FLOATING PLATFORM FOR SUPPORTING GENERATORS OF POWER DERIVED FROM THE WIND AND/OR WAVES AND/OR OCEAN CURRENTS

Abstract

A floating platform for supporting generators of power derived from the wind, the waves and ocean currents, adopting an approximately disc-shaped general configuration with a circular or polygonal perimeter, which optimises its size and therefore minimises substantially its weight and likewise its production costs, as well as other associated complexities; which eliminates the possibility of entering into resonance with the movement of the ocean waves and thus not damaging the equipment installed, not overturning, and not surpassing the maximum list acceptable for wind power generators, nor wave power generators, nor ocean current generators; and which withstands the waves of the greatest size possible, all due to a ratio between its depth or height (13) and the diameter (14) thereof of between 0.06 and 0.35.

Claims

1. A floating platform for supporting generators of power derived from the wind and/or the waves and/or ocean currents, wherein the floating platform adopts an approximately disc-shaped general configuration with a circular or polygonal perimeter, wherein the disc has a height or depth (13) and a diameter (14), where the floating platform presents a ratio between the platform height or depth (13) and diameter (14) thereof of between 0.06 and 0.35.

2. A floating platform for supporting generators of power derived from the wind and/or the waves and/or ocean currents, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the floating platform has an external shell or external sheathing (20) whose internal structure consists of a series of radially-disposed carlings (22), connected by means of a series of stringers (23) to endow the platform with a greater structural rigidity, and in addition, a series of transversal perimeter reinforcements (24), such as angular profiles or bulb flats, which stiffen the external sheet panels.

3. A floating platform for supporting generators of power derived from the wind and/or the waves and/or ocean currents, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the floating platform has additional complementary elements, consisting of a number of bulwarks (15) acting as breakwaters, whose purpose is to improve its behaviour against the swell that may affect the perimeter of the platform.

4. A floating platform for supporting generators of power derived from the wind and/or the waves and/or ocean currents, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the floating platform has additional complementary elements, consisting of a keel (16) acting as a skirt, to improve its behaviour against the swell.

5. A floating platform for supporting generators of power derived from the wind and/or the waves and/or ocean currents, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the platform has a number of power generators driven by the waves and currents coupled to the platform, consisting of devices designed for this purpose, either with vertical-shaft rotors (waves) or horizontal-shaft (currents), or other devices which, located on the periphery of the platform at the height of the waterline, enable the collection of the energy foreseen to be performed.

6. A floating platform for supporting generators of power derived from the wind and/or the waves and/or ocean currents, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the platform is constructed from Steel, Marine Steel A or glass-fibre reinforced polyester (GRP).

7. A floating platform for supporting generators of power derived from wind and/or waves and/or ocean currents, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the floating platform has one, or a combination, of the following features: Equipment that enables rotor blades to alter their pitch according to the intensity of the wind; Automatic means for taking on or releasing of seawater ballast to position a tilt of the platform in the direction where wind is coming from at all times; Cathodic protection means by impressed currents to prevent oxidation of a hull and to maintain protection throughout a useful life of the platform; Means for monitoring of a tension of anchor chains for remote detection of faults or maladjustments; and A weather station.

Description

EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES

[0099] In order to complement the description being made herein, and with the objective of better understanding the characteristics of the invention, in accordance with a preferred practical embodiment thereof, said description is accompanied, as an integral part thereof, by a set of drawings where, in an illustrative and non-limiting manner, the following has been represented:

[0100] In FIG. 1, we may see the different methods of anchoring wind turbine generators on the sea.

[0101] In FIG. 2, we may see semi-submersible “spar”-type anchorages.

[0102] FIG. 3 portrays “barge”-type platforms.

[0103] FIG. 4 portrays a lateral view of the floating platform wherein different construction aspects are referenced.

[0104] FIG. 5 portrays additional construction aspects, where the interior of a floating platform may be seen.

[0105] FIG. 6 portrays a representation of a floating disc module.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0106] In view of the figures, a preferred embodiment of the proposed invention is described below.

[0107] In FIG. 4 we can see a lateral view of the floating platform, showing the depth or height of the platform (13), the diameter (14), the draught (17), the distance between the water surface and the base of the platform, likewise the free distance (18), this being understood to be the distance between the surface of the sea and the upper edge of the platform. Also visible are a number of optional, additional complementary elements, consisting of sloping bulwarks or profiles (15) which surround the perimeter of the platform and prevent the entry of water to the surface thereof, and also the sloping keels or skirts (16) that provide stability.

[0108] FIG. 5 portrays the structure of the floating platform which, as may be seen, consists of a series of carlings (22) disposed radially with regard to a central axis (19), where the carlings (22) are connected by means of a series of stringers (23) to endow the platform with greater structural rigidity; in addition, a series of transversal perimeter reinforcements (24), disposed in the final span of each circular section, where all the aforementioned elements are housed in the internal space defined by an external shell or external sheathing (20) to compensate the external pressure of the sea.

[0109] The tower has a series of ribs, in such a way that said element is positioned so that these are in correspondence with the carlings.

[0110] In FIG. 5 and in the detail in FIG. 6, a series of angular reinforcements or bulb flats (25) may be seen; these are disposed on the interior of the external plates. Said bulb flats (25) on the external sheathing are installed vertically, as are the ribs of ships, while on the decks and base the bulb flats (25) are installed radially in the intermediate space defined by the carlings (22). Their purpose is to reduce the opening and to reduce the thicknesses of the plate.

[0111] The platform may be constructed from Steel, Marine Steel A or glass-fibre reinforced polyester (GRP).

[0112] By way of an example, for the twelve-sided polygonal platform described above, with a radius of 20.5 m. and a height of 8.36 m., we should proceed as follows: [0113] Material: marine steel A comprised of sheets, profiles and bulb flats, [0114] A totally watertight radial structure, with bulwarks and keels (optional); the bulwarks will feature drains or automatic non-return bulwark ports (similar to those existing in ships) to prevent rainwater or splashes from remaining therein. [0115] Twelve identical modules will be manufactured, although one of the modules will have two carlings (vertical structure in the direction of the radius) instead of only one, as in the rest; transversal stringers or reinforcements and longitudinal reinforcements at the extremity of the module, more bulb flats at the bases, deck and sides by way of ribs. All of this covered by the external sheathing.

[0116] These modules would be constructed in a workshop, welded with construction procedures and details

[0117] approved by a Classification Society and with careful preparation of the surfaces for the application of rust-preventive and anti-fouling paints (this last on the external submerged section—underwater body).

[0118] The twelve modules would be assembled on the shipyard slipway due to its surface area and its proximity to the sea, locating them with cranes and a construction cradle, observing the construction plan.

[0119] Finally, the watertightness tests would be performed and it would be launched into the sea.

[0120] Next, with the platform now floating, the tower and nacelle would be installed, coupling its vertical reinforcements with the carlings of the bulwark, should there be one, or on the deck, exactly in the area where the carlings are located, to endow the assembly with the appropriate structural continuity.

[0121] Finally, the assembly would be towed to its definitive offshore location.

[0122] This procedure, due to the exclusive nature of the project, saves significant installation costs.

[0123] Conversely, the platforms resting on and anchored to the ocean floor, as they do not float, involve high production costs as they require the use of a considerable tonnage of material, and furthermore, the logistics for their transfer and placement are highly complex, as they have to be transported in costly vessels especially constructed for the performance of these delicate operations.

[0124] On the other hand, floating platforms of the spar type, due to their great height and draught, must be transported lying flat and then erected to the vertical at their final location by auxiliary ships which are also complex and costly.

[0125] The floating platform which is the object of this invention, by floating and having a reduced draught, may be transported by simple towing, with no need to perform any special manoeuvre in its placement. It may be considered a “plug & play” platform, as once disposed on the sea, it is ready for use. This property of installing and operating is highly important for the logistics of this invention in comparison with those existing.

[0126] Finally, it should be mentioned that the structure may also be designed straight, with parallel carlings, modifying the connection with the tower in comparison with that described herein.

[0127] Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, in addition to the manner in which to put it into practice, it is hereby stated that, in its essence, it may be put into practice, as stated herein, in other embodiments that differ in detail from that indicated by way of an example, and to which the protection shall likewise apply, provided that its basic principle is not altered, changed or modified.