EP4168300A1 - Floating support structure with a stable vertical floating position for connection to a horizontally positioned tower of a wind turbine - Google Patents
Floating support structure with a stable vertical floating position for connection to a horizontally positioned tower of a wind turbineInfo
- Publication number
- EP4168300A1 EP4168300A1 EP21731431.9A EP21731431A EP4168300A1 EP 4168300 A1 EP4168300 A1 EP 4168300A1 EP 21731431 A EP21731431 A EP 21731431A EP 4168300 A1 EP4168300 A1 EP 4168300A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- support structure
- wires
- wind turbine
- barge
- tower
- 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- Withdrawn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 53
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 230000000630 rising effect Effects 0.000 claims description 61
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 43
- 238000013016 damping Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- RLQJEEJISHYWON-UHFFFAOYSA-N flonicamid Chemical compound FC(F)(F)C1=CC=NC=C1C(=O)NCC#N RLQJEEJISHYWON-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006641 stabilisation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011105 stabilization Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003643 water by type Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003245 working effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- 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
- 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
- B63B73/00—Building or assembling vessels or marine structures, e.g. hulls or offshore platforms
- B63B73/10—Building or assembling vessels from prefabricated hull blocks, i.e. complete hull cross-sections
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B77/00—Transporting or installing offshore structures on site using buoyancy forces, e.g. using semi-submersible barges, ballasting the structure or transporting of oil-and-gas platforms
- B63B77/10—Transporting or installing offshore structures on site using buoyancy forces, e.g. using semi-submersible barges, ballasting the structure or transporting of oil-and-gas platforms specially adapted for electric power plants, e.g. wind turbines or tidal turbine generators
-
- 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
- B63B1/125—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement with multiple hulls the hulls being interconnected rigidly comprising more than two 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
- 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
- B63B39/00—Equipment to decrease pitch, roll, or like unwanted vessel movements; Apparatus for indicating vessel attitude
- B63B39/06—Equipment to decrease pitch, roll, or like unwanted vessel movements; Apparatus for indicating vessel attitude to decrease vessel movements by using foils acting on ambient water
- B63B2039/067—Equipment to decrease pitch, roll, or like unwanted vessel movements; Apparatus for indicating vessel attitude to decrease vessel movements by using foils acting on ambient water effecting motion dampening by means of fixed or movable resistance bodies, e.g. by bilge keels
-
- 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
- B63B35/003—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for for transporting very large loads, e.g. offshore structure modules
-
- 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 primarily to a floating support structure for offshore wind turbines.
- the support structure has a stable vertical floating position and is particularly suitable for assembly of a vertically floating support structure and tower of a wind turbine horizontally positioned on a barge or key side. Also, it is suitable for transport on heavy-lift vessels over large distances.
- Floating support structures for offshore wind turbines are known in the art and several methods for connecting a tower of a wind turbine to a floating support structure have been described.
- patent publication US 2014/0196654 A1 discloses a floating support structure for wind turbines consisting of columns having stabilizing elements mounted to their ends. The columns have an inner volume for ballasting.
- Another type of support structure having the possibility of stabilization and ballasting is disclosed in patent publication US 2019/0061884 Al.
- Yet other examples of floating support structures are disclosed in patent publications US 10,518,846 B2, WO 2014/163501 Al and JP 2005-201194 A.
- a common disadvantage for any of the known floating support structures of the above-mentioned type is that the cost related to the use of large cranes are substantial.
- Prior art support structures all need large cranes when mounting the tower of a wind turbine and/or when mounting nacelle and rotor blades. Having people and expensive equipment suspended at high altitude also rises security issues and the delay caused by bad weather is significant.
- a particular object of the invention is to provide a floating support structure that enable mounting of the tower of the wind turbine to the support structure, with nacelle and rotor blades attached, without using a crane.
- the invention concerns a floating support structure configured for connection to a tower of a wind turbine without using a crane for mounting the tower.
- the support structure comprises a first and second pivot line buoyancy unit having a pivot line between them. As will become clear later in the text the support structure is designed to pivot around the pivot line while floating on the two pivot line buoyancy units.
- the support structure further comprises a top buoyancy unit and a support structure flange for connecting the tower of a wind turbine to the support structure.
- the top buoyancy unit is positioned in a top corner of an isosceles triangle T with equal sides extending from the top buoyancy unit to each of the first and second pivot line buoyancy unit and the support structure flange is positioned on the lower half of a perpendicular line H from the top corner.
- the support structure comprises a binding structure binding the buoyancy units and support structure flange together in their respective positions.
- the binding structure can have an infinite number of forms as long as it keeps the buoyancy units and support structure flange in their respective positions in a structurally sound manner.
- the support structure is characterized by having a stable vertical floating position with the first and second pivot line buoyancy units floating in a body of water and the top buoyance unit vertically above them.
- the support structure flange which is vertically positioned when the support structure is floating vertically, is configured to be connected to the bottom end of a horizontally positioned wind turbine tower.
- the support structure is further configured to maintain sideways stability of a combined structure of the support structure and wind turbine during a 90 degrees rotation to an erected operational position of the combined structure.
- sideways stability it is meant stability in a plane parallel to the pivot line.
- the top buoyancy unit comprises at least one reinforced top connection structure for fastening of at least one rising wires for causing a combined pull in a rearward direction.
- each of the first and second baseline buoyancy unit comprises at least one reinforced connection structure for fastening of respective restriction wires for causing a combined pull in a forward direction.
- the top buoyancy unit comprises at least one reinforced support connection structure for respective at least one support wires, which are configured to transfer rotational force from the at least one rising wires onto the wind turbine tower connected to the support structure.
- the invention concerns a method for connection a floating support structure according to claim 1 and a wind turbine tower. The method comprises the following steps: A. Positioning the wind turbine tower horizontally on a barge or quay with the bottom end by the edge of the barge or quay and mount the nacelle and the rotor blades. The wind turbine tower is supported at a height matching the position of the support structure flange
- the method for rotation of support structure and wind turbine to an erect position in step D comprises the wind turbine being horizontally positioned on a quay or anchored / fixed barge.
- the method comprises the following steps: 1. positioning, fastening and/or connecting the wires and winches as follows: a. Fastening at least one rising wire, connected to at least one rising winch positioned rearward of the combined structure, to the top buoyancy unit. b. Fastening respective at least one restriction wires, connected to respective at least one restriction winches positioned on the barge or quay, to the respective first and second pivot line buoyancy units. c. Fastening at least one counteracting wire, connected to at least one counteracting winch positioned on the barge or quay, to the upper part of the wind turbine tower.
- the combined pull vector from the rising wires and counteracting wires are positioned in a central plane C and the restriction wires holds the pivot line in a perpendicular position relative to the central plane C.
- step 1 in the method for rotation of support structure and wind turbine to an erect position also includes fastening securing wires to the first and second pivot line buoyance units on the rearward side opposite of the restriction wires to prevent uncontrolled movement of the combined structure towards the quay or barge during a free fall part at the end of the rotation.
- step 1 in the method for rotation of support structure and wind turbine to an erect position also includes fastening at least one support wires to the top buoyancy unit in one end and to the top end of the tower in the other end.
- the wind turbine tower is positioned on a winchable barge.
- the method for rotation of support structure and wind turbine to an erect position is characterized by the following steps:
- the combined pull vector from the rising wires and counteracting wires are positioned in the central plane C and the restriction wires holds the pivot line 2 in a perpendicular position relative to the central plane C.
- Fig. la, b and c show three embodiments of the invention seen from above.
- Fig. 2a and b shows particular embodiments of the invention similar to Fig. lc seen in perspective view.
- Fig 3a shows the embodiment of Fig. 2a in a side and top view and with a wind turbine mounted.
- Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of the support structure in a stable vertical floating position.
- Fig 5a shows a sideview of an arrangement of wires and winches for rotating the combined structure 90 degrees from resting on a quay.
- Fig 5b shows a sideview of an arrangement of wires and winches for rotating the combined structure 90 degrees from resting on a movable barge.
- Fig. 5c shows a top view of the arrangement in Fig. 5b
- Fig. 6 a-c illustrates a method for connecting a horizontal tower and vertical support structure.
- Fig. 7a-e illustrates a method for rotating the combined structure of the support structure and wind turbine 90 degrees.
- Fig. 8a-d illustrates another method for rotating the combined structure 90 degrees.
- wind turbine 100 we mean the tower 101, nacelle 102 and rotor blades 103.
- the combined structure of the floating support structure 1 and the wind turbine 100 is simply called the ‘combined structure’. Forward is the direction from the vertical support structure and along the tower in its horizontal position and rearward is the opposite direction as illustrated with arrows in fig. 6
- the invention describes a floating support structure 1 configured for connection to a tower 101 of a wind turbine 100.
- the invention includes a method for mounting the tower 101 without use if a crane. The method is achieved by first mounting the nacelle 102 and the rotor blades 103 to the tower of the wind turbine 100 when the tower 101 is positioned horizontally and then mounting the tower 101 to the floating support structure 1 when in vertical position. When the tower and support structure are connected, the combined structure is rotated 90 degrees to an erect position.
- FIG. 1 shows different embodiments of such a floating support structure.
- the support structure according to the invention comprises a first and second pivot line buoyancy unit 3, 4 having a pivot line 2 between them and a top buoyancy unit 5 positioned in the top corner vertically above the first and second pivot line buoyancy units 3,4 when the support structure 1 is in a stable vertical floating position as seen in fig. 4.
- the figure shows the center of gravity (COG), marked with a crossed circle, straight above the center of buoyancy (COB), marked with an X, in a vertical floating position.
- the support structure 1 is configured to have a stable horizontal floating position for normal operation (figs. 2 and 3) and a stable vertical floating position for mounting of the tower 101 of the wind turbine 100 when in horizontal orientation.
- the top buoyancy unit 5 is positioned in the top corner of an isosceles triangle T with equal sides extending from the top buoyancy unit 5 to each of the first and second pivot line buoyancy unit 3, 4 and a support structure flange 15 is positioned on the lower half of a perpendicular line H from the top corner.
- the isosceles triangles T are marked with a dotted line in figures la-c. As explained in greater detail below, this configuration will enable an advantageous transfer of rotational forces applied to the combined structure.
- the pivot line 2 is a theoretical line around which the combined structure 1,100 rotates during the mentioned 90 degrees rotation. This line will in most cases change position during the 90 degrees rotation according to which method is used for rotating the combined structure 1,100 and how the rotational forces are applied.
- the support structure 1 comprises a support structure flange 15 for connecting the tower 101 of a wind turbine 100 to the support structure 1.
- the support structure flange 15 is configured to mate with the bottom end of the tower 101 of the wind turbine 100 when the tower 101 is positioned horizontally and the support structure 1 is floating vertically (figs. 4 and 5a).
- the support structure 1 also comprises a binding structure binding the buoyancy units 3, 4 and 5 and the support structure flange 15 together in their respective positions.
- a great variety of possible binding structures are possible, where figures 1-3 shows a number of preferred embodiments.
- the support structure 1 is configured to have a stable vertical floating position with the first and second pivot line buoyancy units 3, 4 floating in a body of water and the top buoyance unit 5 vertically above them. This is achieved when the support structure 1 floats in a vertical position with the center of gravity (COG) and the center of buoyancy (COB) positioned along the common vertical line such that sufficient restoring force is achieved when the support structure tilts in any direction.
- This stability can be obtained through an endless variation of actual constructions and parts of the binding structure can be used for the purpose of buoyancy in the vertical position.
- Figure 2a and b shows an embodiment of the invention comprising two main sections: a transvers main section 20 and an aft main section 10.
- the binding structure comprises a horizontal pipe 21, which is a part of the transvers main section 20, providing sufficient vertical floating stability for controlled movement in calm waters.
- the binding structure further comprises a horizontal pipe 11 in the aft main section 10 on which the support structure flange 15 is positioned and which is connected to the middle of the transverse main section 20 by means of a coupling structure 24.
- the binding structure may further comprise a transition cone 13 between the horizontal pipe 11 and a vertical pipe 12 in the aft main section 10, because the two sections 11 and 12 might advantageously have different diameters.
- the vertical pipe 12 constitutes the top buoyancy unit 5.
- Vertical pipes 22 on each side of the transverse main section 20 constitutes the first and second pivot line buoyancy units 3, 4.
- This structure provide a desired combination of characteristics: Low point of gravity and sufficient stability and buoyancy in a vertical position, low overall weight and low resistance during towing. Furthermore, the main aft section 10 provides the strength and stiffness needed to handle the rotation.
- FIG 2 also shows circular damping plates 30a, 30b, 30c on the top buoyancy unit 5, the second buoyancy unit 4 and the first buoyancy unit 3, respectively.
- the damping plates 30 dampens movements in the support structure 1 caused by wave action and forces from the wind turbine.
- the aft main section is in one embodiment provided with a fastening device for mooring line connection 16 and on each side of the transverse main section a first and second fastening device for mooring line connection 26 and 27.
- a central plane C is defined and shown in fig. 2a containing the mentioned perpendicular line H.
- the central plane (C) is perpendicular to the pivot line 2.
- the top buoyancy unit moves in the central plane C during the rotational movement of the support structure 1.
- the support structure flange 15 is vertically positioned when the floating support structure 1 is vertically positioned.
- the vertically positioned support structure flange 15 is configured to be connected to the bottom end of the horizontally positioned wind turbine tower 101. Using bolts and bolt holes is one way of executing the connection. Welding is also conceivable.
- the support structure 1 is therefore configured to maintain sideways stability of the combined structure of the support structure and wind turbine during a 90 degrees rotation of the combined structure to an erected position of the wind turbine. In practical terms this amounts to the two pivot line buoyancy units 3, 4 being dimensioned to avoid total submersion during the rotational movement.
- the two buoyancy units 3,4, and possibly buoyant parts of the binding structure must have sufficient buoyancy to hold the weight of the combined structure 1,100 of the wind turbine 100 and support structure 1 and any vertical component of the rotational force applied to the combined structure during the 90 degree rotation.
- Wires 51, 53, 55, 60 and 62 and winches 56, 57, 58, and 59 may be used for rotating the combined structure 90 degrees.
- the wires are connected to reinforced connection structures 50, 52 and 54, as seen in figs. 4 and 5. It is conceivable to use slings or some kind of removable equipment, but due to the high level of forces, often reaching hundreds of tons, reinforced connection structures 50, 52 and 54 are advantageous.
- the rotational forces acting on the combined structure during rotation will have a direction in the central plane C.
- the rotational forces may be set up by one wire or a combination of wires.
- Each type of wire set up a combined force mainly positioned in the central plane.
- the top buoyancy unit 5 of the floating support structure 1 comprises at least one reinforced top connection structure 50 for at least one rising wires 51, preferably positioned on the top of the top buoyancy unit 5 or the damping structure 30a, as shown in fig. 4.
- Each of the first and second baseline buoyancy units 3, 4 comprises at least one reinforced connection structure 54, preferably positioned on the lower part of the respective first and second baseline buoyancy unit 3,4, and symmetrically relative to the central plane C.
- the top buoyancy unit 5 comprises at least one reinforced support connection structure 52, preferably positioned on the top side of the top buoyancy unit towards the tower 101.
- the at least one reinforced support connection structure 52 is configured for connection to at least one support wire 53, which are connected to the tower 101 of the wind turbine 100 to transfer rotational force from the at least one rising wires onto the tower 101.
- Figure 5a shows a sideview of a first configuration for wires and winches with the wind turbine 100 positioned on the quay side.
- the combined structure is pulled away from the quay 63 and the nacelle 102 is resting close to the edge of the quay.
- the at least one rising wire 51 is connected to a rising winch 56 positioned on a rising wire barge 65 in the rear end and to the top buoyancy unit 5 in the other end, preferably to the reinforced top connection structure 50.
- a support wire 53 is directly or indirectly connected to the top buoyancy unit 5 in one end, preferably to a reinforced support connection structure 52, and to the upper part of the tower 101 of the wind turbine in the other end.
- a restriction wire 55 is connected to each of the respective first and second pivot line buoyancy units 3, 4 in one end, preferably to reinforced connection structures 54, and to respective restriction winches 57 positioned on the quay side in the other end.
- a securing wire 61 is connected to the respective pivot line buoyancy units 3, 4 in one end and to a rearward fixpoint in the other end, i.e. an anchor or a fixpoint on land. Not visible is a counteracting winch 58 positioned behind one of the restriction winches 57.
- a counteracting wire 60 is connected to the tower 101 of the wind turbine 100 in one end and to the counteracting winch 58 positioned on the quay 64 in the other end.
- Figure 5b shows sideview of a second configuration of winches 57, 58 and 59and wires 51, 53, 55, 60 and 62 with a wind turbine 100 positioned on a barge 64.
- the figure shows a situation where the rotation has just started.
- At least one barge wire 62 is connected to a fixpoint rearward of the barge 64, in one end, and to a barge winch 59 on the barge 64 in the other end.
- a counteracting wire 60 is connected to the tower 101 of the wind turbine 100 in one end and to a counteracting winch 58 positioned on the barge 64 in the other end.
- a support wire 53 is directly or indirectly connected to the top buoyancy unit 5 in one end, preferably to a reinforced support connection structure 52, and to the upper part of the tower 101 of the wind turbine in the other end. Restriction wires 55 are fixed to the barge and the respective first and second buoyancy units 3, 4.
- the rising wire 51 is connected to a rearward fixpoint, i.e. an anchor or a fixpoint on land in one end, and to the top buoyancy unit 5 in the other end, preferably to the reinforced top connection structure 50.
- the wires are symmetrically positioned relative to plane C.
- Figure 5c shows the second configuration in 5b from above.
- the plane C is indicated with a dotted line. Seen from above the counteracting winch 58 is visible between the barge winches 59. Although, restriction winches are not necessary, it may be advantageous to be able to adjust the length of the restriction wires during the rotation.
- Figure 6 illustrates a method for connecting a vertically floating support structure 1 and a horizontally positioned wind turbine 100.
- the method comprises the following steps:
- the first step shown in fig. 6a and b is to position the wind turbine tower 101 horizontally on a barge 64 or quay with the bottom end by the edge of the barge or quay and mounting nacelle 102 and rotor blades 103 onto the tower 101 of the wind turbine 100.
- the wind turbine is positioned on a quay. This will normally require some means for adjustment of height due to tidal variations. The tidal adjustment could be done by ballasting and deballasting the support structure or by hydraulic tools supporting the tower 101.
- the advantage of using a barge 64 is that adjustments of height due to tidal fluctuations is avoided. Another advantage is that the barge 64 can be towed to any location which is suitable for the rotation of the combined structure.
- the second step shown in fig. 6a and b is to position the support structure 1 vertically with the support structure flange 15 opposite of a bottom end of the tower 101. It is not within the scope of the invention to describe how the support structure is positioned in a vertical position. This is described in another application.
- the third step is connecting the bottom end of the tower 101 of the wind turbine 100 with the support structure flange 15 of the support structure 1.
- the support structure flange is provided with bolts and the bottom end of the tower is provided with mating bolt holes.
- the fourth step is to rotate the combined structure of the support structure 1 and wind turbine 100 90 degrees to an erected position.
- the 90 degrees rotation of the combined structure can be done in a number of ways using bars, wires, winches, cranes, tugs, barges and ballasting / deballasting separately or in combination.
- the method comprises the following steps:
- First step is to position and fasten all the wires and winches.
- the essential wires and winches are shown in fig. 5a and 7a.
- First step includes to fasten at least one rising wire 51, connected to at least one rising winch 56 positioned rearward of the combined structure, to the top buoyancy unit, preferably to the at least one reinforced top connection structure 50.
- the combined pull of the at least one rising wire 51 must have a significant component tangential to the circle described by the top buoyancy unit during the 90 degrees rotation. Thus, causing a rotational movement of the combined structure.
- First step also includes to fasten respective at least one restriction wires 55 to the respective first and second pivot line buoyancy units 3, 4.
- the restriction wires 55 are connected to respective at least one restriction winches 57 positioned on the barge 64 or quay side.
- Preferably the restriction wires are fastened to the at least one reinforced connection structures 54 on said buoyancy units 3, 4. This configuration must be symmetric relative to the central plane C.
- the first step also includes to fasten the at least one counteracting wire 60, connected to at least one counteracting winch 58 positioned on the barge or quay, to the upper part of the wind turbine tower 101.
- the combined pull of the at least one counteracting wire is within the central plane C and is pointing forward.
- the first step also includes to fasten securing wires 61 to the first and second pivot line buoyance units on the rearward side opposite of the restriction wires to prevent uncontrolled movement of the combined structure towards the quay or barge during a free fall part at the end of the rotation.
- the first step also includes fastening at least one support wire 53 in one end to at least one reinforced support connection structure 52 on the forward side of the top buoyancy unit 5 and fastened to the upper part of the tower 101 in the other end.
- the purpose of the support wire is to hold the tower 101 in position relative to the support structure 1 during the 90 degrees rotation.
- the second step shown in fig. 7a is moving the wind turbine and support structure away from the barge 64 or quay until the nacelle 102 at the top end of the wind turbine tower 101 is close to the edge of the barge 64 or quay 63.
- the third step is tightening the restriction wires 55, the at least one rising wires 51 and the at least one support wires 53.
- the fourth step shown in fig. 7b and 7c is rotating the combined structure by pulling the at least one rising wire and /or the restriction wires.
- the COG of the combined structure will be ‘on the hull side’ of the support structure 1 and the combined structure will pass a tipping point and start to fall towards its intended erected floating position.
- the 90 degrees rotation can be split in a lifting part and a free fall part.
- the lifting part is the part where the rising wire needs to pull on the top buoyancy unit to continue the rotational movement and the free fall part is when COG is ‘onboard’ or ‘on the hull side of’ the support structure.
- the fifth step shown in fig. 7d is holding the counteracting wire taut and be prepared to counteract the free rotation before reaching the tipping point at the end of the rotational process.
- the sixth step is holding the rising wires taut when the tipping point is passed and the support structure fall towards its intended erected horizontal position shown in fig. 7e while the counteracting wire controls the movement during the free fall part of the 90 degrees rotation. If securing wires 61 are present, they will prevent the lower part of the combined structure to move forward during the free fall part of the rotation.
- the combined pull vector form the at least one rising wires 51 and the combined pull vector from the at least one counteracting wires 58 and the wind turbine tower 101 is positioned in the central plane C and the restriction wires holds the pivot line 2 in a perpendicular position relative to the central plane C.
- the problematic part of this operation is the free fall part of the rotation. If the top buoyancy unit hits the water at too great a speed, a large wave might be generated. This can be mitigated by the mentioned securing wires 61 which prevent forward movement of the pivot line buoyancy units 3, 4 and allows the securing wire 61 and counteracting wire 60 to control this part of the rotation.
- the rising winch 56 could be mounted at an altitude on a nearby hillside. This would allow the rising wire 55 and counteracting wire 60 to control the free fall part. Alternatively, a free fall is allowed to take place. If the counteracting wire 60 pulls the tower 101 forward the forward movement of the pivot line buoyance units 3, 4 is dampened by the resistance in the water and the velocity of the top buoyancy unit 5 when hitting the water would be low enough to avoid a large wave.
- the combined structure of the support structure 1 and wind turbine 100 is positioned on a barge 64. As seen in fig. 8 the wind turbine 100 is resting on a barge 64 and the support structure 1 is positioned vertically in the water.
- the combined structure is resting on a barge 64 as seen in fig 8a.
- the barge is anchored to a fixpoint in a forward position and a barge winch 59 is able to winch the barge forward by pulling the barge wire 62 connected to the fixpoint or anchor.
- the method for rotation of support structure 1 and wind turbine 100 to an erect position comprises the following steps:
- First step is to position, connect and fasten, the barge 64 and all the wires 51, 53,
- the first step includes to position the barge with the combined structure 1, 100 at a site for rotation with at least one barge wire 62 and barge winch 59 able to move the barge 64 forward in the central plane C.
- the barge winch can be positioned on the barge, at an anchor point or on shore.
- the first step also includes to fasten the at least one rising wire 51 to the top buoyancy unit, preferably to the at least one reinforced top connection structure 50 in one end, and the other end to a rearward fixpoint.
- the rising wire 51 is connected to at least one rising winch 56 positioned on a rising wire barge 65 (see fig 5a) or on land.
- the rising wire 51 may also simply be fixed to a fixpoint in the form of an anchor or installation on shore
- the combined pull of the at least one rising wire 51 must have a significant component tangential to the circle described by the top buoyancy unit during the 90 degrees rotation. Thus, causing a rotational movement of the combined structure.
- the mentioned pull of the at least one rising wire 51 may be a resultant force originating from the barge winch 59 or restriction winch 56.
- the first step also includes fastening respective at least one restriction wires 55 to the respective first and second pivot line buoyancy units 3, 4 and to the barge 64.
- the restriction wires 55 are fastened to the at least one reinforced connection structures 54 on said buoyancy units 3, 4. This configuration must be symmetric relative to the central plane C.
- the respective restriction wires 55 are connected to respective at least one restriction winches 57 positioned on the barge.
- the first step also includes fastening at least one counteracting wire 60, connected to at least one counteracting winch 58 positioned on the barge, to the upper part of the wind turbine tower 101.
- the combined pull vector of the at least one counteracting wire 60 is within the central plane and is pointing forward.
- the first step also includes fastening at least one support wire 53 in one end to at least one reinforced support connection structure 52 on the forward side of the top buoyancy unit 5 and fastened to the upper part of the tower 101 in the other end.
- the purpose of the support wire is to hold the tower 101 in position relative to the support structure 1 during the 90 degrees rotation.
- the second step comprises tightening the at least one barge wires and the at least one rising wires 51 by pulling the at least one barge wires 62.
- the third step comprises rotating the support structure 1 and wind turbine 100 by pulling the at least one barge wire 62 while the rising wire 51 is also pulling or held taut.
- the fourth step comprises holding the rising wires 51 and counteracting wires 60 taut when passing of the tipping point causes the combined structure to fall into an erected operational position during the free fall part of the 90 degrees rotation.
- Fig.8a-d shows how the barge moves as the rotation progresses.
- the dotted line illustrates the same position in all the figures.
- the combined pull vector from the at least one rising wires 51 and the combined pull vector from the at least one counteracting wires 58 and the wind turbine tower 101 is positioned in the central plane C and the restriction wires 55 holds the pivot line 2 in a perpendicular position relative to the central plane C throughout the 90 degrees rotation.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NO20200727A NO346824B1 (en) | 2020-06-19 | 2020-06-19 | Method for transporting and assembling modules for floating support structures |
NO20200726A NO347048B1 (en) | 2020-06-19 | 2020-06-19 | Floating support structure for offshore windmill |
PCT/EP2021/064903 WO2021254786A1 (en) | 2020-06-19 | 2021-06-03 | Floating support structure with a stable vertical floating position for connection to a horizontally positioned tower of a wind turbine |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP4168300A1 true EP4168300A1 (en) | 2023-04-26 |
Family
ID=76375045
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP21731431.9A Withdrawn EP4168300A1 (en) | 2020-06-19 | 2021-06-03 | Floating support structure with a stable vertical floating position for connection to a horizontally positioned tower of a wind turbine |
Country Status (2)
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EP (1) | EP4168300A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2021254786A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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WO2023015254A1 (en) * | 2021-08-04 | 2023-02-09 | Deep Reach Technology, Inc. | Installation system and method for an offshore wind turbine |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE10101405A1 (en) * | 2001-01-13 | 2002-07-18 | Remmer Briese | Offshore wind power unit for supplying energy has a rotor on a tower with a pillar underneath the tower fitted in a steel frame with three legs, leg braces linking the legs and tie-bars between the pillar base and each leg. |
JP2005201194A (en) | 2004-01-19 | 2005-07-28 | Ishikawajima Harima Heavy Ind Co Ltd | Wind power generation system |
AU2009238456B2 (en) | 2008-04-23 | 2013-09-19 | Principle Power, Inc. | Column-stabilized offshore platform with water-entrapment plates and asymmetric mooring system for support of offshore wind turbines |
FR2955828B1 (en) * | 2010-01-29 | 2012-04-20 | Dcns | FLOATING SUPPORT FOR OFF-SHORE STRUCTURE SUCH AS IN PARTICULAR A WINDMILL |
NO332528B1 (en) * | 2011-09-29 | 2012-10-08 | Windel As | Floating windmill |
WO2014163501A1 (en) | 2013-04-05 | 2014-10-09 | Gustomsc Recourses B.V. | Floating wind turbine |
CN106061834B (en) | 2014-02-06 | 2019-05-07 | 缅因大学系统委员会 | The method of mooring floatation type wind turbine platform |
FR3048409B1 (en) | 2016-03-02 | 2018-03-23 | IFP Energies Nouvelles | STABILIZATION SYSTEM, ESPECIALLY FOR A FLOATING SUPPORT, WITH AT LEAST THREE LIQUID RESERVES CONNECTED THERETO |
KR101956032B1 (en) * | 2018-03-26 | 2019-03-08 | 알렌 주식회사 | Offshore wind power equipment of floating type |
NL2021129B1 (en) * | 2018-06-15 | 2019-05-27 | Marine Innovators B V | Process to place a wind turbine |
-
2021
- 2021-06-03 WO PCT/EP2021/064903 patent/WO2021254786A1/en unknown
- 2021-06-03 EP EP21731431.9A patent/EP4168300A1/en not_active Withdrawn
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