offshore, and the invention also relates to a method for mounting a wind turbine offshore and to a wind farm containing wind turbines mounted offshore.
  • wind powered generators comprise a mast with a wind turbine mounted on top thereof.
  • the wind energy may be converted directly to electricity by the wind turbine at the top of the mast, or alternatively, a drive transmission arrangement may be provided within the core of the mast for transmitting drive from the wind turbine to a electricity generator located at the bottom or towards the bottom of the mast.
  • such wind turbines are horizontal axis turbines, and in order to efficiently capture sufficient energy from the wind, in general, are provided with relatively long blades. Because of the relative length of the turbine blades, and furthermore, the need to locate the turbine blades in an uninterrupted air stream, such turbines are generally mounted on top of relatively high masts. Such masts tend to be relatively unsightly, and are particularly unsightly when a plurality of such masts with their corresponding wind turbines are mounted relatively closely together in what is typically referred to as a wind farm. As well as being relatively unsightly, wind turbines tend to create a significant amount of noise. This is undesirable. Accordingly, such wind turbines are unsuitable for mounting adjacent centres of population, and because of their relatively undesirable appearance, are unsuitable for mounting in remote areas, which, in general, tend to be beauty spots.
  • the present invention is directed towards providing such a floatable structure, a method for locating a wind turbine offshore and a wind farm.
  • a method for locating a wind turbine offshore characterised in that the method comprises the steps of locating the wind turbine on a mast extending upwardly from a floatable semi-submersible structure, anchoring the semi-submersible structure by a primary ligature extending in a generally downwardly direction from the semi-submersible structure, and urging the semi-submersible structure downwardly in the water by the primary ligature below its normal flotation level against an upwardly directed buoyancy force acting on the semi-submersible structure for raising the centre of flotation of the semi-submersible structure for in turn increasing the righting moment acting on the semi-submersible structure for returning the semi-submersible structure to its equilibrium flotation state.
  • the semi-submersible structure is anchored by the primary ligature to a primary anchorage in the sea bed.
  • the semi-submersible structure defines a main central geometric axis, which extends vertically when the semi-submersible structure is in its equilibrium flotation state, and the primary ligature is connected to the semi-submersible structure on the main central axis.
  • the primary ligature coincides with the main central axis of the semi-submersible structure.
  • the semi-submersible structure is urged downwardly by the primary ligature so that the centre of flotation is above the centre of gravity of the semi- submersible structure.
  • the semi-submersible structure is urged downwardly by the primary ligature so that the centre of flotation is above the centre of gravity of the combined semi-submersible structure, the mast and the wind turbine.
  • the semi-submersible structure is urged downwardly by the primary ligature so that the relative position of the centre of flotation and the centre of gravity is such as to provide a sufficient righting moment acting through the centre of flotation for returning the semi-submersible structure to its equilibrium flotation state.
  • the semi-submersible structure is urged downwardly by the primary ligature so that the righting moment acting through the centre of flotation for returning the semi-submersible structure to its equilibrium flotation state is sufficient for returning the semi-submersible structure to its equilibrium state on the semi- submersible structure tilting to an extent that the main central axis of the semi- submersible structure falls outside a vertically extending cone angle not greater than 12°.
  • the cone angle does not exceed 8°.
  • the cone angle does not exceed 5°.
  • the semi-submersible structure is urged downwardly by the primary ligature so that the point of connection at which the primary ligature is connected to the semi-submersible structure lies between the centre of flotation and the centre of gravity of the semi-submersible structure.
  • the semi-submersible structure is further anchored by a plurality of secondary ligatures extending in a generally downwardly direction from the semi-submersible structure for limiting movement of the semi- submersible structure from its equilibrium flotation state, the secondary ligatures being spaced apart circumferentially around and radially from the main central axis.
  • the secondary ligatures are equi-spaced apart circumferentially around the main central axis.
  • each secondary ligature is anchored to the sea bed by a corresponding secondary anchorage.
  • each secondary ligature is resiliently connected to one of the semi-submersible structure and the sea bed for damping movement of the semi-submersible structure from its equilibrium flotation state.
  • each secondary ligature is resiliently connected to the semi-submersible structure.
  • At least three secondary ligatures are provided.
  • at least four secondary ligatures are provided.
  • the secondary ligatures are connected to the semi-submersible structure at connection points on a common pitch circle.
  • the secondary ligatures are connected to the semi-submersible structure adjacent a periphery thereof.
  • the secondary ligatures are connected to the semi-submersible structure adjacent an outer periphery thereof.
  • the semi-submersible structure is further anchored by a plurality of auxiliary ligatures connected to the semi-submersible structure at locations spaced apart circumferentially around the main central axis, the respective auxiliary ligatures extending in a generally downwardly, radially outwardly direction of the semi-submersible structure.
  • the respective auxiliary ligatures are connected to the semi-submersible structure at equi-spaced apart auxiliary locations circumferentially around the main central axis.
  • each auxiliary ligature extends downwardly, radially outwardly from the semi-submersible structure at an angle to the vertical in the range of 1° to 89° and continues in a cathenary towards a corresponding radially outwardly spaced apart auxiliary anchorage in the sea bed spaced apart radially outwardly from the primary anchorage.
  • each auxiliary ligature extends downwardly, radially outwardly from the semi-submersible structure at an angle to the vertical in the range of 60° to 80°.
  • each auxiliary ligature extends downwardly, radially outwardly from the semi-submersible structure at an angle to the vertical of approximately 70°.
  • auxiliary ligatures are connected to the semi- submersible structure at connection points on a common pitch circle.
  • the auxiliary ligatures are connected to the semi-submersible structure adjacent a periphery thereof.
  • the auxiliary ligatures are connected to the semi-submersible structure adjacent an outer periphery thereof.
  • a primary buoyancy chamber is located in the semi-submersible structure, the primary buoyancy chamber defining a central geometric axis coinciding with the main central axis of the semi-submersible structure.
  • the primary ligature extends into the primary buoyancy chamber and is connected to the semi-submersible structure within the primary buoyancy chamber.
  • a communicating opening is provided in the bottom of the semi-submersible structure to the primary buoyancy chamber for accommodating the primary ligature into the primary buoyancy chamber.
  • the primary ligature is connected to the semi-submersible structure in the primary buoyancy chamber at the top dead centre of the primary buoyancy chamber.
  • compressed air is pumped into the primary buoyancy chamber for expelling water therefrom through the communicating opening for increasing the buoyancy of the semi-submersible structure.
  • ballast is applied to the semi-submersible structure for ballasting the semi-submersible structure.
  • the ballast is applied to the lower end of the semi-submersible structure.
  • the ballast is applied circumferentially around the main central axis.
  • the ballast is radially spaced apart from the main central axis.
  • the mast defines a geometric central axis, and is mounted on the semi-submersible structure with its central axis coinciding with the central axis of the semi-submersible structure.
  • the turbine is mounted on top of the mast.
  • the turbine is a horizontal axis turbine.
  • the turbine is a vertical axis turbine.
  • the turbine drives an electrical generator for generating electricity.
  • the electrical generator is located adjacent the turbine.
  • the electrical generator is located in the semi-submersible structure, and a drive transmission means is provided between the turbine and the electrical generator.
  • the invention provides a floatable structure for carrying and locating a wind turbine offshore, the floatable structure comprising a semi-submersible structure having a primary buoyancy chamber, and comprising a mounting means located thereon for mounting a mast extending upwardly therefrom for carrying the wind turbine thereon, and a primary connecting means for connecting a primary ligature to the semi-submersible structure with the primary ligature extending in a generally downwardly direction therefrom for anchoring the semi-submersible structure and for urging the semi-submersible structure downwardly in the water against an upwardly directed buoyancy force acting thereon for raising the centre of flotation of the semi-submersible structure for in turn increasing the righting moment acting on the semi-submersible structure for returning the semi-submersible structure to its equilibrium flotation state.
  • the semi-submersible structure defines a main central geometric axis which extends vertically when the semi-submersible structure is in its equilibrium flotation state, and the primary connecting means is located on the main central axis of the semi-submersible structure.
  • the primary connecting means connects the primary ligature to the semi-submersible structure to extend in a generally downwardly direction to a primary anchorage in the sea bed.
  • the centre of gravity of the semi-submersible structure is located so that when the semi-submersible structure is urged downwardly by the primary ligature the centre of flotation is above the centre of gravity.
  • the centre of gravity of the semi-submersible structure is below the centre of flotation of the semi-submersible structure when the semi-submersible structure is freely floating.
  • the centre of gravity and the centre of flotation of the semi-submersible structure lie on the main central axis of the semi-submersible structure.
  • the primary connecting means is located intermediate the centre of gravity and the centre of flotation of the semi-submersible structure when the semi- submersible structure is urged downwardly in the water by the primary ligature.
  • the centre of flotation is above the centre of gravity by an amount sufficient to provide a righting moment acting through the centre of flotation for returning the semi-submersible structure to its equilibrium flotation state.
  • the centre of flotation is above the centre of gravity of the semi-submersible structure by an amount so that the righting moment acting through the centre of flotation is sufficient for returning the semi-submersible structure to its equilibrium flotation state when the semi-submersible structure has tilted from its equilibrium flotation state with its main central axis lying outside a vertical cone angle not exceeding 12°.
  • the centre of flotation is above the centre of gravity of the semi-submersible structure by an amount so that the righting moment acting through the centre of flotation is sufficient for returning the semi-submersible structure to its equilibrium flotation state when the semi-submersible structure has tilted from its equilibrium flotation state with its main central axis lying outside a vertical cone angle not exceeding 8°.
  • the centre of flotation is above the centre of gravity of the semi-submersible structure by an amount so that the righting moment acting through the centre of flotation is sufficient for returning the semi- submersible structure to its equilibrium flotation state when the semi-submersible structure has tilted from its equilibrium flotation state with its main central axis lying outside a vertical cone angle not exceeding 5°.
  • a communicating opening in the lower end of the semi-submersible structure is provided to the primary buoyancy chamber for accommodating the primary ligature into the primary buoyancy chamber.
  • the primary connecting means is located in the primary buoyancy chamber.
  • the primary connecting means is located at the top dead centre of the primary buoyancy chamber.
  • the communicating opening is adapted for accommodating water therethrough into and out of the primary buoyancy chamber for altering the buoyancy of the semi-submersible structure.
  • the diameter of the communicating opening to the primary buoyancy chamber is such that the semi-submersible structure engages the primary ligature at the communicating opening when the semi-submersible structure tilts for causing the semi-submersible structure to tilt about the primary ligature adjacent the communicating opening.
  • the diameter of the communicating opening is slightly greater than the diameter of the primary ligature for accommodating water into and out of the primary buoyancy chamber past the primary ligature.
  • a communicating port is provided to the primary buoyancy chamber for facilitating delivery of a buoyancy medium to and exhausting the buoyancy medium from the primary buoyancy chamber for altering the buoyancy of the semi-submersible structure.
  • the communicating port is adapted for accommodating air into and from the primary buoyancy chamber.
  • a ballast receiving means is provided in the semi-submersible structure for receiving ballast for ballasting the semi-submersible structure and for altering the buoyancy of the semi-submersible structure.
  • the ballast receiving means extends circumferentially around the main central axis.
  • the ballast receiving means is radially spaced apart from the main central axis.
  • the ballast receiving means comprises a ballast chamber.
  • ballast chambers are located around the main central axis.
  • a means is provided for flooding each ballast chamber.
  • the ballast receiving means comprises a ballast engaging means for receiving ballast members.
  • the ballast engaging means is located beneath the ballast chambers.
  • a secondary buoyancy chamber is located above the primary buoyancy chamber and is isolated from the primary buoyancy chamber.
  • the secondary buoyancy chamber extends above the wateriine of the semi-submersible structure when the semi-submersible structure is freely floating.
  • the secondary buoyancy chamber is located to be below the wateriine when the semi-submersible structure is urged downwardly in the water by the primary ligature.
  • a plurality of secondary connecting means are provided for connecting respective secondary ligatures extending in a generally downwardly direction from the semi-submersible structure for further anchoring the semi-submersible structure and for limiting movement of the semi-submersible structure from its equilibrium flotation state, the secondary connecting means being spaced apart circumferentially around the main central axis of the semi-submersible structure and radially therefrom.
  • the secondary connecting means connect the respective secondary ligatures to the semi-submersible structure with the secondary ligatures extending in a generally downwardly direction to corresponding secondary anchorages in the sea bed.
  • the secondary connecting means are equi-spaced apart circumferentially around the main central axis of the semi- submersible structure.
  • the respective secondary connecting means are located on a common pitch circle.
  • the respective secondary connecting means are located adjacent a periphery of the semi-submersible structure.
  • the respective secondary connecting means are located adjacent an outer periphery of the semi-submersible structure.
  • each secondary connecting means comprises a resilient mounting for resiliently connecting the corresponding secondary ligature to the semi-submersible structure for damping oscillating movement of the semi-submersible structure from its equilibrium flotation state about the vertical.
  • each resilient mounting means comprises a compression spring carrying a mounting member for securing the corresponding secondary ligature thereto so that upward movement of the semi-submersible structure adjacent the resilient mounting means causes compression of the compression spring.
  • auxiliary connecting means for connecting respective auxiliary ligatures to the semi-submersible structure for further anchoring and stabilising the semi-submersible structure, the auxiliary connecting means being located at spaced apart intervals circumferentially around the main central axis of the semi-submersible structure and radially spaced apart therefrom.
  • the auxiliary connecting means connect the respective auxiliary ligatures to the semi-submersible structure with the auxiliary ligatures extending in a generally downwardly, radially outward direction to corresponding auxiliary anchorages in the sea bed.
  • the respective auxiliary connecting means are equi-spaced apart circumferentially around the main central axis of the semi-submersible structure.
  • the respective auxiliary connecting means are located on a common pitch circle.
  • the respective auxiliary connecting means are located adjacent a periphery of the semi-submersible structure.
  • the respective auxiliary connecting means are located adjacent an outer periphery of the semi-submersible structure.
  • the respective auxiliary connecting means are provided for connecting the corresponding auxiliary ligatures to the semi- submersible structure with the auxiliary ligatures extending in a generally downwardly radially outward direction from the semi-submersible structure.
  • the respective auxiliary connecting means are provided for connecting the auxiliary ligatures to the semi-submersible structure with the respective auxiliary ligatures extending from the semi-submersible structure at an angle to the vertical in the range of 1° to 89°.
  • the respective auxiliary connecting means are provided for connecting the auxiliary ligatures to the semi-submersible structure with the respective auxiliary ligatures extending from the semi-submersible structure at an angle to the vertical in the range of 60° to 80°.
  • the respective auxiliary connecting means are provided for connecting the auxiliary ligatures to the semi-submersible structure with the respective auxiliary ligatures extending from the semi-submersible structure at an angle to the vertical of approximately 70°.
  • auxiliary connecting means are located towards the bottom of the semi-submersible structure.
  • auxiliary connecting means are located for connecting the respective auxiliary ligatures to the semi-submersible structure so that the auxiliary ligatures define a cathenary.
  • the respective auxiliary connecting means are located at a level above the respective secondary connecting means.
  • an auxiliary buoyancy chamber extends around the secondary buoyancy chamber.
  • the transverse cross-section of the semi-submersible structure when viewed in plan adjacent the average wave height when the semi-submersible structure is urged downwardly in the water by the primary ligature is relatively narrow for minimising resistance to waves.
  • the semi-submersible structure comprises the primary ligature.
  • the semi-submersible structure comprises the secondary ligatures.
  • the semi-submersible structure comprises the auxiliary ligatures.
  • a component chamber is located in the semi-submersible structure for accommodating an electrical generator and/or control apparatus for the electrical generator.
  • the component chamber is located between the primary and secondary buoyancy chambers.
  • the mounting means for mounting the mast on the semi-submersible structure is located above the wateriine of the semi- submersible structure.
  • the mounting means for mounting the mast on the semi-submersible structure is located above the wateriine of the semi- submersible structure when the semi-submersible structure is urged downwardly by the primary ligature in the water.
  • the mast is mounted on the semi- submersible structure.
  • the wind turbine is mounted on the mast, and preferably, the wind turbine is mounted on the top of the mast.
  • the wind turbine is a horizontal axis wind turbine.
  • the wind turbine is a vertical axis wind turbine.
  • the invention provides a floatable structure for locating a wind turbine offshore, the floatable structure comprising a semi-submersible structure having a primary buoyancy chamber, and comprising a mounting means located thereon for mounting a mast extending upwardly therefrom for carrying the wind turbine thereon, the semi-submersible structure defining a main geometric central axis and being floatable in an equilibrium flotation state with the main central axis extending generally vertically, and at least two secondary connecting means spaced apart circumferentially around the main central axis and radially therefrom for connecting the semi-submersible structure to respective corresponding secondary ligatures extending generally downwardly from the semi-submersible structure for anchoring the semi-submersible structure and for urging the semi-submersible structure downwardly in the water against an upwardly directed buoyancy force acting on the semi-submersible structure for raising the centre of flotation of the semi-submersible structure for in turn increasing the righting moment acting on the semi-submersible structure for returning the semi-submersible structure to its
  • a plurality of the secondary connecting means are provided for connecting a plurality of the respective secondary ligatures extending in a generally downwardly direction from the semi-submersible structure for further anchoring the semi-submersible structure, the secondary connecting means being spaced apart circumferentially around the main central axis of the semi-submersible structure and radially therefrom.
  • the secondary connecting means are equi-spaced apart circumferentially around the main central axis of the semi-submersible structure.
  • the respective secondary connecting means are located on a common pitch circle.
  • the respective secondary connecting means are located adjacent a periphery of the semi-submersible structure.
  • the respective secondary connecting means are located adjacent an outer periphery of the semi-submersible structure.
  • each secondary connecting means comprises a resilient mounting for resiliently connecting the corresponding secondary ligature to the semi-submersible structure for damping oscillating movement of the semi- submersible structure from its equilibrium flotation state about the vertical.
  • each resilient mounting means comprises a compression spring carrying a mounting member for securing the corresponding secondary ligature thereto so that upward movement of the semi-submersible structure adjacent the resilient mounting means causes compression of the compression spring.
  • each secondary connecting means connects the corresponding secondary ligature to the semi-submersible structure with the secondary ligature extending in a generally downwardly direction to corresponding secondary anchorage in the sea bed.
  • auxiliary connecting means are provided for connecting respective auxiliary ligatures to the semi-submersible structure for further anchoring the semi-submersible structure, the auxiliary connecting means being located at spaced apart intervals circumferentially around the main central axis of the semi-submersible structure and radially spaced apart therefrom.
  • the respective auxiliary connecting means are equi-spaced apart circumferentially around the main central axis.
  • the respective auxiliary connecting means are located on a common pitch circle.
  • the respective auxiliary connecting means are located adjacent a periphery of the semi-submersible structure.
  • the respective auxiliary connecting means are located adjacent an outer periphery of the semi-submersible structure.
  • the auxiliary connecting means are provided for connecting the corresponding auxiliary ligatures to the semi-submersible structure with the auxiliary ligatures extending in a generally downwardly, radially outward direction from the semi-submersible structure.
  • the respective auxiliary connecting means are provided for connecting the auxiliary ligatures to the semi-submersible structure with the respective secondary ligatures extending from the semi-submersible structure at an angle to the vertical in the range of 1° to 89°.
  • the respective auxiliary connecting means are provided for connecting the auxiliary ligatures to the semi-submersible structure with the respective auxiliary ligatures extending from the semi-submersible structure at an angle to the vertical in the range of 60° to 80°.
  • the respective auxiliary connecting means are provided for connecting the auxiliary ligatures to the semi-submersible structure with the respective secondary ligatures extending from the semi-submersible structure at an angle to the vertical of approximately 70°.
  • auxiliary connecting means are located towards the bottom of the semi-submersible structure. In another embodiment of the invention the auxiliary connecting means are located for connecting the respective auxiliary ligatures extending from the semi-submersible structure to define a cathenary.
  • each auxiliary connecting means connects the corresponding auxiliary ligature to the semi-submersible structure to extend in a generally downwardly radially outward direction to a corresponding auxiliary anchorage in the sea bed.
  • the semi-submersible structure comprises the secondary ligatures. In a further embodiment of the invention the semi- submersible structure comprises the auxiliary ligatures.
  • the invention provides a wind power energy converter for converting wind energy to usable power comprising the semi-submersible structure according to the invention, the semi-submersible structure being anchored by the primary ligature extending in a generally downwardly direction, and being urged downwardly in the water by the primary ligature against the upward direction of the buoyancy force acting on the semi-submersible structure, for raising the centre of flotation of the semi-submersible structure for in turn increasing the righting moment acting on the semi-submersible structure for returning the semi-submersible structure to its equilibrium flotation state, a mast extending upwardly from the semi-submersible structure, and a wind turbine mounted on the mast for providing usable power.
  • an electrical generator is operably coupled to the wind powered turbine for generating electricity.
  • the invention also provides a wind farm comprising a plurality of wind energy converters according to the invention for converting wind energy to usable energy, the wind energy converters being located at spaced apart intervals offshore.
  • the wind energy converters are located in a plurality of spaced apart rows, each row comprising a plurality of wind energy converters.
  • wind energy converters of alternate rows are offset from the wind energy converters of their adjacent rows.
  • the wind energy converters of alternate rows are located substantially halfway between the wind energy converters of their adjacent rows in an offset state.
  • the rows of wind energy converters are equi-spaced apart from each other.
  • a particularly important advantage of the invention is that the floatable structure according to the invention permits the location of wind turbines and wind energy converters offshore in relatively deep water, and thus such wind turbines and wind energy converters may be located well offshore, and in particular, out of sight from the shoreline.
  • a further advantage of the floatable structure according to the invention is that it provides a particularly stable structure on which to mount a wind turbine.
  • the resultant of the moments acting through the centre of gravity and through the centre of flotation is a righting moment for righting the semi-submersible structure back into its equilibrium flotation state.
  • a further advantage of the invention is provided by the provision of the communicating port and the communicating opening to and from the primary buoyancy chamber in that pumping air, typically, compressed air into the primary buoyancy chamber for expelling water from the primary buoyancy chamber for varying the buoyancy of the semi-submersible structure is facilitated.
  • pumping air typically, compressed air into the primary buoyancy chamber for expelling water from the primary buoyancy chamber for varying the buoyancy of the semi-submersible structure is facilitated.
  • ballast receiving means and in particular, the provision of ballast chambers facilitates ballasting of the semi-submersible structure with ballasting material, for example, sand pumped from the sea bed into the respective ballast chambers after the semi-submersible structure has been towed to the wind farm.
  • ballasting material for example, sand pumped from the sea bed into the respective ballast chambers after the semi-submersible structure has been towed to the wind farm.
  • the ballast material in the ballast chambers may be pumped out or otherwise removed.
  • Fig. 1 is a partly cross-sectional side elevational view of a wind powered generator according to the invention comprising a floatable structure also according to the invention,
  • Fig. 2 is an enlarged partly cross-sectional side elevational view of the wind powered generator of Fig. 1 ,
  • Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of a portion of the floatable structure of Fig. 1 ,
  • Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of another portion of the floatable structure of Fig. 1 ,
  • Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of a plurality of wind powered generators illustrated located in a wind farm
  • Fig. 6 is a plan view of the wind powered generators of Fig. 5,
  • Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of the semi-submersible structure, in use
  • Fig. 8 is a partly cross-sectional side elevational view of a wind powered generator according to another embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 9 is an underneath plan view of the wind powered generator of Fig. 8, and
  • Fig. 10 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a detail of the wind powered generator of Fig. 8.
  • a wind energy converter for converting wind energy to usable power
  • a wind powered generator indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 for converting wind energy to electrical power
  • the wind powered generator 1 comprises a floatable structure also according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 2 for locating a wind turbine 3 offshore in relatively deep water.
  • the floatable structure 2 comprises a semi-submersible structure 5, and a mast 6 extends upwardly from the semi-submersible structure 5 for carrying the wind turbine 3.
  • the wind turbine 3 is a horizontal axis wind turbine, and is of a type which will be well known to those skilled in the art.
  • the semi-submersible structure 5 comprises a main housing 9 formed by an outer shell 10 which defines a hollow interior region 11 which is subdivided into a plurality of chambers as will be described below.
  • the outer shell 3 is of substantially bell shape and defines a vertically extending main geometric central axis 12 of the semi- submersible structure 5, when viewed in plan is of circular cross-section.
  • a transversely extending top wall 14 extends across the hollow interior region 11 and is sealably secured to the outer shell 10 and defines with a portion of the outer shell 10 and a side wall 5 a primary buoyancy chamber 16.
  • the side wall 15 is of inverted frusto-conical shape and extends downwardly inwardly from the outer shell 10 to which it is sealably secured for forming the primary buoyancy chamber 16.
  • An annular base 17 extending inwardly from the outer shell 10 at the bottom thereof to the side wall 15 defines with the outer shell 10 and the side wall 15 a ballast receiving means, namely, a ballast chamber 19 which extends around the primary buoyancy chamber 16 for receiving ballast material for ballasting the semi- submersible structure 5.
  • a plurality of equi-spaced apart radially extending panels 21 extend between the side wall 15, portion of the outer shell 10 and the base 17 for dividing the ballast chamber 19 into a plurality of ballast chamber compartments.
  • the base 17 defines a communicating opening 20 to the primary buoyancy chamber 16 for admitting water into the primary buoyancy chamber 16 for compressing air therein to a pressure of the adjacent water when the semi-submersible structure 5 is semi-submerged as will be described below.
  • the communicating opening 20 also accommodates water being displaced from the primary buoyancy chamber 16 by compressed air which is pumped into the primary buoyancy chamber 16 as will be described below for increasing the buoyancy of the semi-submersible structure 5.
  • a primary connecting means comprising a primary connecting bracket 22 is mounted on the top wall 14 in the top dead centre of the primary buoyancy chamber 16 on the main central axis 12 for connecting a primary ligature, namely, a primary anchor cable 23 to the semi-submersible structure 5.
  • the primary anchor cable 23 extends vertically downwardly from the primary connecting bracket 22 through the primary buoyancy chamber 16 and in turn through the communicating opening 20 to a primary anchorage 24 on the sea bed 25, see Fig. 5.
  • the diameter of the communicating opening 20 and that of the primary anchor cable 23 is such as to accommodate water through the communicating opening 20.
  • a winching mechanism (not shown) is provided in conjunction with the primary anchor cable J 23 for winching the semi-submersible structure 5 downwardly in the water by the primary anchor cable 23 against the upwardly directed buoyancy force which acts, on the semi-submersible structure 5.
  • the centre of flotation 26 see Fig. 7, of the semi-submersible structure 5 is raised, for in turn increasing the righting moment on the semi-submersible structure 5 for returning the semi-submersible structure 5 to its equilibrium flotation state in the event that the semi-submersible structure 5 has tilted through an angle ⁇ from the vertical from its equilibrium flotation state.
  • the centre of flotation 26 and the centre of gravity 27 of the semi-submersible structure 5 lie on the main central axis 12.
  • the semi-submersible structure 5 is appropriately ballasted so that the centre of gravity 27 of the combination of the semi-submersible structure 5, the wind turbine 3 and the mast 6 are located below the primary connecting bracket 22, and when the semi- submersible structure 5 is urged downwardly in the water by the primary anchor cable 23 the centre of flotation of the semi-submersible structure 5 is located above ⁇ the primary connecting bracket 22, see Fig. 7.
  • the semi-submersible structure is urged downwardly in the water sufficiently so that the resultant righting moment acting on the semi-submersible structure 5 through the centre of flotation is sufficient to return the semi-submersible structure 5 to its equilibrium flotation state once the semi-submersible structure 5 has tilted with its main central axis inclined to the vertical at the angle ⁇ of not more than 6°.
  • the resultant righting moment acting on the semi-submersible structure is such as to maintain the semi-submersible structure with its main central axis 12 within a cone angle 2 ⁇ around the vertical not exceeding 12°.
  • the semi-submersible structure 5 is urged downwardly in the water sufficiently so that the resulting righting moment maintains the semi-submersible structure 5 with its main central axis 12 within a cone angle 2 ⁇ not exceeding 5°.
  • the communicating opening 20 is of sufficiently small diameter so that when the semi-submersible structure 5 has tilted through a relatively small angle, typically, not more than 6° from the vertical, the base 17 engages the primary anchor cable 23 which thereby causes the semi-submersible structure 5 to tend to pivot about the primary anchor cable 23 adjacent the communicating opening 20 which further assists in increasing the resultant righting moment for returning the semi- submersible structure to its equilibrium flotation state.
  • Reinforcing struts 31 extend between the outer shell 10 and the primary connecting bracket 22 for supporting and reinforcing the primary connecting bracket 22.
  • a plurality of auxiliary connecting means namely, six auxiliary connecting brackets 28 are located at equi-spaced apart intervals circumferentially around the outer periphery of the outer shell 10 at the lower end thereof, for connecting corresponding auxiliary ligatures, namely, auxiliary anchoring cables 29 to the semi-submersible structure 5 for further stabilising and anchoring the semi-submersible structure 5.
  • the auxiliary anchor cables 29 extend from the corresponding auxiliary connecting brackets 28 in a general downwardly, radially outward direction to auxiliary anchorages 30 located in the sea bed 25.
  • the auxiliary anchorages 30 are spaced apart a considerable radial distance from the main central axis 12 so that the auxiliary anchor cables 29 extend from the auxiliary connecting brackets 28 downwardly at an angle of approximately 70° to the vertical, and then extend in a cathenary to the corresponding auxiliary anchorage 30.
  • a secondary buoyancy chamber 34 is formed by the outer shell 10 and a transversely extending wall 35 which sealably engages the outer shell 10.
  • the secondary, buoyancy chamber 34 extends upwardly from the wall 35 to a transversely extending top wall 36 which closes the secondary buoyancy chamber 34 above the wateriine of the semi-submersible structure 2 when the semi- submersible structure 2 has been urged downwardly in the water by the primary anchor cable 23.
  • the wall 36 may be omitted.
  • the secondary buoyancy chamber 34 contains air. The provision of the secondary buoyancy chamber 34 tends to further rise the centre of buoyancy of the semi-submersible structure 5, and in turn its centre of flotation 26.
  • the wall 35 defines with the top wall 14 and a portion of the outer shell 10 a component chamber 37 for accommodating an electrical generator 39, which is illustrated in block representation only for generating electricity.
  • a transmission means namely, a drive transmission shaft 40 extends downwardly through the mast 6 from the wind turbine 3 to the electrical generator 39 for driving the generator 39.
  • the component chamber 37 also acts as a buoyancy chamber.
  • a control panel (not shown) and other control equipment (also not shown) for controlling the electrical generator 39 is also located in the component chamber 37.
  • a communicating port 41 through the top wall 14 permits compressed air to be pumped into the primary buoyancy chamber 16 for increasing the buoyancy of the semi-submersible structure 5 after the semi-submersible structure 5 has been urged downwardly in the water by the primary anchor cable 23.
  • a compressor (not shown) is located in the component chamber 37 for compressing the air to be delivered into the primary buoyancy chamber 16 through the communicating port 41.
  • Suitable valving is provided in the communicating port 41 for facilitating sealing of the primary buoyancy chamber 16, and also for facilitating exhausting air from the primary buoyancy chamber 16 should it be desired to reduce the buoyancy of the semi- submersible structure 5.
  • the ballast receiving means also comprises a plurality of ballast engaging means, namely, ballast mounting brackets 42 for releasably mounting ballast members 43 to the base 17 of the semi-submersible structure 5 for increasing ballast of the semi- submersible structure 5.
  • the ballast members 43 are solid slabs of suitable ballasting material, for example, lead, concrete, cast iron or the like.
  • a main mounting means comprising a mounting flange 45 extends around the semi- submersible structure 5 at the top of the main housing 9 for receiving and abutting a corresponding mounting flange 46 of the mast 6. Screws or other suitable fasteners are provided for securing the respective mounting flanges 45 and 46 together.
  • the semi-submersible structure 5 according to this embodiment of the invention may be of any suitable or desirable material, for example, it may be of concrete, steel, plastics material, fibreglass material, or indeed any other suitable or desirable material. It is, however, envisaged that it may be formed of cast iron sections which would be sealably secured together in order to form the outer shell 10 and the respective walls 14, 15, 35 and 36, as well as the base 17.
  • the outer shell 10 tapers upwardly so that the transverse cross-section of the main housing 9 adjacent the wateriine of the semi-submersible structure 5 when the semi- submersible structure 5 has been urged downwardly by the primary anchor cable 23 is relatively narrow for minimising resistance to passing waves.
  • the wind farm 50 comprises a plurality of the wind powered generators 1 according to the invention which are arranged in a plurality of parallel equi-spaced apart rows 51.
  • the wind powered generators 1 of alternate rows 51 are staggered relative to those of their respective adjacent rows 51 , and as can be seen, the wind powered generators 1 of alternate rows 51 are located substantially halfway between the wind powered generators 1 of their respective adjacent rows 51.
  • the primary anchorage 24 of each semi-submersible structure 5 acts as the auxiliary anchorage 30 for respective wind powered generators 1 which are spaced apart by one wind powered generator 1 from the wind powered generator of which the primary anchorage 24 is acting as the auxiliary anchorage 30.
  • the wind farm 50 may comprise any number of wind powered generators 1 , however, typically, it is envisaged that a wind farm would contain up to two hundred and fifty wind powered generators 1 which would typically be arranged in fifty rows 51, where each row 51 contains fifty wind powered generators 1.
  • Stabilising cables 52 extend from the auxiliary anchor cables 29 to the primary anchorage 24 for stabilising the auxiliary anchor cables 29.
  • the sea bed is initially prepared and primary anchorages 24 are located at appropriately spaced apart positions for anchoring the wind powered generators 1.
  • Auxiliary anchorages 30 are also provided for the wind powered generators 1 on the periphery of the wind farm 50 and also for those wind powered generators 1 one in from the periphery.
  • the anchorages 24 and 30 may be any suitable anchorages, and typically, will be formed by drilling into the sea bed 25, and filling the holes drilled into the sea bed with cast concrete, epoxy resin, or other suitable materials. Suitable anchorage brackets would be cast into the concrete or other cast material for connecting to the primary and auxiliary anchor cables 23 and 29. However, in certain cases it is envisaged that the primary and auxiliary anchor cables 23 and 29 may be cast directly into the drilled holes by a suitable castable material, for example, concrete and in certain cases, epoxy resin.
  • the floatable structures 2 with the masts 6 and wind turbines 3 assembled thereto are floated by towing out to the location of the wind farm 50.
  • the primary buoyancy chambers 6 of the respective semi- submersible structures 5 are partially filled with air, and if necessary, ballast may be added to the semi-submersible structures 5 by either pumping ballast, for example, sea sand, into the ballast chambers 19 or securing ballast members 43 to the semi- submersible structure 5.
  • the buoyancy and ballasting of the semi- submersible structure 5 is such that the centre of flotation of the semi-submersible structure 1 and its centre of gravity lie on the main central axis 12 and the centre of flotation is located above the centre of gravity.
  • the wind powered generators 1 are aligned with their respective corresponding primary anchorages 24.
  • the primary anchor cables 23 are connected to the primary connecting brackets 22, and lowered downwardly to the primary anchorages 24 and secured thereto.
  • the primary buoyancy chambers 16 are evacuated of air through the communicating ports 41, thus admitting water into the primary buoyancy chambers 16 through the communicating openings 20.
  • Added ballast may be added to the semi-submersible structures 5 by, for example, pumping sand into the ballast compartments of the ballast chambers 19, and/or attaching further ballast members 23 to the ballast mounting brackets 42.
  • the winch mechanisms (not shown) of the respective primary anchor cables 23 of the respective semi-submersible structures 5 are then operated for urging the semi- submersible structures 5 downwardly in the water for in turn raising the centre of flotation of the semi-submersible structures 5 and in turn of the wind powered generators 1.
  • compressed air is pumped into the primary buoyancy chamber 16 of each of the semi-submersible structures 5 for displacing water through the communicating opening 20 for increasing the buoyancy of the structures 5.
  • ballast for example, the sand which had been pumped into the compartments of the ballast chamber 19, may be removed, or some or all of the ballast members 43 may be removed for further increasing the buoyancy of each of the wind powered generator 1 , and thus further raising its centre of flotation 26.
  • the auxiliary anchor cables 29 are next attached to the auxiliary connecting brackets 28 and in turn to the auxiliary anchorages 30 for further anchoring the respective semi- submersible structures 5.
  • each semi-submersible structure 5 is anchored and stabilised by the primary anchor cable 23 and the auxiliary anchor cables 29.
  • the wind turbine 3 and the mast 6 is significantly raised, thereby increasing the resultant righting moment acting on the semi-submersible structure 5 should the semi-submersible structure 5 tilt with its main central axis 12 tilted from the vertical.
  • the semi- submersible structure 5 of each wind powered generator 1 is urged sufficiently downwardly in the water so that the resultant righting moment acting on the semi- submersible structure 5 maintains the semi-submersible structure 5 with its main central axis 12 within a cone angle of 2 ⁇ which does not exceed 12°, and preferably does not exceed 5°.
  • the provision of the auxiliary anchor cables further provide a righting moment for righting the semi-submersible structure 5.
  • the mast 6 will be of length in the range of 50 metres to 100 metres.
  • the height of the semi-submersible structure 5 from the base 17 to the mounting flange 45 will be in the range of 50 metres to 100 metres.
  • the outer diameter of the semi-submersible structure 5 adjacent the mounting flange 45 will typically be in the range of 4 metres to 5 metres, and the outer diameter of the semi- submersible structure 5 adjacent the base 5 will be in the range of 25 metres to 35 metres.
  • the outer diameter of the main housing 9 adjacent the wateriine will be in the range of 5 metres to 6 metres.
  • the volume of the primary buoyancy chamber 16 will be in the order of 3,500 cubicmetres, while the volume of the secondary buoyancy chamber 34 will be in the order of 100 cubicmetres.
  • the total volume of the ballast chamber 19 will be in the order of 13,500 cubicmetres, which may be partially or completely filled with ballast, such as, for example, sea sand or alternatively some or all of the compartments of the ballast chamber 19 may be flooded.
  • the weight of ballast and the buoyancy of the semi-submersible structure 5 will depend on the amount of tension to be induced in the primary anchor cable 23.
  • the effective length of the primary anchor cable 23 of each semi-submersible structure 5 will depend on the depth of water and the amount by which the semi-submersible structure 5 is to be urged downwardly in the water.
  • the length of the auxiliary anchor cables 29 will also be a function of the depth of water, however, in general, it is envisaged that the auxiliary anchor cables 29 and the auxiliary anchorages 30 will be located so that the auxiliary anchor cables 29 will extend from the auxiliary connecting brackets 28 at an angle of approximately 50° to 75° to the vertical and will then proceed in the form of a cathenary to the auxiliary anchorages 30.
  • a wind powered generator according to another embodiment of the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 60.
  • the wind powered generator 60 is substantially similar to the wind powered generator 1 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. Additionally, the. wind powered generator 60 is also suitable for locating in the wind farm 50.
  • the main difference between the wind powered generator 60 and the wind powered generator 1 is in the construction of the main housing 9, and in addition to the primary and auxiliary anchor cables 23 and 29, respectively, secondary ligatures, namely, secondary anchor cables 62 are also provided for further anchoring and stabilising the semi-submersible structure 5, and for damping oscillating movement of the semi-submersible structure 5 about the vertical axis.
  • an outwardly extending base flange 63 extends outwardly from the base 17 of the semi-submersible structure 5 for facilitating connecting of the secondary anchor cables 62 to the semi-submersible structure 5.
  • Twelve secondary anchor cables 62 are provided, and twelve corresponding secondary connecting means, namely, twelve secondary connecting brackets 65 are located on the base flange 63 at equi-spaced apart intervals circumferentially around the outer periphery of the semi-submersible structure 5.
  • Each secondary connecting bracket 65 is resiliently mounted to the base flange 63 by a compression spring 66 for facilitating resilient mounting of the corresponding secondary anchor cable 62 to the semi-submersible structure 5 for damping oscillating movement of the semi- submersible structure 5 about the vertical, see Fig. 10. Bores 68 through the base flange 63 accommodate the secondary anchor cables 62 to the secondary connecting brackets 65. Accordingly, as the base flange 63 adjacent a secondary connecting bracket 65 commences to move upwardly as the semi-submersible structure 5 tilts from the vertical, the corresponding compression spring 66 is compressed for damping the upward movement, and in turn for damping the tilting movement of the semi-submersible structure 5.
  • the secondary anchor cables 62 extend vertically downwardly from the secondary connecting brackets 65 to corresponding secondary anchorages 69 in the sea bed 25. Winching mechanisms (not shown) are provided in conjunction with the secondary anchor cable 62 for facilitating tightening of the secondary anchor cable 62 after the primary anchor cable 23 has been winched for urging the semi- submersible structure 5 downwardly in the water so that the compression springs 66 are just barely compressed when the semi-submersible structure 5 is in its equilibrium flotation state.
  • auxiliary buoyancy chambers 70 are provided around the primary and secondary buoyancy chambers 16 and 34 for further increasing the buoyancy of the semi-submersible structure 5.
  • the communicating opening 20 is of considerably larger diameter than that of the semi-submersible structure 5 of the wind powered generator 1, and in this embodiment of the invention the base 17 does not bear on the primary anchor cable 23 during normal tilting of the semi- submersible structure 5 about the vertical.
  • the wind powered generator 60 according to this embodiment of the invention is particularly suitable for use in relatively shallow waters.
  • the provision of the secondary anchor cables 65 are particularly suitable for minimising tilting of the semi-submersible structure 5 where the amount by which the semi-submersible structure 5 can be urged downwardly in the water by the primary anchor cable is limited by virtue of the water depth.
  • wind powered generator 60 is similar to the wind powered generator 1 , as is its operation.
  • the outer diameter of the main housing 9 of the wind powered generator 60 adjacent the wateriine is approximately 6 metres.
  • the outer diameter of the main housing 9 adjacent the base 17 is approximately 30 metres.
  • the overall height of the semi-submersible structure 5 from the base 17 to the mounting flange 45 is typically 20 metres, while the height of the mast 6 is of the order of 80 metres. In this embodiment of the invention it is envisaged that the mast 6 will be of length in the range of 50 metres to 100 metres.
  • the height of the semi-submersible structure 5 from the base 17 to the mounting flange 45 will be in the range of 50 metres to 100 metres.
  • the outer diameter of the semi-submersible structure 5 adjacent the mounting flange 45 will typically be in the range of 4 metres to 5 metres, and the outer diameter of the semi-submersible structure 5 adjacent the base 5 will be in the range of 25 metres to 35 metres. Ideally, the outer diameter of the main housing 9 adjacent the wateriine will be in the range of 5 metres to 6 metres. It is envisaged that typically, the volume of the primary buoyancy chamber 16 will be in the order of 3,500 cubicmetres, while the volume of the secondary buoyancy chamber 34 will be in the order of 100 cubicmetres. The total volume of the ballast chamber 19 will be in the order of 13,500 cubicmetres, which may be partially or completely filled with ballast, such as, for example, sea sand or alternatively some or all of the compartments of the ballast chamber 19 may be flooded.
  • ballast such as, for example, sea sand or alternatively some or all of the compartments of the ballast chamber 19 may be flooded.
  • an air separation plant for separating carbon from air may be located in the component chamber or elsewhere, and would be driven by the turbine.
  • the compressor may be driven directly by the turbine or may be electrically powered by the electrical generator.
  • the semi-submersible structure of the wind powered generator 1 has been described as having a relatively small communicating opening into the primary buoyancy chamber, it is envisaged that the opening into the primary buoyancy chamber of the wind powered generator 1 may be of relatively large diameter, and it is envisaged that the primary buoyancy chamber of the semi-submersible structure of the wind powered generator 1 may be of similar shape and construction to that of the wind powered generator 60.
  • the semi-submersible structure of the wind powered generator 1 may be provided with secondary anchor cables substantially similar to those described with reference to the wind powered generator 60.
  • wind powered generators have been described as comprising horizontal axis turbines, the turbines may be vertical axis turbines. It is also envisaged that instead of . generating electricity, the wind energy converters according to the invention may be adapted for converting wind energy to any other suitable usable form of energy.

Abstract

L'invention concerne un générateur éolien (1) destiné à être localisé au large, qui comporte une structure semi-submersible (5) dotée d'un mât saillant et conçue pour porter une turbine éolienne (3). Une première chambre de flottaison (16) est formée dans la structure semi-submersible (5), et un premier câble d'ancrage (23) est fixé à ladite structure (5) dans la première chambre de flottaison (16) par une première patte de raccordement (22). Le premier câble d'ancrage (23) s'étend directement vers le bas à un premier ancrage (24) dans le lit marin (25) pour ancrer la structure semi-submersible (5). Un mécanisme de treuil (non illustré) est, par ailleurs, conçu pour descendre la structure (5) dans l'eau sur le premier câble d'ancrage (23) contre la force de flottaison ascendante exercée sur la structure semi-submersible (5), de façon à relever le centre de flottaison de ladite structure (5), pour ensuite augmenter le moment de redressement agissant sur la structure (5) pour que celle-ci recouvre son état de flottaison d'équilibre au cas où la structure pencherait.
EP01953300A 2000-07-27 2001-07-27 Structure flottante permettant de supporter une turbine eolienne au large Withdrawn EP1303699A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IE20000601 2000-07-27
IE000601 2000-07-27
IE010627 2001-06-29
IE20010627 2001-06-29
PCT/IE2001/000097 WO2002010589A1 (fr) 2000-07-27 2001-07-27 Structure flottante permettant de supporter une turbine eolienne au large

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EP1303699A1 true EP1303699A1 (fr) 2003-04-23

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EP01953300A Withdrawn EP1303699A1 (fr) 2000-07-27 2001-07-27 Structure flottante permettant de supporter une turbine eolienne au large

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EP (1) EP1303699A1 (fr)
KR (1) KR20030036643A (fr)
AU (1) AU2001275783A1 (fr)
IE (1) IES20010719A2 (fr)
NO (1) NO20030399L (fr)
WO (1) WO2002010589A1 (fr)

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WO2002010589A1 (fr) 2002-02-07
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IES20010719A2 (en) 2002-03-20
AU2001275783A1 (en) 2002-02-13
KR20030036643A (ko) 2003-05-09

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