Submerging offshore support structure

Abstract

This is a support structure for situating and protecting operative devices in deep offshore locations to include certain types of wind turbines. The support structure can be made to submerge and reemerge automatically, with the operative device, to avoid damage that would be caused by hazards in a marine environment at or near the water's surface. Approaching hazards are detected remotely and by sensors located on and around the supporting structure. Critical environmental and support structure conditions are constantly monitored and managed by computer through a network of sensors, equipment controls, and pre programmed response sequencing.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Not ApplicableSTATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableSEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM APPENDIX[0003]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]The present invention relates to the field of mid- and deep-offshore fixed supporting structures, particularly those supporting wind turbines as operative devices. More specifically, the present invention provides a fully submersible structure to avoid destructive hazards commonly found in offshore marine environments.DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART[0005]Wind power is an alternative source of energy which is perpetual, though periodic, sustainable and clean. Once past the initial capital investment, the cost of running a wind driven power generating station is relatively minimal. Innovative communities have erected wind turbines in clusters to leverage the advantages of wind power. These clusters sometimes referred to as “wind farms,” have been relatively succe...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019]A supporting structure in accordance with this invention is characterized by being located in mid to deep offshore waters. A principle aspect of the present invention is to improve the likelihood that, whatever the operational device installed to operate in open water, it will continue to function despite hazards brought upon it by extreme weather, seas and potentially damaging marine traffic. These environmental certainties have been addressed in the prior art by constructing support structures to design parameters estimated to endure the projected hazards that might occur while the operative device remains continually in its operative position above the water's surface. Compared to the present invention, such designs still leave major support structure components and the operative device substantially vulnerable. Support structures embodying this invention are an improvement over the prior art in that their ability to fully submerge allows them to achieve a cost effective approach to providing a reliable and enduring platform or support structure for the expensive operative device, allowing for numerous wind turbine designs.

[0020]While this invention has been motivated by the need for increased wind-driven energy production, the invention of this submergible support structure has application to many non-energy generating operative devices which would derive benefit when positioned to operate offshore. Various operative devices may be fortified to withstand the marine environment by using seals and durable materials or they may be completely encapsulated by the supporting structure in a manner that avoids direct destructive contact with corrosive salt water and other harms typical of periodic submersion in the underwater environment. Such fortification or waterproofing of the ope...

Problems solved by technology

At the same time, concerns over the environmental impact of wind farms have prevented some communities from adopting wind power conversion systems.

However, benefits gained by locating wind turbines offshore are largely offset by increased costs.

Such designs are expensive to engineer and construct.

Even support structures which are located in relatively shallow water consume significantly more building materials than would be required to build a suitable support structure on land in order to withstand the projected loading of severe storm conditions.

Similarly, assembling, erecting or repairing components in challenging marine environments is more complicated and therefore more costly.

Wherever wind driven power stations are located, they are subject to damage from excessive wind speed.

Wind turbines located offshore are subject to additional hazards peculiar to a marine environment.

Corrosion from battering saltwater, and forces from waves and tides, can be destructive to turbines and supporting structures.

Collisions with routine waterway traffic during conditions of low visibility or mechanical failure are also a potential hazard.

Irrespective of the source of damage, repairing large offshore structures is costly, particularly when productive operations must be suspended for the purpose ...

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