Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F03D—WIND MOTORS
  • F03D13/00—Assembly, mounting or commissioning of wind motors; Arrangements specially adapted for transporting wind motor components
  • F03D13/20—Arrangements for mounting or supporting wind motors; Masts or towers for wind motors
  • F03D13/22—Foundations specially adapted for wind motors
• • 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
  • B63B35/4406—Articulated towers, i.e. substantially floating structures comprising a slender tower-like hull anchored relative to the marine bed by means of a single articulation, e.g. using an articulated bearing
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F03D—WIND MOTORS
  • F03D13/00—Assembly, mounting or commissioning of wind motors; Arrangements specially adapted for transporting wind motor components
  • F03D13/20—Arrangements for mounting or supporting wind motors; Masts or towers for wind motors
  • F03D13/25—Arrangements for mounting or supporting wind motors; Masts or towers for wind motors specially adapted for offshore installation
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F03D—WIND MOTORS
  • F03D13/00—Assembly, mounting or commissioning of wind motors; Arrangements specially adapted for transporting wind motor components
  • F03D13/40—Arrangements or methods specially adapted for transporting wind motor components
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
  • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
  • E02B17/00—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor
  • E02B2017/0056—Platforms with supporting legs
  • E02B2017/0073—Details of sea bottom engaging footing
  • E02B2017/0078—Suction piles, suction cans
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
  • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
  • E02B17/00—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor
  • E02B2017/0091—Offshore structures for wind turbines
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
  • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
  • F05B2230/00—Manufacture
  • F05B2230/60—Assembly methods
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
  • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
  • F05B2230/00—Manufacture
  • F05B2230/80—Repairing, retrofitting or upgrading methods
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
  • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
  • F05B2240/00—Components
  • F05B2240/90—Mounting on supporting structures or systems
  • F05B2240/95—Mounting on supporting structures or systems offshore
• • 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
  • Y02E10/72—Wind turbines with rotation axis in wind direction
• • 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
• • 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
  • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
  • Y02P70/00—Climate change mitigation technologies in the production process for final industrial or consumer products
  • Y02P70/50—Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product

Definitions

• This invention relates to harvesting wind energy offshore by wind power plants installed on the stationary or floating foundations.
• the ongoing technology of harvesting wind offshore consist of installing WTGs Generators (WTG) offshore and servicing them during operation.
• WTG WTGs Generators
• the WTG installation process includes transporting foundation from the shore, installing and anchoring it to seabed and assembling WTG on the preinstalled foundation.
• the foundation is installed by Floating Crane and assembling WTG is done by Jack up Crane Vessel (JCV) on the foundation already preinstalled offshore.
• JCV achieve stability, required for safe placing WTG on foundation, by using as the base for stability the seabed, which they reach through their legs. Because of limited reach of their crane booms, they need to position themselves as close as possible to the preinstalled foundation, which increases chances of JCV collision with the preinstalled foundation.
• the Foundations for turbines installed in shallow waters are "stay alone" structures.
• Anchoring monopile foundations are done by hammering them down into seabed or by boring hole in in heavy clay or rock and then cementing monopile inside of the hole.
• Anchoring foundations tripod or jacket types are usually done by underwater piling. Both methods of pilling are damaging the underwater life.
• the monopile foundation consists of the base pile and intermediate piece placed on the base pile, after it is driven to the project depth.
• the servicing of the operating WTGs offshore is done through the delivering the maintenance personnel to WTG by a small boat, which roll, pitch and heave widely even on small waves. Therefore the man on the bow of the boat has to jump on the vertical ladder on WTG foundation. Then, using the ladder he reaches the access platform located on the top of foundation about 20 meters above the sea level.
• the dynamically-positioned Service vessels have special means that bring man on a small platform, which stable position in space is keeping up by a number of computer controlled hydro-cylinders. Thus allows man to safely step on the vertical ladder.
• delivery of personnel to WTG solves only part of the services required and which are provided to WTG onshore.
• the objective of the present invention is to overcome the main limitations of the ongoing technology for installing WTGs offshore, which would lead to the vast increase of the area available for harvesting wind in deepwaters along the continental shelf and to reduce the costs of WTG foundation manufacturing, their installation, placing WTGs on foundations and servicing WTGs during their operation.
• Embodiments of the present invention This objective is achieved through several Embodiments of the present invention.
• the common between these Embodiments is the requirement that the WTG foundation head would be of cylindrical shape and that its surface would be free from any objects (vertical ladders, berthing pals) on its surface. Delivery of maintenance personnel would be done by a special service vessel straight to the access platform located on lower part of WTG.
• Embodiments the capability to berth and to engage with the installed WTG foundation in a manner that the catamaran vessels employed by these Embodiments would be always positioned head-on to prevailing wind and wave action. Because of this their vessels during berthing to the WTG foundation would only pitch and would be able to control the speed by which they would berth the WTG foundation.
• the other common capability of the Embodiments is in the use of WTG foundation as the base for achieving stability to place WTG on foundation and to provide maintenance and replacement services.
• This is achieved due to the use of catamaran SWATH type vessel, which engages with the WTG foundation in its middle.
• catamaran SWATH type vessel which engages with the WTG foundation in its middle.
• due to its middle part of the catamaran hulls is taller that their bow and stern parts, would allow during semisubmersible mode minimizing the active waterplane area and relocating it to the center of catamaran, would allow catamaran to engage with WTG foundation in a manner that excludes pitching, rolling and minimizes heaving to the degree that provides safe conditions for placing WTGs on foundation and for maintenance personnel to safely board the WTG and perform required services.
• the second significant innovation is in the implementation for WTG foundation the concept of Compliant Guyed Tower instead of "stay-alone" design of the foundations by the ongoing technology.
• the Compliant Guyed Tower concept is wide use by Offshore Oil Industry for installing offshore platforms in the depth up to 1,000 meters.
• the main advantage of implying this concept to WTG foundation is the possibility to overcome the presently existing barrier of 50-60 meters by increasing the depth limit up to 200 meters.
• the combination of these both significant innovations is a breakthrough that would open for harvesting wind vast areas along the continental shelf, which is presently out of reach by the ongoing technology.
• the present invention includes the following Embodiments:
• the First Embodiment includes - means and methods for installing stationary WTG foundation in deepwaters, assembling WTG near shore, transporting it to the preinstalled foundation in deepwaters and placing completely assembled WTG on it.
• the Second Embodiment - is the extension of the First Embodiment capability to replace major parts of WTG operating offshore in deepwaters.
• the Third Embodiment - is the extension of the First Embodiment capability to install WTG monopile foundation in shallow waters.
• the Fourth Embodiment - is a Catamaran Service Vessel for delivery personnel to the offshore WTG and for providing required maintenance.
• CGF Compliant Guyed Foundation
• HCS High-rise Crane Station
• the CWTI-D in comparison versus Jack up Crane Vessel (JCV), which is a monohull type vessel, is a special SWATH (Small Waterplane Area Two Hull) type catamaran vessel, which hulls consists of bow, center and stern parts; the central part is significantly taller.
• the CWTI-D combines capabilities of installing special WTG foundation (Compliant Guyed Foundation [CGF]) in deepwaters and transporting the completely assembled WTG from the stand near shore to the preinstalled CGF and placing completely assembled WTG on it.
• CGF Compliant Guyed Foundation
• the CWTI-D has on board bridge crane and a Support Vessel.
• the CWTI-D is a catamaran it can engage with the stand near shore, on which is located completely assembled WTG, in a manner that its center would coincide with the center of the completely assembled WTG.
• the CWTI-D can engage with the stand near shore, on which is located completely assembled WTG, in a manner that its center would coincide with the center of the completely assembled WTG.
• the CWTI-D would pitch at the foundations by having pivot center changing its position between the two trusts rollers.
• the CWTI-D would go into semisubmersible mode, by which the bow and stern parts of CWTI-D hulls would be below the sea level, but the center part of the hulls, which is taller that two others, would provide significantly reduced, but sufficient for required stability waterplane area. This would drastically reduce the active area of CWTI-D waterplane area and concentrate it at the CWTI-D center. Because of this the pitching would be practically excluded.
• the heaving would be minimized, due to the drastic reduction of in the active part of waterplane area and to unproportionally ratio between the mass of CWTI-D and the appearing heave force.
• the energy of a possible impact between WTG and foundation would be absorbed by a primitive shock absorber located in the head of foundation.
• Compliant Guyed Foundation for placing WTG on them in deepwaters is using Compliant Guyed Tower concept, instead of "stay alone” foundations concept used by the ongoing technology. The difference between them is in the way how the wind and waves forces acting on WTG are transferred to the seabed.
• the "stay alone” foundations have the entire bending moment acting through the whole structure reaching its maximum at the seabed level. Thus requires the foundation base to withstand the maximum bending moment and the total of horizontal forces acting on the WTG from waves and wind forces.
• the CGF transmits horizontal forces into tension force along the mooring line and into compression force along the Foundation Tower. The bending moment acting on CGF reaches it maximum at the plane section at which the mooring lines are attached.
• the CWTI-D has on board a Bridge Crane and three stands for anchors, which could be a suction bucket type or gravity type, depending on seabed soil conditions.
• the CWTI-D also includes a Support Catamaran (SC), which during CGF transportation in horizontal position from transfer pier to the destination site supports the lower part of CGF.
• SC Support Catamaran
• the Support Catamaran releases support for CGF and it rotates into vertical position around the pivot point at the top of the CGF, which is supported by the Bridge Crane hook.
• CGF After CGF is installed it would float in vertical position as a buoy, having its lower part anchored to seabed.
• CWTI-D disconnects from CGF and places three anchors on seabed on an equal distance from CGF and on equal distance between them.
• anchors are installed the CWTI-D returns to floating CGF and tensions mooring lines in a way that keeps CGF strictly vertical.
• the CWTI-D removes hydraulic cylinders, which tensioned the mooring lines, and moves away from the installed CGF.
• the High-rise Crane Station main purpose is to increase the window of weather availability for assembling WTG near shore. It consists of a high-rise structure on the top of which is located a revolving crane with a short boom and a pair of restraining winches and the near shore Stand.
• the near shore Stand has its head of the same configuration as the CGF Tower head, thus facilitates the CWTI-D engagement with it.
• the innovative feature of Monopile Foundation is in having a Transition Adapter, which provides conditions for WTG Tower engagement with Monopile Foundation in a strictly vertical position.
• the use of the Transition Adapter in comparison versus the ongoing technology use of Transition Piece, would, besides drastically reducing the weight, would allow installing Monopile Foundation in one step, versus two steps by existing technology.
• the Transition Adapter has in the middle of it a shock absorber for accommodating possible impact during the process of lowering WTG on the Foundation.
• the CWTI-M is of the same as CWTI-D basic design. The difference is in the additional use of Gantry Crane, which lifts Monopile Foundation and installs it on seabed, places on its top a pile driver and after Monopile reaches the designed depth removes the pile driver and places on the top of the Monopile Foundation the Transition Adapter, which, after aligned to be exact horizontal position, is welded to Monopile.
• the CWTI-M would be able to place WTGs on the preinstall by it Monopile Foundations.
• the Third Embodiment is a Catamaran Crane, which design is the same as the CWTI-D and CWTI-M. The difference is that it has a revolving crane with a short boom installed on the top of the CWTI-D tower. This crane would be capable of replacing the main parts of the operating WTG during the rough seas.
• the Forth Embodiment is a Catamaran Services Vessel (CSV), which hulls are basically similar to CWTI-D and CWTI-M, but is significantly smaller. Therefore the CSV engages with the operating WTG in the same manner that excludes roll, pitch and minimize the heave and it has the following capabilities:
• the CSV uses a lifting platform, which is pressed to WTG access platform by a hydraulic drive.
• the hydraulic drive has the capability keeping lifting platform always pressed to WTG access platform even when CSV would heave,
• the CSV has onboard corresponding tanks, pumps and pipelines, o
• the CSV has on the top of its mast a special platform with winches controlling its vertical movement along the blade.
• Fig. 1 shows the Offshore Windpower Plant (OWP) in an installed position
• Fig. 2 is Detail I from Fig. 1.
• Fig. 3 is a Plan View from Fig. 2.
• Fig. 4 shows installed Compliant Guyed Foundation (CGF) -Elevation.
• Fig. 5 shows General Arrangement of CGF Tower.
• Fig. 6 is a Section 1-1 from Fig. 5.
• Fig. 7 is a Plan View from Fig. 5.
• Fig. 7A is a Section 2-2 from Fig. 7.
• Fig. 8 show compliant element of CGF Tower in an expanded mode.
• Fig. 9 shows compliant element of CGF Tower in a compressed mode.
• Fig. 10 is a CGF Tower Base (Elevation).
• Fig. 11 is a Plan from Fig. 10.
• Fig. 12 is an Anchor Suction Bucket (Elevation).
• Fig. 13 is Plan View from Fig. 12.
• Fig. 14 is portable cylinder.
• Fig. 15 is a Plan View from Fig. 14.
• Fig. 16 is an Elevation of Catamaran WTG Installer for deepwater (CWTI-D), Section
• Fig. 17 is a Plan View of CWTI-D, Section 3-3 from Fig. 16.
• Fig. 18 is a Section 5-5 from Fig. 17.
• Fig. 19 is a Section 6-6 from Fig. 20 of the CWTI-D with Support Catamaran.
• Fig. 20 is a Plan View from Fig. 19.
• Fig. 21 is a Plan Section from n Elevation of lower foundation engager 98 in the operating position.
• Fig. 22 is a Pivotal support for WTG.
• Fig. 23 is a Plan View from Fig. 22.
• Fig. 24 is a WTG Tower engagement arrangement (Elevation).
• Fig. 25 is a Plan View from Fig. 24.
• Fig. 26 is an Elevation of the upper engagement arrangement with the CGF Tower during the initial contact between them.
• Fig. 27 is a Plan View from Fig. 26.
• Fig. 28 is an Elevation of the upper engagement arrangement with the CGF Tower after engagement is completed.
• Fig. 29 is a plan view from Fig. 28.
• Fig. 30 is an Elevation of the lower engagement arrangement with the CGF Tower during the initial contact between them.
• Fig. 31 is a Plan View from Fig. 30.
• Fig. 32 is an Elevation of the lower engagement arrangement with the CGF Tower after engagement is completed.
• Fig. 33 is a plan view from Fig. 32.
• Fig. 34 illustrated a Stopper for arresting Support Catamaran (Elevation).
• Fig 35 is a Plan View from Fig. 34.
• Fig. 36 is a Support Catamaran (Elevation)
• Fig. 37 is a Support Catamaran (Side View).
• Fig. 38 is Detail II from Fig. 37.
• Fig. 39 shows the CGF Tower positioned on the Transfer Pier.
• Fig. 40 is Plan View from Fig. 39.
• Fig. 41 is a Side View of the CGF Tower positioned on the Transfer Pier.
• Fig. 42 shows CWTI-D and Support Catamaran approaching the Transfer Pier
• Fig. 43 is a Plan View from Fig. 42.
• Fig. 44 shows CWTI-D and Support Catamaran engaged with the Transfer Pier (Elevation), mooring lines attached to Anchors and hoist line with power cable attached to auxiliary double-drum winch on the bridge crane.
• Fig. 45 is a Plan View from Fig. 44.
• Fig. 46 is a Section 8-8 from Fig. 44 illustrates the CWTI-D bridge crane hoist engage with the CGF Tower.
• Fig. 47 shows Catamaran Tower Installer moved out of Transfer pier and Support Catamaran engaging with the lifting arrangement on the lower end of the CGF Tower.
• Fig. 48 is a Section 9-9 from Fig. 47.
• Fig. 49 shows the lower end of CGF Tower lowered with sinking Support Catamaran.
• Fig. 50 is a Section 10-10 from Fig. 49.
• Fig. 51 shows CWTI carrying the CGF Tower mowing out of engagement with Transfer Pier.
• Fig. 52 shows CWTI carrying the CGF Tower mowed out of engagement with Transfer Pier and on his way to the destination site.
• Fig. 53 shows CWTI arrived to the destination site.
• Fig. 54 is a section 10-10 from Fig. 53 illustrating the rear part of CGF Tower in a free fall.
• Fig. 55 illustrates submerging of the CGF Tower by rotating around the journal on the upper part of the CGF Tower, which is supported by CWTI-D bridge crane.
• Fig. 56 illustrates further rotating and submerging of the CGF Tower.
• Fig. 57 illustrates the CGF Tower came to the vertical position.
• Fig. 58 illustrates initial penetration the CGF Tower base into soil.
• Fig. 59 Illustrates completion of the CGF Tower base penetration into soil.
• Fig. 60 illustrates side View of CWTI-D after completion of the CGF Tower base penetration into soil.
• Fig. 62 illustrates three positions of the CWTI-D for placing anchors on the equal distance from the CGF.
• Fig. 63 illustrates the CWTI-D in position ready to lower the first anchor.
• Fig. 64 illustrates the first anchor penetrating soil under its own weight.
• Fig. 65 illustrates completely submerged into soil the first anchor.
• Fig. 66 illustrates process of retrieving suction pump to the CWTI-D after the first anchor fully penetrated into seabed soil.
• Fig. 67 illustrates the CWTI-D in position ready to lower the second anchor.
• Fig. 68 illustrates the second anchor penetrating soil under its own weight.
• Fig. 69 illustrates completely submerged into soil the second anchor.
• Fig. 70 illustrates process of retrieving suction pump to the CWTI-D after the second anchor fully penetrated into soil.
• Fig. 71 illustrates the CWTI-D approaching the floating as buoy CGF with all mooring lines attached and lose.
• Fig 72 is a Plan View from Fig. 71 illustrating position of the Support Catamaran on the outer side of the CWTI-D.
• Fig. 73 illustrated the CWTI-D center with CGF Tower, lowered suction pump with hydraulic power pact, which actuates portable hydraulic cylinders and tensions mooring lines.
• Fig. 74 is a Section 12-12 from Fig. 73.
• Fig. 75 illustrates process of removing portable hydraulic cylinders after tension of mooring lines is completed.
• Fig. 76 illustrates the CWTI-D mowing away from the installation of CGF is completed.
• Fig. 77 is a Plan View from Fig. 76 illustrating CWTI-D mowing away with Support Catamaran inside of it.
• Fig. 78 shows High-rise Crane Station in Elevation View.
• Fig. 79 is a Plan View from Fig. 78.
• Fig. 80 is a Section 13-13 from Fig. 78.
• Fig. 81 is a Detail III from Fig. 78.
• Fig. 82 is a Plan View from Fig. 81.
• Fig. 83 shows the initial position of lowering WTG Tower on the Shore Stand.
• Fig. 84 shows WTG lowered on the Shore Stand.
• Fig. 85 is a Detail IV from Fig. 85.
• Fig. 86 shows WTG nacelle 24 in the process of lowering it on the WTG Tower.
• Fig. 87 shows WTG rotor attached to nacelle.
• Fig. 88 shows Step I of engaging CWTI-D with Shore Stand and lifting WTG from it.
• Fig. 89 shows Step II of engaging CWTI-D with Shore Stand and lifting WTG from it.
• Fig. 90 shows Step III of engaging CWTI-D with Shore Stand and lifting WTG from it.
• Fig. 91 shows Step I of engaging CWTI-D with Shore Stand and lifting WTG from it in a Plan View.
• Fig. 92 shows Step II of engaging CWTI-D with Shore Stand and lifting WTG from it in a Plan View.
• Fig. 93 shows Step II of engaging CWTI-D with Shore Stand and lifting WTG from it in a Plan View.
• Fig. 94 shows Step III of engaging CWTI-D with Shore Stand and lifting WTG from it in a Plan View.
• Fig. 95 shows Step IV of engaging CWTI-D with Shore Stand and lifting WTG from it.
• Fig. 96 shows Step V of engaging CWTI-D with Shore Stand and lifting WTG from it.
• Fig. 97 shows Step VI at which the CWTI-D with lifted WTG on board moves away from Shore Stand.
• Fig. 98 shows CWTI-D with completely assembled WTG on board approaching preinstalled foundation.
• Fig. 99 shows CWTI-D in transport mode engaged with foundation through breasting wheels.
• Fig. 100 shows CWTI-D pitching in bow direction having pivot point at lower trust roller.
• Fig. 101 shows CWTI-D between two pitching extremes during the process of going from transport mode into semisubmersible mode.
• Fig. 102 shows CWTI-D pitching in stern direction having pivot point at upper trust roller.
• Fig. 103 shows CWTI-D in the semisubmersible mode.
• Fig. 104 is a Detail V from Fig. 103.
• Fig. 105 shows CWTI-D lowered WTG on foundation.
• Fig. 106 is a Detail VI from Fig. 105.
• Fig. 107 shows CWTI-D out of contact with WTG support legs.
• Fig. 108 show CWTI-D rotated its pivot support out of possible contact with access platform.
• Fig. 109 shows CWTI-D floating up to sea level.
• Fig. 110 shows CWTI-D pitching in bow direction and being still in contact with foundation.
• Fig. Ill shows CWTI-D between two pitching extremes during the process of floating up from semisubmersible mode to transport mode.
• Fig. 112 shows CWTI-D pitching in stern direction and being out of contact with foundation.
• Fig. 113 shows CWTI-D moving away from installed WTG being in a transport mode.
• Fig. 114 shows Catamaran Crane, General Arrangement (Elevation).
• Fig. 115 shows Catamaran Crane, General Arrangement (Side View).
• Fig. 116 is a Section 13-13 from Fig. 115.
• Fig. 117 shows General Arrangement (Elevation) CWTI-D adapted to install monopiles and renamed into CWTI-M.
• Fig. 118 shows CWTI-M General Arrangement (Side View).
• Fig. 119 shows monopile delivered on barge to CWTI-M.
• Fig. 120 shows CWTI-M Gantry crane engaged with monopile.
• Fig. 121 shows CWTI-M Gantry crane lifting monopile.
• Fig. 122 shows monopile lifted and centered with CWTI-M.
• Fig. 123 shows monopile lowered into seabed soil by its own weight.
• Fig. 124 shows Gantry crane lifting Piledriver from its stand.
• Fig. 125 shows Gantry crane engaging with Piledriver on its stand.
• Fig. 126 shows Piledriver driving placed on monopile.
• Fig. 127 shows monopile drived by Piledriver to the designed depth.
• Fig. 128 shows Piledriver lifted from monopile head.
• Fig. 129 shows Gantry crane placing Piledriver on its stand.
• Fig. 130 shows CWTI-M taking ballast and going into semisubmersible mode and lowering Transition Adapter on the head of monopile.
• Fig. 131 shows CWTI-M in position when Transition adapter is welded to monopile head.
• Fig. 132 shows CWTI-M going from semisubmersible mode into Transport mode.
• Fig. 133 shows Gantry crane disconnected from monopile and away from it.
• Fig. 134 is a General Arrangement of catamaran Service Vessel (CSV) engaged with offshore WTG.
• CSV catamaran Service Vessel
• Fig. 135 is a CSV side View from Fig 133.
• Fig. 136 is Elevation View of CSV during transport mode.
• Fig. 137 is a side view from Fig. 136.
• Fig. 138 is Elevation View of CSV during semisubmersible mode.
• Fig. 139 is a Side View from Fig.138.
• Fig. 140 is a Plan View of CSV.
• Fig. 141 is a Section Plan View 14-14 from Fig. 138.
• Fig. 142 is a Side Section 15-15from Fig. 138.
• Fig. 143 is an Elevation Section 16-16 from Fig. 141.
• Fig. 144 is a Plan Section from Fig. 143.
• Fig. 145 shows upper Engagement Arrangement in the initial contact with WTG foundation.
• Fig. 146 is a Plan View from Fig. 145.
• Fig. 147 shows upper Engagement Arrangement fully engaged with WTG foundation.
• Fig. 148 is a Plan View from Fig. 147.
• Fig. 149 shows lower Engagement Arrangement in the initial contact with WTG foundation.
• Fig. 150 is a Plan View from Fig. 149.
• Fig. 151 shows lower Engagement Arrangement fully engaged with WTG foundation.
• Fig. 152 is a Plan View from Fig. 151.
• Fig. 153 shows Elevation View of the Mast upper part.
• Fig. 154 is a Side View from Fig. 153.
• Fig. 155 shows Elevation View of the Mast lower part.
• Fig. 156 is a Side View from Fig. 155.
• Fig. 157 shows Elevation View of Sliding Platform.
• Fig. 158 shows Side View of Sliding Platform.
• Fig. 159 shows Plan View of Sliding Platform.
• FIGS 1 through 3 illustrate an Offshore Windpower Plant (OWP) 21 installed on the sea bottom. It consists of a typical offshore WTG 22, which includes nacelle 24, rotor 26, auxiliary crane 27, WTG tower 28 and Compliant Guyed Foundation (CGF) 30. Wind tower 28 has access platform 32, four thrust stools 34, serving as the points through which it can be lifted, and on the bottom it has an outer engaging cone 35 with a plunger 36 in its middle.
• OTP Offshore Windpower Plant
• CGF Compliant Guyed Foundation
• the Compliant Guyed Foundation (CGF) 30 consists of a Tower 38, three mooring lines 40 and three anchors 42.
• the Tower 42 (see Figures 4 through 15) consists of upper part 44, intermediate parts 45, 46, 47, 48, 49; lower part 50, universal joint 51 and the Tower Base 52.
• the intermediate part 49 has a lifting gear 53.
• the upper part 44 has a receiver-head 54 (see Fig. 7A), which includes an inner cone 56, in the middle of inner cone 56 is located shock absorber 58 consisting of a set of thin plates 60.
• the receiver-head 44 has on its side a pair of journals 61, which serve as a lifting points and as the axis of Tower 42 rotation into vertical position during the process of its installation on the seabed.
• the upper part 44 has three receivers 62, equally distributed along the circle of the upper part 44 diameter for attaching hydraulic cylinders 66, which would tension mooring lines 40 after installation of CGF would be completed. Also equally distributed along the circle of upper part 44 and in the same pattern as receivers 62 are located three sets of guides 64 and clamps 66 that fix mooring lines 40 with the body of the upper part 44. Near the bottom of the upper part 44 is located a bulkhead 66 and vent pipe 68 that form a needed buoyancy for Tower 42 to float as a buoy during CGF installation process.
• the lower part 50 (see Figures 8 and 9) is a hydraulic cylinder 72 upper end of which is connected with intermediate part 49. On the lower end of the cylinder 72 is a flange 74. Inside of cylinder 72 is a piston 75, the space between them forms a compressed air chamber 76, which is interconnected through pipe 79A and three way valve 80 (see Fig. 6) and pipe 79B with pneumatic accumulators 77.
• the piston 75 bottom is connected with a trust plate 78 which has on it at least three equally spaced stoppers 81. Each of the stoppers 81 protrude through flange 74 and have on their upper end a nut 82.
• the trust plate 78 is connected with universal joint 51.
• the Tower Base 52 is a typical suction bucket, which consists of a cylindrical body 84 and the upper plate 86.
• the upper plate 86 diameter is larger than the diameter of cylindrical body 84 and this forms a scorching prevention overhang 88.
• the upper plate 86 has on it a receiver 90 for a suction pump 92 with hydraulic power pack 93 (not shown on the drawings).
• the three anchors 42 are each a typical suction bucket, which consists of cylindrical body 84A and upper plate 86A.
• the upper plate 86A is larger than the diameter of cylindrical body 84A and this forms a scorching prevention overhang 88 A.
• chain connector 94 In the center of upper plate 86A is located chain connector 94, a receiver 90 for attaching suction pump 92 and at least three hooks 96 for lifting entire anchor 42 by slings 97.
• FIGS. 14 and 15 show Portable Hydraulic Cylinder 54, which consists of a cylinder 101, having piston road 102, quick activating gear 103 for disconnecting from mooring line 40 and lifting ear 104 and tooth 105 for rapid engagement with receiver 62 on upper part of Tower 25.
• On the lower part of cylinder 101 is located trust support 107.
• FIGs 16 through 18 illustrate the Catamaran WTG Installer for Deepwaters (CWTI-D) 110 in a mode for placing WTG on the preinstalled Compliant Guyed Foundation (CGF).
• Figures 19 through 21 illustrate CWTI-D in a mode of installing Compliant Guyed Foundation (CGF), which includes the Support Catamaran 230.
• CGF Compliant Guyed Foundation
• the CWTI-D operates as a SWATH type vessel. It is comprised of lower structure 111 and upper structure 112.
• the lower structure 111 includes two, having shape of elongated cylinder, pontoons 113, each of them has extended in upper direction hull 114.
• Each hull 114 consists of bow section 116, central section 118 and stern section 120.
• the central section 118 of the hull 114 is taller than the bow 116 and stern 118 sections of the hull 114.
• propulsion units 119 On the bow part of the pontoons 112 are located propulsion units 119.
• Hulls 114 are interconnected by a cross structure 122.
• the cross structure 122 includes a pair of an upper longitudinal beams 123, a pair of lower longitudinal beams 124, cross beams 126; vertical columns 128; braces in vertical plane 129, braces in horizontal plane 130, 132, 134 and 136.
• the stern part of the lower structure 111 is covered by a deck 137.
• the cross structure 122 also includes two pair of upper guides 138 and lower guides 139, which centers CWTI-D with WTG foundation.
• the upper structure of CWTI-D 112 consists of a pair of vertical columns 142 and 143, and side supports 146, a pair of upper longitudinal beams 148, a pair of lower longitudinal beams 150 with crane rail 152 on their upper part.
• the upper longitudinal beams 148 are interconnected by cross beams 154.
• the vertical columns 142 and inclined supports 146 are interconnected between themselves on the top by cross beams 155.
• Power Stations 157 On the stern ends of the CWTI-D 110 are located two Power Stations 157.
• Each of Power Stations 157 includes electro-power generator, air compressor and hydraulic power pack (not shown on drawings).
• the upper structure 112 has a two pivotal supports 160 for WTG tower 28 trust stools 34. Each of them (see Figures 22 and 23) consists of a frame 161 with upper hinge 162, lower hinge 164 and hydraulic actuator 166. Both hinges are attached to cross beams 156 between column 142.
• WTG tower engagement arrangement 168 (see Figures from 24 and 25), which consist of two side rollers 170, each having two arms lever 172 with roller 174 attached to outer arm and inner arm connected with hydraulic actuator 176, pivot axis support 178 and frame support 180.
• central roller support 182 having a triangle frame 184 with roller 186 attached to its left corner and hydraulic actuator 188 attached to its right corner. Between the left and right corners of the triangle frame the third corner serves as a pivot support 190 attached to upper structure 112.
• the lower structure 111 includes upper engagement arrangements 192 (see Figures 26 through 29) for engagement with Compliant Guyed Foundation (CGF) 30 and the lower engagement arrangement 194 (see Fig. 30 through 33). Both of them consist of two side rollers 170A, a breasting wheel 196, which include wheel 198, pivot lever 200 with support console 202, hydraulic shock absorber 204 and trust rollers 206 for upper engagement arrangement 192 and 207 for lower engagement arrangement 194.
• Each side roller 170A includes: two arms lever 172A with roller 174A attached to outer arm and inner arm connected with hydraulic actuator 176A, pivot axis support 178A and frame support 180A.
• the CWTI-D employs bridge crane 208 with an auxiliary two drum winch 209 for handling hoisting line and power cable of the suction pump 92, Support Catamaran 220 and sets of guides 210 and berthing rollers 212 and a pair of Stoppers 214, which keep Support Catamaran berthed to CWTI-D 110.
• Stopper 214 (see Figures 34 and 35) consists of head 216 with base 218 and a locker 220 having a hydraulic actuator 222.
• the CWTI-D 110 has on board three anchors 42, each of which is positioned on four power operating rotating supports 216. On the upper part of the lower structure 111 are located machinery rooms 223 and 224 and living quarters 225 and 226.
• the Support Catamaran 230 (see Figures 36 through 39) is a remote controlled vessel. It consists of two pontoons 231 and a cross-frame 233.
• the cross-frame 233 consist of horizontal frame 235 and two support columns 237. Pontoons 231 have on their stern a remote controlled propulsion system 239.
• In the middle of horizontal frame 235 is located Quick Connect-Disconnect Arrangement 241.
• the Quick Connect-Disconnect Arrangement 243 consists of a sliding column 245 and a lifting arrangement 247.
• the sliding column 245 has on its lower end a hydraulically operated engager 242, which consists of a pair pivoted hooks 249, base 251 and a pair of hydraulic cylinders 253.
• the lifting arrangement 247 consists of a frame 259 with hoisting which 261 on its top.
• the hoisting winch 261 has a hoisting line 263, which is attached to lifting eye 257 on the top of the sliding column 245.
• On the outer sides of the support columns 237 are located two engaging bars 265.
• the Tower 38 of Compliant Guyed Foundation 30 is delivered to Transfer Pier 280 on two carriages, front one 282 and rear one 284 running on the rails 285. (see Figures 39, 40 and 41) .
• the three mooring lines 40 are attached by one end to tension cylinder 64 and by other end to the upper part 44 of the Tower 38 and by this forming a loop.
• the suction pump 92 on the suction bucket base 52 has its hoisting line 286 and power/control cable 288 attached to the top of the Tower 38 upper part 111.
• the suction bucket base 52 is in inclined position to avoid interference with carriages 282 and 284.
• the Catamaran Tower Installer (CWTI-D) 110 approaches Transfer Pier 280 with its stern and Support Catamaran 120 upfront (see Figures 42 and 43). Then it moves closer to the shore line along the pier 280 until the center of bridge crane 208 would coincide with journal 61 on the Tower 38 (see Figures 44 and 45). Then bridge crane 209 lowers its hook and interconnects with journal 61. Simultaneously the hoisting line 286 and power/control cable 288 would be connected to the winch 209 on the bridge crane 208 and mooring lines 40 would be connected to suction buckets anchors 42.
• the CWTI-D 110 lifts upper part of Tower 38 from carriage 282 and moves out along the pier 280 until lifting arrangement 53 on Tower 38 would coincide with the center of Support Catamaran 230.
• the Support Catamaran 220 engager 242 gets in contact lifting gear 53 on Tower 38 (see Figures 47 and 48).
• the carriage 284 lowers its support for Tower 38, which starts to rotate around the suspended by bridge crane 208 journals 61.
• the downward movement through sliding column 245 and its trust ring 255 transfers to upper part of Catamaran 220, which would start to sink until it buoyancy would balance the weight of the lower end of Tower 38.
• the forth step includes delivery the Tower 38 by CWTI-D 110 to destination site and its installation there (see Figures 53 through 61) includes the following actions:
• the first would be rotating Tower 38 into vertical position it would start by releasing the Tower 38 lower end from suspension by Support Catamaran 230.
• the engager 242 by rotating outward hooks 249, disconnects them from lifting gear 53 and by this initiates the lower end of Tower 38 to go in the "free fall" rotating around journals 61 suspended by bridge crane 208 (see Figures 53 through 57).
• the bridge crane 208 starts to lower Tower 38 to the seabed.
• the fifth step is placing anchors 42A, 42B and 42C on seabed is illustrated by schematic on the Fig. 62 and it consists of the following operations:
• the CWTI-D 110 moves radially outward off the Tower 38 on a certain distance.
• the bridge crane 208 position suction pump 92 on the anchor 42 receiver 90 (see Fig. 61).
• bridge crane 208 slightly lifts up the anchor 42A. This action would allow rotating anchor 42A supports 216 out of contact with anchor 42A.
• anchor 42A reaches the sea bottom it would penetrate the soil on some distance under its own weight.
• the suction pump 92 would be activated and under hydrostatic force the anchor 42A would fully penetrate into soil.
• Figures 62 through 70 illustrate process of installation of anchor 42B which is done in the same manner as installation of anchor 42A.
• the process of installation anchor 42C would be the same as for anchors 42A and 42B.
• the Fig. 71 illustrates final position of CWTI-D 110 after it completed installation of anchor 42C.
• the sixth step includes the following actions:
• FIGS 78 through 82 illustrates High-rise Crane Station 270 for assembling WTG, which includes: a pilled foundation 272, support structure 274, heavy lift short boom revolving crane 276, which includes: a crane support column 278, a hoist 279 and rotating platform 280 with two load swinging restraining winches 282 with restraining lines 284 on them.
• High-rise Crane Station also includes Shore Stand 286 consisting of a cylindrical column 288 imitating WTG foundation 30, a pilled foundation 290 and a WTG tower holder 292, which includes a pair of side rollers 170B and trust roller 206A.
• Figures 83 through 87 illustrate the sequence of steps of assembling WTG 22 on the Shore Stand 286, which are in the following order:
• Figure 88 through 98 illustrate the sequence of steps of engaging Catamaran WTG installer (CWTI-D) with Shore Stand 140, which is positioned in the protected from wave actions harbor, and lifting completely assembled WTG from it.
• CWTI-D Catamaran WTG installer
• Step I The CWTI-D 110 in transport mode approaches Shore Stand 286 with the additional ballast in its pontoons, which position the CWTI-D in a manner at which tower support 160 would be positioned below WTG 22 thrust stools 34.
• Step II By continue its movement toward Shore Stand the CWTI-D first comes in contact Shore Stand with guides 138, which centers CWTI-D with Shore Stand in plane (see Fig. 92). During CWTI-D further movement toward Shore Stand it comes in contact with the breasting wheels 192 and 194.
• Step III During this Step dynamic impact between CWTI-D 110 and Shore Stand 286 would be absorbed by breasting wheels 192 and 194. Also under impact force the breasting wheels 192 and 194 will retract and by this are bringing the trust rollers 206 in contact with Shore Stand 140 (see Figures 90 and 94) and by this would stop the CWTI-D.
• Step IV During this Step the CWTI-D 110 keeps be trust rollers 206 being pressed to Shore Stand 286 by the force of its propulsion system 120. Simultaneously CWTI-D 110 starts to pumped ballast and by this CWTI-D 110 floats up and this brings supports 160 in contact with thrust stools 34. By continue pumping out ballast the buoyancy force of CWTI-D 110 pontoon would become equal to the own weight of CWTI-D 110.
• Step V By continue pumping ballast out the CWTI-D 110 would float further up and would lift WTG 22 through its tower 28 from Shore Stand 286.
• Step VI At this step the CWTI-D 110 with lifted WTG 22 on board moves out of engagement with Shore Stand 286.
• Figures 98 through 113 illustrate sequence of steps of transporting completely assembled WTG 22 to installed Foundation 30, engaging CWTI-D 110 with Foundation 30, lowering WTG on Foundation 30 and disengaging CWTI-D 110 from the installed Offshore WTG 21, which are done in the following order:
• the CWTI-D 110 would approach installed foundation 30 head-on to prevailing wind or wave force with minimum speed, thus excludes rolling, but CWTI-D 110 in most of the cases would be pitching.
• CWTI-D 110 At the first it comes in contact with foundation 30 by pair of its guides 138, which centers CWTI-D 110 with foundation 30 in plane. This process is similar to the process of CWTI-D 110 approaching Shore Stand 288 and illustrated by Figures 91 through 94.
• CWTI-D 110 further movement toward foundation 30 it comes in contact with it through the upper and lower engagement arrangements 192 and 194 (see Figures 26 through 33).
• the energy of the impact would be absorbed by hydraulic cylinders 204 of the breasting wheels 196.
• CWTI-D 110 would be pitching at the first would come in contact with Foundation 30 only one breasting wheel breasting wheels 198, which would gradually retract and by this would bring one of the trust rollers 207 in a soft contact with foundation 30 Tower 38 (see Figures 99 and 100). This would stop further movement of CWTI-D 110, but, since it would be pitching there would be a moment (see Fig. 101) when both trust rollers 207 and 206 would be pressed to Foundation 30 simultaneously. The force pressing them to Foundation 30 would be generated by propulsion system 120 it would be sufficient to overcome wave and wind forces. But it would not be sufficient to prevent pitching, therefore the CWTI-D 110 would be pivoting alternatively around trust rollers 207 and 206 (see Figures 100 and 102). By this way the CWTI-D 110 would be always in contact with Foundation 30 regardless of pitching.
• the trust rollers side guide rollers 172A (see Figures 28 and 33) of the upper and lower engaging arrangements 192 and 194 would be activated through their cylinders 176A and by this they would lock-up CWTI-D 110 with the foundation 30 in a manner that would further prevent it from any inclination from horizontal position, including roll or pitch.
• engaging arrangements 192 and 194 would not prevent the CWTI-D 110 heaving (vertical movement).
• the waterplane area of central hull 118 is too small it would not generate significant buoyancy force effecting the CWTI-D 110 heaving. Therefore the energy of impact between the CWTI-D 110 moving downward, after taking ballast, and motionless foundation 30 would not be significant.
• the second embodiment - Catamaran Crane is a CWTI-D with added Revolving Crane with a short boom and it is renamed into CWTI-C. It addresses the need for replacing WTGs major parts during its operation. By the ongoing technology replacing major parts of WTGs, such as generator, gearboxes, rotors and blades requires use of the Jack up Crane Vessel that assemble WTG initially. Since, according to the First Embodiment, WTGs would be installed in deepwaters, thus means that for replacement WTGs major parts would require use a floating crane utilizing the same concept on which the CWTI-D is based.
• FIGS 114 through 116 illustrate Catamaran Crane, based on Catamaran WTG Installer for Deepwaters (CWTI-D) 110 adapted for serving WTG 22 and named CWTI-C 300.
• the Catamaran Crane 300 includes:
• the Revolving Crane with a short boom 276A is of the same type that is positioned on the High-rise Crane Station 270 (see Figures 78 through 82). It consists of a crane support column 278A, a hoist 279A and rotating platform 280A with two load swinging restraining winches 282A with tensioning lines 284A on them.
• the Transition Frame 302 consists of a pair of front columns 204, a pair of rear columns 306, a pair of cross beams 308 and a pair of horizontal beams 310.
• This mode excludes any roll or pitch, but does not completely exclude heave, which is significantly minimized.
• the known technology has the means for adjusting hoist 279A vertical movement, accordingly to the wave actions effects it, and by this, under condition that crane is not pitching or heaving with the vessel, would provide safe conditions for replacing the major parts of WTGs.
• Monopile consist from two parts. One is a pile in form of a tube and other is a transitional piece.
• the transition piece contains access platform, breasting pals and vertical ladder to access platform by persons from the sea level. It is about 20 meters high and weights 200+ tons.
• Process of installing monopiles performs in two steps. The first installing the pile and the second placing on the pile the transition piece. Both of these steps are performed by high-rise and heavy lift floating cranes.
• OWP By OWP technology the access platform is a part of WTG tower and delivery maintenance personnel to it is done straight from Catamaran Service Vessel (CSV). Berthing of CSV to WTG is done in the same manner as it is done by CWTI-D and CWTI-M, which require foundation head to be cylindrical shape and its surface has to be clear from any obstructions on it.
• CSV Catamaran Service Vessel
• FIGS 117 and 118 illustrate Catamaran Monopile Installer based on WTG Installer for Deepwaters (CWTI-D) 110 adapted to install Monopiles foundations, which is named CWTI-M 350.
• the CWTI-M 350 includes:
• the Transition Frame 354 consists of a pair of horizontal beams 357 with rails 358, three crossbeams 359, two pairs of vertical columns 360 and 362 and two pairs of brackets 364 and 366. Transition Frame 354 also includes stands 368 and 370 for Pile Driver 356 and for Transition Adapter 54 (see Fig. 7A).
• the monopile 351 is delivered by barge 374 to CWTI-M 350 in horizontal position.
• the Gantry Crane 352 on CWTI-M 350 using its hoist 353 lifts monopile 382 into vertical position (see Figures 120 through 122). Then centers it with the CWTI-D upper and lower engaging arrangements 192 and 194 (see Fig. 123).
• the Gantry Crane 352 would lower monopile 382 on the seabed. Under its gravity force the monopile would penetrate seabed soil on some distance.
• the Gantry Crane 352 would lift Pile Driver 356 from its stand 370 and would place it on the head of monopile 382.
• the activated Pile Driver would drive monopile 382 to the projected depth.
• WTGs that are located offshore have problem of transporting personnel and cargo to them during rough seas.
• the task of delivery personnel to WTG is complicated because the WTG access platform is located about 20 meters above the ocean level.
• service boat delivers man as close as possible to the WTG tower and he jumps from the boat bow to a vertical ladder and moves up the ladder to the access platform.
• the need to come as close as possible to WTGs has the high degree risk of colliding with WTG, especially when the vertical ladder location is perpendicular to prevailing wind and wave actions.
• This method of boarding WTG excludes the man of bringing with him tool, materials and small spare parts.
• the boarding platform has a small crane for lifting tools and on the WTG itself there is a 2-3 ton lifting capacity auxiliary crane.
• this operation of handling materials and spare parts is also a risky and not safe even during moderate seas and at the stormy weather it simply cannot be performed.
• the maintenance crew cannot visit WTGs, which leads to interruption of WTGs operation until appeared malfunction is repaired.
• Ampelmann System can bring one man very close to vertical ladder on WTG foundation using a small platform, which stability in the space is achieved by a system that includes six hydraulic cylinders, which simultaneous operation is controlled by a computer special program and supported by a dynamically positioned vessel.
• the Ampelmann System cannot deliver spare parts and cannot provide change of lubricant, coolant and inspection and repair of WTGs blades.
• the goal of the present invention Fourth Embodiment is to overcome all of the limitation of the ongoing technology for servicing WTGs offshore. Thus would be achieved y by providing safe means for the maintenance personnel to walk straight from the CSV to the WTG access platform and delivery materials (spare parts, lubricant oil and coolants) to and from the WTGs during rough seas.
• CSV is a purely mechanical system, it is simpler and more reliable, versus the Ampelmann. Therefore the CSV would increase the window of weather availability, would increase the reliability and would increase the safety of transporting personnel and cargo between CSV and the WTG.
• CSV Catamaran Service Vessel
• the capability to provide to the personnel safe passage to WTG access platform during reduced but still existing heave is:
• the CSV uses lifting platform arrangement, which consists of the mast and sliding along it carriage, carrying personnel or spare parts.
• This sliding carriage vertical movement is controlled by a hydraulic drive.
• Thus provides unshakeable smooth pass for personnel to walk from lifting platform to the WTG access platform.
• the CSV has on the top of its mast a support beams on which said self-elevating platform would be positioned.
• the special self-elevating platform would be placed on the support beam on the top of the mast when CSV would go out from the port.
• Figures 134 and 135 are Elevation and Side View of General Arrangement of Catamaran Service Vessel (CSV) 400 engaged with WTG generator (WTG) 22 foundation 30 during Operating Mode. They also show the moment of lowering a spare part 401 by WTG auxiliary crane 27 on the CSV 400 handling spare part 401.
• Figures 136 and 137 show Elevation and Side View of CSV 400 during Cruising Mode and coming in touch with foundation 30.
• the Fig. 138 is an Elevation of CSV during Transition Mode and the Fig. 139 is a Side View of CSV 400 during Operational mode being already engaged with the WTG foundation 30.
• the Fig. 140 is a Plan View of CSV.
• the Fig. 141 is a Plan Section 14-14 from Fig. 138.
• the Fig. 142 is Section 15-15 from Fig. 138.
• the CSV consists of lower structure 402 and upper structure 404.
• the lower structure 402 (see Figures 138 and 139) includes two pontoons 406, each of them has extended in upper direction hull 408.
• Each hull 408 consists of bow part 410, central part 412 and stern part 414.
• the central part 412 is taller that bow part 410 and stern part 414.
• the upper part of the lower structure is covered by a deck 415.
• On the stern part of the pontoons 406 is located propulsion system 416.
• the hulls 408 are interconnected by a cross structure 418.
• the cross structure 418 includes upper row of cross-beams 420, lower row of cross-beam 422, upper longitudinal beams 424, lower longitudinal beam 425, vertical beams 426, beam-braces 428 in the horizontal plane and beam-braces 430 in the vertical plane.
• the Section 14-14 and 15-15 from Fig.135; Sections 16-16 from Fig. 138 and Section 17-17 from Fig. 140 illustrate design of the hull 408 parts.
• buoyancy volume of the hull 408 parts - bow 410, central 412 and stern 414 are formed between interconnection of cross-beams 422, vertical beams 426, top part of pontoons 406 and by side plates 428 on the part 410, side plates 430 on the part 412 and side plates 432 on the part 414.
• the cross structure also includes an upper pair of guides 435 and lower pair of guides 435, which center CSV with WTG foundation 30.
• the CSV 400 lower structure 402 includes upper engagement arrangements 436 and lower engagement arrangement 438 for engagement with turbine foundation 30 (see Figures 133 through 140). Both 436 and 438 engagement arrangement are the same as engagement arrangements 192 and 194 on the CWTI-D (see Figures 26 through 40) for engagement with WTG foundation 30. Both of them consists of two side rollers 170A a breasting wheel 198, pivot lever 200 with support console 202, hydraulic shock absorber 204 and trust rollers 206 for upper engagement arrangement 192 and lower engagement arrangement 194. Each side roller includes: two arms lever 172A with roller 174A attached to outer arm and inner arm connected with the hydraulic actuator 176A, pivot support 178 and frame support 180A.
• the upper structure 404 includes Lifting Platform Arrangement 442, which is located in the middle of CSV, and Power Station 444 and Living Quarters 446, which are located on the stern part of the CSV. Above Living Quarters 446 is located helicopter platform 448.
• Each Power Station 444 includes electrO-power generator, air compressor and hydraulic power pack (not shown on the drawings).
• the Lifting Platform Arrangement consists of: Mast 450, Sliding Carriage 451 and lifting drive 452,
• Mast 450 which includes two vertical columns 453 with guiding rail 454 and side support beams 456. It also has on its upper part pipe branches 458, which are connected with pumps and storages for the fresh and used lubricants and coolants (not shown on the drawings). On the top of the Mast 450 are located support beams 459 for self-elevating platform for inspection and repairing the WTG blades (not shown on the drawings).
• Sliding carriage 451 consists of a pair of horizontal beams 462, three cross-beams 464 and two bracket-beams 470 interconnecting vertical beams 468 with horizontal beams 462.
• On the rear part of the sliding carriage 460 are located two pairs of rollers 472engaged with guiding rails 454. Over the horizontal beams are placed deck 474 and hand-rails 475.
• On the front part of the sliding carriage 460 is positioned trust dog 476 for engaging with WTG 22 access platform 32.
• the carriage 451 For engagement with chain loop 480 the carriage 451 has upper and lower attachment ears 477.
• the carriage 451 has lower and upper attachment ears 477.
• Lifting drive 452 includes a chain loop 480 attached to sliding carriage in two points, hydraulic motor 481 with sprocket 482, located on deck 415, and sprocket 484 positioned on the top of the mast 450. On the deck 415 is located access ladder 486 to sliding carriage 451, when it is located in the lower position.
• DESCRIPTION OF THE CATAMARAN SERVICE VESSEL (CSV) OPERATION.perations of the CSV consist of the following steps:
• the CSV 400 comes the WTG 22 foundation 30 in a Cruising Mode (see Figures 133 and 134). It maneuvers in a way that allows it to approached foundation 30 head-on to prevailing direction of wind and wave action.
• the first contact with foundation 30 would be done by guides 428 that would center CSV with foundation center.
• the second contact would be with berthing wheel 196, which would absorb the energy of initial impact contract and by this would smoothly bring trust rollers 206 in contact with foundation 30.
• One or both trust rollers 206 under propulsion force overcoming wind and waves forces would be pressed to foundation 30 at any time and by this would keep CSV 400 in touch with foundation 30 during pitching and heaving.
• the WTG access platform 32 is located about 20 meters above sea level and to deliver maintenance personnel to it the CSV 400 uses special lifting platform arrangement 442.
• the heaving even with reduced amplitude creates obstacle for people to walk safely from sliding carriage 460 to the WTG access platform.
• the lifting drive uses hydraulic motor 481, which through the chain loop 480 and dog 476 keeps connection with WTG access platform under constant pressure, regardless of the CSV heaving. Thus provides for people the same safe conditions to walk from CSV to WTG access platform as walking on the shore.
• the process of replacing worked out lubricant oil and coolant would start by interconnecting designated for lubricant oil or for coolant hoses 461 by one end with corresponding pipe branches 458 on the mast 450 and by other end with corresponding pipe branches on the WTG 22.
• the worked out lubricant and coolant would be lowered by gravity force from nacelle to corresponding storages on the CSV.
• the fresh lubricant oil and coolant would be pumped up to nacelle from corresponding storages.

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• 2013
  • 2013-02-15 JP JP2014557828A patent/JP2015511283A/ja active Pending
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