BUOYANT PLATFORM

Abstract

A buoyant offshore renewable energy system mounting platform is provided for positioning a renewable energy device in a body of water, the body of water comprising a surface and a bed, the platform comprising a framework, comprising at least three vertexes, and at least one mooring member for positioning the platform relative to the surface and bed of the body of water. Each of the at least three vertexes having at least one buoyancy member. The buoyancy member preferably comprising a plurality of buoyancy units wherein at least one of the buoyancy members comprises a renewable energy device selected from: a renewable energy convertor; a renewable energy harnessing apparatus; a renewable energy processing apparatus; a renewable energy storing apparatus; a renewable energy data capture apparatus; a data storing apparatus.

Claims

1. A buoyant offshore renewable energy system mounting platform for positioning a renewable energy device in a body of water, said body of water comprising a surface and a bed, said platform comprising: a framework comprising at least three vertexes; at least two of said at least three vertexes having at least one mooring member for positioning said platform relative to said surface and bed of said body of water; and each of said at least three vertexes having a buoyancy member; wherein at least one of said buoyancy members comprises a renewable energy device selected from: a renewable energy convertor; a renewable energy harnessing apparatus; a renewable energy processing apparatus; a renewable energy storing apparatus; a renewable energy data capture apparatus; a data storing apparatus.

2. A platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein said renewable energy convertor comprises one selected from: a wave energy convertor system; a tidal energy convertor system; a wind energy convertor system.

3. A platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein said renewable energy harnessing apparatus comprises one selected from: a wave energy convertor; a tidal energy converter; a wind energy converter.

4. A platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein the renewable energy processing apparatus comprises a hydrogen electrolyser.

5. A platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein the renewable energy storage apparatus comprises one selected from: a battery bank comprising one or more batteries; a hydrogen storage apparatus.

6. A platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein the framework comprises a lower portion and an upper portion; the platform having an in-use configuration wherein the lower portion is positioned below the surface of said body of water and the upper portion is positioned above the surface of the body of water; and wherein in the in-use configuration, the upper portion is arranged to remain positioned above the surface of the body of water.

7. A platform as claimed in claim 6, wherein the upper portion of the framework comprises a wind turbine.

8. A platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein two or more of the buoyancy members each comprise a said renewable energy device.

9. A platform as claimed in claim 8, wherein each said renewable energy device is arranged to comprise a common orientation on the respective buoyancy member.

10. A platform as claimed in claim 9, wherein the orientation is freely adjustable.

11. A platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein each buoyancy member comprises two or more buoyancy units.

12. A platform as claimed in claim 11, wherein the two or more buoyancy units are each positioned on the framework approximately equidistant from the corresponding vertex of the respective buoyancy member.

13. A platform as claimed in claim 11, wherein the two or more buoyancy units of a buoyancy member are proximate one another.

14. A platform as claimed in claim 11, wherein the two or more buoyancy units of a respective buoyancy member have a combined buoyancy defining a centre of buoyancy of the respective buoyancy member.

15. A platform as claimed in claim 14, wherein the two or more buoyancy units are positioned relative to the corresponding vertex of said buoyancy member such that the centre of buoyancy of the buoyancy member defines a centre of buoyancy of the corresponding vertex.

16. A platform as claimed in claim 14, wherein said at least one mooring member of a vertex is attached to the platform at a mooring point, the mooring point being positioned proximate, or at, the centre of buoyancy of the corresponding buoyancy member.

17. A platform as claimed in claim 16, wherein the centre of buoyancy of the buoyancy member is defined by a location on a first plane parallel to the framework, and a second plane perpendicular to the framework, wherein the mooring point is positioned proximate, or at, the location of the centre of buoyancy of the corresponding buoyancy member in at least one of: the first plane; the second plane.

18. A platform as claimed in claim 17, wherein said at least one mooring member is arranged to apply a tensioning force on the respective mooring point, the tensioning force acting in a plane parallel to the second plane, and proximate to or coplanar with the second plane.

19. A platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least three vertexes form outer extremities of the framework.

20. A platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least three vertexes are positioned in a common plane parallel to a plane of the framework.

21. A platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least three vertexes are substantially equidistant from a central axis of the framework and substantially equispaced around the central axis of the framework.

22. A platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein the framework further comprises at least three non-buoyant vertexes, and at least three buoyant vertexes, wherein the at least three non-buoyant vertexes are present at a frequency equal to a frequency of the at least three buoyant vertexes.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the platform in accordance with the present claimed invention, in use, wherein each buoyancy member comprises a wave energy convertor system;

[0029] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the platform of FIG. 1, in use, wherein each buoyancy member comprises a wave energy convertor system and an upper portion of a framework of the platform comprises a wind turbine;

[0030] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of the platform of FIG. 1, in use, wherein each buoyancy member comprises a tidal turbine;

[0031] FIG. 4A depicts a top view of a vertex of a framework of the platform of FIG. 1, in use, deconstructed such that the renewable energy convertor is not shown;

[0032] FIG. 4B depicts a perspective view of a vertex of a framework of the platform of FIG. 1, in use, deconstructed such that the renewable energy convertor is not shown;

[0033] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of the platform of FIG. 1 in use, wherein each buoyancy member houses a corresponding renewable energy device therein;

[0034] FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of the platform of FIG. 1 in use, wherein each buoyancy member houses a renewable energy device for hydrogen generation and storage;

[0035] FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of the platform of FIG. 1 in use, wherein buoyancy members of the platform house a data storage apparatus;

[0036] FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of the invention comprising six vertexes having wave and wind energy converters comprised thereon; and

[0037] FIG. 9 depicts a lateral view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 in use.

[0038] With reference to FIG. 1, there is illustrated an embodiment of the offshore platform 10 of the present claimed invention, in use, tethered to a bed 20 of a body of water. A portion of the platform 10 remains above a surface 25 of the body of water.

[0039] The platform 10 comprises a framework 30. The framework comprises an upper portion 40, which remains above the surface 25 of the body of water, and a lower portion 50 which remains below the surface 25 of the body of water. In alternative embodiments, all of the framework 30 remains below the surface 25 of the body of water in use.

[0040] The lower portion 50 of the framework 30 comprises a triangular base such that there are three distinct vertexes below the surface 25 of the body of water. Each vertex is equidistant from the central point of the triangle and each vertex is equispaced about the central point of the triangle, such that the base has the shape of an equilateral triangle. The framework 30 also comprises a central podium, which extends vertically upwards from the central point of the triangular base. The top section of this podium comprises the upper portion 40 of the framework 30, which extends above the surface 25 of the body of water. The podium is aligned with the central axis of the framework and is symmetrical about the central axis of the framework.

[0041] The upper portion 40 of the framework 30 may be used as an access point for the platform 10. Additionally, electrical, control and/or communication equipment may be housed on the upper portion 40, such that the equipment is not required to be suitable for prolonged submersion in the body of water.

[0042] Each vertex of the framework 30 comprises a pair of mooring members 60, 65 and a buoyancy member 70. In other embodiments, it is envisaged that one or a plurality of mooring members 60, 65 may be employed. The mooring members 60, 65 may comprise a mooring line, rope, chain or other suitable mooring means.

[0043] The mooring members 60, 65 tether the platform 10 to the bed 20 of the body of water or to other fixing means. In this way the mooring members 60, 65 prevent unwanted overturning, drifting, sinking or rising of the platform 10. The mooring members 60, 65 extend from each vertex of the framework 30 to the bed 20 of the body of water. On each vertex, an inner mooring member 60 extends vertically downwards to the bed 20 of the body of water. The outer mooring member 65 extends away from the framework 30 to the bed 25 along a horizontal line parallel to the axis where the vertex meets the central axis of the framework 30. Each pair of mooring members 60, 65 on each vertex has a complimentary pair on each other vertex. As such, the contact points these outer mooring members 65 make with the bed 25 form an equilateral triangle and all vertexes are in the same horizontal plane, parallel to the surface 25 of the body of water.

[0044] Additionally, the mooring members 60, 65 may comprise anchoring means that are fixed or removably retained in the bed 20 of the body of water. In this way the anchoring means assist in the mooring of the platform 10 to the bed 20.

[0045] Each buoyancy member 70 comprises two buoyancy tanks 80, such that there are six tanks 80 in total. Each tank 80 is filled with a gas, such as air or nitrogen, such that the tank 80 is less dense than water. The buoyancy tanks 80 provide a buoyant force upwards towards the surface 25 of the body of water. In some embodiments, it is possible to monitor and control the buoyant force provided by the buoyancy members 70, for example by removing or adding gas or fluid into the buoyancy tanks 80. It is appreciated that alternative buoyancy means may be employed which provide this buoyant force.

[0046] In use, tension is held in the mooring members 60, 65 due to the buoyant forces acting on the platform 10. The downwards gravitational pull of the platform 10 is exceeded by the upwards buoyant force of the platform 10. The buoyancy member's 70 provide the predominant upwards buoyant force to the platform 10.

[0047] The body of water, and other internal and external sources, will subject the platform 10 to numerous forces and moments, in use. It is desirable for the platform 10 to remain stable in use so that, for example, toppling of the platform 10 does not occur. Tension in the mooring members 60, 65 allows the three vertexes of the framework 30 to return to a horizontal plane, parallel to the surface 25 of the body of water after the platform 10 is subjected to forces and moments. In this way, the mooring members 60, 65 assist in stability of the platform 10.

[0048] In the embodiment illustrated, each buoyancy tank 80 is identical. Both buoyancy tanks 80 sit proximate to each other on the vertex of the framework 30. Each buoyancy tank 80 sits on either side of the vertex, symmetrically about the axis where the vertex meets the centre of the triangular base. Each pair of tanks 80 are braced to the framework 30 in a way such that relative motion of each tank 80 to the other is minimised. In this way, the structural behaviour of the two tanks 80 is similar to that of a single, larger tank, and the behaviour of the pair of tanks 80 can be effectively modelled as that of a single unit. The tanks 80 have a combined centre of buoyancy.

[0049] The tanks 80 are cylindrical and the longitudinal axis of each tank 80 is vertically upwards. In this way, the tanks 80 are less prone to toppling and rotating when subject to internal and external forces and moments given the shorter moment arm (lateral axis) of the tanks 80. It should be understood that other tank 80 geometries and shapes are envisaged.

[0050] The presence of more than one tank 80 provides the advantage that if damage or failure occurs in one tank 80, such as loss of buoyancy, at least one additional tank 80 remains on the vertex. This ensures the buoyancy of the overall platform 10 is not entirely compromised when failure of a tank 80 occurs. By ensuring each vertex has at least one additional buoyancy tank 80, the platform 10 is less prone to overturn or sink upon failure of a buoyancy tank 80, as a buoyant force is still being provided at every vertex. This reduces the likelihood of damage to or loss of function of the platform 10. Repair or replacement of the compromised tank 80 can then be undertaken to rebalance the platform 10.

[0051] Each buoyancy member 70 comprises a wave energy convertor system (WEC) 90. The WEC 90 may comprise a point absorber, an oscillating wave surge absorber, a submerged pressure differential absorber or another form of WEC technology.

[0052] The WEC 90 is connected to both buoyancy tanks 80. The WEC 90 is mounted above the buoyancy tanks 80, such that, in use, the WEC 90 sits between the buoyancy tanks 80 and the surface 25 of the body of water. In this way the WEC 90 does not interfere with the mooring members 60, 65. The WEC 90 is mounted centrally above the tanks 80, such that the longitudinal axis of the WEC 90 is parallel to the axis between the centre of each tank 80.

[0053] Any reasonable means for connecting the WEC 90 onto or proximal to one or both of the tanks 80 is envisaged, such as permanent or removable connection, rigid or deformable levers, lines or chains, or direct mounting on the tanks 80. Additionally, a connection between the WEC 90 and the framework 30 is envisaged. Components associated with converting energy from the WEC 90 may be mounted on or within the tanks 80 or on the framework 30.

[0054] Each WEC 90 is identical. In alternative embodiments, the WECs 90 may be non-identical. The WEC 90 is cylindrical with a longitudinal axis parallel to the surface 25 of the body of water. Each WEC 90 may rotate fully or partially about the longitudinal axis of the WEC 90. The WEC 90 is orientated such that its longitudinal axis is horizontal and parallel to the surface 25 of the body of water. In this way, the WEC 90 is aligned with the direction of current or flow of the water in the body of water. The angle the longitudinal axis of the WEC 90 makes with the surface 25 of the body of water and/or the angle the longitudinal axis of the WEC 90 makes with the framework 30 may be altered, such that the orientation of the WEC 90 is optimal for wave energy conversion purposes.

[0055] Each WEC 90 is orientated identically on each vertex. Alternatively, the orientation of each WEC 90 relative to each other WEC 90 is different, such that the capturing of wave energy is improved in each application.

[0056] Consideration may be taken to reduce the platform 10 weight such as to reduce the gravitational pull of the platform 10 towards the bed 20 of the body of water is preferential.

[0057] Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 3 of the platform of the present invention, in the following description similar numerals will be used for similar parts of each embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the platform 110 further comprises a turbine 100. The turbine 100 is mounted on the upper portion 140 of the framework 130, such that the turbine 100 remains above the surface 125 of the body of water, in use. The turbine 100 is mounted vertically upwards, perpendicular to the surface 125 of the body of water.

[0059] The buoyant force provided by the buoyancy members 170 is such that the considerable weight of the turbine 100 is supported. In this embodiment, reducing the platform 110 weight to reduce the gravitational pull of the platform 110 towards the bed 120 of the body of water is preferential.

[0060] In this embodiment, multiple forms of renewable energy convertors are present on the platform 110: a turbine 100 and WECs 190.

[0061] FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of the present invention, wherein each buoyancy member 270 of the platform 210 comprises a tidal energy convertor (TEC) 290, for example a tidal turbine. Each TEC 290 may have an orientation that is fixed relative to the framework 250. Alternatively, each TEC 290 is able to yaw to face the direction of the current.

[0062] FIGS. 4a and 4b depict the present claimed invention, with no renewable energy convertors shown. The buoyancy tanks 280 are spaced apart and symmetrically on the vertex about the axis where the vertex meets the central axis of the framework 330.

[0063] C indicates the combined centre of buoyancy of the buoyancy tanks 380. The centre of buoyancy point C is the effective point at which the buoyant force B from the tanks 380 act. The mooring members 360, 365 are attached to the framework 330 at a mooring point M. The mooring point M is the point at which the tension forces T from the mooring members 360, 365 act on the framework 330. The buoyant force B acts vertically upwards. The tension forces T act through the mooring members 360, 365.

[0064] The mooring point M and the centre of buoyancy C of the buoyancy tanks 380 are the same. In this way, the mooring point M and the centre of buoyancy C are in the same horizontal and vertical planes.

[0065] As the buoyant force B and tension forces T act at the same point (the centre of buoyancy C and the mooring point M), no moment from the buoyant force B and tension forces T acts on the platform 310. Such moments are disadvantageous as they can cause high structural loads and hinder platform stability. It is appreciated that a moment will result due to each individual buoyant force from each tank 380, however, each tanks 380 proximate position to the other of the pair of tanks 380 on the framework 380 reduces this moment.

[0066] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the platform comprises two vertexes, such that the vertexes are in a line parallel to the surface of the body of water. In this way, the buoyancy members are horizontally spaced apart from each other.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 5, a further example embodiment of a platform 400 in accordance with the present invention is shown, similar top the embodiment of FIG. 2. In FIG. 5, the platform 400 comprises a wind turbine 409. The turbine 409 is mounted on the upper portion of the framework 401, such that the turbine 409 remains above the surface 407 of the body of water, in use. The turbine 409 is mounted vertically upwards, perpendicular to the surface 407 of the body of water.

[0068] The buoyant force provided by the buoyancy members 402 is such that the considerable weight of the turbine 409 is supported. In this embodiment, reducing the platform 401 weight to reduce the gravitational pull of the platform 401 towards the bed 406 of the body of water is preferential, hence the skeletal frame structure. The upper portion of the platform 401 is supported partially by diagonally extending frame members 403 linking the upper portion to each of three vertexes of the frame work 401, thereby partially distributing the weight of the turbine 409 to the vertexes, at which the buoyancy tanks 402 exert a counteracting buoyancy force. As with previous embodiments, each vertex is tethered to the bed 406 by a set of mooring lines 404 and anchors 405. The mooring lines 404 exert a tensioning force to the mooring point at which the mooring lines are connected to the vertex, providing a counteracting force to the combined centre of buoyancy of the buoyancy tanks 402, the tensioning force and at least part of the weight of the turbine 409 in the embodiment shown being applied coplanar with the buoyancy force thereby minimising residual internal forces acting on the platform 401.

[0069] In this embodiment, the buoyancy tanks each comprise an renewable energy storage unit (not shown) housed therein.

[0070] The embodiments of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are substantially equal to the embodiment described for FIG. 5. The embodiment 500 of FIG. 6 replaces the energy storage units for a hydrogen electrolyser 501 and a hydrogen storage tank 502 arranged to receive and store the hydrogen from the electrolyser 501 by way of pipes concealed within the skeletal framework of the platform. The electrolyser, in the embodiment shown, is powered by electrical energy provided by the wind turbine. In the embodiment shown, the storage tank 502 can be routinely collected and replaced, or the hydrogen therein detanked into a mobile gas transportation vessel. Embodiments will be appreciated wherein the platform comprises a gas pipe leaving the platform and arranged to convey the gas from the storage tank 502. The embodiment 600 of FIG. 7 replaces the energy storage units of FIG. 5 for data storage units 601 arranged to receive usage data from data collectors located on the platform (not shown). The data collectors may, for example, collect data about the functioning of the wind turbine and/or the sea conditions, which may be used to inform a modification made, for example to the height of the platform in the body of water.

[0071] The embodiment 700 of FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 comprises a platform having six buoyant vertexes forming a hexagonal platform. A buoyancy tank of each other vertex supports a raised upper portion thereon comprising a wind turbine arranged to remain above the surface of the body of water. The remaining buoyancy tanks at each remaining vertex supports a WEC as described previously. In the embodiment 700 shown, two pairs of opposing vertexes of the six vertexes comprise mooring lines extending therefrom anchoring the platform to the bed of the body of water. In the embodiment shown, the equal dispersal of a large amount of weight from the wind turbines and WECs is sufficient in order to counteract the buoyancy of the corresponding buoyancy tanks with only set of mooring lines. Embodiments will be appreciated wherein the platform comprises three sets of mooring lines positioned at three of the six vertexes and evenly spaced about the platform. Other embodiments will be appreciated wherein each of the vertexes comprises its own set of one or more mooring lines. The use of a larger number of below and above water platforms may allow for a greater number and/or a larger size of renewable energy devices (or processors or storage) to be housed by the platform, increasing its energy output.

[0072] The wind turbine towers of the embodiment 700 may be of different heights to mitigate against the turbines shadowing each other in certain wind directions, improving energy yield from the platform.

[0073] Further embodiments within the scope of the present invention may be envisaged that have not been described above, for example, there may be any combination of renewable energy convertors on the platform including, but not limited to, WECs and TECs. One, multiple or all vertexes may comprise a renewable energy convertor. The platform may comprise a number of non-buoyant vertexes which do not comprise buoyancy members. These non-buoyant vertexes may be aligned in the same horizontal plane as the buoyant vertexes, or in an offset plane. These non-buoyant vertexes may comprise renewable energy convertors. The framework may comprise a single body piece or may be assembled form a number of pieces. The invention is not limited to the specific examples or structures illustrated.