Abstract
A framework (50) for modular construction of an offshore framework structure comprising a first bar (51) functioning as a floating body, a second bar (52), with two posts (53) for substantially parallel support of the bars (51, 52) and two belts (54) for tensioning the framework (50). Connection elements (55) are positioned at the respective ends of the bars (51, 52), which exhibit flanges (56) for attaching the connection elements (55) to the bars (51, 52). In the connection elements (55), receiving areas (57) are positioned transversely to the longitudinal direction (61) of the bars (51, 52) for attaching the posts (53). Further, the connection elements (55) have securing means (58) for securing belts (54) provided with tensioning devices (60) in such a way that the framework (50) can be held in shape or diagonally tensioned by means of the tensioning devices (60).
Claims
1-24. (canceled)
25. A floatable, torus-segment-like pontoon for a torus-like floating body constructed from a plurality of such pontoons with a torus eye containing a torus axis of rotation, wherein the pontoon comprises: connecting means on substantially flat side surfaces of the pontoon, wherein the connecting means are designed in such a way that adjacent pontoons can be joined in a positive-fitting manner in an axial direction, with the connecting means configured on a first side surface as at least one groove extending substantially radially, axially or obliquely in a radial direction, and on a second side surface opposite the first side surface the connecting means is configured as at least one substantially complementary tongue opposite the groove; receiving areas on radially inner pontoon surfaces for receiving a component in the torus eye; and retaining means arranged on radially outer pontoon surfaces for holding adjacent pontoons together in a torus circumferential direction and in the radial direction; wherein the pontoon is made of plastic and produced by rotational melting, extrusion blow moulding or an RIM process.
26. The pontoon according to claim 25, further comprising a plurality of eyelets on a top surface and/or a bottom surface of the pontoon for transporting the pontoon and/or the floating body.
27. The pontoon according to claim 25, wherein the pontoon is substantially symmetrical to a torus equatorial plane with each side surface exhibiting at least one groove and at least one tongue.
28. The pontoon according to claim 25, wherein the retaining means and/or the receiving areas are configured in the form of a groove or slot extending circumferentially from a first side surface to a second side surface on the radially outer pontoon surface or on the radially inner pontoon surface, respectively.
29. The pontoon according to claim 25, further comprising a valve device for at least partially flooding and emptying a cavity of the pontoon.
30. A torus-like floating body with a torus eye containing the torus axis of rotation, which is constructed from a plurality of the torus-segment-like pontoons according to claim 25, wherein the grooves and tongues on the side surfaces of adjacent pontoons interlock for the purpose of axial and/or radial fixation and the retaining means on the outer pontoon surfaces fix the pontoons in the radial and circumferential directions.
31. The floating body according to claim 30, wherein the retaining means is a circumferential ring or belt or tensioning device which holds the individual pontoons together in the circumferential direction.
32. The floating body according to claim 30, further comprising a substantially rotationally symmetrical pontoon carrier mounted in the torus eye by means of the receiving areas, an axis of rotation of said pontoon carrier corresponding to the torus axis of rotation, and to which pontoon carrier a lifting rod aligned substantially parallel to the torus axis of rotation can be attached.
33. The floating body according to claim 32, wherein the pontoon carrier comprises a disc-shaped support element that interacts with the receiving areas on the inner pontoon surfaces on which a substantially rotationally symmetrical support ring is arranged, against which the pontoons can be supported, wherein the pontoon carrier may comprise additional substantially radially aligned attachment webs which come into contact with the side surfaces of the individual pontoons.
34. The floating body according to claim 30, wherein angles defining a size of the individual torus-segment-like pontoons from which the floating body is constructed differ from each other and/or wherein an axial length of the individual torus-segment-like pontoons from which the floating body is constructed differ from each other.
35. The floating body according to claim 30, further comprising a valve actuator which can be used to actuate at least one valve device of a pontoon for at least partially flooding or draining the pontoon.
Description
[0051] The present invention of the framework according to the invention as well as the modular framework structures according to the invention and their assembly into support structures extended in planar fashion are illustrated below in figures based on preferred embodiments, whereby the figures or the embodiments shown therein do not restrict the inventive concept. The following are shown:
[0052] FIG. 1: A framework according to the invention;
[0053] FIG. 2: A perspective view of a connection element for the construction of a framework according to the invention;
[0054] FIG. 3: A connection point of a framework according to the invention;
[0055] FIG. 4: An embodiment for joining two connection elements of adjacent frameworks;
[0056] FIG. 5: A perspective view of a framework structure module according to the invention;
[0057] FIG. 6: A perspective view of a support structure consisting of a plurality of framework structure modules;
[0058] FIG. 7: A perspective view of a modular support structure according to the invention;
[0059] FIG. 8: The framework structure according to FIG. 6 in a further embodiment according to the invention;
[0060] FIG. 9: A module for a wave power plant;
[0061] FIG. 10: Cross-section of a floating body according to the invention
[0062] FIG. 11: A wave power plant composed of a plurality of framework structure modules.
[0063] FIG. 1 shows a buoyant framework 50 according to the invention with a first bar 51 and in parallel a second bar 52 with their respective longitudinal axes 61. The two bars 51 and 52 are held in place by posts 53, which are mounted in connection elements 55. The longitudinal directions 63 of the posts 53 are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 61 of the bars 51 and 52. Connection elements 55 are positioned at each end of the first bar 51 and the second bar 52, which are tensioned together by means of braces 54 which exhibit tensioning devices 60. This creates a stable framework 50, which is diagonally tensioned by means of the braces 54. The braces 54 are hooked into the connection elements 55, for example in such a way that they are locked in the direction of the centre of the framework. In a further preferred embodiment, the braces 54 are mounted in rotatable pins 59 (see FIG. 2) with transverse boreholes 68 in such a way that they are connected to the tensioning devices 60 and can tension the framework 50 diagonally.
[0064] The framework 50 shown in FIG. 1 exhibits approximately the same diameters for the two bars 51, 52, but this is not mandatory, as described above. The lateral posts 53 and the brace 54 can be, for example, tubes or solid bars made of a metallic material. However, if the framework 50 is intended for offshore use in the sea, a salt-water-resistant alloy should be chosen when selecting the material. This of course applies to the connection elements 55, too.
[0065] FIG. 2 shows a detailed view of a connection point/node of the framework 50 according to the invention; here it can be seen that the posts 53 are mounted in receiving areas 57 of the connection elements 55 and the bars 51 and 52 are joined to the connection element 55 via flanges 56. Furthermore, a pin 59 can be seen which is inserted into a borehole 58 of the connection element 55 and which holds a framework strut 54 in the form of a brace. On one side of the connection element 55, projections 62 are shown with a connecting eye 64 formed in it, into which, for example, a connecting pin 67 (cf. FIG. 4) can be inserted. The connecting pin is lockable by means of holders 66, which can be attached to the connection element 55 at screw points 65 on the opposite side of the extensions 62.
[0066] FIG. 3 shows a connection element as it is used, for example, four times per framework when assembling a single framework according to the invention. On the right-hand side, the flange 56 is shown for the possible fluid-tight attaching of the connection element 55 to one end of a bar 51 or 52, as well as the receiving area 57 for attaching a post 53. Above the receiving area 57, a borehole 58 is shown in which the pin 59 for holding the braces 54 can be inserted. Above the borehole 58, two screw points 65 are shown, to which holders 66 can be screwed for fixing a connecting pin. Here, the axes 73 of the screw points 65 can serve to guide the holders 66, so that, for example, a connecting pin 67 mounted in the connecting eye of an adjacent connection element of another framework can be received, centred and finally fixed. On the opposite side, there is an upper extension 62 with a corresponding connecting eye 64 for inserting a connecting pin 67 (not shown here; cf. FIG. 4).
[0067] FIG. 4 shows two connection elements 55 and an embodiment of how the two connection elements 55 are joined. Such a connection situation arises, for example, when two frameworks 50 according to the invention are to be joined to each other in order to build a framework structure 70 or an offshore framework structure module 70. In FIG. 4, holders 66 are used which exhibit an approximately triangular shape and can receive and lock a connecting pin 67, which exhibits tapered ends 72, via a funnel-shaped opening 71. To this end, the holders can be gradually brought together via screw pins guided along the axes 73 of the screw points 65, for example, so that when two frameworks 50 according to the invention are assembled, the two holders 66 are pre-fixed, for example at a distance greater than the axial length of the connecting pin 67. The connecting pin 67 inserted in the connecting eye is received between the two holders 66 when the holders are brought closer together with their funnel-shaped openings facing each other. When the two holders 66 approach each other, the connecting pin 67 is received in the funnel-shaped receiving areas 71 of the holders 66 and is thereby centred and finally fixed.
[0068] FIG. 4 also shows a transverse borehole 68 in the connecting pin 67, into which a connector 69 can be inserted for tensioning a framework module 70. In FIG. 4, this transverse borehole 68 is aligned in the plane spanned by the longitudinal directions 61 of the bars, which, as explained above, can also be at an angle to it if tensioning is to be implemented in the direction of the space diagonal of a framework module 70.
[0069] FIG. 5 shows a framework structure module 70, also known as a framework module 70, which is constructed from four frameworks 50 according to the invention. In this case, the first bars 51 each form a substantially rectangular base area. The top surface, which is substantially rectangularly spanned by the second bars 52, is supported by two posts 53 on each of the respective side edges, spaced parallel to each other. The frameworks 50 according to the invention are tensioned via braces 54, which are supported on the “outer surfaces” of the respective framework 50. The individual frameworks 50 are held together by connection elements 55, as shown for example in FIG. 4, and tensioned by connectors 69 which run diagonally in the base or top surface. The individual connectors 69 and the braces 54 each have tensioning devices 60, for example for joining and tensioning the connectors 69 and the braces 54.
[0070] FIG. 6 shows a support structure 80 constructed in a planar manner which is made up of several framework structure modules 70, with the framework 50 according to the invention forming the basic module. The person skilled in the art will recognise that in the embodiment of FIG. 6, 17 individual frameworks according to the invention are joined to each other, whereby diagonal struts 69 are positioned for further tensioning of the support structure 80 in each of the six top surfaces and six base surfaces which are formed.
[0071] FIG. 7 shows an example of a framework module 70 on which floating bodies 100 are positioned on the first bars 51 or in extension of the posts 53. These floating bodies 100 which are positioned at the respective connection points of the first bars 51 of adjacent frameworks 50 consist of individual torus-segment-like pontoons 1, each of which is buoyant itself. These torus-segment-like pontoons 1 are plugged together by connecting means positioned on their side surfaces and held together by retaining means 30 on the circumferential surfaces. In the simplest case, these retaining means 30 consist of a tensioning belt 24 which is tightened around the torus-segment-like pontoons. This type of construction of the floating bodies 100 is preferred, firstly in order to reduce the transport volume of the floating bodies and secondly in order to ensure a lower probability of default of the floating bodies. Should one of the torussegment-like pontoons 1 leak during operation, it can be replaced individually; it is not necessary to replace the floating body 100 in its entirety. Another advantage of this segment-like construction is that the weight of the individual segments is much less than the total weight of the floating bodies 100.
[0072] FIG. 8 shows a support structure 80 which is made up of six modules according to FIG. 7. Here it can also be seen that each module 70 is formed from four frameworks 50 according to the invention, with adjacent modules exhibiting a common framework 50. The double posts 53 on the outer side edges of the support/load-bearing structure 80 are characteristic of this. The two inner nodes exhibit four vertical posts 53 accordingly. The connections forming T-nodes on the side surfaces accordingly have three vertical posts 53.
[0073] FIG. 9 shows a cuboid framework structure module 70 which forms part of a wave power plant. In this exemplary module shown, floating bodies 100 are positioned between the first bars 51 and the second bars 52 of the respective frameworks 50 according to the invention. The floating bodies 100 can thereby oscillate along the posts 53 and move lifting rods 25 in linear fashion up and down along the torus rotation axis 2. These lifting rods 25 are joined to linear generators 90 in such a way that the linear lifting movement of the lifting rods 25 is converted into rotational movements of the linear generators 90 so that wave energy can be converted into electrical energy according to the dynamo principle. A cross-section of the floating bodies 100 used according to the invention is shown in FIG. 10, which depicts a section along plane A-A of FIG. 9.
[0074] FIG. 10 shows two pontoons 1 positioned symmetrically to the torus rotation axis 2. Here, on the pontoon 1 shown on the right-hand side in FIG. 10, tongues 14 can be seen on the pontoon side surface 9 configured to be substantially flat, said tongues being able to engage in grooves 12 which can be seen on the side surface 9 of the pontoon 1 shown on the left-hand side in FIG. 10. It can be seen from this that each pontoon 1 exhibits tongues 14 on one of its side surfaces 9 and grooves 12 on the other side surface 9, each of which forms a tongue and groove connection with an adjacent pontoon 1 when a floating body 100 is assembled—cf. also the left-hand front floating body 100 in FIG. 9. By means of such a tongue and groove connection, the pontoons 1 are fixed in the axial direction of the torus rotation axis 2. Via clamping means 24 which are inserted into a circumferential groove 20, the pontoons are secured against drifting apart in a radial direction against a pontoon carrier 15. A lifting rod 25 is attached to the pontoon carrier 15 in the direction of the torus rotation axis 2 which can be moved in a vertical direction when the floating body is deflected, for example by a wave. Parallel to the lifting rod 25, the posts 53 of the framework structure module according to the invention can be seen, along which the pontoon carrier 15 of the floating body 100 can slide or through which the pontoon carrier 15 is guided vertically. The pontoon carrier 15 is mounted in a positive-fitting manner via receiving areas 30 on the radially inner sides of the pontoons 1 by means of a support element 32 in the form of a plate 33. Preferably, the support element 32 exhibits attachment webs/bars 35 on its top or bottom which are radially aligned and provide additional circumferential support for the individual pontoons 1 so that circumferential forces acting on the floating body 100 can be transmitted from the pontoon carrier 15 to the posts 53, thereby keeping the lifting rod 25 largely free of rotational forces.
[0075] Of course, further floating bodies 100 can be positioned at the lower ends of the offshore framework structure module 70 below the first bars 51, as shown for example in FIG. 11.
[0076] FIG. 11 shows a wave power plant 200 constructed from six framework structure modules 70 according to FIG. 9. Here, the frameworks 50 of the framework structure module 70, which is buoyant in itself according to the invention, are provided with additional floating bodies 100 at the individual nodes in order to give the wave power plant greater buoyancy.
[0077] The floating bodies 100 positioned between the first bars 51 and the second bars 52 can move in an oscillating manner along the side bars 53 following the passage of a wave. This raises and lowers the lifting rods 25 and drives the linear generators 90 to convert wave energy into electrical energy. It is readily comprehensible for a person skilled in the art that such a wave power plant 200 can also be designed in much larger dimensions with multiple movable floating bodies 100, whereby the self-stabilization of the framework structure or support structure 80 increases with the increase in the planar expansion of the wave power plant 200.
[0078] All in all, the buoyant framework 50 according to the invention can provide a variety of possible support structures for a range of different offshore applications, of which the application shown for a wave power plant 200 is only one example among many. For the purpose of the invention, all of the support structures 80 according to the invention can be expanded in a modular manner with the basic module of the framework 50 according to the invention and be enlarged in this way. Furthermore, the modular design of the frameworks 50 and the support structure modules 70 and the modular design of the floating bodies 100 allows for easy assembly as well as reduced maintenance, since damaged elements easily be replaced in a modular manner.
TABLE-US-00001 List of reference numerals 1 Pontoon 2 Torus rotation axis 3 Torus equatorial plane 4 Torus eye 5 Inner pontoon surface 6 Pontoon top 7 Outer pontoon surface 8 Pontoon bottom 9 Side surface 10 Connecting means 12 Groove 14 Tongue 15 Pontoon carrier 17 Eyelets 20 Retaining means/Circumferential groove 22 Tensioning device 24 Tensioning Belt/ring 25 Holding element/lifting rod 30 Receiving means 32 Support element 33 Plate 35 Attachment webs/bars 37 Support ring 40 Valve device 45 Valve actuator 50 Framework 51 First bar 52 Second bar 53 Post 54 Brace 55 Connection element 56 Flange 57 Receiving areas 58 Borehole 59 Pin 60 Tensioning device 61 Longitudinal direction of bars 62 Projections/Extensions 63 Longitudinal direction of posts 64 Connection eye 65 Screw point 66 Holder 67 Connecting pin 68 Transverse borehole 69 Diagonal struts 70 Framework structure module 71 Funnel-shaped opening 72 Tapered end 73 Axis - screw points 80 Support structure 82 Corner node 83 T-node 84 Inner node 90 Linear generator 100 Floating body 200 Wave power plant
