Offshore landing stage

Abstract

The invention provides a floating structure for floating in open waters, the floating structure (2, 2 ') being configured for use as a ship docking, comprising a surrounding structure (10) and an interior space (20), the surrounding structure (10) surrounding the interior space (20) for docking at least one ship at a ship docking position (18) of the floating structure (2, 2'), the surrounding structure (10) comprising an opening (12), the floating structure (2, 2 ') comprises a connection point (24) for connecting an anchor line (6) for anchoring the floating structure (2, 2') to float in a set area within the open sea area, the connection point (24) being located on a first side of the surrounding structure (10), and the opening (12) being arranged substantially on an opposite side in the surrounding structure (10) so that the opening (12) is arranged in the floating structure (2, 2 '). 2 '), and a wave energy harvesting system having a plurality of floats, each vertically movable independently of one another, each capable of following the movement of the sea wave when placed on the surface of the sea.

Description

[0001] Confirmation of the identity of the parties involved

[0002] The inventors of the invention described in this patent document are Alain Jaccard of Sainte-Croix, Switzerland and Lucien Vouillamoz of Fessberg, Switzerland. The applicant is Legacy Foundry AG of Switzerland.

[0003] Copyright and Legal Notices

[0004] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is protected by copyright. Applicant has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights. In addition, any citation to third-party patents or articles herein is not to be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such material by virtue of prior invention. Background Art

[0005] The present invention relates to a floating territory. In particular, the present invention relates to a floating wave damper for reducing the impact of waves on a floating territory of a dock, so that the floating territory (here taking the dock as an example) can be installed offshore.

[0006] Floating docks or floating parts of docks can only be built in protected waters, as they cannot withstand the impact of waves that may occur offshore. In addition, almost all coasts close to densely populated areas are already built up, so further expansion of existing land-based docks is practically impossible.

[0007] What is needed is a floating dock that can withstand offshore waves and protect the boats anchored therein.

[0008] Additionally, a system is needed that can attenuate the effects of waves so that floating infrastructure does not have to face the full strength of offshore waves.

[0009] Another object of the invention is to provide a system that also allows the construction of floating islands that can resist the waves and collect part of the energy provided by the waves.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system that can store energy captured from waves and deliver it to the user of any floating structure as needed.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of operating such a system. Summary of the invention

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a floating structure that can be installed offshore. This object can be solved by a floating structure, preferably a floating dock, for floating in open waters, the floating structure optionally being configured to serve as a ship docking facility, comprising:

[0013] - a peripheral structure and an inner space, the peripheral structure surrounding the inner space for at least one vessel to dock at a vessel docking position of the floating structure, the peripheral structure comprising an opening for the vessel to enter the inner space from open water or vice versa to leave the inner space,

[0014] - a connection point for connecting an anchor line to anchor the floating structure at a set area in the open sea, the connection point being located at a first side of the surrounding structure, the opening being arranged substantially at an opposite side in the surrounding structure, thus at a downstream end of the floating structure.

[0015] This task can be solved by a wave energy harvesting system, preferably a wave attenuator, having a plurality of buoys which can be moved vertically independently of each other so that each buoy follows the movement of the waves when placed on the sea surface.

[0016] The present invention is based on the recognition that the floating structure itself can act as a wave energy collection system for the vessel entering the inner space. As a result, waves that may be higher in open water do not affect the movement of the vessel in the inner space. In addition, by arranging the connection point of the anchor on a first side of the surrounding structure and arranging the opening for the vessel to enter the inner space on a side of the surrounding structure that is substantially opposite to the first side, it is easier to control the mooring / docking of the vessel in a docking position or slipway. In a further development, the floating structure comprises a wave energy collection system, preferably a wave attenuator, which is fixed to the surrounding structure on the first side of the surrounding structure. As a result, the inner space and the opening can be unaffected by larger waves, making it easier to control the vessel entering or leaving the inner space or to maneuver the vessel at the docking position. Such a wave energy collection system can also be used to protect islands, coastlines, reefs, etc. from wave strength.

[0017] In a further development of the floating structure or wave energy harvesting system, the wave energy harvesting system comprises a plurality of floats which are able to move vertically independently of one another so that each float can follow the movement of the waves when placed on the sea surface. Thus, the strength of the waves can be weakened and energy can be stored for later use. Furthermore, the weight of the floating structure will result in a relative movement of the floats.

[0018] In a further development, the wave energy harvesting system comprises an energy conversion system adapted to generate electrical energy based on the relative movement of the floats.

[0019] In a further development, the wave energy harvesting system includes a ballast system that is able to adjust the weight of the superstructure and thus the immersion depth of the float. Thus, the energy harvesting performance of the system can be adapted to local meteorological conditions, such as wave height. The weight of the ballast system can be adjusted by pumping water into a water tank of the ballast system, which is fixed to the superstructure.

[0020] In a further development, the energy conversion system comprises a pumping system for pumping the fluid into the reservoir based on the relative movement of the floats with respect to each other, and the energy conversion system further comprises an energy converter for converting the energy (preferably potential energy) of the fluid in the reservoir into usable energy (preferably thermal energy or electrical energy). The pumping system provides the possibility of storing usable energy.

[0021] In a further refinement, the floating structure includes a superstructure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The disclosed technology will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings by way of symbols and examples. The same reference numerals represent the same components, while reference numerals with different superscripts represent functionally equivalent or similar components.

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the anchored floating structure;

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Detailed schematic diagram of the floating structure;

[0025] Figure 3 is a side view of another floating structure;

[0026] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a wave energy collection system according to a first embodiment;

[0027] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a wave energy collection system according to a second embodiment; and

[0028] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a float. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way, as they are exemplary in nature and are used to describe the best mode of the present invention known to the inventors as of the date of their filing. Therefore, changes may be made to the arrangement and / or function of any elements described in the disclosed exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0030] Reference now Figure 1, the floating structures 2, 2' are anchored at the anchor point 4. The floating structures 2, 2' are connected to the anchor point 4 by an anchor line 6. The anchor line 6, 6' may be an anchor chain or any other device suitable for anchoring the floating structures 2, 2' to the anchor point 4 (particularly downstream of the anchor point 4). Based on the direction of movement W, W' of the surrounding water (which may be similar to the direction of wind blowing), the floating structures 2, 2' are arranged according to the position of the anchor point 4, particularly downstream of the anchor point 4. More precisely, when the floating water has the direction shown by the arrow W, the floating structure 2 is arranged in its Figure 1 Therefore, when the water floats from the direction W', the floating structure 2' is arranged in Figure 1 According to the length of the anchor line 6, the floating structures 2, 2' are located in a circular area, for example with a radius of 500 meters, and the anchor point 4 is located in the center of the circular area.

[0031] Reference now Figure 2 , which shows in detail Figure 1 A floating structure 2, 2' is provided in the water. The positioning of the floating structure 2, 2' depends on the anchor point 4, the length of the anchor line 6 and the direction W, W' of the floating water. The floating structure 2, 2' comprises a surrounding structure 10 and an internal space 20. Advantageously, the floating structure 2, 2' further comprises a wave energy collection system 14 and a space 16 for placing buildings (such as restaurants, shops or service buildings, etc.). The surrounding structure 10 comprises an opening 12 for a vessel to enter the internal space 20 from the open waters surrounding the floating structure 2, 2'. The internal space 20 may comprise at least one vessel berthing position 18, advantageously comprising at least two vessel berthing positions 18.

[0032] The anchor line 6 can be connected to the surrounding structure 10 at a connection point 24 located on a first side of the surrounding structure 10. The opening 12 for the vessel to enter the inner space 20 is arranged on opposite sides in the surrounding structure 10. Therefore, the connection point 24 is facing the incoming wind or towards the floating water, respectively. Therefore, according to the arrangement of the opening 12 on opposite sides in the surrounding structure 10, the opening 12 is therefore facing the downstream direction. Therefore, the vessel entering the inner space 20 travels against the current and thus has better control when entering the vessel docking position 18 with only small movements. In addition, the floating structures 2, 2', in particular the surrounding structure 10 and the optional wave energy collection system 14 protect the area of ​​the opening 12 from higher waves. Such higher waves make it more difficult for the vessel to enter the inner space 20, and the present invention can avoid this problem.

[0033] Reference now Figure 3, the floating structure 2, 2' comprises a surrounding structure 10 and an inner space 20. The floating structure 2, 2' further comprises a wave energy collection system 14 and an optional space 16 for placing buildings. A restaurant 30 is optionally placed on the space 16. The surrounding structure 10 comprises an opening 12 for a vessel to enter the inner space 20 from the open water surrounding the floating structure 2, 2'.

[0034] The anchor point 4 for anchoring the floating structure 2, 2' is exemplarily located at an anchor post 40. An anchor line 6 extends from the anchor post 40 to a connection point 24 which is completely underwater. The connection point 24 is arranged in the surrounding structure 10, which can reach deep below the waterline. The surrounding structure 10 is constructed to reach deep below the waterline, which has the effect that the floating structure 2, 2' is very stable and is not affected by higher waves hitting the floating structure 2, 2'. The floating structure 2, 2' comprises interconnected floating elements 32 connected to the surrounding structure 10. The floating elements 32 are each mounted on the surrounding structure 10, each floating element 32 being movable in the vertical direction relative to the surrounding structure 10 and also being movable vertically relative to its immediately adjacent (multiple) floating elements 32. Therefore, each floating element vertically follows the waterline.

[0035] In the present disclosure, the term "wave" is used to describe water waves of a sea, lake and / or ocean.

[0036] The system of the present invention comprises a floating island consisting of a rigid superstructure supported above the wave crests by a plurality of buoys which are free to move vertically to follow the up and down motion of the sea water.

[0037] Reference now Figure 4 and Figure 5The system 100, 200 includes a rigid superstructure 1200, 2200 carried on the surface of a wave 1302, 2302 by a flexible structure 1300, 2300 composed of a large number (e.g., more than 10, preferably more than 100, and even more preferably more than 1000) of floats 1310, 2310. The floats 1310, 2310 are free to move substantially vertically and relative to each other with the up and down movement of the waves 1302, 2302. All or part of the floats 1310, 2310 include alignment features 1314, 2314 that engage corresponding alignment features 1324, 2324 on the superstructure 1200, 2200 to prevent the flexible structure 1300, 2300 from drifting relative to the superstructure 1200, 2200. Optionally, all or part of the floats 1310, 2310 are held in an upright position by ballast 1312, 2312, which may be mounted below or inside the floats 1310, 2310. Optionally, all or part of the floats 1310, 2310 are held in their horizontal position relative to each other and / or relative to the superstructure 1200, 2200 by vertical sliding, optionally by interlocking features (not shown in this figure). Optionally, all or part of the floats are held in an upright position relative to each other by vertical sliding, optionally within interlocking features (not shown in this figure).

[0038] The float 1310, 2310 carries the superstructure 1200, 2200 through the piston 1332 and cylinder 1334 constituting the pump, or through the inflatable cushion 2332. The inflatable cushion can have a tube ring or donut shape or any other suitable shape or configuration, for example, a multi-chamber configuration as known in the industry. The cylinder 1334 or the inflatable cushion 2332 is fluidly connected to the pipe system 1412, 2412, and the pipe system 1412, 2412 includes a one-way valve or an element with similar function known in the industry (not shown), so that the fluid pumped by the piston 1332 and the cylinder 1334 or by the inflatable cushion 2332 is collected in the reservoir 1414, 2414. The fluid used for pumping can be air, water or any other suitable fluid known in the industry. The reservoir 1414, 2414 is fluidly connected to the energy converter 1500, 2500 through another piping system 1418, 2418, which includes a regulating device 1416, 2416 to regulate the amount of fluid delivered to the energy converter 1500, 2500. The piping system 1412, 1416, 1418, 2412, 2416, 2418 and the reservoir 1414, 2414 may include a pressure converter or adapter and monitoring equipment (not shown) as known in the art. The energy converter 1500, 2500 can be a generator, but can also convert the fluid height or pressure (if the fluid is a compressible fluid) into another form of energy, such as mechanical motion.

[0039] The superstructure 1200, 2200 carries a ballast system 1202, 2202 to adapt its weight to the height of the waves 1302, 2302 and the surrounding meteorological conditions, thereby ensuring optimal performance of the energy collection system 100, 200. The reservoir 1414, 2414 and / or the energy converter 1500, 2500 and / or other equipment components of the system 100, 200 can be installed on a separate floating device to ensure maximum adaptability of the superstructure weight through the ballast 1202, 2202.

[0040] When the wave 1302, 2302 is higher than the sum of the height of the floats plus the submerged depth of the floats 1310, 2310 due to the weight of the superstructure 1200, 2200 they carry (such weight can be accommodated by the use of ballast 1202, 2202) and their own weight, the floats 1310, 2310 are no longer permanently in contact with the superstructure 1200, 2200 and they follow the downward movement of the wave 1302, 2302. Since the floats 1310, 2310 are free to move downward, they do not contribute weight to the superstructure 1200, 2200. When the wave pushes the float 1310, 2310 upwards again, the float 1310, 2310 activates the piston 1332 or the inflatable cushion 2332, pushing it upwards until the float 1310, 2310 carries the superstructure 1200, 2200, thereby pumping the fluid through the collection pipe system 1412, 2412 to the reservoir 1414, 2414. The reservoir 1414, 2414 thus constitutes an energy reserve in the form of collected fluid, and in the case of a compressible fluid, the fluid stored in the reservoir is selectively in a pressurized state.

[0041] When converting the stored energy into another form of energy, such as electrical energy, the user turns on the regulator 1416, 2416 and generates the required energy as needed.

[0042] Reference now Figure 6 , shows an example of a float 3300 of the present invention. The body 3310 of the float 3300 has the form of a vertically placed triangular prism, the basic form of which is an equilateral triangle, which is extruded along the vertical axis to a depth equal to the length of the side of the equilateral triangle, has alternating male and female dovetails or grooves, respectively, and includes interlocking male features 3322 and female features 3324, as well as alignment features 3314.

[0043] The floating structure of the present invention can provide mooring for any number of vessels of any size as required.

[0044] The floating structure of the present invention may include any appropriate services, specialized infrastructure and / or equipment, ship building or repair infrastructure and / or equipment, medical infrastructure and / or equipment, and / or leisure infrastructure.

[0045] As shown in the figure, the floating structure can be moored offshore and naturally downwind or downstream to resist the combined effects of wind and waves, just like an anchored ship. Therefore, when the entrance of the floating structure is formed as a floating dock, the ships moored therein can be best protected from the effects of wind and waves. The floating structure can be equipped with a motor, can be actively oriented, or can be towed to any suitable location. The dimensions shown in the figure are given as examples only and do not constitute any limitation on the size and / or proportions of the object of the present invention.

[0046] The side of the surrounding structure facing the combined effects of wind and waves may be protected by another floating infrastructure (wave attenuator) which is a part of the floating structure and is intended to at least partially buffer the force of waves striking the surrounding structure. The wave energy collection system and the surrounding structure are connected together, but this connection allows the wave energy collection system and the rest of the floating structure to move vertically relative to each other.

[0047] A floating infrastructure or wave attenuator constructed as described in international patent applications PCT / IB2019 / 056405 Modular floating structures and construction methods and PCT / IB2020 / 056129 Modular floating land - the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference and relied upon for defining the features for which protection is sought here, as it is believed that their entirety contributes to solving the technical problem of the present invention, some of the features that may be mentioned below being of particular importance. A floating wave energy collection system may include a rigid superstructure mounted on floating building assemblies or buoys. The floating building assemblies follow the movement of the waves, but they are ballasted so that their movement dissipates the energy of the waves as they move upwards. The floating building assemblies are guided vertically relative to the superstructure by a linear guide system and / or interlocking features between them, thereby constituting a wall that is rigid in the direction of the waves but flexible in the vertical direction. The height of the floating building assemblies is commensurate with the height of the waves they are to attenuate, and ideally is higher than the waves they are to attenuate. For example, to attenuate the energy of a 2 meter high wave, a 4 meter high float can be used, with ballast ensuring that approximately 75% of its height is submerged in water, thus forming a 4 meter high wall of which 3 meters are underwater. Several rows of floating building components can be installed to obtain sufficient attenuation of wave energy.

[0048] In order to make the floating structure strong and stable, a portion of its structure extends below the water surface to a sufficient depth so that a vessel can circulate above the water surface without contact. The portion of the structure that is underwater also provides the necessary attachments for mooring at least one vessel. The portion of the structure that is underwater can be used to connect the floating structure to a mooring post.

[0049] Infrastructure similar to the wave energy harvesting system of the present invention may be used to protect any other floating infrastructure installed offshore.

[0050] Infrastructure similar to the wave energy harvesting system of the present invention can be used to reduce the impact of waves on the coast or corals.One advantage is that a floating structure is provided that can withstand the waves occurring offshore and protect vessels anchored therein.

[0051] Another advantage resides in providing a floating infrastructure that can attenuate the effects of ocean waves to protect the floating infrastructure or reduce the impact of ocean waves on coasts or corals.

[0052] It should be understood that the particular embodiments shown and described herein are representative of the present invention and its best mode and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

[0053] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present invention may be embodied as a system, an apparatus, or a method.

[0054] According to various aspects of the present invention, the present invention is described herein with reference to block diagrams, facilities, components and modules. It should be understood that each functional block in the block diagram and the combination of functional blocks in the block diagram can be implemented by computer program instructions, which can be loaded onto a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing facility to produce a machine so that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable data processing facility create functions specified in the block diagram.

[0055] Therefore, the block diagrams illustrate combinations of devices for performing specified functions, combinations of steps for performing specified functions, and program instruction devices for performing specific functions. Each functional block of the block diagram and the flow chart, as well as the combination of functional blocks in the block diagram, can be implemented by a computer system based on dedicated hardware that performs the specified functions or steps, or a suitable combination thereof.

[0056] Moreover, the system may contemplate the use, sale, and / or distribution of any goods, services, or information having similar functionality as described herein.

[0057] This specification and the drawings should be considered in an illustrative manner, rather than a restrictive manner, and all modifications described herein are expected to be included within the scope of the invention claimed. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims (as they currently exist or are modified or added later, and their legal equivalents), rather than being determined by the examples described above alone. For example, the steps recorded in any method or process claim can be performed in any order unless otherwise explicitly stated, without being limited to the specific order given in any claim. In addition, the elements and / or components recorded in any device claim can be assembled or otherwise configured in various arrangements to produce results substantially the same as the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific configurations recorded in the claims.

[0058] The benefits, other advantages, and solutions mentioned herein are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or components of any or all the claims.

[0059] When used herein, the words "comprises," "comprising," or any variation thereof, mean a non-exclusive enumeration of elements, such that any apparatus, process, method, article, composition, or formation of the invention that includes the listed elements does not include only those elements recorded, but may also include, for example, other elements described in this specification. The use of the words "consisting of," or "consisting of," or "consisting essentially of," is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the listed elements named thereafter, unless otherwise indicated. Other combinations and / or modifications of the above-mentioned elements, materials, or structures used in the practice of the invention may be changed or adjusted to other designs by a skilled person without departing from the general principles of the invention.

[0060] Unless otherwise noted, the above-mentioned patents and articles are hereby incorporated by reference to the extent they are not inconsistent with the present disclosure.

[0061] Further characteristics and embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0062] Furthermore, the invention should be considered to include all possible combinations of each and every feature described in the specification, the attached claims and / or the drawings which may be considered novel, inventive and industrially applicable.

[0063] Additional features and functions of the present invention are described in the accompanying claims and / or abstract. Such claims and / or abstract are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety into this specification and should be considered a part of the application as filed.

[0064] In the embodiments of the present invention described herein, multiple variations and modifications are possible. Although certain illustrative embodiments of the present invention are shown and described herein, many various modifications, variations and alternatives can be envisioned in the foregoing disclosure. Although the above description contains many specific details, these details should not be regarded as limitations on the scope of the present invention, but are instead regarded as illustrations of one or another preferred embodiment thereof. In some cases, some features of the present invention may be used without the corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the foregoing description is interpreted broadly and is understood to be given only by way of illustration and example, and the spirit and scope of the present invention are limited only by the claims that are finally issued in this application.

Claims

1. A floating structure (2, 2'), preferably a floating dock, for floating in open waters, the floating structure (2, 2') being configured for use as a ship docking, comprising a surrounding structure (10) and an inner space (20), the surrounding structure (10) surrounding the inner space (20) for at least one ship to dock at a ship docking position (18) of the floating structure (2, 2'), the surrounding structure (10) comprising an opening (12) for the ship to enter the inner space (20) from the open waters or to leave the inner space (20) conversely, A connection point (24) for connecting an anchor line (6) to anchor the floating structure (2, 2') to float in a set area in the open sea, the connection point (24) being located on a first side of a surrounding structure (10), and the opening (12) being arranged substantially on an opposite side in the surrounding structure (10), so that the opening (12) is arranged at a downstream end of the floating structure (2, 2').

2. A floating structure (2, 2') according to claim 1, comprising a wave energy collection system (14) fixed to the surrounding structure (10) at a first side of the surrounding structure (10).

3. A floating structure (2, 2') according to claim 2, wherein the wave energy collection system (14) comprises a plurality of floats which are vertically movable independently of each other so that each float follows the movement of the waves when placed on the sea surface.

4. The floating structure (2, 2') according to claim 3, comprising an energy conversion system capable of generating electrical energy based on the relative movement of the floaters.

5. The floating structure (2, 2') according to claim 4, the energy conversion system includes a pumping system for pumping fluid into a reservoir based on the relative movement (preferably vertical relative movement) between the floats, and the energy conversion system also includes an energy converter for converting the energy (preferably potential energy) of the fluid in the reservoir into usable energy (preferably thermal energy or electrical energy).

6. A floating structure (2, 2') according to claim 5, comprising a superstructure carried by a buoy.

7. A wave energy harvesting system, preferably a wave attenuator, having a plurality of floats which, when placed on the sea surface, can move vertically independently of one another so that each float follows the movement of the waves.

8. A wave energy collection system according to claim 7, comprising an energy conversion system capable of generating electrical energy based on the relative movement of the floats.

9. According to the wave energy collection system according to claim 8, the energy conversion system includes a pumping system for pumping fluid into a reservoir based on the relative movement of the floats with respect to each other, and the energy conversion system also includes an energy converter for converting the energy (preferably potential energy) of the fluid in the reservoir into usable energy (preferably thermal energy or electrical energy).

10. The wave energy collection system of claim 8, comprising a ballast system (1202, 2202) capable of adjusting the weight of the superstructure (1200, 2200) and thereby adjusting the submerged depth of the buoy (1310, 2310).

11. A floating structure (2, 2') according to claim 1, comprising a wave energy harvesting system according to claim 7.

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