Offshore floating platform for manufacturing, assembly, maintenance and / or disassembly of floating wind turbines

Abstract

The invention relates to a floating offshore platform (1) configured for offshore manufacturing and / or assembly and / or maintenance and / or disassembly of a floating wind turbine (2) comprising a floating foundation (4), a tower (6), a nacelle (8) and at least one blade (10), the platform (1) comprises at least one first area (22) dedicated to the manufacture of a floating foundation (4) configured to accommodate a tower drum (6), at least one second area (24) dedicated to the assembly and / or disassembly of the floating foundation (4) and the tower drum (6), and a third area (26) equipped with a lifting platform capable of being at least partially submerged underground, the platform (1) comprising a plurality of integral floating caissons (16).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of floating wind turbines, and more particularly to a series of manufacturing, assembling, maintaining and / or disassembling of a floating foundation and one or more wind turbines thereof, the whole process being carried out while floating on water. Background Art

[0002] A wind turbine is a device that uses the kinetic energy of wind to generate electricity. In deep water areas where it is not economically and / or technically feasible to employ a foundation attached to the ground, a floating foundation acts as the foundation for the wind turbine, providing a stable base to hold the wind turbine. A wind turbine typically consists of one or more towers, on top of which is the turbine and one or more blades that are driven by the wind, providing the turbine with kinetic energy. To best harness the energy of wind, wind turbines can be floating wind turbines or offshore wind turbines, meaning they are installed offshore, where the wind is typically stronger and more regular than onshore.

[0003] Floating wind turbines are usually built onshore, for example in a port factory onshore, then transported to the area of ​​interest and installed on the seabed. The floating wind turbine can then be returned to land when maintenance is required or it needs to be removed.

[0004] However, the construction of floating wind turbines does pose significant logistical issues, including the need to occupy large areas of land, provide special facilities and handling equipment, and obtain construction and environmental permits to allow structures weighing thousands of tons to be stored and moved on the ground, as well as to allow the floating wind turbine to be launched into the water or to allow the wind turbine to be assembled at altitude on its floating foundation. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome this drawback by proposing an anchored floating platform equipped with a manufacturing and assembly line for offshore floating wind turbines, which therefore aims to allow the floating wind turbines to be manufactured directly on the water. Such a platform allows to reduce logistic requirements and thus costs, and save time, since it is not necessary to bring the floating wind turbines back to land, especially during maintenance operations, since no infrastructure on shore and in ports is required. The platform also reduces the carbon footprint caused by the movement of floating wind turbines.

[0006] Therefore, the main object of the present invention is a floating offshore platform configured for offshore manufacturing and / or assembly and / or maintenance and / or disassembly of a floating wind turbine, the floating wind turbine comprising a floating foundation, at least one tower, at least one nacelle and at least one blade, the platform comprising at least one first area dedicated to manufacturing a floating foundation configured to accommodate the tower, at least one second area dedicated to assembling and / or maintaining and / or disassembling the floating foundation and the tower, and a third area equipped with a lifting platform capable of at least partially submerging, the platform comprising a plurality of floating caissons.

[0007] The platform according to the invention is an offshore platform, i.e. it is configured to be installed offshore; in other words, the manufacture, assembly, maintenance or disassembly of the floating wind turbines for which it is used can be carried out offshore. For this purpose, the platform is mobile, so it can be moved from one point of interest to another. It comprises a plurality of floating caissons, which are modular caissons associated with each other, allowing modularity of the shape of the platform in order to adapt to the needs of the manufacturing, assembly, maintenance and disassembly operations. Due to the modularity of the platform and the combination of these caissons, the shape of the platform is not subject to any restrictions.

[0008] A floating wind turbine consists of a tower (sometimes multiple towers) at one end of which is a nacelle containing a turbine (sometimes multiple turbines) and one or more blades, and a floating foundation configured to ensure the stability of the tower and its supported elements in the water. The platform comprises at least one first manufacturing area for the floating foundation. More specifically, the various components constituting the floating foundation are assembled.

[0009] The first area includes means for assembling the structural elements of the floating foundation. The first area includes the columns, the buoys, the brackets interconnecting these buoys, the channels of the floating structure, the means for fixing the columns and channels, and the secondary and tertiary structures of the floating structure. The first area also includes means for assembling together the tower, the nacelle and the blades and all other elements of the floating wind turbine, such as the ballast system for the floating structure. The manufacturing is done as a batch production, i.e. the platform can be used to produce multiple floating foundations.

[0010] The platform also includes at least one second area, in which the floating foundation is assembled to the tower, or in which these two elements are disassembled. The second area also includes means for assembling the tower, nacelle and blades to the floating structure. The second area includes the tools required to assemble the tower, nacelle and blades to the floating structure, as well as elements for fixing the tower to the floating structure. This second area can also be used to assemble or otherwise disassemble the tower, turbine and blades, as well as all commissioning operations before installing the floating wind turbine. Thanks to these two types of areas, floating wind turbines can be produced directly offshore, ready for installation and use. This reduces the constraints associated with moving these floating wind turbines when they are built on land and then transported offshore.

[0011] According to one feature, the platform is anchored. This anchoring may be temporary or permanent. Thus, the platform comprises anchoring means configured to secure the platform offshore or means for mooring the platform.

[0012] The mooring and / or anchoring system is configured to maintain a temporary or permanent geostationary floating position of the platform.

[0013] Such mooring and / or seabed anchoring systems include mooring lines, anchors and connectors and allow the platform to be temporarily or permanently connected to the seabed to prevent it from drifting. The mooring and / or anchoring system also allows the platform to move on the water.

[0014] According to one feature, the platform is configured to allow manufacturing and / or assembly and / or maintenance and / or disassembly of floating wind turbines of different sizes.

[0015] According to a feature of the invention, the platform comprises a middle portion extending mainly longitudinally and comprising a first zone, and a peripheral portion comprising a second zone.

[0016] This means that the floating foundation is manufactured in the center of the platform, while the wind turbines are assembled on its foundation at its periphery, ie on either side of the middle part and directly in the water. The first area is therefore in the core of the platform.

[0017] According to another characteristic of the invention, the platform comprises three first areas arranged in the middle part dedicated to the manufacture of floating foundations.

[0018] The first three areas are aligned one after the other in the longitudinal direction. Each is dedicated to a specific operation in the manufacture of the floating foundation, and together they form a continuous production line within the middle section.

[0019] According to a feature of the invention, the platform comprises a lifting gantry configured to move along the intermediate portion, the lifting gantry cooperating with a guide system on the ground.

[0020] The lifting gantry is more specifically a crane. It can be moved along the middle section in the longitudinal direction, i.e. from one area to another. For this purpose, the lifting gantry cooperates with a ground guide system, such as a rail system, and allows the movement of elements to be assembled or already assembled.

[0021] According to one feature, the platform comprises a third zone equipped with an elevating platform capable of at least partially submerging.

[0022] The lifting platform is a crane. It allows the floating foundation to be launched into and lifted out of the water. More specifically, the third area allows the floating foundation to be launched once it has been made and, for example, allows the floating foundation or even a floating wind turbine to be lifted out of the water for maintenance or disassembly operations. Such a lifting platform is capable of at least partially submerging because it has a hull that can be filled with water to act as ballast.

[0023] According to one feature, the third area including the lifting platform is configured like the first area for manufacturing the floating foundation and / or like the second area for assembling and / or maintaining and / or disassembling the floating foundation and the tower.

[0024] According to another feature of the invention, the third zone is provided at a longitudinal end of the intermediate portion.

[0025] The mainly longitudinally extending middle portion has a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end. The third region is located at one of these longitudinal ends, for example at the first longitudinal end. This has the effect of restricting the movement of the floating foundation once it is in the water. The arrangement at one longitudinal end means that the floating foundation can be wired to either side of the middle portion with equal ease, i.e. to any point on the peripheral portion.

[0026] According to one feature, the platform comprises at least a fourth area dedicated to maintenance operations on the floating wind turbine.

[0027] This fourth area is located in the peripheral portion. It allows maintenance and repair of the floating foundation or other elements of the floating wind turbine without the need to bring the wind turbine back to land. The fourth area includes replacement parts and repair equipment for the floating wind turbine.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, the elements constituting the floating wind turbine may be elements of a floating foundation.

[0029] According to one feature of the invention, the platform comprises at least a fifth area dedicated to supplying, storing and / or loading elements of the platform.

[0030] The fifth area is an area used for mooring and / or berthing of vessels that help to supply the platform with material by loading or unloading their cargo. The fifth area includes berthing positions and moorings for barges and vessels.

[0031] According to another feature, the fifth zone is arranged at a longitudinal end of the intermediate portion opposite to the longitudinal end comprising the third zone.

[0032] For example, the fifth area is located at the second longitudinal end. As with the location of the third area, the arrangement of the fifth area allows easy loading and / or unloading from either side of the platform.

[0033] According to one feature, the first region, the third region and the fifth region are arranged in the middle portion, the first region being located between the third region and the fifth region in the longitudinal direction.

[0034] Thus, the first region is in the centre of the middle portion relative to the longitudinal ends of the middle portion, which are occupied by the third and fifth regions, respectively.

[0035] According to one feature, the second area and the fourth area are arranged in the peripheral part.

[0036] It is a feature of the invention that the floating caisson is at least partially constructed of concrete and includes steel reinforcement.

[0037] Caissons include transverse walls, longitudinal walls and a concrete bottom, but they are hollow so that they can float. Caissons also have reinforcements made of steel or steel alloy and one or more other materials.

[0038] In some embodiments, the floating caissons are cross-shaped when viewed from above. They are then formed of a first portion and a second portion arranged perpendicular to each other, the first portion of each of the floating caissons being aligned along the longitudinal direction. The size of the second portion is the same as or smaller than the first portion. The first portion of the caisson may be 80 meters + / - 20% long, while the second portion of the caisson may be 45 meters + / - 20% long.

[0039] In the embodiment where the floating caissons are cross-shaped, when the floating caissons are assembled together, empty spaces remain between the floating caissons due to the shape of the floating caissons. In order to be able to use the floating platform for manufacturing and / or assembly and / or maintenance and / or disassembly operations of the floating wind turbine, the floating caissons are covered by a floor so as to cover the empty spaces and the floating caissons.

[0040] In one feature, the floating caissons are interconnected by a rigid connection system to form a unitary floating platform.

[0041] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a floating wind turbine on a platform as described above, the manufacturing method being performed offshore and comprising the steps of manufacturing at least one floating foundation in a first area and assembling the floating foundation and the tower of the floating wind turbine in a second area.

[0042] The manufacturing step involves one or more first regions of the intermediate portion, while the assembly step occurs within the peripheral portion, more specifically within the second region. It should be understood that the manufacturing step must occur before the assembly step, as the floating foundation needs to be produced to be associated with the tower.

[0043] According to another feature, the manufacturing method comprises a step of supplying structural elements of the floating wind turbine through the fifth area before the manufacturing step, and a launching step of launching the floating foundation through the lifting platform of the third area, the launching step occurring between the manufacturing step and the assembling step.

[0044] The supply step includes the barge and / or ship unloading the structural elements of the floating wind turbine onto the platform and possibly storing them on the platform. The floating foundation produced by the assembly of these structural elements in the first area is then launched by the lifting platform in the third area and transported to the second area for assembly. Thus, the tower is positioned when the floating foundation on which the tower is placed is in the water.

[0045] The present invention also relates to a method for offshore dismantling of a floating wind turbine on a platform as described above, the dismantling method being carried out offshore and comprising the steps of dismantling at least the tower of the floating wind turbine in a sixth area, lifting out of the water in a third area, dismantling the floating foundation in a first area and loading in a fifth area.

[0046] It will be appreciated that the disassembly step allows the tower to be disassembled from the floating foundation. It may also cover the disassembly of the tower relative to the blades or nacelle of the floating wind turbine. The hoisting out of the water step is performed by means of a lifting platform in the third area. Finally, the loading step involves loading and storing the structural elements of the previously disassembled floating wind turbine on a barge or vessel, wherein this loading step takes place in the fifth area.

[0047] The disassembly step involves loading a barge and / or a vessel onto the platform to recover the structural elements of the floating wind turbine and, if necessary, store them on the platform. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will become more apparent on the one hand by reading the following description and on the other hand by reference to the examples of embodiments given by way of indication and non-limiting manner in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0049] [Figure 1 ] schematically shows a plan view of a platform according to the invention viewed from above;

[0050] [ Figure 2 ]yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the platform shown in ;

[0051] [ Figure 3 ]yes Figure 1 Another perspective view of the platform shown in;

[0052] [ Figure 4 ]yes Figure 1 Alternative representation of ;

[0053] [ Figure 5 ] schematically shows the Figure 1 A method of manufacturing an offshore floating wind turbine on a platform is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] The features, variants and different embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other in various combinations, as long as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, it is conceivable that the variant of the invention only includes a selection of the features described subsequently, which does not include other features, if this selection of features is sufficient to give technical advantages and / or distinguish the invention from the prior art.

[0055] In the drawings, elements common to several figures retain the same reference numerals. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 A floating offshore platform 1 according to the invention is schematically shown. Figure 1 and Figure 4 is the plan view of the platform 1, and Figure 2 and Figure 3 is a perspective view. The platform 1 extends mainly in the longitudinal direction. It is configured to manufacture and / or assemble and / or disassemble offshore floating wind turbines 2, in particular floating wind turbines 2 made of concrete or steel. These floating wind turbines 2 can be Figure 2 and Figure 3 will now be described in more detail.

[0056] The floating wind turbine 2 consists of two main parts, including a first part corresponding to a floating foundation 4 (also called a floating structure), which includes one or more buoys, and a second part including one or more towers 6, one or more nacelles 8 and one or more blades 10. The nacelles 8 and blades 10 are located at one free end of the tower 6. The other end of the tower 6 is placed or implanted on the floating foundation 4, which is a part of the floating wind turbine 2 that keeps at least the nacelles 8 and blades 10 out of the water and prevents the floating wind turbine 2 from capsizing.

[0057] The floating foundation 4 is composed of three columns 12 connected together by channels 14, the columns 12 and channels 14 being arranged to form a substantially equilateral triangle. The tower 6 is positioned on one of the three columns 12.

[0058] As described above, the platform 1 is configured for manufacturing and / or assembling and / or maintaining and / or disassembling the floating wind turbine 2. More specifically, it can be used to manufacture, assemble or disassemble floating wind turbines 1 of variable sizes. Since these manufacturing, assembly, maintenance and disassembly operations are performed offshore, the platform 1 includes a plurality of floating caissons 16 to keep it afloat. These floating caissons 16 are associated with each other in the desired shape of the platform 1. This combination of floating caissons 16 is Figure 1 and Figure 4 In particular, the combination of floating caissons 16 involves a rigid connection system so that their interconnection forms a monolithic platform 1, ie a single block. Each floating caisson itself is monolithic, ie made of a single piece of material, such as concrete.

[0059] The floating caissons 16 are at least partially made of concrete; they are substantially rectangular or cross-shaped, with transverse walls, longitudinal walls and a bottom made of concrete. The floating caissons 16 also comprise reinforcements made of steel or other materials allowing them to be reinforced. These floating caissons 16 are hollow so that they can float, and are configured so that they can be filled with water.

[0060] Figure 4 The cross-shaped floating caisson 16 is shown in FIG. Figure 1 . These cross-shaped floating caissons 16 include a first portion and a second portion arranged perpendicularly to each other. The first portion, which extends mainly in the longitudinal direction, has a larger dimension measured from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction of between 70 and 90 meters, while the second portion has a larger dimension measured from one end to the other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of between 40 and 50 meters. In a specific example, the first portion is 80 meters long and the second portion is 45 meters long.

[0061] In some embodiments, the platform 1 is equipped with a crane, such as a tower crane 17, in particular for installing the floating caisson 16. For example, the hoisting height of such a tower crane 17 is about 200 meters.

[0062] In some embodiments, the platform 1 has a length measured in the longitudinal direction between 300 meters and 350 meters, and a width measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction between 150 meters and 200 meters. In a specific example, the platform 1 is 320 meters long and 160 meters wide. The platform 1 has a mass of about 250,000 tons.

[0063] In other embodiments, platform 1 is approximately 1000 meters long and 500 meters wide.

[0064] The platform 1 is anchored to prevent it from drifting. It comprises a system for mooring and / or for anchoring to the seabed, not shown here. The mooring and / or anchoring system comprises, for example, anchors, mooring lines and connectors, and allows anchoring to the seabed regardless of the depth of the water in which the platform 1 is located. The mooring and / or anchoring system is configured to maintain the geostationary floating position of the platform 1; in other words, it allows preventing the platform 1 from accidentally moving. When the platform 1 is not connected to the seabed by the mooring and / or anchoring system, the platform 1 is movable. This means that the platform 1 can be moved or transported towards a location of interest where the floating wind turbine 2 is to be installed. In some embodiments, the platform 1 is moored to a pier.

[0065] The platform 1 has a middle portion 18 and peripheral portions 20 arranged on either side of the middle portion 18; in other words, the mainly longitudinally extending middle portion 18 is laterally flanked by the peripheral portions 20 so as to be at least partially surrounded by the peripheral portions 20. The middle portion 18 extends in the longitudinal direction from one end to the other of the platform 1, whereas the peripheral portions have a smaller longitudinal dimension.

[0066] The middle part 18 and the peripheral part 20 each comprise different areas of the platform 1 corresponding to workstations where different operations dedicated to manufacturing, assembling or disassembling the floating wind turbine 2 are performed. The platform 1 comprises at least one first area 22 dedicated to manufacturing the floating foundation 4, a second area 24 dedicated to assembling the floating foundation 4 and the tower 6, a third area 26 dedicated to launching and lifting the floating foundation 4 from the water, a fourth area 28 dedicated to maintenance operations on the floating wind turbine 2 and a fifth area 30 dedicated to supplying the platform 1. These different areas of the platform 1 will now be described, which are all substantially square in shape.

[0067] As in Figure 1 and Figure 4As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the platform 1 comprises three consecutive first areas 22. Each of these first areas 22 allows a specific operation in the manufacture of the floating foundation 4 to be performed while floating; thus, Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, they respectively allow the columns 12 and channels 14 to be assembled to form a first subassembly, this subassembly to be assembled with a second column 12 to form a second subassembly, and finally this second subassembly to be assembled with a third column 12 and second and third channels 14 to form the complete floating foundation 4 .

[0068] The first three zones 22 are arranged in the middle part 18. They form a continuous production line within this middle part 18, allowing the mass production of floating foundations 4.

[0069] The materials required for manufacturing the floating foundation 4 are transported to the platform 1 by barges or ships 32. These barges or ships 32 supply the platform 1 via a fifth area 30, where the barges or ships 32 can dock in order to unload their cargo. As will be explained later, this fifth area also involves the evacuation of the floating wind turbine 2, once the floating wind turbine 2 has been dismantled, the elements of the floating wind turbine 2 being loaded onto the barges or ships 32 for transport back to land.

[0070] The fifth area 30 is strategically located at one longitudinal end of the middle part 18, which in this case is the first longitudinal end 34. In order to move materials from the fifth area 30 where they are unloaded to the first area 22 where the floating foundation 4 is manufactured, the platform 1 is equipped with a lifting gantry 36 comprising, for example, a crane.

[0071] Lifting mast 36 Figure 2 and Figure 3 1 , where the lifting gantry 36 is shown in various positions within the platform 1 . The lifting gantry 36 moves in the longitudinal direction. To this end, it cooperates with a guide system 38. This guide system 38 is arranged on the floor of the platform 1 so as to pass directly through it; therefore, it extends from one longitudinal end to the other longitudinal end of the middle part 18. More specifically, the guide system 38 comprises a rail assembly on which the lifting gantry 36 can slide in order to move.

[0072] In addition to transporting materials from the fifth area 30 to the first area 22, the lifting gantry 36 is also involved in moving partially completed floating foundations 4 in the first area 22 and moving these completed floating foundations 4 to the third area 26. A guide system 38 extends from the fifth area 30 to the third area 26.

[0073] The third region 26 is disposed at the second longitudinal end 40 of the middle portion 18, i.e., at its longitudinal end opposite to the first longitudinal end 34 including the fifth region 30. Therefore, it should be understood that one or more first regions 22 are longitudinally disposed between the fifth region 30 and the third region 26. In some specific embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the third region 26 is a portion of the platform 1 that is separate from the main body of the platform 1 , which includes the first region 22 and the second region 24. In other words, the third region 26 is separate from the rest of the platform 1.

[0074] The third area 26 is configured for launching the floating foundations 4 or for lifting them out of the water. More specifically, the third area 26 allows the floating foundations 4 to be launched into the water when they are manufactured in the first area 22, and allows them to be lifted out of the water, for example when they need to be removed. The third area 26 includes a lifting platform capable of at least partially submerging, which is filled and emptied with water so that the lifting platform can be lowered and raised respectively within the platform 1. It should be understood that filling the lifting platform and lowering it allows the floating foundations 4 to be launched into the water, while emptying and raising it allows these floating foundations 4 to be lifted out of the water. The above-mentioned tower crane 17 is positioned on the lifting platform, for example, to make it easier to launch the floating wind turbine 2 or some of its elements, in particular its floating foundation 4.

[0075] To form a complete floating wind turbine 2, the floating foundations 4 are transported to a second area 24 dedicated to assembling these floating foundations 4 with at least one tower 6. More generally, the second area 24 allows the assembly and disassembly of the floating foundations with the tower 6, the nacelle 8 and the at least one blade 10, i.e. the disassembly of the floating wind turbine 2, its various equipment and any related operations, in particular while floating.

[0076] The platform 1 comprises at least one second region 24, and advantageously comprises a plurality of second regions 24. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the platform 1 comprises four second areas 24. The floating caissons 16 participating in forming the second areas 24 are connected to form a U-shape, wherein the tower 6 with the floating foundation 4 placed thereon is positioned in the water between the legs of the U. Thus, the second area 24 is the floating area of ​​the floating wind turbine 2.

[0077] The second regions 24 are arranged in a symmetrical manner in the peripheral portion 20, with two second regions 24 being arranged transversely on one side of the middle portion 18 and two other second regions 24 being arranged transversely on the other side of the middle portion. The second regions 24 are also arranged in the platform 1 so that they are closer to the second longitudinal end 40 of the middle portion than to its first longitudinal end 34. Figure 2 and Figure 31 and 2. The floating wind turbine 2 is shown in different stages of assembly between its floating foundation 4 and its other structural elements, wherein the floating wind turbine 2 near the second longitudinal end 40 is in a less advanced stage.

[0078] The platform 1 comprises at least a fourth area 28 dedicated to carrying out maintenance operations on the floating wind turbine 2 or its elements, such maintenance or repair operations being carried out while floating. The platform 1 has two fourth areas 28, one on each side of the middle portion 18. It will thus be understood that, similar to the second areas 22, the fourth areas 28 are arranged in the peripheral portion 20. Each of these fourth areas 28 is more precisely arranged longitudinally between the first longitudinal end 34 of the middle portion 18 and the second area 22.

[0079] In addition to the above-mentioned areas, in some embodiments, the platform 1 includes workshops and factories for manufacturing or repairing various elements of the floating wind turbine 2, as well as living quarters for accommodating operators involved in the manufacture, assembly, maintenance and disassembly of the floating wind turbine 2. If necessary, the platform 1 can include a helicopter deck 41 to facilitate the movement of operators and materials. The helicopter deck 41 includes a storage area for equipment and aerial equipment required for using such a helicopter deck 41.

[0080] The platform 1 according to the invention allows to implement a manufacturing method 42 for manufacturing a floating wind turbine 2, which will now be described in conjunction with Figure 5 This manufacturing method 42 takes place offshore, ie when the platform 1 is floating.

[0081] The manufacturing method 42 starts with a step 44 of supplying the platform 1 with structural elements of the floating wind turbine 2, in particular the columns 12 and the channels 14 configured to manufacture a floating foundation, as well as the tower 6, the nacelle 8, the turbine and the blades 10. This supply step 44 involves transporting these elements to the fifth area 30 of the platform 1 by means of a barge or a vessel 32. The structural elements are then unloaded in this fifth area 30 and transported to the first area 22 for a step 46 of manufacturing at least one floating foundation 4. This route is facilitated by the presence of a lifting gantry 36 and a guide system 38 on the ground.

[0082] The manufacturing step 46 consists in assembling the columns 12 and the channels 14 forming the floating foundation 4, successively involving each of the first three areas 22. Once the floating foundations 4 have been manufactured, they are driven by the lifting gantry 36 to the third area 26 for a launching step 48. This launching step 48 of launching the floating foundation 4 causes the lifting platform to be lowered in the third area 26, which for this purpose is at least partially filled with water.

[0083] When the floating foundations 4 are in the water, they are guided to one of the second areas 24 for an assembly step 50. During this assembly step 50, the floating foundation 4 is assembled with the other structural elements of the floating wind turbine 2, in particular the tower 6, the nacelle 8 and the blades 10.

[0084] Then, the floating wind turbine 2 is ready for operation. In some embodiments, the tower 6, nacelle 8 and blades 10 are assembled together in one or more first regions 22 before passing through the third region 26. In some cases, the tower 6, nacelle 8 and blades 10 may be assembled in any region of the platform 1.

[0085] When the floating wind turbine has to be dismantled, a dismantling method 52 is carried out on the platform 1. The dismantling method 52 is carried out on the platform 1. Figure 5 It is schematically shown in FIG.

[0086] The disassembly method 52 is carried out while floating, i.e., off shore. It comprises a first disassembly step 53, which consists in disconnecting the tower 6 from the floating foundation 4, or even disassembling the tower 6 from the nacelle 8 and the blades 10. This first disassembly step 53 is carried out in the second area 24. The disassembly method 52 is followed by a step of lifting 54 the floating foundation 4 out of the water. In particular, the floating foundation 4 is created by raising the lifting platform in the third area 26. Once lifted out of the water, the floating foundation 4 is transported from the third area 26 to the first area 22 by the lifting gantry 36. It is disassembled there during a second disassembly step 56 that takes place in the first area 22. The disassembled elements resulting from this second disassembly step 56 can then be transported to the fifth area 30 via the lifting gantry 36. In this fifth area 30, a loading step 58 is carried out, during which the disassembled elements are loaded onto a barge or vessel 32 for evacuation from the platform 1.

[0087] When the platform 1 is no longer used for the manufacture, assembly, maintenance or disassembly of the floating wind turbine 2, the platform 1 can be converted into a floating living area.

[0088] The present invention provides a floating offshore platform on which floating wind turbines can be manufactured, assembled and / or disassembled, such operations taking place offshore rather than on land.

[0089] However, the present invention is not limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated herein, but extends equally to any equivalent means and configurations and to any technically operable combination of these means.

Claims

1. A floating offshore platform (1), the floating offshore platform (1) being configured for offshore manufacturing and / or assembly and / or maintenance and / or disassembly of a floating wind turbine (2), the floating wind turbine (2) comprising a floating foundation (4), at least one tower (6), at least one nacelle (8) and at least one blade (10), the platform (1) comprising at least one first area (22) dedicated to manufacturing the floating foundation (4) configured to accommodate the tower (6), at least one second area (24) dedicated to assembling and / or maintaining and / or disassembling the floating foundation (4) and the tower (6), and a third area (26) equipped with a lifting platform capable of at least partially submerging, the platform (1) comprising a plurality of floating caissons (16).

2. The platform (1) according to claim 1, comprising a mooring and / or anchoring system configured to maintain a temporary or permanent geostationary floating position of the platform (1).

3. The platform (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a middle part (18) extending mainly longitudinally and comprising the first area (22) and a peripheral part (20) comprising the second area (24).

4. The platform (1) according to claim 3, comprising three first areas (22) arranged in the middle part (18) dedicated to manufacturing the floating foundation (4).

5. The platform (1) according to any of the preceding claims in combination with claim 3, comprising a lifting gantry (36) configured to move along the intermediate section (18), the lifting gantry (36) cooperating with a guide system (38) on the ground.

6. The platform (1) according to any of the preceding claims in combination with claim 3, wherein: The third region (26) is arranged at a longitudinal end of the middle portion (18).

7. The platform (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least a fourth area (28) dedicated to maintenance operations on the floating wind turbine (2).

8. Platform (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least a fifth area (30) dedicated to supplying, storing and / or loading elements of the platform (1).

9. The platform (1) according to claim 8 in combination with claim 6, wherein: The fifth region (30) is disposed at a longitudinal end of the intermediate portion (18) opposite to a longitudinal end including the third region (26).

10. The platform (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The floating caisson (16) is at least partially constructed of concrete and includes steel reinforcement.

11. Platform (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The floating caissons (16) are interconnected by a rigid connection system to form an integral floating platform (1).

12. A manufacturing method (42) for manufacturing a floating wind turbine (2) on a platform (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the manufacturing method (42) being performed offshore and comprising a manufacturing step (46) of manufacturing at least one floating foundation (4) in the first area (22) and an assembling step (50) of assembling the floating foundation (4) and the tower (6) of the floating wind turbine (2) in the second area (24).

13. The manufacturing method (42) according to claim 12 in combination with claim 9, comprising a step of supplying (44) structural elements of the floating wind turbine (2) through the fifth area (30) before the manufacturing step (46), and a launching step (48) of launching the floating foundation (4) through the lifting platform of the third area (26), the launching step (48) occurring between the manufacturing step (46) and the assembling step (50).

14. A method (52) for dismantling a floating wind turbine (2) on a platform (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 in combination with claim 9, the dismantling method (52) being performed offshore and comprising the steps of dismantling (53) at least the tower (6) of the floating wind turbine (2) in the second area (24), lifting (54) the tower (6) out of the water in the third area (26), dismantling (56) the floating foundation (4) in the first area (22) and loading (58) in the fifth area (30).

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