IT202200023928A1 - FLOATING DOME PLATFORM - Google Patents

Description

Description accompanying the patent application for an invention entitled:

?FLOATING DOME PLATFORM?

DESCRIPTION

This patent for invention concerns the technical sector relating to floating marine platform systems for off-shore wind power.

As is known, at present in the sector of floating marine platforms for offshore wind power there are different types of experimental solutions, for example the monotube or ?spar-buoy? type, or the tension leg or ?TLP? type, or a triangular or ?semisubmersible? structure.

In single-tube systems, a notable difficulty arises in assembling the wind tower at sea, where the weather conditions typical of these installations make the difficulty evident and assembly itself particularly expensive.

In the triangular (or ?semisubmersible?) type, the problem of cost arises.

In the tension leg type there is the difficulty of the partial sinking of the structure (typical of the operating system of this solution), however not too penalizing and largely compensated by the many advantages. In fact, today, many consider the TLP type platforms to be the most suitable and safe for offshore wind installations.

Disadvantageously, current TLP solutions all have in common a relatively large overall diameter, a higher cost than single-pile solutions (spar-buoy), the use of expensive construction materials requiring widespread galvanic protection systems.

The design challenge is to generate a TLP platform that is significantly cheaper than existing ones; free of demanding watertight welds that could fail and cause it to sink; much more resistant to weather and sea conditions; much more stable and firm when subjected to stress, to safeguard both the performance and integrity of the wind tower; with a much less cumbersome plan so that it can be built in less space; made with less use of expensive materials and therefore favoring as much as possible economical and more easily available materials. This is thanks to innovative and improved construction and structural features compared to the prior art, some patents of which are cited below, briefly commented.

ES2608504A1 (B1) ? 2017-04-11: this patent concerns a wind generator with a load-bearing structure in concrete and iron, anchored to the bottom, structured with two triangles joined by lattices. This patent does not anticipate the present invention since the construction of the floating platform is not of the tension leg platform (TLP) type, nor does it have a unitary structure with two domes, and therefore is constructively different from what we proposed and does not solve the problems previously exposed.

CN201621329828U?2016-12-06: this patent concerns a wind generator with a load-bearing structure in concrete and iron, anchored to the bottom, structured with a reinforced concrete monotube. It does not anticipate the present invention since the construction of the floating platform is not of the TLP type but of spar-buoy, nor does it have a unitary structure with two domes, and therefore is constructively different from what we proposed and does not solve the problems previously exposed.

US10569844B2 (A1) ? 2020-02-25: this patent concerns a wind generator with a load-bearing structure in concrete and iron, anchored to the bottom like a sparbuoy, structured with a concrete disk at the base as a stabilizing mass. This patent does not anticipate the present invention since the construction of the floating platform is not of the TLP type but of spar-buoy, nor does it have a unitary structure with two domes, and therefore is constructively different from what we proposed and does not solve the problems previously exposed.

PT107606A ? 2015-10-26: this patent concerns a wind generator with a load-bearing structure in concrete and iron, anchored to the bottom like a TLP: however, this patent does not anticipate the present invention since the construction of the floating platform is not all in one piece and based on domes but constructively different from what we proposed, losing in economy, robustness, bulk and therefore does not solve the problems previously exposed.

CN212454692U ? 2021-02-02: this patent concerns a wind generator with an iron load-bearing structure, anchored to the bottom with a concrete dead weight, structured with four iron arms. It does not anticipate the present invention since the construction of the floating platform is not of the TLP type but semi-semisubmersible, nor does it have a unitary structure with two domes, and therefore is constructively different from what we proposed and does not solve the problems previously exposed.

CN112373640A ? 2021-02-19: This patent concerns a wind generator with an iron load-bearing structure, anchored to the bottom like a spar buoy, structured with a floating load-bearing disk and a perforated metal sphere filled with concrete in the lower half and water in the upper half, used as a stabilizing mass.

This patent does not anticipate the present invention since the construction of the floating platform is not of the TLP type but of a spar buoy, nor does it have a unitary structure with two domes, and therefore is constructively different from what we proposed and does not solve the problems previously exposed.

In fact, we have not found any patents based on the construction methods we have adopted.

The purpose of this invention is to eliminate the above and other drawbacks by providing a simple and economical system for building a floating wind platform system that is durable over time; resistant to the extreme climatic conditions of the open sea; all this according to the characteristics set forth in the independent claims. Other characteristics of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The advantages resulting from this invention consist essentially in the fact that this floating platform system allows for savings on construction costs due to the materials used; savings on construction costs due to the small size of the construction sites required; stability, when subjected to wind and wave stress, far superior to any other TLP ever designed to house a wind turbine; the need for galvanic protection is reduced to a minimum, with a consequent increase in reliability and reduction in costs; the most unfavorable weather and climate conditions can be easily tolerated, precisely because of its construction characteristics; and all this is achieved in a simple and economical manner.

The originality and functionality of the invention will be better understood by any person skilled in the art from the following description, with the aid of the attached drawings which show some implementing but not exhaustive or limiting solutions, in which: ? Fig. 1 in Table 1 shows the floating domed platform (1) in front view, with parts not shown for simplicity. The floating domed platform system (1) is visible, composed of the body (11), the tie rods (12) and the anchoring system (13). The seabed level (4), the sea level (3) and the wind generator (2) mounted on the floating domed platform system (1) are also visible.

? Fig. 2 in Plate 2 is a front view, with hidden dotted lines, of the body (11). This body (11) has an upper dome (111) with the concavity facing downwards, and a lower dome (112) with the concavity facing upwards, both with axial symmetry in space with respect to the symmetry axis (119). These domes can be in direct contact with each other, or preferably connected by a ring: in fact, this ring (113) is also visible, which acts as a connection between the two upper (111) and lower (112) domes. The space that remains empty between the aforementioned elements (111, 112, 113) constitutes a fundamental part of the floating volume. You can also see a connecting organ (115), which, by means of the hole (1152), allows the connection to the anchoring tie rods and, by means of the hole (1151), allows the connection to a float or other accessories useful for operation; there are two other identical connecting organs, placed at 120° with respect to the organ (115), of which only the organ (117) is visible, with the holes (1171, 1172). Finally, the tube (114) is visible, integral or mounted on the body (11).

? Fig. 3 in Plate 3 is a sectional view of the body (11). It shows the upper dome (111) and the lower dome (112), with axial symmetry in space with respect to the symmetry axis (119). The ring (113) is also visible, which acts as a connection between the two upper (111) and lower (112) domes. The connecting element (115) can also be seen, which, by means of the hole (1152), allows connection to the anchoring tie rods, and by means of the hole (1151) allows connection to a float or other accessories useful for operation; a reinforcing element (118) can also be seen near the connecting element (115), and a seat (120) suitable for containing the bilge pumps, not shown here, for emptying or filling with water when necessary; you can see the compartment (10), which constitutes the major part of the floating volume and is delimited by the structural elements (111, 112, 113) of the floating body (11). Finally, the tube (114) is visible, integral or mounted on the body (11).

? Fig. 4 in Plate 4 which is a top view of the body (11), shows the upper dome (111), the connecting ring (113), the tube (114), and all three connecting members (115, 116, 117) placed at 120?, as shown by their respective axes (1153, 1163, 1173).

? Fig. 5 in Plate 5, which is a sectional view of the body (11), shows the upper dome (111) and the lower dome (112), with axial symmetry in space with respect to the symmetry axis (119). The sea level plane (3) is visible. The ring (113) is also visible, which acts as a connection between the two upper (111) and lower (112) domes. The seat (120) is visible, designed to contain the bilge pumps (21), visible here, for emptying or filling with water when necessary, and the tube (114) and a reinforcing element (118). A tube (24) is visible, designed for the passage of ladders, men, equipment, pipes and everything needed for the operation and maintenance of the structure. Also visible are some compressors (22), which serve to pressurize, when necessary, the inside of the body (11), in order to reduce the tension acting on the domes (111, 112) and on the ring (113), or to facilitate or speed up the emptying of water by the bilge pumps (21).

? Fig. 6 in Plate 5, which is a detail of figure 5 in plate 5, shows the seat (120) designed to contain the bilge pumps (21), visible and shown in pairs, but present in any number according to design needs.

? Fig. 7 in Plate 6 shows the floating dome platform, with parts not shown for simplicity. The floating dome platform system (1) is visible, composed of the body (11), the tie rods (12) and the anchoring system (13). Also visible are the seabed level (4), the sea level (3), the wind generator (2). A system of floats (5, 6, 7) is also visible, useful for transporting the fully assembled structure by sea, and for its installation.

? It should however be emphasized that the scope of protection of the present invention cannot be limited exclusively to the diagrams attached hereto. These have the sole purpose of clarifying and illustrating the functioning of the present invention in a quick and comprehensible manner: therefore without the claim of displaying construction details that, in practice, may be updated, implemented, modified while remaining completely in the spirit of the invention itself. Also the terms ?high?, ?low?, ?above?, ?below?, ?superior?, ?inferior?, ?parallel?, ?perpendicular?, ?horizontal?, ?vertical? and in general all the terms that indicate positioning and direction are cited only in relation to the figures and the description present herein, and do not constitute any constraint on the executive construction of the invention, nor do they constitute a limit thereto.

The floating platform (1), in a first preferred embodiment, is composed of a preferably reinforced concrete structure, hollow inside: it is constructed in this way in order to be floating and to be able to support the weight of a wind tower, the anchoring devices, and all the accessories necessary for the correct functioning of the finished system; in this way it can be completely assembled on dry land in any non-extreme weather condition, to be subsequently towed by sea to its final destination by means of tugboats, and then anchored at the place of work.

The advantages of transporting the entire pre-assembled structure by sea are clear, to avoid costly and dangerous operations on the high seas.

The main feature of the floating domed platform (1) is that it is made up of a floating body (11) which is hollow inside, closed at the top by a dome (111) with the concavity facing downwards, axisymmetric in space with respect to a vertical axis (119), and which can also be made up of a portion of a sphere or an ellipsoid; similarly, the floating body (11) is closed at the bottom by a dome (112) with the concavity facing upwards, also axisymmetric in space with respect to a vertical axis (119), and which can also be made up of a portion of a sphere or an ellipsoid.

The two domes (111, 112) can rest on each other or on an intermediate ring (113), which in this case has a structural function of connection and encircling, and an operational function of housing the connecting organs (115,116,117).

The material used for the construction of the body (111) is preferably concrete, better if reinforced.

First of all, it is known that a TLP platform works with the floating body always immersed, and therefore subjected to hydrostatic pressure and sea currents.

This construction form, with two opposing domes (111, 112) and an intermediate ring (113), is particularly suited to withstanding the stress due to water pressure and therefore makes it suitable to use a material less resistant than steel, i.e. concrete: this with considerable economic savings. A further advantage is the inertial one since, since the concrete body (111) has a much higher mass than an equivalent one in metal, it results in greater stability under stress, with very slow and reduced movements; this leads to improvements in the fluid dynamic performance of the wind generator and to less mechanical stress on it. Furthermore, an axisymmetric shape leads to an equilibrium that is almost indifferent with respect to marine currents; this is unlike any other geometry, which lacks axial symmetry in space with respect to a vertical axis (119) which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of motion of the current itself. No TLP has been designed in this way up to now.

In common with the other TLP solutions which are now historical, and which are therefore part of the known art, are the tie rods (12), pseudo vertical, which can be made up of chains or ropes or other, and which have substantially equal lengths; and the anchor (13), also made with any known solution: tie rods and anchor of this kind define the TLP type construction method.

Another feature of the floating dome platform (1) is that of having a tube (114) placed on the upper dome (111). The wind generator (2) is mounted on the top of this tube. This tube can be made of steel or concrete: in any case, a watertight seal between the tube itself and the dome (111) is guaranteed.

The lower dome (112) has a compartment (120), preferably located at the lowest point, suitable for containing one or more bilge pumps (21): these, appropriately connected to the external environment by means of pipes and suitable systems, have the task of emptying the structure of water when necessary. It may in fact be useful to partially fill the body (111) with water during the sea transport operations of the entire structure, and also during sinking operations, to attach the fixing points (1152, 1162, 1172) to the anchoring elements (12).

All the operations of filling, emptying, measuring the water level and any other element useful for the functioning of the system (1) in all its phases, are carried out with the aid of known instruments and sensors, which can be mounted on board permanently or only when needed. The floating domed platform (1) also carries one or more compressors (22), positioned for example on the upper part of the tube (114): these have the task of pressurizing the inside of the body (11), where deemed necessary. The usefulness lies in the fact that in this way it is possible to further reduce the stress on the whole body (1), the internal pressure opposing the external pressure; furthermore, it is possible to thus give assistance to the pumps (21) to carry out, speed up and facilitate the emptying of the water. This naturally presupposes that the body (11) has watertight inlets that isolate it from the outside, not only from the water but also from the air. The pressure inside the body (11) is naturally measured and controlled by means of known sensors, and the entire system is managed by means of commercial hardware components and dedicated or commercial software.

The floating domed platform (1) has an element (24) inside it, here schematized as a tube, which connects the inside of the body (11) with the outside, while preserving the impermeability. Said element (24), appropriately equipped with stairs, elevators and any instrument necessary for the purpose, allows the passage of people and vehicles, in order to be able to carry out every operation necessary for the functioning and maintenance of the floating domed platform (1).

The floating domed platform (1) also features three attachment elements (115, 116, 117) positioned at 120°: these allow, at the bottom, the connection with the anchoring elements (12), for example by means of the element (1152) in the attachment (115); they also allow, at the top, the connection with the floating elements (5, 6, 7), for example by means of the element (1171) in the attachment (117). The attachment elements may feature reinforcements (118) where necessary.

The floating elements (5, 6, 7) serve to ensure the stability of the entire system both during the sea transport of the floating dome platform (1) and during its partial sinking, which is carried out to facilitate its connection with the anchoring system (12).

The advantages of having a platform built in this way are evident. Advantageously, the floating dome platform (1), due to its construction characteristics, in particular its construction with opposing domes and its axial symmetry, allows for particularly low stresses on the structure, to the full advantage of reliability and economy.

Advantageously, the floating domed platform (1), due to its construction characteristics, in particular its construction with opposing domes and its axial symmetry, allows for the obtaining of a TLP with a significantly smaller footprint than all those conceived up to now, this to the advantage of the size of the construction site and therefore of the construction economy.

Advantageously, the use of concrete instead of metal, always permitted by the construction with opposing domes, also allows for a significant reduction in the cost of the product.

Advantageously, the floating dome platform (1), due to its construction features, requires less maintenance than the others.

Advantageously, the use of bilge pumps also allows active control of the internal water level, and therefore of the sinking level and the mass of the structure, in the phases of transport first, anchoring then and work last. Advantageously, the use of appropriate hardware and software on board, together with the necessary sensors, allows to always have full control of the situation in all phases of the life of the platform, this also remotely.

Advantageously, the possible use of internal back pressure increases safety and reliability by further reducing tensions, helping the bilge pumps to empty the structure, placing a further barrier against sinking in the unlikely event of structural permeability.

Advantageously, the axially symmetrical shape in space makes this platform more refractory than others to the stresses caused by marine currents, favoring a more regular functioning of the wind generator, thus increasing its efficiency and decreasing the stresses on the generator itself.

Advantageously, the large mass of the concrete structure, possibly ballasted with water, increases the stability of the artifact during transport, anchoring and operation.

Advantageously, the galvanic protection of the structure is limited to a few parts, since concrete, which constitutes the majority of the material used, is exempt from this requirement.

Advantageously, concrete, used here in a preponderant quantity compared to steel, is more easily available and cheaper than steel itself. This is currently a candidate for being the most interesting TLP solution from the point of view of design effectiveness, as well as economic efficiency.

Claims (9)

Claims accompanying the patent application for the invention entitled: ?FLOATING DOME PLATFORM? CLAIMS 1) Floating domed platform (1) characterised in that it comprises: means for flotation consisting of a floating body (11) which is hollow internally and which always works in immersion; this floating body (11) is made up of a first dome (111), which has the concavity facing downwards and which closes said floating body (11) at the top: said first dome (111) is axisymmetric in space with respect to a vertical axis (119), and may also be made up of a portion of a sphere or ellipsoid, and may be reinforced where necessary. The floating body (11) is also made up of a second dome (112) which has the concavity facing upwards and which closes said floating body (11) at the bottom: said second dome (112) is also axisymmetric in space with respect to a vertical axis (119), and may may also consist of a portion of a sphere or ellipsoid, possibly reinforced where necessary, and may be different from the first dome (111); the floating body (11) therefore comprises an empty space (10) consisting of the space between the two domes (111, 112). The floating domed platform (1) also comprises means for anchoring (12) consisting of three members of equal length, which always work in traction and which may be ropes, chains or other; it also comprises means for hooking (115, 116, 117) placed at 120°, which allow the connection with the anchoring elements (12) below and allow the connection with the floating elements (5, 6, 7) above; it also comprises further means for anchoring (13) to the seabed (4); it also comprises means (114) for supporting a wind turbine and all the accessories necessary for the operation of the complete system; 2) Floating dome platform (1) as per claim 1, characterised in that the floating body (11) comprises an intermediate ring (113), which has a structural connection and encircling function; 3) Floating domed platform (1) as per claim 1 characterised in that the floating body (11) is constructed mainly of concrete, preferably reinforced; 4) Floating dome platform (1) as per claim 1 characterised by the fact that it comprises one or more compressors (22), controlled by specific software and hardware, capable of controlling and regulating the pressure inside the floating body (11) which is internally hollow; 5) Floating domed platform (1) as per claim 1 characterised by the fact that it comprises a compartment (120), preferably obtained in the lowest point; it also comprises one or more bilge pumps (21) positioned in the aforementioned compartment (120); 6) Floating domed platform (1) as per claim 1 characterised by having on board means capable of facilitating the entry of a set and controlled quantity of water into the floating volume (10) inside the floating body (11); 7) Floating domed platform (1) as per claim 1 characterised by the fact that it comprises an element (24), which connects the compartment (10) with the outside, whilst maintaining impermeability. Said element (24) is suitably equipped with stairs, lifts and any instrument necessary for the purpose, allowing the passage of people and vehicles to be able to carry out any operation necessary for the functioning and maintenance of the system (1); 8) Floating dome platform (1), as per all the previous claims, characterised by having on board all the known means to manage and organise, via software and hardware, in a targeted manner, the electromechanical and fluid-dynamic behaviour of the floating dome platform (1) and of the wind generator (2), in their entirety; 9) Floating dome platform (1) as per claim 1 characterised in that the floating body (11) is mainly constructed of steel or other material suitable for the purpose.