Mooring equipment, floating offshore wind power generator and control method of mooring equipment

Abstract

A mooring device of a floating structure according to the present disclosure, the mooring device comprising: a sprocket on which a mooring chain is wound; a brake band surrounding an outer circumference of the sprocket; a brake actuator that provides a pulling force to the brake band such that the brake band brakes by pressing the outer circumference of the sprocket; a tension detection section that measures a tension applied to the brake band; and a controller that controls the brake actuator to reduce a pulling force pulling the brake band when a measurement value measured by the tension detection portion exceeds a set value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mooring device for a floating structure installed at sea, a floating offshore wind turbine, and a method of controlling the mooring device. Background Art

[0002] Wind power generation, a technology that converts wind energy into mechanical energy to generate electricity, is gaining attention as a clean energy source that reduces greenhouse gases. Wind turbines are primarily installed on land, but these land-based wind turbines present challenges such as noise and field acquisition. Consequently, there is a growing trend toward offshore installations.

[0003] Among offshore wind turbines, there are floating wind turbines, which are installed to float on the sea. These floating wind turbines offer the advantage of being installed regardless of the depth of the sea. Furthermore, these floating wind turbines can be installed in deep sea areas, utilizing strong offshore winds to improve power generation efficiency.

[0004] A floating wind turbine consists of an upper-mounted power generation facility and a lower-mounted floating structure that supports it. The floating structure primarily consists of a floating body and a mooring system. The floating body supports the upper-mounted generator and tower through buoyancy, while the mooring system prevents the tower and generator from moving out of position and maintains the upper structure's stable movement. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure discloses a mooring device, a floating offshore wind turbine, and a method of controlling the mooring device, which are capable of reducing the cost of a mooring system by reducing the design tension of a mooring chain.

[0007] Technical Solution

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a mooring device for a floating structure, the mooring device including: a sprocket having a mooring chain wound therearound; a brake band wrapped around an outer circumference of the sprocket; a brake actuator configured to provide tension to the brake band so that the brake band presses against the outer circumference of the sprocket to perform braking; a tension detecting unit configured to measure tension applied to the brake band; and a control unit configured to control the brake actuator to reduce the tension used to pull the brake band when a value measured by the tension detecting unit exceeds a set value.

[0009] The tension detecting unit may include a load sensor connected to one end portion of the brake band.

[0010] A brake actuator may be connected to the other end of the brake band.

[0011] The tension detecting unit may include a sensor bracket connected to the brake band, and the load sensor may be configured to measure a load transferred to the sensor bracket.

[0012] The brake actuator may include a brake cylinder having a rod configured to move forward and backward, and a plurality of link members connected at one end to the rod of the brake cylinder and at the other end to a brake band, the plurality of link members configured to pull or release the brake band according to the forward and backward movement of the rod.

[0013] The mooring equipment may further include a mooring chain unwinding length detection unit configured to measure an extent to which the mooring chain may be wound or unwound.

[0014] The mooring chain unwinding length detection unit may include an encoder configured to measure a rotation angle of the sprocket, and the control unit may be configured to determine the unwinding length of the mooring chain based on a value measured by the encoder.

[0015] The floating structure may include at least one outer column and a sprocket bracket coupled to a side wall of the at least one outer column, and the sprocket may be rotatably mounted on the sprocket bracket.

[0016] The mooring device may further include an inclination detection unit configured to measure an inclination of the sprocket bracket.

[0017] The mooring apparatus may further include a brake band guide member extending from the sprocket bracket and configured to support a side of the brake band opposite the side of the brake band contacting the sprocket to prevent the brake band from separating from the sprocket.

[0018] The mooring chain may include a first portion extending longitudinally from a location adjacent the at least one outer post, and a second portion wrapped around a sprocket and connected to the anchor.

[0019] The mooring equipment may further include a mooring chain reset actuator configured to reset the mooring chain to an original position in response to unwinding of the mooring chain.

[0020] The mooring chain return actuator may be configured to grip the first portion of the mooring chain and move the mooring chain downwardly.

[0021] The mooring chain reset actuator may include a reset cylinder and a clamp mounted at an end of a rod of the reset cylinder to selectively clamp the mooring chain.

[0022] The at least one post may be provided with a chain guide member configured to space the first portion of the mooring chain apart from the at least one post.

[0023] The mooring chain may be provided with a chain stopper at a lower end of the mooring chain, and at least one of the outer posts may be provided with a stopper bracket configured to interfere with the chain stopper.

[0024] The brake actuator may be positioned on an upper side of the sprocket bracket, the brake band may extend laterally from a sensor bracket having a load sensor that may be mounted on at least one outer column, and may be wrapped around an outer circumference of the sprocket and then extend upward to connect to the brake actuator, and the brake actuator may be configured to inhibit rotation of the sprocket by lifting the brake band upward.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a floating offshore wind turbine including the mooring device as described above.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of controlling a mooring device for a floating structure, the mooring device including a brake band connected at one end thereof to a load sensor and at the other end thereof to a brake actuator, the brake band being pulled to provide a braking force to the sprocket by surrounding an outer circumference of a sprocket around which a mooring chain is wound, the method comprising: measuring tension applied to the brake band by the load sensor; and releasing tension of the brake band when the value measured by the load sensor exceeds a set value.

[0027] The method may further include measuring a rotation angle of the sprocket, determining an unwound length of the mooring chain based on the measured rotation angle, and pulling the mooring chain by the unwound length in a direction opposite to the unwound direction of the mooring chain to reset the mooring chain.

[0028] Beneficial effects

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the maximum tension is reduced by adjusting the length of the mooring chain, thereby simplifying the structure of the mooring system and reducing the overall cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a floating offshore wind turbine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a mooring arrangement for a floating structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a mooring device installed on an outer column according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an operating state of a chain stopper provided on a mooring chain according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a mooring device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a mooring chain reset actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an operating state of a mooring chain reset actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, equivalents and other embodiments are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited by the above-mentioned embodiments, but by the appended claims of the present invention, and the present invention will cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0038] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well. In addition, in the drawings, the size and relative sizes of elements may be exaggerated for clarity and / or descriptive purposes.

[0039] In the present disclosure, the terms "including", "having" and the like are used to specify features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or a combination thereof, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more of the features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or a combination thereof.

[0040] Terms such as “first,” “second,” “primary,” or “secondary” may be used simply to distinguish a component from other components without limiting the arrangement order, manufacturing order, or importance thereof among the components.

[0041] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well.

[0042] The term "and / or" includes plural combinations of related items or any one of the plural related items.

[0043] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a floating offshore wind turbine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Reference Figure 1The floating offshore wind turbine 10 includes a power generation facility 20 , a floating structure 30 that supports the power generation facility 20 when floating on the sea, and a mooring device 40 .

[0046] The power generation facility 20 may include a tower 21, a nacelle 22 installed on an upper side of the tower 21, and a rotor 23 connected to a rotation shaft of the nacelle 22. The nacelle 22 is a device that converts wind power into mechanical rotational energy and may have a generator installed therein.

[0047] The rotor 23 may include a hub 23a rotatably coupled to the generator, and a plurality of blades 23b coupled to the hub 23a and extending in a radial direction. The generator may be connected to a grid via an underwater power cable.

[0048] The power generation facility 20 according to the present disclosure is illustrated as a horizontal axis power generation facility having a rotation axis parallel to the sea surface, but the power generation facility 20 may be a vertical axis power generation facility having a rotation axis perpendicular to the sea surface.

[0049] The floating structure 30 may include a central column 31 supporting the tower 21 , at least one outer column 32 disposed outside the central column 31 , and a buoy 33 connecting the central column 31 to the at least one outer column 32 .

[0050] The center column 31 may be located at the center of the pontoon 33 , and at least one outer column 32 may be located at an end portion of the pontoon 33 .

[0051] The central column 31 and the at least one outer column 32 may be configured as cylindrical floating bodies. Alternatively, the central column 31 and the at least one outer column 32 may be configured as floating bodies having polygonal cross sections such as triangles, squares, or hexagons.

[0052] The central column 31 and the at least one outer column 32 may be filled with a buoyancy material on the inside. Alternatively, the central column 31 and the at least one outer column 32 may be filled with a ballast medium for buoyancy adjustment on the inside.

[0053] The buoy 33 may be configured as a buoyancy body connecting the central column 31 and the at least one outer column 32. The buoy 33 may be filled with a ballast medium inside.

[0054] The buoy 33 may have at least one beam portion 33a radially extending from a portion of the buoy 33 connected to the central column 31. At least one outer column 32 may be located at an end of the at least one beam portion 33a. The at least one beam portion 33a may be spaced at intervals of 120 degrees along the circumference of the central column 31.

[0055] The central column 31 , the at least one outer column 32 , and the buoy 33 may be connected to each other by supports 34 .

[0056] The mooring equipment 40 may be configured to moor the floating structure 30 offshore, and may maintain stable movement of the floating structure 30 through mooring chains 42 connected to anchors 41 installed on the seabed.

[0057] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a mooring arrangement for a floating structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a mooring device installed on an outer column according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an operating state of a chain stopper provided on a mooring chain according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a mooring device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a mooring chain reset actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an operating state of a mooring chain reset actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Reference Figures 2 to 7 The mooring device 40 may include: a sprocket 50 around which the mooring chain 42 is wound; a brake band 60 wrapped around the outer circumference of the sprocket 50; a brake actuator 70 configured to provide a tensile force so that the brake band 60 presses the outer circumference of the sprocket 50 to perform braking; a tension detection unit 80 configured to measure the tension applied to the brake band 60; and a control unit 90 configured to control the operation of the brake actuator 70 based on detection information of the tension detection unit 80.

[0059] The mooring chain 42 may include a first portion 42a extending longitudinally from a position adjacent to at least one outer column 32 , and a second portion 42b partially wrapped around the sprocket 50 at an upper end of the first portion 42a and then connected to the anchor 41 .

[0060] The first portion 42a may ensure an additional length that may extend the length of the second portion 42b when a certain tension is applied to the second portion 42b.

[0061] The first portion 42a of the mooring chain 42 may be supported by a chain guide member 35 mounted on the at least one outer post 32. The chain guide member 35 may space the first portion 42a of the mooring chain 42 apart from one side of the at least one outer post 32. The chain guide member 35 may prevent the mooring chain 42 and / or the at least one outer post 32 from colliding with each other while moving.

[0062] The mooring chain 42 may be provided with a chain stopper 43 at a lower end of the first portion 42a.

[0063] The chain stopper 43 can adjust the maximum unwinding length of the mooring chain 42. Figure 4 As shown in FIG, the chain stopper 43 may interfere with the stopper bracket 36 when the first portion 42a moves upward.

[0064] The stopper bracket 36 may have a through hole 36a through which the mooring chain 42 passes. The through hole 36a may have a diameter that allows the mooring chain 42 to pass but restricts the chain stopper 43 from passing.

[0065] The sprocket 50 may be rotatably mounted on a sprocket bracket 51 coupled to an upper portion of a side wall of at least one outer column 32 .

[0066] The sprocket 50 may include an inner wheel 50a and an outer wheel 50b. The inner wheel 50a is provided with a recessed portion corresponding to the shape of the links of the mooring chain 42, and the outer wheel 50b supports the brake band 60. The mooring chain 42 can rotate together with the sprocket 50 while being seated on the recessed portion. In other words, the mooring chain 42 can rotate together with the rotation of the sprocket 50 by engaging the protrusion 50c formed on the inner wheel 50a with the groove of the link of the mooring chain 42. When the sprocket 50 stops, the movement of the mooring chain 42 can be restricted.

[0067] The brake band 60 can be installed around the outer circumference of the sprocket 50. The brake band 60 can be in a form that surrounds the outer circumference of the outer wheel 50b. The brake band 60 can extend laterally from the upper side of the sprocket 50, surround a portion of the outer circumference of the sprocket 50, and then extend upward. The brake band 60 can include a first portion 60a extending laterally from the upper side of the sprocket 50, a second portion 60b wrapped around the outer surface of the sprocket 50, and a third portion 60c extending upward from the end of the second portion 60b. With this configuration, the brake band 60 can apply high braking force with low force.

[0068] The brake band 60 may include a metal band 61 and a lining 62 attached to the metal band 61. The brake band 60 may prevent the rotation of the sprocket 50 by compressing the outer circumferential surface of the sprocket 50 with the lining 62. When the floating structure 30 operates in a normal state, the sprocket 50 may be held in a stopped state by the friction force of the brake band 60.

[0069] One end of the brake band 60 may be connected to the sensor bracket 81 and the other end may be connected to the brake actuator 70 .

[0070] The sprocket bracket 51 may be provided with a brake band guide member 53 installed to prevent the brake band 60 from being separated from the sprocket 50 .

[0071] The brake band guide member 53 may extend from the upper side of the sprocket bracket 51 toward the sprocket 50. The lower end of the brake band guide member 53 may be supported on the upper surface of the brake band 60. The brake band 60 may be inserted in the space between the sprocket 50 and the brake band guide member 53.

[0072] The brake actuator 70 may provide a braking force by pulling the brake band 60 so that the brake band 60 presses the outer circumferential surface of the sprocket 50 .

[0073] The brake actuator 70 may be controlled according to a control signal of the control unit 90 .

[0074] The brake actuator 70 may be located on an upper side of the sprocket 50. The brake actuator 70 may be mounted on an upper side of the sprocket bracket 51. The brake actuator 70 may be mounted on an upper side of at least one outer column 32.

[0075] The brake actuator 70 may include a brake cylinder 71 and a plurality of link members 72. The brake cylinder 71 may include a hydraulic cylinder having a rod 73 that moves forward and backward according to a signal from the control unit 90.

[0076] One end of the plurality of link members 72 may be connected to the rod 73 of the brake cylinder 71 and the other end may be connected to the brake band 60. The plurality of link members 72 may convert the motion caused by the forward and backward motion of the brake cylinder 71 into an up and down motion that pulls or releases the brake band 60.

[0077] The tension detecting unit 80 may include a sensor bracket 81 and a load sensor 82 mounted on the sensor bracket 81. The tension detecting unit 80 may measure the load applied to the brake band 60 and transmit the measured detection information to the control unit 90.

[0078] The sensor bracket 81 may include a first member 81 a and a second member 81 b , and the load sensor 82 may be interposed between the first member 81 a and the second member 81 b .

[0079] The first member 81a may be connected to the sprocket bracket 51, and the second member 81b may be connected to the brake band 60. The load applied to the second member 81b may be measured by the load sensor 82, and the measurement value of the load sensor 82 may be transmitted to the control unit 90 in real time.

[0080] The control unit 90 may include a processor 91 and a memory 92 .

[0081] The processor 91 may process output data of the tension detecting unit 80 and output a control signal for controlling the brake actuator 70 in response to the processing of the output data.

[0082] The memory 92 may store programs and data used for the operation of the processor 91 .

[0083] The control unit 90 may control the brake actuator 70 to reduce the tension of the brake band 60 when the measurement value detected by the tension detection unit 80 exceeds a set value.

[0084] Here, the set value may include a critical tension of the mooring chain 42 and may be stored in the memory 92 .

[0085] The control unit 90 may determine the tension applied to the mooring chain 42 using the load information measured by the load sensor 82 and the braking force information of the sprocket 50 .

[0086] Here, the braking force information of the sprocket 50 can be pre-calculated by the friction coefficient of the brake band 60, the vertical force acting on the contact surface between the brake band 60 and the sprocket 50, the contact length and contact area between the brake band 60 and the sprocket 50, and can be stored in the memory 92.

[0087] In addition, the memory 92 may store a lookup table for the length change amount of the mooring chain 42 and the length change rate of the mooring chain 42, which are associated with the tension change amount of the mooring chain 42, calculated through numerical simulation or collected and calculated when installed at sea.

[0088] The control unit 90 may determine an amount of change in the tension of the mooring chain 42 based on the load information measured by the load sensor 82, and when the tension applied to the mooring chain 42 exceeds a critical tension, the control unit 90 may obtain an amount of change and a rate of change in the length of the mooring chain 42 that causes the tension to drop below the critical tension, which is stored in the lookup table, and the control unit 90 may control the brake actuator 70 to change the length of the mooring chain 42 to correspond to the obtained amount of change and rate of change in the length of the mooring chain 42.

[0089] The control unit 90 may receive the tension applied to the mooring chain 42 in real time and determine the fatigue life of the mooring chain 42 based on the received tension variation. The control unit 90 may use information such as the persistence and variation of the tension applied to the mooring chain 42 to determine the fatigue life of the mooring chain 42 based on the design criteria of the mooring chain 42 and store the determined information in the memory 92.

[0090] The mooring equipment 40 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a mooring chain unwinding length detection unit 93, an inclination detection unit 94, a mooring chain reset actuator 85, a global positioning system (GPS) 95, a wind speed and direction sensor 96, a power supply unit 97, a transceiver unit 98, a display unit 99, and a control system 100.

[0091] The mooring chain unwinding length detection unit 93 may measure the extent to which the mooring chain 42 is wound around or unwound from the sprocket 50 .

[0092] The mooring chain unwinding length detection unit 93 may include an encoder that measures the rotation angle of the sprocket 50. The mooring chain unwinding length detection unit 93 may be installed on one side of the sprocket 50.

[0093] The information detected by the mooring chain unwinding length detection unit 93 may be transmitted to the control unit 90. The control unit 90 may determine the unwinding length of the mooring chain 42 based on the angle information of the sprocket 50 transmitted from the mooring chain unwinding length detection unit 93, and may store the determined unwinding length in the memory 92.

[0094] The control unit 90 may control the operation of the mooring chain reset actuator 85 in response to the unspooled length of the mooring chain 42 .

[0095] The inclination detection unit 94 can detect the inclination of the floating structure 30. The inclination detection unit 94 can include an inclination sensor mounted on the sprocket bracket 51. The inclination sensor can include a gyroscope sensor or a three-axis angular velocity sensor. The inclination sensor can be mounted on at least one outer column 32.

[0096] The inclination information detected by the inclination detection unit 94 may be transmitted to the control unit 90. The control unit 90 may store the inclination information transmitted from the inclination detection unit 94 in the memory 92.

[0097] The control unit 90 may store the inclination of the floating structure 30 and the tension of the mooring chain 42 in the memory 92 so as to be associated with each other in the form of a database.

[0098] When the mooring chain 42 is released from the sprocket 50 and extended in length, the mooring chain return actuator 85 may return the mooring chain 42 to its original position.

[0099] The mooring chain reset actuator 85 may include a reset cylinder 86 and a clamp 88 mounted at the end of a rod 87 of the reset cylinder 86 .

[0100] The return cylinder 86 may include a hydraulic cylinder. The return cylinder 86 may be installed adjacent to a side wall of at least one outer column 32.

[0101] The clamping member 88 may be mounted at the end of the rod 87 of the return cylinder 86 and may be configured to selectively clamp the mooring chain 42. The clamping member 88 may be configured as a claw-type clamp that can selectively clamp the mooring chain 42, or as an extendable rod-type clamp that can be selectively inserted into a link hole of the mooring chain 42. The clamping member 88 can hold the first portion 42a of the mooring chain 42 and move the mooring chain 42 downward.

[0102] The mooring chain reset actuator 85 may be controlled by a control signal of the control unit 90. The control unit 90 may control the operation of the mooring chain reset actuator 85 based on detection information transmitted from the mooring chain unwinding length detection unit 93.

[0103] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG, when the unwinding length of the mooring chain 42 exceeds the reference value, the control unit 90 may control the clamping member 88 to clamp the first portion 42a of the mooring chain 42. After the clamping member 88 has clamped the mooring chain 42, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in FIG, the control unit 90 can allow the rod 87 of the return cylinder 86 to extend so that the first portion 42a of the mooring chain 42 moves downward by the unwinding length of the mooring chain 42. The control unit 90 can repeatedly perform the clamping operation of the clamping member 88 and the extending operation of the return cylinder 86 as needed.

[0104] The GPS 95 may measure a position change of the floating structure 30 and transmit the measured position coordinates to the control unit 90 .

[0105] The control unit 90 can compare the unwound length of the mooring chain 42 detected by the mooring chain unwound length detection unit 93 with the position coordinates of the floating structure 30 measured by the GPS 95 to determine the appropriate movement of the floating structure 30 based on the unwound amount of the mooring chain 42. For example, when the movement of the floating structure 30 exceeds an appropriate level compared to the unwound amount of the mooring chain 42, a collision with a surrounding floating structure may occur. Therefore, the control unit 90 can use the measurement data of the GPS 95 to determine whether the movement of the floating structure 30 deviates from the target range.

[0106] The wind speed and direction sensor 96 may measure wind speed and direction information around the floating structure 30 installed offshore and transmit the measured information to the control unit 90 .

[0107] The control unit 90 may store information transmitted from the wind speed and direction sensor 96 in the memory 92. The control unit 90 may store inclination information associated with wind speed and direction conditions of the floating structure 30. The control unit 90 may store tension information regarding tension applied to the mooring chain 42 based on information associated with wind speed and direction conditions detected by the tension detection unit 80.

[0108] The display unit 99 may display a control state, an operation state controlled by the control unit 90 , and various types of information of the mooring equipment 40 to the user in a visual, auditory, and tactile manner.

[0109] The transceiver unit 98 can be connected by wire or wirelessly to transmit data to or receive data from another external floating structure 30 or a land-based control system 100. Various types of information stored in the memory 92 can be transmitted to the control system 100 through the transceiver unit 98 and monitored by the manager.

[0110] The power supply unit 97 may supply electrical energy required for the operation of the mooring equipment 40 .

[0111] The power supply unit 97 may be provided separately from the power system of the floating structure 30 so as to be used only for operating the mooring device 40. To this end, the power supply unit 97 may be installed at a position adjacent to the mooring device 40.

[0112] The power supply unit 97 may include a power generation unit 97a and a battery 97b. The power generation unit 97a may generate electricity using solar cells, and the generated electricity may be stored in the battery 97b. The power generation unit 97a may generate electricity using wind pressure, and the generated electricity may be stored in the battery 97b. The battery 97b may be electrically connected to various sensors and actuators of the mooring device 40 to supply power.

[0113] Hereinafter, a method of controlling a mooring equipment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0114] Figure 8 is a flow chart of a method of controlling a mooring of a floating structure according to a disclosed embodiment.

[0115] Reference Figure 8 First, the load of the brake band 60 is detected in real time by the load sensor 82 ( S10 ).

[0116] Based on the detection information of the load sensor 82, it is determined whether the measurement value of the load sensor 82 exceeds a set value (S20). The set value may be a critical tension of the mooring chain 42 stored in advance.

[0117] When the measured value of the load sensor 82 exceeds the set value, control is performed to adjust the tension of the brake actuator 70, thereby unwinding the mooring chain 42 from the sprocket 50 (S30). Here, the brake actuator 70 can release the tension of the mooring chain 42 to an extent that the tension applied to the mooring chain 42 does not exceed the critical tension.

[0118] Acquiring the unwinding length of the mooring chain 42 ( S40 ) The unwinding length of the mooring chain 42 may be acquired using the angle information of the sprocket 50 transmitted from the mooring chain unwinding length detection unit 93 .

[0119] Based on the unwinding length of the mooring chain 42, the mooring chain reset actuator 85 is controlled so that the mooring chain 42 moves to the original position (S50). The mooring chain reset actuator 85 can reset the mooring chain 42 to the original position by pulling the first portion 42a of the mooring chain 42 downward by the unwinding length of the mooring chain 42.

[0120] Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A mooring device for a floating structure, the mooring device comprising: a sprocket having a mooring chain wound around it; a brake band surrounding an outer circumference of the sprocket; a brake actuator configured to provide tension to the brake band so that the brake band presses against an outer circumference of the sprocket to perform braking; a tension detection unit configured to measure tension applied to the brake band; A control unit is configured to control the brake actuator to reduce a tension for pulling the brake band when a value measured by the tension detection unit exceeds a set value.

2. The mooring device according to claim 1, wherein: The tension detection unit includes a load sensor connected to one end portion of the brake band.

3. The mooring device according to claim 2, wherein: The brake actuator is connected to the other end of the brake band.

4. The mooring device according to claim 2, wherein: The tension detection unit includes a sensor bracket connected to the brake band, and the load sensor is configured to measure a load transferred to the sensor bracket.

5. The mooring device according to claim 3, wherein: The brake actuator includes a brake cylinder having a rod configured to move forward and backward, and a plurality of link members, one end of the plurality of link members being connected to the rod of the brake cylinder and the other end being connected to the brake band, the plurality of link members being configured to pull or release the brake band according to the forward and backward movement of the rod. 6 . The mooring equipment according to claim 1 , further comprising a mooring chain unwinding length detection unit configured to measure a degree of winding or unwinding of the mooring chain.

7. The mooring device according to claim 6, wherein: The mooring chain unwinding length detection unit includes an encoder configured to measure a rotation angle of the sprocket, and The control unit is configured to determine an unreeled length of the mooring chain based on a value measured by the encoder.

8. The mooring device according to claim 1, wherein: The floating structure includes at least one outer column and a sprocket bracket coupled to a side wall of the at least one outer column, and The sprocket is rotatably mounted on the sprocket bracket. 9 . The mooring apparatus according to claim 8 , further comprising an inclination detection unit configured to measure an inclination of the sprocket bracket.

10. The mooring apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a brake band guide member extending from the sprocket bracket and configured to support a side of the brake band opposite to a side of the brake band contacting the sprocket to prevent the brake band from separating from the sprocket.

11. The mooring device according to claim 8, wherein: The mooring chain includes a first portion extending longitudinally from a location adjacent the at least one outer post, and a second portion wrapped around the sprocket and connected to an anchor.

12. The mooring device according to claim 11, further comprising a mooring chain reset actuator configured to reset the mooring chain to an original position in response to unwinding of the mooring chain.

13. A mooring arrangement according to claim 12, wherein: The mooring chain return actuator is configured to grip the first portion of the mooring chain and move the mooring chain downward.

14. The mooring device according to claim 12, wherein: The mooring chain reset actuator includes a reset cylinder and a clamping member installed at an end of a rod of the reset cylinder to selectively clamp the mooring chain.

15. The mooring device according to claim 11, wherein: The at least one post is provided with a chain guide member configured to space the first portion of the mooring chain apart from the at least one post.

16. The mooring device according to claim 11, wherein: The mooring chain is provided with a chain stopper at a lower end portion of the mooring chain, and The at least one outer post is provided with a stopper bracket configured to interfere with the chain stopper.

17. The mooring device according to claim 8, wherein: The brake actuator is positioned on the upper side of the sprocket bracket, The brake band extends laterally from a sensor bracket having a load sensor mounted on the at least one outer column, is wound around an outer circumference of the sprocket, and then extends upward to be connected to the brake actuator, and The brake actuator is configured to inhibit rotation of the sprocket by lifting the brake band upward.

18. A floating offshore wind turbine comprising the mooring device according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. A method of controlling a mooring device for a floating structure, the mooring device comprising a brake band connected at one end thereof to a load sensor and at the other end thereof to a brake actuator, the brake band being pulled to provide a braking force to a sprocket by passing around an outer circumference of a mooring chain wound around the sprocket, the method comprising: measuring the tension applied to the brake band by the load sensor; as well as When the value measured by the load sensor exceeds a set value, the tension of the brake band is released.

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: measuring a rotation angle of the sprocket, and determining an unwinding length of the mooring chain based on the measured rotation angle; as well as The mooring chain is reset by pulling the unwound length of the mooring chain in a direction opposite to the unwinding direction of the mooring chain.

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