WO2024018283A2 - Fluides denses pour ballasts - Google Patents

Fluides denses pour ballasts Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024018283A2
WO2024018283A2 PCT/IB2023/000450 IB2023000450W WO2024018283A2 WO 2024018283 A2 WO2024018283 A2 WO 2024018283A2 IB 2023000450 W IB2023000450 W IB 2023000450W WO 2024018283 A2 WO2024018283 A2 WO 2024018283A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
columns
density
platform
dense fluid
wind turbine
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2023/000450
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English (en)
Other versions
WO2024018283A3 (fr
Inventor
Ciriaco P BUSTAMANTE
Original Assignee
Magellan & Barents, S.L.
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 Magellan & Barents, S.L. filed Critical Magellan & Barents, S.L.
Publication of WO2024018283A2 publication Critical patent/WO2024018283A2/fr
Publication of WO2024018283A3 publication Critical patent/WO2024018283A3/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
    • B63B21/24—Anchors
    • B63B21/26—Anchors securing to bed
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B1/00—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils
    • B63B1/02—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement
    • B63B1/10—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement with multiple hulls
    • B63B1/107—Semi-submersibles; Small waterline area multiple hull vessels and the like, e.g. SWATH
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B39/00—Equipment to decrease pitch, roll, or like unwanted vessel movements; Apparatus for indicating vessel attitude
    • B63B39/02—Equipment to decrease pitch, roll, or like unwanted vessel movements; Apparatus for indicating vessel attitude to decrease vessel movements by displacement of masses
    • B63B39/03—Equipment to decrease pitch, roll, or like unwanted vessel movements; Apparatus for indicating vessel attitude to decrease vessel movements by displacement of masses by transferring liquids
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B43/00—Improving safety of vessels, e.g. damage control, not otherwise provided for
    • B63B43/02—Improving safety of vessels, e.g. damage control, not otherwise provided for reducing risk of capsizing or sinking
    • B63B43/04—Improving safety of vessels, e.g. damage control, not otherwise provided for reducing risk of capsizing or sinking by improving stability
    • B63B43/06—Improving safety of vessels, e.g. damage control, not otherwise provided for reducing risk of capsizing or sinking by improving stability using ballast tanks
    • 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
    • F03D13/256—Arrangements for mounting or supporting wind motors; Masts or towers for wind motors specially adapted for offshore installation on a floating support, i.e. floating wind motors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B1/00—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils
    • B63B1/02—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement
    • B63B1/10—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement with multiple hulls
    • B63B1/12—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement with multiple hulls the hulls being interconnected rigidly
    • B63B2001/128—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement with multiple hulls the hulls being interconnected rigidly comprising underwater connectors between the hulls
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
    • B63B21/24—Anchors
    • B63B21/26—Anchors securing to bed
    • B63B2021/265—Anchors securing to bed by gravity embedment, e.g. by dropping a pile-type anchor from a certain height
    • 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
    • B63B2035/4433—Floating structures carrying electric power plants
    • B63B2035/446—Floating structures carrying electric power plants for converting wind energy into electric energy

Definitions

  • the present disclosure generally relates to offshore wind power turbines and other floating structures as well as gravity-based structures.
  • the disclosure relates to using dense fluids in ballasts for offshore wind power turbines, other floating structures and gravity-based structures to provide cost-effective solutions.
  • the ballasts and structures can be easily recovered from the seabed or the bottom of lakes and estuaries.
  • offshore wind turbines generate only a small amount of the overall output due to their higher cost compared to onshore wind turbines. This is because the foundation of the offshore wind turbines is fixed to the bottom of the water, such as the sea or lake, significantly increasing costs. Furthermore, as the location of the wind turbines is located deeper, the higher the cost.
  • One embodiment is related to a semisubmersible platform.
  • the platform includes at least three elongated hollow columns, a floating frame for bracing the hollow columns together to form a polygon, and dense fluid contained in the hollow columns.
  • the dense fluid is configured to cause the columns to float.
  • the use of dense fluid as a ballast enables the hollow columns to be smaller in volume compared to the use of seawater as the ballast.
  • a gravity anchor or other type of gravity-based structure is another embodiment.
  • the method includes installing an offshore wind turbine platform on a body of water.
  • the wind turbine platform includes a floating unit having at least three elongated hollow columns, a floating frame for bracing the hollow columns together to form a polygon, and dense fluid contained in the hollow columns.
  • the dense fluid is configured to cause the columns to float.
  • dense fluid By using dense fluid as a ballast, the volume of the hollow columns can be smaller compared to using seawater as the ballast.
  • a wind turbine unit disposed on the floating unit.
  • the wind turbine unit is configured to generate electricity using wind power to turn a rotor assembly of the wind turbine unit.
  • the electricity generated by the wind turbine unit is transmitted to an onshore substation.
  • the gravity anchor includes a container having first and second openings.
  • the openings can be configured to be opened or closed.
  • DF fills the container, causing the gravity anchor to sit on the seabed.
  • FIG. 1 shows a simplified process of forming a dense fluid
  • FIG. 2 shows a simplified embodiment of an offshore wind turbine system
  • FIG. 3 shows a simplified embodiment of a catenary mooring system
  • FIG. 4 shows a simplified embodiment of a gravity anchor.
  • Embodiments to offshore wind turbines and ballast fill materials using a dense fluid have a density greater than that of water or seawater.
  • the density can be varied for different applications.
  • the density can range from 1.2 g/cm 3 to 3-4 g/cm 3 or even greater.
  • the dense fluid may be a low-density dense fluid, such as about 1.2 g/cm 3 , for applications which replace seawater as the ballast fill material.
  • Using the presently described dense fluid as a replacement for seawater is advantageous as it does not require biocides since it does not contain living organisms.
  • the dense fluid may be an intermediate-density dense fluid with a density of about 1.5-2.5 g/cm 3 .
  • a high-density dense fluid having a higher density, such as about 2.5-3 gm/cm 3 or even higher may be employed for passive ballast applications.
  • Higher density dense fluids may also be used for other applications, such as 5-7 g/cm 3 or even higher.
  • the dense fluids are described for use as ballast fill materials for ballasts in offshore wind turbines, the dense fluids may be employed in other applications.
  • the dense fluids may be employed in semi-submersible platforms for offshore wind or offshore oil and gas applications, gravity anchors, dead loads to keep a catenary taut or other types of gravity-based structures.
  • the dense fluids may also be employed in pumped hydropower storage applications, as described in US Patent Application Number 17/068,801, which is already herein incorporated by reference. Embodiments also relate to stable and cost-effective dense fluids.
  • a target density DT of the DF is less than the density of D3 and higher than Di.
  • DT is selected to provide increased density but is still capable of being flowable.
  • DT is a density compatible with fluidity.
  • the DT of DF for example, may be about 1.2-7 times the specific gravity of water.
  • the DF may be a low-density DF, intermediate-density DF or high-density DF, depending on the application. Providing DF with other densities may also be useful.
  • di may be water.
  • low-density fluids such as dunite mud
  • Water for example, has a density (Di) of about 1 g/cm 3 .
  • the high-density solid particles have a density higher than DT.
  • high-density particles may have a density D3 of about 4.5-5 g/cm 3 .
  • d3 may include baryte, magnetite or a combination thereof.
  • Other types of high-density particles having other D3S may also be useful. The value of D3, for example, may depend on the application.
  • a higher DT may require d3 to have a higher D3.
  • higher density high-density particles such as lead pellets, steel pellets, tungsten pellets, depleted uranium pellets or a combination thereof, may be employed for higher DTS.
  • (Pi)di + (P3)d3 produces an intermediate dense fluid DFi with an intermediate-density Di.
  • intermediate-density solid particles d2 are added to DFi to increase Di to DT.
  • the addition of d2 to DFi produces a DF with DT.
  • the volume of cb added to DFI should result in DF with DT.
  • the amount of d 2 added depends on, for example, Di and DT.
  • the intermediate-density particles d2 include solid particles (the same or different types) having a density equal to about D2.
  • d2 is selected to have a D2 which results in d2 having a neutral buoyancy in DFi.
  • d2 is selected to have a D2 which is about equal to about Di.
  • D2 should be within about ⁇ 1-5% of Di.
  • D2 should be within about ⁇ 1% of Di. As such, selecting d2 to have a neutral buoyancy will not impede the flow of the resulting DF when d2 is added to DFi.
  • d2 may include dunite, calcite, dolomite or a combination thereof.
  • d2 may have a density of about 2.8 g/cm 3 .
  • 2.8 g/cm 3 can be used to produce a DF having a density of about 3-4 times the specific gravity of water from DFi with a density of 2.8 g/cm 3 .
  • Producing a DF with other specific gravities relative to water may also be useful.
  • Other types of d2 may also be useful.
  • d2 may depend on Di and cost.
  • d2 is selected to have a relatively low cost compared to ds based on Di. For higher DTS, ds may be selected based on the needs of the specific application.
  • the solid particles may optionally be coated with a tensoactive coating.
  • the tensoactive coating can be employed to impede flocculation to stabilize DF, thereby improving the flowability of DF.
  • Other techniques for improving the stability and flowability of DF may also be useful. For example, mixing ds with mud, such as dunite mud having a density of about 1.2 g/cm 3 , has been found to be effective to improve the stability of the particles.
  • the size of the particles in the dunite mud may be about 60 um or less.
  • the size of the solid particles may be about several tens of microns to 1 cm or more in diameter. Other sizes for the high-density particles may also be useful.
  • the size may be about 10-100 um.
  • the diameter of d2 may be about 10-100 um. It is understood that the particles may not be perfectly spherical.
  • the size of d2 is about 10-60 um.
  • ds in the case of a Bingham plastic, it can be up to 1 cm or larger.
  • ds may be up to 1 cm in the case of a Bingham plastic.
  • the size of ds may be about 60 um or less. Other sizes for d 2 and ds may also be useful.
  • the particles are minerals supplied by mining companies, they may come in a broad range of sizes, such as from several microns to more than 1 cm. If they are too large, processing may be performed to reduce the sizes of the particles to improve the flowability of DF. Size reduction of the particles may be performed in multiple stages, with the final stage achieving the desired maximum size of the particles. It is understood that d2 and ds are processed separately and that they need not have the same final maximum size. In some cases, to reduce cost, it is acceptable to have a broad range of sizes for the particles while maintaining flowability.
  • the DF may be configured as a Bingham plastic to ensure that larger particles do not sink.
  • a DF may include water as di.
  • water has a density of about 1 g/cm 3 .
  • water can be associated with a density of 1 g/cm 3 .
  • High-density solid particles ds are mixed with di to produce an intermediate dense fluid DFi having a density of Di.
  • Mixing may include mechanical blending, similar to that employed to form concrete.
  • ds is selected to have a density of about 5 g/cm 3 .
  • ds may be baryte.
  • ds may be magnetite.
  • Other types of high-density particles having a density of about 5 g/cm 3 may also be useful.
  • selecting ds having other densities may also be useful.
  • ds may have a density higher than 5 g/cm 3 .
  • ds may have a lower density than 5 g/cm 3 .
  • DFi has a Di of about 2.8 g/cm 3 .
  • the intermediate dense fluid DFi includes a mixture of dunite mud with a density of about 1.2 g/cm 3 and magnetite, which has a density of about 5.2 g/cm 3 .
  • DFi includes about 60% volume of dunite mud and 40% volume of magnetite, producing a DFi with a density Di of about 2.8 g/cm 3 .
  • Intermediate-density solid particles d2 may include dunite. Other types of d2, such as calcite, dolomite or a combination of d2S, may also be useful.
  • higher DTS can be achieved by using ds with a higher density.
  • ds may be metal particles, such as iron filings or lead particles. In such cases, a density of 6-7 times or greater than the specific gravity of water can be obtained. Other densities can be achieved by selecting the appropriate di, d2 and ds.
  • the DF can be handled or its flow induced with compressed air.
  • the movement of the DF can be facilitated by compressed air. Due to the cohesiveness of the DF, it can flow at high speeds through a pneumatic circuit system, such as pipes and tanks. This has been demonstrated empirically by injecting compressed air at several Bar pressure into the bottom of a vertical 4-inch diameter pipe having a DF with a density of 4 g/cm 3 .
  • the air blast pushes the mass without any bubbles and carries the DF at a high speed, such as more than 1 m/s.
  • the DF flows as lumps and can be flowed using less low pressure, such as less than 8 Bar.
  • d2 can be selected from readily available low-cost minerals. By producing a DF with DT using a combination of d2 and ds, lower production costs can be achieved.
  • a DF system which includes di, d2 and ds is provided.
  • the DF system imparts flexibility. For example, by appropriately selecting the d2 and ds using water or other types of fluids, the desired DT can be achieved based on the application.
  • the components of the system can be selected to reduce costs significantly while achieving a DF with the desired DT.
  • the DF can be handled using compressed air, making their application simple and easy, as well as being energy efficient, making the DF very cost-effective.
  • Fig. 1 shows a process flow 100 for forming DF with the desired DT.
  • a low-density fluid is provided.
  • the low-density fluid for example, may be water.
  • low-density fluids may also be useful.
  • a low-density fluid such as dunite mud may also be used.
  • the dunite mud for example, is configured with a density of 1.2 g/cm 3 .
  • intermediate-density solid particles d2 are provided.
  • d2 may have a density of about 2.8 g/cm 3 .
  • Providing d2 with other densities may also be useful.
  • the average density may be about 2.8 g/cm 3 .
  • the variance of the densities of different d2S should not vary too much, such as within about ⁇ 1-5%.
  • the variance of the densities of the different d2S should be within about ⁇ 1%.
  • the intermediate-density particles, for example, d2 may include dunite, calcite, dolomite or a combination thereof.
  • the intermediate density solid particles d2 may be larger than, for example, particles of the mud of di, such as several tens of microns to 1 cm or more.
  • the intermediate particles may be optionally coated with a tensoactive coating. Providing d2 without a tensoactive coating may also be useful.
  • High-density solid particles ds are provided at 130.
  • ds may have a density of about 5 g/cm 3 .
  • Providing ds with other densities may also be useful.
  • the high-density solid particles may include different types of ds. The variance of the densities should be, for example, within about ⁇ 1-5%.
  • the variance should be within about ⁇ 1%.
  • the intermediate-density particles for example, d2 may baryte, magnetite or a combination thereof. Other types of ds particles may also be useful.
  • the high-density particles ds may be optionally coated with a tensoactive coating. Providing d2 without a tensoactive coating may also be useful.
  • an intermediate dense fluid DFi is formed.
  • Forming DFi includes mixing di with ds.
  • Mixing for example, may be mechanical blending. Other mixing techniques may also be useful.
  • di may be water.
  • di may be dunite mud.
  • di is a Bingham plastic, such as dunite mud. Other types of Bingham plastic low-density fluids may also be useful. When a Bingham plastic is used, ds need not be coated with a tensoactive coating.
  • the intermediate dense fluid has a density of Di. In one embodiment, Di is about 2.8 g/cm 3 . Other values for Di may also be useful.
  • Di is mixed with d2 to for DF with the desired DT.
  • d2 is mechanically blended with Di.
  • d2 has a density D2 equal to about Di.
  • d2 need not be coated with a tensoactive coating.
  • the solid particles do not exceed the sheering stress required to flow. As such, they remain suspended in the DF.
  • compressed air may be employed.
  • Fig. 2 shows a simplified embodiment of an offshore or floating wind turbine system or platform 200.
  • the offshore wind turbine system is configured to be a semisubmersible floating wind turbine system.
  • the system is configured to float on a body of water 211.
  • the system includes a floating platform or module 221 configured to float on water.
  • the floating module for example, is a semisubmersible module, with a lower portion disposed beneath the waterline 212 and an upper portion disposed above the waterline.
  • the floating module is further configured to support a wind turbine module 251.
  • the wind turbine module may be any conventional wind turbine module mounted onto the floating module.
  • the wind turbine module includes a wind turbine tower.
  • a nacelle 253 or turbine head is disposed on a top of the turbine tower.
  • a rotor blade assembly 254 is attached to the nacelle.
  • the nacelle may house a gearbox assembly, an aerodynamic braking unit, a mechanical braking unit, a turbine generator unit and an electrical power transmission unit. Providing the nacelle with other units or subsystems may also be useful.
  • the nacelle can be a rotating nacelle.
  • the nacelle can be configured to rotate around the axis of the turbine tower. This enables the rotor blade assembly to rotate into the wind to maximize power generation.
  • blades 256 of the rotor blade assembly may be configured with pitch adjustability.
  • the pitch of the blades may be adjusted to maximize power generation. In the case of strong winds, the pitch may be adjusted to ensure that the rotor blade assembly doesn’t over-rotate.
  • the pitch control of the blades may be, for example, part of the aerodynamic braking unit or in addition to other aerodynamic braking features.
  • the floating module includes a plurality of columns 231 which are braced together to form a semi-submersible platform for the wind turbine module.
  • the columns in one embodiment, contain ballasts for the semi-submersible platform.
  • the columns are hollow elongated cylindrical-shaped tanks serving as floatation or ballast tanks. Other shaped elongated tanks which can contain the ballasts may also be useful.
  • the elongated tanks for example, may be cylindrical.
  • the floating module in one embodiment, includes 3 columns. Providing more than 3 columns may also be useful.
  • the floating module may include 3 to 5 columns.
  • the dimensions of the columns should be sufficient to serve as ballast tanks for the floating module to support the wind turbine module.
  • the dimensions of the columns may depend on the weight of the wind turbine module and other components of the system as well as the number of columns. For example, the heavier the weight of the module it is configured to support, the larger the required volume. The volume may be reduced or increased due to the number of columns.
  • the columns are braced together by a platform frame to structurally result in a stable semi-submersible platform capable of supporting the wind turbine module and other components of the offshore wind turbine system.
  • the platform frame may be configured as a trellis frame, with braces forming the trellis frame to brace the columns together. Other types of platform frames may also be useful.
  • the columns may be configured in a triangular-shaped, rectangular-shaped or pentagonal-shaped structure. Other geometric-shaped structures may also be useful. For example, the shape may depend on the number of columns.
  • the columns are configured in a vertical configuration.
  • the length of the column is configured in a vertical plane which is perpendicular to the surface plane of the water.
  • the columns are filled with DF.
  • the DF has a formulation (Pi)di + (P2)d2 + (P3)d3, as already described.
  • the use of DF is advantageous as it allows the use of shorter columns compared to those filled with water or seawater.
  • the volume of the columns required is smaller than those used for water or seawater.
  • Water or seawater has a density slightly below or above 1 g/cm 3 .
  • the DF can have a specific gravity of, for example, 2-3 times, or even greater, than that of water or seawater.
  • the volume of the columns can be reduced by a proportionate amount.
  • the length of the columns can be reduced by a proportionate amount.
  • the diameter of the columns may be reduced.
  • the columns may be filled with a low-density DF, such as one with a density of 1.2 g/cm 3 .
  • a low-density DF such as one with a density of 1.2 g/cm 3 .
  • the density is low-density, it is still advantageous over water or seawater applications.
  • the DF since the DF has no living organisms, it does not need biocides.
  • the DF can be moved using compressed air, unlike seawater or water. The use of compressed air requires less energy compared to pumps for seawater or water solutions.
  • the columns of the floating module are in fluid communication.
  • Such a configuration enables the columns collectively to form an active ballast.
  • the fluidic connected columns are configured to form an active ballast sub-system of the offshore wind turbine system.
  • flow conduits or pipes 236 interconnect the blasts.
  • each ballast is interconnected to adjacent columns by flow conduits.
  • the flow conduits are located below the water line or at least below the height of the DF.
  • Other configurations of flow conduits may also be useful.
  • the dimensions of the flow conduits should be sufficient to enable efficient and effective transfer of DF between the columns.
  • the dimensions of the flow conduits for example, may depend on the fluidic rheology of the DF.
  • a top of the floating module may include a deck 228.
  • the deck may provide a surface on the floating module to support some of the components of the offshore wind turbine.
  • the tops of the columns may serve as the deck.
  • the deck may include multiple sub-decks formed by the tops of the columns.
  • the wind turbine system may include a ballast controller and an actuator unit 281.
  • the actuator unit in one embodiment, includes a compressor and pressure vessel for storing the compressed air.
  • the actuator unit for example, is employed to generate compressed air to move the DF within the active ballast subsystem.
  • the ballast controller controls the compressor to selectively inject compressed air into the active ballast system to provide active leveling of the system.
  • the deck may include solar panels and a power storage unit to provide power to operate the components, such as the ballast controller and the actuator unit compressor as well as other components which require power.
  • the actuator unit is in communication with the columns through their top surfaces.
  • Valves may be provided to control which column is provided with compressed air from the top.
  • DF is shifted therefrom through the flow conduits to other columns to provide active ballasting to level the system.
  • An active ballast controller may be employed to control the actuator unit based on sensors to provide active ballasting.
  • the top of the columns may be reinforced to ensure that the columns can handle the injection of compressed air.
  • the wind turbine module is disposed on top of one of the columns.
  • the column on which the wind turbine module is disposed may be referred to as a primary column while the other columns may be referred to as a secondary column.
  • the floating module includes three columns, one primary column and two secondary columns. Other numbers of columns for the floating module may also be useful. Due to the weight of the wind turbine column, it will contain less DF than the secondary column in a neutral state.
  • the primary column may be disposed in the center of secondary columns.
  • three or more secondary columns may surround a primary column.
  • the primary column need not be in fluid communication with the secondary columns.
  • primary and secondary columns may be in fluidic communication.
  • Other configurations of the floating module may also be useful.
  • the system of Fig. 2 includes active ballasting.
  • the DF filling the columns may be an intermediate-density DF.
  • the intermediate density DF may have a density of about 1.5-2.5 g/cm 3 .
  • Other densities for DF filling the columns of an active ballasting system may also be useful.
  • the system includes passive ballasting.
  • the columns of the floating module need not be in fluidic communication via flow pipes. This is because, in a passive ballasting system, the DF remains stationary.
  • the floating module is configured with DF which causes the system to be level.
  • the columns of a passive ballasting system may be in fluidic communication.
  • the DF may be a high-density DF.
  • the high-density DF may include a density which is higher than that used in the active ballasting system.
  • the high-density DF may be about 2.5-3 g/cm 3 . Other densities for the high-density DF used in a passive ballasting system may also be useful.
  • the floating module is configured to replace seawater.
  • the floating module is filled with low-density DF.
  • the low-density DF for example, has a density of about 1.2 g/cm 3 .
  • the low-density DF is dunite mud.
  • it contains a low-density fluid di which is dunite mud.
  • Other types of low-density DFs may also be useful.
  • the low-density DF may be formulated as:
  • di may be water while d 2 is intermediate-density particles.
  • the size of the intermediate-density particles may be less than about 60 um.
  • the intermediate-density particles for example, may include dunite. Other types of fine intermediate-density particles may also be useful.
  • the offshore wind turbine platform may be a part of an offshore wind farm with numerous wind turbine platforms.
  • the electricity generated by the wind turbine platforms is transmitted to an onshore substrate for further transmission.
  • the electricity is then transmitted to a power grid for distribution of the electricity for use by end users.
  • the electricity from the platforms may be transmitted to an offshore substation.
  • the offshore substation then transmits the electrity to the onshore substation.
  • Fig. 3 shows a simplified embodiment of a catenary mooring system 300 for offshore applications, such as floating structures, including floating platforms or vessels.
  • the floating structures may include offshore wind turbine platforms or oil and gas drilling platforms.
  • the catenary moory system may be employed for other offshore applications as well, including monohulls and semi-submersibles.
  • the floating structure is moored using catenaries 333.
  • the catenary system may include multiple catenaries, such as ropes or chains connected to the floating structure.
  • first ends of the catenaries are connected or extend from the floating structure.
  • the second ends they are configured to sit on the seabed 303 due to the weight of the catenaries.
  • weights 353 are hung from the catenaries.
  • the weights are configured to provide the proper tautness to ensure proper positioning of the floating structure.
  • the weights for example, are configured to produce an angle of the catenaries to the seabed of about 30-40°. Other configurations of the tautness of the catenaries may also be useful.
  • a weight hanging from a catenary includes a weight container filled with DF.
  • the weight container may be a cuboid-shaped container. Other shapes may also be useful.
  • the weight container in one embodiment, includes first and second openings.
  • the first openings can be configured for connecting to an actuator, such as an air compressor unit, for injecting compressed air into the container.
  • the first opening is located at an upper portion or top of the container.
  • the second opening it is configured for filling the container with DF or removing DF from the container.
  • the second opening is located at, for example, the side of the lower portion of the container to facilitate the removal of the DF.
  • Locating the second opening at the bottom of the container may also be useful, since it is configured to be floating.
  • the openings in one embodiment, can be configured to be opened or closed.
  • catenaries with filled containers may be hung from the floating structure.
  • the openings in the containers are closed when filled DF.
  • an air conduit is connected to the first opening and a DF flow conduit is connected to the second opening.
  • the openings are then opened. Compressed air is injected through the first opening, forcing the DF through to the second opening and up to, for example, the floating structure or ship.
  • the container is emptied, it floats towards the top of the sea. In the case that the DF need not be saved and is environmentally safe, it can be released into the sea.
  • the DF can be an intermediate-density DF or high-density DF.
  • the use of DF enables easy installation and removal of the catenary mooring system.
  • Fig. 4 shows a simplified embodiment of a gravity anchor 444 for offshore applications, such as floating structures, including floating platforms or vessels.
  • the floating structures may include offshore wind turbine platforms or oil and gas drilling platforms.
  • the gravity anchor system may be employed for other offshore applications as well, including monohulls and semi-submersibles.
  • the gravity anchor is configured to sit on the seabed 404.
  • the gravity anchor is a container filled with DF 474.
  • the gravity container may be a cuboid-shaped container. Other shapes may also be useful.
  • the gravity container should have a shape which enables it sit stably on the seabed.
  • the gravity anchor includes first and second openings 454 and 464.
  • the first openings can be configured for connecting to an actuator.
  • the actuator in one embodiment, includes an air compressor unit for injecting compressed air into the container.
  • the first opening is located at the top of the gravity anchor.
  • the second opening it may be configured for filling the gravity anchor with DF or removing DF therefrom.
  • the second opening is located at the side of the lower portion of the container to facilitate the removal of the DF.
  • the openings can be configured to be opened or closed.
  • the gravity anchor is filled with DF and installed on the seabed.
  • the openings for example, are configured to be closed.
  • the filled gravity anchor can be positioned at the desired location and placed on the seabed.
  • DF is removed therefrom.
  • a ship or vessel 424 may be employed.
  • the vessel includes an actuator unit 434, such as a compressor unit, and a DF storage container 426.
  • the actuator unit is connected to the first opening of the gravity anchor and a DF flow conduit 466 is connected to the second opening.
  • the openings are configured to be opened. Compressed air is injected into the gravity anchor, forcing the DF to flow upwards to the DF storage container. As the gravity anchor is emptied, it floats toward the top of the sea. The floating gravity anchor can easily be towed by the vessel. In the case that the DF need not be saved and is environmentally safe, it can be released into the sea.
  • the DF can be an intermediate-density DF or high-density DF.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Wind Motors (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne des fluides denses destinés à être utilisés dans des applications en mer, telles que des plateformes éoliennes, des plateformes pétrolières et gazières, des ancrages par gravité, des poids pour lignes d'ancrage ainsi que d'autres structures basées sur la gravité. Le fluide dense peut être mélangé avec un fluide de faible densité et des particules solides de haute densité pour former un fluide dense intermédiaire. Le fluide dense intermédiaire est mélangé avec des particules solides de densité intermédiaire ayant la même densité que le fluide dense intermédiaire pour former un fluide dense ayant la densité cible souhaitée. Le fluide dense peut être produit de manière économique par la sélection de particules de densité intermédiaire qui sont abondantes et peuvent être obtenues de manière économique.
PCT/IB2023/000450 2022-07-22 2023-07-24 Fluides denses pour ballasts WO2024018283A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202263391330P 2022-07-22 2022-07-22
US63/391,330 2022-07-22

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WO2024018283A2 true WO2024018283A2 (fr) 2024-01-25
WO2024018283A3 WO2024018283A3 (fr) 2024-05-16

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR102027445B1 (ko) * 2008-04-23 2019-10-01 프린시플 파워, 인코포레이티드 해안 풍력 터빈의 지지를 위한 워터-엔트랩먼트 플레이트 및 비대칭 무링 시스템을 가진 칼럼-안정화된 해안 플랫폼
FR3052817B1 (fr) * 2016-06-20 2018-07-06 Ceteal Dispositif flottant support d'eolienne offshore et ensemble eolien flottant correspondant
EP4112439A1 (fr) * 2021-07-02 2023-01-04 Mareal Plateforme flottante pour une installation d'éolienne flottante
CN113815797A (zh) * 2021-09-10 2021-12-21 海洋石油工程股份有限公司 一种立柱外斜的半潜式浮式风电平台

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