Offshore floating platforms for the manufacture, assembly, maintenance, and / or dismantling of floating wind turbines

Abstract

The present invention relates to a floating offshore platform (1) configured for offshore manufacturing and / or assembling and / or maintaining and / or dismantling of a floating wind turbine (2) comprising a floating foundation (4), a mast (6), a nacelle (8) and at least one blade (10), the platform (1) comprising at least one first zone (22) for manufacturing the floating foundation (4) configured to receive the mast (6), at least one second zone (24) for assembling and / or dismantling the floating foundation (4) and the mast (6), and a third zone (26) provided with an at least partially submersible lifting platform, the platform (1) being made up of a plurality of monolithic floating caissons (16).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of floating wind turbines, and more particularly to the sequential manufacture, assembly, maintenance, and / or dismantling of a floating foundation and its wind turbine, all of which is carried out while floating on water. [Background technology]

[0002] A wind turbine is a device that generates electricity from the kinetic energy of wind. A floating foundation serves as the foundation for a wind turbine, providing a stable base to hold the turbine in deep waters where mounting the foundation underground is not economically and / or technically feasible. A wind turbine typically consists of one or more masts, with the turbine and one or more blades at the top of the mast. These blades are driven by the wind to provide kinetic energy for the turbine. To maximize wind energy utilization, wind turbines may be floating or offshore, i.e., located offshore, where winds are generally stronger and more uniform than onshore.

[0003] Floating wind turbines are typically built on land, for example in an onshore port factory, then transported to the target site and installed on the seabed, after which they can be returned to land for maintenance or if they need to be disassembled.

[0004] However, constructing floating wind turbines presents significant logistical challenges, including the need to occupy large land areas, special facilities and dedicated transport equipment, and obtain construction and environmental permits to allow for the storage and surface movement of thousands of tonnes of structure, as well as the need to be able to launch the floating wind turbine and assemble it at height on a floating foundation.

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome this drawback by proposing an anchored floating platform with a manufacturing and assembly line for offshore floating wind turbines. The invention therefore aims to enable floating wind turbines to be manufactured directly on the water. This type of platform eliminates the need for onshore or port infrastructure, thereby reducing logistics requirements and therefore costs and saving time, especially since the floating wind turbine does not need to be returned to shore for maintenance work. The platform also reduces the carbon dioxide emissions from the movement of floating wind turbines. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the main object of the present invention is a floating offshore platform configured for offshore manufacturing and / or assembling and / or maintaining and / or dismantling of floating wind turbines comprising a floating foundation, at least one mast, at least one nacelle and at least one blade, the platform comprising at least one first area for manufacturing the floating foundation configured to receive the mast, at least one second area for assembling and / or maintaining and / or dismantling the floating foundation and the mast, and a third area provided with an at least partially submersible lifting platform, the platform consisting of a plurality of floating caissons.

[0007] The platform according to the present invention is an offshore platform, i.e., it is configured to be installed offshore. In other words, the manufacturing, assembly, maintenance, or dismantling of floating wind turbines using the platform can be carried out offshore. For this purpose, the platform is mobile and can be moved from one target location to another. The platform is composed of a number of floating caissons. These floating caissons are modular caissons associated with each other, so that the shape of the platform can be modular and can therefore meet the needs of manufacturing, assembly, maintenance, and dismantling operations. The shape of the platform is not subject to any restrictions due to its modularity and the combination of these caissons.

[0008] A floating wind turbine comprises a mast, possibly several masts, one end of which is a nacelle with a turbine, possibly several turbines, one or more blades, and a floating foundation, which is configured to ensure the stability of the mast and the elements it supports in the water. The platform comprises at least one first manufacturing area for this floating foundation, where more specifically the various elements that make up the floating foundation are assembled.

[0009] The first area comprises means for assembling the structural elements of the floating foundation, including the struts, floats, braces interconnecting the floats, passages of the floating structure, means for fastening the struts and passages, and secondary and tertiary structures of the floating structure. The first area also comprises means for assembling together the mast, nacelle and blades, as well as other elements of the floating wind turbine, such as a ballast system for the floating structure. The manufacturing is carried out as a series production, i.e. the platform can be used to manufacture several floating foundations.

[0010] The platform also comprises at least one second area where the floating foundation is assembled to the mast or where these two elements are dismantled. The second area also comprises means for assembling the mast, nacelle and blades to the floating structure. The second area also comprises the tools required for assembling the mast, nacelle and blades to the floating structure, as well as elements for fastening the mast to the floating structure. This second area may also be used for assembling or conversely dismantling the mast, turbine and blades, as well as for all commissioning operations prior to the installation of the floating wind turbine. These two types of areas allow floating wind turbines to be manufactured directly offshore, ready for installation and use. This reduces the mobility constraints associated with building floating wind turbines on land and then transporting them offshore.

[0011] According to one feature, the platform is anchored. Such anchoring may be temporary or permanent. Accordingly, such a platform comprises anchoring means configured to keep the platform stationary offshore or means for mooring said platform.

[0012] The mooring and / or anchoring system is configured to maintain the platform temporarily or permanently stationary and afloat.

[0013] Such mooring and / or subsea anchoring systems may include mooring lines, anchors, and connectors to temporarily or permanently connect the platform to the seabed to prevent it from drifting and may also allow the platform to be moved across the water.

[0014] According to one feature, the platform is configured to allow for the manufacturing, and / or assembly, and / or maintenance, and / or dismantling of floating wind turbines of different sizes.

[0015] According to a feature of the invention, the platform extends primarily in the longitudinal direction and comprises a central portion comprising said first area and a peripheral portion comprising said second area.

[0016] That is, the floating foundation is manufactured in the center of the platform, while the wind turbines are assembled directly on the foundation at its periphery, i.e., in the water, on either side of the center section. The first area is therefore in the center of the platform.

[0017] According to another feature of the invention, the platform comprises three first areas for the construction of said floating foundation, said three first areas being located in said central portion.

[0018] The three first areas are aligned longitudinally, each dedicated to a specific task in the manufacture of the floating foundation, and together they form a continuous production line within the central section.

[0019] According to a feature of the invention, the platform comprises a lifting gantry arranged to move along said central portion, said lifting gantry cooperating with a guide system on the ground.

[0020] The lifting gantry is more specifically a crane that can be moved longitudinally along its central section, i.e., from one area to another. For this purpose, the lifting gantry cooperates with a ground guide system, for example a rail system, which allows the movement of the element to be assembled or the assembled element.

[0021] According to one feature, the platform comprises a third area provided with an at least partially submersible lift platform.

[0022] The lifting platform is a lift, which allows the floating foundation to be launched and lifted out of the water. More specifically, the third area allows the floating foundation to be launched after its manufacture, and the floating foundation and thus the floating wind turbine to be lifted out of the water, for example for maintenance or dismantling work. Such a lifting platform is at least partially submersible, in that it has a housing that can be filled with water to act as ballast.

[0023] According to one feature, the third area, which comprises a lifting platform, is configured, like the first area, for manufacturing the floating foundation, and / or, like the second area, for assembling and / or maintaining and / or dismantling the floating foundation and the mast.

[0024] According to another feature of the invention, the third areas are arranged at longitudinal ends of the central portion.

[0025] The central portion extends primarily in the longitudinal direction and has a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end. The third area is located at one of these longitudinal ends, e.g., the first longitudinal end. This has the effect of limiting the movement of the floating foundations after they are launched. Being located at one longitudinal end means that the floating foundations can be easily directed to either side of the central portion, i.e., to any point in the peripheral portions, with equal ease.

[0026] According to one feature, the platform comprises at least a fourth area for maintenance operations on the floating wind turbine.

[0027] Area 4 is located on the periphery. Area 4 allows maintenance and repair of the floating foundation and other elements of the floating wind turbine to be carried out without the need to return the wind turbine to land. Area 4 contains replacement parts and repair facilities for the floating wind turbine.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, the elements that make up the floating wind turbine may be elements of a floating foundation.

[0029] According to one feature of the invention, the platform comprises at least a fifth area for supplying, storing and / or stowage of elements of said platform.

[0030] The fifth area is for mooring and / or anchoring vessels. Vessels will help provide the platform materials by loading and unloading their cargo. The fifth area will have berthing and mooring means for barges or vessels.

[0031] According to a further feature, the fifth area is arranged at a longitudinal end of the central portion opposite the longitudinal end comprising the third area.

[0032] For example, the fifth area is located at the second longitudinal end. Similar to the location of the third area, the placement of the fifth area allows for easy loading and / or unloading from either side of the platform.

[0033] According to one feature, the first area, the third area, and the fifth area are arranged in a central portion, and the first area is between the third area and the fifth area in the longitudinal direction.

[0034] The first area is therefore in the centre of the central portion relative to the longitudinal ends of the central portion occupied by the third and fifth areas, respectively.

[0035] According to one feature, the second area and the fourth area are arranged in the peripheral portion.

[0036] One feature of the present invention is that the floating caisson is at least partially constructed of concrete and includes steel reinforcement.

[0037] A caisson has horizontal and vertical walls and a concrete base, but is hollow so that it can float. It also has steel reinforcement or reinforcement made from a steel alloy and one or more other materials.

[0038] In some embodiments, the floating caisson has a cross shape when viewed from above. The floating caisson is formed from a first section and a second section that are arranged perpendicular to each other. The first section of each floating caisson is aligned along the longitudinal direction. The second section is the same size as or smaller than the first section. The first section of the caisson may have a length of 80 meters ± 20%, while the second section of the caisson may have a length of 45 meters ± 20%.

[0039] In embodiments where the floating caissons are cross-shaped, when they are assembled together, void spaces remain between the floating caissons due to their shape. The floating caissons are covered by a floor covering the void spaces and the floating caissons, in order to enable the use of a floating platform for manufacturing operations, and / or assembly operations, and / or maintenance operations, and / or dismantling operations of the floating wind turbine.

[0040] In one aspect, the floating caissons are interconnected by a rigid connection system to form a monolithic floating platform.

[0041] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a floating wind turbine on a platform as described above, said manufacturing method being carried out offshore and comprising the steps of manufacturing at least one floating foundation in said first area, and assembling said floating foundation and the mast of the floating wind turbine in said second area.

[0042] The manufacturing step relates to a first area of ​​the central portion, and the assembly step is carried out in the peripheral portion, more particularly in a second area, it being understood that the manufacturing step necessarily takes place before the assembly step, since the floating foundation needs to be fabricated in order to associate it with the mast.

[0043] According to another feature, the manufacturing method comprises, before the manufacturing step, the steps of providing structural elements of the floating wind turbine by the fifth area and launching the floating foundation by the lifting platform in the third area, the launching step being performed between the manufacturing step and the assembly step.

[0044] The supply step comprises a barge and / or a ship unloading the structural elements of the floating wind turbine onto the platform and optionally storing them on the platform. The floating foundation constructed from these structural elements in the first area is launched by a lifting platform in a third area and transported to the second area for assembly. The mast is thus positioned with the floating foundation with the mast mounted thereon in the water.

[0045] The present invention also relates to a method for dismantling a floating wind turbine offshore on the platform as described above, said dismantling method being carried out offshore and comprising the steps of dismantling at least the mast of the floating wind turbine in a sixth area, lifting it out of the water in the third area, dismantling the floating foundation in the first area and stowage in the fifth area.

[0046] It is understood that the dismantling step allows the mast to be removed from the floating foundation. This step also includes dismantling the mast to the blades and nacelle of the floating wind turbine. The lifting step from the water is carried out by a lifting platform in the third area. Finally, the loading step involves loading the previously dismantled structural elements of the floating wind turbine onto a barge or ship for storage. Such loading step is carried out in the fifth area.

[0047] The dismantling step involves loading barges and / or vessels onto the platform to recover the structural elements of the floating wind turbine and storing them on the platform if required.

[0048] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent on the one hand from reading the following description and on the other hand from the examples of embodiments given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the attached drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0049] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic plan view of a platform according to the invention seen from above. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the platform shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the platform shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows an alternative to FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 illustrates schematically a method for manufacturing an offshore floating wind turbine on the platform shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] The features, variations, and different embodiments of the invention may be associated with one another in various combinations, provided they are not incompatible and mutually exclusive. In particular, variations of the invention may be envisioned that consist solely of a selection of the characteristics described below, separately from the other characteristics described, where this selection of characteristics is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0051] In the drawings, elements that are common to several figures retain the same reference numerals. Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 show schematically a floating offshore platform 1 according to the invention. Figures 1 and 4 show a plan view of this platform 1, and Figures 2 and 3 show a perspective view. The platform 1 extends mainly longitudinally. The platform 1 is configured for manufacturing and / or assembling and / or dismantling floating wind turbines 2 offshore, in particular floating wind turbines 2 made of concrete or steel. These floating wind turbines 2 are shown in Figures 2 and 3 and will be described in more detail below.

[0052] The floating wind turbine 2 is made up of two main parts: a first part and a second part. The first part corresponds to a floating foundation 4, also called a floating structure, which comprises one or more floating bodies. The second part comprises one or more masts 6, one or more nacelles 8, and one or more blades 10. The nacelles 8 and the blades 10 are located at one free end of the mast 6. The other end of the mast 6 is placed on or buried in the floating foundation 4. The floating foundation 4 is the part of the floating wind turbine 2 that keeps at least the nacelles 8 and the blades 10 clear of the water surface and prevents the floating wind turbine 2 from capsizing.

[0053] The floating foundation 4 is composed of three columns 12 connected to each other by walkways 14. The columns 12 and walkways 14 are arranged to form a substantially equilateral triangle. The mast 6 is located on one of the three columns 12.

[0054] As described above, the platform 1 is configured to manufacture, assemble, maintain, and / or dismantle floating wind turbines 2. More specifically, the platform 1 can be used to manufacture, assemble, or dismantle floating wind turbines 1 of varying dimensions. Because these manufacturing, assembly, maintenance, and dismantling operations are performed offshore, the platform 1 is comprised of a number of floating caissons 16 for keeping the platform 1 afloat. These floating caissons 16 are associated with one another in the desired shape of the platform 1. Such combined floating caissons 16 are shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. Notably, the combination of the floating caissons 16 involves a rigid connection system, so that their interconnection forms a monolithic platform 1, i.e., a single block. Each floating caisson is itself monolithic, i.e., made from a single material, such as concrete.

[0055] The floating caissons 16 are at least partially made of concrete. They are substantially rectangular or cross-shaped, with concrete transverse and longitudinal walls and a bottom. They also include reinforcement made of steel or other reinforcing materials. These floating caissons 16 are hollow, allowing them to float and be filled with water.

[0056] A cruciform floating caisson 16 is shown in Figure 4. This is a variation of the rectangular floating caisson 16 embodiment shown in Figure 1. These cruciform floating caissons 16 comprise first and second sections arranged perpendicular to each other. The first section, which extends primarily longitudinally, has a larger dimension measured from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction of 70 to 90 meters. Meanwhile, the second section has a larger dimension measured from one end to the other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of 40 to 50 meters. In one specific example, the first section has a length of 80 meters, and the second section has a length of 45 meters.

[0057] In some embodiments, the platform 1 is provided with a crane, such as a tower crane 17, in particular for installing the floating caissons 16. By way of example, the lifting height of such a tower crane 17 is approximately 200 meters.

[0058] In some embodiments, platform 1 has a length measured along its longitudinal axis of 300-350 meters and a width measured perpendicular to its longitudinal axis of 150-200 meters. In one specific example, platform 1 is 320 meters long and 160 meters wide. Platform 1 has a mass of around 250,000 tonnes.

[0059] In another embodiment, the platform 1 is around 1000 meters long and around 500 meters wide.

[0060] The platform 1 is anchored to prevent it from drifting. The platform 1 includes a system (not shown) for mooring and / or anchoring to the seabed. The mooring and / or anchoring system includes, for example, anchors, mooring lines, and connectors, allowing the platform 1 to be anchored to the seabed regardless of the water depth at which the platform 1 is located. The mooring and / or anchoring system is configured to keep the platform 1 stationary and floating. In other words, the mooring and / or anchoring system can prevent the platform 1 from moving unintentionally. When the platform 1 is not connected to the seabed by the mooring and / or anchoring system, the platform 1 is mobile. That is, the platform 1 can be moved or transported to a target location where the floating wind turbine 2 is to be installed. In some embodiments, the platform 1 is moored to a quay.

[0061] Platform 1 has a central portion 18 and peripheral portions 20 disposed on either side of central portion 18. In other words, peripheral portions 20 are located laterally of central portion 18, which extends primarily in the longitudinal direction, and central portion 18 is at least partially surrounded by peripheral portions 20. Central portion 18 extends longitudinally from one end to the other end of platform 1. The peripheral portions have a smaller longitudinal dimension.

[0062] The central portion 18 and the peripheral portion 20 each constitute different areas of the platform 1, which correspond to stations where different operations are carried out for the manufacture, assembly or dismantling of the floating wind turbine 2. The platform 1 comprises at least one first area 22 for the manufacture of the floating foundation 4, a second area 24 for the assembly of the floating foundation 4 and the mast 6, a third area 26 for the launching and lifting of the floating foundation 4 from the water, a fourth area 28 for maintenance operations on the floating wind turbine 2 and a fifth area 30 for supplying the platform 1. These various areas of the platform 1, all of which are substantially square, are described below.

[0063] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the platform 1 comprises three successive first areas 22. Each of these first areas 22 allows a specific operation in the manufacture of the floating foundation 4 to be carried out while floating. Thus, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, they allow the assembly of a column 12 and a passage 14 to form a first subassembly, which can be assembled with a second column 12 to form a second subassembly, which can finally be assembled with a third column and second and third passages 14 to form the completed floating foundation 4.

[0064] The three first areas 22 are arranged in the central portion 18. They form a continuous production line in this central portion, allowing for continuous production of the floating foundations 4.

[0065] The materials required for the construction of the floating foundation 4 are delivered to the platform 1 by barges or vessels 32. These barges or vessels 32 serve the platform 1 by means of a fifth area 30 where they can moor to unload their cargo. As will be explained below, this fifth area is also involved in the removal of disassembled floating wind turbines 2. The elements of the floating wind turbine 2 are loaded onto the barges or vessels 32 and sent back to land.

[0066] The fifth area 30 is strategically located at one longitudinal end of the central portion 18, in this example the first longitudinal end 34. The platform 1 is provided with a lifting gantry 36, for example equipped with a crane, to move the materials from the fifth area 30 where they are unloaded to the first area 22 where the floating foundations 4 are manufactured.

[0067] The lifting gantry 36 can be seen in particular in Figures 2 and 3, in which it is shown in various positions within the platform 1. The lifting gantry 36 moves longitudinally. For this purpose, it cooperates with a guide system 38, which is arranged in the floor of the platform 1 so as to pass through it, and therefore extends from one longitudinal end of the central portion 18 to the other longitudinal end. The guide system 38 more particularly comprises an assembly of rails on which the lifting gantry 36 can slide.

[0068] In addition to transporting materials from the fifth area 30 to the first area 22, the lifting gantry 36 is also responsible for moving the partially completed floating foundations 4 in the first area 22, as well as moving these completed floating foundations 4 to the third area 26. A guide system 38 extends from the fifth area 30 to the third area 26.

[0069] The third area 26 is disposed at the second longitudinal end 40 of the central portion 18, i.e., at the longitudinal end of the central portion 18 opposite the first longitudinal end comprising the fifth area 30. It is therefore understood that the first area 22 is disposed longitudinally between the fifth area 30 and the third area 26. In some specific embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4 , the third area 26 is a portion of the platform 1 that is spaced apart from the main body of the platform 1. The main body comprises the first area 22 and the second area 24. In other words, the third area 26 is spaced apart from the remainder of the platform 1.

[0070] The third area 26 is configured to launch the floating foundations 4 or to lift them out of the water. More specifically, the third area 26 allows the floating foundations 4 to be launched after they are manufactured in the first area 22, and to be lifted out of the water, for example, when they need to be disassembled. The third area 26 includes an at least partially submersible lifting platform. The lifting platform is filled with water and emptied so that it can be lowered and raised, respectively, within the platform 1. It will be understood that the floating foundations 4 can be launched by filling and lowering the lifting platform, while these floating foundations 4 can be lifted out of the water by emptying and raising the lifting platform. The tower crane 17 described above is disposed on the lifting platform. This facilitates, for example, the launching of the floating wind turbine 2, or some of its elements, specifically its floating foundations 4.

[0071] To form a complete floating wind turbine 2, the floating foundations 4 are transported to a second area 24 dedicated to assembling these floating foundations 4 to at least one mast 6. More generally, the second area 24 allows the floating foundation to be assembled to the mast 6, the nacelle 8 and at least one blade 10, as well as allowing the dismantling of the various components of the floating foundation and related operations to be carried out while afloat.

[0072] The platform 1 comprises at least one second area 24, advantageously several second areas 24. As in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the platform 1 comprises four second areas 24. The floating caissons 16 participating in forming the second areas 24 are connected to form a U-shape, and the floating foundations 4 on which the masts 6 are arranged are located in the water between the legs of the U. The second areas 24 are therefore floating areas for the floating wind turbines 2.

[0073] The second areas 24 are arranged in the peripheral portion 20, with two second areas 24 arranged laterally on one side of the central portion 18 and, in a symmetrical manner, two other second areas 24 arranged laterally on the other side of the central portion 18. The second areas 24 are also arranged within the platform 1 closer to the second longitudinal end 40 of the central portion than to the first longitudinal end 34 thereof. The floating wind turbines 2 are shown in Figures 2 and 3 at different stages of assembly between the floating foundations 4 and their other structural elements. The floating wind turbines 2 near the second longitudinal end 40 are in a delayed stage.

[0074] The platform 1 comprises at least a fourth area 28 for maintenance work on the floating wind turbine 2 or its elements. Such maintenance or repair work is carried out while floating. The platform 1 has two fourth areas 28, one on each side of the central portion 18. It is therefore understood that, like the second area 22, the fourth areas 28 are arranged in the peripheral portion 20. Each of these fourth areas 28 is more precisely arranged in the longitudinal direction between a first longitudinal end 34 of the central portion 18 and the second area 22.

[0075] In addition to the areas mentioned above, the platform 1, in some embodiments, includes workshops and factories for the manufacture or repair of various elements of the floating wind turbine 2, as well as living quarters to accommodate personnel involved in the manufacture, assembly, maintenance, and dismantling of the floating wind turbine 2. If desired, the platform 1 may include a helicopter deck 41 to facilitate the transfer of personnel and materials. This helicopter deck 41 includes storage areas for equipment and aviation devices required for the use of such helicopter deck 41.

[0076] The platform 1 according to the invention allows for a manufacturing method 42 for manufacturing a floating wind turbine 2 to be carried out, as will be explained below with reference to Figure 5. Such a manufacturing method 42 is carried out offshore, i.e. while the platform 1 is floating.

[0077] The manufacturing method 42 begins with step 44 of supplying the platform 1 with the structural elements of the floating wind turbine 2, specifically the columns 12 and walkways 14 configured to create the floating foundation, as well as the mast 6, nacelle 8, turbine, and blades 10. This supply step 44 includes transporting these elements by barge or vessel 32 to a fifth area 30 of the platform 1. The structural elements are then unloaded in this fifth area 30 and transported to the first area 22 for step 46 of manufacturing at least one floating foundation 4. This transition is facilitated by the presence of a lifting gantry 36 and guide system 38 on the ground.

[0078] The manufacturing step 46 consists of assembling the columns 12 and walkways 14 to form the floating foundations 4, and involves each of the three first areas 22. After the floating foundations 4 have been manufactured, they are transported by the lifting gantry 36 to the third area 26 for a launching step 48. This step 48 of launching the floating foundations 4 involves the lowering of a lifting platform in the third area 26, which for this purpose is at least partially filled with water.

[0079] Once the floating foundations 4 are launched, they are directed to one of the second areas 24 for an assembly step 50 in which the floating foundations 4 are assembled to the other structural elements of the floating wind turbine 2, in particular the mast 6, nacelle 8 and blades 10.

[0080] The floating wind turbine 2 is then ready for operation. In some embodiments, the mast 6, nacelle 8, and blades 10 are assembled together in one or more of the first areas 22 before passing through the third area 26. In some cases, the mast 6, nacelle 8, and blades 10 may be assembled in any area of ​​the platform 1.

[0081] When the floating wind turbine needs to be dismantled, a dismantling method 52 is carried out on the platform 1. This dismantling method 52 is shown diagrammatically in FIG.

[0082] The dismantling method 52 is carried out floating, i.e., offshore. The dismantling method 52 comprises a first dismantling step 53 in which the mast 6 is removed from the floating foundation 4 or dismantled from the nacelle 8 and the blades 10. This first dismantling step 53 is carried out in the second area 24. Following the dismantling method 52, a step 54 in which the floating foundation 4 is lifted out of the water is carried out. Specifically, the floating foundation 4 is formed by raising the lifting platform in the third area 26. After being lifted out of the water, the floating foundation 4 is transported from the third area 26 to the first area 22 by the lifting gantry 36. The floating foundation 4 is then dismantled in a second dismantling step 56 carried out in the first area 22. The elements dismantled in this second dismantling step 56 can then be transported by the lifting gantry 36 to the fifth area 30, where a loading step 58 is carried out. In this step, the dismantled elements are loaded onto barges or ships 32 for removal from the platform 1 .

[0083] When the platform 1 is no longer being used for the manufacture, assembly, maintenance or dismantling of floating wind turbines 2, it may be converted into a floating habitat.

[0084] The present invention provides a floating offshore platform on which floating wind turbines may be manufactured, assembled and / or dismantled, with such operations being carried out offshore rather than on land.

[0085] However, the invention is not limited to the means and arrangements described and illustrated in the specification, but extends equally to any equivalent means and arrangements and to any technically operable combinations of such means.

Claims

1. A floating offshore platform (1) configured to manufacture, and / or assemble, and / or maintain, and / or dismantle a floating wind turbine (2) having a floating foundation (4), at least one mast (6), at least one nacelle (8), and at least one blade (10) offshore, the platform (1) comprising at least one first area (22) for manufacturing the floating foundation (4) configured to receive the mast (6), at least one second area (24) for assembly and / or maintenance and / or dismantling of the floating foundation (4) and the mast (6), and a third area (26) having at least a partially submersible lifting platform, and comprising a plurality of floating caissons (16).

2. The platform (1) according to claim 1, comprising a mooring and / or anchoring system configured to maintain the platform (1) in a temporarily or permanently stationary and floating state.

3. The platform (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a central portion (18) that extends mainly in the longitudinal direction and includes the first area (22), and a peripheral portion (20) that includes the second area (24).

4. The platform (1) according to claim 3, comprising three first areas (22) for the manufacture of the floating foundation (4), the three first areas (22) located in the central portion (18).

5. The platform (1) according to claim 3, comprising a lifting gantry (36) configured to move along the central portion (18), wherein the lifting gantry (36) cooperates with a ground guide system (38).

6. The platform (1) according to claim 3, wherein the third area (26) is located at the longitudinal end of the central portion (18).

7. The platform (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least a fourth area (28) for maintenance work on the floating wind turbine (2).

8. The platform (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least a fifth area (30) for supplying, storing, and / or loading elements of the platform (1).

9. A central portion (18) that extends mainly in the longitudinal direction and includes the first area (22), and a peripheral portion (20) that includes the second area (24), The third area (26) is located at the longitudinal end of the central portion (18), The platform (1) according to claim 8, wherein the fifth area (30) is located at the longitudinal end of the central portion (18) and is positioned at the longitudinal end opposite to the longitudinal end comprising the third area (26).

10. The platform (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the floating caisson (16) is at least partially made of concrete and includes steel reinforcements.

11. The platform (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the floating caissons (16) are interconnected by a rigid connection system to form a monolithic floating platform (1).

12. A method (42) for manufacturing a floating wind turbine (2) on a platform (1) according to claim 1 or 2, the manufacturing method (42) being carried out offshore, and comprising the steps (46) of manufacturing at least one floating foundation (4) in a first area (22), and (50) of assembling the floating foundation (4) and the mast (6) of the floating wind turbine (2) in a second area (24).

13. A method (42) for manufacturing a floating wind turbine (2) on a platform (1) according to claim 9, wherein the manufacturing method (42) is carried out offshore and comprises the steps of: (46) manufacturing at least one floating foundation (4) in a first area (22); (50) assembling the floating foundation (4) and the mast (6) of the floating wind turbine (2) in a second area (24); (44) supplying the structural elements of the floating wind turbine (2) by a fifth area (30) prior to the manufacturing step (46); and (48) launching the floating foundation (4) by the lifting platform in a third area (26), wherein the launching step (48) is carried out between the manufacturing step (46) and the assembly step (50).

14. A method (52) for dismantling a floating wind turbine (2) on a platform (1) according to claim 9, wherein the dismantling method (52) is carried out offshore and comprises the steps of: dismantling at least the mast (6) of the floating wind turbine (2) in the second area (24) (53); lifting it out of the water in the third area (26) (54); dismantling the floating foundation (4) in the first area (22) (56); and loading it in the fifth area (30) (58).

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