Dynamic vertical hydroelectric anchor

Abstract

The invention relates to a dynamic hydroelectric anchor for producing hydroelectric energy for anchoring a floating structure present on a body of water resting on a bottom and the level of which varies over time between a minimum level and a maximum level, the anchor comprising a vertical hydroelectric anchoring system as well as a supporting structure capable of being secured in use to the floating structure, said vertical hydroelectric anchoring system comprising: - a hoist with cable comprising at least two blocks, a fixed lower block attached to the bottom of the water via a permanent anchor and a mobile upper block connected to a lower part of the supporting structure; - a chain connecting on the one hand the lower block of the hoist to its first end and the permanent anchor to its second end; and said supporting structure comprising: - an energy conversion group;- a braking system located on the energy conversion group intended to slow down / block the driving movement thereof, in use, said hydroelectric anchor generating electricity with the variation of the water level thanks to the Archimedes thrust, characterized in that the hydroelectric anchor also comprises an intelligent control controller comprising: - detectors; - a potential energy regulation device for storing the potential energy in order to release it to produce electricity at the desired time, and, - a device for correcting the anchoring system, comprising means for increasing or decreasing the anchoring force of the hydroelectric anchor depending on the external forces which are applied to the floating structure;

Description

Subject of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of devices for anchoring floating structures, such as, for example, artificial islands or floating wind turbines. In particular, the present invention relates to a vertical hydroelectric anchor which, in addition to its anchoring role, allows electricity to be produced by using the movements of water masses, such as tides. State of the art

[0002] In recent years, the evolution of construction techniques, the obstacles placed by the surrounding populations and the scarcity of available sites have encouraged the birth of floating structures. Artificial floating islands exist in the south of South Korea, office and residential buildings are built near the coasts, in Amsterdam, that is to say, sheltered from the tides, in Holland. High-power wind turbines are also installed on floating structures sheltered from terrestrial vision, in places where the winds are more favorable, above seabeds a hundred meters or more deep. The same is true for platforms that exploit offshore oil and gas deposits.

[0003] To prevent these floating platforms from drifting under the influence of winds, waves, and currents, they must be held in position. Traditionally, they are held in place by moorings fixed to the seabed and long enough to allow for vertical movements caused by the tides, with these moorings positioned obliquely between the floating platform and the seabed.

[0004] WO2022053244A1 discloses an offshore wind turbine installed on a floating platform. The platform is anchored to the seafloor via a rigid anchor to secure the wind turbine. A height adjustment device is provided to change the vertical distance between the floating platform and the seafloor. In this way, the anchoring state of the floating platform supporting the wind turbine can be adapted according to meteorological data. This device uses ballast tanks filled with water and emptied by a pump.

[0005] The floating structures of the prior art are massive, in order to withstand external forces such as those caused by high winds for example. There is a real interest in optimizing floating platforms in order to make them as light as possible to limit manufacturing and operating costs. Indeed, any building placed in the sea and subject to winds and currents is maintained in a fixed horizontal position by the gravity of its mass on the foundation on which it rests and which attaches it to the bottom. Possibly, in addition, by moorings anchored at a distance to prevent it from drifting. In the case of fixed structures, the mass of the building and its supports alone, by its inertia, ensures the entire force. But in the case of floating structures, the inertia deficit is compensated by the sole traction on the moorings which prevents horizontal displacements.In both cases, maximum stability requires that the mass of the structure be at least amply sufficient to withstand extreme atmospheric conditions. While this requirement should not be taken into account when mass is the very reason for the existence of the object, as in the case of dwellings or floating islands, it becomes important when the floating structure has no other role than to support the object being implemented, such as a wind turbine or any other station. The importance of the mass to be implemented, as well as the length and diameter of the moorings, are important factors in assessing the overall cost and, therefore, the profitability of the installation.

[0006] On the other hand, another current problem concerns the ever-increasing need for energy, and in particular for electricity. Electricity consumption is continually increasing because this form of energy offers the widest possibilities. Its main drawback is that it is difficult to store. Because of environmental problems linked to CO2 emissions, the most diverse techniques are being implemented to produce electricity by avoiding the combustion of fossil fuels while protecting coal and oil for use in areas where they are difficult to replace, namely in chemistry and in certain modes of transport. The most frequently used renewable energy sources to produce electricity are the sun, wind and water.The first two are already widely exploited because they are more readily available, but they are highly intermittent in both duration and strength. Energy from water, and particularly from the sea, is much more predictable and, above all, more abundant, in terms of its extent across the globe and its power, given the masses involved. Aims of the invention

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a new vertical anchoring device for a floating structure which, thanks to Archimedes' thrust, can produce electricity following the transformation of the energy provided by the variation in the liquid level. The device according to the invention, in addition to its anchoring role, therefore aims to produce electricity by using the movements of water masses, such as tides.

[0008] One of the main aims of the invention is also to provide a dynamic and intelligent anchor, which allows the energy it produces to be used wisely. The aim is on the one hand to provide dynamic and no longer solely static stability of the floating structure by modifying the anchoring force according to the external forces applied to it in real time, and on the other hand to be able to store potential energy in order to release it to produce electricity at the desired time.

[0009] By improving the stability of the floating structure to which the anchor is attached, the present invention makes it possible to reduce the cost of its construction and operation. The thickness of the associated floating structure can be reduced thanks to the particular anchoring device of the present invention. Furthermore, since the anchor of the present invention is vertical and not oblique, savings on mooring lines are also achieved.

[0010] The invention aims in particular to provide a "ready to install" hydroelectric anchor, usable on any floating structure, and offering the advantage of providing electricity production solely through the movements of water masses.

[0011] Another aim of the invention is to provide a simple system, the implementation of which does not necessarily have to be carried out by skilled labor specifically in underwater construction, and with affordable repair and maintenance costs. Principle of the invention

[0012] The present invention uses the power contained in the movement of water during the tides to produce additional electricity. Indeed, the surface of the sea, due to its immensity subject to the winds, can constitute an important source of wave energy by using waves. And beneath the surface, the tides move immeasurable masses of water in a continuous, perfectly predictable alternating movement. Indeed, the energy of the sea is perfectly predictable, in time and power. Even if the upward movement lasts only two times 6 hours and 12 minutes per day, its immeasurable energy potential globally exceeds that of other natural energies.

[0013] Since it concerns the movements of water generated by the tides, the present invention exploits the power developed, according to Archimedes' principle, in the vertical direction during each cycle of ebb and flow.

[0014] Archimedes' thrust is the force experienced by a body immersed in a fluid and subjected to a gravitational field. This force, acting opposite to the gravity that gives rise to it, is directed vertically, from bottom to top, with an intensity equal to the weight of the displaced volume of fluid. It is expressed in newtons (N) and is a function of the density of the fluid, the displaced volume and the acceleration of gravity. On planet Earth, in water with a density of 1,000, an immersed volume of 1 m 3 < develops a force of 9,807 N.

[0015] Energy from the sea can come from wave swell, surf along the coast, ocean currents, tidal currents (tidal power), temperature differences, or osmotic overpressure from salt water. On land, water can also generate energy if it is held in a dam or reservoir, or if it is subject to movement or current.

[0016] The present invention is based on the device as described in document BE102 90 29 B1, more precisely being a system for converting into electrical energy the energy linked to the movements of a mass of water. Main characteristic elements of the invention

[0017] The present invention relates to a dynamic hydroelectric anchor for producing hydroelectric energy for anchoring a floating structure present on a body of water resting on a bottom and the level of which varies over time between a minimum level and a maximum level, said anchor comprising a vertical hydroelectric anchoring system as well as a supporting structure capable of being secured in use to the floating structure, said vertical hydroelectric anchoring system comprising: a hoist with cable comprising at least two blocks, a fixed lower block attached to the bottom of the water via a permanent anchor and a mobile upper block connected to a lower part of the supporting structure; a chain connecting on the one hand the lower block of the hoist at its first end and the permanent anchor at its second end; and said supporting structure comprising: an energy conversion group;a braking system located on the energy conversion group intended to slow down / block the driving movement thereof, in use, said hydroelectric anchor generating electricity with the variation of the water level thanks to the Archimedes thrust, characterized in that the hydroelectric anchor also comprises an intelligent control controller comprising: detectors for providing a set of data to the intelligent controller, a potential energy regulation device for storing the potential energy in order to release it to produce electricity at the desired time, said intelligent controller controlling the braking system in order to release the supporting structure only according to the circumstances and needs, when the water level has reached a determined level;a device for correcting the anchoring system, comprising means for increasing or decreasing the anchoring force of the hydroelectric anchor depending on the external forces which are applied to the floating structure.;

[0018] According to preferred embodiments of the invention, the hydroelectric anchor further comprises one of the following features, or a suitable combination thereof: the means for increasing or decreasing the anchoring force of the hydroelectric anchor use the electricity generated by the hydroelectric anchor to counter the external forces applied to the floating structure; the energy is produced by the vertical displacement of the supporting structure, in use, with the variation of the water level, under the effect of Archimedes' thrust and, via the hoist which drives its cable in traction, said cable unwinding from the reel / unwinder, the rotation of said reel / unwinder causing the actuation of said generator via the multiplier to generate electricity; the anchor comprises a device for conserving the electricity produced by the generator; the intelligent controller takes into account values ​​measured via different sensors placed on the supporting structure to determine the operation of the anchor and its conversion group;the means for increasing or decreasing the anchoring force of the anchor correction device use either the conversion group operating as a motor or the braking system to modify the anchoring force; the electricity generator of the conversion group can operate as a motor to actuate the correction device of the anchor system or to power any other electrical device present on the supporting structure; the energy conversion group comprises a winder / unwinder, a multiplier and an electricity generator, the winder / unwinder being able to actuate the electricity generator via the multiplier; the energy conversion group is located on the emerged surface of the supporting structure;the conversion group comprises a winder / unwinder, the axis of which is, at one of its ends, connected to the multiplier to which it transmits its rotary movement and, at the other of its ends, connected to a braking system; the anchor comprises electrical assistance for winding the cable around the winder / unwinder, once the supporting structure descends with the downward movement of water, the electrical assistance consisting of the inversion of the rotary movement of the conversion group.;

[0019] The invention also relates to a group of dynamic hydroelectric anchors. The group is characterized in that the respective intelligent controllers communicate with each other.

[0020] The invention also relates to a permanent anchoring of the dynamic hydroelectric anchor. Brief description of the figures

[0021] There figure 1represents a sectional view of an embodiment of an anchor according to the present invention, the device being located at sea, associated with a floating platform. The figure 2 represents a sectional view of a floating platform equipped with three vertical hydroelectric anchors according to the present invention. The figure 3 represents a top view of the floating platform equipped with the three vertical hydroelectric anchors of the figure 2 . There figure 4 represents a detailed view of the block and tackle system used and the supporting structure with its contents. The Figure 5 represents a detailed view of the permanent anchor made up of several successive masses. Description of a preferred embodiment of the invention

[0022] The present invention relates to a dynamic hydroelectric anchor. This is capable, in use, of being attached to any floating structure, such as an artificial island or a floating wind turbine platform, in order to anchor it to the bottom of a body of water and at the same time produce hydroelectric energy.

[0023] The hydroelectric anchor of the present invention is dynamic and intelligent, in order to produce, store or release electricity in a timely manner depending on external constraints, as well as to actively stabilize the associated floating structure. To do this, it comprises an intelligent system, as explained more precisely in the remainder of the description, which will take into account a set of data, measured via sensors which may be of any type 15.

[0024] The hydroelectric anchor 1 of the present invention, as shown in the figure 1, comprises on the one hand a vertical hydroelectric anchoring system 2 and on the other hand a supporting structure 11. The supporting structure 11 is for example in the form of a frame, and includes a set of elements of the hydroelectric anchor 1. The supporting structure 11 may be secured to any floating structure 10 during use. In this way, the hydroelectric anchor 1 of the present invention is a device independent of the floating structure 10.

[0025] As illustrated on the Figure 1, the vertical anchoring system 2 comprises a chain 6 and a permanent anchor 8 for anchoring the supporting structure 11 to the bottom of the water. In order to optimize the energy transformation, the vertical anchoring system 2 also comprises a block and tackle 3 connected to the anchor 8 via the chain 6. The hoist 3 comprises a fixed lower block 4, a movable upper block 5 and a cable 31 connecting the two blocks 4, 5. Indeed, as shown in the figure 4 , the cable 31 of the hoist 3 is attached at one of its ends to the fixed lower block 4, and the other end is wound around a winder / unwinder 17 belonging to a conversion group 9. At the point where it joins the supporting structure 11, the cable 31 of the hoist 3 is preferably protected by a four-way cable guide 18, as illustrated in the Figure 4The winder / unwinder 17 and the conversion group 9 are located on the supporting structure 11. The conversion group 9 also preferably comprises an electricity generator 19 and a multiplier 14 which ensures compatibility between the rotation speed of the winder / unwinder 17 and the requirements of the generator 19.

[0026] Generally speaking, a block of a hoist is composed of an assembly of several sheaves (or pulleys) on the same yoke (the same axis). The number of sheaves is preferably the same on both blocks. A cable passes successively from a sheave of the first block to a sheave of the second block and vice versa, to form a number of strands which is equal to the number of sheaves. In the present case, as shown schematically on the figure 4, the hoist 3 is thus composed of two groups of sheaves 7 distributed in two blocks 4, 5. As explained previously, the first block, the lower block 4, is fixed and attached to the bottom of the water via the chain 6 and the anchor 8. The second block, the upper block 5, is mobile and connected to the lower part of the supporting structure 11. The cable 31 passes successively from one block to the other of this hoist 3. The starting point of the cable 31 is fixed indistinctly on one or the other block 4, 5 but the last sheave 7 which must send the cable 31 towards the conversion group 9 is preferably located on the fixed lower block 4. The hoist 3 makes it possible to increase the speed of movement of its cable 31 and consequently the speed of rotation of the winder / unwinder 17.Whatever the arrangement adopted, the multiplying power of the hoist 3 is proportional to the number of strands, that is to say to the number of passages that the cable 31 makes between the two assemblies of sheaves 7 which constitute each of the blocks 4, 5.

[0027] With the variation of the water level, and in particular according to the present invention, with the rise of the water level of the rising tide for example, the supporting structure 11, which is secured in use to a floating structure 10, moves vertically, driving the cable 31 of the hoist 3 which unwinds from the reel / unwinder 17. At the start of each rising tide cycle, the cable 31 is wound as much as possible around the reel / unwinder 17 whose rotation will be induced by the unwinding of the cable 31. The vertical hydroelectric anchoring system 2 of the anchor 1 of the present invention therefore uses the Archimedes principle which is exerted linearly from the center of the Earth. The supporting structure 11 in combination with the floating structure 10 rises vertically with the water level, and develops a tensile force proportional to the volume of liquid displaced and the density of the liquid.This traction force is transformed by the cable 31 of the hoist 3 into a rotational force which is applied to the winder / unwinder 17 around which the cable 31 of the hoist 3 is wound. The winder / unwinder 17 is thus driven by a rotary movement resulting from the necessarily linear movement originating from Archimedes' thrust. This rotation is transmitted to the electric generator 19 through a multiplier 14 which adapts the speeds to values ​​essential for the proper functioning of the various elements.

[0028] At the start of the water rise, the entire floating / supporting structure 10 and 11, held by the tackle 3, gradually sinks into the water depending on the mechanical resistance exerted by the conversion group 9 and begins to exert its traction power. The anchor 1 thus becomes a vertical pillar which contributes to the stability of the assembly. A fraction of the weight of the floating structure 10, essential to ensure its maintenance in position, is replaced by the vertical traction exerted by the hydroelectric anchor 1 of the present invention. This results in financial savings, on the cost of the floating structure 10 and on that of the position-keeping moorings. To benefit as much as possible from its lifting power, the mechanical resistance exerted by the conversion group 9 must be adapted to keep the entire floating / supporting structure 10 and 11 submerged to the determined maximum.At the beginning of the descent of the water level, the entire floating / supporting structure 10 and 11 gradually leaves the water before losing all traction power. During its descent, it is pulled downwards not only by gravity due to its mass but also, preferably according to the invention, by reduced power electrical assistance generated by the conversion group 9 which ensures the correct movement of the hoist 3 and the winding of its cable 31 around the reel / unreel 17.

[0029] The hydroelectric anchor 1 of the invention also comprises a braking system 13 located on the axis of the winder / unwinder 17 and the conversion group 9 intended to slow down and / or block the driving movement thereof. Preferably, the actuation of the braking system is purely magnetic (to avoid any hydraulic system), on a disc placed on the axis of the generator group. It may be pads exerting pressure on the faces of a disc placed between the generator / motor and the multiplier, or a device similar to ABS (Antilock Braking System) systems also capable of controlling the direction of rotation of the winder / unwinder 17.

[0030] As explained above, the dynamic hydroelectric anchor 1 of the present invention comprises an intelligent controller 12 allowing the anchor 1 to act dynamically to benefit the floating structure to which it is attached. The intelligent controller 12 receives the information from the sensors 15 and acts accordingly by sending the necessary information to the braking system 13 and / or to the generator 19 which is located in the conversion group 9. This controller 12 has two main functions. To fulfill these two functions, the controller 12 comprises on the one hand an anchor correction device, and on the other hand a potential energy regulation device. The anchor correction device makes it possible to increase or decrease the resistance of the anchor (by acting on the resistance of the conversion group 9) and plays, in use, an anti-tilting role of the floating structure 10 depending on the external conditions.The regulating device acts on the braking system 13, in order to store the potential energy contained in the floating structure 10 to release it and produce electricity at the desired time.

[0031] As explained above, the first function of the intelligent controller 12 is to provide dynamic stability instead of purely static stability of the floating structure 10 to which the supporting structures 11 are linked. Since atmospheric conditions are highly variable, the "dynamic" characteristic of the anchor can be inactivated when not needed and activated, day or night, automatically, as needed. This can be in case of bad weather, that is, considering only the wind speed, approximately 15 to 20% of the time. To actively participate in the stability of the floating structure, the resistance of each anchor 1 must be adjusted according to its position and circumstances.The intelligent controller 12 must therefore constantly take into account various information, such as the direction of the tide determined by the direction of movement of the cable, variations in atmospheric conditions and the height of the draft. These values ​​are measured via different sensors 15 preferably placed on the supporting structure 11.

[0032] It is these values ​​measured by the various sensors 15 which will be used to determine the operation of the anchor 1 and, in particular, of its conversion group 9. In the case of the present invention, the electricity generator of the conversion group 9 can, instead of producing electricity, operate as a motor, being supplied with electricity, in order for example to carry out the necessary anchoring corrections. This is with the aim of reducing the size, and therefore the cost, of the floating structure 10 and its moorings.

[0033] The correction device of the anchoring system (not shown) also makes it possible to participate in the dynamism of the anchor 1 and plays, in use, a role of anti-tilting of the floating structure 10 and the superstructures attached to it. The correction device comprises means for increasing or decreasing the anchoring force of the vertical anchoring system 2 of the hydroelectric anchor 1, depending on the external forces applied to the floating structure 10. The correction device will modify the anchoring force depending on the data received by the intelligent controller 12 (which acts depending on the measurements taken by the sensors 15).Depending on the external forces that are applied to the floating structure 10, the means for increasing or decreasing the anchoring force will, during a falling tide, use the conversion group 9 (which will act in this case as a motor) or, during a rising tide, the braking system 13 to counter the external forces applied to the floating structure 10.

[0034] Preferably, several hydroelectric anchors 1 according to the present invention are connected to a single floating structure 10. They can be arranged on the perimeter of the floating structure 10, in particular on the side of the prevailing winds. In this case, the anchors 1 communicate with each other via the intelligent controller 12 (either one controller for each anchor, the controllers communicating with each other, or a single controller for all the anchors) and make it possible to provide improved dynamic stability of the floating structure 10 (see for example the Figure 3which includes three devices). When conditions require it (storm, strong wind) and there is a danger of tipping, the production of electricity can be suspended on certain anchors and the resistance of the anchors located facing the wind can be increased so as to oppose the horizontal tipping forces. In the event of a rising tide, the braking system 13 acts to delay the raising of the structure and keep the anchors located facing the wind pushed down. Part of the total production of electricity is thus not produced since the upward movement of the structure is prevented. In the event of a falling tide, while all the conversion groups 9 consume electricity to rewind the cable, those of the anchors located facing the wind exert more power to keep these anchors pushed down in the water.The possibility of varying the anchoring force of the hydroelectric anchor 1 makes it possible to counter external forces and to take up certain forces which are normally taken up by the floating structure 10, in particular by increasing its height and its weight. Thanks to the dynamic hydroelectric anchor 1 of the present invention, the height and the weight of the floating structure 10 with which it will be combined can be reduced, and their costs as well. This improvement in stability therefore allows financial savings. This is particularly interesting in the case of relatively light floating structures such as, for example, the floats which support wind turbines.

[0035] As explained above, the second function of the intelligent controller 12 is to regulate the energy production. The intelligent controller 12 comprises a regulating device which acts on the braking system 13 in order to regulate the energy production, by storing the potential energy contained in the floating structure in order to release it to produce electricity at the desired time. The regulating device is controlled by the water level sensors 15, in order to release the floating structure 10 via the supporting structure 11 at the desired time, according to the circumstances and needs, when the water level has reached a determined level. By keeping the floating structure submerged in the water, the potential energy can be stored, and released at the appropriate time (for example when electricity is more expensive). The device can therefore serve as a means of storing electrical energy.The device can act on the braking system 13 to exert a traction force on the supporting structure 11 via the hoist 3. This results in a sinking of the floating structure 10 which displaces an additional volume of water likely to become a source of energy when it is released.

[0036] Preferably, the hydroelectric anchor 1 also comprises an electricity conservation device 16 (battery, accumulator, etc.). The conservation device 16 (battery, accumulator, etc.) takes part of the electricity produced during the rising tide for its recharge, and in this way, part of the electricity produced can be stored to make it reusable as needed, in particular by the correction device of the anchoring system 14, and for rewinding the cable. For example, during the rising tide, the electricity is consumed by the braking system 13 and during the falling tide, by the conversion groups 9 to rewind the cable and, if necessary, to keep certain anchors pushed in.

[0037] The further the floating structure 10 is kept in the water, the greater the lifting force will be. By releasing it at the moment when its travel is longest, its speed is increased and the duration of its travel is further reduced to benefit from its full power.

[0038] As explained above, the sensors 15 may be of different types. The hydroelectric anchor 1 is preferably provided with at least one water level sensor which informs the sinking level of the floating structure 10, namely the height of the emerging part and, by subtraction, the height of the draft. In the case where a floating structure 10 comprises several hydroelectric anchors and at least three measurement points per sensor on the perimeter of the floating structure 10 (see figure 2), these sensors 15 can be calibrated along a horizontal line. By intelligent calculation, the sensors 15 determine the degree of sinking of the floating structure 10, and therefore, the additional volume of water displaced in response to the mechanical resistance of all the anchors 1. Also by calculation, they provide information on the inclination undergone by the floating structure 10. The hydroelectric anchor 1 can also be equipped with verticality sensors. Placed along the mast of a wind turbine, a verticality sensor provides information on the level of inclination following the action of the wind. The analysis of this information allows intelligent action on the anchors 1 to contribute to the stability of the assembly.

[0039] There Figure 5illustrates a process for constituting the permanent anchor 8. Whatever the depth of the water below the floating structure 1, the fixing of the assembly must be sufficient to resist in all circumstances the force of attraction exerted by it. The lower block assembly 4 of the hoist 3 is held at the bottom of the water by the permanent anchor 8 which rests on the bottom. In order to constitute a sufficient mass for the permanent anchor 8, without having to mobilize a very large lifting machine, it is useful to be able to gradually add smaller and more easily movable masses. The anchor 8 of the present invention is therefore preferably formed of several successive masses 81, as illustrated in the Figure 4. These are pierced over their entire thickness with a slot 82 whose width is slightly greater than the diameter of the anchor chain 6. Near the center of gravity of the mass 81, the lower part of the slot has a notch 83 which will ensure that the metal axis 84 remains in position. In this way, in order to constitute the permanent anchor 8, a first mass 81 is placed on the seabed at the end of the anchor chain 6 which will remain in place to which the fixed lower part of the hoist 3 will be attached. The successive masses 81 will be inserted around the anchor chain 6 by sliding it through the slot, as shown in the figure 4They are supported by a double rope 85, comprising a running strand 86 and a sleeping strand 87, tied around the metal axle 84 by a knot which is undone remotely thanks to the traction on its running strand 86. The sleeping strand 87 of this double cable 85 supports the weight of the mass 81 for its launching and controls its descent along the chain 6. Having reached the contact with the previous mass, the knot is released by traction on the running strand 86, the metal axle 84 is abandoned and the double rope 85 can be raised and used for the installation of the next mass. Thus a mass as large as necessary to form the permanent anchor 8 is gradually built up.

[0040] The fact that the permanent anchor is formed of several successive masses allows all manipulations to be carried out out of the water. For example, it is a concrete disc 2 m in diameter and 0.63 m thick, or 2 m 3 < in volume. In air, it weighs 4.800 kg or 4.8 tonnes. In water, its weight is reduced to 2.8 tonnes. The shape of this mass can be arbitrary. List of reference symbols

[0041] 1Dynamic hydroelectric anchor 2Vertical anchoring system 3Hoist with cable 4Fixed lower block 5Movable upper block 6Chain 7Hoist sheaves 8Permanent anchor 9Conversion unit 10Floating structure 11Supporting structure 12Intelligent controller 13Braking system 14Multiplier 15Various detectors 16Electricity conservation device 17Reel / unreel 184-way cable guide 19Generator 31Hoist cable, connecting the two blocks 81Successive masses of the anchor 8 82Mass slot 83Mass notch 84Metal pin 85Double-strand rope for forming the anchor 8 86Running strand of the double rope 87Standing strand of the double rope

Claims

1. Dynamic hydroelectric anchor (1) for producing hydroelectric energy for anchoring a floating structure (10) present on a body of water resting on a bottom and the level of which varies over time between a minimum level and a maximum level, said anchor (1) comprising a vertical hydroelectric anchoring system (2) as well as a supporting structure (11) capable of being secured in use to the floating structure (10), said vertical hydroelectric anchoring system (2) comprising: - a hoist with cable (3) comprising at least two blocks, a fixed lower block (4) and attached to the bottom of the water via a permanent anchor (8) and a movable upper block (5) and connected to a lower part of the supporting structure (11); - a chain (6) connecting on the one hand the lower block (4) of the hoist (3) at its first end and the permanent anchor (8) at its second end; and said supporting structure comprising: - an energy conversion group (9);- a braking system (13) located on the energy conversion group (9) intended to slow down / block the driving movement thereof; in use, said hydroelectric anchor (1) generating electricity with the variation of the water level thanks to Archimedes' thrust; characterized in thatthe hydroelectric anchor (1) also comprises an intelligent control controller (12) comprising: - detectors (15) for providing a set of data to the intelligent controller (12), - a potential energy regulation device for storing the potential energy in order to release it to produce electricity at the desired time, said intelligent controller controlling the braking system (8) in order to release the supporting structure (11) only according to the circumstances and needs, when the water level has reached a determined level, and - a device for correcting the anchoring system, comprising means for increasing or decreasing the anchoring force of the hydroelectric anchor (1) depending on the external forces which are applied to the floating structure (10).

2. Dynamic hydroelectric anchor (1) according to claim 1, characterized in thatsaid means for increasing or decreasing the anchoring force of the hydroelectric anchor use the electricity generated by the hydroelectric anchor (1) to counter the external forces applied to the floating structure (10).

3. Dynamic hydroelectric anchor (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy conversion group (9) comprises a winder / unwinder (17), a multiplier (14) and an electricity generator (19), the winder / unwinder (17) being able to operate the electricity generator (19) via the multiplier (14).

4. Dynamic hydroelectric anchor (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe energy is produced by the vertical displacement of the supporting structure (11), in use, with the variation of the water level, under the effect of Archimedes' thrust and, via the hoist (3) which drives its cable (31) in traction, said cable (31) unwinding from the reel / unwinder (17), the rotation of said reel / unwinder (17) causing the actuation of said generator (19) via the multiplier (14) to generate electricity.

5. Dynamic hydroelectric anchor (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a device (16) for storing the electricity produced by the generator (19).

6. Dynamic hydroelectric anchor (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intelligent controller (12) takes into account values ​​measured via different sensors (15) placed on the supporting structure (11) to determine the operation of the anchor (1) and its conversion group (9).

7. Dynamic hydroelectric anchor (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for increasing or decreasing the anchoring force of the anchor correction device use either the conversion group (9) operating as a motor or the braking system (13) to modify the anchoring force.

8. Dynamic hydroelectric anchor (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electricity generator of the conversion group (9) can operate as a motor to operate the correction device of the anchoring system or to power any other electrical device present on the supporting structure (11).

9. Dynamic hydroelectric anchor (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy conversion group (9) is located on the emerged surface of the supporting structure (11).

10. Dynamic hydroelectric anchor (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conversion group (9) comprises a winder / unwinder (17), the axis of which is, at one of its ends, connected to the multiplier (14) to which it transmits its rotary movement and, at the other of its ends, connected to a braking system (13).

11. Dynamic hydroelectric anchor (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes electrical assistance for winding the cable around the reel / unwinder, once the supporting structure (11) descends with the downward movement of water, the electrical assistance consisting of the inversion of the rotary movement of the conversion group.

12. Group of dynamic hydroelectric anchors (1) comprising at least three dynamic hydroelectric anchors (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, being connected to a single floating structure (10).

13. Dynamic hydroelectric anchor group (1) according to claim 12 characterized in that the respective intelligent controllers (12) communicate with each other.

14. Permanent anchor (8) of the dynamic hydroelectric anchor (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least two masses (81), each mass (81) comprises a slot (82) in its thickness, allowing a chain (6) to be placed there in use, the lower part of the slot (82) comprises a notch (83) containing a removable metal axis (84) to ensure that the double rope (85) is held in position.

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