METHOD FOR PLACING GRAVITU ANCHOR AND FLOATING BODY

Abstract

The present application provides a method for placing a gravity anchor and a floating body. The method includes: fixing a gravity anchor on a floating body when the floating body is located in a dock; sinking the gravity anchor from the floating body to water bottom when the floating body is at a target position. Through the present application, the placement difficulty and cost of the gravity anchor are reduced.

Claims

1. A method for placing a gravity anchor, comprising: fixing the gravity anchor on a floating body by changing a water level when the floating body is located in a dock, so that the gravity anchor is located below the floating body and floats with the floating body; sinking the gravity anchor from the floating body to water bottom when the floating body is at a target position.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the fixing the gravity anchor on the floating body by changing the water level comprises: draining water away from the dock and arranging the gravity anchor in the dock; filling the dock with water and making the floating body sail to a position above the gravity anchor; draining water away from the dock and fixing the gravity anchor on the floating body; filling the dock with water to make the floating body and the gravity anchor float together.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the arranging the gravity anchor in the dock comprises: casting concrete in the dock to form at least one concrete block, wherein the at least one concrete block constitutes the gravity anchor.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the sinking the gravity anchor from the floating body to the water bottom comprises: sinking the gravity anchor from the floating body by a crane.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the fixing the gravity anchor on the floating body comprises: equipping the floating body and/or the gravity anchor with a buoyancy apparatus, wherein the buoyancy apparatus is detachable and configured to provide buoyancy; correspondingly, the sinking the gravity anchor from the floating body to the water bottom comprises: dismantling the buoyancy apparatus.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the floating body is an offshore platform.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein a weight of the gravity anchor is greater than a maximum displacement of the floating body.

8. A floating body, comprising: a main body; a fixing apparatus arranged on the main body, wherein the fixing apparatus is configured to fix the gravity anchor in such a manner that the gravity anchor is located below the floating body and floats with the floating body.

9. The floating body according to claim 8, wherein the floating body further comprises: a crane arranged on the main body, wherein the crane is configured to sink the gravity anchor.

10. The floating body according to claim 9, wherein the floating body further comprises a vertical axis wind turbine.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present application and are used to explain the principles of the present application together with the specification.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a floating body in an embodiment of the present application.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a first example of the floating body in FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a second example of the floating body in FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a third example of the floating body in FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a floating body in an embodiment of the present application.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a first example of the floating body in FIG. 5.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a second example of the floating body in FIG. 5.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a third example of the floating body in FIG. 5.

[0027] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method for placing a gravity anchor in an embodiment of the present application.

[0028] FIG. 10 to FIG. 16 are schematic diagrams of a first exemplary embodiment of the method for placing a gravity anchor in an embodiment of the present application.

[0029] FIG. 17 to FIG. 25 are schematic diagrams of a second exemplary embodiment of the method for placing a gravity anchor in an embodiment of the present application.

[0030] FIG. 26 to FIG. 32 are schematic diagrams of a third exemplary embodiment of the method for placing a gravity anchor in an embodiment of the present application.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0031] 1: floating body; 11: main body; 12: fixing apparatus; 13: crane; 14: vertical axis wind turbine; 15: data container; 16: energy storage container; 17: power transformation container; 2: gravity anchor; 18: buoyancy apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0032] In the following description, for the purpose of explanation rather than limitation, specific details such as structures, devices and technologies are set forth in order to thoroughly understand the embodiments of the present application. However, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that the technical solutions of the present application can be implemented in other embodiments without these specific details. In other cases, detailed descriptions of well-known structures, devices and methods are omitted so that the description of the embodiments of the present application will not be hindered by unnecessary details.

[0033] In order to keep floating bodies, such as offshore platforms and ships, at a target position on the water surface, it is necessary to use mooring technology to fix the floating bodies to anchors at water bottom. The water bottom can include the bottom of the sea, lake, river, etc.

[0034] However, for the anchors commonly used at present, such as towing anchor, pile anchor and suction anchor, when using the mooring technology, it is required to arrange these anchors at the water bottom in advance. To achieve this goal, using professional working ships and even underwater robots is necessary, which not only has complicated operation process, but also has high engineering cost.

[0035] In view of this, how to simplify the anchor arrangement in the mooring technology is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0036] The embodiment of the present application provides a floating body. The floating body can be a ship, an offshore platform or other types of floating body, which is not specifically limited in the present application.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a floating body in an embodiment of the present application. In the present embodiment, the floating body 1 may be an offshore platform.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the floating body 1 may include a main body 11 and a fixing apparatus 12. The fixing apparatus 12 may be provided on the main body 11. The fixing apparatus 12 can be configured to fix a gravity anchor (not shown).

[0039] The main body 11 is the main structure of the floating body 1 and provides buoyancy for the floating body 1. The main body 11 may be held at a target position by a gravity anchor, so that the main body 11 can operate at the target position.

[0040] The main body 11 may have different shapes. Specifically, the profile of the main body 11 in a horizontal plane may have different shapes. For example, the main body 11 may be square. For another example, the main body 11 may be triangular. For yet another example, the main body 11 may be circular. It should be noted that the main body 11 can also have other shapes, which is not specifically limited by the embodiment of the present application.

[0041] The fixing apparatus 12 can be configured to fix the gravity anchor. Specifically, the fixing apparatus 12 can be connected with one end of a cable, and the other end of the cable is connected with the gravity anchor at water bottom. In this way, the fixing apparatus 12 can hold the main body 11 at a target position.

[0042] The cable can be of different types. In an embodiment, the cable may be a steel cable. In an embodiment, the cable may be an anchor chain. Of course, the cable can also be of other types, which is not specifically limited by the embodiment of the present application.

[0043] In practical application, the number and arrangement of the fixing apparatuses 12 on the main body 11 can be determined according to factors such as the shape of the main body 11, the shape and number of gravity anchors and the like. It can be understood that with the change of the shape of the main body 11, the shape and number of gravity anchors, etc., the number and arrangement of the fixing apparatuses 12 on the main body 11 may be different, which are not specifically limited by the embodiment of the present application.

[0044] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a first example of the floating body in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 11 may be square. In this case, the floating body 1 may include four fixing apparatuses 12, which are respectively arranged on the deck at four right angles of the main body 11. That is, the fixing apparatuses 12 are provided on the deck at each right angle of the main body 11.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a second example of the floating body in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the main body 11 may be an equilateral triangle. In this case, the floating body 1 may include three fixing apparatuses 12, which are respectively arranged on the deck at three acute angles of the main body 11. That is, the fixing apparatuses 12 are provided on the deck at each acute angle of the main body 11.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a third example of the floating body in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the main body 11 may be circular. In this case, the floating body 1 may include eight fixing apparatuses 12, which are uniformly arranged on the deck along the edge of the main body 11. That is, on the deck of the main body 11, the fixing apparatuses 12 are arranged at intervals of 45 degrees.

[0047] In an embodiment, the floating body 1 may further include a crane 13. The crane 13 may be arranged on the deck of the main body 1 and used to adjust a length of the cable between the gravity anchor and the fixing apparatus 12. The crane 13 may be equipped with a winch. The cable can be retracted and released through the winch. Specifically, when the winch retracts and shortens the cable, the length of the cable between the gravity anchor and the fixing apparatus 12 is shortened; when the winch releases and lengthens the cable, the length of the cable between the gravity anchor and the fixing apparatus 12 is extended.

[0048] In an embodiment, the number of cranes 13 and the number of fixing apparatuses 12 may be equal. In other words, the cranes 13 on the floating body 1 are in one-to-one correspondence with the fixing apparatuses 12. Of course, the number of cranes 13 may not be equal to the number of fixing apparatuses 12, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present embodiment.

[0049] It can be understood that the crane 13 can be set to be independent from the fixing apparatus 12 or to be integrated with the fixing apparatus 12.

[0050] In an embodiment, the floating body 1 may further include a vertical axis wind turbine 14. The vertical axis wind turbine 14 is used for wind power generation, thereby providing electric energy for the floating body 1.

[0051] In an embodiment, the vertical axis wind turbine 14 may be disposed on the main body 11. Specifically, the vertical axis wind turbine 14 may be disposed on the deck of the main body 11. In practical application, the number and arrangement of vertical axis wind turbines 14 on the main body 11 can be set according to actual needs.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 2, the floating body 1 may include four vertical axis wind turbines 14, which are respectively arranged on the deck at four right angles of the main body 11. That is, the vertical axis wind turbines 14 are arranged on the deck at each right angle of the main body 11.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 3, the floating body 1 may include three vertical axis wind turbines 14, which are respectively arranged on the deck at three acute angles of the main body 11. That is, the vertical axis wind turbines 14 are arranged on the deck at each acute angle of the main body 11.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 4, the floating body 1 may include four vertical axis wind turbines 14, which are uniformly arranged on the deck along the edge of the main body 11. That is, on the deck of the main body 11, the vertical axis wind turbines 14 are arranged at intervals of 90 degrees.

[0055] It can be understood that the floating body 1 may include other types of wind turbine and other water engineering equipment, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0056] In an embodiment, the floating body 1 may be an offshore data center. At this time, the floating body 1 may include a data container 15. The data container 15 can also be referred to as a container-type data center. The data container 15 may be powered by the vertical axis wind turbine 14.

[0057] In an embodiment, the floating body 1 may further include an energy storage container 16. The energy storage container 16 may also be referred to as a container-type energy storage station. The energy storage container 16 is used to store the electric energy provided by the vertical axis wind turbine 14.

[0058] In an embodiment, the floating body 1 may further include a power transformation container 17, which can also be referred to as a container-type substation. The transformer container 17 can be used to transform the electric energy provided by the vertical axis wind turbine 14 to meet the requirements of the data container 15 and/or the energy storage container 16.

[0059] In an embodiment, the data container 15, the energy storage container 16, and the power transformation container 17 may be arranged at a central position of the main body 11. Of course, in practical application, the number and arrangement of data containers 15, energy storage containers 16, and power transformation containers 17 can be set as required, which are not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0060] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a floating body in an embodiment of the present application. In the present embodiment, the floating body 1 may be a ship.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 5, the floating body 1 may include a main body 11 and a fixing apparatus 12. The fixing apparatus 12 may be provided on the main body 11. The fixing apparatus 12 can be configured to fix a gravity anchor (not shown).

[0062] The main body 11 is the main structure of the floating body 1 and provides buoyancy for the floating body 1. The main body 11 may be held at a target position by the gravity anchor, so that the main body 11 can operate at the target position.

[0063] The fixing apparatus 12 can be configured to fix the gravity anchor. Specifically, the fixing apparatus 12 can be connected with one end of a cable, and the other end of the cable is connected with the gravity anchor at water bottom. In this way, the fixing apparatus 12 can hold the main body 11 at a target position.

[0064] The cable can be of different types. In an embodiment, the cable may be a steel cable. In an embodiment, the cable may be an anchor chain. Of course, the cable can also be of other types, which is not specifically limited by the embodiment of the present application.

[0065] In practical application, the number and arrangement of fixing apparatuses 12 on the main body 11 can be determined according to factors such as the shape of the main body 11, the shape and number of gravity anchors and the like. It can be understood that with the change of the shape of the main body 11, the shape and number of gravity anchors, etc., the number and arrangement of fixing apparatuses 12 on the main body 11 may be different, which are not specifically limited by the embodiment of the present application.

[0066] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a first example of the floating body in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 6, the floating body 1 may include four fixing apparatuses 12, which are respectively arranged on the deck of the main body 11 on two sides. That is, two fixing apparatuses 12 are provided on the deck of the main body 11 on each side.

[0067] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a second example of the floating body in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 7, the floating body 1 may include six fixing apparatuses 12, which are respectively arranged on the deck of the main body 11 on two sides. That is, three fixing apparatuses 12 are provided on the deck of the main body 11 on each side.

[0068] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a third example of the floating body in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 8, the floating body 1 may include four fixing apparatuses 12, which are respectively arranged on the main body 11 at both sides of the ship. That is, two fixing apparatuses 12 are provided on the main body 11 at each side of the ship.

[0069] In an embodiment, the floating body 1 may further include a crane 13. The crane 13 may be arranged on the deck of the main body 1 and/or the side of the ship and used to adjust a length of the cable between the gravity anchor and the fixing apparatus 12.

[0070] In an embodiment, the number of cranes 13 and the number of fixing apparatuses 12 may be equal. In other words, the cranes 13 on the floating body 1 are in one-to-one correspondence with the fixing apparatuses 12. Of course, the number of cranes 13 may not be equal to the number of fixing apparatuses 12, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present embodiment.

[0071] It can be understood that the crane 13 can be set to be independent from the fixing apparatus 12 or to be integrated with the fixing apparatus 12.

[0072] In an embodiment, the floating body 1 may further include a vertical axis wind turbine 14. The vertical axis wind turbine 14 is used for wind power generation, thereby providing electric energy for the floating body 1.

[0073] In an embodiment, the vertical axis wind turbine 14 may be disposed on the main body 11. Specifically, the vertical axis wind turbine 14 may be disposed on the deck of the main body 11. In practical application, the number and arrangement of vertical axis wind turbines 14 on the main body 11 can be set according to actual needs.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 6, the floating body 1 may include four vertical axis wind turbines 14, which are respectively arranged on the deck of the main body 11 on two sides. That is, two vertical axis wind turbines 14 are provided on the deck of the main body 11 on each side.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 7, the floating body 1 may include two vertical axis wind turbines 14. The two vertical axis wind turbines 14 are arranged on the deck along a center line of the main body 11.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 8, the floating body 1 may include three vertical axis wind turbines 14. Three vertical axis wind turbines 14 are arranged on the deck along the center line of the main body 11.

[0077] In an embodiment, the floating body 1 may be an offshore data center. At this time, the floating body 1 may include a data container 15. The data container 15 may be powered by the vertical axis wind turbine 14.

[0078] In an embodiment, the floating body 1 may further include an energy storage container 16. The energy storage container 16 is used to store the electric energy provided by the vertical axis wind turbine 14.

[0079] In an embodiment, the floating body 1 may further include a power transformation container 17. The transformer container 17 can be used to transform the electric energy provided by the vertical axis wind turbine 14 to meet the requirements of the data container 15 and/or the energy storage container 16.

[0080] In an embodiment, the data container 15, the energy storage container 16, and the power transformation container 17 may be arranged at a central position of the main body 11. In an embodiment, the data container 15, the energy storage container 16, and the power transformation container 17 may be arranged at both sides of the main body 11. Of course, in practical application, the number and arrangement of data containers 15, energy storage containers 16, and power transformation containers 17 can be set as required, which are not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0081] Based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for placing a gravity anchor, which is used to realize the placement of the gravity anchor at a target position.

[0082] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method for placing a gravity anchor in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 9, the method includes steps S910 and S920.

[0083] In step S910, fix a gravity anchor on a floating body when the floating body is located in a dock.

[0084] Specifically, the gravity anchor is fixed on the floating body in the dock.

[0085] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for fixing the gravity anchor on the floating body in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 10, in an embodiment, step S910 may include four sub-steps.

[0086] In a first sub-step, drain the dock and arrange the gravity anchor in the dock.

[0087] Specifically, the water in the dock can be drained out and the gravity anchor can be arranged in the dock. The gravity anchor can be arranged at a preset position of the dock. The preset position may be a berthing position of the floating body in the dock.

[0088] In an embodiment, the gravity anchor may be made of concrete. Specifically, the gravity anchor can be cast in the dock.

[0089] In an embodiment, the first sub-step may specifically include casting concrete in the dock to form at least one concrete block. Here, the at least one concrete block constitutes the gravity anchor.

[0090] The number of concrete blocks can be one or more. In an embodiment, the number of concrete blocks may be one. At this time, all the fixing apparatuses of the floating body are connected to the concrete block. In an embodiment, the number of concrete blocks may be multiple. For example, the number of concrete blocks can be equal to the number of fixing apparatuses. At this time, each fixing apparatus of the floating body can be connected with one concrete block. For another example, the number of concrete blocks may be smaller than the number of fixing apparatuses. At this time, one concrete block can be connected with multiple fixing apparatuses.

[0091] In an embodiment, the gravity anchor may be made of waste building materials (also called construction waste). Specifically, the gravity anchor can be made in the dock.

[0092] In an embodiment, the first sub-step may specifically include wrapping the building materials to form at least one building material block. Here, the at least one building material block constitutes the gravity anchor.

[0093] The number of building material blocks may be one or more. Each building material block can be made by wrapping the building materials with tools such as net bags, ropes and packaging bags. The one or more building material blocks can be stacked on a carrier such as a net bag, a box and the like. At this time, the one or more building material blocks and the carrier in together can be regarded as constituting a gravity anchor. In practical application, the box used as the carrier can be an abandoned container, a box cast by concrete, or other types of boxes, which are not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0094] Of course, it can be understood that the gravity anchor can also be made of other materials such as iron and steel, etc. In addition, the gravity anchor can also be manufactured in advance and moved to the dock. In this regard, the embodiment of the present application is not specifically limited.

[0095] In a second sub-step, fill the dock with water, and make the gravity anchor sail above the floating body.

[0096] Specifically, after the arrangement of the gravity anchor is completed in the dock, water can be filled into the dock. After the water filling is completed, the floating body can sail into the dock to a preset position. When the floating body is sailed (sails) to the preset position, since the gravity anchor is located on the ground at the preset position, the floating body at the preset position is located above the gravity anchor.

[0097] It can be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, the ground of the dock refers to the bottom of the dock. In some cases, the ground may be the bottom of a position where the floating body is docked.

[0098] In a third sub-step, drain water away from the dock and fix the gravity anchor on the floating body.

[0099] In this step, water is drained away from the dock. In the process of drainage, a height at which the floating body is located descends as a water level in the dock drops. In an embodiment, the water in the dock can be completely discharged. In this case, the floating body can be located to and supported by the gravity anchor. In an embodiment, the water in the dock can be partially discharged. In this case, the floating body can be sunk to a position not far above the gravity anchor.

[0100] After the drainage, the gravity anchor can be fixed on the floating body. Specifically, the gravity anchor can be connected to the fixing apparatus of the floating body through a cable.

[0101] In a fourth sub-step, fill the dock with water to make the floating body float together with the gravity anchor.

[0102] Specifically, after the gravity anchor is fixed to the floating body, the dock can be filled with water. As the water level in the dock rises, the floating body rises. Because the gravity anchor is fixed to the floating body through the cable, the gravity anchor also leaves the ground with the floating body and rises. Finally, the floating body floats on the water surface with the gravity anchor.

[0103] The gravity of the gravity anchor can be less than, equal to or greater than a maximum displacement of the floating body. In some cases, in order to ensure the fixing effect of the gravity anchor on the floating body at the target position, the gravity of gravity anchor is often greater than the maximum displacement of the floating body. In some cases, the gravity of the gravity anchor can be much larger than the maximum displacement of the floating body. Then, the floating body itself may not provide enough buoyancy to make the floating body and gravity anchor float together. In this case, other auxiliary means can be used to provide additional buoyancy.

[0104] In an embodiment, step S910 may further include a fifth sub-step: equipping the floating body and/or the gravity anchor with a buoyancy apparatus.

[0105] Here, the buoyancy apparatus is detachable and used to provide buoyancy. Therefore, the buoyancy apparatus is detachably mounted on the floating body and/or the gravity anchor, thereby providing buoyancy for the floating body and/or the gravity anchor.

[0106] In an embodiment, the buoyancy apparatus may be an airbag. For example, the buoyancy apparatus may be a rubber airbag.

[0107] In an embodiment, the buoyancy apparatus may be arranged around the floating body. For example, the buoyancy apparatus may include a plurality of airbags, and the plurality of airbags may be arranged around the floating body. In an embodiment, the buoyancy apparatus may be arranged around the gravity anchor(s). For example, the buoyancy apparatus may include a plurality of airbags, and one or more airbags may be arranged around each gravity anchor.

[0108] It can be understood that the fifth sub-step can be executed at the same time as the third sub-step or after the third sub-step, which is not specifically limited by the embodiment of the present application.

[0109] After step S910 is completed, the floating body can float in the dock together with the gravity anchor. After that, the floating body can carry the gravity anchor to sail to the target position.

[0110] In an embodiment, the floating body can sail to the target position by itself. In an embodiment, the floating body can be towed to the target position by a towing ship.

[0111] In step S920, sink the gravity anchor from the floating body to water bottom when the floating body is at a target position.

[0112] Here, after the floating body is sailed (sails) to the target position, the gravity anchor is sunk from the floating body to the water bottom.

[0113] In an embodiment, the number of gravity anchors is one. In this case, the cable can be extended from each fixing apparatus at the same time, so as to sink the gravity anchor.

[0114] In an embodiment, the number of gravity anchors is multiple. In this case, the cables corresponding to respective gravity anchors can be extended at the same time, so that multiple gravity anchors can be sunk at the same time. Alternatively, the cables corresponding to respective gravity anchors can be extended in turn, so as to sink the multiple gravity anchors one by one.

[0115] In an embodiment, step S920 may include sinking the gravity anchor from the floating body by a crane. Specifically, a winch on the crane can be rotated to lengthen the cable, so that the gravity anchor can be sunk to the water bottom.

[0116] In an embodiment, step S920 may further include dismantling the buoyancy apparatus. Specifically, in the process of sinking the gravity anchor, the buoyancy apparatus on the floating body and/or the gravity anchor can be removed. In an example, in the case that the buoyancy apparatus is provided on the floating body, the buoyancy apparatus can be removed before, at the same time or after the gravity anchor is sunk to the water bottom. In an example, in the case that the buoyancy apparatus is provided on the gravity anchor, the buoyancy apparatus can be removed before or at the same time when the gravity anchor is sunk.

[0117] After step S920, when the gravity anchor reaches the water bottom and the cable is in a tight state, the gravity anchor can keep the floating body at the target position by using its own gravity and friction with the water bottom.

[0118] It can be understood that the greater the gravity of the gravity anchor, the greater the friction between the gravity anchor and the water bottom, and the stronger its mooring ability to the floating body; on the contrary, if the gravity of the gravity anchor is small, the friction between the gravity anchor and the water bottom is small, and its mooring ability to the floating body is weak.

[0119] In order to deepen the understanding of the embodiment of the present application, the solution of the embodiment of the present application is further explained in the following with the example embodiments.

[0120] FIG. 10 to FIG. 16 are schematic diagrams of a first exemplary embodiment of a method for placing a gravity anchor in an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 10 to FIG. 16 show the specified implementation flow of the method for placing a gravity anchor in the first exemplary embodiment. In the present embodiment, a square offshore platform served as the floating body 1 is taken as an example for description.

[0121] In a first step, arrange a gravity anchor 2 in a dock.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 10, concrete is cast on the ground of the dock to form a gravity anchor 2. The gravity anchor 2 may be square in a horizontal direction and may have a uniform thickness in a vertical direction. A profile of the gravity anchor 2 in a square shape may be larger than that of the floating body 1.

[0123] In a second step, make the floating body 1 sail to a position above the gravity anchor 2.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 11, firstly, the dock is filled with water so that a water level plane inside the dock is flush with a water level plane outside the dock. Then the floating body 1 is sailed into the dock from outside the dock and reaches the position above the gravity anchor 2.

[0125] In a third step, fixe the gravity anchor 2 on the floating body 1.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 12, firstly, the dock is drained, so that all the water in the dock can be discharged. At this time, the floating body 1 descends onto and is supported by the gravity anchor 2. After that, the gravity anchor 2 is fixed to a plurality of fixing apparatuses 12 on the floating body 1 by cables.

[0127] In a fourth step, make the floating body 1 and the gravity anchor 2 float together.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 13, the dock is filled with water. As the water level in the dock rises, the floating body 1 rises. The floating body 1 drives the gravity anchor 2 to leave the ground and rise through the cables.

[0129] Here, a weight of the floating body 1 may be 2000 tons, and a maximum displacement may be 8000 tons. A weight of the gravity anchor 2 can be 5000 tons. In this way, the floating body 1 can carry the gravity anchor 2 and float on the water. It can be understood that the weight of the gravity anchor 2 is less than 6000 tons.

[0130] In a fifth step, the floating body 1 is sailed to a target position.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 14, the floating body 1 is sailed from the dock to the target position. Because the gravity anchor 2 is connected to the floating body 1 through the cable, the gravity anchor 2 reaches the target position together with the floating body 1.

[0132] In the present embodiment, the floating body 1, which is an offshore platform, does not have autonomous navigation capability. Therefore, the floating body 1 can be towed to the target position by the towing ship 5.

[0133] In a sixth step, sink the gravity anchor 2 from the floating body 1.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 15, the floating body 1 simultaneously extends the cables through a plurality of cranes 13, so that the gravity anchor 2 sinks.

[0135] In a seventh step, sink the gravity anchor 2 to the water bottom.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 16, the gravity anchor 2 reaches the water bottom, and the floating body 1 adjusts the length of the cable through the crane 13, so that the cable is in a tight state. In this way, the floating body 1 is moored to the gravity anchor 2, and is held at the target position by the gravity anchor 2.

[0137] FIG. 17 to FIG. 25 are schematic diagrams of a second exemplary embodiment of a method for placing a gravity anchor in an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 17 to FIG. 25 show the specified implementation flow of the method for placing a gravity anchor in the second exemplary embodiment. In the present embodiment, a ship served as the floating body 1 is taken as an example for description.

[0138] In a first step, arrange a gravity anchor 2 in a dock.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 17, concrete is cast on the ground of the dock to form four gravity anchors 2. The four gravity anchors 2 are in one-to-one correspondence with four fixing apparatuses 12 on the floating body 1.

[0140] In a second step, make the floating body 1 sail to a position above the gravity anchor 2.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 18, firstly, the dock is filled with water so that a water level plane inside the dock is flush with a water level plane outside the dock. Then the floating body 1 sails into the dock from outside the dock and reaches the position above the gravity anchor 2.

[0142] In a third step, fix the gravity anchor 2 on the floating body 1.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 19, firstly, the dock is drained, so that the water in the dock can be discharged. At this time, the floating body 1 descends to a position not far above the gravity anchor 2. After that, each gravity anchor 2 is fixed to the corresponding fixing apparatus 12 on the floating body 1 by a cable.

[0144] In a fourth step, equip the floating body 1 with a buoyancy apparatus 18.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 20, the buoyancy apparatus 18 is arranged around the floating body 1. In the present embodiment, the buoyancy apparatus 18 may be airbags.

[0146] In a fifth step, make the floating body 1 and the gravity anchor 2 float together.

[0147] As shown in FIG. 21, the dock is filled with water. As the water level in the dock rises, the floating body 1 rises. The floating body 1 drives the gravity anchor 2 to leave the ground and rise through the cable.

[0148] Here, a weight of the floating body 1 may be 2000 tons, and a maximum displacement may be 8000 tons. A total weight of the four gravity anchors 2 can be 20,000 tons. The buoyancy apparatus 18 can provide a displacement of 15,000 tons. In this way, with the help of the buoyancy apparatus 18, the floating body 1 can float on the water with the gravity anchor 2. It can be understood that the displacement of the buoyancy apparatus 18 can be set according to the actual situation to provide sufficient buoyancy.

[0149] In a sixth step, the floating body 1 sails to a target position.

[0150] As shown in FIG. 22, the floating body 1 sails from the dock to the target position. Because the gravity anchor 2 is connected to the floating body 1 through the cable, the gravity anchor 2 reaches the target position together with the floating body 1.

[0151] In the present embodiment, the floating body 1, which is a ship, has autonomous navigation capability. Therefore, the floating body 1 can sail to the target position by itself.

[0152] In an example, in the case that the floating body 1 includes a vertical axis wind turbine 14, the electric energy provided by the vertical axis wind turbine 14 can be used as power for the navigation of the floating body 1.

[0153] In a seventh step, sink the gravity anchor 2 from the floating body 1.

[0154] As shown in FIG. 23, the floating body 1 lengthens the cables one by one through the crane 13, so that the four gravity anchors 2 are sunk in turn.

[0155] In an eighth step, sink all gravity anchors 2 to the water bottom.

[0156] As shown in FIG. 24, the four gravity anchors 2 reach the water bottom, and the floating body 1 adjusts the length of the cable through the crane 13, so that the cable is in a tight state. In this way, the floating body 1 is moored to the gravity anchors 2, and is held at the target position by the gravity anchors 2.

[0157] In a ninth step, dismantle the buoyancy apparatus 18.

[0158] As shown in FIG. 25, after the cables connecting the four gravity anchors 2 are adjusted, the buoyancy apparatus 18 on the floating body 1 is dismantled.

[0159] FIG. 26 to FIG. 32 are schematic diagrams of a third exemplary embodiment of a method for placing a gravity anchor in an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 26 to FIG. 32 show the specified implementation flow of the method for placing a gravity anchor in the third exemplary embodiment. In the present embodiment, a square offshore platform served as the floating body 1 is taken as an example.

[0160] In a first step, arrange a gravity anchor 2 in a dock.

[0161] As shown in FIG. 26, a net bag 21 is laid on the ground of the dock. Here, the net bag 21 may be a mesh woven from a corrosion-resistant and high-strength material such as a steel cable and the like.

[0162] After that, a building material block 22 will be stacked on the net bag 21. In practical application, the building material block 22 can be made in the following ways: firstly, building materials are screened to remove water-soluble components (for example, lime, gypsum, bricks, etc.) and keep chemically stable parts (for example, reinforced concrete); the screened building materials are packed with a net bag or a packing bag to obtain one or more building material blocks 22. The building material block 22 can be made in the dock or outside the dock.

[0163] In a second step, make the floating body 1 sail to a position above the gravity anchor 2.

[0164] As shown in FIG. 27, firstly, the dock is filled with water so that a water level plane inside the dock is flush with a water level plane outside the dock. Then the floating body 1 is sailed into the dock from outside the dock and reaches the position above the gravity anchor 2.

[0165] In a third step, fix the gravity anchor 2 on the floating body 1.

[0166] As shown in FIG. 28, firstly, the dock is drained, so that the water in the dock can be discharged. At this time, the floating body 1 descends to a position not far above the gravity anchor 2. After that, the net bag 21 of the gravity anchor 2 is fixed to the corresponding fixing apparatus 12 on the floating body 1 by a cable.

[0167] In a fourth step, make the floating body 1 and the gravity anchor 2 float together.

[0168] As shown in FIG. 29, the dock is filled with water. As the water level in the dock rises, the floating body 1 rises. The floating body 1 drives the gravity anchor 2 to leave the ground and rise through the cable.

[0169] In a fifth step, the floating body 1 is sailed to a target position.

[0170] As shown in FIG. 30, the floating body 1 is sailed from the dock to the target position. Because the gravity anchor 2 is connected to the floating body 1 through the cable, the gravity anchor 2 reaches the target position together with the floating body 1.

[0171] In the present embodiment, the floating body 1, which is an offshore platform, does not have autonomous navigation capability. Therefore, the floating body 1 can be towed to the target position by the towing ship 5.

[0172] In a sixth step, sink the gravity anchor 2 from the floating body 1.

[0173] As shown in FIG. 31, the floating body 1 simultaneously extends the cables through a plurality of cranes 13, so that the gravity anchor 2 sinks.

[0174] In a seventh step, sink the gravity anchor 2 to the water bottom.

[0175] As shown in FIG. 32, the gravity anchor 2 reaches the water bottom, and the floating body 1 adjusts the length of the cable through the crane 13, so that the cable is in a tight state. In this way, the floating body 1 is moored to the gravity anchor 2, and is held at the target position by the gravity anchor 2.

[0176] It can be seen that in the embodiment shown in FIG. 26 to FIG. 32, the building material blocks 22 are placed on a net bag 21, and the net bag 21 and the building material blocks 22 together constitute the gravity anchor 2. It can be understood that in an embodiment, the building material blocks can be separately placed on a plurality of net bags. Each net bag and the building material block(s) thereon form a gravity anchor, thus, in this embodiment, the number of gravity anchors is plural. For a placing process of these gravity anchors, reference can be made to details in embodiments shown in FIG. 20 to FIG. 25, which will not be repeated here.

[0177] According to the embodiments of the present application, a gravity anchor is fixed on a floating body in a dock, and the gravity anchor is sunk from the floating body to water bottom when the floating body reaches a target position. In this way, the floating body can carry the gravity anchor to the target position and sink it to the water bottom by itself, and it is no longer necessary for a working ship or an underwater robot to carry out complex operations, thus reducing the difficulty of anchor placement and therefore reducing the cost of anchor placement.

[0178] In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the floating body is moored by a gravity anchor, and the gravity anchor is sunk to the water bottom by the floating body at the target position. Therefore, there is no need for detailed underwater geological exploration, underwater piling, drilling, etc. Besides, an area occupied underwater is small and fewer cables are used, further reducing the difficulty of anchor placement, lowering the cost of anchor placement and reducing the damage to the underwater.

[0179] Furthermore, in the embodiments of the present application, a gravity anchor is formed by casting concrete and/or wrapping waste building materials in a dock. The use of concrete and/or building materials reduces the manufacturing cost of the anchor, thus reducing an overall engineering cost.

[0180] To sum up, the solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application reduce the difficulty of anchor arrangement in a mooring system and the construction difficulty and cost of the mooring system.

[0181] The above-mentioned embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, but not to limit the present application. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments can still be modified, or some technical features can be substituted by equivalents. These modifications or substitutions do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of various embodiments of the present application, and should be included in the protection scope of the present application.