EP4126655A1

EP4126655A1 - Buoyant foundation structure for an offshore construction

Info

Publication number: EP4126655A1
Application number: EP21708188.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Daniel Bartminn; Henrik Stiesdal
Original assignee: RWE Renewables GmbH; Stiesdal Offshore Technologies AS
Current assignee: Rwe Offshore Wind GmbH; Stiesdal Offshore Technologies AS
Priority date: 2020-03-24
Filing date: 2021-02-24
Publication date: 2023-02-08
Also published as: US11807343B2; DE102020108030A1; JP2023512330A; US20230047054A1; JP7378021B2; WO2021190848A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a buoyant foundation structure (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) for an offshore construction (102), comprising at least one floating-body arrangement (104, 204, 704) and at least one mass arrangement (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606). The mass arrangement (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606) can be coupled, in a coupling state, to the floating-body arrangement (104, 204, 704) by means of at least one retaining cable (108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708). In the coupling state, a coupling portion (112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612) of the retaining cable (108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708) can be guided in an arcuate shape around a contact portion (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) of the mass arrangement (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606) in order to couple the floating-body arrangement (104, 204, 704) to the mass arrangement (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606).

Description

Floatable foundation structure for an offshore structure

The application relates to a buoyant foundation structure for an offshore structure, comprising at least one floating body arrangement and at least one mass arrangement, the mass arrangement with the floating body arrangement by at least one tether in one

Coupling state can be coupled. In addition, the application relates to an offshore structure and a method for producing a floating foundation structure. To provide electrical energy from so-called renewable sources

Energy sources are increasingly being used in wind parks with at least one wind turbine. A wind power plant is set up in particular to convert the kinetic wind energy into electrical energy. In order to increase the energy yield with such systems, wind farms are arranged or installed at locations with a high wind probability. Offshore locations in particular are usually characterized by relatively continuous wind conditions and high average wind speeds, so that an increasing number of so-called offshore wind farms are being built.

As a rule, an offshore wind park has a large number of offshore wind energy devices, such as a large number of offshore wind turbines, measuring masts and / or at least one offshore transformer station, via which the offshore wind park electrically, for example, with an onshore transformer station or another Offshore transformer station or offshore converter station is connected. An onshore transformer station, in turn, can be connected to a public power grid. To transmit electrical energy between two offshore wind energy devices or an offshore wind energy device and an onshore device, energy cables are laid in the form of submarine cables.

While it was previously common in offshore wind farms, an offshore wind energy device (in particular a tower of an offshore wind energy device) through a foundation structure (e.g. monopile, tripod, tripile or jacket foundations) on the bottom of the water, in particular a seabed, directly To anchor, there have recently been increasing considerations to install floating offshore wind energy devices, for example floating offshore wind turbines, in order, for example, in areas with a great water depth, for example of more than 50 m, in particular more than 80 m, offshore wind farms in easier and cheaper way to install.

Such floating offshore structures, such as a floating offshore wind turbine, usually have at least one floating body arrangement and at least one mass arrangement. For example, in the state of the art, a grounding arrangement in a coupling state can, in particular, be a plurality of holding ropes with the -

Be coupled floating body assembly. In particular, the mass arrangement can be suspended from the floating body arrangement by at least one tether. The mass arrangement fastened to the floating body arrangement with at least one tether can be suspended above the seabed or optionally be in contact with the seabed and / or anchored in the seabed.

It is known from the prior art to fasten one end of the tether to the floating body arrangement and the other end of the tether to the ground arrangement. For this purpose, for example, eyelets are welded to the corresponding fastening points of the floating body arrangement and the mass arrangement. The two ends of the tether can be secured by clips, splices, etc. attached to the eyelets. For example, a connection can be made by means of a fork head and anchor plate.

The disadvantage here is that the production of such a cable fastening is complex (in particular, a high amount of welding is required) and associated with corresponding costs. Furthermore, the production of the cable ends, e.g. by swaging and swaging, is complex and cost-intensive. In addition, an inspection of the rope fastenings on the ground arrangement is very complex, since it is regularly positioned in a water depth of far more than 50 m.

The application is therefore based on the object of providing a floating foundation structure for an offshore structure which can be manufactured and maintained and / or inspected with less effort and in particular low costs.

According to a first aspect of the application, the object is achieved by a floating foundation structure for an offshore structure according to claim 1. The floating foundation structure comprises at least one floating body arrangement. The buoyant foundation structure comprises at least one mass arrangement. The mass arrangement can be coupled (in particular coupled) to the floating body arrangement by at least one tether in a coupling state. In the coupling state, for coupling the floating body arrangement to the ground arrangement, a coupling section of the tether is guided in an arc-shaped manner around a contact section of the ground arrangement.

In that, in contrast to the prior art, in the case of the floating foundation structure according to the application, one end of the tether is not attached directly to the ground arrangement, but the tether is looped around a contact section of the ground arrangement, a buoyant foundation structure is provided which is less expensive and in particular can be manufactured and maintained at lower costs. In particular, the number of fastening points as a whole and / or on the ground arrangement can be reduced. The attachment of eyelets or the like to the ground arrangement can be dispensed with entirely. The necessary welding work can be reduced.

The floating foundation structure serves in particular to support an offshore structure (stationary when the offshore structure is installed). Exemplary and non-final offshore structures are in particular wind farm structures, such as offshore wind turbines, offshore measuring stations, offshore transformer stations, but also other offshore structures, such as drilling platforms or the like.

The buoyant (or floating) foundation structure according to the application has at least one floating body arrangement. One

The floating body arrangement can be formed from one or more floating bodies coupled to one another. In this context, a float or buoyancy body is to be understood in particular as an object which, due to its buoyancy, is independently buoyant by displacement according to the Archimedean principle. A buoyancy body can, for example, be at least partially hollow in its interior and / or filled with a light solid.

It goes without saying that a floating body arrangement can have further elements, such as at least one connecting element (e.g. a strut) that connects two floating bodies to one another or is used to connect to a part of the offshore structure, or the like.

In addition, the floating foundation structure according to the application comprises at least one mass arrangement. A mass arrangement is in particular a weight arrangement or ballast arrangement. A ground arrangement can consist of a or several interconnected mass bodies or weight bodies (also called ballast bodies).

It goes without saying that a mass arrangement can have further elements, such as at least one connecting element (e.g. a strut), which e.g. connects two mass bodies to one another. The mass arrangement can at least temporarily be able to swim independently. For example, the mass arrangement can be temporarily (e.g. for transport) at least partially filled with a gas. The gas can be let out (and let in) through at least one valve, especially at the installation site. This considerably simplifies the transport of a mass arrangement as well as the installation.

Furthermore, the floating foundation structure comprises at least one tether. Preferably, two or more holding ropes can be provided. A tether is set up for the (permanent) coupling of the mass arrangement to the floating body arrangement. When the mass arrangement is coupled to the floating body arrangement by the at least one tether, then the foundation structure is in a coupled state. In the coupled state and an installed state of the foundation structure, the mass arrangement and the floating body arrangement are positioned relative to one another in a defined manner, in particular are at a certain distance from one another. In this case, a defined position is also present when the mass arrangement and floating body arrangement move relative to one another (for example when the mass arrangement is suspended from the floating body arrangement).

According to the application, it is provided that in the coupling state the tether is at least starting from the floating body arrangement to the grounding arrangement, inhibits a contact section of the grounding arrangement and is guided back to the floating body arrangement. For example, a first end of the tether (directly) and a second end of the tether (directly) can be attached _. be attached to the floating body assembly. The tether can be from the first Fastening point to the mass arrangement (in a first vertical direction) and guided back from this again (in an opposite vertical direction), in particular to the second fastening point. In this case, a coupling section of the tether is guided in an arc shape (for example, essentially in a V or U shape) around a contact section of the ground arrangement. In other words, the contact section of the ground arrangement is at least partially wrapped around.

In particular, it has been recognized according to the application that it is not necessary for a stable holding of the ground arrangement and in particular - in an installed state - a permanent coupling of the ground arrangement with the floating arrangement that one end of the tether is directly connected to the ground arrangement via an eyelet or the like, but that for this purpose looping around a part of the mass arrangement, namely the contact section, is sufficient due to the weight force acting on the mass arrangement. A mass arrangement can have a weight of several tons (e.g.> 1000 tons). Since a part of the mass arrangement is wrapped around by the tether, the tether is tensioned by the acting weight between the mass arrangement and the floating body arrangement. In this way, a permanent coupling and, in particular, a defined position between the mass arrangement and the floating body arrangement is achieved.

In the present case, a coupling between the mass arrangement and the floating body arrangement is achieved in that a tether is only looped around part of the mass arrangement (i.e. the contact section) without a (direct) connection of one end of the tether to the earth arrangement being provided.

The coupling section of the tether is in particular an intermediate section (at least located between the end regions of the tether) of the tether, which in the coupled state makes contact with the contact section of the ground arrangement. The contact section of the ground arrangement can be formed by one or more elements (e.g. Mass body and / or connecting element) of the mass arrangement can be formed, which at least partially contact the coupling section of the tether in the coupling state.

The at least one tether can in principle be formed from any material. The holding rope or holding cable can preferably be made of metal (eg steel), polyethylene (preferably HDPE (high-density polyethylene) or a synthetic fiber material. Such materials are particularly suitable for use in water (especially salt water) and have high tensile strength .

In addition, the mass arrangement can preferably be a mass stabilizer arrangement (in particular in the form of a so-called keel) suspended from the floating body arrangement. The mass stabilizer arrangement can be set up to stabilize the foundation structure (or the offshore structure) in an installed state of the foundation structure (or the offshore structure). For this purpose, the mass stabilizer arrangement can be suspended in the form of a pendulum by the at least one tether.

In a preferred embodiment, the floating body arrangement can be formed from a plurality of connecting elements in the form of tubes (in particular steel pipes) and / or struts (in particular steel struts) to which several (e.g. (at least) three, preferably seven) floating bodies can be attached. For example, three floats in a horizontal plane can form a triangular shape in one installation state (each leg of the triangle can be formed by a float). Further floating bodies can be arranged in the interior of the triangle.

In particular, by a plurality of tethers, the

Float assembly can be coupled to the mass stabilizer assembly. The mass stabilizer assembly can include a plurality of tubular mass bodies which preferably form a triangular shape in a horizontal plane in an installed state. Since the mass stabilizer arrangement is suspended from the floating body arrangement in a coupling state, the mass stabilizer arrangement acts as a pendulum which sufficiently (permanently) stabilizes the foundation structure in the installed state.

The mass arrangement can in principle be formed from any material. The mass arrangement (in particular the at least one mass body) can preferably be made of steel, cast iron, cast steel, concrete, a cementitious material or a combination thereof. Such materials are particularly suitable for use in water as a weight module.

According to a preferred embodiment of the buoyant foundation structure according to the application, in the coupling state, the coupling section of the tether can be curved around the contact section of the

Ground arrangement be guided in such a way that the coupling section of the tether forms a loop holder in which the contact section of the ground arrangement is held. The loop holder can in particular be formed by at least half a turn. It goes without saying that the tether can also be guided or run completely around the contact section of the ground arrangement at least once (that is to say for example at least approximately 1.5 turns). A secure coupling can be established in a simple manner.

According to a further embodiment of the buoyant foundation structure, the coupling section of the tether can be formed by at least two leg sections and at least one arch section in the coupled state, wherein the two leg sections can be connected to one another by the arch section. The angle between the leg sub-sections can be at least less than 135 °, preferably at least less than 90 °, particularly preferably at least less than 15 °. A secure coupling can be established at least at an angle smaller than 135 °. In particular, in this case an almost U-shaped loop holder can be formed in which the mass arrangement can be securely held (due to the acting weight). A particularly preferred coupling is achieved when the angle is at least less than 15 ° (i.e. between 0 ° and 15 °].

It has also been recognized that the mechanical stress and thus the load on a tether depends, among other things, on the bending radius of the (bent) coupling section in the coupling state of the contact section (to be looped around) of the ground arrangement is at least twice larger than the diameter of the tether, preferably at least five times larger, particularly preferably at least ten times larger (and at most a thousand times larger). Bending radii larger than fifteen times, in particular twenty times, are particularly advantageous Also, in one embodiment, the tether can be wound several times around the ground arrangement or a contact section of the ground arrangement be fixed (immediately). According to one embodiment of the buoyant foundation structure, the (two) ends of the tether can each be fastened to a fastening point on the floating body arrangement, wherein in a coupling state one fastening point is higher in the vertical direction than the contact section of the earth arrangement or two different attachment point (s) are attached directly to the float assembly, both attachment points of a tether are closer to the water surface than is the case with the prior art (when an attachment point of one end of a tether is attached to the mass body) / or maintenance of attachment points can can be significantly simplified. Since the tensile forces are divided between the two sections of the tether, smaller tether diameters can also be selected, which in turn has a positive effect on the costs of the tether and the rope end devices.

According to a further embodiment of the buoyant foundation structure according to the application, the ground arrangement can be suspended from the floating body arrangement by the at least one tether in a (permanent, i.e. essentially constant) coupling position (also called installation position) in the coupling state. As already described, a suspended mass arrangement can in particular be set up to stabilize the position of the offshore structure during operation. The distance between the coupling position and the bottom of the water can preferably be at least 15 m, particularly preferably at least 50 m. The upper limit of the distance depends in particular on the water depth at the installation location of the foundation structure and is basically limited by this.

In a further embodiment of the buoyant foundation structure, the mass arrangement (e.g. in the form of an anchor or a similar device) can be in contact with the water bed in the coupling state.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the floating foundation structure according to the application, at least one movement reduction element can be arranged on the coupling section of the tether and / or the contact section of the mass arrangement, set up at least for

Reducing a relative movement between the coupling section of the tether and the contact section of the mass arrangement in the coupling state. Since the relative movement in the contact area between the tether and the mass arrangement is at least reduced by an arrangement of one or more movement reduction element (s), wear based on friction can be reduced. The life of the structure can be increased. An additional advantage of a movement reduction element is that the connection between the tether and the ground arrangement can be maintained in an even more secure manner when the foundation structure is installed. In particular, a slipping of the retaining rope from the mass arrangement can be prevented in an even more secure manner (even in the case of strong water currents).

The at least one movement reduction element can be arranged on the coupling section of the tether and / or the contact section of the ground arrangement, such as on a contact surface of the coupling section of the tether and / or on a contact surface of the contact section of the ground arrangement. A contact surface of an element [e.g. Tether) is in particular the surface which, in the coupling state, makes at least temporary and potential contact with a further contact surface of the further element (e.g. ground arrangement).

The at least one movement reduction element can preferably be selected from the group comprising:

Bracket element,

Friction element set up to increase the friction in a contact area between the coupling section of the tether and the contact section of the ground arrangement, i.e. in particular set up to increase the friction in this contact area,

Adhesives, and potting agents (or grouting agents).

For example, one or more clamp elements can be attached to the coupling section of the tether and / or the contact section of the mass arrangement in order to at least restrict the relative movement. A potting agent can also be applied in a coupling state. It is also conceivable that at least one contact surface is provided with a friction element which increases the coefficient of friction between the tether and the mass arrangement (e.g. at least greater than 0.5). It is also conceivable to apply an adhesive to at least one contact surface between the tether and the ground arrangement. It goes without saying that different movement reduction elements can be combined with one another.

According to a further preferred embodiment, at least one friction reduction element can be arranged (at least in the coupling state) on the coupling section of the tether and / or the contact section of the ground arrangement, set up at least to reduce the coefficient of friction in a contact area between the coupling section of the tether and the contact section of the ground arrangement at least less than 0.15, in particular less than 0.05. By reducing the coefficient of friction, in particular between the respective contact surfaces of the coupling section or contact section, wear based on friction can be reduced.

The at least one friction reduction element can preferably be at least one greasy and / or oiled contact surface of the coupling section of the tether and / or of the contact section of the mass arrangement. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one friction reduction element can be a flexible surface layer of the coupling section of the tether and / or of the contact section of the ground arrangement, wherein the flexible surface layer can be made in particular from an elastomer material.

Exemplary but non-exhaustive elastomer materials include neoprene rubber, thermoplastic elastomer materials or polymer materials, which in particular allow expansion of the rope or the surface of the contact section by shear deformation of the material, while in particular there is almost no relative movement between the coupling section of the tether and the contact section of the mass arrangement. Particularly preferably, both the contact surface of the coupling section of the retaining rope and the Contact surface of the contact portion of the ground arrangement have a resilient layer.

Furthermore, a friction-reducing element (e.g. flexible layer) can be used in combination with a movement-reducing element (e.g. clamp element).

In addition, according to a further embodiment of a floatable foundation structure, the contact section of the ground arrangement can have a recess, wherein the inner shape of the recess can correspond in particular to the outer shape of the coupling section of the tether. In particular, the recess can be formed in the form of a groove which corresponds to the outer shape of the coupling section of the tether. The diameter of the groove can be equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the coupling section of the tether. The risk of slipping sideways can be further reduced.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the floatable foundation structure according to the application, the contact section of the ground arrangement can be formed by a pivot pin (or the like) attached to the ground arrangement. A pivot pin is set up to make the alignment of the tether independent of the geometry and alignment of the mass arrangement. In other words, a turning pin has a deflection and alignment function and in particular represents a particularly preferred embodiment which can also be designed as a movement-reducing element. A (for example cylindrical) turning pin can protrude, for example, from an outer wall of the mass arrangement and have an (at least partially) circumferential collar at its end. In this case, the contact section of the tether can extend in an arc shape between the outer wall of the mass arrangement and the circumferential collar. A ground arrangement can have a plurality of pivot pins. A

Reversible pin can in particular be attached to an outside of the grounding arrangement, preferably in a previously described corner area of the grounding arrangement.

The contact section (e.g. in the form of a pivot pin or a similar element) is preferably connected to the ground arrangement in a force-locking manner (e.g. welded, screwed, glued, potted).

This embodiment enables the tether to be coupled to the ground arrangement in a particularly secure manner.

In an installation state, and in particular in an operational state of the foundation structure, high forces act on a tether or cable, which can be increased, among other things, by a (temporary) current at the installation site, in particular also by waves. In order to at least reduce the risk of damage to a tether (e.g. tearing of the tether), it is proposed according to a further preferred embodiment that at least one end of the tether (preferably to both ends of the tether) a spring-loaded suspension mechanism (for attaching the tether to the float assembly) is arranged. The spring-loaded suspension mechanism can in particular be configured in such a way that the dynamic peak forces in the tether are reduced by at least 5%, preferably at least 15%, compared to an unsprung fastening of the tether.

Furthermore, according to a further embodiment of the floating foundation structure, at least one mechanical vibration absorber can be arranged on the tether, in particular a Stockbridge vibration absorber. A mechanical vibration absorber can in particular reduce vibrations that are caused, for example, by a water flow and / or components of the offshore structure. According to a further embodiment of the floating foundation structure according to the application, at least one lifting device (e.g. a cable winch, a strand jack, a ratchet mechanism, etc.) can be arranged at least temporarily on at least one end (preferably on both ends) of the tether. The lifting device is set up in particular to move the mass arrangement in the vertical direction, for example between a transport position and an installation position (or coupling position). For this purpose, the tether can be temporarily coupled to the lifting device.

In an installation method according to the application, it can be provided that, in a pre-assembly step, the floating body arrangement is coupled to the ground arrangement by at least one tether, in particular by guiding a coupling section of the tether around a contact section of the ground arrangement (as already described). This can be done in a port, for example. By means of the lifting device, the mass arrangement can be positioned in a transport position after the pre-assembly step or during the pre-assembly step. In this transport state, the foundation structure can be brought to a specific installation location, in particular it can be towed.

At the installation site, the lifting device can move the mass arrangement into an installation position. The installation position is in particular a lower position than the transport position when viewed in the vertical direction. The at least one lifting device can be dismantled, for example, after reaching the installation position. A foundation structure according to the application can be transported in a simple manner. A lifting device can also be used for inspection work and / or maintenance work. According to a further embodiment of the buoyant foundation structure, two adjacent rope sections [and in particular at least in sections essentially parallel to one another running rope sections (eg two leg sections)) can be coupled to one another via at least one rope bridge. The rope bridge can in particular ensure a defined position of the adjacent rope sections and preferably reduce vibrations occurring on the coupled ropes even further.

Another aspect of the application is an offshore structure, comprising at least one floating foundation structure described above. In particular, an offshore wind park according to the registration can have a plurality of these offshore structures, for example in the form of offshore wind power plants.

Yet another aspect of the application is a method for producing a floating foundation structure, in particular a floating foundation structure described above. The procedure includes:

Providing at least one floating body arrangement, and providing at least one mass arrangement, the method further comprising: '

Coupling the floating body arrangement to the ground arrangement by at least one tether, in that a coupling section of the tether is guided in an arc-shaped manner around a contact section of the ground arrangement.

The features of the foundation structures, offshore structures and methods can be freely combined with one another; in particular, features of the description and / or the dependent claims can be independently inventive, even with complete or partial circumvention of features of the independent claims, on their own or freely combined with one another.

There are now a multitude of possibilities, the foundation structure according to the registration, the offshore structure according to the registration and the to design and further develop processes according to the application. In this regard, reference is made, on the one hand, to those subordinate to the independent claims

Claims, on the other hand to the description of exemplary embodiments in

Connection with the drawing. In the drawing shows:

1 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a floatable foundation structure according to the present application,

2a shows a schematic view of a further exemplary embodiment of a floatable foundation structure according to the present application,

FIG. 2b shows a schematic partial view of the further exemplary embodiment according to FIG

Figure 2a,

FIG. 2c shows a schematic partial view of the further exemplary embodiment according to FIG

Figure 2 a,

3 shows a schematic view of a further exemplary embodiment of a floatable foundation structure according to the present application,

4 shows a schematic partial view of a further exemplary embodiment of a floatable foundation structure according to the present application,

5 shows a schematic partial view of a further exemplary embodiment of a floatable foundation structure according to the present application, 6 shows a schematic partial view of a further exemplary embodiment of a floatable foundation structure according to the present application,

7 shows a schematic partial view of a further exemplary embodiment of a floatable foundation structure according to the present application,

8 shows a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the present application, and FIG

9 shows a schematic view of a further (particularly preferred) exemplary embodiment of a floatable foundation structure according to the present application.

In the figures, the same reference symbols are used for the same elements.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a floating foundation structure 100 according to the present application for an offshore structure 102. An offshore wind power plant 102 is shown as an example as an offshore structure 102. It goes without saying that other offshore structures can be provided in other variants of the application.

The floatable foundation structure 100 shown comprises a floating body arrangement 104 and a mass arrangement 106. The floating body arrangement 104 comprises at least one floating body or buoyant body, which for example can be at least partially hollow in its interior and / or filled with a light solid. The mass arrangement 106 comprises at least one mass body which can be made from steel, cast iron, cast steel, concrete, a cementitious material, or a combination thereof. The weight g acts on the mass body.

Ground arrangement 106 and float arrangement 104 can in principle have any external shape. Tubular or cylindrical mass and / or floating bodies can preferably be provided.

The foundation structure 100 is shown in a coupling state in which the mass arrangement 106 is coupled to the floating body arrangement 104 using at least one tether 108. The at least one tether 108 or tether 108 can be made of metal (e.g. steel), polyethylene (preferably HDPE (high-density polyethylene)) or a synthetic fiber material.

In the coupling state, in order to couple the floating body arrangement 104 to the ground arrangement 106, a coupling section 112 of the tether 108 is guided in an arc (V-shaped) shape around a contact section 110 of the ground arrangement 106. Between the coupling section 112 of the tether 108 and the contact section 110 of the ground arrangement 106, due to the acting weight g, a secure connection and thus a secure coupling of the floating body arrangement 104 and the ground arrangement 106 is established. In particular, the holding cable 108 is tensioned due to the weight force acting on the arched coupling section 112 in such a way that the structure assumes a stable and permanent state (without one end of the holding cable having to be directly connected to the grounding arrangement).

As can be seen in particular, the tether 108 wraps around the contact section 110 of the grounding arrangement 106 with an essentially half winding. In other variants of the application, the tether can also loop around the contact section 110 with more than half a winding or be guided around it. As can be seen, for example, a first end 118 of the tether 108 can be fastened to a first fastening point 122 (for example a welded-on eyelet) on the floating body arrangement 104. The first end 118 is part of a first end section 114 to which the coupling section 112 connects. In the present case, this is followed by a second end section 116 with the other end 120 of the tether 108, which is fastened to a second fastening point 124 (for example a welded-on eyelet) on the floating body arrangement 104.

The reference numeral 126 denotes the water surface and the reference numeral 128 the water floor surface (in particular a sea floor surface). As can be seen, in the present exemplary embodiment the mass arrangement 106 is suspended from the floating body arrangement 104 by the at least one tether 108 in a (permanent and in particular constant) coupling position 111, the distance 113 between the coupling position 111 and the bottom 128 preferably being at least 15 m is, particularly preferably at least 50 m. In this case, the mass arrangement 106 can in particular assume the function of a pendulum in order to stabilize the position of the floating body arrangement 104 or of the offshore structure 102.

In other variants, in the coupling state, the ground arrangement can also be in contact with the bottom of the water, for example it can rest on it or be at least partially buried.

FIG. 2a shows a schematic view of a further exemplary embodiment of a floating foundation structure 200 (shown without an offshore structure for a better overview) according to the present application. To avoid repetition, essentially only the differences from the previous exemplary embodiment are described below and otherwise reference is made to the previous explanations. The foundation structure 200 shown is based in particular on the Tetraspar concept. In the present case, the floating body arrangement 204 has a plurality of (tubular) floating bodies 230 which can be connected to one another. Three floats 230 can, for example, form a triangular shape in a horizontal plane in an installed state (each leg of the triangle can be formed by a float 230). In addition, a vertically running floating body 234 can be arranged in the center of the triangle, a further floating body 230 being able to run from each corner of the spanned triangle to the vertically arranged floating body 230. Furthermore, struts 232 can be provided for stabilization.

In the present case, a mass arrangement 206 is coupled, in particular suspended, to this floating body arrangement 204. The particular as

The mass arrangement 206 formed by the mass stabilizer arrangement 206 may comprise a plurality of tubular mass bodies 236, which preferably form a triangular shape in a horizontal plane in an installed state (each leg of the triangle may be formed by a mass body 236). As a result, the mass stabilizer arrangement 206 can act as a pendulum, which sufficiently (permanently) stabilizes the foundation structure 200 in the installed state.

A plurality of holding ropes 208.1, 208.2, 208.3 are used to couple the mass arrangement 206 and the floating body arrangement 204. In the manner described above, in the coupling state, a coupling section 212 of the tether 208 is guided in an arc-shaped manner around a contact section 210 of the ground arrangement 206. In particular, a corner region of the triangle formed by the mass bodies 236 is wrapped around as the contact section 210 of the ground arrangement 206.

Enlarged sections of such a corner area are shown by way of example in FIGS. 2b and 2c. First of all, it can be seen that two mass bodies 236 are coupled to one another in the corner region by a connecting element 240, which in particular is passed through respective openings in the mass bodies 236. The respective outer ends of the connecting element 240 protrude from the openings. For example, the connecting element 240 can be welded to the mass bodies 236 [or another connection].

As can be seen, in the present coupling state, the coupling section 212 of the tether 208 is guided in an arc around the contact section 210 of the ground arrangement 206, in such a way that the coupling section 212 of the tether 208 forms a loop holder in which the contact section 210 of the ground arrangement 206 [safe, in particular due to the acting weight) is held. In particular, the tether 208 can be guided around the connecting element 240 and interact with it in such a way that the ends of the connecting element 240 protruding from the openings further reduce the risk of the tether slipping [cf. in particular Fig. 2c).

Furthermore, the coupling section 212 of the tether 208 is formed by two leg sub-sections 244, 246 and a bow sub-section 248, the leg sub-sections 244, 246 being connected to one another by the bow sub-section 248. The angle 242 between the leg sub-sections 244, 246 is at least less than 135 °, preferably at least less than 90 °, particularly preferably at least less than 15 °.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a further exemplary embodiment of a floatable foundation structure 300 according to the present application. In particular, only a partial section is shown for a better overview. The mass arrangement 306 corresponds to the mass arrangement from FIG. 2. In the present case, a contact section 312 is formed by an end region of a mass body 336 [and not the entire corner region). In the present case, in particular, each end region of a tubular mass body 336 is wrapped around by a respective tether 308. In this exemplary embodiment, too, the tether 308 can be reversed in this way the connecting element 340 be guided and with this interaction that the risk of the tether 308 slipping off is further reduced by the ends of the connecting element 340 protruding from the openings.

As can also be seen, the angle 342 can be essentially 0 °, so that the respective leg sub-sections 244, 246 run essentially parallel to one another.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic (cross-sectional) partial view of a further exemplary embodiment of a floatable foundation structure 400 according to the present application. To avoid repetition, essentially only the differences from the previous exemplary embodiments are described below and otherwise reference is made to the previous statements.

In the present case, the contact section 410 of the ground arrangement 406 has a recess 456 in the form of a groove 456. Here, the inner shape of the groove corresponds to the outer shape of the coupling section 412. In particular, the diameter 458 of the groove 456 can essentially correspond to the outer diameter 460 of the coupling section 412. For example, the groove can have a depth that essentially corresponds to the radius of the tether 408. In a coupling state, the coupling section 412 of the tether 408 can be arranged in the groove 456. As a result, the tether 408 can be prevented even better from slipping off.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic partial view of a further exemplary embodiment of a floatable foundation structure 500 according to the present application. To avoid repetition, essentially only the differences from the previous exemplary embodiments are described below and otherwise reference is made to the previous statements. In the example shown, at least one friction reduction element 560 is arranged on the contact section 510 of the ground arrangement 506. The friction reduction element 560 is in particular a resilient (for example glued on) layer 560 made of an elastomer material such as neoprene rubber. The layer 560 is designed at least to reduce the coefficient of friction in the contact area between the contact section 510 of the mass arrangement 506 and the coupling section 512 of the tether 508 to at least less than 0.15, in particular less than 0.05 In other variants of the application, as an alternative or in addition, a friction reduction element can be arranged on the outer surface of the retaining cable or form it.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic partial view of a further exemplary embodiment of a floatable foundation structure 600 according to the present application. To avoid repetition, essentially only the differences from the previous exemplary embodiments are described below and otherwise reference is made to the previous statements.

In the present case, at least one movement reduction element 668 is arranged on the contact section 610 of the mass arrangement 606, set up at least to reduce a relative movement between the coupling section 612 of the tether 608 and the contact section 610 of the mass arrangement 606.

In particular, an adhesive 668 in the form of an adhesive layer 668 is applied to the (potential) contact layer of the contact section 610 as the movement reduction element 668.

In other variants of the application, an adhesive layer can alternatively or additionally be applied to the coupling section of the tether. A two-component adhesive agent can preferably be used as the movement-reducing element, one component being applied to the coupling section and one component being applied to the contact section can. An adhesive effect can only be created when the two components come into contact.

In other other variants of the application, at least one clip element can alternatively or additionally be provided, which is supported by a.

Clamping effect can fix the coupling portion on the contact portion.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic partial view of a further exemplary embodiment of a floatable foundation structure 700 according to the present application. To avoid repetition, essentially only the differences from the previous exemplary embodiments are described below and otherwise reference is made to the previous statements.

In order to reduce in particular the forces acting on a tether 708 and thus the risk of damage to a tether 708, one or more of the elements described below can optionally be provided.

For example, a spring loaded suspension mechanism 772 for attaching the tether 708 to the float assembly 706 may be disposed at at least one end 718, 720 of the tether 708 [preferably, as shown, at both ends 718, 720 of the tether 708). In particular, the spring-loaded suspension mechanism 772 is configured such that the dynamic peak forces in the tether 708 are reduced by at least 5%, preferably at least 15%, compared to an unsprung fastening of the tether 708. As an alternative or in addition, at least one mechanical vibration absorber 774 (preferably a vibration absorber 774 can be arranged at each end section 714, 716 of the tether). In the present case, Stockbridge vibration absorbers 774 are attached to the tether 708. Alternatively or additionally, a cable bridge 776 can be arranged between the adjacent cable sections 714, 716. In particular, the end sections 714, 716 of the tether 708, which run essentially parallel to one another, can be coupled by at least one (almost rigid) rope bridge 776.

At least temporarily (indicated by the dashed design) at least one lifting device 778 (e.g. a cable winch 778) can be arranged at at least one end 718, 720 (preferably at both ends 718, 720) of the tether 708. For example, a cable winch can be coupled to the tether 708 at least temporarily. The lifting device 778 is set up in particular to move the mass arrangement (not shown here for the sake of a better overview) in the vertical direction, e.g. between a transport position and an installation position (or coupling position).

It goes without saying that the exemplary embodiments described according to FIGS. 1 to 7 can also be combined with one another.

FIG. 8 shows a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the present application. In particular, a method for producing a previously described buoyant foundation structure according to one of the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 7 or a combination thereof is shown.

In a first step 801, at least one (previously described) floating body arrangement is provided. In a step 802 (which can take place, for example, in parallel with step 801), at least one (previously described) ground arrangement is provided.

In a step 803, the floating body arrangement is coupled to the ground arrangement by at least one tether, in that a coupling section of the tether is guided in an arc-shaped manner around a contact section of the earth arrangement. In other words, at least one retaining cable is looped around part of the mass arrangement, so that the weight force acting on the mass arrangement produces a (secure and, in particular, permanent) coupling between the floating body arrangement and the mass arrangement.

For example, a tether from a first end, which is attached to a floating body, can initially be guided in a first vertical direction. The coupling section can then be arcuate, for example semicircular (as stated, several turns can be provided), around the contact section. Then the tether can be guided in the opposite vertical direction and the other end of the tether can be attached to the floating body, for example. It goes without saying that guiding the tether in a vertical direction can include a horizontal component in order, for example, to produce an angle between the leg sections of the tether between 0 ° and 135 °.

Optionally, steps 804 to 806 can follow steps 801 to 803. These steps 804 to 806 can also form an independent method. In particular, in steps 804 to 806, an installation method according to the application for a floating foundation structure can be mapped.

In a pre-assembly step 804 (which can be at least partially identical to step 803), the floating body arrangement is coupled to the ground arrangement by at least one tether, in particular by guiding a coupling section of the tether around a contact section of the ground arrangement. This can be done in a port, for example. The mass arrangement can be positioned in a transport position in step 804 by the at least one lifting device. In this transport state of the foundation structure, the foundation structure can be brought to a specific installation location in a step 805, in particular it can be towed from a ship.

At the installation location, the lifting device can move the mass arrangement into an installation position (step 806). The installation position (also known as the coupling position) is in particular a lower position than the transport position when viewed in the vertical direction. The at least one lifting device can be dismantled, for example, after reaching the installation position.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of a further (particularly preferred) exemplary embodiment of a floatable foundation structure 900 according to the present application. In particular, a corner area of a grounding arrangement 906 is shown.

As can be seen, at least one contact section 910 is non-positively connected to the ground arrangement 906 (e.g. welded, screwed, glued, encapsulated) on the ground arrangement 906 (in particular on the outside).

In particular, a contact section 910 of the mass arrangement 906 is formed in the present case by a pivot pin 910 (or the like) fastened to the mass arrangement 906. A pivot pin 910 is set up to reduce the movement of the tether 908. A turning pin 910 can have a circumferential collar at its end. The contact section 912 can run or be guided between the outer wall of the ground arrangement 906 and the circumferential collar (arcuate). In particular, the distance between the collar and the outer wall can be (somewhat) smaller than the outer diameter of the retaining cable 908 used (in particular of the contact section 912). In particular, the turning pin 910 can be matched to the tether in such a way that the contact section 912 of the tether 908 jams between the outer wall of the ground arrangement 906 and the circumferential collar in an installation state will be produced. A cotter pin 982 can be arranged as an additional movement-reducing element.

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e

1. Floating foundation structure (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) for an offshore structure (102), comprising: at least one floating body arrangement (104, 204, 704), and at least one mass arrangement (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606), the mass arrangement (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606) with the floating body arrangement (104, 204, 704) by at least one tether (108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708) can be coupled in a coupling state, characterized in that in the coupling state for coupling the floating body arrangement (104, 204, 704) to the ground arrangement (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606) a coupling section (112, 212 , 312, 412, 512, 612) of the tether (108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708) arcuately around a contact section (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) of the ground arrangement (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606).

2. Floatable foundation structure (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to claim 1, characterized in that in the coupling state of the coupling section (112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612) of the tether (108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708) is guided in an arc around the contact section (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) of the ground arrangement (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606) in such a way that the coupling section (112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612) of the tether (108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708) forms a loop holder in which the contact section (110, 210, 310, 410, 510 , 610) of the ground arrangement (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606) is held.

3. Floatable foundation structure (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the coupling state, the coupling section (112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612) of the tether (108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708) by at least two leg sections (244, 246) and at least one arch section (248 ) is formed, the two leg sections (244, 246) being connected to one another by the arch section (248), and the angle (242) between the leg sections (244, 246) is at least less than 135 °, preferably at least less than 90 ° , particularly preferably at least less than 15 °.

4. Floatable foundation structure (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radius of the contact section (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) of the ground arrangement (106 , 206, 306, 406, 506, 606) is at least twice larger than the rope diameter, preferably at least five times larger, particularly preferably at least fifteen times larger.

5. Floatable foundation structure (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ends (118, 120, 718, 720) of the tether (108, 208, 308, 408 , 508, 608, 708) are each fastened to a fastening point (122, 124) on the float assembly (104, 204, 704), with one fastening point (122, 124) being higher in the vertical direction than the contact section (110) in the coupling state , 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) of the ground arrangement (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606).

6. Floatable foundation structure (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the coupling state the mass arrangement (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606) on the floating body arrangement (104, 204, 704) by which at least one tether (108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708) is suspended in a coupling position, where the distance between the docking position and the bottom of the water

(128) is preferably at least 15 m, particularly preferably at least

50 m. 7. Floatable foundation structure (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in the coupling state the ground arrangement (106, 206, 306, 406, 506 , 606) is in contact with the bottom of the water (128). 8. Floatable foundation structure (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the coupling section (112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612) of the tether (108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708) and / or the contact section (110, 210, 310,. 410, 510, 610) of the ground arrangement (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606) at least one motion reduction element ( 668), the movement reduction element (668) being set up at least to reduce a relative movement between the coupling section (112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612) of the tether (108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708) ) and the contact portion (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) of the ground arrangement (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606) in the coupling state.

9. Floatable foundation structure (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one movement reduction element (668) is selected from the group comprising:

Bracket element,

Friction element designed to increase the friction in a contact area between the coupling section (112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612) of the tether (108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708) and the contact section (110, 210) , 310, 410, 510, 610) of the ground arrangement (106, 206, 306, 406, 506,

606), Adhesive agent, and

Potting compound.

10. Floatable foundation structure (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the coupling section (112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612) of the tether (108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708) and / or the contact section (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) of the ground arrangement (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606) at least one friction reduction element (560 ), wherein the friction reduction element (560) is set up at least to reduce the coefficient of friction in a contact area between the coupling section (112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612) of the tether (108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608) , 708) and the contact section (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) of the mass arrangement (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606) to at least less than 0.15, in particular less than 0.05.

11. Floatable foundation structure (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to claim 10, characterized in that the at least one friction reduction element (560) has at least one greasy and / or oiled contact surface of the coupling section (112, 212, 312 , 412, 512, 612) of the tether (108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708) and / or the contact section (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) of the ground arrangement (106, 206, 306 , 406, 506, 606), and / or the at least one friction reduction element (560) is a resilient surface layer of the coupling section (112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612) of the tether (108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708) and / or the contact section (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) of the ground arrangement (106, 206, 306, 406, 506,

606), the resilient surface layer being made of an elastomeric material.

12. Floatable foundation structure (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact section (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) of the ground arrangement (106, 206 , 306, 406, 506, 606) has a recess (456), wherein the inner shape of the recess (456) corresponds to the outer shape of the coupling section (112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612) of the tether (108, 208, 308 , 408, 508, 608, 708) corresponds. 13. Floatable foundation structure (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact section (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) of the ground arrangement (106, 206 , 306, 406, 506, 606) is formed by a pivot pin (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) attached to the mass arrangement (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606).

14. Floatable foundation structure (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one end (118, 120, 718, 720) of the tether (108, 208, 308 , 408, 508, 608, 708) a spring loaded suspension mechanism (772) is arranged.

15. Floatable foundation structure (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - at least one lifting device (778) at least temporarily on at least one

End (118, 120, 718, 720) of the tether (108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708) can be arranged.

16. Floatable foundation structure (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one mechanical vibration absorber (774), in particular a Stockbridge vibration absorber (774), is arranged on the tether (108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708).

17. Floatable foundation structure (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two adjacent rope sections (714, 716) of at least one tether (108,

208, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708) are coupled to one another via at least one rope bridge (776).

18. Offshore structure (102), comprising at least one floating foundation structure (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to one of the preceding claims.

19. A method for producing a floating foundation structure (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700), in particular a floating foundation structure (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 17, comprising:

Providing at least one float assembly (104, 204, 704), and providing at least one ground assembly (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606), characterized in that the method further comprises:

Coupling of the float assembly (104, 204, 704) to the ground assembly (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606) by at least one tether (108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708) by a coupling section ( 112, 212,

312, 412, 512, 612) of the tether (108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708) arcuately around a contact section (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) of the ground arrangement (106, 206, 306 , 406, 506, 606).