Offshore energy production facility

Abstract

Offshore energy production facility The present disclosure relates to an offshore energy production facility (100) comprising a floating platform (110), an energy production system mounted on the platform and preferably comprising at least one wind turbine (120), a mooring line (130, 140) connected to the platform, and a system for generating and / or storing energy (G2, G1), for example electrical energy, from a mechanical tension experienced by the mooring line. This constitutes an improved offshore energy production facility. [Fig 1]

Description

Title of the invention: Offshore energy production installation Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an offshore energy production facility comprising a floating platform and an energy production system mounted on the platform, the energy production system preferably comprising at least one wind turbine. Background

[0002] Offshore wind turbines are energy production systems mounted on floating platforms and are generally assembled within units called "wind farms". The primary function of these wind turbines is to produce energy, in particular electricity, thanks to the presence of a wind of sufficiently high force.

[0003] It is known that wind farms include auxiliary systems that need to be powered in order to operate. These systems can be powered by electricity produced by the wind turbines themselves. However, a problem arises when there is no wind or the wind is too weak, causing the wind turbines in the farm to stop operating.

[0004] It is also known that variations in wind strength can result in significant variations in the electrical power produced by the wind farm. There is then a need to smooth out these power variations.

[0005] Finally, the park may experience unexpected breakdowns and / or transients, leading to a need to supplement the energy produced by the wind turbines.

[0006] In this sense, an improved offshore energy production facility is being sought. Summary

[0007] An offshore energy production installation is thus proposed comprising a floating platform, an energy production system mounted on the platform and preferably comprising at least one wind turbine, a mooring connected to the platform, and a system for generating and / or storing energy, for example electrical energy, from a mechanical tension experienced by the mooring.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the installation further comprises an additional floating platform and an additional energy production system mounted on the additional platform and preferably comprising at least one wind turbine, the mooring connecting the platform and the additional platform.

[0009] According to another embodiment, the installation further comprises an anchor for fixing to the seabed, the mooring connecting the platform and the fixing anchor. According to an example of this embodiment, the installation may further comprise an additional floating platform, an additional energy production system mounted on the additional platform and preferably comprising at least one wind turbine, and an additional mooring, the additional mooring connecting the platform and the additional platform.In this example, the installation may optionally further comprise an additional system for generating and / or storing energy, for example electrical, the additional system for generating and / or storing energy being configured to generate and / or store energy from a mechanical tension experienced by the additional mooring, and / or an additional mooring connecting the additional platform to the fixing anchor, the installation preferably further comprising an additional system for generating and / or storing energy, for example electrical, from a mechanical tension experienced by the additional mooring.

[0010] In either embodiment, the installation may optionally further comprise one or more fixing moorings each connecting, to a respective additional anchor for fixing to the seabed, the mooring or the additional mooring connecting the platform and the additional platform, preferably two fixing moorings connected on either side of the system or additional system for generating and / or storing energy.

[0011] In examples, the or at least one energy generation and / or storage system comprises a kinetic energy to electrical energy converter, for example a rotating electrical generator or a linear motion electrical generator, optionally coupled to at least one battery, and / or a flywheel.

[0012] In examples, the or at least one energy generation and / or storage system comprises two parts movable relative to each other, and one of the two movable parts is connected to a tether end, or one of the two movable parts is connected to an inner tether section end and the other movable part is connected to a corresponding inner tether end.

[0013] In examples, a ratio between an output power of the energy generation and / or storage system and an output power of the energy production system is less than 0.05.

[0014] In examples, the installation further comprises one or more auxiliary systems adapted to be supplied with energy by the energy generation and / or storage system, the one or more auxiliary systems optionally comprising an alarm system, a signaling system, and / or a control and data acquisition system.

[0015] A method of using such a facility is also provided. In examples, the method of using may include energy production. by the energy production system mounted on the platform, preferably electrical energy from a conversion of kinetic energy provided by wind. The use may further comprise mechanical tensioning of the mooring, and generation and / or storage of energy, for example electrical, by the generation and / or storage system, from a mechanical tension experienced by the mooring. The generation and / or storage of energy by the generation and / or storage system may occur at least partially simultaneously with the production of energy by the energy production system mounted on the platform.

[0016] A method for dynamically stabilizing such an installation is also proposed, in which the energy generation and / or storage system adjusts the voltage or voltage variation of the mooring to which it is connected.

[0017] A method for dynamically stabilizing such an installation is also proposed, in which the energy generation and / or storage system adjusts the voltage or the voltage variation of the mooring to which it is connected when the energy production system is in operation, or does not adjust the voltage or voltage variation of the mooring to which it is connected when the energy production system is stopped. Brief description of the figures

[0018] The proposed solution will now be detailed, with reference to the following figures which illustrate certain aspects in a non-limiting manner:

[0019] [Fig.l] shows a first example of installation.

[0020] [Fig.2] shows a second example of installation.

[0021] [Fig.3] shows a third example of installation.

[0022] [Fig.4] shows a longitudinal sectional view of an example of an energy generation and / or storage system, in a first state.

[0023] [Fig.5] shows a longitudinal sectional view of the exemplary energy generation and / or storage system of [Fig.4], in a second state.

[0024] [Fig.6] shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary energy generation and / or storage system of [Fig.4], in the second state; along the axis AA illustrated in [Fig.5]. Detailed description

[0025] The proposed offshore energy production facility comprises a floating platform, an energy production system mounted on the platform, a mooring connected to the platform, and a system for generating and / or storing energy from a mechanical tension experienced by the mooring. The energy production system mounted on the platform may preferably comprise at least one wind turbine. The energy generation and / or storage system can for example generate and / or store electrical energy.

[0026] Such a solution provides an improved offshore energy production facility.

[0027] Indeed, the solution takes advantage of the presence of a floating platform to convert kinetic energy linked to buoyancy into energy, for example electrical, generated and / or stored by a dedicated energy generation and / or storage system. This conversion is carried out by the presence of a mooring connected to the platform. The installation is configured so that the mooring can undergo, at least at certain times, a mechanical tension linked to the marine currents and / or to the oscillations of the platform caused by the waves and / or the wind. The generation and / or storage system is configured to generate and / or store energy from this mechanical tension. The offshore energy production installation is thus configured to produce primary energy, for example electrical, by a primary energy production system, for example at least one wind turbine which converts the kinetic energy of the wind.In addition, the offshore energy production facility is also configured to produce secondary energy, for example electrical energy, through a secondary system that converts energy from mechanical tension in a mooring line and indirectly from ocean currents.

[0028] The installation may comprise one or more auxiliary systems adapted to be supplied with energy by the energy generation and / or storage system. The energy generation and / or storage system may thus supply energy to the auxiliary systems, even in the event of non-operation or malfunction of the wind turbine. Such non-operation or malfunction may for example be linked to a lack of wind or the presence of too little wind, or to a breakdown or a transient shutdown. The one or more auxiliary systems may in particular comprise an alarm system, a signaling system, and / or a control and data acquisition system (known by the acronym SC AD A, an acronym for "Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition"). Such systems perform functions that may be critical, and the energy generation and / or storage system makes it possible to prevent or reduce unexpected operational shutdowns.

[0029] Additionally or alternatively, the energy generation and / or storage system can compensate for insufficient or non-existent production of energy, for example electrical energy, by the wind turbine, for example in the event of an absence of wind or the presence of too little wind, or even a breakdown or transient shutdown.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, the energy generation and / or storage system can be used to smooth out variations in power, for example electrical power, produced by the installation. The energy generation and / or storage system thus helps to mitigate the effects of significant variations in wind speed on electricity production.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment, the energy generation and / or storage system can be used to dynamically control the stability of the platform by adjusting the tension or the variation in tension of the mooring line or anchor line to which it is connected. In this case, the energy generation and / or storage system consumes energy to perform the dynamic control of the platform. This embodiment is particularly useful when the platform comprises a wind turbine in operation, because it makes it possible to increase the electrical productivity of the turbine by allowing an extended operating range and / or to increase the service life of the turbine by minimizing maintenance requirements and wear of the mechanical components.

[0032] A ratio between an output power of the energy generation and / or storage system relative to an output power of the energy production system (e.g., a wind turbine mounted on the platform) may be less than 0.05 (5%). Thus, the energy generation and / or storage system is configured to generate energy, e.g., electrical, only secondary because much less than the energy produced by the at least one wind turbine, since according to such a ratio. The energy generation and / or storage system is therefore compact and inexpensive to implement. For example, the primary energy production system (e.g., the wind turbine) may have an output power of the order of 15 MW (megawatts), and / or the secondary system formed by the energy generation and / or storage system may have an output power of less than 1 MW, preferably less than 0.5 MW.

[0033] The installation may comprise several floating platforms each having an energy production system mounted on the platform, for example a wind turbine. The installation may thus form a wind farm. The installation may then comprise several platforms each connected to a mooring, and several systems for generating and / or storing energy, for example electrical energy, each from a mechanical tension experienced by a respective mooring.

[0034] By "mooring line" is meant a rope or cabling having at least two ends and adapted to hold a floating platform, comprising for example at least one wind turbine. Such mooring lines are known in the field of offshore wind farms. Any mooring line of the present disclosure may have a cross-sectional diameter greater than 10 centimeters and / or less than 50 cm, for example of the order of 30 centimeters (i.e., 30 centimeters plus or minus 10%). Any mooring line of the present disclosure may be made of a polymer material, for example high tensile strength polyethylene and / or composite fabric of the cubic fiber type or Dyneema (registered trademark). The floating platform may have a mass greater than 1000 tonnes, for example greater than 5000 tonnes. Any mooring line of the present disclosure may be adapted to withstand without breaking a tension greater than 100 tonnes, for example greater than 500 tonnes.

[0035] Any mooring line of the present disclosure may comprise several mooring line sections connected together two by two by respective ends, called "inner end of mooring line section". In addition to such an inner end, a mooring line section may have an end forming a mooring line end, depending on whether the mooring line section is an end section of the mooring line or not.

[0036] The mooring line connected to the floating platform may have a mooring end fixed to the platform. The mooring line may further be connected to an object separate from the platform. For this purpose, the mooring line may comprise another mooring end fixed to this object separate from the platform. Thus, the mooring line may undergo mechanical tension due to relative movements between the floating platform and this object separate from the platform, said relative movements being linked for example to ocean currents. The mooring line may be configured to allow a separation distance between the platform and the object separate from the platform greater than 10 meters, for example greater than 100 meters or even 500 meters, while continuing to connect the platform and the object separate from the platform.

[0037] Any energy generation and / or storage system of the present disclosure may comprise two parts that are movable relative to each other. Any energy generation and / or storage system of the present disclosure may comprise a mechanism configured to transform kinetic energy into another energy, for example electrical, and in particular to generate said other energy from a movement of the two parts that are movable relative to each other. The energy generation and / or storage system may for example comprise one or more permanent magnets mounted on one of the two movable parts, and one or more coils mounted on the other movable part. Such a configuration is simple to implement. The energy generation and / or storage system may carry out the energy conversion by any other alternative configuration.

[0038] Any energy generation and / or storage system of the present disclosure may be arranged so that the two parts movable relative to each other are set in motion relative to each other when a connected mooring line undergoes mechanical tension. This kinetic energy is converted into other energy, for example electrical.

[0039] The movement of the two moving parts relative to each other can be arbitrary, for example rotary (i.e., one of the two moving parts rotating relative to the other) or linear (i.e., one of the two moving parts being in translation relative to the other).

[0040] In the case of a linear movement, the energy generation and / or storage system may comprise a travel limiter. The travel limiter imposes a limit on the relative linear movement between the two moving parts, thus avoiding excessive elongation of the system.

[0041] Any energy generation and / or storage system of the present disclosure may comprise a ratchet mechanism, and / or a spring system. Such means allow that when the mooring undergoes successive mechanical tensions, the two moving parts each time enter into movement relative to each other and thus generate energy.

[0042] The energy generation and / or storage system may have a first "actuable" state in which the two moving parts can be moved relative to each other if the respective mooring line is subjected to mechanical tension, and a second "actuated" state in which the two moving parts have just been moved relative to each other. The ratchet mechanism and / or the spring system are configured to automatically switch the energy generation and / or storage system from the second state to the first state, so that the relative movement between the two moving parts can be actuated again.

[0043] For example, in the case of a linear movement, the energy generation and / or storage system may comprise a compression (or respectively traction) spring arranged so that a mechanical tension experienced by the respective mooring line puts the two moving parts into relative translation and stretches (respectively compresses) the spring. For example, one end of the spring may be integral with one moving part and the other end of the spring is integral with the other moving part. When the mooring line is no longer subjected to the mechanical tension, the spring enters into compression (respectively decompression) to return to its rest state. The two moving parts thus return to their initial relative position, and are again able to be put into relative translation by a subsequent tensioning of the mooring line.

[0044] Similarly, in the case of a rotary movement, the energy generation and / or storage system may comprise a spring and a ratchet mechanism cooperating to actuate the relative rotation of the two moving parts when the mooring line is subjected to mechanical tension. The spring and the ratchet mechanism also cooperate so that the spring can return to its rest state, so that when the mooring line is no longer subjected to mechanical tension, the energy generation and / or storage system is in its actuable state. Such cooperation between spring and ratchet mechanism is known for example in manual engine starters, for example lawnmower starters.

[0045] Any energy generation and / or storage system of the present disclosure may comprise a kinetic energy to electrical energy converter, for example a rotating electrical generator or a linear motion electrical generator. Additionally or alternatively, any energy generation and / or storage system of the present disclosure may comprise a flywheel. Such energy generation and / or storage systems are simple to implement and offer a level of resistance suitable for the marine environment.

[0046] Any energy generation and / or storage system of the present disclosure may further be configured to store said other energy, for example electrical. Any energy generation and / or storage system of the present disclosure may for example comprise one or more batteries coupled to the mechanism configured to transform kinetic energy into another energy. Alternatively, in the case of a flywheel, the system may store inertial energy, to be able to distribute it later, for example in the form of kinetic energy then converted into electrical energy.

[0047] According to a first configuration, for any energy generation and / or storage system of the present disclosure comprising two parts movable relative to each other, on one side one of the two movable parts can be connected (e.g., fixedly, i.e. without or substantially without possible relative movement) to a given mooring end, and on the other side the other movable part can be connected (e.g., fixedly) to the floating platform if the given mooring end is fixed to the platform, or to the object separated from the platform if the given mooring end is fixed to the object separated from the platform. According to a second configuration, one of the two movable parts is connected (e.g., fixedly) to an inner end of a first mooring section and the other movable part is connected (e.g.,, fixedly) to a corresponding inner end of the mooring line, i.e. to the inner end of a second mooring line section connected to the first mooring line section via the two movable parts. Thus, the energy generation and / or storage system can be arranged at one end of the respective mooring line connecting the floating platform and the separated object (first configuration), or in an intermediate position (second configuration).

[0048] In both configurations, the mooring connects the floating platform to the object separated from the floating platform via the two moving parts of the energy generation and / or storage system, a first moving part being securely connected to the floating platform and the second moving part being securely connected to the object separated from the floating platform. Thus, sea currents tending to separate the floating platform and the object separated from the floating platform put tension on the mooring, and this mechanical tension results in a relative movement of the two moving parts and a generation of energy.

[0049] Various examples of the proposed offshore power generation facility are now discussed with reference to the figures.

[0050] [Fig.l] shows an offshore energy production installation 100 according to a first example comprising a first floating platform 110 and a second floating platform 112. The installation 100 further comprises a first wind turbine 120 which is mounted on the first floating platform 110, and a second wind turbine 122 which is mounted on the second floating platform 112.

[0051] The two platforms 110 and 112 are separate and can be integrated into the same wind farm comprising a plurality of platforms.

[0052] The installation 100 may comprise a shared mooring line 140 which connects the two platforms 110 and 112. The shared mooring line 140 makes it possible to limit the separation between the platforms 110 and 112. The shared mooring line 140 comprises two ends E1 and E4 each fixed to a respective platform 110 or 112.

[0053] Additionally or alternatively, the installation 100 may comprise a fixing anchor 150 to the seabed 190, as well as a first anchoring line 130 connecting the platform 110 to the fixing anchor 150, and optionally a second anchoring line 132 connecting the platform 112 to the fixing anchor 150. The first anchoring line 130 (respectively second anchoring line 132) comprises two ends E5 (respectively E5') and E6 (respectively E6') fixed, one E5 to the platform 110 (respectively E5' to the platform 112) and the other E6, E6' to the fixing anchor 150. The fixing anchor 150 and the anchoring lines make it possible to limit the drift of the platforms 110 and 112. The use of a single anchor 150 makes it possible to share the anchoring and thus reduce the material consumed. In a variant, the installation could comprise a separate fixing anchor per platform 110, 112 and / or a plurality of fixing anchors per platform.According to a non-shown embodiment, each platform 110, 112 is a semi-submersible platform connected by at least three anchor lines 130, 132, each line 130, 132 being connected to a separate or common fixing anchor 150. According to another non-shown embodiment, each platform 110, 112 is a tension leg platform (TLP). In this case, each platform 110, 112 comprises at least three anchor lines 130, 132 which are each connected tensionally to a separate fixing anchor 150.

[0054] Thus, the installation 100 can comprise not only a platform 110, a wind turbine 120, and a mooring line 130, but also an additional platform 112, an additional wind turbine 122, and an additional mooring line 132, and also an additional mooring line 140 connecting the platform 110 and the additional platform 112.

[0055] The moorings 130, 132, 140 and the fixing anchor 150 may be implemented according to any known mooring and anchoring technique, for example as described in the article by Hall, Matthew, et al., “Design and analysis of a ten-turbine floating windfarm with shared mooring Unes.”, Journal of Physics: Conference Series. Vol. 2362. No. 1. IOP Publishing, 2022.). The shared mooring 140 may for example be implemented according to the description in the article by Lozon, Ericka, and Matthew Hall., “Coupled loads analysis of a novel shared-mooring floating windfarm.”, Applied Energy 332 (2023): 120513.

[0056] The installation 100 further comprises several energy generation and / or storage systems G1, G2, G2' from a mechanical tension experienced by the mooring line. This type of mooring line and in particular the mooring lines 130, 132, 140 cyclically undergo a mechanical tension depending on the wind, current and swell conditions. The energy generated by such mechanical tension can be recovered, and thus be used to generate and / or store redistributable energy.

[0057] Thus, the installation may comprise the energy generation and / or storage system G1 which recovers energy from a mechanical tension undergone by the mooring line 140. As illustrated in the figure, the system G1 is arranged in an intermediate position of the mooring line 140. The mooring line 140 thus comprises a first mooring line section 142 and a second mooring line section 144. The first mooring line section 142 comprises a first end E1 (“mooring” end) fixed to the platform 110 and a second end E2 (“inner” end) fixed to the system G1. The second mooring line section 144 likewise comprises a first end E3 (“inner” end) fixed to the platform 112 and a second end E4 (“mooring” end) fixed to the system G1. The system G1 may comprise two parts movable relative to each other, one of the two movable parts being fixed to the platform 110. the end E2 and the other movable part being fixed to the end E3.The Gl system could alternatively be attached to one of the platforms 110 or 112 and to a corresponding end of the mooring line 140.

[0058] Additionally or alternatively, the installation 100 may comprise the energy generation and / or storage system G2 which recovers energy from a mechanical tension experienced by the mooring line 130. As illustrated in the figure, the system G2 is fixed to the platform 110 as well as to one end E5 of the mooring line 130, another end E6 of the mooring line 130 being fixed to the anchor 150. The system G2 may comprise two parts movable relative to each other, one of the two movable parts being fixed to the end E5 and the other movable part being fixed to the platform 110. The system G2 could alternatively be fixed to the anchor 150, or even be arranged in an intermediate position of the mooring line 130.

[0059] Additionally or alternatively, the installation 100 may comprise the energy generation and / or storage system G2' which recovers energy from a mechanical tension experienced by the mooring line 132. As illustrated in the figure, the system G2' is fixed to the platform 112 as well as to one end E5' of the mooring line 132, another end E6' of the mooring line 132 being fixed to the anchor 150. The system G2' may comprise two parts movable relative to each other, one of the two movable parts being fixed to the end E5' and the other movable part being fixed to the platform 112. The system G2 could alternatively be fixed to the anchor 150, or even be arranged in an intermediate position of the mooring line 132.

[0060] Thus, the installation 100 can comprise not only an energy generation and / or storage system G2, but also an additional energy generation and / or storage system G2', and also an additional energy generation and / or storage system G1.

[0061] The system G1, the system G2, and / or the system G2' may each comprise a converter of kinetic energy into electrical energy, for example a rotating (rotary) electrical generator or a linear (translational) motion electrical generator, optionally coupled to at least one battery, and / or a flywheel. The system G1, the system G2, and / or the system G2' may thus (each) generate energy, for example electrical energy, and distribute or store (in one or more batteries) this electrical energy so that it can be redistributed later. Alternatively, the system G1, the system G2, and / or the system G2' may (each) store inertial energy, so that it can be distributed later, for example in the form of kinetic energy then converted into electrical energy.

[0062] The installation 100 may comprise electrical wiring (not shown) allowing these distributions of electrical energy. The installation 100 may in particular comprise one or more auxiliary systems SA, SA' each adapted to be supplied with energy by one or more of the systems G1, G2 and G2'. Each auxiliary system SA, SA' may optionally comprise an alarm system, a signaling system, and / or a data control and acquisition system.

[0063] The installation 100 as illustrated in [Fig.l] makes it possible to recover the kinetic energy generated by a possible movement away from each of the platforms 110 and 112 relative to the anchor 150, as well as the kinetic energy generated by a possible movement away from the two platforms 110 and 112.

[0064] [Fig. 2] shows an offshore energy production facility 200 according to a second example comprising three floating platforms 210, 212, and 214, a respective wind turbine 220, 222, and 224 mounted on each platform, and a respective anchor line 230, 232, and 234 connecting each platform to a system of G3 energy generation and / or storage also having the function of anchor for fixing to the seabed 190.

[0065] In this example, the G3 system may be particularly massive, and for example comprise at least one magnet having a mass greater than 500 kilograms or 1 tonne, fixed on a support for example gravity, for example made of concrete with a mass greater than 1000 tonnes, possibly ballasted. Such an energy generation and / or storage system may thus, while having a mass sufficient to serve as a fixing anchor, recover a significant quantity of energy, coming from particularly high mechanical tension values ​​experienced by a number of moorings which may be high (eg, strictly greater than 2 as illustrated).

[0066] In this example, the G3 system may preferably comprise a rotating electric generator coupled to one or more batteries. The G3 system may further comprise a ratchet mechanism, which makes it possible to only allow rotation in one direction. Thus, despite the presence of more than two platforms connected to the G3 system by a respective mooring line and which may at the same time have a tendency to rotate a moving part of the G3 system relative to another moving part in different directions, the rotation only occurs in one direction. In other words, the ratchet mechanism makes it possible to manage possible conflicts in rotation directions linked to opposing tensions experienced by the different mooring lines 230, 232, and 234.

[0067] [Fig. 3] shows an offshore energy production installation 300 according to a third example comprising two floating platforms 310 and 312, a respective wind turbine 320 and 322 mounted on each platform and a respective anchoring line 330 and 332, and 334 connecting each platform to a respective fixing anchor 350 and 352.

[0068] The installation 300 further comprises an additional mooring 340 connecting the platform 310 and the additional platform 312, and a system for generating and / or storing energy G4, for example electrical, from a mechanical tension undergone by the additional mooring 340. As for the system G1 as illustrated in [Fig.l], the system G4 is arranged in an intermediate position of the additional mooring 340.

[0069] The installation 300 further comprises fixing moorings 370 and 372 each connecting, to a respective additional fixing anchor 380, 382, ​​the additional mooring 340. The fixing moorings 370 and 372 can be connected on either side of the system G4. Thus, the mooring 340 comprises a first section 341 fixed at one end to the platform and at another end to a node E7, a second section 342 fixed at one end to the node E7 and at another end to the system G4 (for example to a first mobile part of the system G4), a third section 343 fixed at one end to the system G4 (for example to a second mobile part of the system G4) and at another end to a node E8, and a fourth section 344 fixed at one end to the node E8 and at another end to the platform 312. The fixing moorings 370 and 372 are then each fixed at a respective end to the nodes E7 and E8.

[0070] The installation 300 makes it possible, thanks to the fixing moorings 370 and 372 and the corresponding fixing anchors 380 and 382, ​​to moderate the tension undergone by the mooring 340, which makes it possible to preserve the lifespan of the G4 system, in particular if it is a linear generator system.

[0071] Figures 4 to 6 illustrate an example of an energy generation and / or storage system 400. [Fig. 4] shows a longitudinal section of the system 400 in an actuable state. [Fig. 5] shows a longitudinal section of the system 400 in an actuated state and at the end of its travel. [Fig. 6] shows a cross section along the axis AA of [Fig. 5].

[0072] The energy generation and / or storage system 400 is a linear motion electric generator which comprises two parts 402 and 422 which are movable relative to each other. The movable parts 402 and 422 each comprise a recess 407, 427 allowing connection (not shown) either each to a respective section of a mooring line, or one to a mooring line and the other to an object (for example a floating platform or a fixing anchor). A mechanical tension experienced by the mooring line imparts a translational movement to the two movable parts 402 and 422 relative to each other along a longitudinal axis X.

[0073] [Fig. 4] shows the state of the system 400 when the mooring line is not under mechanical tension. [Fig. 5] shows the state of the system 400 after the mooring line has been under mechanical tension. When the mooring line is under mechanical tension, the system 400 stretches along the X axis and the movable parts 402 and 422 thus move away from each other along the X axis. The movable part 422 can perform translational movements within a longitudinal recess 401 made in the movable part 402.

[0074] This linear movement causes a relative translation of coils 432 that comprise the movable part 422 and made of an electrically conductive material. The movable part 402 comprises permanent magnets 420 arranged on either side of the recess 401. The translational movement of the movable part 422 inside the longitudinal recess 401 made in the movable part 402 therefore generates electricity. The energy generation and / or storage system 400 may comprise wiring 450 connected to the coils 432 to distribute this electricity to one or more batteries and / or one or more auxiliary systems (not shown). In a variant, the “male” movable part (the movable part 422 in the example) could comprise magnets, and the “female” movable part (the movable part 402 in the example) could comprise magnets, and the “female” movable part (the movable part 402 in the example) could comprise magnets. the example) could include coils. Thus, in such a variant, the magnets would be in translation with coils on either side. Still other variants would also allow electricity to be generated by a linear movement of one moving part relative to another.

[0075] The movable part 422 may comprise a radial plate 424 sliding in the recess 401 along a longitudinal internal wall of the movable part 402. The plate 424 may comprise bearings or pads 425, which facilitates sliding. Alternatively or in addition, the bearings or pads are completed by at least one annular bearing, preferably made of a polymer such as a polyamide or a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and possibly by an annular seal made of an elastomer ideally sealed against gases and / or liquids. The plate 424 may have a diameter greater than an end portion 423 of the movable part 422. Thus, a helical compression spring 412 may be arranged around the end portion 423 and bear at one end on a portion of the plate 424 which protrudes from the end portion 423. The spring 412 may bear at its other end on a radial stop 413 of the movable part 402.In a variant, a tension spring could be fixed at one end to the plate 424 and at its other end to a radial internal wall of the movable part 402 (in the extension of the terminal part 423 and towards the recess 407).

[0076] When the mooring line is subjected to mechanical tension and the system 400 tends to stretch along the X axis, the spring 412 is compressed. The system 400 passes from the state of [Fig. 4] to the state of [Fig. 5]. When the mooring line is no longer subjected to mechanical tension, the spring 412 stretches in order to return to its resting state, which tends to put the system 400 back in the state of [Fig. 4]. Not only does this allow, by the effect of a new translation of the coils 432 opposite the magnets 420, to generate electricity again, but it also ensures that a mechanical tension subsequently experienced by the mooring line will produce the same result of back and forth movement of the moving parts 402 and 422 and of electrical generation.

[0077] The movable part 402 may comprise a first portion 403 which can be assembled to a second portion 404 by screwing, the portions 403 and 404 comprising a thread 405 for one and a tapping 405 for the other. This facilitates the arrangement of the spring and the plate 424. The movable part 402 may comprise an annular seal 406 at the interface between the portions 403 and 404. This ensures the sealing of the system 400 and preserves the magnets 420 and the coils 432.

[0078] The system 400 may comprise a bellows 440 made of flexible material, for example rubber, fixed in a sealed manner to the movable part 402 at one end, and to the movable part 422 at its other end. The bellows 440 extends or retracts depending on whether the movable parts 402 and 422 move away from or towards each other. The bellows 440 thus ensures the sealing of the system 400 and preserves the magnets 420 and the coils 432.

Claims

Claims

1. Offshore energy production installation (100, 200, 300) comprising: - a floating platform (110, 210, 310), - an energy production system mounted on the platform and preferably comprising at least one wind turbine (120, 220, 320), - a mooring line (130, 140, 230, 340) connected to the platform, and - an energy generation and / or storage system (G1, G2, G3, G4), for example electrical, from a mechanical tension experienced by the mooring line.

2. Installation according to claim 1, further comprising a fixing anchor (150, 250) to the seabed (190), the mooring (130, 230) connecting the platform (110, 210) and the fixing anchor.

3. Installation according to claim 1, further comprising an additional floating platform (112, 312) and an additional energy production system (122, 322) mounted on the additional platform and preferably comprising at least one wind turbine, the mooring (140, 340) connecting the platform and the additional platform.

4. Installation according to claim 2, further comprising an additional floating platform (112), an additional energy production system (122) mounted on the additional platform and preferably comprising at least one wind turbine, and an additional mooring line (140), the additional mooring line connecting the platform and the additional platform.

5. Installation according to claim 4, further comprising: an additional energy generation and / or storage system (G1), for example electrical, the additional energy generation and / or storage system being configured to generate and / or store energy from a mechanical tension undergone by the additional mooring line (140), and / or an additional mooring line (132) connecting the additional platform (112) to the fixing anchor (150), the installation (100) preferably further comprising an additional energy generation and / or storage system (G2'), for example electrical, from a mechanical tension undergone by the additional mooring (132).

6. Installation according to claim 3 or according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising one or more fixing moorings (370, 372) each connecting, to an additional fixing anchor (380, 382) to the respective seabed, the mooring or the additional mooring (340) connecting the platform (310) and the additional platform (312), preferably two fixing moorings (370, 372) connected on either side of the system or additional system for generating and / or storing energy (G4).

7. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the or at least one energy generation and / or storage system comprises: - a converter of kinetic energy into electrical energy, for example a rotating electric generator or a linear motion electric generator (400), optionally coupled to at least one battery, and / or - a flywheel.

8. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the or at least one energy generation and / or storage system comprises two parts (402, 408) movable relative to each other, and in which one of the two movable parts is connected to a mooring end (El, E4), or one of the two movable parts is connected to an inner end (E2, E3) of a mooring section (142, 144) and the other movable part is connected to a corresponding inner end of a mooring.

9. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which a ratio between an output power of the energy generation and / or storage system and an output power of the energy production system is less than 0.

05.

10. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising one or more auxiliary systems (SA, SA') adapted to be supplied with energy by the energy generation and / or storage system, the one or more auxiliary systems optionally comprising an alarm system, a signaling system, and / or a data control and acquisition system.

11. Method for dynamic stabilization of an installation according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in which the energy generation and / or storage system adjusts the voltage or the voltage variation of the mooring to which it is connected.

12. A method for dynamically stabilizing an installation according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the energy generation and / or storage system a. adjusts the voltage or voltage variation of the tether to which it is connected when the energy production system is in operation, or b. does not adjust the voltage or voltage variation of the tether to which it is connected when the energy production system is stopped.

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