System and method to detachably arrange equipment onto a floating renewable energy structure

Abstract

A system to detachably arrange equipment 20 on a floating renewable energy structure 10. The system comprising a first unit 100 attachable to a periphery of the structure and configured for receiving

Description

Technical Field The present disclosure relates generally to the field of floating renewable energy structures and more generally to the renewable energy industry. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system to detachably arrange equipment onto a floating renewable energy structure, and a first and second unit for this purpose, a floating renewable energy structure comprising the system or the first unit, and a method of using the system for installing equipment on, and uninstalling equipment from, a floating renewable energy structure via a vessel. Background An offshore structure, for example a floating offshore wind power structure or a floating renewable energy structure, comes with equipment to be able to operate the offshore structure. The equipment may be used for different kind of installations. The equipment is installed on the offshore structure during the construction of the offshore structure. The equipment is permanently installed prior to tow-away. This renders the offshore structure expensive and reduces the available space thereon. Later changes are very difficult and expensive, if at all possible. To facilitate pull-in of the Dynamic Inter-Array Cable DIAC to the offshore structure a DIAC pull-in winch is permanently installed onto the offshore structure prior to the tow-away from the assembly port. One of the downsides of this is that each offshore structure requires a winch to be mobilized prior to tow-away and as such, a large number of winches are required to ensure offshore operations are not impacted. Additionally, landing, locating, assembly, and fixture of the winch would need to be carefully considered and is not flexible. Often a pull-in winch or other equipment must be placed where there is available space. This is often not the best place for the pull-in winch leading to extra arrangements to realize pull-in of the DIAC. The use of large cranes for installation activity, for example such as installing turbine blades, is known from WO2022202268. These large cranes are for performing main component exchange, such as replacing wind turbine blades and gear units. They are not suitable to be used for DIAC pull-in and expensive and cumbersome to install. They must be removed before the offshore structure can be operational. It is a problem to provide equipment on an offshore structure, as well as changing or removing the equipment on the offshore structure. Each offshore structure requires certain equipment. It is also a problem to access an offshore structure with a vessel. This may damage the vessel, the equipment, and the offshore structure, because of wind, waves, and the configurations of the equipment, the vessel, and offshore structure. A further problem is the uneven weight distribution and foot-print of the equipment. It is desirable to provide a system and method that is inexpensive to manufacture, is easy to manufacture and assemble, and is robust and reliable in use. The present disclosure is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above. SUMMARY It is an objective of the present invention to provide a system to detachably arrange equipment onto a floating renewable energy structure, first and second units of the system, a floating renewable energy structure comprising such a system, and a method of using such a system for installing equipment on, and uninstalling equipment from, a floating renewable energy structure using a vessel. This objective can be achieved by the features as defined by the independent claims. Further enhancements are characterized by the dependent claims. The invention is defined by the claims. According to one embodiment, there is provided a system to detachably arrange equipment 20 onto a floating renewable energy structure 10, preferably a floating renewable energy structure comprising a wind turbine. The system comprises a first unit 100 attachable to a periphery of the structure 10 and configured for receiving a second unit 200 on a landing base 110 of the first unit 100; and the second unit 200 comprising a base 210 for the equipment 20 and the equipment 20. The first unit 100 and the second unit 200 are connectable to each other by a connection system. The connection system comprises a female connector 120 on one unit 100, 200 and a male connector 220 on the other unit 200, 100, respectively; and first and second alignment means 310, 320, 330, 340 on each unit 100, 200; and a fixing mechanism 500 for releasably locking the first unit 100 with the second unit 200. The first and second alignment means 310, 320, 330, 340 may be configured by the male connector 220 comprising a first section 310 of a first diameter 312, and a second section 330 of a second diameter 332, the first diameter 312 being smaller than the second diameter 332, the first section 310 being further away from the landing base 110 or the base 210, respectively, than the second section 330, and by the female connector 120 comprising a first opening 320 of a third diameter 322, the third diameter 322 being substantially equal to the first diameter 312, and a corresponding second opening 340 of a fourth diameter 342, the fourth diameter 342 being substantially equal to the second diameter 332. The system may further comprise orientation means 410, 420 for rotatably orientating the first unit 100 relative to the second unit 200 in a predetermined position. The system may further comprise a soft landing system 600. The first unit 100 may be arranged on a hang-off balcony arranged at the periphery of the structure 10. The equipment 20 may comprise one or more of: a winch, a winch with a davit, a cable installation equipment, a testing equipment, and an electric equipment. The base 210, or the landing base 110, may be a swivel base. According to one embodiment, a first unit 100 attachable to a periphery of a floating renewable energy structure 10 and configured for receiving a second unit 200 is described. The first unit 100 comprises a landing base 110 and, a female or male connector 120, 220. The first unit 100 comprises first and second alignment means 310, 320, 330, 340, and a fixing mechanism 500 for releasably locking the first unit 100 with the second unit 200. When the first unit 100 comprises a male connector 220, then the male connector 220 comprises a first section 310 of a first diameter 312, and a second section 330 of a second diameter 332, the first diameter 312 being smaller than the second diameter 332, the first section 310 being further away from the landing base 110 than the second section 330. When the first unit 100 comprises a female connector 120, then the female connector 120 comprises a first opening 320 of a third diameter 322 and a corresponding second opening 340 of a fourth diameter 342. According to one embodiment, a second unit 200 configured for receiving a first unit 100 is disclosed. The second unit 200 comprising a base 210 for the equipment 20, the equipment 20, and a male or female connector 220, 120. The second unit 200 comprises first and second alignment means 310, 320, 330, 340, and a fixing mechanism 500 for releasably locking the second unit 200 with the first unit 100. When the second unit 200 comprises a male connector 220, then the male connector 220 comprises a first section 310 of a first diameter 312, and a second section 330 of a second diameter 332, the first diameter 312 being smaller than the second diameter 332, the first section 310 being further away from the base 210 than the second section 330. When the second unit 200 comprises a female connector 120, then the female connector 120 comprises a first opening 320 of a third diameter 322 and a corresponding second opening 340 of a fourth diameter 342. According to one embodiment, a floating renewable energy structure comprises the system described herein is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a floating renewable energy structure comprises the first unit 100. Preferably the structure is a floating offshore structure comprising a wind turbine. The equipment 20 may be a winch configured to hook up to a cable pull-in system on the structure 10. The structure 10 may comprise multiple first units 100. According to one embodiment, a method of using the system described herein for installing equipment 20 on, and uninstalling equipment 20 from, a floating renewable energy structure 10 using a vessel 30. Preferably the structure is a floating offshore structure 10 comprising a wind turbine. The method comprises the following steps in any order that makes sense: installing the first unit 100 onto a periphery of the structure 10; installing the equipment 20 onto the base 210 of the second unit 200; lifting the second unit 200, for example using a crane, from the vessel 30 to the periphery of the structure 10; lowering the second unit 200 onto the first unit 100 and inserting the male connector 220 into the female connector 120, thereby positioning, orientating, the second unit 200 relative the first unit 100 into a predetermined position; locking the second unit 200 onto the first unit 100 with the fixing means 500; unlocking the second unit 200 from the first unit 100; and lifting the second unit 200, for example using a crane, to the vessel 30. The method may comprise rotating the equipment 20 relative to the first unit 100 and / or second unit 200. The equipment 20 may comprise a winch, and the method may further comprise orientating a wire of the winch above a tube for a power cable on the structure 10. For example, for hooking up to a cable pull-in system on the structure 10 above an I- or J-tube or balcony hang-off for a dynamic inter-array cable. Preferably the structure is a floating offshore wind structure or a floating renewable energy structure. One or more of the embodiments described herein describes a system and method whereby each floating renewable energy structure has a landing base, for example a receptacle or the first unit, on an outer face, the perimeter, of the structure allowing a winch to be installed and removed using a vessel. This reduces the quantity of equipment, for example winches, required for a project and facilitate easier demobilisation / mobilisation of the equipment from the structure. Cost savings of not having to install permanently an equipment 20, such as a winch, on an structure 10 may be made. The equipment 20 may be reused for other structures 10. With one or more of the embodiments described herein equipment may be installed at any time, may be exchanged at any time, and may be removed at any time. At least one of the above embodiments provides one or more solutions to the problems and disadvantages with the background art. Other technical advantages of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims. Various embodiments of the present application obtain only a subset of the advantages set forth. No one advantage is critical to the embodiments. Any claimed embodiment may be technically combined with any other claimed embodiment or embodiments. Brief Description of the Drawings The disclosure will be further described with reference to examples depicted as schematic illustrations in the accompanying figures in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a floating renewable energy structure with the system according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the first and second units according to an embodiment of the invention; and FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the method according to an embodiment of the invention. Detailed Description Embodiments of the present invention provide a system to detachably arrange equipment onto, and off, a floating renewable energy structure, a floating renewable energy structure comprising such a system, and a method of using such a system for installing equipment on, and uninstalling equipment from, a floating renewable energy structure via a vessel. Preferably the structure is a floating offshore wind structure. Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a floating renewable energy structure 10 and a vessel 30. Here the vessel 30 lifts the equipment 20 on a second unit 200 and installs it on a first unit 100 on the structure 10. Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of the first unit 100 and the second unit 200. Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a method of using the system for installing equipment 20 on, and uninstalling equipment 20 from, a floating renewable energy structure 10 via a vessel 30. For a better understanding, the figures have not been made to scale. As shown in FIG. 1, the system comprises a first unit 100 and a second unit 200. The system is for detachably arrange equipment 20 onto a floating renewable energy structure 10, preferably an offshore wind structure 10. The system comprises a first unit 100 and a second unit 200. The first unit 100 is attachable to a periphery of the structure 10 and configured for receiving the second unit 200 on a landing base 110 of the first unit 100. The first unit 100 comprises the landing base 110. The second unit 200 comprises a base 210 for the equipment 20 and the equipment 20. The first unit 100 and the second unit 200 are connectable to each other by a connection system. The first unit 100 and the second unit 200 may be interrelated for the purpose of connecting to each other. The connection system comprises a female connector 120 on one unit 100 or 200, and a male connector 220 on the other unit 200 or 100, respectively. The connection system further comprises first and second alignment means 310, 320, 330, 340 on each unit 100, 200. The first unit 100 comprises first and second alignment means 320, 340, and the second unit 200 comprises first and second alignment means 310, 330. The connection system further comprises a fixing mechanism 500 for releasably locking the first unit 100 with the second unit 200. The first unit 100 may be permanently or releasably attached to the periphery of the structure 10. The periphery may be the outer edge, the perimeter, of a platform on the structure 10. In this way the first unit 100 may be accessed by a vessel in the proximity of the structure 10, and at the same time away from other equipment and structures on the structure 10. The vessel 30 and any crane on the vessel 30 are therefore not close to other equipment and structures on the structure 10 when the second unit 200 is placed onto the first unit. Any damage to the structure and its equipment is avoided. There may be more than one first unit 100, and they may be positioned at different locations on the periphery of the floating renewable energy structure 10. The first unit 100 comprises a landing base 110 configured for receiving the second unit 200. The landing base 110 may have an upper shape that is complementary with a lower shape of the base 210. The second unit 200 comprises a base 210 for the equipment 20 such that the second unit 200 may support and carry the equipment 20. The second unit 200 also comprises the equipment 20 itself. The equipment 20 may for example be a winch, where a wire of the winch may be arranged above a tube, such as an I or J tube, for a power cable, such as a dynamic inter-array cable, on the structure 10. The wire may be arranged above a hang-off balcony. The wire of the winch may for example be used for hooking up to a cable pull-in system on the floating renewable energy structure 10. The cable pull-in system may comprise an entry point for the wire, and for example, a sheave or guide arrangement for guiding the wire from the winch to the entry point for the wire. One or more embodiments described herein orients the winch, for example by orienting means 410 or swivel means, in the right direction, for example a predetermined position, of the winch or the second unit 200, towards the entry point for the wire of the cable pull-in system. This reduces the number of sheaves needed to direct the pull-in wire from the winch to the entry point or the pull-in system. An over head boom may be used for giving the required head height of the wire to the cable pull-in system. The first unit 100 and the second unit 200 may have complementary shapes for the purpose of connecting to each other. The connection system may comprise a female connector 120 on the first unit 100 and a male connector 220 on the second unit 200; or a male connector 220 on the first unit 100 and a female connector 120 on the second unit 200. The male connector 220 may be configured, for example, as a protrusion, a plug, a pin 220; and the female connector 120 may be configured, for example, as a receptacle, a slot, an opening 120 therefor. The connection system of first unit 100 and the second unit 200 each comprises means 310, 320, 330, 340 for aligning the first unit 100 and the second unit 200 relatively to each other. This alignment relates to the relative axial position, the alignment, between the second unit 200 and the first unit 100, when the second unit 200 is lowered onto the first unit 100 along a line. As described herein, the first and second alignment means 310, 320, 330, 340 allows for an initial coarse alignment, and subsequently a fine alignment, of the two units 100, 200. The first alignment means 310, 320, the coarse alignment means, may comprise a bumper, a plate, and / or a guide means to guide and take up the initial impact loads when lifting the equipment on the second unit 200 to or from the second unit 200. The connection system comprises a fixing mechanism 500 for releasably locking, or fixing, the first unit 100 with the second unit 200. Hereby the second unit 200 is secured to the first unit 100, and therefore also secured in relation to the floating renewable energy structure 10. The fixing mechanism 500 may comprise a bolt, screw, latch, and / or clamp. The fixing mechanism 500 may be remotely controlled and fully automatically fixing or releasing the first unit 100 with the second unit 200. The fixing mechanism 500 may act between the female connector 120 and the male connector 220, or act between the landing base 110 and the base 210, or a combination thereof. For example, when the first unit 100 and the second unit 200 are in their final predetermined position, then the fixing means 500 may be used for fixing, locking, the two such that the second unit 200 can not move relative to the first unit 100, and therefore also not relative to the floating renewable energy structure 10. As described below, a part of the second unit 200, or the equipment 20, may be rotated when in the fixed position. As illustrated in figure 2, the first and second alignment means 310, 320, 330, 340 may be configured by the male connector 220 comprising a first section 310 of a first diameter 312, and a second section 330 of a second diameter 332. The first diameter 312 may be smaller than the second diameter 332. Depending on if the sections 310, 330 is on the first unit 100, or on the second unit 200, the first section 310 may be further away from the landing base 110, or the base 210, respectively, than the second section 330. The alignment means may be configured by the female connector 120 comprising a first opening 320 of a third diameter 322, the third diameter 322 being substantially equal to the first diameter 312, and a corresponding second opening 340 of a fourth diameter 342, the fourth diameter 342 being substantially equal to the second diameter 332. The first section 310 and the second section 330 may be cone shaped protrusions, or truncated cone shaped protrusions. The diameters may be the average diameters along the hight of each section and the depth of each opening. The first opening 320 may have a shape and form that is complementary to the first section 310, configured such that the first section 310 snuggly fits into the first opening 320, preferably ensuring that they do not get jammed, stuck, together so that they can be separated when the second unit 200 is removed from the first unit 100. Likewise, the second opening 340 may have a shape and form that is complementary to the second section 330, configured such that the second section 330 snuggly fits into the second opening 340, preferably ensuring that they do not get jammed or stuck permanently together. The first alignment means may be the interaction between the first section 310 and the second opening 340 when the second unit 200 is lowered onto the first unit 100. This requires only a coarse alignment of the first and second units 100, 200 to be made for the male connector 220 to enter the female connector 120. A more precis alignment may be very difficult, if at all possible, to establish, because the vessel 30 moves, the floating renewable energy structure 10 moves, and the second unit 200 swings if lowered onto the first unit 100 by a crane. This coarse, rough, alignment may allow the second unit 200 to be positioned onto the first unit 100 without any additional assistance or arrangements. By having the first section 310 first entering the larger second opening 340 less precise position and operation are required by the vessel 30 in relation to the floating renewable energy structure 10. For example, the first alignment means 310, 320, the coarse alignment means, may comprise a bumper, a plate, and / or a guide means to guide and take up the initial impact loads when lifting the equipment on the second unit 200 to or from the second unit 200. The second alignment may be the interaction between the first section 310 and the first opening 320 when the second unit 200 is lowered onto the first unit 100. The second section 330 entering the second opening 340 may also, or alternatively, provide the second alignment. The second alignment is a more precise alignment than the first alignment. This provides a fine and precise positioning and alignment of the first and second units 100, 200 when the male connector 220 enters the female connector 120. The first and second alignment means 310, 320, 330, 340 may make it possible to use a vessel 30 to install the second unit 200 onto the first unit 100, and subsequently to remove it. According to one embodiment, the system may further comprise orientation means 410, 420 for rotatably orientating the first unit 100 relative to the second unit 200 in a predetermined position. The orientation means 410, 420 may be, for example, four or two key / ways on slots to orientate the two units 100, 200 rotatably with each other. The orientation means 410, 420 may be, for example a slot 410 on one unit and a protrusion 420 for the slot on the other unit. The orientation means 410, 420 may be, for example respective guides 410, 420 on each unit interacting to orientate the two units 100, 200 rotatably with each other. According to one embodiment, the system may further comprise a soft landing system 600. The soft landing system 600 may comprise one or more of: shock absorbers between the first section 310 and the first opening 320, shock absorbers between the second section 330 and the second opening 340, and shock absorbers between the landing base 110 and the base 210. The shock absorbers may be configured to allow the second unit 200 to be placed on to the first unit 100 without any one of the units being damaged. This may allow a vessel 30 to put the second unit 200 on to the first unit 100 without causing damage to the units. According to one embodiment, the fixing mechanism 500 may be configured for locking the male connector 220 in the female connector 120. The fixing mechanism may removably attach, fix, the two units 100, 200 to each other by locking the male connector 220 with the female connector 120 and / or by locking the second unit 200 with the first unit 100. Figure 2 illustrates an example where the fixing mechanism 120 may attach the male connector 220 in the female connector 120. According to one embodiment, the first unit 100 may be arranged on a hang-off balcony. The hang-off balcony may be arranged at the periphery of the floating renewable energy structure 10. Figure 1 illustrates the first unit 100 arranged on the outer side of a platform on the floating renewable energy structure 10. A hang-off balcony may comprise the first unit 100, or the first unit 100 may be configured as a hang-off balcony. There may be one or more of such hang-off balconies arranged at the perimeter of a platform of the floating renewable energy structure 10 or at the perimeter of the structure 10. The equipment 20 may be one or more of: a winch, a winch with a davit, a cable installation equipment, a testing equipment, and an electric equipment. The equipment 20 may be preinstalled on the second unit 200. The equipment 20 may be permanently, or removably, attached to the second unit 200. As illustrated in figures 1 and 2, a winch 20 is attached to the second unit 200. In addition to a winch, a davit and / or a guide, a fairlead, for the wire on the winch 20 may be also installed on the second unit 200. Electric equipment on the second unit 200 may include a battery. The davit or guide may be used to plum the wire of the winch above an I or J-tube. According to one embodiment, the base 210 is a swivel base, or the landing base 110, is a swivel base. The swivel bases may be driven, rotated, by a motor. The swivel base may be controllably rotated, remotely or in situ. The swivel base may allow the equipment 20 to be positioned, rotated, in a predetermined position in relation to the first unit 100, and therefore also in relation to the floating renewable energy structure 10. The swivel base may be made within the first unit 100, or within the second unit 200, or between the second unit 200 and the equipment 20. While the system described herein comprises both the first unit 100 and the second unit 200, each unit by themselves allows configuration of the floating renewable energy structure 10 and addresses one or more problems described herein. The floating renewable energy structure 10 may comprise one or more first units 100 such that any necessary equipment 20 for an operation at the structure 10 can be added to, and subsequently removed form, the floating renewable energy structure 10. Different equipment 20 may be preinstalled on second units 200. This allows to modify such a floating renewable energy structure 10 with different equipment 20. According to one embodiment, a first unit 100 is attachable to a periphery of an floating renewable energy structure 10 and configured for receiving a second unit 200. The first unit 100 comprises a landing base 110. The first unit 100 comprises first and second alignment means 310, 320, 330, 340, for example as described herein, and a fixing mechanism 500, for example as described herein, for releasably locking the first unit 100 with the second unit 200. The first unit 100 also comprises a female or male connector 120, 220. When the first unit comprises a male connector 220, then the male connector 220 comprises a first section 310 of a first diameter 312, and a second section 330 of a second diameter 332, the first diameter 312 being smaller than the second diameter 332, the first section 310 being further away from the landing base 110 than the second section 330. When the first unit comprises a female connector 120, then the female connector 120 comprises a first opening 320 of a third diameter 322, and a second opening 340 of a fourth diameter 342. The third diameter 322 may be substantially equal to the first diameter 312, and the fourth diameter 342, corresponding to the second opening 340, may be substantially equal to the second diameter 332, all as further described herein. According to one embodiment, a second unit 200 is configured for receiving a first unit 100, for example as described herein. The second unit 200 comprises a base 210 for the equipment 20 and the equipment 20. The second unit 200 also comprises first and second alignment means 310, 320, 330, 340, for example as described herein, and a fixing mechanism 500, for example as described herein, for releasably locking the second unit 200 with the first unit 100. The second unit 200 also comprises a male or female connector 220, 120. When the second unit 200 comprises a male connector 220, then the male connector 220 comprises a first section 310 of a first diameter 312, and a second section 330 of a second diameter 332, the first diameter 312 being smaller than the second diameter 332, the first section 310 being further away from the base 210 than the second section 330. When the second unit 200 comprises a female connector 120, then the female connector 120 comprises a first opening 320 of a third diameter 322, and a second opening 340 of a fourth diameter 342. The third diameter 322 may be substantially equal to the first diameter 312, and the fourth diameter 342, corresponding to the second opening 340, may be substantially equal to the second diameter 332, all as further described herein. According to one embodiment, a floating renewable energy structure 10 comprises the system according to any one of the embodiments or features described herein. According to one embodiment, a floating renewable energy structure 10 comprises the first unit 100 according to any one of the embodiments or features described herein. Preferably the structure 10 is a floating offshore structure 10 suitable for, or comprising, a wind turbine. The floating renewable energy structure 10 may comprise the equipment 20 where the equipment 20 is a winch configured to hook up to a cable pull-in system on the structure 10. Alternatively, or in addition, the floating renewable energy structure 10 may comprise one or more first units 100. A method of using the system as described herein for installing equipment 20 on, and uninstalling equipment 20 from, a floating renewable energy structure 10 via a vessel 30 is disclosed. Preferably the structure comprises a wind turbine. The method comprises the following steps taken in any order that makes sense. Installing the first unit 100 onto a periphery of the structure 10; installing the equipment 20 onto the base 210 of the second unit 200; lifting the second unit 200, for example with a crane, from the vessel 30 to the periphery of the structure 10; lowering the second unit 200 onto the first unit 100 and inserting the male connector 220 into the female connector 120, thereby positioning, orientating, the second unit 200 relative the first unit 100 into a predetermined position; locking the second unit 200 onto the first unit 100 with the fixing means 500; unlocking the second unit 200 from the first unit 100; and lifting the second unit 200, for example with a crane, to the vessel 30. The crane may be on the vessel 30 or on the floating renewable energy structure 10. The equipment 20 may be installed, or preinstalled, on the second unit 200. One or more first units 100 may be preinstalled on the floating renewable energy structure. Preferably the floating renewable energy structure comprises a wind turbine. The vessel 30 may transport the second unit 200 out to the structure 10, and then install the second unit 200 onto the first unit 100 as best illustrated by figure 1. In this way the structure 10 may be equipped with any equipment on the second unit 200, regardless of what the structure 10 was originally equipped with. The vessel 30 may uninstall the second unit 200, for example using the crane and in reverse order of installing. The vessel 30 may exchange one second unit 200 for another second unit 200. This allows new equipment 20 to be installed on the floating renewable energy structure 10 or to exchange faulty equipment 20 with functional equipment 20. The method may further comprise rotating the equipment 20 relative to the first unit 100 and / or second unit 200. When the second unit 200 has been installed on the first unit 100 then the second unit 200 may be rotated to a predetermined, or controlled, position using for example the swivel base mentioned herein. According to one embodiment of the method, or any other embodiment described herein, the equipment 20 may comprise a winch. The method may further comprise orientating a wire of the winch above a tube, for example an I- or J- tube, for a power cable on the structure 10. For example, for hooking up to a cable pull-in system on the structure 10 above an I- or J-tube or balcony hang-off for a dynamic inter-array cable. Preferably the structure is a floating offshore wind structure. The power cable may be a dynamic inter-array cable. The equipment 20 may for example be a winch, where a wire of the winch may be arranged above a tube, such as an I or J tube, for a power cable, such as a dynamic inter-array cable, on the structure 10. The wire may be arranged above a hang-off balcony. The method may further comprise that the wire of the winch may for example be used for hooking up to a cable pull-in system on the floating renewable energy structure 10. The cable pull-in system may comprise an entry point for the wire, and for example, a sheave or guide arrangement for guiding the wire from the winch to the entry point for the wire. The method may further comprise orientating the winch, for example by orienting means 410 or swivel means, in the right direction, for example a predetermined position, of the winch or the second unit 200, towards the entry point for the wire of the cable pull-in system. This reduces the number of sheaves needed to direct the pull-in wire from the winch to the entry point or the pull-in system. The method may comprise using an over head boom for giving the required head height of the wire to the cable pull-in system. The equipment 20 may comprise a davit or crane. The method may further comprise folding the davit prior to lifting the second unit 200 and unfolding the davit subsequent to locking the second unit 200 onto the first unit 100. The davit or crane may in this way be folded, in a position suitable for transport, when transporting and installing the second unit 200. When installed, the davit or crane may be unfolded, in a position suitable for operating the equipment 20, for example a wire of a winch. The method may further comprise installing or uninstalling a battery on the second unit 200. The battery may be used for powering any equipment 20 on the second unit 200. The method may further comprise making electric connections when the second unit 200 is installed on to the first unit 100. In this way any equipment may have electric connections with the floating renewable energy structure 10. According to one embodiment, the winch could incorporate a gantry to provide the required head-height for the pull-in of the cable. The gantry may be located on the second unit 200, or on the floating renewable energy structure 10. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the system, units, and method of using the system. Cost savings of not having to install permanently an equipment, such as a winch, on an floating renewable energy structure 10 may be made. With one or more of the embodiments described herein equipment may be installed at any time, may be exchanged at any time, and may be removed at any time. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed system and method. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1 A system to detachably arrange equipment (20) onto a floating renewable energy structure (10), the system comprisinga first unit (100) attachable to a periphery of the structure (10) and configured for receiving a second unit (200) on a landing base (110) of the first unit (100);the second unit (200) comprising a base (210) for the equipment (20) and the equipment (20);wherein the first unit (100) and the second unit (200) are connectable to each other by a connection system; andwherein the connection system comprisesa female connector (120) on one unit (100, 200) and a male connector (220) on the other unit (200, 100), respectively; andfirst and second alignment means (310, 320, 330, 340) on each unit (100, 200); anda fixing mechanism (500) for releasably locking the first unit (100) with the second unit (200).2 The system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second alignment means (310, 320, 330, 340) are configured bythe male connector (220) comprising a first section (310) of a first diameter (312), and a second section (330) of a second diameter (332), the first diameter (312) being smaller than the second diameter (332), the first section (310) being further away from the landing base (110) or the base (210), respectively, than the second section (330), andthe female connector (120) comprising a first opening (320) of a third diameter (322), the third diameter (322) being substantially equal to the first diameter (312), and a corresponding second opening (340) of a fourth diameter (342), the fourth diameter (342) being substantially equal to the second diameter (332).3 The system according to claim 2, further comprising orientation means (410, 420) for rotatably orientating the first unit (100) relative to the second unit (200) in a predetermined position.4 The system according to claim 2, wherein the system further comprises a soft landing system (600); the soft landing system (600) comprises one or more of: shock absorbers between the first section (310) and the first opening (320), shock absorbers between the second section (330) and the second opening (340), and shock absorbers between the landing base (110) and the base (210).5 The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing mechanism (500) is configured for locking the male connector (220) in the female connector (120).6 The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first unit (100) is arranged on a hang-off balcony arranged at the periphery of the structure (10).7 The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the equipment (20) comprises one or more of: a winch, a winch with a davit, a cable installation equipment, a testing equipment, and an electric equipment.8 The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base (210), or the landing base (110), is a swivel base.9 A first unit (100) attachable to a periphery of a floating renewable energy structure (10) and configured for receiving a second unit (200), the first unit (100) comprises a landing base (110) and, a female or male connector (120, 220);the first unit (100) comprises first and second alignment means (310, 320, 330, 340), and a fixing mechanism (500) for releasably locking the first unit (100) with the second unit (200);the male connector (220) comprising a first section (310) of a first diameter (312), and a second section (330) of a second diameter (332), the first diameter (312) being smaller than the second diameter (332), the first section (310) being further away from the landing base (110) than the second section (330); andthe female connector (120) comprising a first opening (320) of a third diameter (322), and a corresponding second opening (340) of a fourth diameter (342).10 A second unit (200) configured for being received by a first unit (100), the second unit (200) comprising a base (210) for the equipment (20), the equipment (20), and a male or female connector (220, 120);wherein the second unit (200) comprises first and second alignment means (310, 320, 330, 340), and a fixing mechanism (500) for releasably locking the second unit (200) with the first unit (100);the male connector (220) comprising a first section (310) of a first diameter (312), and a second section (330) of a second diameter (332), the first diameter (312) being smaller than the second diameter (332), the first section (310) being further away from the base (210) than the second section (330); andthe female connector (120) comprising a first opening (320) of a third diameter (322), and a corresponding second opening (340) of a fourth diameter (342).11 A floating renewable energy structure (10) comprising the system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8; or the first unit (100) according to claim 9.12 The floating renewable energy structure (10) according to claim 11, wherein the equipment (20) is a winch configured to hook up to a cable pull-in system on the structure (10); and / or wherein the structure (10) comprises multiple first units (100).13 A method of using the system according to any one of the claims 1 to 8 for installing equipment (20) on, and uninstalling equipment (20) from, a floating renewable energy structure (10) via a vessel (30), the method comprising the following:installing (710) the first unit (100) onto a periphery of the structure (10);installing (720) the equipment (20) onto the base (210) of the second unit (200);lifting (730) the second unit (200) from the vessel (30) to the periphery of the structure (10);lowering (740) the second unit (200) onto the first unit (100) and inserting the male connector (220) into the female connector (120), thereby positioning the second unit (200) relative the first unit (100) into a predetermined position;locking (750) the second unit (200) onto the first unit (100) with the fixing means (500);unlocking (760) the second unit (200) from the first unit (100); and lifting (770) the second unit (200) to the vessel (30).14 The method according to claim 13, further comprising rotating the equipment 5 (20) relative to the first unit (100) and / or second unit (200).15 The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the equipment (20) comprises a winch, and the method further comprises orientating a wire of the winch above a tube for a power cable on the structure (10).10"Amendments to the claim have been filed as 11920 05 25Claims1 A system to detachably arrange equipment (20) onto a floating renewable energy structure (10) via a vessel (30), the system comprising5 the floating renewable energy structure (10);a first unit (100) attached to a periphery of the structure (10) and configured for receiving a second unit (200) on a landing base (110) of the first unit (100);the second unit (200) comprising a base (210) for the equipment (20) and the equipment (20);10 wherein the first unit (100) and the second unit (200) are connectable to eachother by a connection system; andwherein the connection system comprisesa female connector (120) on one unit (100, 200) and a male connector (220) on the other unit (200, 100), respectively; and15 first and second alignment means (310, 320, 330, 340) on each unit(100, 200); anda fixing mechanism (500) for releasably locking the first unit (100) with the second unit (200).20 2 The system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second alignmentmeans (310, 320, 330, 340) are configured bythe male connector (220) comprising a first section (310) of a first diameter (312), and a second section (330) of a second diameter (332), the first diameter (312) being smaller than the second diameter (332), the first section (310) being 25 further away from the landing base (110) or the base (210), respectively, than the second section (330), andthe female connector (120) comprising a first opening (320) of a third diameter (322), the third diameter (322) being substantially equal to the first diameter (312), and a corresponding second opening (340) of a fourth diameter (342), the 30 fourth diameter (342) being substantially equal to the second diameter (332).3 The system according to claim 2, further comprising orientation means (410, 420) for rotatably orientating the first unit (100) relative to the second unit (200) in a predetermined position.3520 05 254 The system according to claim 2, wherein the system further comprises a soft landing system (600); the soft landing system (600) comprises one or more of: shock absorbers between the first section (310) and the first opening (320), shock absorbers between the second section (330) and the second opening (340), and 5 shock absorbers between the landing base (110) and the base (210).5 The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing mechanism (500) is configured for locking the male connector (220) in the female connector (120).106 The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first unit (100) is arranged on a hang-off balcony arranged at the periphery of the structure (10).15 7 The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein theequipment (20) comprises one or more of: a winch, a winch with a davit, a cable installation equipment, a testing equipment, and an electric equipment.8 The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base 20 (210), or the landing base (110), is a swivel base.9 A floating renewable energy structure (10) comprising a first unit (100) being part of the system to detachably arrange equipment (20) onto a floating renewable energy structure (10) via a vessel (30) according to any one of the claims 1 to 8, the 25 first unit (100) being attachable to a periphery of the floating renewable energy structure (10) and configured for receiving a second unit (200), the first unit (100) comprises a landing base (110) and, a female or male connector (120, 220);the first unit (100) comprises first and second alignment means (310, 320, 330, 340), and a fixing mechanism (500) for releasably locking the first unit (100) 30 with the second unit (200);the male connector (220) comprising a first section (310) of a first diameter (312), and a second section (330) of a second diameter (332), the first diameter (312) being smaller than the second diameter (332), the first section (310) being further away from the landing base (110) than the second section (330); and20 05 25the female connector (120) comprising a first opening (320) of a third diameter (322), and a corresponding second opening (340) of a fourth diameter (342).5 10 The floating renewable energy structure (10) according to claim 9, whereinthe equipment (20) is a winch configured to hook up to a cable pull-in system on the structure (10); and / or wherein the structure (10) comprises multiple first units (100).11 A method of using the system according to any one of the claims 1 to 8 for 10 installing equipment (20) on, and uninstalling equipment (20) from, a floating renewable energy structure (10) via a vessel (30), the method comprising the following:installing (710) the first unit (100) onto a periphery of the structure (10);installing (720) the equipment (20) onto the base (210) of the second unit 15 (200);lifting (730) the second unit (200) from the vessel (30) to the periphery of the structure (10);lowering (740) the second unit (200) onto the first unit (100) and inserting the male connector (220) into the female connector (120), thereby positioning the 20 second unit (200) relative the first unit (100) into a predetermined position;locking (750) the second unit (200) onto the first unit (100) with the fixing means (500);unlocking (760) the second unit (200) from the first unit (100); and lifting (770) the second unit (200) to the vessel (30).2512 The method according to claim 11, further comprising rotating the equipment (20) relative to the first unit (100) and / or second unit (200).13 The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the equipment (20) 30 comprises a winch, and the method further comprises orientating a wire of the winch above a tube for a power cable on the structure (10).

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