FOUNDATION PROFILE FOR AN OFFSHORE STRUCTURE

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a foundation profile for an offshore structure. The foundation profile includes a profile end portion, which is arranged in an offshore subsoil in the intended state of the foundation profile. Further, at least one elongated hollow body is arranged at the profile end portion in the intended state. The elongated hollow body is configured to receive a swellable material.

Claims

1. A foundation profile for an offshore structure, comprising: a profile end section arranged in an offshore subsoil in the intended state of the foundation profile; and at least one elongated hollow body arranged at the profile end portion in the intended state and configured to receive a swellable material, wherein the elongated hollow body is externally laid to an outer wall of the profile end section.

2. The foundation profile of claim 1, wherein the elongated hollow body is a perforated elongated hollow body.

3. The foundation profile of claim 1, wherein the elongated hollow body is arranged in a spiral shape at the profile end section, preferably in a double-spiral shape.

4. The foundation profile of claim 1, wherein the swelling material is selected from the group comprising: cement-based material, CaO-based material, al powder-based material. alkali silica mixtures of materials, and alkali carbonate mixtures of materials.

5. The foundation profile of claim 1, wherein the elongated hollow body comprises a sheathing made of a flexible material, wherein the material of the elongated hollow body has a modulus of elasticity of at most 10 GPa at 20° C., in particular between 0.01 and 5 GPa at 20° C.

6. The foundation profile of claim 1, wherein the elongated hollow body has a diameter in a normal state between 2 and 10 cm, and in an expanded state, the diameter is increased between 0.5 and 5%.

7. The foundation profile of claim 1, wherein the profile end section comprises at least one profile base body with at least one outwardly directed recess, and the profile end section comprises at least one outer wall element inserted in the recess.

8. The foundation profile of claim 1, wherein the elongated hollow body comprises at least one filling opening, configured to fill the swellable material into the elongated hollow body, wherein the filling opening is arranged at least above the offshore subsoil surface in the intended condition.

9. A foundation set, comprising: at least one foundation profile comprising at least one section end portion arranged in an offshore subsoil in the intended state of the foundation profile; and at least one elongated hollow body arrangeable at an outer wall of the profile end portion in the intended state and configured to receive a swellable material.

10. An offshore structure, in particular an offshore wind energy structure, comprising at least one foundation profile of claim 1.

11. A method of installing the foundation profile of claim 1, comprising: filling at least one swellable material into the elongated hollow body; and inserting the profile end portion of the foundation profile into an offshore subsoil.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the filling at least of the swellable material is performed during and/or after the inserting of the profile end section of the foundation profile.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the filling at least of the swellable material is performed prior to the inserting of the profile end section of the foundation profile.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein filling the swellable material comprises filling a mixture from the swellable material and at least one further material causing expansion of the swellable material.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein an at least partial filling of the elongated hollow body with an intermediate fluid is performed, wherein the intermediate fluid is drained from the elongated hollow body prior to filling the swellable material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] There is now a multitude of possibilities to design and further develop the foundation profile according to the application, the foundation set according to the application, the offshore structure according to the application and the method according to the application. For this purpose, reference is made on the one hand to the claims subordinate to the independent claims, and on the other hand to the description of embodiments in connection with the drawing. In the drawings:

[0069] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a foundation profile according to the present application;

[0070] FIG. 2 shows a schematic (sectional) view of an embodiment of an offshore structure according to the present application with an embodiment of a foundation profile according to the present application;

[0071] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of a foundation profile according to the present application;

[0072] FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of a foundation profile according to the present application;

[0073] FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of a foundation profile according to the present application; and

[0074] FIG. 6 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0075] In the following, the same reference signs are used for the same elements. Furthermore, in the embodiments, X denotes the vertical direction and Y denotes a horizontal direction in the following.

[0076] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a foundation profile 100 for an offshore structure according to the present application. In particular, the foundation profile 100 is part of a foundation 102. In an exemplary foundation 102 in the form of a monopile 102, the foundation profile 100 may form the foundation 102. It shall be understood that in other variations, other foundations may be provided with, for example, a plurality of foundation profiles.

[0077] In the present embodiment, the foundation profile 100 is formed as a cylindrical pile 100, for example, a hollow or solid pile 100. The diameter of the foundation profile 100 may remain substantially constant. Preferably, the foundation profile 100 may be made of steel and/or a glass fiber composite and/or a carbon fiber composite.

[0078] As can be seen, the foundation profile 100 comprises a profile end portion 104. In particular, the profile end section 104 is the section 104 of the foundation profile 100 that is arranged in the offshore subsoil in an intended state of the foundation profile 100, i.e. when the foundation profile 100 is anchored in the offshore subsoil.

[0079] In particular, the profile end portion 104 may have a length of ⅓ of the total length of the foundation profile 100.

[0080] According to the application, an elongated hollow body 106 is arranged at least at the profile end section 104. The elongated hollow body 106 is, in particular, a hose 106. As can, in particular, be seen from the enlarged section of FIG. 1, the hose 106 comprises a sheathing 114 which encloses a cavity 116 and interior, respectively.

[0081] The cavity 116 may be at least partially, preferably completely, filled or at least fillable with a swellable material 118. In particular, this means that the hose 106 is configured to receive a swellable material 118 and to be filled with a swellable material 118, respectively.

[0082] Particularly preferably, the swellable material 118 may be a so-called swelling explosive 118 (e.g., Dynacem®), which may be based on CaO. As described above, other swellable materials may also be used. In particular, the swellable material 118 may be a water reactive material 118.

[0083] Preferably, the sheathing 114 may be formed of a flexible and/or elastic material. The elastic material, preferably a plastic material and/or a textile material, may, in particular, have a Young's modulus between 0.01 and 5 GPa (at 20° C.). Such a material in particular allows for an increase in volume of the hose 106, effected by an expansion of the swellable material 118.

[0084] Optionally, the hose 106 may be perforated and, in particular, may comprise openings 108 and perforations 108, respectively. The (perforation) openings 108 may allow water to enter the hollow body 106, in particular, during and/or after the inserting of the profile end portion 104 of the foundation profile 100 into the offshore subsoil. By the entering of water a chemical reaction between the swellable material 118 and the entered water is started, which leads to an expansion and, in particular, an increase in volume of the swellable material 118 arranged in the hose 106. This in turn leads to an increase in the volume of the hose and/or the swellable material 118 penetrates at least partially to the outside through the openings 108 (and thus increases the volume of the hose 106).

[0085] As has already been described, increasing the volume of the hose 106 can, in particular, increase the bracing between the profile end section 104 and the offshore subsoil. In a safe and at the same time simple manner, an anchoring of the foundation profile 100 in the offshore subsoil can be achieved.

[0086] In the present embodiment, the hose 106 comprises a filling opening 112 at one end 110 of the hose 106, wherein the filling opening 112 is configured to fill and to be filled (in particular, inject) the hose 106 at least with the swellable material 118. Preferably, a mixture of swellable material 118 and water (in particular, in the case of a non-perforated hose) can be injected into the hose through the filling opening 112.

[0087] The filling opening 112 may be located at a section 107 of the foundation profile 100 that is above the profile end portion 104 in the vertical direction X. In other words, in an intended state of the foundation profile 100, the filling opening 112 is, in particular, arranged above the offshore subsoil surface. In particular, this allows a controlling in terms of times of the expansion process in that the filling of the at least one hose 106 (for example, with the described mixture) can be controlled in terms of time.

[0088] In other variants of the application, a plurality of filling openings or no filling opening may also be provided. It shall be further understood that in other variants of the application, a plurality of hoses may be provided.

[0089] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of an offshore structure 220 according to the present application with an embodiment of a foundation profile 200 according to the present application. In order to avoid repetitions, essentially only the differences from the previous embodiment are explained below and otherwise reference is made to the previous embodiments.

[0090] Exemplarily, the offshore structure 220 in the present application is an offshore wind turbine 220. In a known manner, an offshore wind turbine 220 comprises an offshore wind energy device 228 and a foundation 202. In the present case, the offshore structure 220 and thus the foundation 202, in the present case formed by the foundation profile 200, are shown in an installation state and anchoring state, respectively, of the foundation profile 200.

[0091] As can be seen from FIG. 2, the profile end section 204 is arranged, in particular anchored, in the offshore subsoil 222 in the installation state. Reference sign 224 denotes the offshore subsoil surface and reference sign 226 denotes the water surface, in particular, the sea surface.

[0092] As can be seen moreover, in the intended state, at least one elongated hollow body 206 is laid and arranged, respectively, at and around, respectively, the profile end section 204, the elongated hollow body 206 being configured to receive a swellable material 218.

[0093] In the present embodiment, the at least one elongated hollow body 206 is laid in a spiral shape around the profile end section 204, preferably in a double spiral shape. The axis of the spiral may be substantially identical to the longitudinal axis of the foundation profile 200. Such a course of the hollow body increases the bracing at the contact surface in a particularly efficient manner.

[0094] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view, in particular a section, of a further embodiment of a foundation profile 300 according to the present application. In order to avoid repetitions, essentially only the differences from the previous embodiments are explained below, and otherwise reference is made to the previous explanations.

[0095] In this embodiment, the at least one elongated hollow body 306 is at least partially embedded and integrated, respectively, in the outer wall of the profile end portion 304. As can be seen, the foundation profile 300 comprises a profile base body 336 having at least one outwardly directed (circumferential) recess 330. The profile end section 304 further comprises at least one outer wall element 332 inserted in the recess 330.

[0096] The outer wall element 332 may be at least partially formed of a concrete-containing material and/or a mortar-containing material. In particular, the at least one elongated hollow body 306 may be integral with one or more outer wall element(s) 332 formed of mortar, grout, or a concrete cylindrical shell. Preferably, the outer wall element 332 may include a reinforcement 334. In particular, the outer wall element 332 may act similar to a “white tank”.

[0097] FIG. 4 shows a schematic view, in particular a section, of a further embodiment of a foundation profile 400 according to the present application. In order to avoid repetitions, essentially only the differences from the previous embodiments are explained below, and otherwise reference is made to the previous embodiments.

[0098] As can be seen, a plurality of elongated hollow bodies 406 are provided extending substantially in a vertical direction x. In particular, the elongated hollow bodies 406 extend substantially parallel to each other and parallel to the longitudinal axis 440 of the foundation profile. In other variations, angular courses may also be provided.

[0099] Each elongated hollow body 406 comprises, in the present embodiment, a filling opening 412 at its upper end 410. As can be seen, all filling openings 412 are arranged at a section above (viewed in vertical direction x) the profile end section 404. The respective lower end 442 is closed and has no filling opening, respectively. A filling of the hollow bodies 406 with a swellable material is possible in a simple manner.

[0100] In such an embodiment, a (not shown) distribution hose may be provided. The distribution hose may comprise a filling opening and a plurality of outlet openings, for example corresponding to the number of filling openings 412 of the elongated hollow bodies 406. The outlet openings may be fluidly coupled to respective fill openings 412 of the elongated hollow bodies 406. It shall be understood that a plurality of distribution hoses may be provided instead of one distribution hose.

[0101] FIG. 5 shows a schematic view, in particular a section, of a further embodiment of a foundation profile 500 according to the present application. In order to avoid repetitions, essentially only the differences from the previous embodiments are explained below, and otherwise reference is made to the previous explanations.

[0102] As can be seen, a plurality of elongated hollow bodies 506 are provided, each comprising a substantially U-shaped configuration. In particular, the respective legs 550 of the elongated hollow bodies 506 extend substantially parallel to each other and parallel to the longitudinal axis 540 of the foundation profile. In other variants of the application, a V or W (or WW . . . ) arrangement may also be provided.

[0103] In the present embodiment each elongated hollow body 506 comprises a filling opening 512, 554 at both ends 510, 542. As can be seen, all filling openings 512, 554 are arranged at a section above (as seen in the vertical direction) the profile end section 504. Filling the hollow bodies 506 with a swellable material is possible in a simple manner.

[0104] In such an embodiment, a (not shown) distribution hose may be provided. The distribution hose may comprise a filling opening and a plurality of outlet openings, for example corresponding to the number of filling openings 512, 554 of the elongated hollow bodies 506. The outlet openings may be fluidly coupled to respective fill openings 512, 554 of the elongated hollow bodies 506. It shall be understood that a plurality of distribution tubes may be provided instead of one distribution tube.

[0105] FIG. 6 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the present application, in particular for installing a foundation profile, such as a foundation profile according to any of FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0106] In step 601, a filling of at least one swellable material into the at least one elongated hollow body takes place. Preferably, a mixture (prepared immediately before or with a specific time delay) of a swellable material and at least one further material causing the expansion of the swellable material (preferably water) with a specific mixing ratio can be filled in, in particular, injected (under pressure).

[0107] In a step 602, an inserting of the profile end portion of the foundation profile into an offshore subsoil is performed.

[0108] The step 601 may be performed temporally at least partially before the step 602, at least partially during the step 602 and/or at least partially after the step 602.

[0109] In a preferred variant of the method according to the application, the profile end section of the foundation profile is first introduced into an offshore subsoil, preferably by vibrating it in. In other variants, ramming can also take place or a borehole can first be generated into which the profile end section of the foundation profile can then be inserted.

[0110] Subsequently, for example by means of an injection device that can be fluidly coupled to the at least one filling opening, a swellable material, preferably the mixture described above, can be filled into the at least one elongated hollow body, in particular using pressure.

[0111] In a preferred embodiment, a hollow body may be filled with an intermediate fluid in the form of a liquid. Before filling with the swellable material, in particular, the mixture described above, this intermediate fluid, in particular water, can be drained.

[0112] By the optional perforation holes in the elongated hollow body, in particular the groundwater present at the offshore subsoil can penetrate and react with the swellable material. It shall be understood that perforation may be omitted in the mixture described above.

[0113] In particular, in the method according to the application, the expansion can be controlled in terms of time. Due to the increased bracing at the contact surface between the foundation profile and the offshore subsoil, the skin friction is increased, so that the load-bearing capacity can in turn be increased.

[0114] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

[0115] The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0116] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.