WO2014128502A1 - Appareil et procédés d'installation et de retrait de turbine sous-marine améliorés - Google Patents

Appareil et procédés d'installation et de retrait de turbine sous-marine améliorés Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014128502A1
WO2014128502A1 PCT/GB2014/050546 GB2014050546W WO2014128502A1 WO 2014128502 A1 WO2014128502 A1 WO 2014128502A1 GB 2014050546 W GB2014050546 W GB 2014050546W WO 2014128502 A1 WO2014128502 A1 WO 2014128502A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
frame
substructure
nacelle
turbine
cable
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2014/050546
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Michael BETSCHART
Original Assignee
Andritz Hydro Hammerfest (Uk) Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Andritz Hydro Hammerfest (Uk) Limited filed Critical Andritz Hydro Hammerfest (Uk) Limited
Publication of WO2014128502A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014128502A1/fr

Links

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
    • 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"
    • 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
    • F05B2230/604—Assembly methods using positioning or alignment devices for aligning or centering, e.g. pins
    • 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
    • F05B2230/70—Disassembly 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
    • F05B2240/97—Mounting on supporting structures or systems on a submerged structure
    • 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
    • F05B2260/00—Function
    • F05B2260/02—Transport, e.g. specific adaptations or devices for conveyance
    • 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
    • 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

  • the present invention relates to the field of underwater turbines such as tidal turbines installed in areas of tidal flow. More specifically, the present invention concerns improvements in the installation, and removal, of underwater turbine nacelles.
  • a frame which supports a turbine nacelle and guides the turbine nacelle onto a substructure
  • a method of installing a turbine nacelle on a substructure using such a frame is provided.
  • a frame for the installation or removal of an underwater turbine nacelle on a substructure comprising a support configured to support the weight of the nacelle during installation or removal and a guide arranged to align the frame with the substructure as the frame is moved towards the substructure.
  • the guide comprises at least one pair of guide members arranged on the frame to form a substantially V-shaped void which receives the substructure.
  • the at least one pair of guide members are arranged to form an obtuse angle there between.
  • the guide comprises at least two pairs of guide members.
  • the guide is disposed towards a lower end of the frame.
  • the guide members are fixed.
  • the guide members are rigid. Alternatively, the guide members are deformable or flexible.
  • the guide members are provided with a protective layer.
  • the protective layer may be a coating or a bumper for example.
  • the guide members comprise rollers.
  • the support comprises a generally U-shaped member arranged, configured or adapted to encircle at least a portion of the turbine nacelle.
  • the U-shaped member may be disposed around, over, or under, the turbine nacelle.
  • the support comprises at least one attachment to attach the turbine nacelle to the support.
  • the attachment may comprise a support cup adapted to receive
  • the support comprises one or more support members which are arranged, configured or adapted to cradle the turbine nacelle in the frame.
  • the support attaches to the turbine nacelle using hydraulic locks.
  • the support comprises a platform arranged, configured or adapted to support the turbine nacelle.
  • the support comprises a concave upper surface to receive the turbine nacelle.
  • the frame further comprises a plurality of cable connectors for connection to one or more winches via one or more cables for raising and lowering the frame with respect to the substructure.
  • the frame is arranged to accommodate a cable connected to the nacelle.
  • the frame comprises a gap to accommodate the cable.
  • the frame is arranged to actively or passively position the cable during installation.
  • the frame comprises a cable support adapted to hold a cable clear of the substructure during installation.
  • the cable support is adapted to hold a corresponding cable support arm in a first position clear of the substructure during installation and release the cable and/or the cable support arm after installation.
  • the frame comprises a cable support adapted to lift a cable clear of the substructure during removal.
  • the cable support is adapted to hold a corresponding cable support arm in a first position proximal to the substructure before removal and lift the cable and/or the cable support arm during removal.
  • a method of installing an underwater turbine nacelle on a substructure comprising supporting the nacelle on a frame according to the first aspect, lowering the frame and nacelle towards the substructure, and advancing the frame and nacelle towards the substructure such that the guide aligns the frame and nacelle with the substructure.
  • the method comprises lowering the frame and nacelle until the nacelle engages with the substructure.
  • the method comprises continuing to lower the frame to release the nacelle.
  • the method comprises withdrawing the frame from the substructure.
  • the method comprises retrieving the frame to the surface.
  • the method further comprises transporting the nacelle to the substructure on a buoyant structure.
  • the buoyant structure may be a barge, another suitable type of vessel, or a buoyancy frame.
  • the frame and nacelle are lowered from the buoyant structure using one or more winches attached to the frame.
  • the frame and nacelle are advanced towards the substructure by moving the buoyant structure.
  • the buoyant structure is moved by a tug boat. Alternatively, or additionally, the buoyant structure is moved by a work vessel. The buoyant structure may be attached to the work vessel or integrally formed with the work vessel. Of course, the buoyant structure may be self-propelled.
  • the method further comprises connecting a cable to the nacelle, and holding the cable clear of the substructure during installation. Preferably, the cable is paid out from a winch. Alternatively, or additionally, the cable is held clear of the substructure using a cable support arm. Preferably, the cable support arm releases the cable after installation. Alternatively, the cable support arm is released from the frame after installation. Alternatively, the method further comprises automatically connecting a cable to the nacelle.
  • the cable is connected via a wet-mate connector.
  • Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention may comprise features corresponding to the preferred or optional features of the first aspect of the invention or vice versa.
  • a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of removing an underwater turbine nacelle from a substructure, the method comprising lowering a frame according to the first aspect to a location below the nacelle, advancing the frame towards the substructure such that the guide aligns the frame with the substructure, and raising the frame to support the nacelle.
  • the method comprises continuing to raise the frame to disengage the nacelle from the substructure.
  • the method comprises retrieving the frame and nacelle to the surface.
  • Embodiments of the third aspect of the invention may comprise features corresponding to the preferred or optional features of the first or second aspects of the invention or vice versa.
  • a method of installing an array of turbines comprising installing at least one turbine nacelle on at least one substructure of the array in accordance with the method of the second aspect. Preferably, the method of the second aspect is repeated for each of the turbines of the array.
  • Embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention may comprise features corresponding to the preferred or optional features of the first to third aspects of the invention or vice versa.
  • a buoyant structure for installing a turbine nacelle on a substructure in accordance with the method of the second aspect.
  • the buoyant structure comprises one or more winches arranged to lower and/or raise a frame according to the first aspect.
  • the one or more winches are arranged around a void through which the frame is lowered and/or raised.
  • the buoyant structure is a barge.
  • the buoyant structure comprises a buoyancy frame.
  • a fleet for installing a turbine nacelle on a substructure in accordance with the method of the second aspect comprising a barge for transporting and installing the turbine nacelle, and a tug boat for manoeuvring the barge.
  • the fleet further comprises a work vessel for supporting and/or further manoeuvring the barge.
  • Embodiments of the fifth to sixth aspects of the invention may comprise features corresponding to the preferred or optional features of the first to fourth aspects of the invention or vice versa.
  • an underwater turbine comprising a turbine nacelle and a substructure, the turbine nacelle having been installed on the substructure using one or more of: a frame according to the first aspect; a method according to the second or fourth aspect; a barge according to the fifth aspect; or a fleet according to the sixth aspect.
  • Embodiments of the seventh aspect of the invention may comprise features corresponding to the preferred or optional features of the first to sixth aspects of the invention or vice versa.
  • a frame for the installation or removal of an underwater turbine nacelle on a substructure comprising a support configured to support the weight of the nacelle during installation or removal.
  • Such a frame may be aligned with the substructure using alternative means, such as guide means on the substructure and/or movement of a vessel from which the frame is lowered.
  • a frame for the installation or removal of an underwater turbine nacelle on a substructure comprising a guide arranged to align the frame with the substructure as the frame is moved towards the substructure.
  • a frame may be configured, arranged or adapted to be suspended from the turbine nacelle rather than supporting it, or may be aligned with the substructure prior to the turbine nacelle being connected thereto.
  • the guide may comprise at least one pair of guide members arranged on the frame to form a substantially V-shaped void which receives the substructure.
  • Embodiments of the eighth and ninth aspects of the invention may comprise features corresponding to the preferred or optional features of the first to seventh aspects of the invention or vice versa, and equivalent methods of use corresponding to the second, third and fourth aspects form further aspects of the invention.
  • lowering cables may be attached directly to the nacelle.
  • a frame a method of installing a turbine nacelle or removing a turbine nacelle from a substructure, or a method of installing a turbine array, substantially as herein described with reference to the appended drawings.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a frame according to at least one aspect of the invention and a corresponding turbine nacelle and substructure, in three stages of the installation of the turbine nacelle on the substructure, in accordance with another at least one aspect of the invention
  • Figures 2 to 13 are schematic representations of a tug, barge, and work vessel being used to install a turbine nacelle on a substructure in accordance in accordance with at least one aspect of the invention
  • Figure 14 is a schematic representation of an alternative frame according to at least one aspect of the invention and a corresponding turbine nacelle and substructure, at an intermediate stage of the removal of the turbine nacelle from the substructure
  • Figures 15 to 17 are schematic representations of the alternative frame being used to install a turbine nacelle on a substructure in accordance with at least one aspect of the invention.
  • Figure 1 shows three stages in the installation of a turbine nacelle 151 on a corresponding substructure 171 using a frame 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the frame 101 comprises a generally U-shaped member 103 which, in use, encircles and supports a significant portion of the turbine nacelle 151.
  • the frame also comprises four support cups 1 13 which cooperate with corresponding lugs 153 on the turbine nacelle 151.
  • the cooperating cups 113 and lugs 153 permit alignment of the frame 101 with the turbine nacelle 151 , as well as serving a load-bearing purpose.
  • the funnel shape of the particular cups 113 employed in this embodiment can assist in guiding the frame 101 (for example in a lifting operation) in the event that there is misalignment between the frame 101 and the nacelle 151.
  • the frame 101 also comprises two fixed guide members 105 disposed towards a lower end of the frame 101 and, by virtue of the angle formed there between, define a generally v-shaped void 107. In use, as described below, the guide members 105 guide the frame 101 with respect to the substructure 171 and as a result align the frame 101 with the substructure 171.
  • the angle there between is preferably obtuse, although it will be understood that any angle less than 180 degrees may be employed.
  • the guide members 105 are rigid; however they may be provided with a protective layer such as a coating, a bumper, or the like, to prevent damage to the substructure 171 when they are brought into contact. As the frame 101 is moved down the substructure it may be preferable to dispose rollers on the guide members 105 to prevent damage or at least to reduce friction between the frame 101 and the substructure 171.
  • the frame 101 also comprises a number of cable connectors 109 for connection to corresponding cables 1 11 which are used to lower, raise and manoeuvre the frame 101 (for example from an installation or maintenance barge, not shown in Figure 1).
  • the cable connectors 109 are disposed at three separate locations on the frame 101 selected to provide as much horizontal separation there between as possible to provide the most stability and control when lowering, raising and/or manoeuvring the frame 101.
  • a gap 114 is also provided in the rear of the frame 101 to accommodate a cable 115 (for example, an electrical or pigtail cable) attached to the turbine nacelle 151 which trails behind the frame 101.
  • a cable 115 for example, an electrical or pigtail cable
  • the frame 101 is being used to lower the turbine nacelle 151 onto the substructure 171.
  • the substructure 171 comprises a female socket 173 which receives a corresponding male projection 155 on the underside of the turbine nacelle 151.
  • the frame 101 is approaching the substructure 171 in a horizontal direction.
  • the turbine nacelle 151 is displaced vertically from the substructure 171 sufficiently to allow clearance between the male projection 155 and the female socket 173.
  • the frame 101 As the frame 101 progresses towards the substructure 171 , the substructure 171 is received in the v-shaped void 107; continued progress of the frame 101 - in the event of lateral misalignment - brings the substructure 171 into physical contact with the or a guide member 105 and further progress of the frame 101 towards the substructure results in lateral centralisation of the support member 101 with respect to the substructure 171.
  • the frame 101 is laterally centralised with the substructure 171 and the male projection 155 is vertically aligned with the female socket 173; by virtue of the clearance between the guide members 105 and the bottom of the male projection 155 the guide members 105 are in contact with the substructure 171 without any contact between the male projection 155 and the substructure 171.
  • the frame 101 can then be lowered vertically such that the male projection 155 is received in the female socket 173 as shown in Figure 1 (c). Further lowering of the frame 101 disengages the support cups 113 from the lugs and thereby detaches the frame 101 from the turbine nacelle 151 , and vice versa, after which the frame 101 can be manoeuvred away from the substructure 171 leaving the turbine nacelle 151 in place on the
  • the frame 101 is shown as being constructed from a number of elongate members which are welded together in the configuration shown, although the frame may be formed of or in a single piece.
  • the elongate members are shaped and preferably hollow, but may comprise I-beams, or a combination of both, which lend structural strength as well as comparative lightness to the frame overall.
  • this construction methodology produces low drag by effecting a number of apertures and through paths for fluid flow.
  • the addition of fins to the frame may help to stabilise the frame in a fluid flow and thus assist in alignment with the substructure.
  • Other modifications to the frame are foreseen.
  • the guide members may instead or to a degree be deformable or flexible, for example to conform to the substructure when contact is made. This may also serve to dampen the impact and/or provide a basic mating mechanism for the frame.
  • the support may be disposed around, over and/or under the turbine nacelle, and may be attached to the turbine nacelle in a variety of ways.
  • the turbine nacelle may simply be cradled or supported by one or more members on which the turbine nacelle rests or is received.
  • an embodiment of the invention is foreseen in which the frame does not support the weight of the turbine nacelle but is instead suspended from the turbine nacelle. Similar attachment mechanisms and arrangements to those described above, which may be applied in a reverse sense if appropriate or required, may be employed.
  • the turbine nacelle 151 is held in a frame 101 as described above.
  • the cables 11 1 (not visible in Figure 2) are attached to corresponding winches 194 mounted on the barge. Note that three winches 194 are positioned around a void through which the frame 101 and turbine nacelle 151 shall be lowered.
  • the tug 191 tows the barge 193 into position, generally above the substructure 171.
  • the barge 193 is then connected to the work vessel 195 which is already in place, itself tethered to subsea moorings 196.
  • the work vessel 195 is able to control the longitudinal position of the barge 193, for example by using on-deck winches, with additional control provided by thrust of the tug 191.
  • Figure 3 shows the turbine nacelle 151 as it is lowered from the barge 193 on the frame 101 , the vertical position controlled by the winches 194 which feed out the cables 1 11.
  • the pigtail cable 115 is lowered from the opposite end of the barge 193, using a constant tension winch for example.
  • the turbine nacelle 151 has been lowered to a depth at which the guide members 105 vertically overlap the substructure 171.
  • the barge 193 is then moved forwards which in turn moves the frame 101 forwards as shown in Figure 5, for example by tug thrust, to ensure that the frame 101 , and specifically the guide members 105, contact the substructure 171. As described above, this results in vertical alignment of the male projection 155 and the female socket 173 as shown in Figure 6.
  • the nacelle 151 is then lowered onto the substructure 171 , again using the winches 194 to pay out the cables 1 11 , and the male projection 155 is received in the female socket 173 as shown in Figure 7.
  • the conical shape of the male projection 155 compensates for any remaining misalignment, which should only be minor.
  • the pigtail cable 1 15 continues to be paid out while this takes place to keep it clear of the frame 101 as it moves away from the turbine nacelle 151 and substructure 171.
  • the winches 194 on board the barge 193 then lift the frame 101 upwards as shown in Figure 10, until it is fully recovered back to the barge 193 as shown in Figure 11. It is of course foreseen that the cable could be attached to the turbine nacelle and/or to the substructure as part of the installation procedure, for example via a wet-mate connection.
  • the work vessel 195 can then winch in the barge 193, and the pigtail cable 1 15 can be passed from the barge 193 to the work vessel 195 as shown in Figure 12. Thereafter, the barge 193 can be towed away by the tug 191 , leaving behind an installed turbine nacelle 151 and an associated pigtail cable 1 15 held by the work vessel 195, as shown in
  • FIG 13. This process can of course be repeated to install an array of turbines, or indeed performed in reverse, mutatis mutandis, to remove the turbine nacelle 151 from the substructure 171.
  • the installation method may equally be performed with fewer (or indeed more) vessels; for example the barge could be self-propelled in which case the tug and/or the work vessel may be dispensed with.
  • the described installation method provides a good fit with existing operating practices.
  • any suitable type of vessel or buoyancy frame may be employed for the transport and installation of a turbine nacelle using the frame of the present invention. It may be self-propelled or moved by a tug, work boat or the like.
  • a suitable buoyant structure may be integrally formed, fixed, or removeably attached to a work vessel.
  • alternative embodiments of the invention may omit a support for the turbine nacelle or omit a guide to align the frame (and hence the turbine nacelle in an installation process) with the substructure. Corresponding modifications to the installation and/or removal methods mat therefore be required. For example, in an embodiment in which the frame is suspended from the turbine nacelle, lowering wires may be connected directly to the turbine nacelle. In another embodiment in which the frame omits a guide a corresponding guide may be disposed on the substructure which subsequently guides the frame and hence nacelle onto the substructure during installation, and guides the frame onto the nacelle during removal.
  • FIG. 14 An alternative frame 201 , which for the avoidance of doubt supports and guides the turbine nacelle (but may of course also be modified as above) is now described with reference to Figure 14.
  • the frame can be seen to comprise a generally U-shaped member 203 which, like corresponding member 103 above, encircles and supports turbine nacelle 251.
  • Also shown in Figure 14 are two support members 204 which extend between opposite sides of the U-shaped member 203, underneath the turbine nacelle 251 to support it. While in both embodiments of the invention described herein the frame comprises a generally U-shaped member, it will be understood that any suitably shaped member or members arranged, configured or adapted to support the turbine nacelle may be employed.
  • the turbine nacelle may be carried on a platform having a concave upper surface which receives and supports the turbine nacelle - the concave upper surface may be shaped to correspond to the external surface of the turbine and/or comprise a deformable material able to conform to said external surface.
  • the frame 201 can also be seen to comprise two pairs of guide members 205 which in use, and as described above, guide the frame 201 with respect to the substructure 271 as it is moved toward the substructure 271. Having two (or more) pairs of guide members may assist in ensuring vertical alignment with the substructure 271 , particularly in the event that the substructure 271 is inclined or in some other way non-vertical.
  • the cable 215 is supported by a cable support arm 214 mounted on the turbine nacelle 251 which is hinged towards a top end and comprises a hook which cooperates with a retaining arm 217 of the frame 201.
  • the retaining arm 217 holds the cable support arm 214 in a substantially horizontal position which keeps the cable 215 clear of the substructure 271 during installation - as described more fully below.
  • Figure 15 shows the turbine nacelle 251 immediately following installation on the substructure 271. In this position, the retaining arm 217 still holds the cable support arm 214, and hence the cable 215, away from the substructure 271.
  • the support 201 has been lowered away from the turbine nacelle 251 and the retaining arm 217, which is hingedly attached to the frame 201 , has swung downwards and disengaged from the hook on the cable support arm 214, allowing the cable support arm 214 to hang vertically.
  • the frame 201 can then be manoeuvred away from the substructure 271 as shown in Figure 17 and as described above.
  • the invention provides a frame for the installation or removal of an underwater turbine nacelle on a substructure.
  • the frame comprises a support which is configured to support the weight of the nacelle during installation or removal, and further comprises a guide arranged to align the frame with the substructure as the frame is moved towards the substructure.
  • the frame particularly aids in installation by guiding the turbine nacelle onto the substructure in a predetermined manner, and aids in removal as the guide allows the frame to be guided onto the turbine nacelle prior to lifting away from the substructure.
  • the support or the guide may be omitted in particular embodiments so as to benefit from each feature separately; in a particular embodiment this allows the guide to be mounted (or formed) on the substructure, and in another particular embodiment the frame can be suspended from the turbine nacelle.

Abstract

L'invention concerne un cadre (101) pour l'installation ou le retrait d'une nacelle (151) de turbine sous-marine sur une sous-structure (171). Le cade comprend un support qui est conçu pour supporter le poids de la nacelle pendant l'installation ou le retrait, et comprend en outre un guide (105) conçu pour aligner le cadre (101) sur la sous-structure quand ledit cadre est déplacé vers la sous-structure. Le cadre facilite en particulier l'installation par guidage de la nacelle (151) de turbine sur la sous-structure d'une manière prédéfinie, et facilite le retrait dans la mesure où le guide permet au cadre d'être guidé sur la nacelle de turbine avant d'être soulevé de la sous-structure. Selon un autre mode de réalisation particulier, le cadre (201) peut être suspendu à la nacelle (251) de turbine.
PCT/GB2014/050546 2013-02-22 2014-02-24 Appareil et procédés d'installation et de retrait de turbine sous-marine améliorés WO2014128502A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1303218.0A GB2511100B (en) 2013-02-22 2013-02-22 Improved underwater turbine installation and removal apparatus and methods
GB1303218.0 2013-02-22

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2014128502A1 true WO2014128502A1 (fr) 2014-08-28

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WO (1) WO2014128502A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (1)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3339630A1 (fr) * 2016-12-21 2018-06-27 Openhydro IP Limited Procédé et système de déploiement ou de récupération d'une turbine hydroélectrique

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US20110155682A1 (en) * 2008-07-11 2011-06-30 Matthias Grassow Lifting device for the installation and service of an underwater power plant
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WO2012151631A1 (fr) * 2011-05-10 2012-11-15 Atlantis Resources Corporation Pte Limited Appareil de déploiement et procédé pour déployer un générateur électrique subaquatique
WO2013079829A1 (fr) * 2011-09-19 2013-06-06 Sabella Système et procédé de fixation d'une hydrolienne, et ensemble de récupération d'énergie hydraulique mettant en œuvre un tel système de fixation

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