Heavy load launching installation

Abstract

Installation for unloading a heavy load into water Installation (1) for unloading a heavy load (10) located on land into water, in particular a load consisting of a float of the tripod or tetrapod type, comprising: at least two supporting structures (20) independent of each other and movable on the respective paths, each being equipped with lifting means (60) configured to be attached to the load, each of these supporting structures being equipped with a counterweight (22), the installation being configured to allow the lifting means (60) of the supporting structures, when the load is positioned in the unloading area, to extend at least partially above the water in order to lower the load into it. Figure for abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Installation for launching a heavy load Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the launching of a heavy load, and more particularly, but not exclusively, that of a heavy load constituted by an offshore wind turbine float. Prior art

[0002] The development of marine wind turbines has been accompanied by an increase in their power and size.

[0003] It is now common to install floating wind turbines at sea, comprising a mast carried by a float which can be fully or partially submerged.

[0004] Wind turbines have thus been developed with tripod or quadripod floats, the mast resting on one of the float feet or in the center.

[0005] Such floats can be made of metal or concrete and have a significant weight and size, for example 4000 t or more.

[0006] They are generally manufactured on land and launched with port facilities adapted to transport and launch them. These adapted port facilities, which have handling facilities for heavy loads, may be far from the wind farm, which makes transport to the site long and expensive.

[0007] The port facilities closest to the wind farm may not be suitable, as they are too small, lack adequate handling facilities, or require significant infrastructure work which may not be cost-effective if they are no longer needed once the wind farm is installed.

[0008] CN 103693170 discloses an offshore platform for assembling wind turbine structures. The platform is relatively large and assembling the structure offshore presents some difficulties because the space available on the platform is limited and less practical than on land. Statement of the invention

[0009] There is therefore a need to benefit from a system facilitating the launching of heavy loads such as structures of significant height, and avoiding the need for heavy port infrastructure. Summary of the invention

[0010] The invention achieves this objective by proposing an installation for launching a heavy load present on land, in particular a load consisting of a tripod or tetrapod type float, comprising: - at least two supporting structures independent of each other, and which can be moved on respective tracks, each being equipped with lifting means configured to be attached to the load, each of these supporting structures being equipped with a counterweight, - the installation being configured to allow the lifting means of the supporting structures, when the load is positioned in a launching area, to extend at least partially above the water in order to lower the load into it.

[0011] By "float" we mean a structure that is at least temporarily floating, for the duration of its transport to the site, for example. Such a structure is sometimes also called a "jacket".

[0012] By “heavy load” we mean a load whose mass is typically greater than or equal to 1000 t, better still 3000 t, or even 4000 t, while remaining less than 15000 t or more, for example 50,000 t.

[0013] The lifting means may be present at one end of the supporting structure and the counterweight at the opposite end.

[0014] The invention allows launching less dependent on sea and wind conditions; then, it allows limiting civil engineering work to reinforce port structures for a limited number of elements to be launched.

[0015] The invention thus makes it possible to solve the particular problem of costly investments in port civil engineering works, for the transfer of wind floats, from the construction / assembly quay to their launching area (or "load out" in English).

[0016] The invention also makes it possible to limit marine site maintenance operations such as dredging at the launching location, because little equipment is moving underwater (except in the variant with submersible barge detailed below).

[0017] The invention makes it possible to avoid the use of large-capacity handling means, which would have a higher carbon footprint.

[0018] The installation may comprise movement paths extending from a land area for receiving the load to an area for unloading said load.

[0019] The installation may comprise at least three supporting structures each equipped with lifting means and a counterweight, the possible movement paths being arranged in such a way that in the launching zone all the lifting means of the supporting structures are located at least partially above the water to lower the load there.

[0020] At least one supporting structure, and preferably all the supporting structures, may comprise at least one first blocking element configured to interfere with at least one second blocking element carried by the load to limit lateral movement of the load relative to the supporting structure once the load has been lifted to a higher position by the lifting means; the at least one first blocking element preferably comprises two opposing guides between which the at least one second blocking element can engage. The at least one second blocking element may comprise a cage arranged on the load above lugs for securing the lifting cables to the load. Such a cage comprises openings for the passage of the cables and side walls which can come into contact with the guides when the load has reached its upper position. In this way, the load is prevented from moving laterally relative to the supporting structures when it is moved on the ground or under the effect of wind for example.However, the cooperation between the first and second elements may allow a small movement due to differences in height of the points where the load is connected to the lifting means, this small movement being caused for example by a small variation in the level of the sea or of the barge (in variants where a barge is used).

[0021] The facility may or may not have a barge to carry part of the load and assist in the entire transportation process to the unloading area, which barge may or may not have a supporting structure similar to those that travel on land to bring the load to the unloading area.

[0022] The presence of a barge can reduce the civil engineering work required, compared to the solution without a barge. The supporting structures and / or the barge can be easily transported from one site to another industrial port site. The invention thus provides a heavy lifting system whose lifting structures can be mobilized and demobilized, and transferred by boat.

[0023] In examples of implementation of the invention, the installation thus comprises at least one barge. This barge can be mobile to accompany the movement of the load towards its launching position. The barge can be connected to the supporting structures located on land and / or to the quay by mooring lines; these mooring lines can be arranged so as to be progressively unwound as the load moves away from the quay. Deflection saddles can be provided on the edge of the quay to protect the lines from directly bearing on the edge of the quay.

[0024] The installation may comprise at least one offshore support structure carried by the barge, provided at one end with a lifting means configured to be attached to the load. The load may thus be connected to the lifting means of the different support structures at at least three points, two of them being carried by support structures on land and one by a support structure at sea.

[0025] The barge may have an adjustable ballast or a counterweight system allowing to maintain the horizontality of the supporting structure located above, in particular during the partial transfer of the load onto the barge and / or the lowering of the load.

[0026] The barge may have compartments into which water is pumped in or out to keep the barge substantially horizontal while lifting the load up or down in the water. During operation of the barge, water may be pumped out of one compartment, e.g., adjacent to the load, and pumped into a different compartment, e.g., opposite the load.

[0027] The installation may comprise at least one inclinometer carried by the load and the lifting means may be controlled so as to keep the load horizontal during lifting as a function of the signal delivered by said at least one inclinometer. The control of the lifting means may also be based on signals delivered by force sensors present on the lifting means.

[0028] The installation may comprise at least one inclinometer carried by the barge and the ballast pumps may be controlled according to the signal delivered by this at least one inclinometer to keep the barge horizontal during lifting operations.

[0029] Preferably, the lifting means are controlled in conjunction with the ballast pumps to maintain the load and the barge horizontal during the lifting operations, from the initial lifting until the immersion of the load in the water.

[0030] The control of the horizontality of the load and / or the barge can be automatic, with the possibility of manual control, for safety reasons.

[0031] The lifting means of the supporting structure carried by the barge have a sufficient cable length to accommodate variations in sea level due to the tides. In this way, the load can be lifted and kept at a distance from the ground at low or high tide. The variation in level due to the tide may be approximately 2 m / h for example, while the cables of the lifting means can be lifted at a speed of approximately 15 m / h for example.

[0032] As detailed above, lateral movements of the load relative to the supporting structures may be blocked by interference elements once the load has reached its top position after lifting; however, the interference elements may be configured to allow small vertical movements due to the tide in the case where the load is connected at one point to a supporting structure carried by a barge and at other points to supporting structures located on land.

[0033] The barge may comprise a supporting structure having a base of a dimension chosen to increase the height of the lifting means in order to compensate for the difference in height between sea level and the ground. This base may extend substantially over the entire width of the barge. The lifting means may be of a length greater than the length of the base. The base may have a lattice structure.

[0034] The barge may alternatively be submersible, being positioned in the extension of one of the load movement tracks on the quay, and having an extension to this track allowing the load to be moved onto the barge. In this case, the barge is moved in the water until the load completely reaches the launching area, then the barge is gradually submerged to accompany the descent of the load by the lifting means of the supporting structures present on land. When submersible, the barge is preferably oriented with its longitudinal axis parallel to the quay. It is preferably equipped with stability towers at the four corners.

[0035] The supporting structures can be oriented parallel to the travel paths. Such a solution is particularly suitable when the installation includes a barge.

[0036] Alternatively, the supporting structures are oriented transversely to the travel lanes. Such a solution is particularly suitable for an installation without a barge, the quay comprising, for example, two platforms or other structure on pillars along which the travel lanes extend, the launching area extending between these platforms or other structure.

[0037] The supporting structures can then be movable along their longitudinal axis relative to the movement paths, so as to allow them to be moved away from the load once it has been put into the water. This facilitates the departure of the floating load to a storage area or its final destination.

[0038] Generally speaking, the supporting structures generally preferably extend horizontally, comprising for example lattice beams. The lattice beams may comprise horizontal beams, connected to each other by oblique connecting elements. These connecting elements may extend in vertical planes, between two beams overlapping vertically. The beams may be joined by upper and lower crosspieces.

[0039] The movement tracks may comprise rails and / or movement means of the SPMT (Self-Propelled Modular Transporter) type; the rails may serve as guides for a movement system of the APS (Air Pad Sliding) type which is a sliding support system provided with pads on air cushions making it possible to reduce the sliding friction coefficient, for example to 1% of the vertical load, and for example as described in patent EP 1 854 746.

[0040] The installation preferably comprises at least two, preferably three, movement paths.

[0041] The travel paths may all be parallel to each other or, alternatively, have different directions or be parallel for some of them. them and have different directions for other parts.

[0042] In some embodiments, the travel paths are all defined by rails or at least partially defined by rails.

[0043] In some other embodiments, at least some or all of the travel paths are not defined by rails, and are, for example, defined by concrete surfaces or by tracks or roads on which wheeled conveyors such as SPMTs may travel.

[0044] In one embodiment, the installation comprises three travel paths which extend generally parallel to each other and which may be defined by rails. These travel paths may extend to an end of the quay located near the water. The load may be a tripod having legs each carried by a carrier moving on a corresponding path, before the load is connected to the lifting means of the supporting structures. One of these may be transported by a barge, and the other two may be connected to the load once it has passed a predefined area.The installation may include additional travel paths allowing each of the two supporting structures to move from a first location where it is away from a travel path on which the load is traveling (and thus allows the load to move on the travel path(s) without being hindered by the supporting structure resting at the first location) to a second location where it is on that travel path behind the load, i.e., on the opposite side of the barge from the load (and may accompany the load in its movement along the water). The additional travel paths may be defined by rails, which are perpendicular to the rails of the travel paths on which the load is traveling.

[0045] In another embodiment, the installation comprises two travel paths along which the load is moved. These two paths may comprise rails. The load may be a tripod having two legs that move on one path and an opposite leg that moves on the other path. The installation may comprise two additional travel paths on which the supporting structures move. These additional travel paths may be external to the travel paths on which the load moves. The additional travel paths may extend parallel to the travel paths on which the load moves. The additional travel paths may be defined by rails on which the supporting structures move. The orientation of the supporting structures may be transverse to these travel paths.There may be two supporting structures on one additional travel lane and one on the other additional travel lane. The facility may include two jetties over which the travel lanes extend. additional placement. In such an embodiment, there is no barge, and the load is hoisted down to the water between the jetties by one supporting structure placed on one jetty and the other two on the other jetty. For a quadripod-type load, there would be two supporting structures on each jetty.

[0046] In another embodiment, the installation comprises two travel tracks which may be parallel to each other, generally perpendicular to the quay, and at least one additional travel track which may be generally perpendicular to the other two. The first two travel tracks may each be equipped with rails. The at least one additional track may be a concrete surface on which the wheeled transporters such as the SPMTs may travel, from a first location where assembly of the load has been completed, for example, to a second location where the load may be hoisted by the supporting structures for unloading into the water. In this case, a barge carrying a third supporting structure may be used. When the load has reached the second location, it may rest on the wheeled transporters such as the SPMTs until it is hoisted by the lifting means of the supporting structures.Once hoisted by the lifting equipment, wheeled transporters such as SPMTs can be returned to the first location before the supporting structures are moved to discharge the load into the water.

[0047] In another embodiment, the installation comprises wheeled transporters such as SPMTs for transporting two legs of the load ashore while another leg is carried by a supporting structure present on a barge; the supporting structures ashore comprise rotating lifting means such as cranes and unloading is carried out by rotating the two lifting means while moving the barge away from the quay. Each crane can both rotate and translate in a longitudinal direction of the crane during transport of the load from land to sea. Each supporting structure carrying a crane can have a static mast located near an edge of the quay, which supports the crane while allowing necessary movements of the crane relative to the mast.

[0048] The supporting structures can be equipped with a PPU (Push Pull Unit), which allows them to move along sliding rails, in particular in the case of APS type movement means or other means with sliding pads.

[0049] The supporting structures may be arranged to lift the load during its transport to the launching area.

[0050] The movement tracks can be equipped with support pads on which the load rests, during the static phases.

[0051] The supporting structures may include pads made of synthetic material (or any other support devices made of elastomer material) capable of coming to bear against the charge, especially before launching it.

[0052] The lifting means may comprise cable jacks or any other lifting equipment, for example a winch.

[0053] The invention also relates, according to another of its aspects, to a method for launching a heavy load, in particular a float of the tripod or quadripod type, using an installation according to the invention as defined above, in which: - the lifting means are actuated to lower the load into the water, the load being held during its descent at at least three points, at least two of which are connected to lifting means of the supporting structures located on land, and the third is connected to one of a submersible barge, a supporting structure carried by a barge and a supporting structure present on land.

[0054] The load can be moved using the supporting structures located on land to the unloading area.

[0055] The supporting structures are moved synchronously.

[0056] By "on land" is meant on land, or on a platform or other type of jetty constituting an extension over the water, the platform or other structure resting on pillars for example.

[0057] When using a non-submersible barge, the method may include acting on a ballast or on the position of at least one counterweight so as to keep the barge horizontal during the transfer of the load onto this barge, before the barge is moved into its final position in the launching area.

[0058] In the absence of a barge, the method may consist of pulling the supporting structures rearward along their longitudinal axis to move them away from the load and thus facilitate movement of the load away from the quay.

[0059] This backward movement can be obtained using transverse rails, on which one or more jacks supporting the supporting structure can move. The method can include retraction of the jacks engaged in the rails used to bring the supporting structure to the launching position, and positioning of the remaining jacks in alignment with the transverse rails.

[0060] The method can be implemented by ensuring the movement of the load and the supporting structures by APS and PPU type movement means.

[0061] The supporting structures can thus lift the load, for example to a height less than or equal to 0.5m, in particular between 10 and 50cm, during its movement to the launching area, and the movement can take place using jacks linked to temporary anchors; when the anchors at the end of the jacks are activated, the extension of the jacks can be accompanied by sliding of the pads on rails of the movement tracks, by pushing on these anchors; then, the anchors are deactivated, and the cylinders retracted to move the anchors to a new position, before resuming a cylinder extension / retraction cycle.

[0062] The lifting means comprise, for example, at least two, better still at least three, even better still at least four, cable jacks.

[0063] The transport of the load on land can be carried out at a low height from the ground, for example just that necessary to carry out the pick-up.

[0064] The method may include using wheeled conveyors such as SPMTs to transport the load from an assembly area to the area where it can be connected to the lifting means of the supporting structures.

[0065] In one embodiment, said third point is connected to a barge, and the method consists of acting on a ballast of the barge to compensate for a variation in the force exerted by the load on the lifting means of the supporting structure present on the barge. The ballast can thus be used to keep the barge substantially horizontal.

[0066] The method may comprise the step of connecting the load at two points aft to supporting structures on land and at least one point forward to a supporting structure carried by a barge, and moving the barge away from the quay while bringing the supporting structures closer to one edge of the quay, until the load is completely above sea level, and then submerging the load into the sea.

[0067] The invention is particularly suitable for launching loads whose height is greater than that of the supporting structures. Brief description of the drawings

[0068] The invention may be better understood by reading the detailed description which follows, non-limiting examples of its implementation, and by examining the attached drawing, in which:

[0069] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a schematic and partial perspective view of a first example of installation according to the invention, with non-submersible barge,

[0070] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a view similar to [Fig.l], after displacement of the load towards the launching area,

[0071] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] illustrates the continuation of the movement of the load towards its position of launching,

[0072] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] illustrates the complete arrival of the load in the launching area,

[0073] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic and partial perspective view of a second example of installation according to the invention, with submersible barge,

[0074] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a view similar to [Fig.5] after displacement of the load to the launching area, the barge being kept at the quay and the load being partially moved onto the barge,

[0075] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] illustrates the continuation of the movement of the load towards the zone of launching, with the barge moved away from the quay,

[0076] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] illustrates the complete arrival of the load in the launching area,

[0077] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] illustrates the descent of the load, with progressive immersion of the barge,

[0078] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] illustrates the continuation of the immersion of the load,

[0079] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] illustrates the withdrawal of the submerged barge,

[0080] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a schematic and partial perspective view of a third example of installation according to the invention, without barge,

[0081] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] represents in isolation a supporting structure,

[0082] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] illustrates the coupling of the lifting means of a structure carrier with the load,

[0083] [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] illustrates the movement of the load to the launching area with the installation of [Fig. 12],

[0084] [Fig. 16] [Fig. 16] illustrates the continued movement of the load towards the launching area,

[0085] [Fig. 17] [Fig. 17] illustrates the complete arrival of the load in the launching area,

[0086] [Fig. 18] [Fig. 18] illustrates the descent of the load,

[0087] [Fig. 19] [Fig. 19] illustrates the release of the supporting structures after immersion of the load,

[0088] [Fig.20] [Fig.20] represents the supporting structure after its withdrawal,

[0089] [Fig.21] [Fig.21] represents a detail of the construction of the supporting structure,

[0090] [Fig.22] [Fig.22] illustrates the positioning of the supporting structure of the installation of [Fig. 12] with a view to its release, and

[0091] [Fig.23] [Fig.23] represents the supporting structure after its withdrawal

[0092] [Fig.24] [Fig.24] is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an installation according to the invention,

[0093] [Fig.25] [Fig.25] is a view similar to [Fig.24] during the movement of the load along a corresponding trajectory,

[0094] [Fig.26] [Fig.26] is a view similar to that of [Fig.25] after the load has arrived at a location where it is intended to be hoisted by the supporting structures,

[0095] [Fig.27] [Fig.27] shows the load in the position of [Fig.26], seen from above,

[0096] [Fig.28] [Fig.28] illustrates the positioning of a supporting structure adjacent to the charge

[0097] for lifting it,

[0098] [Fig.29] [Fig.29] illustrates the connection of the lifting means of the supporting structure with the load,

[0099] [Fig.30] [Fig.30] shows the load connected to the lifting means,

[0100] [Fig.31] [Fig.31] is a view illustrating an example of water distribution in the ballast compartments of the barge,

[0101] [Fig.32] [Fig.32] is a view similar to [Fig.31] during pumping of water of certain ballast compartments,

[0102] [Fig.33] [Fig.33] is a view similar to [Fig.31] illustrating the possibility of adjust the level in the barge's ballast compartments,

[0103] [Fig.34] [Fig.34] shows the load connected to the lifting means of the structure carrier present on the barge while the load is still resting on the SPMTs,

[0104] [Fig.35] [Fig.35] is a view similar to [Fig.34] after the load has been raised and in the presence of a variation in sea level due to the tide,

[0105] [Fig.36] [Fig.36] is a top view illustrating the removal of the SPMTs from under the charge,

[0106] [Fig.37] [Fig.37] illustrates the movement of the load towards the sea,

[0107] [Fig.38] [Fig.38] is a view similar to [Fig.37] showing the charge in progress moving to its final position,

[0108] [Fig.39] [Fig.39] shows the load after it has reached its final position at- above the sea,

[0109] [Fig.40] [Fig.40] shows the partially submerged load,

[0110] [Fig.41] [Fig.41] shows an installation according to a variant of the rea lization,

[0111] [Fig.42] [Fig.42] illustrates the movement of certain supporting structures in order to connect the lifting equipment to the load,

[0112] [Fig.43] [Fig.43] shows the load after connection to the lifting means of the supporting structure carried by the barge,

[0113] [Fig.44] [Fig.44] shows the load resting on support pads,

[0114] [Fig.45] [Fig.45] illustrates a variation in sea level due to the tide, and

[0115] [Fig.46] [Fig.46] shows a variant with supporting structures comprising rotating cranes. Detailed description

[0116] Figures 14 and 21 show details of the construction of the supporting structures which apply to all examples.

[0117] Figures 1 to 4 illustrate a first example of an installation 1 according to the invention, intended for launching a heavy load 10, consisting for example as illustrated of a tripod wind turbine float, comprising two feet 11 arranged as the two vertices at the base of an equilateral triangle and a foot 12 arranged as the third vertex and intended to support the mast of the wind turbine, the feet 11 and 12 being connected by a set of beams 14.

[0118] In the example illustrated, the float is made of steel, but the invention can be applied to any type of heavy load.

[0119] The feet 11 and 12 have at their base, as visible in [Fig. 14], a collar 15 (also called “flange” or “sole”) which carries vertical lifting ears 16 (also called “lugs” in English) and the role of which will be explained later.

[0120] The foot 12 intended to possibly support the mast (not shown) may have an assembly skirt 13 (also called a “sleeve”) on its upper face.

[0121] The installation 1 comprises two supporting structures 20, movable on land along respective movement tracks 30, these tracks 30 comprising sliding rails 31 and support pads 32 and being still called in this case “skidways” in English.

[0122] The pads 32 are temporary support devices on which the load is borne during the static steps before or after sliding.

[0123] The rails 31 can serve as support for sliding pads of the APS type for example.

[0124] Each supporting structure 20 present on the ground comprises a lattice beam 21 which carries, at one end, a counterweight 22 projecting upwards from the beam, and at the other end, lifting means 60. The height under the beam 21 is a few meters, being sufficient to accommodate the elements (crossbeams, etc.) necessary for distributing the concentrated loads from the jacks and support pads towards the lattice beam 21 or to insert SPMTs. This beam 21 thus extends at a low height from the ground, for example less than 5m, or even less than 3m or 2m.

[0125] In the example considered, these two supporting structures 20 have their longitudinal axis oriented in the direction of movement on the track 30.

[0126] The installation 1 comprises a barge 50 arranged in the extension of a central movement track 30 on land, on which the foot 12 can move.

[0127] In this example, the barge 50 carries a third supporting structure 20, which differs from the supporting structures 20 present on land by the absence of counterweight 22.

[0128] The supporting structure 20 present on the barge 50 can, as illustrated, be connected to the barge at its rear end, opposite the lifting means 60 and the load 10, by cables 53 which are preferably substantially vertical.

[0129] The barge 50 is equipped with a ballast system which makes it possible to compensate for the variation in the weight supported by it as the load advances, and thus to keep the barge substantially horizontal.

[0130] A first pair of mooring lines 54 can connect, as illustrated, winches 57, arranged at the front of the barge 50, to the quay, and a second pair of mooring lines 52 winches 58, arranged at the rear of the barge 50, to the quay. These mooring lines 52 and 54 can be unwound as the barge 50 moves away from the quay Q, and make it possible to maintain the barge in the desired orientation, in particular perpendicular to the quay. Each pair of mooring lines extends in a V-shape, with the outermost mooring lines 52 forming a greater angle between them than the mooring lines 54.

[0131] The supporting structure 20 carried by the barge protrudes slightly from the latter towards the load, in order to allow the lifting means 60 to be attached to the ears 16 at the base of the foot 12.

[0132] The lifting means 60 of the supporting structures 20 each comprise a set of cable jacks 61, each equipped at the end with a yoke 63 carrying an axis 68 engaged in the opening 19 of the ear 16, as visible in FIGS. 14 and 21.

[0133] The body 66 of the jacks is more particularly visible in [Fig. 13]. In this figure, it can also be seen that the lattice beam 21 of the supporting structure 20 has, on the side of the lifting means 60, upper 26 and lower 27 protection rails, of a generally concave shape towards the outside, so as to substantially match the cylindrical shape of the foot 11 or 12 opposite.

[0134] These protective rails 26 and 27 may be fitted with sliding pads and / or shock absorbers, for example made of an elastomer material such as Neoprene, so as to facilitate the descent of the load 10 into contact with the supporting structure 20, to enable the load to be pushed with the supporting structure and / or to absorb any shocks between the load and the supporting structure.

[0135] Each supporting structure 20 can rest, as illustrated in [Fig.21], at the level of each rail of the travel track, on feet comprising jacks 100 and 104, the rods of which are provided at their lower end with sliding pads 101 circulating in the rail.

[0136] Piston cylinders 108, supported by mobile anchors 110 which can be temporarily activated to block the anchor in the corresponding rail, constitute pushers ("pushers" or "PPU" for "Push Pull Unit") allowing the cylinders 100-104 to slide on the sliding pads 101 (of the APS type for example) to move the supporting structure. The cylinders 108 of the PPUs are double-acting, and have a high compression capacity and a reduced traction capacity, allowing forward movement with nominal load, and reverse movement with reduced load for the release of the unloaded supporting structure.

[0137] Each supporting structure 20 can thus rest, by rail, on a first assembly comprising a central jack 104 and two adjacent jacks 100, on an isolated foot comprising a jack 100, then on a second assembly comprising three jacks, identical to the first. Each of the sets of three jacks comprises a set of pushers with piston jacks 108, extending respectively towards the front and towards the rear of the base, to move the supporting structure in opposite directions.

[0138] The installation 1 may comprise winch cables 29 (electric, hydraulic or pneumatic) which connect the rear of the structures 20 to anchors and are intended for relatively rapid reversing of the load-bearing structures 20, once unloaded, onto their sliding supports. The PPU pushers can also be used for slower reversing or disengagement, and implementing higher forces.

[0139] The operation of installation 1 is as follows.

[0140] The load 10, initially entirely present on land, as illustrated in [Fig.l], can be moved by suitable means, for example of the APS and PPU type as described above, towards the launching area.

[0141] During this movement, the supporting structures 20 circulate along the rails 31, and the load 10 is supported by the jacks 100, 104 bearing on the sliding pads 101 (for example of the APS type) sliding on the rails 31. During the intermediate stopping phases (between translations) the load 10 can rest on the support pads 32 of the tracks 30.

[0142] The barge 50 is arranged in the extension of the central track 30, and the lifting means 60 of the supporting structure carried by the latter are attached to the ears 16 located at the base of the foot 12. The barge 50 accompanies the movement of the load 10 by gradually moving away from the quay Q.

[0143] The mooring lines 52 and 54 are unwound so as to maintain the barge 50 in the desired orientation, as illustrated by Figures 2 and 3.

[0144] [Fig.4] shows the load 10 once it has reached its final position within the launching area. The supporting structures 20 on land then have their end provided with lifting means which projects beyond the quay. Stops present on the quay (not shown) can make it possible to block the movement of the supporting structures in this position. The cable jacks can be actuated gradually to lower the load 10 into the water.

[0145] Once the load is submerged, the lifting means 60 of all the supporting structures can be uncoupled from the load, and the barge 50 can be moved away from the load, for example using a ship, while the load 10 is transported to a storage area or to its final location (for example the wind farm).

[0146] We will now describe, with reference to figures 5 to 11, a variant of installation 1 still comprising a barge 50, but this time submersible.

[0147] In this example, the barge 50 is oriented with its longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the edge of the quay, and perpendicular to the central track 30.

[0148] This barge 50 may include an extension extending the central track 30, with rails 31 and support pads 32, so as to allow the foot 12 of the load to move there.

[0149] The barge 50 can be connected to the quay by sets of mooring lines 52 and 54, as in the example previously described.

[0150] In [Fig.5], the load 10 is shown in a position where it rests entirely on land. The barge 50 is positioned in the continuity of the central track 30.

[0151] The barge 50 is gradually moved towards the launching area, as illustrated in Figures 6 to 8; first, the foot 12 slides on the barge 50, while it is held against the quay. For this purpose, the rails 31 carrying the sliding shoes (of the APS type for example) used for moving the foot 12 have sufficient continuity between the section on land and that present on the barge. Once the foot 12 is entirely located on the barge 50, the latter is moved away from the quay as the feet 11 approach the launching area. The movement of the barge 50 is carried out passively under the effect of the movement of the load on land.

[0152] [Fig.8] shows the load 10 once it is entirely in the launching area; the supporting structures 20 adjacent to the feet 11 project from the quay.

[0153] The lifting means 60 of these supporting structures can then be actuated to lower the feet 11, and the barge 50 is gradually submerged at the same time, so as to lower the foot 12, as illustrated in Figures 10 and 11.

[0154] The towers 59 equipping the 4 corners of the submersible barge 50 always remain partially emerged and give hydrodynamic stability to the barge once submerged.

[0155] Once the load 10 is in a floating situation, the lifting means 60 can be uncoupled from the load 10, and the barge 50 moved away from it.

[0156] In [Fig. 11], the release from below of the barge 50 is illustrated, which releases the load 10.

[0157] We will now describe, with reference to [Fig.12], a variant of installation 1, without a barge.

[0158] In this variant, the quay is extended by two jetties such as platforms 90 on stilts, extending above the water, on either side of the launching area.

[0159] The platform has movement tracks 80, on which the load can be moved, for example by sliding, these tracks comprising for example sliding rails 82 and temporary support pads 81.

[0160] The installation 1 comprises three supporting structures 20, two of which run on sliding rails 95 extending to and over the first platform 90, and the third runs on two other rails 95 extending to and over the second platform.

[0161] The lifting means 60 of the first two supporting structures can to hang on the ears 16 at the base of the feet 11, and those of the third on the ears 16 at the base of the foot 12. The longitudinal axis of the supporting structures 20 is oriented perpendicular to the rails 95.

[0162] The movement of the load 10 accompanied by that of the supporting structures 20 is illustrated in Figures 15 to 17. This movement takes place while the feet 11 and 12 are attached to the lifting means 60 and lifted by the supporting structures in translation on the rails 95.

[0163] [Fig. 17] shows the load once it has completely reached the launching area. It is then suspended from the lifting means 60.

[0164] These can be gradually operated to lower the load into the water, as illustrated in [Fig. 18].

[0165] Once the load 10 is floating, the lifting means 60 can be uncoupled from the feet 11 and 12.

[0166] The supporting structures 20, the end of which provided with the lifting means 60 projects above the water, can be moved back so as to clear the passage for the load 10 and allow a ship to carry it towards a storage area or their permanent location (for example the wind farm).

[0167] This recoil is carried out in the example illustrated by means of transverse sliding rails 94, visible in [Fig.21] in particular, connecting perpendicularly to the rails 95.

[0168] When the supporting structures 20 arrive in the position for launching the load, the central jacks 104 are positioned in line with the rails 94, as illustrated in [Fig.22].

[0169] Once the load 10 has been put into the water, and the lifting means have been uncoupled, the weight that the jacks 100 and 104 must support is that of the supporting structure 20 alone, and the jacks 100 can be retracted, so that the supporting structure is no longer supported only by the jacks 104. The jacks 100 remain in place in each rail 95, while the jacks 104 can be moved in the rails 94 by any suitable motor means, for example using additional PPU type jacks (not visible in the figures) or a winch anchored back from the transverse rail 94, for each of the jacks 104, thus making it possible to move the supporting structure away from the load 10, as illustrated in [Fig.23].

[0170] Once the load 10 is moved away from the launching area, the supporting structure 20 can be made to perform the reverse movement so as to take charge of the next load 10.

[0171] In all of the above examples, the supporting structures 20 can be easily demobilized and taken by a ship to another site.

[0172] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described.

[0173] The lifting means 60 can be produced other than with cable jacks, for example with other jacks or with winches.

[0174] The load 10 may be other, for example quadripod, and made of metal or other materials. The invention thus allows the support of a jacket of any shape made of metal, but also other concrete structures with or without a high metal mast, with or without its generator (wind nacelle, rotor and blades).

[0175] The wind turbine mast is not necessarily supported by a float foot. It may be supported by a central base, supported by a lattice structure linked to the feet / floats, or by a fourth central foot / float. In a variant of the installation of [Fig.l], the ballast system of the barge 50 is replaced and / or supplemented by a movable counterweight system on the barge, from front to back and vice versa.

[0176] In the figures, the attachment of the lifting means to the load is carried out with lifting lugs carried by a collar present at the base of the cylindrical part of the foot; as a variant, the attachment is carried out differently, for example with lifting lugs connecting directly to the cylindrical part of the foot or otherwise, by any suitable arrangement.

[0177] The invention is not limited to particular means for moving the load and / or the supporting structures to the launching area; it is possible to use, for example, SPMT type transport means, transport means with PPU and PTFE sliding pads, or others.

[0178] The submersible barge may, if necessary, interact with a fixed underwater support system, making it possible to control its descent, which may make it possible to avoid having to manage water inlets or outlets during the immersion / raising of the barge.

[0179] In the alternative embodiment of Figures 24 to 40, the load 10 is assembled on the ground in an assembly area and transported over the ground to a second area where the load will be connected to the supporting structures 20.

[0180] This transport is carried out along the movement paths 30, for example defined by the concrete surfaces of the quay, by wheeled transporters 200 such as SPMTs.

[0181] The installation comprises two other movement tracks 30 which extend generally perpendicular to the first and which may each comprise a pair of rails.

[0182] As shown in Figures 24 to 27, when the load reaches the second zone, two legs of the load 10 extend above the rails, near corresponding supporting structures 20 moving on the rails, and the third leg is near a barge 50 provided with a supporting structure 20.

[0183] Figures 28 and 29 illustrate the connection between one of the lifting structures 20 and the load 10.

[0184] As shown in [Fig.29], a caisson 211 is secured to the load above the legs 16 and the supporting structure 20 is provided with a pair of guides 212 which are configured to interfere with the side walls of the caisson 211 when the load is fully lifted, in order to block lateral movement of the load relative to the supporting structure 20 (i.e. in a direction generally transverse to the direction in which the load is moved from land to sea when hoisted by the supporting structures). The guides 212 may have diverging lower portions, to facilitate engagement between them of the caisson 211 as the latter moves upwards.

[0185] As shown in [Fig.28], the box 211 may be held by the supporting structure 20 before being brought onto the load 10 and secured thereto. The box 211 may be lowered using the same cables of the lifting means 60 as those which are subsequently used to lift the load 10.

[0186] As can be seen in Figures 30-31, the supporting structure 20 carried by the barge 50 may comprise a base 201 extending substantially across the width of the barge 50. A beam 21 rests on the base 201 and extends cantilevered beyond each end of the base.

[0187] A counterweight 22 is present opposite the end of the beam 21 adjacent to the load 10.

[0188] As shown in Figures 32 and 33, the barge 50 includes ballast compartments 500 for adjusting the buoyancy of the barge 50.

[0189] For example, the barge may include at least one compartment 501 adjacent to the load 10 and at least one compartment 502 opposite the load, wherein water may be pumped into while being pumped out of the compartment 501 to compensate for forces induced by lifting the load.

[0190] The barge 50 and the load 10 may be equipped with sensors such as inclinometers and force gauges and the installation may comprise at least one automaton for controlling, as a function of the signals received from these sensors, the pumps of the barge and the lifting means as well as the positions of the counterweights to keep the barge and the load horizontal. The at least one automaton may allow manual control.

[0191] [Fig.34] shows the load before it is lifted above the wheeled conveyor(s) 200.

[0192] [Fig.35] illustrates a variation in sea level. The length of the cable of the lifting means 60 is sufficient to ensure that the load can be lifted regardless of variations in sea level due to the tide and that the speed of the cable when the load is lifted or lowered is greater than the speed of variation in sea level due to the tide; for example, the speed of the cable is about 15 m / h while the variation in sea level due to the tide is about 2 m / h.

[0193] [Fig.36] illustrates the removal of the carriers 200 once the load has been lifted by the lifting means 60 of the supporting structures 20.

[0194] After removal of the wheeled conveyors 200, the supporting structures 20 can be moved to the water, as shown in Figures 37-39.

[0195] Once the load 10 is entirely above water, it can be submerged as shown in [Fig.40], then disconnected from the lifting means 60.

[0196] [Fig.41] illustrates the possibility for the supporting structures 20 running on rails of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 11 to move on secondary travel tracks 131 to allow the placement of the supporting structures 20 behind the load 10.

[0197] Each secondary travel track may include a pair of rails 250, as illustrated in [Fig.42], which extend perpendicular to the rails of the travel tracks 30.

[0198] [Fig.43] illustrates the possibility of connecting the mooring lines of the barge 50 to the supporting structures 20 located on land.

[0199] [Fig.44] shows the load 10 resting on the support pads 32 before lifting.

[0200] [Fig.45] shows load 10 after lifting.

[0201] [Fig.46] shows an alternative embodiment in which the load 10 is transported ashore by wheeled carriers such as SPMTs to an area of ​​the quay close to the sea, between two supporting structures on land 20 each comprising a rotating crane 222 carried by a mast 221.

[0202] The load is connected at a third point to a supporting structure 20 resting on a barge 50.

[0203] To transport the load from land to sea, the barge 50 is moved away from the quay and the cranes 222 are rotated. The rotation of the crane may be accompanied by a translation of the latter, as shown by the arrows in [Fig.46].

Claims

Claims

1. Installation (1) for launching a heavy load (10) present on land, in particular a load consisting of a float of the tripod or quadripod type, comprising: - at least two supporting structures (20) independent of each other, each equipped with lifting means (60) configured to be attached to the load, these supporting structures each being equipped with a counterweight (22), - at least one offshore supporting structure (20) carried by a barge (50), provided with a lifting means (60) configured to be attached to the load, - the installation being configured to allow the lifting means (60) of the supporting structures (20), when the load is positioned in a launching area, to extend at least partially above the water in order to lower the load therein.

2. Installation according to claim 1, the barge (50) being movable to accompany the movement of the load towards a launching position.

3. Installation according to claim 2, the barge (50) having an adjustable ballast or a counterweight system making it possible to maintain the horizontality of the supporting structure located thereon.

4. Installation according to either of claims 2 and 3, the barge being connected to the quay or to the supporting structures (20) by mooring lines (52, 54) which are arranged to be unwound progressively as the load (10) moves away from the quay.

5. Installation (1) for launching a heavy load (10) present on land, in particular a load consisting of a float of the tripod or quadripod type, comprising: - at least two supporting structures (20) independent of each other, each equipped with lifting means (60) configured to be attached to the load, these supporting structures each being equipped with a counterweight (22), - a submersible barge (50) on which part of the load can rest when the load is in the launching zone, - the installation being configured to allow the lifting means (60) of the supporting structures (20), when the load is positioned in a launching area, to extend at least partially above the water in order to lower the load therein.

6. Installation according to claim 5, the installation comprising movement tracks extending from a land-based reception area for the load to a load-unloading area, the submersible barge being positioned in the extension of one of the movement tracks (30) of the quay, and comprising an extension to this track allowing the load to be moved onto the barge.

7. Installation according to any one of the preceding claims, the supporting structures comprising movement tracks extending from a land-based reception area for the load to a load unloading area, the supporting structures (20) being oriented parallel to the movement tracks (30).

8. Installation (1) for launching a heavy load (10) present on land, in particular a load consisting of a float of the tripod or quadripod type, comprising: - at least two supporting structures (20) independent of each other, each equipped with lifting means (60) configured to be attached to the load, these supporting structures each being equipped with a counterweight (22), - the installation being configured to allow the lifting means (60) of the supporting structures (20), when the load is positioned in a launching zone, to extend at least partially above the water in order to lower the load therein and the installation comprising movement paths extending from a zone for receiving the load on land to a zone for unloading the load, the installation comprising at least three supporting structures each equipped with lifting means (60) and a counterweight (22),the travel routes being arranged in such a way that in the launching area all the lifting means of the supporting structures are located at least partially above the water to lower the load there.,

9. Installation according to claim 8, the supporting structures being oriented transversely to the travel paths.

10. Installation according to either of claims 8 and 9, comprising two platforms (90) or other structure on piles along which the travel paths extend, the launching area extending between these platforms or other structure.

11. Installation according to one of claims 8 to 10, the supporting structures (20) being movable along their longitudinal axis relative to the movement tracks, so as to allow them to be moved away from the load once the latter has been unloaded.

12. Installation according to any one of the preceding claims, the supporting structures (20) extending generally horizontally.

13. Installation according to any one of the preceding claims, the installation comprising movement tracks extending from a land-based reception area for the load to a load unloading area, the movement tracks comprising rails (31; 95).

14. Installation according to any one of the preceding claims, the supporting structures comprising pads made of synthetic material, in particular elastomer, capable of coming to bear against the load.

15. Installation according to any one of the preceding claims, the installation comprising movement tracks (30) extending from a land reception area for the load to a water launching area for the load, the movement tracks (30) being at least three in number.

16. Installation according to any one of the preceding claims, the installation comprising movement tracks extending from a land reception area for the load to a water launching area for the load, the movement tracks all being parallel to each other or having different directions or being parallel for some of them and having different directions for other parts.

17. An installation according to any preceding claim, the installation comprising travel tracks extending from a land-based area for receiving the load to a water-based area for launching the load, the travel tracks all being defined by rails or at least one of the following: less partially defined by rails.

18. An installation according to any preceding claim, the installation comprising travel lanes extending from a land-based load receiving area to a load-launching area, at least some or all of the travel lanes being defined by concrete surfaces or by tracks or roads on which wheeled transporters such as SPMTs can travel.

19. An installation according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising three travel tracks (30) which extend generally parallel to each other and which are defined by rails (31), the travel tracks extending to an end of the quay close to the water, the load (10) being a tripod having legs each carried by a transporter running on a corresponding travel track, before connection of the load with the lifting means (60) of the supporting structures (20), one of the supporting structures (20) being carried by a barge (50), and the other two being connected to the load once the latter has passed beyond a predefined zone,the installation comprising additional movement tracks (131) allowing each of the two supporting structures (20) to move from a first location where it is distant from a movement track (30) on which the load is traveling to a second location where it is located on this movement track (30) behind the load (10), the additional movement tracks (131) being defined by rails (250) perpendicular to the rails (31) of the movement tracks (30) on which the load is traveling.,

20. An installation according to any one of claims 1 to 18, comprising travel tracks (30) on which the supporting structures (20) travel, these travel tracks being defined by rails (95) on which the supporting structures (20) travel, the orientation of the supporting structures (20) being transverse to these travel tracks, two supporting structures traveling on one travel track (30) and one on the other travel track (30), the installation comprising two jetties (90) on which the travel tracks (30) extend, the load being hoisted down to the water between the jetties (90) by one supporting structure resting on one jetty and the other two on the other jetty (90), the installation preferably also comprising two travel tracks (30) along which the load (10) travels, these two tracks comprising rails (82), the load being a tripod having two legs which travel along one path of travel and an opposite leg which travels along the other path of travel.

21. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 18; comprising two travel tracks (30) parallel to each other, generally perpendicular to the quay, and at least one additional travel track (30) generally perpendicular to the other two, the first two travel tracks (30) being equipped with rails, the at least one additional track being a concrete surface on which wheeled transporters such as SPMTs can travel, from a first location where the assembly of the load (10) is completed to a second location where the load can be hoisted by the supporting structures (20) for unloading the load into the water, the installation comprising a barge (50) carrying a third supporting structure (20).

22. An installation according to any preceding claim, at least one supporting structure comprising a rotating crane which can rotate during transport of the load from land to sea.

23. An installation according to claim 22 and any one of claims 1 to 19, comprising at least one supporting structure which comprises a rotating crane which can rotate during the transport of the load from land to sea, and a barge (50) carrying another supporting structure (20), and preferably the installation comprising two supporting structures which each comprise a rotating crane (222) which can rotate during the transport of the load from land to sea, and a barge carrying a third supporting structure (20).

24. Installation according to any one of the preceding claims, at least one supporting structure, and preferably all the supporting structures, comprising at least one first blocking element configured to interfere with at least one second blocking element carried by the load to limit the lateral movement of the load relative to the supporting structure once the load has been lifted to a high position by the lifting means, the at least one first blocking element preferably comprising two opposite guides (212) between which at least one second blocking element (211) can engage, the at least one second element preferably being a box fixed above the lifting lugs of the load.

25. Method for unloading a heavy load into water, in particular a tripod or tetrapod type float, using an installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which: - the lifting means (60) are actuated to lower the load (10) into the water, the load being held during its descent at at least three points, at least two of which are connected to lifting means of the supporting structures (20) located on land, and the third is connected to one of a submersible barge, a supporting structure carried by a barge (50), and a supporting structure located on land.

26. A method according to claim 25, comprising using wheeled conveyors (200) such as SPMTs to transport the load from an assembly area to the area where it can be connected to the lifting means (60) of the supporting structures (20).

27. Method according to any one of claims 25 and 26, said third point being connected to a supporting structure present on a barge (50), the method comprising an action on a ballast of the barge (50) to compensate for a variation in the force exerted by the load on the lifting means of the supporting structure present on the barge.

28. A method according to any one of claims 25 to 27, the load being moved using the supporting structures (20) located on land to the unloading area.

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