SE537515C2 - Floating platform including propulsion devices and energy producing plant including such floating platform - Google Patents

Abstract

SUMMARY The invention relates to a floating platform (1) comprising at least three floating or semi-submersible peripheral units (2; 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) and a floating or semi-submersible central unit (3). Each of the peripheral units (2; 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) is arranged connected to the central unit (3) by means of a coupling means (5) arranged in a substantially radial direction and connected to the adjacent peripheral units ( 2; 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) by means of at least one peripheral coupling means (6). The invention is characterized in that at least one propulsion device (11) is arranged on each of said submersible peripheral units (2; 2a, 2b, 2c , 2d).

Description

537 5 LIQUID PLATFORM INCLUDING PROPULSION DEVICES AND ENERGY PRODUCING FACILITIES INCLUDING SUCH LIQUID PLATFORM TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a floating platform and an energy producing plant comprising such a platform. The energy-producing plant comprises at one or more energy-producing systems, for example wind turbines attached to the floating platform.

BACKGROUND

Utilization of renewable energy sources, such as wind and ocean waves and currents, to create electricity is becoming an increasingly preferred energy production system because it does not evaporate CO2 into the atmosphere.

Most energy-producing plants today use only a renewable energy source, mainly wind. These energy-producing facilities include several wind turbines located as separate units on land or at sea. When placed in the sea, the units are usually cast in the seabed with concrete pillars or steel foundations. This requires relatively shallow water and therefore a location close to the coast is used, thus usually close to residential or leisure areas. This placement is not untenable from a nniljOperspektiv.

Building wind turbines further out to hays faces the problem of usually greater depth, but also the practical economic problems of surveillance and maintenance. Due to the fact that wind power plants to date use separate wind generator units, a location further out to hays quickly becomes uneconomical.

[0005] The principle of placing an energy-producing plant out at sea instead of near the coast has the advantage of being exposed to normally more frequent winds and higher wind speeds. An energy-producing plant located out at sea can also be used as a platform for other types of energy conversion systems, such as vague and solar energy converters.

[0006] However, an energy-producing plant located out at sea is exposed to strong winds and strong winds. Thus, it is necessary that all components of the plant are durable and that the construction itself is rigid. It is of great importance that the monitoring and maintenance work is easy to perform.

In the applicant's earlier application WO2011071444A1, such an energy producing plant is described. This facility is a floating platform comprising a framework constructed of hollow tubes / beams connected via nodes surrounding a center node. Wind turbines can be placed on the nodes. Each of the tubes / beams is sealed in its respective spirit and forms separate floating parts adapted to be connected to the nodes. Furthermore, the volumes within each of the floating parts, i.e. the beams and the nodes, are connected to each other, i.e. the nodes and the rudder / beams are connected so that the rudder / beams form transport carriages between the nodes. The space in these parts can be used as transport carts, workshops, storage spaces, accommodation, or provide space for other functions.

JP2007160965A discloses another floating platform comprising separate radially arranged floating parts connected to each other in a center point. Traction forces are created between each of the floating parts of a tension member provided between the floating parts. Use of this construction reduces the forces acting on the platform, so it is possible to use construction details of a smaller dimension.

Although the clamps used in the Japanese application reduce the external forces on the platform, the extreme conditions out to hay damage and wear on the platform components are inevitable. It is therefore advisable to create a platform where parts of the platform can be replaced or repaired out at its sea-based position. 2 537 5

The large sea-based platform can thus function as a seaport. It is also desirable to be able to directly reach the center node with a ship or other waterborne vessel. Transport to and from the Iran facility and its maintenance can then be facilitated. A mooring position within the framework is also a concern for Iran, as the water can be calmer within the structure.

SUMMARY

An object of the present solution is to create a floating platform which can be mounted far out to hays and which can be used as a platform for an energy-producing plant comprising one or more energy conversion systems, for example a plurality of wind power generators arranged to the platform. The floating platform must be easy to assemble, repair and maintain and can also function as a floating port. This floating platform is described in claim 1.

The solution is a floating platform comprising at least three floating or semi-submersible peripheral units and a floating or semi-submersible central unit. Each of the peripheral units is arranged connected to the central unit by means of at least one radial coupling means arranged in a substantially radial direction and coupled to the adjacent peripheral units by means of at least one peripheral coupling means. The solution may be characterized in that at least one propulsion device is arranged on each of the submersible peripheral units.

When using a propulsion device arranged on each of the peripheral units, it is possible to keep each of the peripheral units in position in relation to the other even if the peripheral coupling means are broken or removed.

In one embodiment, said at least one propulsion device is adapted to make the peripheral units maneuverable in a substantially horizontal direction and in another embodiment, said at least one propulsion device is adapted to make the peripheral units maneuverable in a substantially vertical direction.

If the propulsion device is a propeller or jet engine of some kind arranged in a horizontal, vertical or adjustable position, it is possible to control the movement of the peripheral unit. The units can be arranged to move in a substantially horizontal direction towards each other and / or in a substantially vertical direction to position each of the units in a substantially equal horizontal position. Thus, the propulsion devices can also be used to help position the peripheral units in relation to each other and the nodes when the platform is mounted.

In another embodiment, the propulsion device is a trustor.

A trustor is a carefully tested system for controlling the position of the stern or forearm of a spacecraft or watercraft. It can also be used for station holding of the vessel. A trustor can therefore be a suitable propulsion device for the peripheral unit. If the trustor is arranged offset from the center of gravity, it may be possible to use a stationary vertical propeller to control the position of the peripheral units in relation to each other by rotation of each of the peripheral units.

In another embodiment, the peripheral coupling means are elastic or semi-elastic or in which at least one of the peripheral coupling means (6) is arranged in at least one spirit of the respective peripheral unit (2; 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) via a rotatable joint (8 ). This is in order to allow the floating peripheral units (2; 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) to move in relation to each other.

The peripheral coupling means are designed to allow movement between the adjacent floating peripheral units. When a slight movement is allowed, the forces in the structure and its fixed points are reduced. If a movement is allowed, it is also possible to disengage the peripheral floating units from each other without creating an increased tension in the structure. 4 537 5

In order to allow a relative movement between the separate peripheral units, either the peripheral coupling means is itself flexible, for example by using a rope or the like, or the distal spirits of the peripheral coupling means can be rotatably attached to the respective peripheral unit, preferably below a hinge device.

In another embodiment, the peripheral coupling means is an elongate object variable in length designed to create a clamping force pulling the floating peripheral units towards each other.

When using an elongate object, the peripheral units can be arranged in a sample creating a hexagonal shape with a center node. This creates a naturally optimized balanced structure. Of course, other forms are of course also nnaj. The variation in length is possible either by using an elastic material stretching and retracting in length and / or by using a separate length adjustment device connected to the peripheral coupling means.

In another embodiment, the peripheral coupling means is a flexible object, such as a wire, rope, cable, rope or similar elongate flexible object.

In another embodiment, a length adjusting device is coupled to the peripheral coupling means which is adapted to adjust the length of a peripheral coupling means.

In another embodiment, the coupling means is a rigid beam or rudder.

When the peripheral coupling means is a rigid beam, it is at least a spirit fixed to the respective adjacent peripheral unit via a rotatable joint or similar arrangement allowing a pivotal movement between two of the peripheral units about a substantially vertical axis.

In another embodiment, at least one of the peripheral coupling means in at least one second is releasably connected to the respective adjacent peripheral unit. 537 5

The invention further relates to an energy producing plant comprising; a floating platform as described above, an energy producing system and an anchoring system arranged to anchor the floating platform to the bottom of a hay.

The energy producing system used may be at least one of; a wind power generator, wave power generator, solar cell or wind vanes.

Each of the floating peripheral units of the energy producing plant may also comprise at least one semi-submersible node on which a wind power generator is mounted.

The use of the innovative platform as a basis for an energy-producing plant is of particular interest as the platform is a special choice for this application, due to the fact that it can operate independently of depth and far out to sea. The platform can be firmly anchored at the bottom with the help of the anchoring system. Preferably, the anchoring system is fixed to the central unit, thus allowing the entire platform to rotate and automatically adjust in line with the wind and / or water flow direction so that the energy producing systems are placed in an optimal position for energy recovery. When wind power generators are used, they can be placed on the semi-submersible nodes of the platform, thus facilitating access to the generator housing through the hollow inner space of the nodes and coupling means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1a shows a top view of a first embodiment of the invention Fig. 1b shows a top view of a second embodiment of the invention

Figures 2 and 3 show a top and a perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention. 6 537 5

Figs. 4 and 5 show detailed views of a first and a second embodiment of the propulsion device.

Note that all embodiments or parts of an embodiment can be freely combined.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following, a more detailed description of embodiments will now be made. All examples are to be considered as part of the general description and are therefore possible to combine freely in general terms. Again, individual features of the various embodiments and methods may be combined or exchanged unless such combination or exchange is manifestly relevant to the overall operation of the floating platform.

When the terms horizontal and vertical are used, they are to be interpreted as a first direction substantially parallel to the average sea level and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

A first embodiment has the floating platform used as an energy producing plant shown in Fig. 1a. Fig. 1a shows a floating platform 1 comprising six floating or semi-submersible peripheral units 2 arranged releasably connected to a central floating or semi-submersible unit 3. Each of the peripheral units 2 is in this embodiment a semi-submersible node 4 on which a wind power generator WG is mounted. However, it is also possible to arrange other types of energy conversion systems on the platform. Connected to each of the peripheral floating units 2 is at least one propulsion device 11. The propulsion device 11 can for instance be arranged to the floating unit on the horizontal side has a node 4 or below the node, ie on its underside. Other positions, such as attachment to the later described node coupling means 9, are also possible. When using a propulsion device arranged on each of the peripheral units, it is possible to hold each of the peripheral units in position in relation to the others even if the peripheral coupling means are broken or removed. With the propulsion devices 11 it is also possible to move the peripheral units 7 537 5 2 in at least the horizontal and vertical directions, and possibly all directions in between. Thus, the propulsion devices 11 can also be used to position and line up the peripheral units in relation to each other and the coupling means 5, 6 when the platform is mounted.

Between the peripheral units 2 and the central unit 3 a coupling means is arranged projecting in a substantially radial direction from the central unit 3. The coupling between the peripheral and central units and the coupling means 5 can be detachable by means of a connecting coupling 10 or rigid , i.e. the coupling means can be cast or otherwise fixedly arranged to the peripheral and / or central units 2, 3. In the embodiment according to figure 1a, the coupling means 5 is in its proximal spirit fixed to the center unit 3 by means of a releasable coupling 10, enabling relative movement between the central and peripheral units 3, 2, and in its distal spirit 5b, it is fixedly arranged to the peripheral units 2.

The floating or semi-submersible peripheral units 2 are connected to each other by means of a releasable peripheral coupling means 6 allowing each of the floating units to frame relative to the other at least in a direction parallel to an extension direction of the peripheral coupling means 6. The release point may be between the floating units and one or the other spirits of the coupling means 6. The peripheral coupling means 6 connect a node 4 of each of the floating peripheral units 2 to a node 4 of another adjacent floating peripheral unit 2 and are designed to allow movement between the peripheral units 2 and can also be used to create a clamping force pulling the adjacent floating peripheral units 2 towards each other. Thus, the peripheral coupling means 6 is an elongate object variable in length either by means of the use an elastic material stretching and retracting in length and / or by using a separate longitudinal adjusting device 15. When shortening the peripheral coupling means, the peripheral units 2 contract the entire abutment. The elastic properties of the peripheral coupling member itself can absorb / vaporize the forces created by the carriages. When the peripheral coupling means 6 are detached at at least 8 537 5 a detaching / fastening point, it is possible to use the inner space of the platform as a thing port for each watercraft or vessel, see figure 12. Thus, the center node 3 and / or the radially arranged coupling means 5 can also function as a vehicle protected from the surrounding sea.

In Figures 1a, 1b, 2, 3 and 4, the peripheral coupling means 6 is a flexible wire, rope, cable, rope or the like, but it can also be a length-adjustable mechanical device (not shown). It is possible, for example, to use a mechanical device comprising two parts arranged telescopically movable in relation to each other. If such a mechanical device is used, the opening of the entrance to the inner space can be simplified.

In certain embodiments, the coupling member 6 may be a rigid beam or tube.

If a rigid coupling device is used, it must in at least one spirit be fixed to the respective peripheral unit via a rotatable joint 8 allowing a pivotal movement of adjacent peripheral units 5 around a substantially vertical axis. The rudder / beam can also be a hollow device closed from the environment, as the coupling means 5, 9 are described.

In order to allow a relative movement between the separate peripheral units 2, either the peripheral coupling means 6 themselves are flexible, for example by using a rope, or if a rigid mechanical device is used, its distal spirits can be attached to the respective peripheral unit 2. with a rotatable joint 8.

Figure 1b shows a second embodiment of the invention. Has at least two of the peripheral floating units in the form of nodes 4a, 4b; 4d, 4e, connected to each other by means of a node coupling coupling means 9, forming an elongate peripheral floating unit 2a, 2b. Nodes 4a, 4b; 4d, 4e acts as a coupling point for at least one peripheral coupling means 6 and at least one coupling means 5, 9. Coupled to each of the floating units 2 is at least one propulsion device 11. The propulsion device 11 may be fixed to the floating unit on the horizontal side of a node 4 or below the node, ie on its bottom surface. The elongate peripheral floating units 2a, 2b comprise a propulsion device 11 arranged at one of the two connected nodes 4a, 4b; 4e, 4d, ie outside the center Than the center of gravity of the floating units. The entire elongate peripheral units 2a, 2b can be seen as a watercraft and its movement in the water can be controlled accordingly, with the aid of, for example, a trustor as a propulsion device.

The node coupling means 9 and the nodes 4a, 4b; 4d, 4e together form the peripheral floating node units 2a, 2b. The peripheral floating node units 2a, 2b are fixed to the center unit 3 by means of at least one coupling member 5 arranged in a substantially radial direction from the central unit 3. The coupling member 5 is fixed in its proximal and distal ends 5a, 5b to the central unit 3 with by means of a connection coupling 10, enabling further relative movement between the central and peripheral units 3, 2, see Figures 4, 5a and 5b.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1b, the distally arranged couplings 10 fasten the coupling means 5 to the respective nodes 4a, 4b; 4d. However, it is also possible to fasten the radially arranged coupling means directly to the node coupling means 9. See figure 2. Preferably, the coupling 10 allows a movement between the coupling means 5 and the node 4 and / or node coupling means 9. For example a pivotal movement around a substantially horizontal axis.

Each of the peripheral units 2a, 2b is connected to the 6th remaining floating units 2 by means of a peripheral coupling means 6 allowing each of the peripheral floating units to move relative to the others in a direction substantially parallel to an extension direction of the peripheral coupling means 6. The peripheral coupling means 6 connect a node 4a, 4b; 4d, 4e of each of the floating peripheral units 2 and are designed to allow movement between the nodes 4 and create a clamping force pulling the floating peripheral units 2 towards each other, as described in the description of Figure 1a. It is also possible to replace one or both of the floating peripheral units 2 with floating peripheral node units comprising more than one node connected by means of coupling means, as described in Figures 2 and 3.

The plant in Figures 1a and 1b is preferably in the form of a hexagon with a center node 4. However, other shapes are also possible. The coupling means 5 are preferably one or more hollow steel beams or tubes. The radially arranged coupling means 5 have a length of approximately 100-300 meters while the node coupling coupling means 9 have a length of approximately 50100 meters. The coupling means 5, 9 may be circular, rectangular or have flakes of other suitable shape. The coupling means may be arranged floating on or partially or completely submerged below the sea surface or may comprise two or more sets of, in the vertical direction, substantially parallel coupling means. The semi-submersible nodes 5 are, for example, a cylindrical, partially submerged device, approximately 10-20 meters in diameter and approximately 20-30 meters high.

Figures 2 and 3 show a third embodiment of the invention. The plant comprises a central floating node unit 3 and four floating peripheral units 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d each comprising at least three semi-submersible nodes 4 connected to each other by means of a set of coupling means 9. At least one propulsion device 11 is arranged on each one of the peripheral units 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d. On the large peripheral units 2a and 2c, where several nodes are connected, two or more propulsion devices 11 are preferably used. The separate coupling means 9 may be arranged floating on or partially or completely submerged below the water surface or may comprise two sets of, in the vertical direction , substantially parallel coupling means. The center unit 3 is in this embodiment mounted by three connected nodes 4. The center node 3 'in the center unit 3 can function as a nay around which the entire plant 1 can rotate.

The set of coupling means 9 and the nodes 4 together form a rigid and stable floating unit 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d. The floating units 2b, 2d comprise more than three nodes and all nodes are connected with a coupling member 5, 9. Mounting of more than three nodes to a floating unit creates a larger installation on which several energy converting systems / wind generators can be mounted. It is also possible to mount additional wind generators of different sizes or other energy producing units such as car energy converters directly on the coupling means 5, 9.

The peripheral floating node units 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d are connected to the central unit 3 by at least one radially arranged coupling member 5. In each of the spirits 5a, 5b of the coupling member 5, a connecting coupling 10 is arranged which allows certain pivotal movement between the coupling member 5 and the central and peripheral units 3, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d. Each of the peripheral floating node units 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d is connected to the adjacent node units by means of a detachable peripheral coupling means 6 allowing each of the peripheral floating node units to be detached from the adjacent floating unit and framed in relation to the other, as described above.

Each of the floating units, both central and peripheral, 3, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d can be easily towed to the predetermined location out at sea and mounted on site. The assembly of the floating unit is simplified by using the propulsion devices 11 as these can be used to place and line up the various parts in relation to each other before they are mounted.

The center node 3 and / or the coupling means 5 can also function as a things port for ships 12 Than protected the surrounding sea of the detachable peripheral coupling means 6 and the peripheral units 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d.

The coupling means 5 can be sealed in each of the spirits 5a, 5b forming a sealed air-filled unit which can float on water and be more easily towed towards the place where the energy-producing unit is to be built. A sealable opening 13 can be provided through the connection coupling 10. Thus, a possible transport carriage between the floating units through the inner volume of the coupling means and the nodes is created.

Consequently, in addition to creating strength and buoyancy of the structure, the coupling means (5) can also be used as coupling carriages, accommodation, workshops and storage space. It is also possible to arrange a lifting crane or similar device on the coupling means 5 for the purpose of carrying out assembly, partition and maintenance of the installation. The crane and other large details, such as spare parts, can be transported between the wind power towers on a track system arranged on the top surface of the coupling means 5.

Due to the flow properties of the floating unit, it can operate independently of the depth. It can be anchored at the bottom, for example with an anchoring system 14 used for large marinas. The anchoring system 14 starts from the rotatable hub 3 'with, for example, three to eight laterally extending anchoring fasteners. The central floating unit is, with the aid of the anchoring fasteners, firmly anchored at the bottom and the entire construction can rotate around the hub in the central floating unit. Thus, the entire structure can rotate freely 360 degrees and is automatically adjusted in line with the wind direction so that the fixed wind propellers are always placed in an optimal position.

The floating platform according to the invention can also be supplemented and optimized with other energy-producing systems, such as for example wave power generators WPG, solar cells and vertical or horizontal wind vanes rotating around its own axis, ie can use the incoming wind blowing below the lowest position of the propellers. Furthermore, it is possible to utilize the vertical movements in the sea has the entire platform for energy recovery. If wave power generators WPG are used, they are preferably located along the outside of the system on the side facing the waves.

Figure 4 shows a first embodiment of the propulsion device 11.

The propulsion device 11 is attached to the vertical cradle of a node 4, but it is of course also possible to fasten the propulsion device 11 to any other part of the peripheral unit such as the node coupling coupling member 9. The propulsion device 11 is in this embodiment a vertically arranged trustor connected to a fastening unit 13 comprising, for example, the drive creating the rotation of the trustor. The propulsion device 11 can also be a separate propeller or jet engine of some kind. It is also possible to arrange the propulsion device 11 in a vertical position or to make the device 11 rotatable in relation to the peripheral unit about a substantially vertical or horizontal axis. This makes it possible to control the movement of the peripheral units 2a-2d in a horizontal and vertical direction and also in all directions in between. Thus, the propulsion devices can also be used to aid the positioning of the peripheral units in relation to each other and the nodes when the platform is mounted.

Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the propulsion device 11. The propulsion device 11, in this case a vertically arranged trustor, is fixed directly below the node 4, ie at its bottom surface. The entire trust tower can be rotated about a vertical axis of rotation A1. In this embodiment, the drive unit creating the rotation of the trustor can for instance be arranged inside the node 4. 14

Claims (5)

537 REQUIREMENTS A floating platform (1) comprising at least three floating or semi-submersible peripheral units (2; 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) and a floating or semi-submersible central unit (3), in which each of the peripheral units ( 2; 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) are arranged connected to the central unit (3) by means of a coupling means (5) arranged in a substantially radial direction and connected to the adjacent peripheral units (2; 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) by means of at least one peripheral coupling means (6), characterized in that at least one propulsion device (11) is arranged on each of said submersible peripheral units (2; 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) in which the peripheral coupling means (6) is an elongate object variable in length designed to create a clamping force pulling the floating peripheral units (2; 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) towards each other. The floating platform (1) according to claim 1, in which said at least one propulsion device (11) is adapted to make the peripheral units maneuverable in a substantially horizontal direction. The floating platform (1) according to claim 1 or 2, in which said at least one propulsion device (11) is adapted to maneuver the peripheral units in a substantially vertical direction. The floating platform (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the propulsion device (11) is a trustor. The floating platform (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the peripheral coupling means (6) are elastic or semi-elastic or in which at least one of the peripheral coupling means (6) is arranged in at least one spirit of the respective peripheral unit (2; 2a , 2b, 2c, 2d) via a rotatable joint (8) in order to allow the floating peripheral units (2; 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) to move in relation to each other. The floating platform (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the peripheral coupling means (6) is a flexible object, such as a wire, rope, cable, rope or similar extended flexible object. The floating platform (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which a length adjusting device (15) adapted to adjust the length of a peripheral coupling means (6) is coupled to the peripheral coupling means. The floating platform according to any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the peripheral coupling means (6) is in at least one spirit releasably connected to the respective adjacent peripheral unit (2; 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d). An energy producing plant comprising; a floating platform (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, an energy producing system (WG, WPG), an anchoring system (13) arranged to anchor the floating platform (1) to the bottom of a hay. The energy producing plant according to claim 9, in which the energy producing system is at least one of; a wind power generator, wave power generator, solar cell or wind vanes. The energy producing plant according to claim 9 or 10, in which each of the floating peripheral units comprises at least one semi-submersible node (4) on which a wind power generator (WG) is mounted. 16 537 1/3 11 '7 * 1. 1. „, ... 1 \ IS,' 1e,, .. -..., \ ..: - r2, 5.. s, /, s ,,,,, '', / '.... \ ,,,, F. ,, Fig‘la 11., ...,:. ..... v., --- I,, .. $ ', \ \ /1.k.:9 ,, s -`, / - ,. \\ .1'. A, l ',. .1 .i '.: •. ..: • i.; \. / .... 6 s, i. .,, / 11 11 3 11 2a11., -..- .., :: -) ..,.? • „,, .., ..,„ .., '..:. . .... „,. ...., - .. ,, \ 6 '\ .... 4.,.!: ■ ", \ / ,,,, 4?,, \ ... • .fi' '.7:` •: ,, .. \ .- :. .. • '. R „.....„ 2 /: • _1.'`' ,. .., „,, ....., ... .....: ..........., ..: -. 3 ... Q ._ '■ `, M'aLt114' di 4c 1 11, / 6 4e 11siLL, aLtia, 2/3 4 11 11 11 537 2c1 Ne, 0 '4 12 11 11 537 3/3 13 11