System for determining forecast data

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (2) for determining forecast data. The system (2) has a floating unit (4) and a remote base unit (6). The floating unit (4) has a coupling unit (8), a floating hose (10) and a detection system (12). A first end (14) of the floating hose (10) is connected to the coupling unit (8). The detection system (12) is designed to detect a current geometric arrangement of the floating hose (10) relative to a monitoring unit as an actual arrangement. In addition, the detection system (12) is configured to detect and / or determine a current geographical position of the floating unit (4) as an actual position. The detection system (12) is further designed to determine actual position data representing the actual position and the actual arrangement. The floating unit (4) is designed to transmit the actual position data to the base unit (6) via a signal link (18). The base unit (6) is designed to receive current weather data as actual weather data, which respectively represent a current wind force, a current wind direction, a wind force forecast and / or a wind direction forecast of the wind at the actual position. The basic unit (6) is further designed to receive current ocean data as actual ocean data, which respectively represent the current water current strength, the current water current direction, the water current strength prediction and / or the water current direction prediction of the water at the actual position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for determining forecast data. The system includes at least one floating unit. The floating unit can be, for example, a buoy, a floating hose, or a combination of a buoy and a floating hose. The floating hose connected to the buoy is used in practice to place the buoy together with the floating hose in the seawater, wherein the buoy is additionally connected to an underwater pipeline. For example, crude oil can be transported to the buoy via an underwater pipeline, wherein the buoy is designed to transport crude oil from the underwater hose to the floating hose, and vice versa. The first end of the floating hose can be connected to the buoy so that the crude oil can flow through the floating hose. The second end of the floating hose can be connected to an oil tanker so that the crude oil can be transported to the oil tanker through the floating hose. When the oil tanker is full, the second end can be unloaded from the oil tanker again so that the second end of the floating hose can float freely in the sea. Some time may pass before the oil tanker approaches the second end of the floating hose again. During this time, the floating hose may be pushed by the seawater and / or blown away by the wind and moved away from the position where the second end of the floating hose was previously left in the sea by the oil tanker. The floating hose can have a long length. Therefore, the floating hose may have a length of, for example, more than 20 m or more than 50 m. In addition, the buoy may be movable to a certain extent. Therefore, in each case, for a newly arrived tanker, it is first necessary to determine the position of the second floating hose, in particular the second end of the floating hose, so that the tanker can approach the second end of the floating hose as smoothly as possible and thereby connect the second end of the floating hose to the tanker. Background Art

[0002] The floating unit has been explained above with reference to an exemplary configuration with a buoy and a floating hose connected to the buoy. However, other floating units can actually be used. Thus, the floating unit can, for example, have a coupling unit and a buoyant floating hose arranged in a stationary manner, wherein a first end of the floating hose is connected to the coupling unit. In this case, the second end of the floating hose may also be moved accordingly due to the movement of the seawater. Therefore, the problems explained above in conjunction with the floating hose also apply to this example. Summary of the invention

[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide information that assists in steering the vessel towards the second end of the floating hose.

[0004] This object is achieved by a system having the features of claim 1. Therefore, a system for determining forecast data is provided. The system has a floating unit and a base unit. The base unit is arranged away from the floating unit. The floating unit has a buoyant or stationary coupling unit, a buoyant floating hose and a detection system. A first end of the floating hose is connected to the coupling unit. The detection system is designed to detect a current geometric arrangement of the floating hose relative to the monitoring unit as an actual arrangement. In addition, the detection system is designed to detect and / or determine a current geographical position of the floating unit as an actual position. The detection system is further configured to determine actual position data representing the actual position and the actual arrangement. The floating unit and the base unit are designed to be connectable via a signal link. The floating unit is designed to transmit the actual position data to the base unit via the signal link. The base unit is designed to receive current weather data as actual weather data, which respectively represent the current wind force, the current wind direction, the wind force forecast and / or the wind direction forecast of the wind at the actual position. The base unit is furthermore designed to receive current ocean data as actual ocean data, which current ocean data represent a current water current strength, a current water current direction, a water current strength prediction and / or a water current direction prediction of the water at the actual position, respectively. In addition, the base unit is configured to determine prediction data based on the actual position data, the actual weather data and the actual ocean data, whereby the prediction data represent a prediction of a target geographical position of the floating hose at a predetermined future time point and / or whereby the prediction data represent a prediction of a target geometrical arrangement of the floating hose relative to the coupling unit at a predetermined future time point.

[0005] In most cases, the ship heading for the floating hose can give information about the time when the ship actually reaches the floating hose. This can then be called a predetermined time point. Therefore, by means of the base unit, prediction data can be determined, which gives information about the target geographical location of the floating hose and / or the target geometric arrangement of the floating hose relative to the coupling unit. These prediction data can be used to manipulate the ship when the ship is in communication with the base unit or when the base unit is arranged on board. Therefore, it is particularly advantageous to make the ship approach the second end of the floating hose, which significantly reduces the overall complexity involved in the ship approaching the second end of the floating hose and the risk of collision between the ship and the floating hose. This is because, even when the floating hose has moved so that the second end points to a completely different direction from the direction when it was previously left in the sea, this will not affect the time efficiency of the ship heading for the second end of the floating hose. This is because the prediction data can be determined based on a predetermined time point, which coincides with the arrival time of the ship. The ship can therefore predetermine when it arrives at the second end of the floating hose, and the prediction data specifies where the second end of the floating hose will be, at least approximately where, and / or in which direction it points. The prediction data has a certain probability of error in terms of the target position and / or target arrangement. This is because both the target position and the target placement are based on predictions determined by the base unit. However, this already saves a great deal of time as the vessel being maneuvered to the floating hose does not need to stop in advance to release a support vessel to find out the position and / or placement of the floating hose before the vessel arrives. Overall, therefore, the complexity involved and the time lost are greatly reduced.

[0006] The buoyant floating hose can float independently in the water. Since the floating unit includes the buoyant hose, the floating unit is also referred to as buoyant. The connection unit of the floating unit does not necessarily need to be buoyant. Instead, the connection unit can be arranged and / or fixed in a stationary manner and fixed on land. However, preferably, it is provided that the connection unit is also buoyant. In this case, the connection unit can float independently. The connection unit can be in the form of a float, such as a buoyant buoy, for example. In addition, the floating unit includes a detection system. The detection system can be formed by one or more parts. The detection system can also be buoyant. However, preferably, it is provided that the detection system is associated with the connection unit and / or the floating hose. Therefore, the detection system can be fixed on the connection unit and / or the floating hose.

[0007] The floating hose can be in the form of a plurality of hose sections connected one after another. In this case, each hose section can be designed to be buoyant. The first end of the floating hose is connected to the coupling unit. Thus, a mechanical connection between the first end of the floating hose and the coupling unit can be ensured. In addition, it is preferably provided that, by means of the connection between the first end of the floating hose and the coupling unit, a fluid connection is formed between the interior of the floating hose and the coupling unit. This is particularly advantageous when the fluid, in particular crude oil, conveyed via the coupling unit is intended to be conveyed via the floating hose to the second end of the floating hose.

[0008] The detection system is designed to detect the current geometrical arrangement of the floating hose relative to the coupling unit. For this purpose, the detection system can have a plurality of radio units, which together form a radio network, wherein the detection system can detect the geometrical arrangement of the floating hose relative to the coupling unit via the radio units and the radio network. However, the detection system can also have a different configuration. Thus, the detection system can, for example, have at least one sensor, in particular an optical sensor, which is designed to detect the current geometrical arrangement of the floating hose relative to the coupling unit. In this case, the detection system can be designed for pattern recognition of the floating hose in the water. The current geometrical arrangement of the floating hose relative to the coupling unit is referred to as the actual arrangement.

[0009] For example, a geometric arrangement may be understood to mean a spatial structure and / or a spatial arrangement. For example, the geometric arrangement may be determined and / or represented by spatial coordinates (e.g. in a plane) of the floating hose relative to the coupling unit. Alternatively or additionally, the geometric arrangement may be determined and / or represented by spatial coordinates (preferably in a plane) of a hose section of the floating hose relative to the coupling unit. The geometric arrangement may alternatively or additionally, for example, relate to the spatial orientation of the floating hose and / or the direction of the center line of the floating hose relative to the coupling unit. The geometric arrangement of the floating hose relative to the coupling unit may provide information about how and / or in what geometric form the floating hose is arranged relative to the coupling unit.

[0010] The detection system is designed to detect and / or determine the current geographical location of the floating unit. The detection system can be designed, for example, to receive satellite signals, in particular navigation signals from satellites, and determine a dedicated geographical location based on the satellite signals. However, the detection system can also obtain a dedicated geographical location by actively transmitting a signal and receiving the reflection of the actively transmitted signal. In addition, the detection system can be designed to detect the compass direction. In addition, further possibilities for obtaining a dedicated geographical location are known. The detection system can be designed accordingly for this purpose. The geographical location can be determined by geographical coordinates. These coordinates are usually given in sexagesimal format. The position can be given in terms of geographical width and length (expressed in degrees and minutes).

[0011] In addition, the detection system is designed to determine actual position data representing the actual position and the actual arrangement. Therefore, the actual position data can combine information related to the actual position and the actual arrangement. The detection system can be designed for this purpose. The actual position data can be divided into data packets. The actual position and the actual arrangement can be represented by different data packets respectively.

[0012] The floating unit and the base unit can be connected via a signal link. Preferably, the above-mentioned signal link exists between the floating unit and the base unit. In this case, it has proven to be advantageous to form a signal link between the detection system of the floating unit and the base unit. The actual position data are transmitted from the floating unit, in particular from the associated detection system, to the base unit via the signal link. The floating unit and the base unit can be designed accordingly for this purpose. The actual position data can be transmitted in the form of data packets or as a whole. Thus, the base unit can obtain information about the current geographical location and the current geographical arrangement of the floating hose relative to the connection unit.

[0013] The basic unit is used to determine prediction data, which represents the target position of the floating hose at a predetermined time in the future and / or the prediction of the target arrangement of the floating hose at a predetermined time in the future. To this end, the basic unit can have a corresponding processor unit designed and / or configured to determine the prediction data. Based on the current geographical location of the floating unit and the geometric arrangement of the floating hose relative to the coupling unit, taking into account the ocean data and weather data, it is possible to predict where the floating hose will move to at a predetermined time in the future and which position (i.e., the target position) the floating hose will be in, and what arrangement (i.e., the target geometric arrangement) the floating hose will be in at the predetermined time. This is because the ocean data gives information about the current movement of the water in which the floating hose floats. The movement of the water will cause the corresponding movement of the floating hose. For example, if the water has a certain flow in one direction, this will also cause the floating hose to move in the direction of the flow. However, the movement of the floating hose may also be caused and / or affected by the wind acting on the floating hose from the outside. This is because the buoyant floating hose at least partially protrudes from the water surface. This forms an angle of attack surface, on which the wind can flow and therefore cause the corresponding movement of the floating hose. The floating hose's wind-induced moving component and the moving component caused by the current are superimposed, thereby causing the synthetic movement of the floating hose. This movement caused by water and wind can be stored in the corresponding mathematical model by the basic unit. The basic unit can be designed to implement the mathematical model, wherein actual weather data and actual ocean data are included in the mathematical model as input variables. In addition, the actual position and actual arrangement can be input into the mathematical model as input variables. In addition, the future scheduled time point can be input into the mathematical model as an input variable. The mathematical model is designed and / or configured so that the target position of the floating hose and / or the target geometric arrangement of the floating hose relative to the coupling unit are output according to the input variables. Therefore, when the mathematical model is implemented by the basic unit, the basic unit thereby determines the prediction data, which represents the target geographical location of the floating hose at the future scheduled time point and / or represents the target geometric arrangement of the floating hose relative to the monitoring unit at the future scheduled time point. Therefore, the prediction data can be determined by the system, and the prediction data can be called by the system and / or can be provided by the system. When the expected ship is heading to the second end of the floating hose at the future scheduled time point, these prediction data can be used to make this heading particularly accurate and time- and cost-effective at the same time. For example, if the vessel plans to connect the second end of the floating hose at a known future, therefore predetermined, point in time, this may represent a future predetermined point in time for determining the prediction data. The predetermined point in time may therefore be transmitted to the base unit. The base unit may be designed to receive data representing a future predetermined point in time. The base unit may then determine the prediction data based on the actual position data, the actual weather data and the actual ocean data and the now known future predetermined point in time.The base unit may then be configured to send the prediction data back to the user from whom the base unit has previously received the predetermined time point or related data. However, it may also be provided that the base unit provides for the transmission of the prediction data. Thus, if the user calls for the prediction data, the prediction data may be transmitted from the base unit to the aforementioned user. The transmission of the prediction data may be performed wirelessly or wired.

[0014] As mentioned above, the coupling unit can take the form of a coupling unit arranged in a static manner. For this reason, the coupling unit can be fixed on the seabed using a steel wire rope, for example, so that the coupling unit has a fixed position on the surface of the seawater. Therefore, the static arrangement of the coupling unit does not exclude the possibility that the coupling unit is buoyant. However, the coupling unit can also be non-buoyant. In this case, the coupling unit can be arranged on land in a static manner. In this case, the coupling unit is referred to as a static, fixedly arranged coupling unit. If the coupling unit is arranged in a static manner, it can be assumed that the position of the coupling unit is unchangeable. In any case, at least substantially unchangeable. The position of the coupling unit can be stored by a data storage device. The detection system can access the data storage device and can therefore detect the actual position of the coupling unit. The actual position of the floating unit can be determined by the actual position of the coupling unit. However, in principle, the actual position can also be determined by the actual position of the center of the floating hose and / or the center of the combination of the coupling unit and the floating hose. Therefore, the actual position can be, for example, the central geographical position of the floating unit.

[0015] The coupling unit may be designed to be connected to a buoyant floating hose. The coupling unit may, for example, have a hose connector connected to a first end of the floating hose. This may be a detachable connection. Thus, the first end of the floating hose may be fixed to the hose connector of the coupling unit and / or connected thereto, for example, by screws.

[0016] A further advantageous configuration of the coupling unit arranged in a stationary manner can be formed, for example, by a coupling unit arranged on a pier or building close to the water and / or another stationary device arranged in or on the water. The floating hose can extend from the coupling unit into the water so that the floating hose floats in the water starting from the coupling unit. The floating hose is in any case also affected by the movement of the water and / or the wind.

[0017] The advantageous configuration of the system is characterized in that the detection system is designed to receive satellite-assisted wireless navigation signals, wherein the detection system is configured to determine the current geographical position of the floating unit as the actual position based on the navigation signal. The navigation signal can be, for example, a GPS navigation signal or a navigation signal from another satellite system. By means of such a navigation signal, the actual position of the corresponding receiver can be obtained by the propagation time of different signal components. The detection system can be designed accordingly for this purpose. Therefore, the detection system can also determine the current geographical position of the detection system itself based on the navigation signal, and therefore can also determine the current geographical position of the floating unit based on the navigation signal. The detection system can alternatively or additionally receive and / or detect compass signals and / or other radio signals and use them to determine the current geographical position of the floating unit. Therefore, the current geographical position can be determined, for example, based on navigation signals, compass signals and other radio signals. The detection system can be designed accordingly for this purpose.

[0018] A further advantageous configuration of the system is characterized in that the coupling unit is in the form of a buoyant buoy. Thus, the coupling unit formed by the buoyant buoy, and the floating hose are both buoyant. The detection system can be carried by the buoy and / or the floating hose, so that the entire floating unit is buoyant.

[0019] A further advantageous configuration of the system is characterized in that the detection system forms part of the floating hose and / or the coupling unit, in particular the buoyancy buoy. Thus, a part of the detection system can be fixed, for example, on the floating hose and / or embedded in the rubber material of the floating hose. Another part of the detection system can be fixed on the coupling unit, in particular on the buoyancy buoy. The detection system can therefore have a multi-part design, wherein these parts of the detection system are distributed on the floating hose and the coupling unit. By virtue of the multi-part configuration of the detection system, the geometrical arrangement of the floating hose relative to the coupling unit can be detected particularly accurately. Therefore, the part of the detection system associated with the floating hose can communicate with at least a part of the detection system associated with the coupling unit via a radio link. Via the radio link, a radio network can be formed, wherein the geometrical arrangement of the floating hose relative to the coupling unit can be obtained via the radio network. The detection system can be designed accordingly for this purpose.

[0020] The floating hose adopts the form of a buoyant floating hose. The floating hose can have a plurality of hose segments, which are arranged one after another to form a hose string and are fixed to each other at the end sides of the opposite ends. The floating hose can therefore also be referred to as a buoyant hose string. Buoyancy is preferably understood to mean the ability to float in water, particularly seawater. In particular, this can cause the floating hose and / or the coupling unit to be configured as a buoyant buoy, which is independently arranged above the water surface or protrudes above the water surface in each case at least in sections. Each hose segment can be designed as a type of hose itself and / or hose segment. Each hose segment can have a coupling element at each end of the two relevant ends, and the coupling element is designed so that a plurality of hose segments can be connected to each other one after another, i.e. in a row. The floating hose preferably has a hose channel, which is designed to guide fluids such as crude oil and is formed by the hose segments together. The hose segments are preferably connected to each other in a manner such that the fluid can be guided through the hose channel without any loss.

[0021] A further advantageous configuration of the system is characterized in that the basic unit is a stationary basic unit. Therefore, the basic unit can be fixed on land in a stationary manner. The basic unit can be in the form of a basic unit that is fixed in position and arranged on land in a stationary manner. The arrangement of the basic unit on land provides the advantage that maintenance work can be carried out on the basic unit and it can be connected to another data network particularly easily. In addition, the basic unit can have a particularly powerful processor unit in this case, which is suitable for determining forecast data particularly quickly. In addition, due to the arrangement on land, the basic unit can access actual weather data and / or actual ocean data particularly easily. For example, this can be done via an Internet connection that can be established for the basic unit.

[0022] A further advantageous configuration of the system is characterized in that the base unit is mounted and / or arranged on a vehicle, in particular on a ship. In this case, the base unit can also have a particularly powerful processor unit. This is because a correspondingly large installation space can be provided on the ship in order to install and / or arrange the base unit there. When the base unit is arranged and / or installed on a ship, a signal link between the base unit and the floating unit can also be ensured. In this case, the signal link at least partially takes the form of a radio signal link. The base unit and the floating unit, preferably the associated detection system, can be designed for corresponding radio transmission.

[0023] An advantageous configuration of the system is characterized in that the signal link at least partially takes the form of a radio link. In this case, the signal link relates to a signal link between the floating unit and the base unit. Thus, the floating unit, in particular the associated detection system, can establish an initial signal link to the satellite, which in turn generates a further link to the base unit. In this case, the signal link partially takes the form of a radio link. However, it is also possible to generate a direct signal link as a radio link between the base unit and the floating unit, in particular the associated detection system. The floating unit, in particular the associated detection system, and the base unit can be designed for this purpose.

[0024] An advantageous configuration of the system is characterized in that the base unit stores a mathematical calculation model which maps the movement of the floating unit, in particular of an associated floating hose, depending on the strength of the water flow, the direction of the water flow, the force of the wind on the water and / or the direction of the wind on the water, wherein the base unit is also designed to determine prediction data by means of the calculation model.

[0025] Specifically, the buoyancy floating hose of the floating unit is buoyant and can therefore float in the water. A portion of the floating hose protrudes beyond the waterline of the water. The rest of the floating hose is arranged below the waterline. Therefore, the floating hose can be driven by both water current and wind current. The water current can be determined based on the water current intensity and the water current direction. The wind current can be determined based on the wind direction and the wind force of the wind. Therefore, when a known water current and / or a known wind current acts on the floating hose, the movement of the floating hose can be determined by a calculation model. The basic unit is designed to receive current ocean data and current wind data. Therefore, the basic unit can obtain information on wind currents and ocean currents acting on the water hose. Therefore, the basic unit is configured and / or designed to determine the forecast data by a mathematical calculation model and based on actual position data, actual weather data, actual ocean data, and a future predetermined time point.

[0026] The advantageous configuration of the system is characterized in that the basic unit is designed to determine the movement of the floating unit, in particular the relevant floating hose, as a prediction based on the actual position and the actual arrangement represented by the actual position data, by a calculation model and actual weather data and actual ocean data, which determines the direction of the water flow, the intensity of the water flow, the wind direction and the wind force as input variables of the calculation model to predict the target geographical location and / or the target geometric arrangement. A future predetermined time point can be considered as a further input variable. This can be transmitted to the basic unit via a data signal. Therefore, the basic unit can be designed to receive this data signal representing the future predetermined time point. If there are input variables, the basic unit can implement the calculation model using the input variables. For this purpose, the basic unit can have a corresponding processor unit designed to implement the calculation model. The calculation model outputs the prediction data representing the target geographical location and / or the target geometric arrangement as an output variable. Therefore, the prediction of the floating hose position and orientation that the floating hose will have at the future predetermined time point can be determined by a mathematical calculation model. The prediction is based on actual ocean data and actual wind data. These have an impact on the movement of the floating hose, so they can be used to implement the above predictions by a mathematical calculation model. However, the prediction has a certain probability of error. This is because there may also be further influencing variables which may influence the movement of the floating hose more. However, it has been found in practice that the prediction of the arrangement of the floating hose relative to the coupling unit which actually occurs at the predetermined point in time contains only slight differences from the position which actually occurs at the predetermined point in time. Therefore, the prediction data can be used very advantageously to maneuver the vehicle, in particular the ship, to approach the second end of the floating hose particularly precisely. As a result, time can be saved, which also leads to corresponding cost savings.

[0027] An advantageous embodiment of the system is characterized in that the mathematical calculation model is represented by an artificial neural network. The neural network can be trained in advance with the pattern data, so that the neural network ensures a particularly accurate mathematical mapping of the calculation model. The neural network can thus be implemented corresponding to the mathematical model.

[0028] An advantageous configuration of the system is characterized in that the base unit is designed to carry out a training step in order to adapt the neural network based on actual position data that are newly received in each case. For example, the base unit can be designed to receive actual position data regularly. In each case, using the newly received actual position data, prediction data can be determined by the neural network. Then, if new actual position data are received again, a comparison between the actual position data and the prediction data can be carried out. Based on the differences, the neural network can be adapted. Thus, the accuracy of the determination process can be increased by the neural network.

[0029] An advantageous configuration of the system is characterized in that the mathematical calculation model is represented by a linear mathematical calculation model.The linear movement equation representing the influence of water currents and / or wind currents on the movement of the floating hose can be represented by a linear mathematical calculation model.

[0030] An advantageous embodiment of the system is characterized in that the basic unit is at least partially in the form of a computer cloud. This can be a so-called cloud network. It can also be provided that the basic unit is formed at least substantially completely by a computer cloud. As a result, the basic unit can be produced particularly quickly.

[0031] The advantageous configuration of the system is characterized in that the coupling unit, in particular the buoyancy float, has a fluid inlet connector, which is designed to connect an underwater hose, wherein the coupling unit, in particular the buoyancy float, has a fluid outlet connector, which is connected to the first end of the floating hose. The coupling unit or the buoyancy float can have a fluid channel between the fluid inlet connector and the fluid outlet connector. Therefore, a fluid connection for guiding the fluid from the fluid inlet connector to the fluid outlet connector can be generated through the fluid channel. In principle, it can also be provided that the fluid can flow through the fluid channel in the reverse direction. The coupling unit or the buoyancy float is therefore not necessarily limited to one flow direction. If the underwater hose is connected to the fluid inlet connector and the first end of the buoyancy floating hose is connected to the fluid outlet connector, the fluid, in particular crude oil, can be guided to the first end of the buoyancy hose through the underwater hose and then through the fluid channel of the coupling unit or the float. Therefore, the fluid, in particular crude oil, can be guided further through the buoyancy floating hose until the second end of the buoyancy floating hose. As mentioned above, in principle, the reverse flow of the fluid is also possible. Thus, for example, fluid may be pumped from the second end of the buoyant hose through the buoyant hose to the coupling unit or buoy, whereupon the fluid enters the underwater conduit through the corresponding fluid channel.

[0032] An advantageous configuration of the system is characterized in that the floating unit has a plurality of node units, which are fixed to the floating hose and preferably also to the connection unit, in particular the buoyant buoy, so that the node units are arranged distributed between the connection unit, in particular the buoyant buoy, and the second end of the floating hose, wherein each node unit is designed to establish a radio link with each of at least two of the further radio units of the respective node unit via an associated radio unit, thereby generating a radio network, in particular a mesh radio network. Each node unit is designed to determine a relative distance to each further node unit connected via a radio link based on the respective radio link, wherein at least one of the node units forms a master unit, which is designed to collect the relative distances determined by the further node units via the radio links and / or the radio network. The master unit is designed to determine an actual arrangement based on the collected relative distances, which represents the current geometric arrangement of the floating hose relative to the connection unit, in particular the buoyant buoy.

[0033] For example, geometric arrangement can be understood to mean spatial structure and / or spatial arrangement. Therefore, the geometric arrangement of the floating hose relative to the connection unit, especially the buoy, can give information about the geometric form of the floating hose relative to the connection unit, especially the buoy arrangement. In order to provide information about the geometric arrangement of the floating hose relative to the connection unit for determining the prediction data, it is preferably provided that the master unit is designed to determine the geometric arrangement of the floating hose relative to the connection unit, especially the buoy based on the collected relative distance. In this case, the relative distance preferably involves the distance between the node units and / or the distance from the master unit to each other node unit. If the direct distance between the node units along the floating hose is not stored by the master unit, the relative distance determined between these node units can also be considered when determining the geometric arrangement of the floating hose relative to the connection unit, especially the buoy. Otherwise, the stored distance between the node units can also be considered when determining the geometric arrangement. The above direct distance should be understood to refer to the distance between the adjacent node units along the floating hose in particular. The relative distance (which can be determined by the radio link) can preferably be related to the relative distance between the master unit and each other node unit. Using this data, a geometrical mapping of the floating hose relative to the geometrical arrangement of the coupling unit, in particular the buoy, can be performed.

[0034] The node unit has a radio unit for determining the relative distance. A radio link can be established by the radio unit, thus generating a radio network, in particular a mesh radio network. Radio signals can be exchanged via the radio link. In this case, the radio signal has a propagation time between the emission and the subsequent reception. Therefore, the radio signal can be used to determine the distance between the corresponding radio units. The node unit is preferably designed for this purpose. Therefore, the radio link is preferably used to determine the relative distance between the node unit or the relevant radio unit. Preferably, the node unit is configured so that the determined relative distance is exchanged via the radio link of the radio network. In addition, it can be provided that each radio unit is configured so that the relative distance is determined by triangulation based on the propagation time of the signal exchanged via the radio link. Therefore, each node unit can be designed and / or referred to as an electronic node unit. Each node unit is fixedly or detachably connected to the system. Therefore, all or at least some of the node units can be fixedly and / or detachably connected to the floating hose. However, at least one of the node units can also be connected to a coupling unit, in particular a buoyant buoy. In addition, it can be provided that in each case, one of the node units is precisely connected to one of the hose sections of the floating hose in each case. This is the case in particular when the floating hose is formed by a plurality of hose sections or has a plurality of hose sections. Otherwise, the (additional) radio units can be arranged distributed over the length of the floating hose. In this case, it has been found that an equal distance between the radio units is advantageous. This can therefore lead to a uniform distribution of the radio units between the coupling unit, in particular the buoyancy buoy, and the second end of the floating hose. If the floating hose has a plurality of hose sections, provision can be made for the node units to be arranged in such a way that every second hose section or every third hose section is connected to one of the node units. Other distributions of the node units can also be provided.

[0035] An advantageous configuration of the system is characterized in that the floating hose is formed by a plurality of hose segments which are connected to one another in a row, wherein each hose segment is at least indirectly connected to at least one of the node units and / or each hose segment comprises in each case one of the node units. Thus, if each hose segment is connected to one of the node units, the geometrical arrangement of the floating hose relative to the connection unit, in particular the buoyancy buoy, can be determined particularly accurately. The prediction data are determined based on the determined geometrical arrangement and taking into account the sea data and wind data and taking into account a predetermined point in time in the future. The more accurate the predetermined current geometrical arrangement is, the more accurate the determined prediction data are. Therefore, the above configuration also offers the advantage that the prediction data can be determined particularly accurately. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Further features, advantages and possible applications of the invention are obtained from the following description of exemplary embodiments and the drawings. All features described and / or shown in the drawings form the subject matter of the invention individually and in any desired combination, even independently of their composition in the individual claims or their back-references. In addition, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for identical or similar objects.

[0037] Figure 1 A schematic diagram shows an advantageous configuration of the system.

[0038] Figure 2 A portion of an advantageously designed hose section is shown.

[0039] Figure 3 A section of a further advantageous embodiment of a hose section is shown.

[0040] List of Reference Numerals

[0041] 2 System

[0042] 4 Floating units

[0043] 6 Basic Units

[0044] 8 Connection unit

[0045] 10 Floating hose

[0046] 12. Detection System

[0047] 14 First end (of floating hose)

[0048] 16 Second end (of floating hose)

[0049] 18 Signal Chain

[0050] 20 Navigation Signal

[0051] 22 Float

[0052] 24 Node Unit

[0053] 26 Radio Link

[0054] 28 Radio Network

[0055] 30 Main Unit

[0056] 32 Hose Sections

[0057] 34 Fluid inlet connection

[0058] 36 Fluid outlet connection

[0059] 38 satellites

[0060] 40 Radio Interface

[0061] 42 Input Interface

[0062] 44 Output Interface

[0063] 46 Processor Units

[0064] 48 Underwater hose

[0065] 50 Connection flange

[0066] 52 Sidewall

[0067] 54 Outer layer

[0068] 56 Reinforcement support DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] System 2 uses the example of Figure 2 Schematically shown in . System 2 comprises a basic unit 6 and a floating unit 4. The floating unit 4 in turn has a coupling unit 8, a buoyant floating hose 10 and a detection system 12. The coupling unit 8 is preferably buoyant. The coupling unit 8 can be configured as, for example, a buoyant float 22. Therefore, when the coupling unit 8 is mentioned below, it can be preferably understood to refer to the buoyant float 22. The coupling unit 8 can be arranged in a stationary manner. Therefore, for example, the coupling unit 8 can be fixed to the seabed using a rope. This is particularly applicable even when the coupling unit 8 is buoyant. However, the fixing of the coupling unit 8 to the seabed can also be configured so that the coupling unit 8 can move within a certain range on the sea surface.

[0070] The floating hose 10 has a first end 14 and a second end 16. The floating hose 10 is embodied as a buoyant hose. Preferably, the floating hose 10 is formed by a plurality of hose segments 32, which are connected to each other one after another, so that the floating hose 10 has and / or forms a fluid-tight passage, also referred to as a hose passage. Each hose segment 32 is buoyant. The first end 14 of the floating hose 10 is connected to the coupling unit 8. To this end, the coupling unit 8 may have a fluid outlet connector 36, which is designed to be connected to the first end 14 of the floating hose 10. In addition, the coupling unit 8 has a fluid inlet connector 34, which is designed to be connected to the underwater hose 48. In addition, a fluid passage may be formed between the fluid inlet connector 34 and the fluid outlet connector 36, so that the coupling unit 8 may provide or form a fluid connection between the first end 14 of the floating hose 10 and the underwater hose 48.

[0071] In practice, the floating hose 10 and the coupling unit 8 often float in the sea water, so that the ship can approach the second end 16 of the floating hose 10 to connect with the second end 16 of the floating hose 10. Thus, the ship can accommodate fluids, in particular crude oil, supplied by the underwater hose 48 via the coupling unit 8 and the floating hose 10. In this case, the fluid flows from the underwater hose 48 through the coupling unit 8 and thus through the floating hose 10 to the second end 16 of the floating hose 10, so as to then enter the ship. The ship preferably takes the form of a tanker. However, in principle, there is also the possibility that the fluid flows in the opposite direction. Therefore, the fluid, in particular crude oil, can be supplied from the tanker at the second end 16 of the floating hose 10, so that the fluid, in particular crude oil, flows through the floating hose 10, the coupling unit 8 and then enters the underwater hose 48.

[0072] If the exchange of fluids, in particular crude oil, has been completed, the ship will disconnect the second end 16 of the floating hose 10. The floating hose 10 then floats in the seawater together with the coupling unit 8. Water currents and / or wind currents act on the floating hose 10 and the coupling unit 8. Depending on the direction and / or intensity of the respective currents, a movement of the floating hose 10 and / or the coupling unit 8 may be caused. If another ship now approaches the floating hose 10, the floating hose 10 is likely no longer located at the position where the previous ship disconnected the floating hose 10. The floating hose 10 may have a length of more than 10 m, more than 20 m or more than 50 m. Due to the movement of the floating hose 10 and / or the coupling unit 8, the second end 16 of the floating hose 10 may therefore be very far from the aforementioned point. Therefore, it is very important for a newly arrived ship to know in advance where the second end 16 of the floating hose 10 is and the direction in which the second end 16 of the floating hose 10 is pointing. This is because, depending on this information, the newly arrived ship will take a route towards the second end 16 of the floating hose 10, so that the second end 16 of the floating hose 10 can be particularly easily connected to the newly arrived ship. Usually, the path of the ship to the floating hose 10 is pre-planned. Therefore, it is also possible to predetermine a future predetermined point in time at which the ship will arrive at the floating hose 10. This future predetermined point in time can be transmitted to the base unit 6 via the relevant input interface 42. The input interface 42 of the base unit 6 can therefore be designed to directly or indirectly receive data representing the future predetermined point in time.

[0073] In order to be able to predict the geographical position (also referred to as target position) of the floating hose 10 at a predetermined future time, and / or to predict the geometrical arrangement (also referred to as target geometrical arrangement) of the floating hose 10 relative to the coupling unit 8 at a predetermined future time, it has proven to be advantageous to first detect the current geographical position of the floating hose 10 and / or the current geometrical arrangement of the floating hose 10 relative to the coupling unit 8. Furthermore, it has proven to be advantageous to use current weather data and current ocean data in order to determine the movement of the floating hose 10 based on the current geographical position and / or the current geometrical orientation and taking into account the current weather data and the current ocean data.

[0074] The floating unit 4 has a floating hose 10 and a coupling unit 8 as well as a detection system 12. The detection system 12 can have a multi-part configuration. Thus, the detection system 12 can have a plurality of node units 24, which are arranged distributed between the coupling unit 8 and the second end 16 of the floating hose 10. One of the node units 24 can be fixed to the coupling unit 8 as a master unit 30. Each of the node units 24 is designed to establish a radio link 26 with two other node units of the node units 24 in each case. For a better understanding, Figure 1 26. Instead, only a few radio links 26 are indicated by dashed lines. A radio network 28 can be formed by the radio links 26. The relative distances between the node units 24 can be determined by the radio links 26 or the radio network 28. These relative distances can be collected by the master unit 30. Based on the relative distances, the master unit can determine the distance from the master unit 30 to each additional node unit 24 and the angle at which the additional node units 24 are arranged relative to the master unit 30 by triangulation. Based on this information, the geometric arrangement of the floating hose 10 relative to the connection unit 8 can be determined. The master unit 30 can be designed for this purpose. The configuration in which one of the node units 24 of the detection system 12 with multiple node units 24 forms the master unit 30 is a possible variant configuration of the detection system 12. In principle, there are other possible configurations of the detection system 12, so the detection system 12 is designed to detect the current geometric arrangement of the floating hose 10 relative to the connection unit 8 as the actual arrangement. Therefore, the detection system 12 can be designed for optical detection of the floating hose 10, for example, by an image sensor arranged on the connection unit 8. Therefore, the detection system 12 can detect the geometrical arrangement of the floating hose 10 relative to the coupling unit 8 by pattern recognition. Therefore, it is also possible to know the current geometrical arrangement of the floating hose 10 relative to the coupling unit 8. This geometrical arrangement can be detected by the detection system 12 as the actual arrangement.

[0075] In addition, the detection system 12 is configured to detect and / or determine the current geographical position of the floating unit 4 as the current actual position. Therefore, the detection system 12 can be designed to receive the navigation signal 20 from the satellite 38, for example. The detection system 12 can also be configured to determine the current geographical position of the floating unit 4 based on the navigation signal 20. This geographical position can be determined as the actual position. In particular, it can be provided that the navigation signal 20 can be detected by the main unit 30 of the detection system 12. In addition, it can be provided that the current geographical position is determined by the main unit 30 based on the navigation signal 20. The main unit 30 can therefore first determine the current geographical position of the coupling unit 8. However, due to the mechanical connection between the floating hose 10 and the coupling unit 8, the main unit 30 can also be designed to determine the current geographical position of the entire floating unit 4. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the main unit 30 is designed and / or configured to determine the current geographical position of the floating hose 10 based on the navigation signal 20. In this case, the current actual arrangement of the floating hose 10 relative to the coupling unit 8 is known to the main unit 30 and can be taken into account to determine the current geographical position of the floating hose 10 as the actual position of the floating unit 4 based on this and the navigation signal 20 .

[0076] In addition, the detection system 12 is designed to determine actual position data representing the actual position and the actual arrangement. Therefore, the actual position data can represent the current geographical location and the current geometric arrangement. The actual position data can be determined by the main unit 30 of the detection system 12. The main unit 30 can be designed and / or configured for this purpose.

[0077] The floating unit 4 and the base unit 6 are designed to be connected via a signal link 18. The floating unit 4 and the base unit 6 are therefore preferably designed to establish a signal link 18. For this purpose, the base unit 6 may have a radio interface 40. The floating unit 4 may have a main unit 30, which is also designed to establish a signal link 18. However, the signal link 18 is not used to determine the relative distance. Therefore, the main unit 30 of the floating unit 4 and the radio interface 40 of the base unit 6 may be designed to establish a signal link 18. Therefore, the main unit 30 of the base unit 6 and the floating unit 4 may be connected to each other via a signal link 18. The floating unit 4, in particular the relevant main unit 30, is designed to transmit actual position data to the base unit 6, in particular the relevant radio interface 40, via a signal link 18. The signal link 18 may therefore take the form of a wireless signal link 18. Therefore, this may be formed by radio. Therefore, signals representing actual position data may be exchanged between the main unit 30 and the radio interface 40. Therefore, the actual position data may be transmitted to the base unit 6. The radio interface 40 can be connected to the processor unit 46 of the base unit 6, so that the actual position data can be transmitted to the processor unit 46. The base unit 6 can also have an input interface 42, which is designed to receive current weather data and current ocean data. The current weather data is referred to as actual weather data. The current ocean data is referred to as actual ocean data. The input interface 42 can also be connected to the processor unit 46 of the base unit 6, so that the actual weather data and the actual ocean data can be transmitted to the processor unit 46.

[0078] Therefore, the basic unit 6 is designed to receive actual weather data, in particular via the input interface 42, which respectively represent the current wind force, the current wind direction, the wind force forecast and / or the wind direction forecast at the actual position. The actual weather data can be transmitted to the input interface 42 via a data network. The basic unit 6 preferably takes the form of a basic unit 6 arranged away from the floating unit 4. Therefore, the basic unit 6 can be arranged on land in a stationary manner. On the other hand, the floating unit 4, preferably the floating hose 10 of the floating unit 4, is buoyant. The coupling unit 8 can also be buoyant. However, this is not absolutely necessary. However, due to this association, the floating unit 4 is called buoyant.

[0079] The base unit 6 is also preferably designed to receive actual ocean data via the associated radio interface 40, which actual ocean data represent the current strength of the water flow, the current direction of the water flow, the prediction of the strength of the water flow and / or the prediction of the direction of the water flow. The actual weather data and the actual ocean data can provide data for the base unit 6, in particular the associated processor unit 46, which can be sent to determine the force acting on the floating hose 10, which in turn causes the movement of the floating hose 10. This can also apply to the coupling unit 8. Therefore, the actual weather data and the actual ocean data can also be used to determine the force acting on the entire floating unit 4, so as to determine how the movement of the floating unit 4 occurs. However, the change in position of the floating hose 10 and / or the coupling unit 8 and therefore also the floating unit 4 also depends on the time period during which the water and / or wind act on the floating hose 10 and / or the coupling unit 8. In order to be able to determine the prediction about the target geographical location and / or the target arrangement, it is therefore preferably provided that the corresponding future predetermined time point is available to the base unit 6 or can be transmitted to the base unit 6. The input interface 42 can therefore also be designed to directly and / or indirectly receive data representing the future predetermined time point. The input interface 42 may also transmit the future predetermined time point to the processor unit 46 .

[0080] In addition, the base unit 6 is configured to determine prediction data based on the actual position data, the actual weather data, the actual ocean data and the future predetermined time point, so that the prediction data represents a prediction of the target geographical position of the floating hose 10 at the future predetermined time point, and / or so that the prediction data represents a prediction of the target geometric arrangement of the floating hose 10 relative to the coupling unit 8 at the future predetermined time point. To this end, a mathematical calculation model can be stored by the base unit 6 and can be implemented by the processor unit 46. The base unit 6, in particular the relevant processor unit 46, will implement the mathematical calculation model for determining the prediction data. Preferably, the mathematical calculation model is configured so that the mathematical calculation model maps the movement of the floating unit 4 in the water, preferably only the movement of the relevant floating hose 10 in the water, according to the water flow intensity, the water flow direction, the wind force of the wind on the water and / or the wind direction of the wind on the water. In order to implement the mathematical calculation model to determine the prediction data, it is preferably provided that the actual position data, the actual weather data, the actual ocean data and the future predetermined time point form the input variables of the mathematical calculation model. The output variable of the mathematical calculation model can be the target geographical position. An additional or alternative output variable of the mathematical calculation model may be a target arrangement of the floating hose 10 relative to the coupling unit 8. Thus, by means of implementing the mathematical calculation model by the processor unit 46 of the base unit 6 and based on the above-mentioned input variables, the base unit 6 or the associated processor unit 46 may therefore determine prediction data as output variables, the prediction data thus representing a prediction of the target geographical position of the floating hose 10 at a predetermined point in time in the future, and / or the prediction data thus representing a prediction of the target geometrical arrangement of the floating hose 10 relative to the coupling unit 8 at a predetermined point in time in the future.

[0081] The mathematical calculation model can be formed by an artificial neural network or a linear mathematical calculation model. The artificial neural network can be trained in a manner that ensures the above-mentioned mapping between the input variables and the output variables of the mathematical calculation model. On the other hand, if the mathematical calculation model is formed by a linear mathematical calculation model, the model can be established based on a deterministic mechanical function relationship. The basic unit 6, in particular the associated processor unit 46, can be formed by a separate processor unit 46. However, the basic unit 6, in particular the associated processor unit 46, can also be formed by a computer cloud in principle.

[0082] Figure 2 A part of a hose section 32 of a floating hose 10 is shown. The hose section 32 has a connection flange 50 at each end. Thus, two hose sections 32 can be connected to each other via the connection flanges 50 arranged at the end. Such a connection can also be produced using screws.

[0083] An advantageous embodiment of the system 2 is characterized in that a node unit 24 is assigned to each hose section 32. The respective node unit 24 can be fastened to one of the connecting flanges 50, for example.

[0084] Figure 3 3 shows a further advantageous configuration of a part of the hose section 32. In this case, a cross section of a side wall 52 of the hose section 32 is also shown in an enlarged form. The side wall 52 can have an outer layer 54 made of rubber material on the radially outer side. In the radially inner end section, a reinforcing support 56 can be embedded in the rubber material of the side wall 52. In addition, it can preferably be provided that the node unit 24 is embedded in the rubber material of the side wall 52. As a result, the node unit 24 can be protected particularly well from external mechanical damage.

[0085] Furthermore, it will be mentioned that "having" does not exclude any other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it will be mentioned that features that have been described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments may also be used in combination with other features of other exemplary embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered restrictive.

Claims

1. A system (2) for determining prediction data, wherein: The system (2) has: a floating unit (4), and a basic unit (6) arranged away from the floating unit (4), The floating unit (4) has a buoyant or stationary connection unit (8), a floating hose (10) and a detection system (12). wherein the first end (14) of the floating hose (10) is connected to the connecting unit (8), wherein the detection system (12) is designed to detect the current geometrical arrangement of the floating hose (10) relative to the coupling unit (8) as the actual arrangement, wherein the detection system (12) is designed to detect and / or determine the current geographical position of the floating unit (4) as the actual position, wherein the detection system (12) is configured to determine actual position data representing the actual position and the actual arrangement, The floating unit (4) and the basic unit (6) are designed to be connected via a signal link (18). wherein the floating unit (4) is designed to transmit the actual position data to the base unit (6) via the signal link (18), The basic unit (6) is designed to receive current weather data as actual weather data, the current weather data respectively representing the current wind force, the current wind direction, the wind force forecast and / or the wind direction forecast of the wind at the actual location, The basic unit (6) is designed to receive current ocean data as actual ocean data, which respectively represent the current water flow strength, the current water flow direction, the water flow strength prediction and / or the water flow direction prediction of the water at the actual position, and The base unit (6) is configured to determine prediction data based on the actual position data, the actual weather data and the actual ocean data, so that the prediction data represents a prediction of a target geographical location of the floating hose (10) at a predetermined future time point, and / or so that the prediction data represents a prediction of a target geometric arrangement of the floating hose (10) relative to the coupling unit (8) at the predetermined future time point.

2. System (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The detection system (12) is designed to receive a satellite-assisted wireless navigation signal (20), wherein the detection system (12) is configured to determine the current geographical position of the floating unit (4) as the actual position based on the navigation signal (20).

3. System (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The coupling unit (8) is in the form of a buoy (22).

4. The system (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that The detection system (12) forms part of the floating hose (10) and / or part of the coupling unit (8).

5. The system (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that The detection system (12) forms part of the buoy (22).

6. System (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The basic unit (6) is a stationary basic unit (6).

7. System (2) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The basic unit (6) is installed and / or arranged on a mobile vehicle.

8. The system (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that The mobile vehicle is a ship.

9. System (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The signal link (18) is at least partially in the form of a radio link (26).

10. System (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The basic unit (6) stores a mathematical calculation model, which maps the movement of the floating unit (4) depending on the water flow intensity, the water flow direction, the wind force and / or the wind direction on the water, wherein the basic unit (6) is also designed to determine the prediction data through the calculation model.

11. System (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The basic unit (6) is designed to determine the movement of the floating unit (4) as a prediction based on the actual position and the actual arrangement represented by the actual position data, through the calculation model and the actual weather data and the actual ocean data, which determines the water flow direction, water flow intensity, wind direction and wind force as input variables of the calculation model to predict the target geographical location and / or the target geometric arrangement.

12. System (2) according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 11, characterized in that The floating unit (4) is an associated floating hose (10).

13. System (2) according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 12, characterized in that The mathematical calculation model is represented by an artificial neural network.

14. System (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The basic unit (6) is designed to carry out a training step in order to adapt the neural network based on the actual position data newly received in each case.

15. System (2) according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 12, characterized in that The mathematical calculation model is represented by a linear mathematical calculation model.

16. System (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The base unit (6) is at least partially in the form of a computer cloud.

17. System (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The coupling unit (8) has a fluid inlet connection (34) which is designed for connecting an underwater hose (48), wherein the coupling unit (8) has a fluid outlet connection (36) which is connected to the first end (14) of the floating hose (10).

18. System (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The floating unit (4) has a plurality of node units (24) which are fixed to the floating hose (10) and the connection unit (8) so that the node units (24) are arranged to be distributed between the connection unit (8) and the second end (16) of the floating hose (10), wherein each node unit (24) is designed to establish a radio link (26) with each of at least two of the other radio units of the corresponding node unit (24) through an associated radio unit, thereby generating a radio network (28), wherein each node unit (24) is designed to be based on The respective radio links (26) determine a relative distance to each further node unit (24) connected via the radio links (26), wherein at least one of the node units (24) forms a master unit (30) which is designed to collect the relative distances determined by the further node units (24) via the radio links (26) and / or the radio network (28), and wherein the master unit (30) is designed to determine the actual arrangement based on the collected relative distances, the actual arrangement representing the current geometric arrangement of the floating hose (10) relative to the coupling unit (8).

19. The system (2) according to claim 18, characterized in that The radio network (28) is a mesh radio network.

20. System (2) according to any one of the preceding claims 17 to 19, characterized in that The coupling unit (8) is a buoy (22).

21. System (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The floating hose (10) is formed by a plurality of hose sections (32) which are connected to one another in a row, wherein each hose section (32) is at least indirectly connected to at least one of the node units (24) and / or each hose section (32) comprises in each case one of the node units (24).

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