WO2013156759A1 - Water-based power generation installations - Google Patents
Water-based power generation installations Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2013156759A1 WO2013156759A1 PCT/GB2013/050937 GB2013050937W WO2013156759A1 WO 2013156759 A1 WO2013156759 A1 WO 2013156759A1 GB 2013050937 W GB2013050937 W GB 2013050937W WO 2013156759 A1 WO2013156759 A1 WO 2013156759A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- power
- arrangement
- connection
- infrastructure
- base
- Prior art date
Links
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 44
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 36
- 238000010248 power generation Methods 0.000 title description 15
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 101100165827 Mus musculus Cables1 gene Proteins 0.000 description 13
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 10
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002803 fossil fuel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000007689 inspection Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007667 floating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- 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
- F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
- F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
- F03B13/10—Submerged units incorporating electric generators or motors
-
- 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
- F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
- F03B11/00—Parts or details not provided for in, or of interest apart from, the preceding groups, e.g. wear-protection couplings, between turbine and generator
-
- 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
- F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
- F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
- F03B13/12—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
- F03B13/14—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy
-
- 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
- F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
- F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
- F03B13/12—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
- F03B13/26—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
- F03B13/264—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy using the horizontal flow of water resulting from tide movement
-
- 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
- F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
- F03B17/00—Other machines or engines
- F03B17/06—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head"
- F03B17/061—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head" with rotation axis substantially in flow direction
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G9/00—Installations of electric cables or lines in or on the ground or water
-
- 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
- F05B2240/97—Mounting on supporting structures or systems on a submerged structure
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
- H01R13/52—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
- H01R13/523—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases for use under water
-
- 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
- Y02E10/20—Hydro energy
-
- 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
- Y02E10/30—Energy from the sea, e.g. using wave energy or salinity gradient
Definitions
- the present invention relates to water-based power generation installations. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
- a tidal turbine farm may have tens to hundreds of turbines.
- the turbines are preferably arranged in an array having multiple rows of multiple turbines.
- the turbine array could be deployed in a tidal flow area, a river flow, an ocean current, or any other suitable water current area.
- it is preferable for the turbines to be arranged in an array geography, bathymetry and other factors may mean that a turbine farm has another arrangement.
- each power generating device can be connected directly to infrastructure located on the shore.
- infrastructure equipment located on the shore.
- Offshore wind farms make use of switching, transformer and control equipment located in dry spaces above the surface of the water.
- providing the infrastructure equipment above the surface does not present any additional problems or issues, since the wind turbines themselves are, naturally, above the water.
- water current turbines are located underwater, and are often located in water too deep to make surface breaking structures practical.
- the remainder of the array would be under the water surface, it is unlikely that permission would be given for the provision of a surface breaking infrastructure unit. Even where floating wave devices are deployed, it is desirable to minimise the amount of surface breaking equipment.
- an infrastructure arrangement for a water-based power generating installation including a power generating device operable to derive power from a body of water, and to export that power via an export cable
- the infrastructure arrangement comprising a base for location on a bed of the body of water, the base having an installation export connection connected for export of power from the installation, a power input connection for receiving power from a power generating device, and an engagement system for receiving an infrastructure module, and an infrastructure module releasably engaged with the engagement system of the base, and including connection apparatus for connecting the power input connection of the base with the installation export connection of the base, wherein the power input connection of the base includes a connector portion for connection with a corresponding connector portion of an export cable of a power generating device.
- the power input connector of the base defines a connector shape onto which a connector module of an export cable of a power generating device can be lowered for connection of the export cable to the power input connection.
- connection portions are wet-mate connectors.
- One example further comprises clamping apparatus for holding the infrastructure module in place on the engagement system.
- the infrastructure module and base are provided with at least one cooperating wet-mate connector pair.
- the infrastructure module is buoyant.
- the infrastructure module may be adapted to be deployed on the base using a winch arrangement.
- the installation export connection is adapted for connection with an installation export cable using a spliced, dry-mate or wet-mate connector.
- the base is a gravity base unit. In another example, the base is secured to the bed of the body of water.
- the infrastructure module includes one or more switch, frequency converter, isolator, circuit breaker, signal booster, transformer, and/or measurement and control equipment.
- the base further includes one or more switch, frequency converter, isolator, circuit breaker, signal booster, transformer, and/or measurement and control equipment.
- the export cable of the power generating device includes a subsea umbilical termination unit for connecting a power export cable from the power generating device to a jumper cable, the jumper cable being for connection to the power input connector of the base.
- the base comprises a plurality of such power input connections for receiving power from respective power generating devices
- the infrastructure module includes equipment operable to connect such a plurality of input connections to the installation export connection.
- the installation export cable and/or power export cable comprises power and auxiliary connections.
- the power and auxiliary connections may be provided in separate respective cables, or may be provided in a single cable.
- connections may provide measurement, control and/or communications connections.
- a water-based power generating installation comprising a water based power generating device operable to derive power from a body of water, and to export that power via a power export cable, and an infrastructure arrangement for providing a power export connection from the installation, and including infrastructure equipment for the installation, which infrastructure equipment serves to connect the power generating device with the power export connection, wherein the infrastructure arrangement is provided by an arrangement according to the first aspect of the present invention.
- the power generating device is a water stream turbine device.
- the power generating device is a tidal stream turbine device.
- the power generating device is a wave powered device.
- Figure 1 is a schematic view of an example water current power generation system
- Figures 2 and 3 are a schematic side and plan views of an infrastructure arrangement for use with the power generation system of Figure 1 ;
- FIG. 4 illustrates an underwater water current power generation installation
- FIGS 5 to 8 illustrate connection details of the arrangement of Figures 2 and 3;
- Figure 9 illustrates an alternative connection configuration for an infrastructure arrangement
- Figures 10 and 1 1 illustrate respective infrastructure module deployment techniques
- Figure 12 illustrates a configuration of infrastructure arrangements.
- FIG. 1 An example water current power generation system 1 is shown in Figure 1 and comprises a support structure 2 located on a bed 3 of a body of water.
- a power generation unit 4 such as a turbine device, is mounted on the support structure 2.
- a rotor assembly turns, thereby driving an electrical generator, or other power converter apparatus, provided in the power generation unit 4.
- the power generation unit 4 is buoyant, and is winched down to the support structure 2.
- a water current turbine is illustrated in Figure 1 , it will be readily appreciated that the principles and embodiments of the present invention are applicable to use with any type of water-based power generation system, such as wave power devices.
- FIGS 2 and 3 illustrate schematic side and plan views of an infrastructure arrangement 5 suitable for use with the power generation system 1 of Figure 1 , or with any suitable water based power generating device or devices.
- the infrastructure arrangement 5 comprises a support 6, and an infrastructure module 7 adapted for releasable mounting on the support 6.
- the infrastructure module 7 houses any appropriate equipment such as switches, frequency converters, isolators, circuit breakers, signal boosters, transformers, and measurement and control equipment.
- the infrastructure module 7 is buoyant, and is winched down to the support 6.
- the infrastructure module 7 is lowered to the support 6 using a crane or similar equipment.
- the support 6 comprises a base 8 from which extends an
- the engagement structure may be provided by any suitable arrangement, such as the projecting structure shown in Figure 2, or a recessed engagement structure into which the infrastructure module extends. Other configurations are also possible, including a flush mounted arrangement.
- the base 8 is a so-called "gravity base” which uses its weight to hold it in position on the bed of the body of water in which the base is deployed.
- the base 8 may be provided by a single structure, or may be modular in form, such as a frame structure provided with appropriate weights.
- the base 8 may be secured to the bed of the body of water, for example using a pile driven in to the bed or a pile grouted into a drilled hole in the bed.
- the engagement structure 9 allows the infrastructure module 7 to be held in place on the support 6, and to be removed from the support 6.
- the engagement structure 9 may be provided with guide elements to enable the correct orientation and alignment (both polar and axial) of the infrastructure module 7 with respect to the engagement structure 9.
- the module 7 and engagement structure 9 may be required to be aligned before engagement, may be aligned during engagement, or may be provided with connectors that do not require specific alignment. In one particular example, the module 7 may not require specific polar orientation to be engaged with the engagement system.
- the infrastructure module 7 and/or engagement structure 9 may be provided with a clamping system 10 that is able to securely engage with the infrastructure module 7.
- the clamping system 10 is shown schematically in Figure 2, and may be provided by any suitable clamp arrangement.
- the support 6 provides the infrastructure module 7 with connections to other parts of the installation, such as the power generating devices and power export infrastructure.
- the support 6 is provided with a power export connection 10 which connects equipment within the infrastructure module 7 to a power export cable 12.
- the equipment in the infrastructure module 7 is connected to the connection 10 via releasable connectors, such as "wet-mate" connectors, in the engagement structure 9.
- Wet-mate connectors are connection devices which are able to be connected and disconnected underwater, and typically comprise two connector halves that are brought together.
- the engagement structure 9 provides power, monitoring, communications and control connections between the support 6 and the infrastructure module 7, and may include conductive and fibre optic connections.
- the support 6, and engagement structure 9 in particular, enable the infrastructure module 7 to be recovered to the water surface in a relatively straightforward manner, when
- the power export connection 10 may be connected directly with the power export cable 12, or may be connected via a transformer 14, as shown in Figure 2.
- the use of the transformer 14 is optional, and its use is dependent on the electrical output requirements of the installation. For example, electrical power may be generated at 1 1 kV by the power generation devices in the installation, but the export power may be required at 33kV.
- the power export cable may also include monitoring, communications and control connections.
- the power export cable 12 may be connected with the power export connection 10 or transformer 14 using any suitable type of connection technology.
- the power export cable may be connected using splicing, a dry-mate connector or a wet-mate connector.
- the base 6 may be provided with a cable "tail" to which the export cable 12 is connected, or the cable 12 may be connected with a connector in the base.
- Another alternative would be for the export cable 12 to connect with the base/infrastructure module using a subsea umbilical termination unit (SUTU).
- SUTU subsea umbilical termination unit
- the support 6 also provides the infrastructure module 7 with a connection to at least one power generating device.
- An input connector 15, for example including a wet-mate connector 16, is provided for each generating device to be connected to the infrastructure module 7, and is connected to the infrastructure module 7 via a device connection 17 and the engagement structure 9.
- the support 6 is provided with a plurality of input connectors 15 for connection with respective power generating devices.
- Each input connector includes a connector portion, for example a wet-mate connector portion 16, to which a corresponding connector portion is connectable, as will be described below.
- the input connector 15 is defined by at least one sloping wall which serves to guide a device connector into connection with the connector portion 16.
- the input connector 15 is defined by a tapered hole, of any suitable cross-section.
- Figure 4 illustrates an array of power generating devices, in this example, turbines 1 , connected to a common infrastructure arrangement 5, via illustrative connections 18.
- the infrastructure arrangement provides common power, measurement and control equipment for all of the turbines 1 , and it will be appreciated that any number of power generating devices may be provided in the array.
- any number of infrastructure arrangements 5 may be provided, and that such arrangements may be interconnected as appropriate.
- the infrastructure module 7 contains switching, control and other equipment that enables the outputs from the generating devices 1 to be aggregated and supplied as a single output via the power export cable 12.
- the power export cable 12 can be of any appropriate configuration.
- the cable 12 may include multi-phase conductors, control and monitoring connection including fibre optic cables.
- Figure 5 is a schematic side view of the infrastructure arrangement 5 in place on a bed of a body of water.
- a device connector 20 is shown adjacent and unconnected to the
- the device connector 20 includes a device cable 21 which is connected at one end to a power generating device (not shown for clarity).
- the other end of the device cable 21 terminates in a connection module 22 which includes a connector portion 23.
- the connector portion 23 is for connection and engagement with a corresponding connector portion 16 located on the base 8, such that the device cable 21 is connected with the infrastructure module 7 , and hence the power export cable 12.
- the connector portion 23 is of a type that is compatible with the input connector portion 15.
- the two connector portions 16 and 23 may be respective parts of a wet-mate connector.
- the connector portions 16 and 23 may be provided by a single connector device, or by any appropriate number of devices, dependent on the number of connections that need to be made to the base 6.
- auxiliary (power, control and measurement) connections can be provided by a single cable and connector device, or by respective separate cables and a single connector device, or by respective separate cables with corresponding separate connector devices. Any connector devices may be provided on a single connection module 22.
- the auxiliary connections may be provided in a cable or cables separate to the power export cable, or may be integrated in to the same single cable. Different auxiliary connections may be provided with different respective cable/connector combinations.
- connection module 22 and connector portion 23 are designed so as to be engageable with the input connector 15 and connector portion 16 respectively, using only a simple lifting and lowering operation. Such an operation will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 8.
- the device connector 20 is shown deployed adjacent the infrastructure arrangement 5 on the bed.
- a lifting cable 24 is attached to the connection module 22.
- the lifting cable 24 may be attached using a diver or a remotely operated vehicle (ROV).
- ROV remotely operated vehicle
- the lifting cable 24 is deployed from a crane or similar lifting equipment located on a deployment vessel on the surface of the body of water.
- the deployment vessel is not shown in Figure 6 for the sake of clarity.
- the lifting cable 24 is retracted on the deployment vessel so as to lift the connection module 22 clear of the bed.
- the lifting cable 24 is then manoeuvred such that the connection module 22 is substantially directly over the input connector 15 on the base 8.
- the lifting cable 24 is then paid out from the deployment vessel, so as to lower the connection module 22 into the input connector 15.
- the input connector 15 and connection module 22 have cooperating shapes, such that the connection module 22 is guided into position by way of its interaction with the input connector 15.
- the input connector 15 is defined by a tapered hole in the base 8, and the connection module 22 is provided with a complementary outer surface.
- the connector portions 16 and 23 on the base and connection module respectively are brought into engagement with one another.
- the lifting cable is then released from the connection module 22 either by a diver or using an ROV, and retrieved to the deployment vessel, or used to connect another of the power generating devices to the infrastructure arrangement.
- the connector portions 16 and 23 may be rigidly located within the input connector 15 and connection module 22 respectively. Either or both connectors may alternatively be compliantly mounted, in order that any misalignment between the connector portions can be taken up.
- FIG. 8 illustrates the connection module 22 in connection with the input connector 15, with the connector portions 16 and 23 engaged with one another.
- the weight of the connection module 22 serves to keep the connector portions 23 in engagement with the connector portion 16.
- Each power generating device has a device connector 20 for connection to a corresponding input connector 15 on the base 8, and each device connector can be engaged using the technique described above. Since the connection process is straight forward and requires a single lift and lower operation, connection of multiple devices to the infrastructure is greatly simplified and reduced in time.
- connection module Disconnection of the power generating device from the infrastructure arrangement 5 is simply the reverse of the connection process; the lifting cable 24 is attached to the connection module 22, and the connection module lifted out of engagement with the input connector 15. The connection module can then be placed adjacent the base 8 ready for reconnection. A specific location or “parking socket” may be provided for locating the unconnected connection module, in order to protect the module.
- the device connection shown in Figures 6 to 8 is a direct connection between the infrastructure arrangement 5 and the power generating device.
- the principles of the present invention may be applied to alternative configurations, such as that shown in Figure 9, for example.
- An export cable from a power generating device is often heavily armoured, and hence not particularly flexible. This lack of flexibility can present problems with the lift and lower operation to connect the device to the infrastructure arrangement.
- an alternative cable configuration is shown in Figure 9.
- An export cable 25 from the power generating device is connected with a connection unit 26.
- a relatively flexible cable 27 is provided with a connector portion 28 for connection to the connection portion 16 of the base 8.
- This relatively flexible cable 27 can be kept desirably short, so as to reduce the amount of cable located on the bed.
- the length of the flexible cable 27 is primarily determined by how close it is possible to position the export cable 25 to the base 6.
- the connection unit may be any appropriate connection technology, such as spliced, wet- mate or dry-mate.
- connection technology is the so-called SUTU or subsea umbilical termination unit, which can make use of any suitable combination of splicing, wet-mate and dry-mate connectors.
- the connections to the SUTU can be provided by single or double ended connecting cables.
- one end of the connecting cable is provided with a wet-mate connector portion, and the other end spliced or dry-mate connected.
- both ends of the connecting cables are provided with wet-mate connectors. It will be appreciated that any number of connecting cables may be provided for connection using a SUTU, and that any suitable combination of single and double ended connecting cables may be used.
- the main reason for using a SUTU and jumper cable is that the heavy and inflexible cable armouring of the main power export cable from the generating device has to be mechanically terminated somewhere (to the structure of the SUTU). Then, a lighter weight, more flexible cable (possibly in an oil filled hose) comes out of the SUTU and ends in a wet-mate connector portion for connection to the input connector of the base 6. This lighter jumper cable is manageable by an ROV or diver.
- An alternative configuration can have the lighter cable in oil-filled hose coming directly from a wet-mate connector on the engagement structure to become a flying lead that can be plugged into a mating half on the SUTU.
- the double ended version has a flexible oilfilled jumper with a wetmate both ends, a socket on the SUTU and a socket on the base.
- Figures 10 and 11 illustrate respective deployment and recovery techniques for the infrastructure module 7.
- Figure 10 illustrates the technique for a "heavy" or non-buoyant module 7, in which a lift cable 30 is attached to the module 7 in order to raise the module from the engagement structure 9 on the base 8.
- the lifting cable 30 is used to lower the module 7 into engagement with the engagement structure 9.
- This technique is also appropriate for deployment of a buoyant module to which weight is added (for example by flooding a chamber or chambers in the module) to enable the module to sink to the base for deployment.
- Figure 11 illustrates a deployment and recovery technique for a buoyant infrastructure module 7. In the Figure 11 case, a winch tether 31 is used to connect the module 7 and the engagement structure 9.
- a winch is used to wind in the tether 31 , thereby pulling the module 7 down onto the support 6.
- the winch tether 31 is paid out, and the buoyancy of the module 7 causes the module to float to the water surface for recovery.
- the winch may be fixed on the module 7, or may be removable from the module 7.
- the winch may be located on the base 6, and may be fixed or removable therefrom.
- a further alternative technique employs a winch mounted on the deck of the deployment vessel.
- FIG 12 illustrates an example configuration of a plurality of infrastructure arrangements.
- the power generators are not shown for the sake of clarity.
- Each infrastructure arrangement has a number of connections 15 for connection with respective generators, as described above.
- Each infrastructure arrangement in Figure 12 has a pair of power transfer connections 40 and 41. The power transfer connections are connected within each infrastructure
- the infrastructure arrangements are connected together in a series via the power transfer connections 40 and 41.
- One arrangement is connected for transfer of electrical power to one or more adjacent arrangements. Such a configuration enables power to be transferred between infrastructure arrangements, thereby reducing the number of power export cables emanating from the installation as a whole.
- One or more of the infrastructure arrangements have the installation power export cable connected to one of the power transfer connections 40 and 41.
- each arrangement located at the end of the series has an export cable.
- the power transfer connections are provided with isolators such that interconnections between arrangements can be switched on and off. Such a provision enables selected routing of power export from the installation.
- the bases of the infrastructure arrangements may be provided with by-pass apparatus to enable generators connected to a single infrastructure arrangement to be isolated from the export power cable, whilst enabling the interconnection of the remaining infrastructure
- the power transfer connections 40 and 41 may be provided by any suitable connector arrangement, such as those described above featuring wet mate connectors or dry mate connectors.
- the generators connected with an infrastructure arrangement may be connected together in a series, in a manner similar to that described above for the infrastructure arrangements.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Oceanography (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)
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Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (8)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2015506297A JP6313747B2 (en) | 2012-04-16 | 2013-04-11 | Hydroelectric power generation equipment |
EP13717834.9A EP2839144B1 (en) | 2012-04-16 | 2013-04-11 | Water-based power generation installations |
US14/394,969 US9347424B2 (en) | 2012-04-16 | 2013-04-11 | Water-based power generation installations |
KR20147031880A KR20150002818A (en) | 2012-04-16 | 2013-04-11 | Water-based power generation installations |
CN201380020194.5A CN104220743A (en) | 2012-04-16 | 2013-04-11 | Water-based power generating installations |
CA2869818A CA2869818C (en) | 2012-04-16 | 2013-04-11 | Water-based power generation installations |
IN2118MUN2014 IN2014MN02118A (en) | 2012-04-16 | 2013-04-11 | |
AU2013250976A AU2013250976A1 (en) | 2012-04-16 | 2013-04-11 | Water-based power generation installations |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1206594.2 | 2012-04-16 | ||
GB201206594A GB2501249B (en) | 2012-04-16 | 2012-04-16 | Water-based power generation installations |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2013156759A1 true WO2013156759A1 (en) | 2013-10-24 |
Family
ID=46209078
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/GB2013/050937 WO2013156759A1 (en) | 2012-04-16 | 2013-04-11 | Water-based power generation installations |
Country Status (11)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US9347424B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2839144B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP6313747B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20150002818A (en) |
CN (1) | CN104220743A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2013250976A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2869818C (en) |
CL (1) | CL2014002716A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2501249B (en) |
IN (1) | IN2014MN02118A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013156759A1 (en) |
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WO2016069636A3 (en) * | 2014-10-27 | 2016-07-07 | Principle Power, Inc. | Connection system for array cables of disconnectable offshore energy devices |
US9446822B2 (en) | 2008-04-23 | 2016-09-20 | Principle Power, Inc. | Floating wind turbine platform with ballast control and water entrapment plate systems |
CN106165229A (en) * | 2013-11-22 | 2016-11-23 | 潮汐发电有限公司 | Underwater cable mating system |
US9810204B2 (en) | 2010-10-15 | 2017-11-07 | Principle Power, Inc. | Floating wind turbine platform structure with optimized transfer of wave and wind loads |
US9879654B2 (en) | 2013-05-20 | 2018-01-30 | Principle Power, Inc. | System and method for controlling offshore floating wind turbine platforms |
US11225945B2 (en) | 2019-05-30 | 2022-01-18 | Principle Power, Inc. | Floating wind turbine platform controlled to optimize power production and reduce loading |
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GB2550148B (en) * | 2016-05-10 | 2019-06-19 | Tidal Generation Ltd | Deploying submerged power connectors |
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- 2013-04-11 US US14/394,969 patent/US9347424B2/en active Active
- 2013-04-11 CN CN201380020194.5A patent/CN104220743A/en active Pending
- 2013-04-11 KR KR20147031880A patent/KR20150002818A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2013-04-11 WO PCT/GB2013/050937 patent/WO2013156759A1/en active Application Filing
- 2013-04-11 CA CA2869818A patent/CA2869818C/en active Active
- 2013-04-11 AU AU2013250976A patent/AU2013250976A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2013-04-11 IN IN2118MUN2014 patent/IN2014MN02118A/en unknown
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US9446822B2 (en) | 2008-04-23 | 2016-09-20 | Principle Power, Inc. | Floating wind turbine platform with ballast control and water entrapment plate systems |
US9810204B2 (en) | 2010-10-15 | 2017-11-07 | Principle Power, Inc. | Floating wind turbine platform structure with optimized transfer of wave and wind loads |
US9879654B2 (en) | 2013-05-20 | 2018-01-30 | Principle Power, Inc. | System and method for controlling offshore floating wind turbine platforms |
US10267293B2 (en) | 2013-05-20 | 2019-04-23 | Principle Power, Inc. | Methods for controlling floating wind turbine platforms |
CN106165229A (en) * | 2013-11-22 | 2016-11-23 | 潮汐发电有限公司 | Underwater cable mating system |
CN106165229B (en) * | 2013-11-22 | 2019-10-25 | 潮汐发电有限公司 | Underwater cable mating system |
WO2016069636A3 (en) * | 2014-10-27 | 2016-07-07 | Principle Power, Inc. | Connection system for array cables of disconnectable offshore energy devices |
US10421524B2 (en) | 2014-10-27 | 2019-09-24 | Principle Power, Inc. | Connection system for array cables of disconnectable offshore energy devices |
US10858075B2 (en) | 2014-10-27 | 2020-12-08 | Principle Power, Inc. | Floating electrical connection system for offshore energy devices |
US10174744B2 (en) | 2015-06-19 | 2019-01-08 | Principle Power, Inc. | Semi-submersible floating wind turbine platform structure with water entrapment plates |
US11225945B2 (en) | 2019-05-30 | 2022-01-18 | Principle Power, Inc. | Floating wind turbine platform controlled to optimize power production and reduce loading |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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IN2014MN02118A (en) | 2015-09-11 |
US9347424B2 (en) | 2016-05-24 |
KR20150002818A (en) | 2015-01-07 |
EP2839144A1 (en) | 2015-02-25 |
GB2501249A (en) | 2013-10-23 |
CN104220743A (en) | 2014-12-17 |
EP2839144B1 (en) | 2018-06-13 |
JP6313747B2 (en) | 2018-04-18 |
JP2015521015A (en) | 2015-07-23 |
CA2869818A1 (en) | 2013-10-24 |
US20150123401A1 (en) | 2015-05-07 |
CL2014002716A1 (en) | 2015-01-30 |
GB201206594D0 (en) | 2012-05-30 |
GB2501249B (en) | 2014-08-06 |
CA2869818C (en) | 2020-04-14 |
AU2013250976A1 (en) | 2014-10-30 |
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