EP3063060A1 - Floating platform comprising propulsion devices and energy producing plant comprising such a floating platform - Google Patents
Floating platform comprising propulsion devices and energy producing plant comprising such a floating platformInfo
- Publication number
- EP3063060A1 EP3063060A1 EP14818655.4A EP14818655A EP3063060A1 EP 3063060 A1 EP3063060 A1 EP 3063060A1 EP 14818655 A EP14818655 A EP 14818655A EP 3063060 A1 EP3063060 A1 EP 3063060A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- peripheral
- floating
- floating platform
- connection member
- unit
- 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- Withdrawn
Links
- 238000007667 floating Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 95
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 130
- 238000004873 anchoring Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 241000196324 Embryophyta Species 0.000 description 20
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 8
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 230000004308 accommodation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 241001492414 Marina Species 0.000 description 1
- 238000007664 blowing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008094 contradictory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000014509 gene expression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013535 sea water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004904 shortening Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- 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
- F03D13/256—Arrangements for mounting or supporting wind motors; Masts or towers for wind motors specially adapted for offshore installation on a floating support, i.e. floating wind motors
-
- 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
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B1/00—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils
- B63B1/02—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement
- B63B1/10—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement with multiple hulls
- B63B1/107—Semi-submersibles; Small waterline area multiple hull vessels and the like, e.g. SWATH
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B1/00—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils
- B63B1/02—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement
- B63B1/10—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement with multiple hulls
- B63B1/14—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement with multiple hulls the hulls being interconnected resiliently or having means for actively varying hull shape or configuration
-
- 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
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B1/00—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils
- B63B1/02—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement
- B63B1/10—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement with multiple hulls
- B63B1/12—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement with multiple hulls the hulls being interconnected rigidly
- B63B2001/128—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement with multiple hulls the hulls being interconnected rigidly comprising underwater connectors between the hulls
-
- 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
-
- 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
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B2241/00—Design characteristics
- B63B2241/02—Design characterised by particular shapes
- B63B2241/04—Design characterised by particular shapes by particular cross sections
- B63B2241/08—Design characterised by particular shapes by particular cross sections polygonal
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B2241/00—Design characteristics
- B63B2241/02—Design characterised by particular shapes
- B63B2241/10—Design characterised by particular shapes by particular three dimensional shapes
- B63B2241/16—Design characterised by particular shapes by particular three dimensional shapes polyhedral
-
- 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
-
- 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
- F05B2240/95—Mounting on supporting structures or systems offshore
-
- 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
- F05B2240/96—Mounting on supporting structures or systems as part of a wind turbine farm
-
- 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 generally to floating platform and an energy producing plant comprising such a floating platform.
- the energy producing plant comprises at one or several energy producing systems, for example wind power generators, attached to the floating platform.
- This plant is a floating platform comprising a frame work constructed of hollow pipes/ beams connected by nodes surrounding a center node. On the nodes wind generators may be placed. Each pipe/beam is sealed in its respective end and forms separate floating parts adapted to be connected to the nodes. Further, the volumes within each floating part, i.e. beams and nodes, are connected to each other. I.e. nodes and pipes/beams are connected so that the pipes/beams form transport paths between the nodes. The space in these parts can be used as transport paths, workshops, storage rooms, accommodations or provide space for other functions.
- JP2007160965A another floating platform comprising separate radially arranged floating parts connected to each other in a central point. Tensile forces are created between each floating part by a tension part provided between the floating parts. Using this construction decreases the forces acting on the platform, thus makes it possible to use construction details of a smaller dimension.
- the large sea based platform may also function as a sea harbor. It is also desirable to be able to directly reach the center node with a ship or other water borne vessels. The transport to and from the plant and its maintenance may then be simplified. A mooring position within the framework it also preferable from a safety point of view, since the water may be calmer within the structure. Summary of invention
- An object of the present solution is to create a floating platform which can be mounted far out in the ocean and which may be used as a platform for an energy producing plant comprising one or several energy converting systems, for example a plurality of wind power generators attached to the platform.
- the floating platform shall be easy to assemble, repair and maintain and may also function as a floating harbor. This floating platform is described in claim 1 .
- the solution relates to a floating platform comprising at least three floating or semi-submersible peripheral units and a floating or semi-submersible central unit.
- Each peripheral unit is arranged connected to the central unit by at least one, in a substantially radial direction arranged, radial connection member and connected to the adjacent peripheral units by at least one peripheral connection member.
- the solution may be characterized in that at least one propulsion device is arranged on each submersible peripheral unit.
- each peripheral unit When using a propulsion device arranged on each peripheral unit it is possible to keep each peripheral unit in position in relation to the other even if the peripheral connection members are broken or removed.
- the at least one propulsion device is adapted to make the peripheral units maneuverable in an essentially horizontal direction and in another embodiment the least one propulsion device is adapted to make the peripheral units maneuverable in an essentially vertical direction.
- the propulsion device is a propeller or jet engine of any kind arranged in a horizontal, vertical or adjustable position it is possible to control the motion of the peripheral unit.
- the units may be arranged to move in an essentially horizontal direction towards each other and/or in an essentially vertical direction to position each unit in an essentially equal horizontal position.
- the propulsion devices may also be used to help positioning the peripheral units in relation to each other and the nodes when the platform is assembled.
- the propulsion device is a thruster.
- a thruster is a thoroughly tested system for controlling the position of stern or bow of a spacecraft or watercraft. It may also be used for station keeping of the craft. A thruster may therefore be a suitable propulsion device for the peripheral unit. If the thruster is arranged offset from the centre of gravity it may be possible use a stationary vertical propeller to control the position of the peripheral units in relation to each other by rotation of each peripheral unit.
- peripheral connection members are elastic or semi-elastic or at least one of the peripheral connection members is in at least one end attached to the respective peripheral unit via an articulated joint. This, in order to allow the floating peripheral units to move in relation to each other.
- the peripheral connection member is constructed to allow movement between the adjacent floating peripheral units. When a slight movement is allowed, the forces in the structure and its attachment points are decreased. If a movement is allowed it is also possible to detach the peripheral floating units from each other without creating an increased tension in the structure.
- the peripheral connection member itself is flexible, for example by using a rope or similar, or the distal ends of the peripheral connection member can be attached articulately to the respective peripheral unit, preferably with a joint arrangement.
- the peripheral connection member is an elongated object variable in length constructed to create a tension force pulling the floating peripheral units towards each other.
- the peripheral units When using an elongated object the peripheral units may be arranged in a pattern creating a hexagon shape with one center node. This creates a natural optimized balanced structure. However, other shapes are of course also possible. The variation in length is either possible by using an elastic material stretching and retracting in length and/or by using a separate length adjusting device connected to the peripheral connection member.
- the peripheral connection member is a flexible object, such as a wire, cord, cable, rope or other similar elongated flexible object.
- a length adjusting arrangement is connected to the peripheral connection member, which is adapted to adjust the length of peripheral connection member.
- connection member is a rigid beam or pipe.
- peripheral connection member is a rigid beam it is in at least one end attached to the respective adjacent peripheral unit via an articulated joint or similar arrangement allowing a pivotal movement between two of the peripheral units around an essentially vertical axis.
- least one of the peripheral connection members is in at least one end detachably connected to the respective adjacent peripheral unit.
- the invention further relates to an energy producing plant comprising; a floating platform according to the above described, an energy producing system and an anchoring system arranged to anchor the floating platform to the bottom of an ocean.
- the energy producing system which is used may be at least one of; a wind power generator, wave power generator, sun cell or wind shovels.
- Each floating peripheral unit of the energy producing plant may also comprise at least one semi-submersible node on which a wind power generator is mounted.
- the inventive platform as a base for an energy producing plant is particularly of interest since the platform is very well suited for this application, due to the fact that it can operate independent of depth and far out on the open ocean.
- the platform can be firmly anchored at the bottom by the anchoring system.
- the anchoring system is attached to the central unit, thus enabling the entire platform to rotate and automatically adjust in line with the wind and/ or water current direction so that the energy producing systems are placed in an optimum position for energy extraction.
- wind power generators When wind power generators are used they can be placed on the semi-submersible nodes of the platform, thus enabling access to the generator housing through the hollow interior of the nodes and the connection members.
- FIG. 1 a disclose a top view of a first embodiment of the invention
- Fig. 1 b disclose a top view of a second embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 2 and 3 disclose a top and a perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention.
- Fig. 4 and 5 disclose detail views of a first and second embodiment of the propulsion device
- FIG 1 a discloses a floating platform 1 comprising six floating or semi-submersible peripheral units 2 arranged detachably connected to a central floating or semi-submersible unit 3.
- Each floating peripheral unit 2 is in this embodiment a semi-submersible node 4 on which a wind power generator WG is mounted.
- Connected to each peripheral floating unit 2 is at least one propulsion device 1 1 .
- the propulsion device 1 1 may for example be attached to the floating unit on the horizontal side of a node 4 or below the node, i.e. at its bottom surface. Other positions, such as attachment to the later described node connections members 9, are also possible.
- a propulsion device arranged on each peripheral unit it is possible to keep each peripheral unit in position in relation to the other even if the peripheral connection members are broken or removed.
- the propulsion devices 1 1 it is also possible to move the peripheral units 2 in at least the horizontal and vertical directions, and possible all directions there between.
- the propulsion devices 1 1 may also be used to help position and line up the peripheral units in relation to each other and to the connection members 5, 6 when the platform is assembled.
- connection member 5 is arranged protruding in a substantially radial direction from the central unit 3.
- the connection between the peripheral and central units 2, 3 and the connection members 5, can be detachable by a connection coupling 10 or rigid, i.e. the connections member can be welded or in any other way firmly attached to the peripheral and/or central units 2, 3.
- the connection member 5 is in its proximal end 5a attached to the central unit 3 by a detachable connection coupling 10, enabling relative movement between the central and peripheral units 3, 2, and in its distal end 5b it is firmly attached to the peripheral units 2.
- the floating or semi-submersible peripheral units 2 are connected to each other by a detachable peripheral connection member 6 allowing each floating unit to move in relation to the other at least in a direction substantially parallel to an elongation direction of the peripheral connection member 6.
- the detachment/attachment point may be between the floating units and one or both ends of the connection member 6.
- the peripheral connection members 6 are connecting one node 4 of each floating peripheral unit 2 with a node 4 of another adjacent floating peripheral unit 2 and are constructed to allow movement between the peripheral units 2 and may also be used to create a tension force pulling the adjacent floating peripheral units 2 towards each other.
- the peripheral connection member 6 is an elongated object variable in length either by means of usage of an elastic material stretching and retracting in length and/or by using a separate length adjusting device 15.
- the peripheral units 2 When shortening the peripheral connection member the peripheral units 2 are pulled together pre-tensioning the entire platform.
- the elastic properties of the peripheral connection member itself may absorb / dampen the forces created by the waves.
- the peripheral connection members 6 When the peripheral connection members 6 are detached in at least one detachment/attachment point it is possible to use the inner space of the platform as a safe harbor for any sea vessel or ship 12, see figure 2.
- the central node 3 and/or the radially arranged connection members 5 may also function as moorage protected from the surrounding ocean.
- the peripheral connection member 6 is a flexible wire, cord, cable, rope or similar, but it can also be a not disclosed length adjustable mechanical arrangement. It is for example possible to use a mechanical arrangement comprising two parts arranged telescopically moveable in relation to each other. If such a mechanical arrangement is used the opening of the entrance to the inner space may be simplified.
- connection member 6 may be a rigid beam or pipe. If a rigid connection device is used it must in at least one end be attached to the respective peripheral unit via an articulated joint 8 allowing a pivotal movement between adjacent peripheral units 5 around an essentially vertical axis.
- the pipe/beam may also be a hollow arrangement closed from the surroundings, as the connection members 5, 9 are described.
- the peripheral connection member 6 itself is flexible, for example by using a rope, or if a rigid mechanical arrangement is used, its distal ends can be attached to the respective peripheral unit 2 with an articulated joint 8.
- Figure 1 b discloses a second embodiment of the invention.
- at least two of the peripheral floating units have the form of nodes 4a, 4b; 4d, 4e, connected to each other by a node connecting connection member 9, forming an elongated peripheral floating unit 2a, 2b.
- the nodes 4a, 4b; 4d, 4e act as a connection point for at least one peripheral connection member 6 and at least one connection member 5, 9.
- Connected to each peripheral floating unit 2 is at least one propulsion device 1 1 .
- the propulsion device 1 1 may be attached to the floating unit on the horizontal side of a node 4 or below the node, i.e. at its bottom surface.
- the elongated peripheral floating units 2a, 2b comprises one propulsion device 1 1 arranged at one of the two connected nodes 4a, 4b; 4e, 4d, i.e. off center from the center of gravity of the floating units.
- the entire elongated peripheral units 2a, 2b can be seen as a watercraft and its movement in the water may be controlled accordingly, by for example a thruster as a propulsion device.
- the node connection member 9 and the nodes 4a, 4b; 4d, 4e together form the peripheral floating node units 2a, 2b.
- the peripheral floating node units 2a, 2b are attached to the central unit 3 by at least one connection member 5 arranged in a substantially radial direction from the central unit 3.
- the connection member 5 is in its proximal and distal ends 5a, 5b attached to the central unit 3 by a connection coupling 10, enabling additional relative movement between the central and peripheral units 3, 2, see figures 4, 5a and 5b.
- the distally arranged attachment couplings 10 are attaching the connection members 5 with the respective nodes 4a, 4b; 4d. However, it is also possible to attach the radially arranged connection member 5 directly to the node connection member 9. See figure 2.
- the attachment coupling 10 allows a movement between the connection member 5 and the node 4 and/or the node connection member 9. For example a pivoting movement around an essentially horizontal axis.
- Each peripheral floating unit 2a, 2b is connected to the remaining floating units 2 by a peripheral connection member 6 allowing each peripheral floating unit to move in relation to the other in a direction substantially parallel to an elongation direction of the peripheral connection member 6.
- the peripheral connection members 6 are connecting one node 4a, 4b; 4d, 4e of each floating peripheral unit 2a, 2b with an adjacent node 4 of another adjacent floating peripheral unit 2 and are constructed to allow movement between the nodes 4 and to create a tension force pulling the floating peripheral units 2 towards each other, as described in the description of figure 1 a. It is also possible to exchange one or both of the floating peripheral unit 2 with floating peripheral node units comprising more than one node connected by connection members, as described in figure 2 and 3.
- the plant in figures 1 a and 1 b is preferably in the shape of a hexagon with one center node 4.
- the connection members 5 are preferably one or more hollow steel beams or pipes.
- the radially arranged connection members 5 are having a length of approximately 100-300 meters while the node connecting connection members 9 are having a length of approximately 50-100 meters.
- the connection members 5, 9 can be circular, rectangular or have any other suitable shape.
- the connection members can be arranged floating on or partly or fully submerged under the water surface or may comprise two or more sets of, in the vertical direction, essentially parallel connection members.
- the semi-submersible nodes 4 are for example a cylinder shaped, partly submerged, arrangement, approximately 10-20 meters in diameter and approximately 20-30 meters high.
- FIG. 2 and 3 disclose a third embodiment of the invention.
- the platform comprises a central floating node unit 3 and four floating peripheral units 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, each comprising at least three semi-submersible nodes 4 connected to each other by a set of connection members 9.
- At least one propulsion device 1 1 is arranged on each peripheral unit 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d.
- the separate connection members 9 may be arranged floating on or partly or fully submerged under the water surface or may comprise two sets of, in the vertical direction, essentially parallel
- the central unit 3 is in this embodiment assembled by three connected nodes 4.
- the central node 3' in the central unit 3 may act as a hub around which the whole platform 1 can rotate.
- connection members 9 and the nodes 4 together form a rigid and stable floating unit 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d.
- the floating units 2b and 2d comprise more than three nodes and all nodes are connected with a connection member 5, 9. Assembling more than three nodes into a floating unit creates a larger platform on which several energy converting system/wind generators can be mounted. It is also possible to mount additional wind generators of different size or other energy producing units such as wave energy converters directly on the connection members 5, 9.
- the peripheral floating node units 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d are connected with the central unit 3 with at least one radially arranged connection member 5.
- a connection coupling 10 is arranged which allow certain pivotal moment between the connection member 5 and the central and peripheral units 3, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d.
- Each peripheral floating node unit 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d are connected to the adjacent node units by a detachable peripheral connection member 6 allowing each peripheral floating node unit to be detached from the adjacent floating unit and to move in relation to the other, as described above.
- Each floating unit, both central and peripheral, 3, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d is easily towed to the predetermined location out in the ocean and assembled on site.
- the assembly of the floating unit is simplified by using the propulsion devices 1 1 since they may be used to position and line up the different part in relation to each other before they are assembled.
- the central node 3 and/or the connection members 5 may also function as a safe harbor for ships 12 protected from the surrounding ocean by the detachable peripheral connections members 6 and the peripheral units 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d.
- the connection members 5 may be sealed in each end 5a, 5b forming a closed air filled unit which can float on water and be easier towed to the location where the energy producing unit shall be build.
- a sealable opening 13 may be arranged through the connection coupling 10.
- connection members 5 can also be used as connection paths, accommodation, workshops and storage rooms. It is also possible to arrange a lifting crane or similar device on the connection members 5 in order to perform assembly, care and maintenance of the plant.
- the lifting crane and other large details, such as spare parts, may be transported between the wind generator towers on a track system arranged on the top surface of the connection members 5.
- the floating unit Due to the floating properties of the floating unit, it can operate independent of the depth. It can be anchored at the bottom, for example with an anchoring system 14 used for large marinas.
- the anchoring system 14 emanates from the rotatable hub 3' with for example three to eight laterally extending anchoring attachments.
- the central floating unit is through the anchoring attachments firmly anchored at the bottom and the entire construction can rotate around the hub in the central floating unit.
- the entire construction is able to rotate freely 360 degrees and automatically adjust in line with the wind direction so that the firmly attached wind propellers always are placed in an optimum position.
- the floating platform according to the invention can also be any floating platform.
- FIG. 4 it is disclosed a first embodiment of the propulsion device 1 1 .
- the propulsion device 1 1 is here attached to the vertical wall of a node 4, but it is of course also possible to attach the propulsion device 1 1 on any other part of the peripheral unit such as for example any of the node connecting connection members 9.
- the propulsion device 1 1 is in this embodiment a vertically arranged thruster connected to an attachment unit 13 comprising for example the drive unit creating the rotation of the thruster.
- the propulsion device may also be a separate propeller or jet engine of any kind. It is also possible to arrange the propulsion device 1 1 in a vertical position or to make the device 1 1 rotatable in relation to the peripheral unit around an essentially vertical or horizontal axis. This makes it possible to control the motion of the peripheral units 2a-2d in a horizontal and vertical direction and also in all directions there between.
- the propulsion devices may also be used to help positioning the peripheral units in relation to each other and the nodes when the platform is assembled.
- FIG 5 a second embodiment of the propulsion device 1 1 is shown.
- the propulsion device 1 1 in this case a vertically arranged thruster, is here directly attached below the node 4, i.e. at its bottom surface.
- the entire thruster may be rotatable around a vertical rotation axis A1 .
- the drive unit creating the rotation of the thruster may for example be arranged inside the node 4.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
SE1350780A SE537515C2 (en) | 2013-06-27 | 2013-06-27 | Floating platform including propulsion devices and energy producing plant including such floating platform |
PCT/SE2014/050784 WO2014209210A1 (en) | 2013-06-27 | 2014-06-25 | Floating platform comprising propulsion devices and energy producing plant comprising such a floating platform |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3063060A1 true EP3063060A1 (en) | 2016-09-07 |
EP3063060A4 EP3063060A4 (en) | 2017-03-08 |
Family
ID=52142380
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP14818655.4A Withdrawn EP3063060A4 (en) | 2013-06-27 | 2014-06-25 | Floating platform comprising propulsion devices and energy producing plant comprising such a floating platform |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3063060A4 (en) |
SE (1) | SE537515C2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014209210A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN113120182B (en) * | 2021-04-09 | 2022-04-01 | 中国科学院广州能源研究所 | Deep sea multi-energy complementary power generation production and life detection comprehensive platform |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
NL1008318C2 (en) * | 1998-02-16 | 1999-08-17 | Lagerwey Windturbine B V | Floating installation with windmill driven generators |
JP2001165032A (en) * | 1999-12-07 | 2001-06-19 | Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd | Wind power generation device |
WO2002073032A1 (en) * | 2001-03-08 | 2002-09-19 | Ishikawajima-Harima Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Offshore floating wind power generation plant |
GB2383978B (en) * | 2002-01-11 | 2004-09-08 | Dominic Michaelis | Platform provided with renewable energy converter systems |
JP4947456B2 (en) * | 2005-12-09 | 2012-06-06 | 清水建設株式会社 | Floating structure |
DE102007029921B3 (en) * | 2007-06-28 | 2008-11-20 | Peter Nowak | Apparatus for generating energy and fresh water in the sea |
DE10836288T8 (en) * | 2009-12-07 | 2013-04-25 | Hexicon Ab | Floating power plant |
-
2013
- 2013-06-27 SE SE1350780A patent/SE537515C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2014
- 2014-06-25 EP EP14818655.4A patent/EP3063060A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2014-06-25 WO PCT/SE2014/050784 patent/WO2014209210A1/en active Application Filing
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2014209210A1 (en) | 2014-12-31 |
SE537515C2 (en) | 2015-05-26 |
SE1350780A1 (en) | 2014-12-28 |
EP3063060A4 (en) | 2017-03-08 |
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