Alternating stepping deep-sea mining system and method based on clean energy platform

Abstract

The present invention discloses an alternating step-by-step deep-sea mining system and method based on a clean energy platform, which relates to the field of deep-sea mining technology. The platform includes a main hull, a mining system, an anchoring system, and an electric propulsion device. A workshop is provided in the middle of the main hull. The mining system includes several mining vehicles, which are placed in the workshop. The anchoring system includes a winch, an anchor cable compartment, an anchor cable, and an anchor head. Winches are provided at the four corners of the top of the main hull. An anchor cable compartment is provided below each winch. One end of the anchor cable is connected to the winch, and the other end is connected to the anchor head. The electric propulsion device is provided at the front and rear ends of the bottom of the main hull. Compared with traditional deep-sea mining platforms, the anchoring system and electric propulsion device proposed in the present invention can make the platform advance in an alternating step-by-step manner through the cooperation of the two, and has better wind and wave resistance capabilities, while saving energy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of deep-sea mining, and in particular to an alternating stepping deep-sea mining system and method based on a clean energy platform. Background Art

[0002] The ocean is rich in mineral resources. As land-based resources continue to be exploited, more and more countries are turning their attention to the deep sea. However, deep-sea mining faces numerous challenges. For example, offshore platforms often encounter severe weather conditions, making them unable to withstand the wind and waves to secure them. Alternatively, securing them requires energy, which is often very large and energy-intensive, thus negatively impacting the environment. Some offshore platforms are even immobile, requiring the inconvenience of preparing transport vessels in advance. Furthermore, these factors can hinder mining operations, preventing them from being completed effectively, safely, and on time. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the deficiencies in the prior art, the present invention provides an alternating stepping deep-sea mining system based on a clean energy platform, which has the characteristics of being movable, resistant to wind and waves, and energy-saving.

[0004] To achieve the above object, the present invention can be carried out using the following technical solutions:

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an alternating stepping deep-sea mining system based on a clean energy platform, comprising:

[0006] the main hull, mining system, mooring system and electric propulsion;

[0007] A workshop is provided in the middle of the main hull;

[0008] The mining system includes a plurality of mining vehicles, and the plurality of mining vehicles are placed in the workshop;

[0009] The mooring system includes a winch, an anchor cable compartment, an anchor cable and an anchor head. The winches are provided at the four corners of the top of the main hull, and the anchor cable compartment is provided below each winch. One end of the anchor cable is connected to the winch, and the other end is connected to the anchor head.

[0010] The electric propulsion device is arranged at the front and rear ends of the bottom of the main hull;

[0011] When mining is carried out, a plurality of the anchor heads are sunk into the seabed to form a quadrilateral area, and the mining vehicle performs mining operations in this area;

[0012] When the mining area needs to be transferred, the corresponding anchor heads are retracted and extended by controlling a plurality of the winches, and the main hull is driven forward or backward in conjunction with the electric propulsion device.

[0013] As in the above-mentioned alternating stepping deep-sea mining system based on the clean energy platform, further, the anchor cable is a lightweight anchor cable, and the anchor head is a gravity anchor head.

[0014] As described above, the alternating stepping deep-sea mining system based on the clean energy platform, further, the mining system also includes a moon pool and a working tower, the moon pool includes a lifting platform and a lifting track, the lifting tracks are arranged on both sides of the moon pool, the lifting tracks are vertically arranged along the workshop toward the bottom of the main hull, the lifting platform is connected to the lifting track, a retracting device is arranged inside the working tower, the retracting device is connected to the mining vehicle through a rope, the moon pool passes through the bottom of the main hull and is arranged below the workshop and communicates with the workshop, the working tower is arranged above the workshop.

[0015] As described above, in the alternating stepping deep-sea mining system based on the clean energy platform, the retracting and extending device further includes an intermediate station, the retracting and extending device is connected to one end of the intermediate station, and the other end of the intermediate station is connected to the plurality of mining vehicles.

[0016] As mentioned above, the alternating stepping deep-sea mining system based on the clean energy platform, further, the main hull also includes a transmission system and a ore storage room, the ore storage room is arranged on the left and right sides of the workshop, the transmission system includes a conveying channel, the output channel is respectively connected to the front and rear ends of the main hull and passes through the ore storage room, and a conveyor belt is arranged in the conveying channel.

[0017] The alternating stepping deep-sea mining system based on the clean energy platform as described above further includes a renewable energy power generation system, which provides power for the main hull. The renewable energy power generation system includes a solar power generation system, a wave power generation system and a wind power generation system. The solar power generation system is arranged on the top of the main hull, the wave power generation system is arranged at the front and rear ends of the main hull, and the wind power generation system is arranged on the top of the main hull.

[0018] As described above, the alternating stepping deep-sea mining system based on the clean energy platform, further, the solar power generation system includes solar photovoltaic panels, a plurality of cabins are provided on the top of the main hull, and the solar photovoltaic panels are provided above the plurality of cabins.

[0019] As described above, the alternating stepping deep-sea mining system based on the clean energy platform, further, the wave energy power generation system includes a wave power generation plate, a truss support arm, a hinge and a hydraulic cylinder, and the front and rear ends of the main hull are also provided with an equipment room, the wave power generation plate is connected to the truss support arm and is arranged in the equipment room through the hinge, the hydraulic cylinder is arranged in the equipment room, and the output shaft of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to one end of the wave power generation plate.

[0020] As for the above-mentioned alternating stepping deep-sea mining system based on the clean energy platform, further, the wind power generation system includes a plurality of wind turbines, and the plurality of wind turbines are arranged on the top of the main hull.

[0021] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a mining method of an alternating stepping deep-sea mining system based on a clean energy platform, which is performed using the above-mentioned mining system, and specifically comprises the following steps:

[0022] S1, transport the platform to the mining area;

[0023] S2: The two winches at the top rear end of the main hull are activated to pay out the anchor cable, causing the anchor head in the anchor cable compartment to sink to the seabed. At the same time, the electric propulsion device at the rear end of the main hull is activated, causing the main hull to move forward until the lowered anchor head reaches the seabed.

[0024] S3, shut down the two winches at the top rear end of the main hull, stop the winches from releasing the anchor cable, and shut down the electric propulsion device at the rear end of the main hull;

[0025] S4: The two winches at the front end of the main hull are activated to release the anchor cable, causing the anchor head in the anchor cable compartment to sink to the seabed. At the same time, the electric propulsion device at the front end of the main hull is activated, causing the main hull to move backward until the lowered anchor head reaches the seabed.

[0026] S5: After adjusting the position of the main hull to the center of the plane area formed by the four anchor heads, the two winches at the top front end of the main hull are turned off, the winches are stopped from releasing the anchor cables, and the electric propulsion device at the front end of the main hull is turned off.

[0027] S6, lowering the mining vehicle from the workshop to the seabed, and performing mining operations in the plane area formed by the four anchor heads until the operation is completed, and then recovering the mining vehicle from the seabed to the workshop;

[0028] S7, the two winches at the front end of the top of the main hull are activated to release the anchor cable. At the same time, the electric propulsion device at the front end of the main hull is activated to move the main hull backward until it is above the anchor head at the rear end of the main hull.

[0029] S8: The electric propulsion device at the front end of the main hull is turned off, and the two winches at the top and rear end of the main hull are started. The winches reel in the anchor chain, causing the anchor head to rise from the seabed and be retracted into the anchor cable compartment. The main hull then rotates around the front end, and the front and rear ends of the main hull are interchanged.

[0030] S9, activating the electric propulsion device at the rear end of the main hull after the main hull has turned, causing the main hull to advance through the sea area above the anchor head at the rear end of the main hull after the main hull has turned, and then shutting down the electric propulsion device at the rear end of the main hull after the main hull has turned;

[0031] S10, repeating steps S4 to S9 until the seabed mining operation is completed.

[0032] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0033] 1. Compared with traditional deep-sea mining platforms, the mooring system and electric propulsion device proposed in this invention can make the platform move forward in an alternating step-by-step manner through the cooperation of the two, and have better ability to withstand wind and waves, while saving energy.

[0034] 2. Compared with traditional deep-sea mining platforms, the main hull proposed by the present invention uses renewable energy for complementary power supply, which not only solves the problem of offshore energy supply but is also clean and environmentally friendly.

[0035] 3. The mining system proposed in the present invention also includes a moon pool and a working tower, and the cooperation of the two makes the retrieval and deployment of the mining vehicle safer and more convenient.

[0036] 4. The ore storage room proposed by the present invention can store ore for a long time, and the transmission system can quickly transfer the ore, thereby improving efficiency.

[0037] 5. The mining method proposed by the present invention can better collect all the ores on the seabed, avoid omissions, and improve the mining rate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0039] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the platform structure of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the platform in operation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Among them: 1. Winch; 2. Anchor cable compartment; 3. Anchor cable; 4. Anchor head; 5. Workshop; 6. Mining vehicle; 7. Electric propulsion device; 8. Moon pool; 9. Working tower; 10. Lifting platform; 11. Lifting track; 12. Intermediate station; 13. Ore storage room; 14. Cabin; 15. Solar photovoltaic panel; 16. Equipment room; 17. Wave power generation panel; 18. Truss support arm; 19. Hinge; 20. Wind turbine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0043] Example:

[0044] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the description and claims of the present invention and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the numbers used in this way can be interchanged where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present invention described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the embodiments of the present invention are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0045] It should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like to indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0046] In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means at least two, such as two or three, unless otherwise specifically defined. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified or defined, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood broadly, meaning, for example, fixed, removable, or integral; mechanical or electrical; direct or indirect through an intermediary; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in the present invention.

[0047] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, when a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediary. Furthermore, when a first feature is "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0048] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2, the present invention provides an alternating step deep - sea mining system based on a clean energy platform. Compared with traditional deep - sea mining platforms, the mooring system and electric propulsion device proposed in the present invention can make the platform advance in an alternating step manner and have better resistance to wind and waves while saving energy. It may include: a main hull, a mining system, a mooring system, and an electric propulsion device. A workshop 5 is arranged in the middle of the main hull. The mining system includes several mining vehicles 6, and several mining vehicles 6 are placed in the workshop 1. The mooring system includes a winch 1, an anchor cable cabin 2, an anchor cable 3, and an anchor head 4. Winches 1 are arranged at the four corners of the top of the main hull. An anchor cable cabin 2 is arranged below each winch 1. One end of the anchor cable 2 is connected to the winch 1, and the other end is connected to the anchor head 4. The electric propulsion device 7 is arranged at the front and rear ends of the bottom of the main hull. When mining operations are carried out, several anchor heads 4 sink to the seabed to form a quadrilateral area, and the mining vehicles 6 carry out mining operations in this area. When it is necessary to transfer the mining area, by controlling several winches 1 to retract and release the corresponding anchor heads 4, and at the same time cooperating with the electric propulsion device 7 to drive the main hull forward or backward, the main hull is thus transferred in an alternating step manner to the mining area. In this embodiment, when the platform operates, it is mainly above 5000 meters deep in the sea. The main hull is fixed on the sea surface through the mooring system, and then the mining vehicles are released for mining operations. Therefore, winches 1 are installed at the four corners of the top of the main hull, and an anchor cable cabin 2 is arranged below the winches 1. When the platform conducts mining operations, the winches 1 at the four corners are started or closed in a certain order to release or recover the anchor heads 4, and at the same time cooperate with the electric propulsion device 7 at the front and rear ends of the bottom of the main hull. Finally, when viewed from the side, the anchor cables 3 released by the platform are in an "eight" - shaped pattern, and when viewed from above, the anchor heads 4 form a quadrilateral mining area on the seabed at 5000 meters deep in the sea. Then the mining vehicles 6 are released for mining, and thus the platform is firmly fixed in the deep sea. Even when encountering some relatively large wind and waves, the platform can resist the wind and waves and continue mining operations. Compared with existing deep - sea mining platforms that consume a large amount of energy to maintain stability, the platform has the advantages of energy conservation and consumption reduction. In addition, the mining vehicles 6 carry out mining operations within the area formed by the anchor heads 4, which is convenient for mining, improves the mining rate, and is also convenient for recovery. When the platform needs to sail, the anchor heads 4 can be retracted into the anchor cable cabin 2 to prevent the anchor heads 4 from generating resistance in the water and affecting the navigation of the platform. In addition, the platform can sail through the electric propulsion device 7 at the bottom of the main hull, unlike some traditional platforms that can only achieve navigation through a transport ship. Thus, it can be quickly transferred in the face of severe weather such as tsunamis and typhoons, which is quite safe and convenient. When the platform completes mining operations in one mining area and needs to transfer to the next mining area, the main hull is retracted by the electric propulsion device 7 and the anchor head 4 at the "ノ" end of the "eight" - shaped pattern is recovered. Then, with the "乁" end as the center, the main hull is advanced a certain distance by the electric propulsion device 7 and the anchor head 4 is released, so that the anchor cable 3 between the main hull and the seabed forms an "eight" - shaped pattern again, thereby realizing the alternating step - by - step transfer of the platform between seabed mining areas.

[0049] In one embodiment, the anchor cable 3 is a lightweight anchor cable, and the anchor head 4 is a gravity anchor head. The anchor cable 3 is lightweight primarily to reduce drag and facilitate the release and recovery of the anchor head 4. Preferably, the lightweight anchor cable can be a synthetic fiber cable, such as a polyester anchor cable or a high-strength polyethylene anchor cable, which are both lightweight. The anchor head 4 is a gravity anchor head primarily to sink to the seabed more quickly and stabilize the platform. Preferably, the gravity anchor head can be made of cast steel or forged steel, such as Q235 ordinary carbon structural steel, which is high in strength and corrosion-resistant. The anchor head can be claw-shaped or mushroom-shaped, allowing the anchor head 4 to deeply penetrate the seabed soil.

[0050] See again Figure 1 In one embodiment, the mining system further includes a moon pool 8 and a working tower 9. The moon pool 8 includes a lifting platform 10 and a lifting track 11. The lifting tracks 11 are provided on both sides of the moon pool 8. The lifting tracks 11 are vertically arranged along the direction from the workshop to the bottom of the main hull. The lifting platform 10 is connected to the lifting track 11. A retracting device (not shown) is provided inside the working tower 9. The retracting device is connected to the mining vehicle 6 via a rope. The moon pool 8 passes through the bottom of the main hull and is arranged below the workshop 5 and communicates with the workshop 5. The working tower 9 is arranged above the workshop 5. Among them, a moon pool 8 is opened in the middle of the main hull, and the moon pool 8 runs through the bottom of the main hull and is connected to the workshop 5 and is below the workshop 5. In the case of bad weather or sea, the mining vehicle 6 can be directly released and recovered at the moon pool 8 without being released and recovered at the side of the main hull, thereby avoiding accidents of collision with the main hull. In addition, a lifting platform 10 and a lifting track 11 are also installed at the moon pool. The lifting track 11 is installed along the workshop toward the bottom of the main hull, which is convenient for transferring the mining vehicle 6 therebetween. At the same time, a working tower 9 is provided above the workshop 5, which can lift the mining vehicle 6 to various positions of the main hull, and the retracting device in the working tower 9 can quickly release the mining vehicle 6 from the main hull to the seabed mining area. At the same time, when the mining vehicle 6 is mining, it is always connected to the mining vehicle 6 and can be quickly recovered in case of sudden danger, further improving the efficiency and safety of mining.

[0051] See again Figure 2 In the above embodiment, the retractable device further includes an intermediate station 12. The retractable device is connected to one end of the intermediate station 12, and the other end of the intermediate station 12 is connected to a plurality of mining vehicles 6. According to the needs of the operation, an intermediate station 12 can be installed in the retractable device for connection. The upper part of the intermediate station 12 is also connected to the retractable device, and the lower part of the intermediate station 12 is connected to multiple mining vehicles 6, so that multiple mining vehicles 6 can perform mining operations simultaneously, thereby greatly improving the progress of the mining operation.

[0052] See again Figure 1In one embodiment, the main hull is further provided with an ore storage compartment 13, which is located on the left and right sides of the workshop 5. With the ore storage compartments 13 on both sides of the workshop 5, when the mining vehicle 6 has mined enough ore, it can return to the workshop 5 and quickly transfer the mined ore to the ore storage compartments 13 for subsequent mining operations, further improving mining efficiency. At the same time, the ore storage compartments 13 on the platform have a large space, allowing the ore to be concentrated for a period of time. Furthermore, the platform may also include a transmission system, which includes a conveying channel (not shown). The output channel connects the front and rear ends of the main hull and passes through the ore storage compartments 13. A conveyor belt is provided within the conveying channel. When a transport ship arrives to transport ore, the ore in the storage compartments 13 can be quickly transferred to the front or rear end of the main hull via the conveyor belt through the conveying channel. The transport ship then connects to the front or rear end of the main hull to transfer the ore. This reduces the labor intensity of the staff and improves the efficiency of ore transfer.

[0053] In one embodiment, a renewable energy generation system is also included to provide power to the main hull. This renewable energy generation system includes a solar power generation system, a wave power generation system, and a wind power generation system. The solar power generation system is located on the top of the main hull, the wave power generation system is located at the front and rear ends of the main hull, and the wind power generation system is located on the top of the main hull. The renewable energy generation system equipped with this platform can utilize solar, wave, and wind energy to provide complementary power, solving the energy supply problem in the deep sea while meeting the requirements of clean and environmental protection and preventing pollution to the marine ecosystem.

[0054] See again Figure 1 In the above embodiment, the solar power generation system further includes solar photovoltaic panels 15. A plurality of cabins 14 are provided on the top of the main hull, and solar photovoltaic panels 15 are provided above the plurality of cabins 14. Various cabins 14 are provided on the top of the main hull, such as laboratories, offices, restaurants, lounges, etc., allowing staff to carry out daily work and life on the platform for a long time, thereby reducing transportation costs and saving materials. Furthermore, a layer of solar photovoltaic panels 15 is laid above each cabin 14, which not only provides a sunshade but can also be used to generate electricity, thereby powering various equipment on the platform and reducing the platform's energy consumption.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the wave energy power generation system further includes a wave power generation panel 17, a truss support arm 18, a hinge 19, and a hydraulic cylinder (not shown). An equipment room 16 is also provided at the front and rear ends of the main hull. The wave power generation panel 17 is welded to the truss support arm 18 and mounted in the equipment room 16 via a hinge 19. The hydraulic cylinder is located in the equipment room 16, and the output shaft of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to one end of the wave power generation panel 17. Under the action of waves, the wave power generation panel 17 can reciprocate around the hinge 19, thereby driving the output shaft of the hydraulic cylinder to reciprocate, thereby converting the wave energy into hydraulic energy. The hydraulic energy is then converted into electrical energy through the energy conversion system. This not only eliminates the impact of waves on the main hull, ensuring good stability of the platform during mining operations, but also allows for power generation. Preferably, the eagle-shaped wave power generation panel of the prior art (Patent No. 2016103652769) is used. When the wave power generation panel 17 is not in use, it can be stored in the equipment room 16 to prevent accidental damage.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the wind power generation system further includes a plurality of wind turbines 20 mounted on top of the main hull. The blades of the plurality of wind turbines 20 rotate in response to the sea breeze, converting the kinetic energy of the rotation into electrical power. This fully utilizes the natural offshore wind resources and further reduces the platform's energy consumption.

[0057] In order to better understand the present invention, the breeding platform of the embodiment of the present invention is described below according to its functions.

[0058] The first part is the main hull, which includes a workshop 5, a ore storage room 13, an equipment room 16 and several cabins 14. The workshop 5 can be used to place the mining vehicle 6 in the mining system. The ore storage rooms 13 are set on both sides of the workshop 5 to facilitate the rapid transfer of the mining vehicle 6 after collecting full ore. In order to improve the transfer efficiency, a transmission system can also be added, which includes a transmission channel. Two of the channel openings of the transmission channel are set at the front and rear ends of the main hull and the transmission channel passes through the ore storage room. In this way, when the ore needs to be transferred to the transport ship, the ore can be quickly transferred to the front and rear ends of the main hull connected to the transport ship, and the equipment room 16 is equipped with power conversion equipment, such as hydraulic cylinders. Several cabins 14 provide work and rest space for the platform staff, so that the staff can live on the platform for a long time, thereby reducing the cost of transporting staff; the main hull also includes an electric propulsion device 7, which enables the platform to have the function of sailing, and can be quickly transferred when encountering severe conditions such as typhoons and tsunamis.

[0059] The second part is the mining system, which includes a mining vehicle 6, a moon pool 8, a working tower 9 and an intermediate station 12. The mining vehicle 6 can dive to 5,000 meters below the seabed to carry out ore collection operations. The moon pool 8 is arranged below the workshop 5 where the mining vehicle 6 is placed. It can release the mining vehicle 6 directly from the middle of the main hull without being released from the side of the ship, which is very convenient. In addition, the moon pool 8 is also equipped with a lifting platform 10 and a lifting track 11, which can improve the efficiency of releasing the mining vehicle 6 into the sea. The working tower 9 is installed above the workshop 5. A retraction device is installed inside it. The retraction device is connected to the mining vehicle 6 through a cable. In this way, not only can the mining vehicle 6 be released or recovered quickly, but it can also prevent the mining vehicle 6 from accidentally driving out of the mining area when the mining vehicle 6 is operating. Moreover, according to the needs of mining, an intermediate station 12 can be added to the retraction device. The intermediate station 12 can connect multiple mining vehicles 6, so that multiple mining vehicles 6 can operate simultaneously, thereby improving mining efficiency.

[0060] The third part is the mooring system, which includes a winch 1, an anchor cable compartment 2, an anchor cable 3 and an anchor head 4. The winch 1 is installed at the four corners of the main hull top, so that the anchor head 4 can be better fixed to the platform after being released, and the winch 1 can always be above the sea surface accessible to the staff for easy operation. The anchor cable compartment 2 can store and fix the anchor head 4 when the platform is transferred to prevent the anchor head 4 from generating resistance in the sea and affecting navigation. Since this platform is mainly used for mining operations at a depth of 5,000 meters, the anchor cable 3 uses a lightweight anchor cable, which can In order to reduce the resistance in the sea, the anchor head 4 adopts a gravity anchor head, which can sink to the seabed more quickly, and according to the soil conditions of the seabed, the shape of the anchor head 4 can be claw-shaped or mushroom-shaped, so as to firmly fix the platform on the sea surface; in the entire large ore area on the seabed, this anchoring system can also cooperate with the electric propulsion device 7, so that the platform can move forward in steps, thereby dividing the large ore area into multiple small ore areas for mining. Therefore, this anchor head system not only plays the role of fixing the platform, but also plays the role of making the platform "walk".

[0061] The fourth component is the renewable energy generation system, which includes a solar power generation system, a wave power generation system, and a wind power generation system. The solar power generation system generates electricity by shading through solar photovoltaic panels 15 installed above several cabins 14. The wave power generation system generates electricity by absorbing waves through hydraulic cylinders installed in an equipment room 16 and wave power generation panels 17 connected to the output shafts of the hydraulic cylinders. The wind power generation system generates wind power through several wind turbines 20 installed on the top of the main hull. The renewable energy generation system of the present invention can also be designed with a power storage device. In addition to the normal output of electricity provided by solar, wave, and wind energy, excess electricity can be stored in the power storage device for use when the sun, waves, and wind are weak. The mining platform of the present invention fully utilizes its own environmental resources, ensuring power supply without environmental pollution.

[0062] The present invention also provides a mining method of an alternating stepping deep-sea mining system based on a clean energy platform. The method is performed using the above-mentioned alternating stepping deep-sea mining system based on a clean energy platform. The specific steps include:

[0063] S1, transport the platform to the mining area;

[0064] S2: The two winches at the top rear end of the main hull are activated to pay out the anchor cable, causing the anchor head in the anchor cable compartment to sink to the seabed. At the same time, the electric propulsion device at the rear end of the main hull is activated, causing the main hull to move forward until the lowered anchor head reaches the seabed.

[0065] S3, shut down the two winches at the top rear end of the main hull, stop the winches from releasing the anchor cable, and shut down the electric propulsion device at the rear end of the main hull;

[0066] S4: The two winches at the front end of the main hull are activated to release the anchor cable, causing the anchor head in the anchor cable compartment to sink to the seabed. At the same time, the electric propulsion device at the front end of the main hull is activated, causing the main hull to move backward until the lowered anchor head reaches the seabed.

[0067] S5: After adjusting the position of the main hull to the center of the plane area formed by the four anchor heads, the two winches at the top front end of the main hull are turned off, the winches are stopped from releasing the anchor cables, and the electric propulsion device at the front end of the main hull is turned off.

[0068] S6, releasing the mining vehicle from the workshop to the seabed, and conducting mining operations in the plane area formed by the four anchor heads until the operation is completed, and then recovering the mining vehicle from the seabed to the workshop;

[0069] S7, the two winches at the front end of the top of the main hull are activated to release the anchor cable. At the same time, the electric propulsion device at the front end of the main hull is activated to move the main hull backward until it is above the anchor head at the rear end of the main hull.

[0070] S8: The electric propulsion device at the front end of the main hull is turned off, and the two winches at the top and rear end of the main hull are started. The winches reel in the anchor chain, causing the anchor head to rise from the seabed and be retracted into the anchor cable compartment. The main hull then rotates around the front end, and the front and rear ends of the main hull are interchanged.

[0071] S9, activating the electric propulsion device at the rear end of the main hull after the main hull has turned, causing the main hull to advance through the sea area above the anchor head at the rear end of the main hull after the main hull has turned, and then shutting down the electric propulsion device at the rear end of the main hull after the main hull has turned;

[0072] S10, repeating steps S4 to S9 until the seabed mining operation is completed.

[0073] In order to better understand the present invention, the method of the present invention is described below through specific examples.

[0074] The mining method of the alternating stepping deep-sea mining system based on the clean energy platform of the present invention first puts the platform on the sea surface, and then the platform can be transported to the mining sea area by a transport ship, or it can sail to the mining sea area by the platform's electric propulsion device. At this time, the platform's solar power generation system, wave power generation system and wind power generation system also start to work, and generate electricity through sunshade, wave elimination and wind power to provide power to the platform's electric propulsion device and other equipment; when mining operations are required, the two anchors at the rear end of the main hull are first lowered, and the main hull sails forward at the same time. When the two anchors lowered first reach the seabed, the two anchors at the front end of the main hull are lowered, and the main hull sails back. When the two anchors lowered later also reach the seabed, When reaching the seabed, the position of the main hull is adjusted so that it is fixed in the middle of the area formed by the four anchor heads. Finally, the mining vehicle is released to dive to the seabed and mining operations are carried out in the area formed by the four anchor heads until all the ore in the area is collected. When it is necessary to transfer the mining area, all the mining vehicles are first recovered, and then the main hull is sailed back to above the two anchor heads at the rear end, and the two anchor heads at the rear end are recovered. Then, with the two anchor heads at the front end as the center, the main hull turns around and sails forward a distance, and then the two anchor heads at the rear end are released. The main hull then sails back to the middle of the area formed by the four anchor heads, thus completing the mining area transfer. Finally, through the cycle of mining operations and mining area transfer, all the deep-sea ore is collected. Since this mining method can avoid omissions during the mining process and greatly improve the mining rate, this mining platform provides a highly innovative mining idea.

[0075] The present invention's alternating step-by-step deep-sea mining system, based on a clean energy platform, represents a novel deep-sea mining platform. The mining method utilizing this clean energy platform effectively collects all seabed ore, avoiding missed deposits and improving mining efficiency. The successful development and application of this invention will provide advanced mining equipment for the marine mining industry, generating significant economic benefits and significantly boosting its development, with far-reaching implications.

[0076] In the description of this specification, the reference terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0077] The above embodiments are intended only to illustrate the technical concepts and features of the present invention. Their purpose is to enable those skilled in the art to understand the contents of the present invention and implement them accordingly. They are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any equivalent changes or modifications made based on the essence of the present invention are intended to be covered by the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An alternating stepping deep-sea mining system based on a clean energy platform, characterized in that: include: the main hull, mining system, mooring system and electric propulsion; A workshop is provided in the middle of the main hull; The mining system includes a plurality of mining vehicles, and the plurality of mining vehicles are placed in the workshop; The mooring system includes a winch, an anchor cable compartment, an anchor cable and an anchor head. The winches are provided at the four corners of the top of the main hull, and the anchor cable compartment is provided below each winch. One end of the anchor cable is connected to the winch, and the other end is connected to the anchor head. The electric propulsion device is arranged at the front and rear ends of the bottom of the main hull; When mining is carried out, a plurality of the anchor heads are sunk into the seabed to form a quadrilateral area, and the mining vehicle performs mining operations in this area; When the mining area needs to be moved, the corresponding anchor heads are retracted or extended by controlling a plurality of the winches, and the electric propulsion device is used to drive the main hull forward or backward; When mining operations are required, the two anchors at the rear end of the main hull are first lowered, and the main hull sails forward at the same time. When the two anchors lowered first reach the seabed, the two anchors at the front end of the main hull are lowered, and the main hull sails back. When the two anchors lowered later also reach the seabed, the position of the main hull is adjusted so that the main hull is fixed in the middle of the area formed by the four anchors. Finally, the mining vehicle is released to dive to the seabed, and mining operations are carried out in the area formed by the four anchors until all the ore in the area is collected. When the mining area needs to be transferred, all the mining vehicles are first recovered, and then the main hull is sailed back to the top of the two anchors at the rear end, the two anchors at the rear end are recovered, and then with the two anchors at the front end as the center, the main hull turns around and sails forward one end distance, and then the two anchors at the rear end are released, and the main hull sails back to the middle of the area formed by the four anchors, thus completing the mining area transfer.

2. The alternating stepping deep-sea mining system based on a clean energy platform according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The anchor cable is a lightweight anchor cable, and the anchor head is a gravity anchor head.

3. The alternating stepping deep-sea mining system based on a clean energy platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mining system also includes a moon pool and a working tower. The moon pool includes a lifting platform and a lifting track. The lifting tracks are arranged on both sides of the moon pool. The lifting tracks are vertically arranged along the workshop toward the bottom of the main hull. The lifting platform is connected to the lifting track. A retracting device is arranged inside the working tower, and the retracting device is connected to the mining vehicle through a rope. The moon pool passes through the bottom of the main hull and is arranged below the workshop and communicates with the workshop. The working tower is arranged above the workshop.

4. The alternating stepping deep-sea mining system based on a clean energy platform according to claim 3 is characterized in that: The retractable device further comprises an intermediate station, the retractable device is connected to one end of the intermediate station, and the other end of the intermediate station is connected to the plurality of mining vehicles.

5. The alternating stepping deep-sea mining system based on a clean energy platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main hull is also provided with an ore storage room, and the ore storage room is arranged on the left and right sides of the workshop.

6. The alternating stepping deep-sea mining system based on a clean energy platform according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes a transmission system, which includes a conveying channel. The conveying channel is respectively connected to the front and rear ends of the main hull and passes through the ore storage room. A conveyor belt is provided in the conveying channel.

7. The alternating stepping deep-sea mining system based on a clean energy platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a renewable energy power generation system, which provides electricity for the main hull. The renewable energy power generation system includes a solar power generation system and a wave energy power generation system. The solar power generation system is arranged on the top of the main hull, and the wave energy power generation system is arranged at the front and rear ends of the main hull.

8. The alternating stepping deep-sea mining system based on a clean energy platform according to claim 7, characterized in that: The solar power generation system includes solar photovoltaic panels. Several cabins are arranged on the top of the main hull, and the solar photovoltaic panels are arranged above the several cabins.

9. The alternating stepping deep-sea mining system based on a clean energy platform according to claim 7, characterized in that: The wave energy power generation system includes a wave power generation panel, a truss support arm, a hinge and a hydraulic cylinder. The front and rear ends of the main hull are also provided with an equipment room. The wave power generation panel is connected to the truss support arm and is arranged in the equipment room through the hinge. The hydraulic cylinder is arranged in the equipment room, and the output shaft of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to one end of the wave power generation panel.

10. A mining method of an alternating stepping deep-sea mining system based on a clean energy platform, characterized in that: Utilizing the mining system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the specific steps include: S1, transport the platform to the mining area; S2: The two winches at the top rear end of the main hull are activated to pay out the anchor cable, causing the anchor head in the anchor cable compartment to sink to the seabed. At the same time, the electric propulsion device at the rear end of the main hull is activated, causing the main hull to move forward until the lowered anchor head reaches the seabed. S3, shut down the two winches at the top rear end of the main hull, stop the winches from releasing the anchor cable, and shut down the electric propulsion device at the rear end of the main hull; S4: The two winches at the front end of the main hull are activated to release the anchor cable, causing the anchor head in the anchor cable compartment to sink to the seabed. At the same time, the electric propulsion device at the front end of the main hull is activated, causing the main hull to move backward until the lowered anchor head reaches the seabed. S5: After adjusting the position of the main hull to the center of the plane area formed by the four anchor heads, the two winches at the top front end of the main hull are turned off, the winches are stopped from releasing the anchor cables, and the electric propulsion device at the front end of the main hull is turned off. S6, releasing the mining vehicle from the workshop to the seabed, and conducting mining operations in the plane area formed by the four anchor heads until the operation is completed, and then recovering the mining vehicle from the seabed to the workshop; S7, the two winches at the front end of the top of the main hull are activated to release the anchor cable. At the same time, the electric propulsion device at the front end of the main hull is activated to move the main hull backward until it is above the anchor head at the rear end of the main hull. S8: The electric propulsion device at the front end of the main hull is turned off, and the two winches at the top and rear end of the main hull are started. The winches reel in the anchor chain, causing the anchor head to rise from the seabed and be retracted into the anchor cable compartment. The main hull then rotates around the front end, and the front and rear ends of the main hull are interchanged. S9, activating the electric propulsion device at the rear end of the main hull after the main hull has turned, causing the main hull to advance through the sea area above the anchor head at the rear end of the main hull after the main hull has turned, and then shutting down the electric propulsion device at the rear end of the main hull after the main hull has turned; S10, repeating steps S4 to S9 until the seabed mining operation is completed.

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