WO2012001535A1

WO2012001535A1 - Energetically independent floating platform and its wheel system

Info

Publication number: WO2012001535A1
Application number: PCT/IB2011/050676
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rimantas Varanauskas
Original assignee: Rimantas Varanauskas
Priority date: 2010-06-29
Filing date: 2011-02-18
Publication date: 2012-01-05
Also published as: LT2010052A; LT5806B

Abstract

The purpose of this invention is a specially designed highly mobile floating system (2) of average dimensions, absolutely independent energetically, designed for staying, living, or performing some activity by the people on the water media, for example, on the river, lake, sea or ocean, especially not far away from the water media coast. This floating system is operating not only in water media, but also has the possibility to land / draw onto any unforeseen shore, and also to move / drive on the land surface. Mobility of such floating system on land is ensured by specially set wheel groups (13) controlled electrically or mechanically. Such floating system is also completely energetically independent, i.e. fully autonomous. The roof of the erection (3) located in the central part of the floating system is covered by solar panels, vertical generators ( 9 ) are mounted at the deck borders, vane water flow and wave hydrogenerators (14) which can be raised/lowered are placed in the deck spaces along the transversal line, mini hydrogen power plant is mounted in the rear part of the deck, backup diesel generator is provided for. The floating system also has the rain water collection, water supply/treatment, waste water plasma treatment equipment.

Description

ENERGETICALLY INDEPENDENT FLOATING PLATFORM AND ITS WHEEL SYSTEM

Technical Field

This invention is related to the floating systems, especially to the mobile floating systems / platforms located in water media, the purpose and range of functions of which can be very different.

Background Art

Boats, rafts or ships for transportation of cargo or people were used worldwide from ancient times. However, the floating system concept has emerged relatively recently. The purpose of the floating system is focused mainly to maintain the floating system in the water approximately in the same position with respect to the shore or the bottom of the water media (lake, sea, ocean, etc…) rather than to transport the cargo. The floating system can in principle change its position with respect to a shore and can be a mobile floating system, but the purpose of the floating system is mainly to stay in the same position rather than to change its location. Since water media, i.e. rivers, lakes, sea, and especially oceans, is not a stable media and is still uncontrollable by the people, the design of such floating systems requires integration of maximum possible number of the newest equipment and technologies which would ensure the highest possible safety level and perform the tasks and functions intended for the floating system to the best possible level.

A Danish patent No. DK201070011(A) published on 9 March 2010 is known. It describes a floating system (platform) designed to extract certain minerals or materials from the water media bottom or from the surface and deeper layers of the earth strata. This platform is adapted to perform the processes of boring and production. It is especially designed for floating and working in the cold regions of seas and oceans, and the relevant specialized equipment is installed and arranged on it for that purpose. However, the floating system of such type is very heavy, big, and bulky, with very narrow specialized application area. It is absolutely not suitable for people to spend their leisure time, since its purpose is to perform rather difficult and risky task. Moreover, though this system is a floating one, but due to the boring and other related operations it should be especially stable with respect to the water media bottom.

There is also an American patent No. US2010088955 published on 15 April 2010. It describes a floating (drifting) raft, designed for rafting on the river for one or several individuals. This raft consists of the internal frame with semi-rigid elements joined together, whereby the said internal semi-rigid frame has the holes interconnecting certain layers of the raft. It is a simple floating system which performs the raft transportation function and can be used only on sufficiently deep quiet rivers.

A Chinese patent No. CN1435353 published on 13 August 2003 is known. This patent describes a floating artificial island system, deep sea amusement park transported far away from coast. This is a very big floating system where the areas are provided for with the walkways, buildings, pools, beaches, etc. It is a floating system of very large dimensions, and therefore in case of need or rough sea such system practically cannot be moored in the harbors or to a shore.

An English patent No. GB2097340 published on 3 November 1982 is known. This patent describes the floating system of the flower form the petals (blocks) of which are set around the central part of the floating system. Wave energy generator producing electricity is located in the central part of the floating system. Rented installations or light constructions can be located around the energy generator. Main problem of such floating system is that it is too big and complicated for easy mooring in the harbors.

A German patent No. DE202005010121 published on 24 November 2005 is the most similar to this patent by the equipment level. This patent describes the floating system of round form in the center of which the building (residence complex) is located designed for staying and living of the people. The residence complex can have living premises, parks, pools, sport grounds, etc. This floating system is equipped also with the protection (special elevated border) against large tsunami waves. However, this floating system is rather big, can be transferred to another place with difficulty, and can moor only in the harbors specifically prepared for it. Besides, this floating system is not autonomous (independent) since it does not have energy generator producing energy from the environmental sources: solar, wind, waves, underwater sea currents flow, etc.

Main drawbacks of the floating systems described by all similar inventions include absence of autonomy (energy independence) and difficult or impossible mooring in the harbor or to a shore.

Technical Problem

Technical Solution

The purpose of this invention is a mobile floating system of average dimensions, energetically independent with engineering communications equipment, specifically adapted for the water media and for land, and designed for staying, living, and performing some activity by the people on the water media, located at some distance from the shore, for example, on the river, lake, sea or ocean.

Essential exceptional feature of this invention is that this floating system is mobile not only in water, but has the possibility to land onto any unforeseen shore, and also to move (drive) on the surface of the land. Mobility of such floating system is ensured by specially set wheel groups controlled electrically or mechanically. Such wheel system enables easy motion over rough, uneven surface and stones. The wheel axis is supported by the spring mechanism, ensuring in this way the uniform distribution of loads for all wheel groups. Mechanical control of the wheel system can be carried out by physical force of the people sitting in the seats provided for on the vessel deck, in this way ensuring movement of the floating system on land.

Another essential exceptional feature of this invention is that such floating system is energy (energetically) independent, i.e. fully autonomous. The roof of the erection located in the central part of the floating system is covered by solar panels, vertical generators are mounted at the deck borders, vane water flow and wave hydrogenerators which can be raised/lowered are placed at the specially adapted deck locations along the transversal line, mini hydrogen power plant is mounted in the rear part of the deck, also there are a backup diesel generator is provided for.

Advantageous Effects

Description of Drawings

Fig. 1. Show the general view of the floating system (top view).

Fig. 2. Shows the lower part of the deck, with the layout of the floating system wheel groups.

Fig. 3. Shows the lower part of the deck, with the layout of the floating system wheel groups and hydrogenerators.

Best Mode

It is known that the water transportation vessels of different forms and types are widely used worldwide: boats, rafts, ships, etc. All these sailing means are known from the ancient times and are used not only to perform certain work, but also for recreation and entertainment of the people. Floating systems are very peculiar innovative solution. Up to recent time the floating systems were used most often to perform very special functions of sea bottom drilling, or oil extraction. Special patrol stations, floating beacons, research stations and similar equipment were installed on them. Main problem of the floating system is to ensure safety of the people staying on it, since water is an elemental force often unpredictable and controlled with difficulty. Nobody can ensure that in case of rough sea, unexpected strong wind or storm/hurricane the people staying at that time on the floating system in open sea or ocean will be safe. To ensure safety a special wheel mechanism was integrated in this floating system which would enable easy transfer of the floating system from the position in water media to a shore and vice versa in case of bad weather. Besides, if necessary, this floating system can move on land/shore. Other important technological solution is that this floating system is energetically independent, i.e. completely energetically autonomous, since it is equipped with the whole complex of generators of alternative energy sources generating electricity from solar, wind, water waves, or underwater sea currents flow. Besides energy autonomy equipment, the floating system also has the rain water collection, water supply/treatment, waste water plasma treatment systems. This floating system complies with the floating equipment of the categories C and D. If necessary, this requirement can be made more stringent.

Fig. 1 shows the general view of the floating system (top view). Externally the floating system (1) is composed of the deck (2), erection (3), guardrails (4), several sites (grounds) of the oval form (5), elevated area (connecting gangway) (6), gate (7), solar (8) and wind (9) alternative energy sources generators, and deck frame (10). The best solution would be when the general area of such floating system is 20 m x 12 m, height of the erection above the deck level is 4 m, and external diameter of the erection is 10 m. However, depending upon the construction and needs, the dimensions of the floating system (1) and erection (building) (2) can also be different. The base of the floating system construction is the frame, made of light glass fiber composite materials (10), supporting loads of up to 15 t construction weight and ensuring resistance against 2 m transversal waves. The guardrails (4) have wire-mesh partitions and are made of the composite materials fiber. The gate (7) is of the sliding construction, mounted on the rails. The said connecting gangway (6) can be extended or retracted automatically or mechanically. Additional gangway is fastened to the deck (2). The sites (5) are of oval form with an optimal length approximately equal to 3 m (can be shorter or longer) are covered with transparent hoods of the dome form. Appropriate joints and valves are mounted on the sites of oval form (5) in order to create a vacuum environment on the sites. The erection (building) (3) is of the circle form with vertical walls, having installed package opened windows and sliding door, with spherical form roof dome, on which there are installed solar panels. The floor, walls, and roof cover are covered by special thermo insulating material. Two main premises are provided for in the erection, with the separating sliding partition, antechamber, and other rooms, for example, kitchen, WC, shower, sauna, hearth, etc. At approximately 50 cm height above the deck level appropriate spaces to fasten the special purpose equipment, for example, the warehouse, bedroom beds, etc., are arranged. The wall built-in cupboards with the sliding doors are mounted in the rooms at the junctions of walls. Other equipment is designed taking into account dynamic vibrations of the construction.

Fig. 2 shows the lower part of the deck (2), with the layout of the mounted floating system wheel groups. Fig. 3 also shows mounted hydrogenerators (14). The deck (2) of the floating system is composed of the frame (10) and pontoon base, whereby the pontoon base is composed of the pontoons (11) and filling material (12). Besides, the wheels (13) and hydrogenerators (14) systems are also mounted on the deck (2). The floating system pontoon base is composed of five plastic pipes (pontoons) (11) of round form, the diameter of which according to the designed system is equal to 70 cm. These round pipes (pontoons) (11) have appropriate chemical, biological, and impact resistance. The said pontoons (11) can also be made of the composite or stainless steel materials. The said pontoons (11) which are filled with the fireproof light carbamide foam type material can be continuous or connectable along their length approximately each 3-4 m and fastened to the deck frame (10) by means of the stainless steel bands (14), whereby the rigid rubber inserts are placed between the said stainless steel bands and pontoons (11).

On the one hand, this floating system is designed also for the stay, residence, recreation and entertainment of the people, and on the other hand - it is a mobile floating system not only in water, but has the possibility to land onto any unforeseen / unplanned (or planned) shore, to move on land and again to return (reenter) the water media and continue the movement in water. This possibility protects the floating system against unfavorable weather conditions and highlights autonomy of this system with respect to both energy and weather conditions even more. The outboard or installed electric motors are used to perform sailing function. On the other hand, landing on the shore and movement on land is enabled by special wheel systems (13), whereby the torque of the wheel system's (13) cog wheels / articulated joint is transferred to the wheel groups (13) built-in into the frame construction, which in the sailing mode in water are retracted into the deck frame (10) construction mechanically or by means of specially designed hydraulic jacks, and during movement of the floating system on land or landing on shore are extended and started by means of electric motors or mechanically. The optimal solution is to have ten wheel groups (13) in the floating system (1), with four wheels in each wheel group, whereby these four wheels in each wheel group are mounted beside each other by the wheel pairs along all length of the floating system (the length of the floating system is bigger than the external dimension of the floating system). The wheel axis is supported by the spring mechanism, ensuring in this way the uniform distribution of loads for all wheel groups. In order the deck (2) of the floating system (1) would be horizontally aligned with respect to a shore surface relief, any axis of the wheels can separately change its own height (length) which is regulated manually, by means of the motors and/or special software.

The floating system (1) can move on land both by means of the electric motors and mechanically. The deck seats for the people are provided for to mechanically control the wheel system and the switching equipment intended to switch the levers from the electric to mechanic control. This function also ensures electricity generation by means of the mechanic motion.

Moreover, this floating system (1) has one important feature: it is energy independent, i.e. autonomous with respect to energy. The roof of the erection (3) is covered by solar panels, vertical wind generators (9) are mounted at the deck (2) borders, vane water flow and wave hydrogenerators (14) which can be raised/lowered are placed in specially adapted deck (2) spaces along the transversal line, mini hydrogen power plant as well as backup diesel generator is mounted in the rear part of the deck (2). The design power of such floating system is about 20 kW.

The places for the water motorcycle, mini automobile, safety stand, ring-buoys, inflatable boat, floating saving ropes with signal buoy, self-lighting up lights, fire protection means, ladders, different equipment, batteries, engineering networks, water containers, waste water treatment equipment, potable water feeding pump, sanitary water treatment pump, filters, etc. are provided for in the floating system. The floating system (1) is also equipped with the video monitoring equipment, audio signaling equipment, radio, internet communication, radio radar equipment, echolocator, warning signs, warning lights, flags, heating and lighting systems, etc.

Mode for Invention

Industrial Applicability

Sequence List Text

Claims

The floating system designed to float in water media, which is composed of the floating system base and erection intended for staying and living of the people, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that it is composed of the following modules:

the deck (2), erection (3), guardrails (4), several sites of oval form (5), connecting gangway (6), gate (7), suspended or installed motors, and wheel systems (13),

where

the deck (2) of the floating system is composed of the frame (10) and pontoon base, whereby the pontoon base is composed of the plastic pontoons of the round form (11), filling material (12), and appropriate joints;

the erection (3) is of the circle form with vertical walls, having spherical roof dome adapted for the installation of the solar panels;

the guardrails (4) have wire-mesh partitions made of the composite materials fiber;

the sites of oval form (5) covered with transparent hoods of the dome form have appropriate joints and valves mounted, the purpose of which is to create vacuum environment on the said sites (5);

the connecting gangway (6) is extended or retracted automatically or mechanically;

the sliding gate (7) is mounted on the rails;

the said suspended (outboard) or installed motors are used to perform a sailing function;

the wheel systems (13) are designed to land onto any unforeseen / unplanned (or planned) shore, to move on land and again to return (reenter) the water media, whereby

the torque of the wheel system's (13) cog wheels / articulated joint is transferred to the wheel groups (13) built-in into the frame construction, which in the sailing mode in water are retracted into the deck frame (10) construction mechanically or by means of specially designed hydraulic jacks, and during movement of the floating system on land or landing on shore are extended and started by means of electric motors or mechanically;

the wheel axis is supported by the spring mechanism, ensuring in this way the uniform distribution of loads for all wheel groups; in order the deck (2) of the floating system (1) would be horizontally aligned with respect to a shore surface relief, any axis of the wheels can separately change its own height (length) which is regulated manually, by means of the motors and/or special software.
The floating system according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that in the said floating system (1) the optimal amount of wheel groups (13) is ten, the optimal amount of wheels in the group is four, whereby these four wheels in each mentioned wheel group are mounted side-by-side each other and forms two pairs of wheels, where the mentioned pairs are arranged along the length of the floating system respectively.
The floating system according to claims 1-2, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the said pontoons of round form (11) have appropriate chemical, biological, and impact resistance, and also can be made of the composite or stainless steel materials.
The floating system according to claims 1-3, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the roof of the erection (3) is covered by solar panels, vertical wind generators (9) are mounted at the deck (2) borders, vane water flow and wave hydrogenerators (14) which can be raised/lowered are placed in the deck (2) spaces along the transversal line, mini hydrogen power plant as well as backup diesel generator are mounted in the rear part of the deck (2).
The floating system according to claims 1-4, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that that it has the rain water collection, water supply/treatment, waste water plasma treatment systems.