Multi-functional support platform at sea

Abstract

The offshore multifunctional support platform disclosed by the application relates to the technical field of ocean engineering and comprises a main hull. The main hull is provided with a floating diving system and a berthing system. The floating diving system comprises a plurality of ballast tanks for containing seawater. The berthing system comprises a floating dock provided with a wharf for stopping a ship or a deep submergence vehicle. When the ship stops, the seawater in the ballast tanks is discharged to make the floating dock float to above the sea surface, so that the ship drives into the wharf. When the deep submergence vehicle stops, seawater is injected into the ballast tanks to make the floating dock dive to below the sea surface, so that the deep submergence vehicle drives into the wharf. The application can make the deep submergence vehicle / ship safely and quickly get out of and back into the cabin through the semi-submersible structure of the main hull.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine engineering technology, specifically to a multi-functional offshore support platform. Background Technology

[0002] The ocean is rich in mineral resources. As land resources are continuously exploited, more and more countries are turning their resource development towards the deep sea.

[0003] Currently, offshore platforms are deployed and recovered using hoisting methods for deep-sea submersibles / ships. However, the sea is often exposed to severe weather, which can easily lead to accidents when using hoisting methods in such conditions. In addition, current offshore platforms are often large, requiring a significant amount of energy to remain anchored on the sea surface, which is environmentally unfriendly. Some offshore platforms are even immobile, necessitating the prior preparation of transport vessels, which is extremely inconvenient. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In response to the problem that existing offshore platforms rely on hoisting to deploy and recover deep-sea submersibles / ships, the multi-functional offshore support platform provided by this invention allows deep-sea submersibles / ships to float out of and return to their cabins via a semi-submersible structure of the main hull, which is safe and fast.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention can adopt the following technical solutions:

[0006] The multi-functional maritime support platform provided by this invention includes:

[0007] The main hull features both a snorkeling system and a berthing system;

[0008] The snorkeling system includes several ballast tanks for holding seawater.

[0009] The berthing system includes a floating dock with a pier for berthing ships or deep-sea submersibles;

[0010] Specifically, when a ship docks, seawater is drained from the ballast tank to raise the floating dock above the sea surface, allowing the ship to enter the dock; when a submersible docks, seawater is injected into the ballast tank to lower the floating dock below the sea surface, allowing the submersible to enter the dock.

[0011] As described above, the multi-functional maritime support platform further includes a flight platform, which is equipped with a hangar and cable equipment. The hangar is used to dock aircraft, and the cable equipment is used to secure airships.

[0012] As described above, the multi-functional maritime support platform further includes a tower crane on the main hull, several engine rooms within the main hull, and several engine rooms located below the tower crane. The engine rooms are connected to the floating dock and the flight platform via connecting channels for lifting by the tower crane.

[0013] The aforementioned multi-functional maritime support platform further includes a propulsion system, which is located at the front and rear ends of the main hull.

[0014] As described above, the multi-functional maritime support platform is further equipped with a scientific research cabin on the main hull, which includes a drilling tower and several laboratories.

[0015] The drilling rig is equipped with an operating platform for workers to operate on, and the edge of the operating platform is surrounded by a fence.

[0016] Several of the aforementioned laboratories are used for multi-space scientific research in the seabed, deep water, water surface, atmosphere, and sky.

[0017] As described above, the multi-functional maritime support platform also includes a living area within the main hull, which is equipped with various recreational facilities.

[0018] The aforementioned multi-functional marine support platform further includes an anchoring system, which comprises a winch, an anchor cable hopper, an anchor cable, and an anchor head. One end of the anchor cable is connected to the winch, and the other end of the anchor cable is connected to the anchor head.

[0019] When the main hull is fixed on the sea surface, the winch drives the anchor cable to sink so that the anchor head is fixed on the seabed;

[0020] When the main hull moves on the sea surface, the anchor cable and the anchor head are stored in the anchor cable compartment.

[0021] The aforementioned multi-functional maritime support platform further includes a communication system, which includes a base station located on the main hull and connected to a maritime communication satellite signal.

[0022] The aforementioned multi-functional marine support platform further includes a survey system, which comprises various deep-sea exploration instruments and marine buoys for surveying marine data.

[0023] The aforementioned multi-functional offshore support platform further includes a renewable energy system, which includes a solar power system, a wave power system, and a wind power system.

[0024] The solar power generation system includes solar photovoltaic panels, which are installed on the top of the main hull.

[0025] The wave energy generation system includes a wave generator plate, a truss support arm, a hinge, and a hydraulic cylinder. Equipment rooms are also provided at the front and rear ends of the main hull. The wave generator plate is connected to the truss support arm and is installed in the equipment room through the hinge. The hydraulic cylinder is installed in the equipment room, and the output shaft of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to one end of the wave generator plate.

[0026] The wind power generation system includes several wind turbines, which are mounted on the top of the main hull.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this invention are as follows:

[0028] 1. Compared with the traditional offshore platform method of launching and recovering deep-sea submersibles / ships by hoisting, the present invention uses the semi-submersible structure of the main hull to allow the deep-sea submersible / ship to leave and return to the cabin in a floating state, which is safe and fast.

[0029] 2. The present invention can carry various types of drones and airships on a wide flight platform on the top of the main hull, so as to carry out high-altitude long-distance detection.

[0030] 3. This invention can deploy marine buoys using tower crane equipment, and collect ocean temperature, current, and salinity data at different levels using various deep-sea exploration instruments.

[0031] 4. This invention is equipped with a scientific research chamber for the entire life cycle of natural gas hydrates (combustible ice), which can carry out long-term in-situ acquisition of basic data on marine natural gas hydrates, in-situ experimental research on the accumulation of marine natural gas hydrates, in-situ safe and efficient extraction experiments of marine natural gas hydrates, research on the application technology of natural gas hydrates, and testing of engineering technology for the extraction of natural gas hydrates.

[0032] 5. This invention is equipped with an anchoring system and a power propulsion system, enabling short-distance navigation and dynamic positioning.

[0033] 6. This invention utilizes renewable energy to provide complementary power, which not only solves the problem of marine energy supply but is also clean and environmentally friendly. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the platform structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] The components include: 1. Ballast tank; 2. Floating dock; 3. Flight platform; 4. Cable equipment; 5. Tower crane equipment; 6. Engine room; 7. Power propulsion unit; 8. Drilling tower; 9. Laboratory; 10. Winch; 11. Anchor cable shed; 12. Solar photovoltaic panel; 13. Wave power generation panel; 14. Truss support arm; 15. Equipment room; 16. Hydraulic cylinder; 17. Wind turbine; 18. Airship; 19. Deep-sea submersible. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0038] Example:

[0039] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the embodiments of this invention are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0040] It should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0041] In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. Furthermore, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0042] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0043] The present invention provides a multi-functional marine support platform, which includes a main hull with a snorkeling system and a berthing system. The snorkeling system includes several ballast tanks 1 for holding seawater. The berthing system includes a floating dock 2 with a pier for ships or deep-sea submersibles to dock. When a ship docks, the seawater in the ballast tanks 1 is discharged to raise the floating dock 2 above the sea surface, allowing the ship to enter the pier. When a deep-sea submersible docks, seawater is injected into the ballast tanks 1 to lower the floating dock 2 below the sea surface, allowing the deep-sea submersible to enter the pier.

[0044] Specifically, this invention allows the floating dock 2 to be adjusted in height using the semi-submersible structure of the main hull, depending on the navigation equipment entering the platform. For vessels operating on the sea surface, it rises; for deep-sea submersibles, it submerges, allowing the corresponding navigation equipment to enter the platform on its own without the need for hoisting. This avoids hoisting operations in inclement weather, reducing the risk of accidents and effectively ensuring the safety of personnel and the platform. Furthermore, the floating operation of the navigation equipment for both entry and exit significantly improves efficiency.

[0045] In some implementations, the berthing system also includes a flight platform 3, which is equipped with a hangar and cable system 4. The hangar is used to berth the aircraft, and the cable system 4 is used to secure the airship.

[0046] Specifically, this invention features a spacious flight platform atop the main hull capable of carrying various types of drones, gliders, and aerostats for high-altitude, long-range reconnaissance. When not in use, drones and gliders are docked in the hangar, while aerostats are secured by cable equipment 4. Furthermore, the presence of the flight platform 3 allows for the use of helicopters for personnel and material transport, significantly improving efficiency.

[0047] In one embodiment, a tower crane 5 is installed on the main hull, and several engine rooms 6 are located inside the main hull, below the tower crane 5. Connecting passages are provided between the engine rooms 6 and the floating dock 5 and the flight platform 3 for lifting operations by the tower crane 5. In adverse weather conditions at sea, docked ships or gliders can be transported to the engine rooms 6 via the lifting equipment 5 for safekeeping, preventing damage.

[0048] In one embodiment, a propulsion device 7 is also included, which is located at the front and rear ends of the main hull. This gives the offshore platform the ability to travel short distances, allowing it to leave the sea area before a typhoon or tsunami arrives.

[0049] In one embodiment, a scientific research cabin is provided on the main hull. The scientific research cabin includes a drilling tower 8 and several laboratories 9. The drilling tower 8 is provided with an operating platform for staff to work on. The edge of the operating platform is surrounded by a fence. The several laboratories 9 are used for multi-space scientific research in the seabed, deep water, water surface, atmosphere, and sky.

[0050] Specifically, natural gas hydrate resources are quite abundant in the deep sea. Therefore, a drilling rig 8 is installed on this offshore platform. The drilling rig 8 can extend into the hydrate reservoir and free gas / water layer in the ocean, thereby enabling in-situ acquisition of geological data, in-situ testing of the entire life cycle of natural gas hydrates, and pilot production applications of natural gas hydrates. After extraction, staff will conduct corresponding in-situ marine natural gas hydrate accumulation experiments, in-situ safe and efficient extraction experiments of marine natural gas hydrates, research on natural gas hydrate application technologies, and engineering technology testing for natural gas hydrate extraction in laboratory 9.

[0051] In one embodiment, a living area is also provided in the main hull, which is equipped with a variety of entertainment facilities.

[0052] Specifically, since this offshore platform is stationed in the ocean for a long time, in order to provide the staff with a better living experience, a gym, cinema, game room, karaoke room and other entertainment facilities are set up in the main ship for the staff to enjoy.

[0053] In one embodiment, an anchoring system is also included. This system comprises a winch 10, an anchor cable hold 11, an anchor cable, and an anchor head. One end of the anchor cable is connected to the winch 10, and the other end is connected to the anchor head. When the main hull is anchored on the sea surface, the winch 10 lowers the anchor cable to secure the anchor head to the seabed. When the main hull moves on the sea surface, the anchor cable and anchor head are stored in the anchor cable hold 11. Since this offshore platform primarily operates in deep-sea environments and is frequently subjected to wave impacts, this anchoring system significantly improves its stability at sea. Furthermore, when the platform needs to navigate, storing the anchor cable and anchor head prevents the anchor head from creating resistance in the sea and affecting navigation.

[0054] In one embodiment, a communication system is also included. This system comprises a base station mounted on the main hull and connected to a maritime communication satellite signal. The base station serves as a maritime communication relay station, supporting tasks such as maritime reconnaissance, navigation, and command.

[0055] In one embodiment, the invention also includes a survey system comprising various deep-sea exploration instruments and marine buoys for collecting ocean data. Specifically, the invention utilizes a tower crane to deploy marine buoys and, through the onboard deep-sea exploration instruments, to collect ocean temperature, current, and salinity data at different levels.

[0056] In one embodiment, a renewable energy system is also included, comprising a solar power system, a wave power system, and a wind power system. The solar power system includes solar photovoltaic panels 12, which are mounted on the top of the main hull. The wave power system includes wave generator panels 13, truss-type support arms 14, hinges, and hydraulic cylinders 16. Equipment compartments 15 are located at the front and rear ends of the main hull. The wave generator panels 13 are connected to the truss-type support arms 14 and are mounted in the equipment compartments 15 via hinges. The hydraulic cylinders 16 are located in the equipment compartments 15, and their output shafts are connected to one end of the wave generator panels 13. The wind power system includes several wind turbines 17, which are mounted on the top of the main hull.

[0057] Specifically, the renewable energy system of this invention includes a solar power generation system, a wave power generation system, and a wind power generation system. The solar power generation system generates electricity through solar photovoltaic panels 12, while the wave power generation system generates electricity by installing hydraulic cylinders 16 in the equipment room 15 and wave power generation plates 13 connected to the output shaft of the hydraulic cylinders 16. The wind power generation system generates wind power through several wind turbines 17 installed on the top of the main hull. The renewable energy power generation system of this invention can also be designed with energy storage devices. Excess electricity generated by solar, wave, and wind power can be stored in the energy storage devices for use when solar, wave, and wind power are weak. In addition, this offshore platform is equipped with backup power (diesel engines), which can operate for half a month with backup fuel under full-load conditions. Therefore, this offshore platform makes full use of its surrounding environmental resources, ensuring power supply without causing environmental pollution.

[0058] In summary, the main hull of this offshore platform adopts a semi-submersible structure, with an overall length of 200 meters, a width of 40 meters, a height of 20 meters, and an operating draft of 16 meters. The platform is energy-sufficient, meeting the power supply needs of 500kW of instruments and equipment. The top of the main hull has 4,000 square meters for carrying flight equipment, and the interior has 16,000 cubic meters of living and office space, capable of accommodating up to 300 personnel working simultaneously. Furthermore, it can utilize ships or helicopters for rotation. This offshore platform is equipped with common and specialized equipment such as a flight platform, floating dock, tower cranes, and winches, and carries deep-sea submersibles, gliders, unmanned surface vessels, drones, aerostats, and a methane hydrate drilling rig. This offshore platform is designed for long-term deployment in the open ocean. Even in the face of a level 8 tsunami, its tilt angle will not exceed 10 degrees. During typhoons, personnel can be quickly evacuated via flight equipment, while the platform itself can continue operating.

[0059] Therefore, this offshore platform is a multi-functional support platform integrating scientific research, communication, detection, replenishment, and living quarters. The successful development and application of this invention can generate significant economic benefits and strongly promote the development of marine engineering operations, making it of profound significance.

[0060] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0061] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical concept and features of the present invention, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made based on the essence of the content of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-functional offshore support platform, characterized in that: include: The main hull features both a snorkeling system and a berthing system; The snorkeling system includes several ballast tanks for holding seawater. The berthing system includes a floating dock with a pier for berthing ships or deep-sea submersibles; Specifically, when a ship docks, seawater is drained from the ballast tank to raise the floating dock above the sea surface, allowing the ship to enter the dock; when a submersible docks, seawater is injected into the ballast tank to lower the floating dock below the sea surface, allowing the submersible to enter the dock.

2. The multi-functional marine support platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The docking system also includes a flight platform equipped with a hangar and cable system. The hangar is used to dock aircraft, and the cable system is used to secure airships.

3. The multi-functional marine support platform according to claim 2, characterized in that, The main hull is equipped with a tower crane, and the main hull contains several engine rooms located below the tower crane. The engine rooms are connected to the floating dock and the flight platform by connecting channels for the tower crane to lift and transport cargo.

4. The multi-functional marine support platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a propulsion system, which is located at the front and rear ends of the main hull.

5. The multi-functional marine support platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main hull is equipped with a scientific research compartment, which includes a drilling tower and several laboratories. The drilling rig is equipped with an operating platform for workers to operate on, and the edge of the operating platform is surrounded by a fence. Several of the aforementioned laboratories are used for multi-space scientific research in the seabed, deep water, water surface, atmosphere, and sky.

6. The multi-functional marine support platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main hull also includes a living area equipped with various recreational facilities.

7. The multi-functional marine support platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a mooring system, which includes a winch, an anchor cable hopper, an anchor cable, and an anchor head, with one end of the anchor cable connected to the winch and the other end of the anchor cable connected to the anchor head; When the main hull is fixed on the sea surface, the winch drives the anchor cable to sink so that the anchor head is fixed on the seabed; When the main hull moves on the sea surface, the anchor cable and the anchor head are stored in the anchor cable compartment.

8. The multi-functional marine support platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a communication system, which includes a base station located on the main hull and connected to a maritime communication satellite signal.

9. The multi-functional marine support platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a survey system, which comprises various deep-sea exploration instruments and marine buoys used for surveying ocean data.

10. The multi-functional marine support platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes renewable energy systems, which include solar power systems, wave power systems, and wind power systems. The solar power generation system includes solar photovoltaic panels, which are installed on the top of the main hull. The wave energy generation system includes a wave generator plate, a truss support arm, a hinge, and a hydraulic cylinder. Equipment rooms are also provided at the front and rear ends of the main hull. The wave generator plate is connected to the truss support arm and is installed in the equipment room through the hinge. The hydraulic cylinder is installed in the equipment room, and the output shaft of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to one end of the wave generator plate. The wind power generation system includes several wind turbines, which are mounted on the top of the main hull.

Images