Offshore Antenna Tower and Instrument Array with Tension Member

Abstract

A system for acquiring data in an offshore environment comprises an elongate composite tension member having a longitudinal axis, an upper end, and a lower end. In addition, the system comprises a buoyancy module coupled to the upper end of the composite tension member and configured to apply a tensile load to the tension member. Further, the system comprises a base coupled to the lower end of the composite tension member. The base is configured to secure the tension member to the sea floor. Still further, the system comprises a plurality of composite stringers coupled to the buoyant module and disposed about the tension member. Moreover, the system comprises a plurality of instrumentation systems configured to measure environmental or geological data. The instrumentation systems are coupled to the stringers.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61 / 490,386 filed May 26, 2011, and entitled “Antenna Tower with Tension Member,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicable.BACKGROUND[0003]1. Field of the Invention[0004]The invention relates generally to an offshore system for gathering and communicating geological and environmental data across a range of depths. More specifically, the invention relates to a flexible composite tower supporting instrumentation to sense, gather, detect, store, and transmit geological and environmental data.[0005]2. Background of the Technology[0006]Data relating to the ocean environment such as the presence and movement of marine animals, water temperatures at varying depths, and currents at varying depths may be useful in studying and understanding global warming, its cau...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a system and method for acquiring data in an offshore environment. The system includes an elongated tension member with a buoyancy module and a base for securing to the sea floor. The tension member has a plurality of stringers coupled to it, which extend subsea and are instrumented with instrumentation systems for measuring environmental and geological data. The buoyancy module is adjustable to apply a tensile load to the tension member. The method involves lowering the base to the sea floor and coupling the buoyancy module to the tension member, followed by coupling the instrumentation systems to the stringers. The system and method provide an improved solution for acquiring data in offshore environments."

Problems solved by technology

However, a large majority of ocean bodies and large fresh water bodies, as well as the earth beneath such bodies, are generally under-investigated.

Thus, very limited data relating to environmental conditions in such bodies and the geology beneath such bodies is available.

However, such vessels collect data for a relatively short period of time at a given location, require an operator and personnel, and usually gather data relating to surface conditions (e.g., water temperature at the surface, wind speeds at the surface, presence of chemicals at the surface, etc.).

Further, measurement of certain surface conditions with a vessel may be inaccurate as the vessel itself may alter the measured parameter.

However, weather buoys generally only collect data relating to surface conditions, and thus, provide little insight as to subsurface conditions, marine animals, and geology of formations below the surface.

In addition, drifting weather buoys do not gather data at a given location over a relatively long period of time as they are continuously moving.

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