Method and anode mounting for mounting ICCP anodes on offshore structures.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and anode mounting for mounting ICCP anodes on offshore foundation piles for wind turbines to protect the exterior of the foundation piles, the method comprising the steps of using an ROV inside the foundation pile for installation of a preferably cylindrical anode through an opening in the foundation pile wall, and mounting an anode mounting on the foundation pile wall, the anode mounting preferably supporting the cylindrical anode on the exterior of the foundation pile.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to mounting anodes of an externally powered cathodic protection (ICCP) system on offshore structures, preferably wind turbine foundation piles, to provide cathodic protection to the structure. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known to provide offshore structures with anodes for externally powered cathodic protection (ICCP) systems to prevent or at least slow corrosion of the structures.

[0003] For example, offshore wind turbines are supported by steel structures in the form of foundation piles and jacket-like structures. To protect these structures from corrosion, they may be provided with ICCP systems. A significant advantage of ICCP systems over more conventional protection systems that utilize sacrificial anodes is that the anodes can be used for a relatively long period of time.

[0004] An ICCP system typically includes a control device, a power source, one or more anodes, and one or more reference cells. The power source is connected to the protected structure and the anodes to create a potential difference. The one or more reference cells monitor the potential difference created by the ICCP system, and the control system controls the power source based on information provided by the one or more reference cells.

[0005] Anodes for ICCP systems are available in various shapes and sizes. Typical anodes are disc- or rod-shaped and are mounted on a spacer frame to position the anode at a distance from the surface to be protected. Disc-shaped anodes are supported by the spacer frame so that the anode surface faces away from the structure and away from the spacer frame. When viewed from the side, disc-shaped anodes have a T-shaped configuration. Cylindrical, or rod-shaped, anodes also exist. Two or more anodes are typically provided, supported by a single spacer frame. The spacer frame may branch into multiple branches, each supporting an anode. Such cathodic protection devices may have, for example, a T-shape or a Y-shape. The spacer frame is typically welded to the outside of the transition piece, i.e., the part of the wind turbine foundation that is installed on top of the foundation pile. Furthermore, the spacer frame and anode are installed on the transition piece either before the transition piece is shipped or after the transition piece is installed on the foundation pile.

[0006] For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,949,949 discloses two tubular anodes supported by a spacer frame welded to a foundation pile. The anodes are installed parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the wind turbine foundation pile. The anodes extend perpendicular to the support frame, providing a T-shaped configuration for the cathodic protection device.

[0007] The method of providing anodes for ICCP systems on offshore structures is tedious and complicated. For example, the anodes and spacer frames are relatively delicate, especially compared to transition pieces. Therefore, when anodes are provided on offshore structures, it becomes more difficult to handle the transition pieces, for example, by lifting them or stacking them on the deck of a vessel. Furthermore, because the anodes protrude from the outer surface of the transition pieces, the transition pieces need to be spaced farther apart when stacked on the deck of a vessel to prevent damage to the anodes.

[0008] Also, when foundation piles are provided with anodes that are mounted on the outer surface of the pile, or with mountings that are welded to the outer surface of the pile to allow anodes to be mounted on the pile after the pile is installed on the seabed, the foundation piles are provided with protrusions that make the piles more difficult to handle. For example, foundation piles are typically supported by ring-shaped pile grippers when installed on the seabed. To avoid damaging the pile gripper or the mounting for the anode during the installation process, contact between the two needs to be prevented. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 3 635 179 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for mounting an anode to an offshore structure. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an anode mounting that allows for alternative methods of mounting an anode to an offshore structure, and preferably allows for an improved method for mounting an anode to a foundation pile. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] Therefore, the present invention provides a method according to claim 1, an assembly according to claim 11 comprising a foundation pile, an anode mounting and an anode, an anode mounting according to claim 21 for providing an anode of a cathodic protection system on a wind turbine foundation pile, and an ROV (remotely operated vehicle) according to claim 31 for providing an anode mounting on a wind turbine foundation pile.

[0012] A method for mounting ICCP anodes on offshore foundation piles for wind turbines to protect their outer surfaces, according to the present invention, comprises: - using an ROV inside the foundation pile for installation of a cylindrical anode through an opening in the wall of the foundation pile; - mounting an anode mounting portion on the wall of the foundation pile, the anode mounting portion supporting the cylindrical anode on the outside of the foundation pile; Includes:

[0013] According to the method of the present invention, a cylindrical anode is mounted on an offshore foundation pile for supporting a wind turbine from inside the foundation pile using an ROV, the anode being mounted through an opening in the wall of the foundation pile and being mounted on the wall of the foundation pile by an anode mount that supports the anode.

[0014] With the method of the present invention, the anode is mounted from inside the foundation pile through an opening in the wall of the foundation pile. Because the ROV is used inside the foundation pile, it is not subject to the amount of swell or current that it would experience if used outside the foundation pile. This makes it easier to mount the anode and increases the number of good weather periods during which the anode can be mounted. Therefore, installation may require less time.

[0015] Furthermore, by the method according to claim 1, the anode is mounted in the opening and fastened to the wall of the foundation pile, for example by welding or bolting, or fixed to the inside of the foundation pile. This allows the outer surface of the foundation pile to be free of a mounting or support frame for mounting the anode to the foundation pile. This allows the outer surface of the foundation pile to remain featureless, which facilitates storage, transportation, and handling of the foundation pile.

[0016] The present invention therefore provides an improved method for mounting anodes to offshore structures.

[0017] Furthermore, the method according to the present invention allows for the installation of anodes on the foundation piles. Installing anodes on the foundation piles, instead of or in addition to installing anodes on the transition piece, can generate a more uniformly distributed field in the ICCP system. The anodes mounted on the transition piece are positioned above or at the top of the foundation piles. This location prevents the anodes from easily covering the entire foundation pile, and the anodes generate a more amplified field, which often requires them to generate a skewered field. In the prior art, anodes are typically installed on the transition piece rather than the foundation piles because the transition piece is relatively small and therefore easier to manipulate compared to the foundation piles. It is very difficult to prevent damage to the anode mountings welded to the foundation piles during transportation and installation of the monopile.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the method comprises the steps of: - coupling the ROV to an anode mount, the anode mount supporting a cylindrical anode; - lowering the ROV with the anode mount and the anode inside the foundation pile using a first lifting device, such as a lifting winch with an associated lifting cable; - supporting the ROV with the anode mount and the anode in the opening using a lifting device; - aligning the cylindrical anode with an opening in the wall of the foundation pile using an ROV; - moving the anode through the opening using an ROV and / or a lifting device; - mounting the anode mounting to the wall of the foundation pile, preferably using an ROV, for example by welding, bolting, fastening, etc.; - detaching the ROV from the anode mount; Includes:

[0019] In this method, the ROV is supported by a lifting device such as a crane or a lifting winch. Therefore, the ROV does not need to generate upward movement to raise the anode, but only needs to position the anode relative to the opening, e.g., by maintaining the anode in a horizontal position and / or by moving the anode into and / or through the opening. This allows for the use of a more compact ROV.

[0020] Both the ROV and the lifting device can be used to move the anode through the opening. In an embodiment, the lifting device is configured to move the ROV toward the opening, and thus move the anode through the opening. Alternatively, only the ROV's thrusters are used to move the ROV toward the opening, and thus move the anode through the opening.

[0021] In a further embodiment of this method, the lifting device is a first lifting device, and a second lifting device is also used. In such a method, the first lifting device and the second lifting device can be used not only to raise and lower the ROV, but also to align and position the cylindrical anode with the opening in the wall of the foundation pile. In a further embodiment, the first lifting device is used to raise and lower the ROV, while the second lifting device is used to align the cylindrical anode with the opening in the wall of the foundation pile. In this case, during the aligning process, the ROV is supported by the first lifting device while the second lifting device is used to pivot the ROV about a horizontal axis to align the cylindrical anode with the opening in the wall of the foundation pile.

[0022] In an embodiment of this method, the ROV extends along a longitudinal axis between a forward end and an aft end, the ROV supports an anode at the forward end of the ROV, the ROV is provided with a first coupling device for a first lifting device at or near the aft end of the ROV, and a second coupling device for a second lifting device at or near the forward end of the ROV, In this embodiment, the first lifting device is connected to the first coupling device of the ROV, and the second lifting device is connected to the second coupling device of the ROV.

[0023] In a further embodiment, a method for lowering an ROV with an anode mounting portion and an anode inside a foundation pile includes using a first lifting device to support and lower the ROV, where the ROV is supported in a vertical position with its front end pointing downward, and using a second lifting device to align the cylindrical anode with an opening in the wall of the foundation pile to raise the front end of the ROV relative to the rear end to place the ROV in a horizontal position with the front end of the ROV pointing toward the wall of the foundation pile.

[0024] In such an embodiment, the ROV is lowered in a substantially vertical position, with the front of the ROV with the anode mount and anode facing downwards, and when the ROV is at the height of the opening where the anode mount with the anode is mounted, the ROV is pivoted to a horizontal position, i.e., with the longitudinal axis of the ROV and the longitudinal axis of the anode substantially horizontal.

[0025] In addition to pivoting the ROV from a substantially vertical position to a horizontal position, the first lifting device may be used to vertically align the ROV and the anode mounting portion with the anode relative to the opening.

[0026] In embodiments in which two lifting devices are used, the second lifting device may be used to control the horizontal orientation of the ROV, i.e., to bring the ROV into a horizontal position and maintain it there. Once in the horizontal position, both the first and second lifting devices may be used to adjust the vertical position of the ROV while maintaining its horizontal orientation.

[0027] In this way, the ROV's thrusters are not required to bring the ROV into a horizontal position or to maintain the ROV in that position, and therefore the ROV can be provided with a small and compact thruster, making the ROV more compact and lightweight.

[0028] In embodiments, the thrusters may be used to assist the action of the first and / or second lifting devices, for fine adjustment of the position of the ROV, such as left or right, and / or to pivot the ROV about a vertical axis.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, moving the anode through the opening includes using the ROV, i.e., using the ROV's thrusters, to push the anode through the opening while the ROV is supported by the first and optional second lifting devices. In such an embodiment, the ROV can use the wires of the first and optional second lifting devices as a swing. If necessary, the first and optional second lifting devices can adjust the length of these wires to adjust the vertical position of the ROV.

[0030] In an embodiment, a method according to the invention includes providing an opening in a wall of an offshore foundation pile for mounting an anode, the opening allowing at least a portion of the anode and anode mounting to pass through the opening from a first side of the wall to a second side of the wall. Providing the opening in the foundation pile allows the mounting to be mounted in the opening and further allows the mounting according to the invention to be mounted by clamping in the opening. Such a method therefore avoids the need to weld the mounting in place.

[0031] In a further embodiment according to the invention, the opening comprises a central opening and two or more radially extending passages, more preferably the opening comprises a central opening and two radially extending passages, more preferably the opening is an elliptical opening.

[0032] Providing an opening with three or more radially extending passages provides the opening with a star-like configuration. For example, the opening can be polygonal, such as a square or a triangle with four or three radially extending passages.

[0033] However, in its simplest form, the opening comprises two passages extending radially from a central opening in opposite directions. Such an opening may have an essentially elongated shape, for example, an elliptical opening. While an elliptical shape is a simple shape with only two radial passages, it is beneficial because the curved profile prevents peak pressures in the foundation pile that can occur with profiles with sharp angles, such as a triangle. However, it should be noted that rounded corners may be provided on the triangle, and by extension, a curved profile, to reduce peak pressures in the wall of the foundation pile.

[0034] In an embodiment, the opening in the wall of the foundation pile comprises a curved profile, which is free of sharp angles and therefore prevents or at least reduces peak pressures in the wall of the foundation pile.

[0035] The anode mounting portion includes a foundation bracket and a gripper bracket having two or more radially extending arms in combination to engage the gripper with the wall of the foundation pile, and the foundation pile has an opening with a central opening and two or more radially extending passages. The gripper bracket of the anode mounting portion and the opening in the foundation pile are configured so that the gripper bracket can be moved to a position where it overlaps the wall of the offshore structure after rotating the gripper bracket about a horizontal axis to move the gripper bracket through the opening. In this position, the overlapping portion of the gripper bracket and / or a gripping member mounted on the gripper bracket can be moved toward the wall to engage the wall. When the foundation bracket and / or the gripping member mounted on the foundation bracket are positioned against the inner surface of the wall, the wall is clamped between the gripper bracket and the foundation bracket, or between the gripper bracket and / or the gripping member mounted on the foundation bracket, and the anode mounting portion is mounted in the opening.

[0036] For example, when both the gripper bracket and the opening are oval, rotating the gripper bracket 90 degrees after passing it through the opening will position the outer edge of the gripper bracket so that it no longer overlaps the opening in the wall, but overlaps the wall. When the base bracket also overlaps the wall, the wall can be clamped between the gripper bracket and the base bracket, or between gripping members mounted on the gripper bracket and / or the base bracket.

[0037] To allow the grasper bracket to pass through the opening, the width and radius of the grasper bracket arms are smaller than the width and length of the passage of the opening through which they pass.

[0038] In a further method according to the invention, the anode mounting part comprises: a core body extending along a core axis between an anode end and a base end; an anode seat mounted on the core at the anode end for supporting the anode with the anode extending in a direction parallel to the core axis; - a foundation bracket mounted to the core for engaging a first side of the wall of the foundation pile; - a gripper bracket mounted to the core for engaging a second side of the wall of the foundation pile, the second side of the wall being opposite the first side of the wall, the gripper bracket being positioned between the foundation bracket and the anode seat; wherein the gripper bracket has two or more arms extending radially relative to the core axis to allow the gripper bracket to pass through the opening from a first side of the wall to a second side of the wall with the arms of the gripper bracket passing through the passages of the opening in a first position, and to overlap a section of the wall located between the radially extending passages of the opening so that the arms of the gripper bracket can engage the second side of the wall in a second position in which the gripper bracket is rotated about the core axis relative to the first position.

[0039] In such a method, the gripper bracket has two or more arms extending radially relative to the central axis of the anode seat, and the opening is provided with a passage shaped and sized to allow the arms of the gripper bracket to pass through the opening, thereby allowing the gripper bracket to pass through the opening. By providing the radially extending passages in the opening, a wall section extends radially inward between the passages. The wall section passes through the opening and forms an area where the gripper bracket can engage with the wall after the gripper bracket is rotated to a second position. Thus, in such an embodiment, the gripper bracket can be rotated relative to the opening between a first position in which the arms of the gripper bracket are aligned with the passages of the opening to pass through the opening in the wall of the foundation pile, and a second position in which the arms of the gripper bracket are misaligned with the passages of the opening to engage the wall of the foundation pile with the gripper bracket.

[0040] In such a method, the method - using the ROV and / or the second lifting device to align the cylindrical anode with the opening in the wall of the foundation pile, aligning the core axis of the anode mounting portion with the opening; - aligning the arms of the grasper bracket with the radial passages of the opening; - moving the anode seat and anode gripper bracket through the opening using the ROV, preferably using an ROV; Further includes:

[0041] In such an embodiment, the anode seat is provided with a base bracket and a gripper bracket for mounting the anode mounting portion in the opening. The gripper bracket is configured to be moved through the opening so that it can engage the wall of the offshore structure from the outside. The base plate engages the wall from the inside of the offshore structure.

[0042] In such a method, preferably the method comprises: - moving the anode seat and anode gripper bracket through the opening using the ROV, and then rotating the gripper bracket about the anode core axis relative to the opening, preferably by rotating the ROV or a portion of the ROV about its core axis, thereby misaligning the gripper bracket arms with the opening passage; - mounting the anode mounting portion to the wall of the offshore structure by moving the gripper bracket and the foundation bracket and / or by moving fastening elements provided on the gripper bracket and / or the foundation bracket towards the outer and inner surfaces, respectively, of the wall of the foundation pile in order to clamp the wall between the gripper bracket and the foundation bracket; Further includes:

[0043] The axis of the core body is referred to herein as the core axis.

[0044] In a further method, the gripper bracket is rotated relative to the opening and base bracket about the central axis of the anode mount by pivoting the gripper bracket about the central axis of the anode mount.

[0045] In the method, the gripper bracket and the opening are configured such that, after moving the gripper bracket through the opening, when the ROV and the anode are supported in a horizontal position, the gripper bracket can be moved to a position overlapping a wall of the offshore structure by rotating the gripper bracket about a horizontal axis, such as a core axis. In this position, the overlapping portion of the gripper bracket and / or a gripping member mounted on the gripper bracket can be moved toward an outer surface of the wall to engage the wall. When the base bracket and / or a gripping member mounted on the base bracket is positioned against an inner surface of the wall, the wall is clamped between the gripper bracket and the base bracket, and the anode mounting portion is mounted in the opening.

[0046] For example, when both the gripper bracket and the opening are oval, rotating the gripper bracket through a 90 degree angle after passing it through the opening will cause the outer end of the gripper bracket to be in a position where it no longer overlaps the opening in the wall, but does overlap the wall.

[0047] Additionally or alternatively, the ROV may be provided with an anode mount engagement device configured to rotatably support the anode mount. For example, the ROV may be provided with a gripper or magnet for engaging the anode mount, and the gripper or magnet can be moved relative to the ROV body, thereby rotating the anode mount and the anode about a horizontal axis, preferably about the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical anode mounted in the anode mount seat. Thus, the anode mount and the anode can be rotated while the body, such as the portion of the ROV hooked to the lifting device, remains in place.

[0048] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the grasper bracket is elliptical and therefore has two arms extending radially relative to the core axis.

[0049] The method according to the invention may also include the step of providing one or more openings in the foundation pile for mounting the anode.

[0050] In an embodiment, the offshore foundation piles have a diameter of at least 4 metres, preferably at least 6 metres, and / or a height of at least 20 metres, preferably at least 30 metres.

[0051] The offshore foundation pile is an offshore structure. The invention also makes it possible to carry out the method according to the invention on an offshore structure. In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the offshore structure is a wind turbine foundation pile, and the foundation pile has a diameter of at least 5 meters.

[0052] In an embodiment, the method further comprises the step of providing an opening in the offshore structure, such as a wind turbine foundation pile, for mounting the anode, the opening preferably being oval in shape.

[0053] In a further method according to the invention, the method comprises the step of connecting the anode with an anode power cable, preferably from the inward-facing side of the wall, i.e. from the side opposite to where the anode is mounted during use.

[0054] In the alternative, the anode power cable is already connected to the anode during the installation process, i.e., while the anode is being moved through the opening.

[0055] The invention further provides an assembly for supporting a wind turbine for carrying out the method according to the invention, the assembly preferably comprising an offshore structure, i.e. a foundation pile, an anode mounting and an ROV.

[0056] Therefore, the present invention further provides an assembly, preferably an assembly for supporting a wind turbine, comprising: - an offshore foundation pile for a wind turbine, the offshore foundation pile having a wall with an opening for carrying an anode; - an ICCP anode mounting portion configured to be mounted in an opening in a wall of an offshore foundation pile, the ICCP anode mounting portion having an anode seat; - an ICCP anode for protecting the outer surface of the foundation pile, the ICCP anode being mounted on the anode seat of the anode mounting part; Equipped with the opening for mounting the anode comprises a central opening and two or more radially extending passages, the openings allowing at least a portion of the anode and the anode mounting portion to pass through the opening from the first side of the wall to the second side of the wall; The anode mounting section is a core body extending along a core axis between an anode end and a base end; an anode seat mounted on the core at the anode end for supporting the anode with the anode extending in a direction parallel to the core axis; - a foundation bracket mounted to the core for engaging a first side of the wall of the foundation pile; - a gripper bracket mounted to the core for engaging a second side of the wall of the foundation pile, the second side of the wall being opposite the first side of the wall, the gripper bracket being positioned between the foundation bracket and the anode seat; Equipped with The gripper bracket is to pass the grasper bracket through the opening from the first side of the wall to the second side of the wall in the first position with the arms of the grasper bracket passing through the passage of the opening; and to overlap a section of the wall located between the radially extending passages of the opening so that the arms of the gripper bracket can engage a second side of the wall in a second position in which the gripper bracket is rotated about the core axis relative to the first position; The core has two or more arms, the number of which is equal to or less than the number of passages in the opening that extend radially relative to the core axis.

[0057] In the second position of the gripper bracket, the arms of the gripper bracket and the foundation bracket overlap the wall of the foundation pile, which allows the wall to be clamped between the gripper bracket and the foundation bracket, or between gripping members mounted on the gripper bracket and / or the foundation bracket.

[0058] In a further embodiment of the assembly, the opening comprises a central opening and two radially extending passages.In a further embodiment of the assembly, the opening is an elliptical opening.

[0059] In a further embodiment of the assembly, the anode is a cylindrical anode, the anode having a longitudinal axis that is parallel to, and preferably coincides with, the axis of the anode mounting portion when the anode is mounted on the anode seat of the anode.

[0060] In a further embodiment, the cylindrical anode has a longitudinal core axis and a diameter perpendicular to the longitudinal core axis, and the width and length of the gripper bracket in the direction perpendicular to the core axis are greater than the diameter of the cylindrical anode so that the anode can be moved through the opening in which the anode mounting portion is mounted.

[0061] A portion of the opening for passing the core and the anode seat of the anode mounting portion is also referred to herein as the central opening of the opening. A portion of the opening for passing the arms of the gripper bracket is also referred to herein as the passage of the opening, and more specifically, two or more passages extend radially from the central opening of the opening.

[0062] In an embodiment, the assembly further comprises an ROV for positioning the anode mounting portion and the anode mounted on the anode seat of the anode mounting portion relative to the opening in the wall of the foundation pile, and for installing the anode through the opening in the wall of the foundation pile from inside the foundation pile.

[0063] In an embodiment, the assembly further comprises a first lifting device, the first lifting device comprising a winch and associated lifting cable for supporting the ROV with the anode mounting portion and the anode.

[0064] In an embodiment, the assembly further comprises a foundation pile having a wall and an opening in the wall for mounting the anode with the anode mounting portion.

[0065] In an embodiment, the assembly further comprises a first lifting device for supporting the ROV, preferably at the aft end of the ROV.

[0066] In a further embodiment, the assembly further comprises a second lifting device for supporting the ROV, preferably at the forward end of the forward ROV.

[0067] An ICCP anode mount according to the present invention is configured to mount an anode of an ICCP system to an offshore structure, such as a foundation pile for a wind turbine. The anode mount is configured to be mounted in an opening in a wall of the offshore structure, the anode mount comprising: a core body extending along a core axis between an anode end and a base end; an anode seat mounted on the core body at the anode end for supporting the anode in a state in which the anode extends in a direction parallel to the core axis; a foundation bracket mounted to the core for engaging a first side of the wall; a gripper bracket mounted to the core for engaging a second side of the wall, the second side of the wall being opposite the first side of the wall; and Equipped with the foundation bracket and the gripper bracket extend in a direction perpendicular to the core axis of the core body and are spaced apart from each other so that the wall of the offshore foundation pile can be positioned between the foundation bracket and the gripper bracket when the core body is in the wall opening; The gripper bracket and / or the foundation bracket are configured to be moved toward each other and / or are provided with a clamping component configured to be moved toward the other bracket to engage the wall and clamp the wall between the gripper bracket and the foundation bracket.

[0068] The anode mounting member of the present invention allows the anode to be mounted in an opening in the wall of the foundation pile. Therefore, the anode and anode mounting member do not need to be mounted on the foundation pile before the foundation pile is installed. This allows for foundation piles with no protrusions or a reduced number of protrusions, thereby facilitating the installation, storage, and handling of the foundation pile.

[0069] Furthermore, the anode according to the present invention allows the cylindrical anode to be installed from inside the foundation pile using an ROV. Because the ROV is used inside the foundation pile, it is not subject to the same amount of swell or current that would be experienced if the anode were used outside the foundation pile. This makes it easier to install the anode. Also, the number of favorable weather periods available for installation of the anode is increased compared to installing the anode using an ROV outside the foundation pile.

[0070] The present invention therefore provides an anode mounting that allows for an alternative method of mounting anodes to offshore structures, and preferably an improved method for mounting anodes to foundation piles.

[0071] Preferably, the anode mount is configured to mount in an opening in a wall of an offshore structure, the opening having a central opening and radially extending passages. In such an embodiment of the anode mount, the gripper bracket has two or more arms extending radially relative to the core axis to allow the gripper bracket to pass from a first side of the wall to a second side of the wall through the opening having the central opening and the radially extending passages that overlap the arms in a first position, and to overlap a section of the wall located between the radially extending passages of the opening so that the gripper bracket can engage the second side of the wall in a second position where the gripper bracket is on the second side of the wall and is rotated relative to the first position about the core axis. Thus, in the second position, the outer end of the gripper bracket no longer overlaps the opening in the wall, but does overlap the wall.

[0072] Thus, in a direction centered about the central opening, the passages are disposed between the wall sections. In other words, an annulus having a radius greater than the radius of the opening and less than the radius of the arms, when concentric with the central opening, is prevented from passing through the opening by the wall sections between the passages.

[0073] Furthermore, the base bracket of the anode mount is configured to overlap a region of the wall between the radially extending passages of the opening when the gripper bracket is moved to at least the second position. For example, the base bracket has arms shaped and positioned similarly to the arms of the gripper bracket. In such an embodiment, the wall, or more specifically a portion of the wall, is positioned between the respective arms of the base bracket and the gripper bracket when the anode mount is in the second position. In an alternative embodiment, the base bracket is, for example, disc-shaped, and the disc has a radius similar to or larger than the radius of the arms of the gripper bracket.

[0074] In a further embodiment of the anode according to the invention, the gripper bracket is positioned between the base bracket and the anode seat, and the anode mounting portion is therefore configured to be mounted from a first side of the wall, which is the side facing inward of the wall, i.e., from the side opposite the side of the wall on which the anode is mounted during use.

[0075] In a further embodiment, the anode is a cylindrical anode having a longitudinal core axis and a diameter perpendicular to the longitudinal core axis, and the width and length of the gripper bracket in the direction perpendicular to the core axis are greater than the diameter of the cylindrical anode so that the anode can be moved through the opening in which the anode mounting portion is mounted.

[0076] In a further embodiment of the anode according to the invention, the anode mounting portion, preferably the core body of the anode mounting portion, is configured to be engaged by a lifting device and is preferably configured to allow rotation of at least the anode seat portion about the core axis while the anode mounting portion is supported by the lifting device.

[0077] In a further embodiment of the anode according to the invention, the core comprises a passage for guiding an anode power cable through.

[0078] In a further embodiment of the anode according to the invention, the foundation bracket and / or the gripper bracket are provided with fastening components, such as bolts, which can be moved relative to one or both of the brackets to engage the surface of the offshore structure and clamp the wall between the gripper bracket and the foundation bracket.

[0079] In further embodiments of the anode according to the present invention, the base bracket can be moved relative to the gripper bracket along the core axis. Thus, in such embodiments, the base bracket and / or the gripper bracket are movably mounted to the anode mounting portion for movement relative to the other bracket along the core axis. Preferably, a clamping component is provided for securing the base bracket and / or the gripper bracket in a clamped position for mounting the anode in the opening.

[0080] In a further embodiment of the anode according to the invention, the grasper bracket can be rotated relative to the base bracket about the core axis.

[0081] In a further embodiment of the anode according to the invention, the anode mounting part, preferably the base bracket of the anode mounting part, is configured to be engaged by an ROV.

[0082] In a further embodiment of the anode according to the invention, the gripper bracket is elongated and has two arms extending on opposite sides of the core axis.

[0083] In a further embodiment of the anode according to the invention, the grasper bracket is oval-shaped.

[0084] In an embodiment, the anode mounting portion is provided with a mounting portion for a reference cell, and preferably the reference cell and the anode are mounted on the anode mounting portion.

[0085] In an embodiment of the anode mounting part according to the invention, the gripper bracket is polygonal, for example square or triangular.

[0086] Preferably, the shape of the opening in the foundation pile matches the shape of the gripper bracket while allowing the gripper bracket to pass through the opening. Therefore, both the opening and the polygon can be the same polygon, e.g., both can be triangular, while the dimensions of the opening are slightly larger to allow the gripper bracket to pass through the opening. In an alternative embodiment, the opening can have more passages than the bracket has arms; for example, the opening has four passages forming an X-shape, and the gripper bracket has two arms forming an I-shape. Such an embodiment of the opening and gripper bracket provides the gripper bracket with two positions, rotated 90 degrees relative to the other, where the opening passages overlap with the gripper bracket arms and the gripper bracket can pass through the opening. Furthermore, in such an embodiment, the gripper bracket needs to be rotated through a 45-degree angle to move the gripper bracket to a second position where it can engage with the wall of the foundation pile. The present invention further provides an ROV (remotely operated vehicle) configured for use in the method according to the invention, and thus the present invention provides an ROV for loading an anode mounting according to the invention into an opening in a wall of an offshore structure, the ROV preferably being configured to be supported by a first lifting device such as a crane or lifting winch, and optionally by a second lifting device such as a crane or lifting winch, whilst positioning the anode mounting relative to the opening.

[0087] In an embodiment, an ROV for loading an anode mount according to the present invention into an opening in an offshore structure is configured to be supported by a crane during positioning of the anode mount relative to the opening.

[0088] In a further embodiment, the ROV is provided with a coupling device, such as one or more grippers or magnets, for engaging the anode mounting portion. Preferably, the ROV is further configured to mount the anode mounting portion in the opening, and is provided with a device for bolting, welding, and / or moving the gripping device for the anode mounting portion into a gripping position, e.g., to secure the anode mounting portion in the opening.

[0089] In a further embodiment, the ROV extends along a longitudinal axis between a forward end and an aft end, and the ROV is provided with a coupling device, such as one or more grippers or magnets, at its forward end for engaging the anode mount, preferably for engaging the anode mount according to the present invention, preferably for engaging the base plate of the anode mount according to the present invention. Further, the ROV preferably has a coupling device at its forward end for engaging the anode mount such that the core axis of the anode mount supported by the ROV is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ROV, e.g., such that the longitudinal axis of the anode supported by the anode mount is parallel to, and preferably coincides with, the longitudinal axis of the ROV.

[0090] In embodiments, the ROV is provided with a coupling device for engaging the anode mounting portion at a forward end of the ROV, the coupling device configured to rotate the anode mounting portion relative to the ROV about an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation preferably coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical anode supported by the anode mounting portion. Thus, in such embodiments, the coupling device is rotatably supported by the ROV, for example by one or more grippers or magnets for engaging the anode mounting portion, preferably an anode mounting portion according to the present invention, preferably a base plate of the anode mounting portion.

[0091] In an embodiment, an ROV for loading an anode mount according to the present invention into an opening in an offshore structure is configured to be supported by a crane during positioning of the anode mount relative to the opening.

[0092] The ROV is provided with a first coupling device for a first lifting device at or near the aft end of the ROV and a second coupling device for a second lifting device at or near the forward end of the ROV.

[0093] Thus, the ROV may be supported by a first lifting device, such as a crane or lifting winch, at the aft end of the ROV and a second lifting device, such as a crane or lifting winch, at the forward end of the ROV, In such an embodiment, the lifting devices support the ROV on either side of the ROV's longitudinal center of gravity when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the ROV.

[0094] Furthermore, in such an embodiment, one lifting device can be used to lower and raise the ROV, while a second lifting device can be used to pivot the ROV from a vertical position to a horizontal position about a horizontal axis, and both lifting devices can be used to align the ROV and the anode and anode mount supported by the ROV with the opening.

[0095] Thus, when the first lifting device is used to raise or lower the ROV, the ROV is positioned in a substantially vertical position. This is beneficial when the length of the ROV, specifically the length of the ROV combined with the length of the anode and anode seat supported by the ROV, is sufficiently greater than the diameter of the ROV. In such an embodiment, when the ROV is in a substantially vertical position, the ROV has a small footprint and can be positioned away from the wall of the foundation pile while being lowered and / or raised. This reduces the possibility of the ROV and anode accidentally coming into contact with the foundation pile or equipment mounted inside the foundation pile, thereby reducing the possibility of damaging the ROV and anode during raising and lowering.

[0096] The lifting device is mounted to the offshore structure above the water surface, and the anode is typically mounted below the water surface, such as tens of meters below the water surface. Therefore, when the lifting device is a crane or winch, the lifting wire can be pivoted like a pendulum to allow movement of the ROV in the horizontal direction without substantial vertical movement of the ROV in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the crane or winch can be used to pay out or withdraw the wire to offset vertical movement caused by horizontal movement of the ROV. In a further embodiment, the ROV is configured to rotate the anode mounting portion, preferably the anode mounted on the anode mounting portion, about a central axis of the anode mounting portion by rotating the coupling device or a portion thereof.

[0097] In a further embodiment, the ROV has an ROV frame and an anode support frame, the coupling device is mounted to the anode support frame, and the anode support frame is rotatably mounted to the ROV frame so as to enable rotation of the anode mount about a core axis of the anode mount by rotating the anode support frame relative to the ROV frame about a core axis, preferably enabling rotation of the anode mounted on the anode mount.

[0098] In a further embodiment, an ROV according to the present invention comprises multiple propulsors, one or more of which are oriented to counteract moment forces caused by the weight of the anode and the ROV while supported by the lifting device, and preferably to control the orientation of the anode while the ROV is supported by the lifting device.

[0099] Using an ROV in combination with a crane allows for a compact ROV, which can increase the maneuverability of the ROV with anode in the constraints of offshore structures such as foundation piles for wind turbines.

[0100] In a further embodiment of the ROV, the ROV comprises a plurality of propulsors, one or more of which are oriented to rotate the ROV, and the anode mount and anode carried by the ROV, about a central axis of the anode mount, preferably while the ROV is supported by the lifting device.

[0101] In an alternative embodiment of an ROV according to the present invention, the ROV is configured to be raised and lowered and aligned with the opening by a single lifting device, In such an embodiment, the ROV preferably includes a counterbalance to offset the weight of the anode relative to the point at which the ROV is supported by the lifting device.

[0102] In a further embodiment, the ROV is provided with one or more magnets to engage and support the anode mount.

[0103] In an embodiment, the ROV is provided with a support point for connecting the ROV to the lifting device, and the support point is movably mounted to the ROV such that the ROV can rotate about a horizontal axis of rotation, for example by using the ROV's propellers, while the ROV is supported by the lifting device.

[0104] Preferably, the ROV is further configured such that when engaged with and supporting an anode mount according to the present invention, the horizontal rotation axis of the ROV is aligned with the core axis of the anode mount, such that when the ROV is rotated about the horizontal rotation axis, the anode mount and the anode mounted on the seat of the anode mount are rotated about the core axis, and the anode is not moved in either the horizontal or vertical position.

[0105] In an embodiment, the ROV is provided with a plurality of mounting cylinders, each for securing a bolt or nut, each of the mounting cylinders having a longitudinal chamber for holding the nut or bolt, the walls of the longitudinal chamber having teeth for engaging the sides of the bolt or nut.

[0106] Therefore, the anode mounting portion is provided with a gripper bracket configured to pass through the opening. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the base bracket is movably supported so that it can move relative to the gripper bracket parallel to the central axis of the anode mounting portion. The gripper bracket is also provided with bolts that extend parallel to the central axis of the anode mounting portion and thus parallel to the direction of movement of the base bracket. The bolts extend through the openings in the base bracket. Therefore, by tightening nuts on each of these bolts, the gripper bracket is pulled toward the base bracket and the wall is clamped between the base bracket and the gripper bracket.

[0107] In an embodiment of an anode mount according to the invention, the foundation bracket and / or gripper bracket are provided with fastening elements, such as in the form of bolts, that can be moved relative to the respective bracket to engage the wall of the offshore structure. Moving the fastening elements against the wall surface, e.g., by tightening the bolts, pushes the respective bracket away from the wall surface and pulls the other bracket towards the opposite wall surface. Thus, the wall is clamped between the foundation bracket and the gripper bracket, and more specifically, the wall is clamped between the foundation bracket or a fastening element provided on the foundation bracket on one side of the wall and the gripper bracket or a fastening element provided on the gripper bracket on the opposite side of the wall.

[0108] The present invention further provides an assembly for mounting ICCP anodes to offshore foundation piles for wind turbines to protect the exterior surfaces of the foundation piles.

[0109] The assembly comprises an anode mounting part according to the invention and an anode, the anode being mounted, for example bolted, on the anode seat of the anode mounting part.

[0110] In a further embodiment of the assembly, the anode is a cylindrical anode, the anode having a longitudinal central axis parallel to, and preferably coinciding with, the central axis of the anode mounting portion.

[0111] In a further embodiment of the assembly, the cylindrical anode has a longitudinal core axis and a diameter perpendicular to the longitudinal core axis, and the width and length of the gripper bracket in the direction perpendicular to the core axis are greater than the diameter of the cylindrical anode so that the anode can be moved through the opening in which the anode mounting portion is mounted.

[0112] In a further embodiment of the assembly, the assembly further comprises an ROV according to the present invention for positioning an anode mounting, preferably an anode, relative to the opening in the wall of the foundation pile.

[0113] In a further embodiment of the assembly, the assembly further comprises a lifting device, the lifting device comprising a winch and associated lifting cable for supporting the ROV with the anode mounting and the anode.

[0114] In a further embodiment, the assembly further comprises a foundation pile having a wall and an opening in the wall for mounting the anode with the anode mounting portion.

[0115] In a further embodiment of the assembly, the opening has a central opening for passing through the core body of the anode mounting portion and the anode, and has two or more passages extending radially from the central opening for passing through two or more arms of the gripper bracket.

[0116] In a further embodiment of the assembly, the grasper bracket and the opening are oval.

[0117] The present invention further provides an ICCP anode mount configured to mount an anode of an ICCP system to an offshore structure, such as a foundation pile for a wind turbine, the anode mount being configured to be mounted in an opening in a wall of the offshore structure, the anode mount comprising: an anode seat having a core axis for mounting the anode on the anode mounting portion so that the anode or a spacer tube of the anode extends in a direction parallel to the core axis; a base bracket for supporting the anode mounting portion on the first side of the wall; a gripper bracket for supporting the anode mounting portion on a second side of the wall, the second side of the wall being opposite the first side of the wall; and Equipped with the foundation bracket and the gripper bracket extend in a direction perpendicular to the core axis and are spaced apart from each other so that a wall of the offshore foundation pile can be disposed between the foundation bracket and the gripper bracket; The gripper bracket and the base bracket are configured to be moved toward each other and / or are provided with a clamping component configured to be moved toward the other bracket to engage the wall and clamp the wall between the gripper bracket and the base bracket.

[0118] In an embodiment, the foundation pile has an opening in which a seat is provided for securing the anode mounting portion to the foundation pile. The seat can be welded to the inner surface of the foundation pile and is configured to couple with the anode mounting portion. For example, the seat may include a wire mesh opening for receiving a bolt to allow the anode mounting portion to be bolted to the seat and, in turn, to the foundation pile.

[0119] The present invention further provides a method for mounting an ICCP anode mount configured to mount an anode of an ICCP system to an offshore structure, such as a foundation pile for a wind turbine, in an opening in a wall of the offshore structure, the method comprising: - coupling the ROV to the anode mounting section; - supporting the anode mount with the ROV; - aligning a core axis of the anode mounting portion with the opening using the ROV; - using the ROV to move the anode seat and the anode gripper bracket through the opening; - rotating the gripper bracket relative to the opening about the central axis of the anode; - mounting the anode mounting portion to a wall of the offshore structure by moving the gripper bracket and the foundation bracket towards each other, preferably using an ROV, and / or by moving a clamping element provided on the gripper bracket and / or the foundation bracket towards the other bracket, in order to engage and clamp the wall between the gripper bracket and the foundation bracket; - releasing the anode payload from the ROV; Includes:

[0120] The present invention further provides a wind turbine foundation pile provided with one or more openings for loading an anode mounting part, preferably a cylindrical anode, into the opening from inside the foundation pile, preferably by an ROV, and the one or more openings preferably each have a central opening and two or more radially extending passages, more preferably each have a central opening and two radially extending passages, more preferably each opening is an elliptical opening. Such a wind turbine foundation pile can also be part of an assembly according to the present invention.

[0121] The present invention further provides an ICCP anode mount configured to mount an anode of an ICCP system to an offshore structure, such as a foundation pile for a wind turbine, the anode mount being configured to be mounted in an opening in a wall of the offshore structure, the anode mount comprising: a core body extending along a core axis between an anode end and a base end; an anode seat mounted on the core body at the anode end for supporting the anode in a state in which the anode extends in a direction parallel to the core axis; a foundation bracket mounted to the core for engaging a first side of the wall; a gripper bracket mounted to the core for engaging a second side of the wall, the second side of the wall being opposite the first side of the wall; and Equipped with the foundation bracket and the gripper bracket extend in a direction perpendicular to the core axis and are spaced apart from one another such that the wall of the offshore foundation pile can be positioned between the foundation bracket and the gripper bracket when the core is in the wall opening; The gripper bracket is preferably oval-shaped, and the gripper bracket and / or the base bracket are configured to be moved toward each other and / or are provided with a clamping element configured to be moved toward the other bracket to engage the wall and clamp the wall between the gripper bracket and the base bracket.

[0122] The present invention further provides an ICCP anode mounting portion configured to mount an anode of an ICCP system to an offshore structure, such as a foundation pile for a wind turbine, the anode mounting portion being configured to be mounted to an opening in a wall of the offshore structure from a first side of the wall to position the anode on a second side of the wall, the second side of the wall being opposite the first side of the wall, the anode mounting portion comprising: a core body extending along a core axis between an anode end and a base end; an anode seat mounted on the core body at the anode end for supporting the anode in a state in which the anode extends in a direction parallel to the core axis; a foundation bracket mounted to the core for engaging a first side of the wall; a gripper bracket mounted to the core for engaging the second side of the wall; Equipped with the foundation bracket and the gripper bracket extend on opposite sides of the core axis of the core body in a direction perpendicular to the core axis, and the foundation bracket and the gripper bracket are spaced apart from each other so that the wall of the offshore foundation pile can be positioned between the foundation bracket and the gripper bracket when the core body is in the wall opening; The gripper bracket and / or the foundation bracket are configured to be moved toward each other and / or are provided with a clamping component configured to be moved toward the other bracket to engage the wall and clamp the wall between the gripper bracket and the foundation bracket.

[0123] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, where necessary or optional, a technical feature described herein with respect to one embodiment of the present specification may be equally applicable to one or more other embodiments described herein, provided that the feature performs its designated function. All such combinations are contemplated herein, provided that they do not result in a technically impossible solution and / or do not result in a failure to fulfill the desired functionality.

[0124] Although presented primarily for illustrative purposes with reference to one or more of the figures, any of the technical features addressed below may be combined with any of the independent claims of the present application, either alone or in any other technically possible combination with one or more other technical features.

[0125] In the figures, components that correspond in terminology or in structure and / or function are provided with the same reference numerals followed by two digits.

[0126] The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0127] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of an ROV with an anode mounting and an anode supported by a lifting device on a foundation pile of a wind turbine. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a view of the ROV of FIG. 1 with the anode aligned with the opening in the wall of the foundation pile. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 shows the anode being moved through an opening. [Figure 4] This shows the anode mounting section, which supports the anode, fixed in the opening, and the ROV detached from the anode mounting section. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram of a second exemplary embodiment of an ROV in which the anode mount comprises a gripper bracket and a foundation bracket, and the anode mount and anode are supported by a lifting device. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a view of the ROV of FIG. 5 with the anode being moved through the opening. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a view of the ROV, anode mount, and anode rotated about a horizontal axis, with the grasper bracket and anode bracket now overlapping the foundation pile wall. [Figure 8] This shows the anode mounting section, which supports the anode, fixed in the opening, and the ROV detached from the anode mounting section. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram of a third exemplary embodiment of an ROV in which the anode mounting and the anode are supported by a first lifting device on a foundation pile of a wind turbine. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view of the ROV of FIG. 9 supported by the first and second lifting devices with the anode aligned with the opening in the wall of the foundation pile. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a view of the anode being moved through the opening using the ROV's thrusters, with the anode and anode seat rotated through a 90 degree angle. [Figure 12] This shows the anode mounting section, which supports the anode, fixed in the opening, and the ROV detached from the anode mounting section. [Figure 13] 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a wall of a foundation pile with an anode mounting portion supporting an anode and an opening, according to the present invention, the anode mounting portion being mounted in the opening; FIG. [Figure 14] 14 is an alternative perspective view of the anode mounting portion with the anode of FIG. 13. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the anode mounting portion of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a front view of a gripper bracket having three arms extending radially relative to the core axis of the anode mounting portion. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a front view of an opening in a wall of a foundation pile, the opening configured to cooperate with the gripper bracket of FIG. 16. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0128] 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of an ROV 1 with an ICCP anode mount 2 according to the present invention. The anode mount 2 is provided with an anode 3 which is cylindrical in shape.

[0129] The ROV 1, anode mount 2 and anode 3 are supported by a lifting device 4, which in the illustrated embodiment is a lifting winch 5 with an associated lifting wire 6, inside the wind turbine foundation pile 7.

[0130] The wind turbine foundation pile 7 is mounted to the seabed 8. The wind turbine foundation pile 7 is further provided with a transition piece 9 on top of which the wind turbine is mounted. The wind turbine foundation pile is provided with openings 11 for mounting anodes 3 to the foundation pile from the inside of the foundation pile, according to the present invention. The anodes are used to protect the outside of the foundation pile and are therefore placed on the outside of the foundation pile to effectively generate the field for the ICCP system.

[0131] Using the lifting winch of the lifting device, the ROV can be raised and lowered inside the foundation pile. Furthermore, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the lifting device can be moved to move the ROV relative to the foundation pile wall. In an alternative embodiment, the lifting device can be fixed in place and the ROV's propellers are used to move the ROV relative to the foundation pile wall.

[0132] In the figure, the ROV is submerged in water, i.e., supported by a lifting device below the water surface. It is assumed that the ROV and lifting machine are entered into the wind turbine support above the water surface, and that the lifting machine is mounted and used to lower the ROV into the water to a position that is level with the opening in the wall of the wind turbine support.

[0133] In the example embodiment shown, the ROV is provided with a thruster for positioning the ROV and the anode.

[0134] The anode mounting 2 is configured to mount an anode 3, which is part of an ICCP system, to an offshore structure, which in the illustrated embodiment is a foundation pile 7 for a wind turbine.

[0135] Furthermore, according to the invention, the anode mounting portion 2 is adapted to be mounted in an opening 11 in the wall of an offshore structure.

[0136] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the anode mounting portion 2 comprises a core body 12 , an anode seat portion 13 and a base bracket 14 .

[0137] The anode mounting core 12 extends along a core axis 15 between an anode end 16 and a base end 17 .

[0138] The anode seat 13 is mounted to the core 12 at an anode end 16 to support the anode 3 with the anode extending in a direction parallel to the core axis 15 .

[0139] The foundation bracket 14 is mounted to the core body 12 and extends in a direction perpendicular to the core axis 15 for engaging a first side 19 of a wall 18 of the wind turbine foundation pile 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the first side 19 is the inside of the wall 18 of the wind turbine foundation pile 7.

[0140] 1 to 4 show an example of a method according to the invention, i.e. a method for mounting ICCP anodes 3 on offshore foundation piles 7 for wind turbines in order to protect the outer surface of the offshore foundation piles 7, the method comprising: - using the ROV 1 inside the foundation pile 7 for the installation of the cylindrical anode 3 through the opening 11 in the wall 18 of the foundation pile 7; - mounting an anode mounting part 2 on the wall 18 of the foundation pile 7, the anode mounting part 2 supporting the cylindrical anode 3 on the outside of the foundation pile 7; Includes:

[0141] FIG. 1 shows an ROV 1 coupled to an anode mount 2 , the anode mount supporting a cylindrical anode 3 .

[0142] In FIG. 2, the ROV 1 with the anode mount 2 and the anode 3 is lowered inside the foundation pile 7 using the lifting device 4 .

[0143] The ROV 1 , anode mounting portion 2 , and anode 3 are supported by a lifting device 4 in an opening 11 .

[0144] Further, in Figure 2, ROV 1 is used to align the anode with an opening 11 in the wall of the foundation pile so that the anode can be moved through the opening.

[0145] In FIG. 3, the anode 3 is moved through the opening 11 using the ROV 1 and the lifting device 4 .

[0146] In Figure 4, the anode 3 is mounted to the wall 18 of the foundation pile 7, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, using an ROV to bolt the foundation bracket to the inner surface of the foundation pile.

[0147] In an embodiment, the foundation pile has an opening in which a seat is provided for securing the anode mounting portion to the foundation pile. The seat can be welded to the inner surface of the foundation pile and is configured to couple with the anode mounting portion. For example, the seat may include a wire mesh opening for receiving a bolt to allow the anode mounting portion to be bolted to the seat and, in turn, to the foundation pile.

[0148] The ROV 1 is detached from the anode mount 2 after the base bracket is mounted to the wall.

[0149] 5 shows a second exemplary embodiment of an ROV 101 with an anode mount 102 and an anode 103 supported by an elevating device. In this embodiment, the anode mount 102 includes a gripper bracket 120 in addition to a base bracket 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 111 is an elongated opening, with the longitudinal axis of the opening extending perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.

[0150] The ROV 101 is submerged in water and supported together with the anode mount 102 and the anode 103 in front of an opening 111 in the wall 118 of the foundation pile 107 .

[0151] A base bracket 114 is mounted to the core 112 of the anode mounting portion 102 for engaging a first side 119 of the wall 118 .

[0152] The gripper bracket 120 is mounted to the core 112 for engaging a second side 121 of the wall 118, the second side of the wall being opposite the first side of the wall, and in the illustrated embodiment, the first side 119 is the inner surface of the foundation pile wall 118 and the second side 121 is the outer surface of the foundation pile wall 118.

[0153] The foundation bracket 114 and the gripper bracket 120 extend in a direction perpendicular to the core axis 115 and are spaced apart from each other so that the wall 118 of the offshore foundation 107 can be positioned between the foundation bracket 114 and the gripper bracket 120 when the core body 112 is placed in the opening 111 in the wall 118.

[0154] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the base bracket 114 is provided with a clamping component configured to be moved toward the gripper bracket 120 to engage the wall 118 and clamp the wall between the gripper bracket 120 and the base bracket 114.

[0155] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the anode is a cylindrical anode having a longitudinal core axis and a diameter perpendicular to the longitudinal core axis, and the width and length of the gripper bracket in the direction perpendicular to the core axis are greater than the diameter of the cylindrical anode so that the anode can be moved through the opening in which the anode mounting portion is mounted.

[0156] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, opening 111 is an elongated opening, with the longitudinal axis of the opening extending perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. Base bracket 114 and gripper bracket are also elongated in a direction perpendicular to the core axis of the anode mount and are shaped similarly to opening 111, but are smaller in size. The longitudinal axes of the brackets extend perpendicular to the plane of the drawing in Figures 5 and 6, and extend parallel to the plane of the drawing in Figures 7 and 8.

[0157] This configuration of the aperture and the gripper bracket allows the anode mounting portion to be rotated about a horizontal axis to engage the wall with the gripper bracket. Rotating the gripper bracket through a 90 degree angle after passing it through the aperture brings the outer edge of the gripper bracket into a position where it no longer overlaps the aperture in the wall, but does overlap the wall.

[0158] FIG. 6 shows the ROV with the anode moved through the opening, with the gripper bracket and base bracket extending perpendicular to the plane of the drawing and aligned with opening 111.

[0159] FIG. 7 shows the ROV, anode mount, and anode rotated about a horizontal axis, with the gripper bracket and anode bracket now overlapping the foundation pile wall.

[0160] Figure 8 shows the anode mount supporting the anode secured in the opening and the ROV detached from the anode mount.

[0161] In FIG. 8, the mounted anode is secured in the opening by clamping the wall between the base bracket and the gripper bracket using clamping means provided on the base bracket in the illustrated embodiment.

[0162] In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping component is a bolt rotatably mounted to the foundation bracket. When the anode mount is positioned so that the gripper bracket and the foundation bracket overlap the wall of the foundation pile, the bolt can be turned to engage the inner surface of the wall, thereby clamping the wall between the gripper bracket and the foundation bracket, and more specifically, between the gripper bracket and the bolt mounted to the foundation bracket.

[0163] In an alternative embodiment, the clamping component comprises a spanner-like mechanism positioned between the gripper bracket and the foundation bracket, for example, mounted on a side of the foundation bracket facing the gripper bracket. Thus, when the anode mount is in a position where a portion of the wall of the underwater structure is disposed between the foundation bracket and the gripper bracket, the spanner mechanism is actuated to clamp the wall between the gripper bracket and the foundation bracket, more particularly between the gripper bracket and the spanner mechanism.

[0164] Preferably, the ROV is configured to actuate any fasteners mounted on the foundation bracket and / or the grasper bracket. In an embodiment, the ROV is configured to tighten bolts mounted on the foundation bracket. For example, the ROV may be provided with a driver for fastening the bolts.

[0165] 5-8, the opening 111 is an elongated opening, and the retainer bracket 120 also has an elongated shape. Thus, the opening has a central opening and radially extending passages that form the elongated opening, and the retainer bracket has two arms that extend radially relative to the central axis of the anode mounting portion. The retainer bracket has a shape similar to that of the opening, but is sized smaller than the opening so that the retainer bracket can pass through the opening.

[0166] When the longitudinal axis of the gripper bracket is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the opening, the gripper bracket can be moved through the opening. When the gripper bracket is rotated through an angle of substantially 90 degrees, the longitudinal axis of the gripper bracket extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the opening, and the wall of the foundation pile, specifically a section of the wall of the foundation pile, is disposed between the gripper bracket and the foundation bracket. In this position, the anode mounting portion can be fastened to the foundation wall.

[0167] Thus, in the embodiment shown in Figures 5-8, the gripper bracket has two arms extending radially relative to the core axis of the anode mounting portion to allow the gripper bracket to pass through the opening from a first side of the wall to a second side of the wall with the arms of the gripper bracket passing through the passages of the opening in a first position, and to overlap a section of the wall located between the radially extending passages of the opening in a second position in which the gripper bracket is rotated relative to the first position about the core axis so that the arms of the gripper bracket can engage with the second side of the wall.

[0168] Figures 9-12 show an example of a method for mounting an ICCP anode 303 on an offshore foundation pile 307 for a wind turbine similar to that shown in Figures 1-5, in which two lifting devices are used, and in which the anode mounting is rotated through an angle of approximately 90 degrees so that the anode mounting can be clamped to the wall of the foundation pile.

[0169] Figure 9 shows a third exemplary embodiment of an ROV 301 with an ICCP anode mount 302 according to the present invention. The anode mount 302 is similar to the anode mount 2 shown in Figures 1 to 4. The anode mount 302 is provided with a cylindrical anode 303.

[0170] 9-12, a first lifting device 304 and a second lifting device 340 are provided for supporting and orienting the ROV. In the embodiment shown, both lifting devices comprise a lifting winch 305 with an associated lifting wire 306.

[0171] In FIG. 9, the ROV 301, anode mount 302, and anode 303 are supported by a first lifting device 304 inside the wind turbine foundation pile 307.

[0172] In the illustrated manner, ROV 301 extends along a longitudinal axis 322 between a forward end 323 and an aft end 324. The ROV supports an anode 303 at the forward end 323 of the ROV. ROV 301 is provided with a first coupling device 325 for a first lifting device 304 at or near the aft end 324 of the ROV, and a second coupling device 326 for a second lifting device 340 at or near the forward end 323 of the ROV 301. First lifting device 304 is connected to first coupling device 325 of the ROV, and second lifting device 340 is connected to second coupling device 326 of the ROV.

[0173] 9 shows the ROV 301 with the anode mount and anode being lowered inside the foundation pile using the first lifting device. The ROV is supported in a vertical position with its front end pointing downwards.

[0174] 10 shows that the second lifting device is used to raise the front end of the ROV 301 relative to the rear end 324, thereby placing the ROV in a horizontal position with its front end 323 facing the wall of the foundation pile. Thus, the first lifting device 304 and the second lifting device 340 can be used to align the cylindrical anode with the opening in the wall of the foundation pile.

[0175] 11 shows how the anode 303 is moved through an opening 311 in the foundation pile wall 318. The ROV 301, i.e., the ROV's pusher 310, is used to push the anode through the opening while the ROV is supported by a first lifting device 304 and a second lifting device 340.

[0176] Furthermore, in Figure 11, after the anode is passed through the opening, the anode 303 is rotated around the core axis 315 of the anode mounting portion 302. Therefore, in Figure 11, the gripper bracket 320 overlaps with the wall of the foundation pile, which allows the anode mounting portion 302 to be mounted in the opening.

[0177] 12, ROV 301 is detached from anode mount 302. Anode mount 302, which supports anode 303, is secured in opening 311. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the anode mount is mounted to wall 318 of foundation pile 307 using the ROV to tighten bolts in the foundation bracket to engage the inner surface of the foundation pile, thereby clamping the wall between the gripper bracket and the foundation bracket, more specifically, between the gripper bracket and the bolts mounted to the foundation bracket.

[0178] 12, ROV 301 is supported by first lifting device 304 and second lifting device 340. The ROV is then lifted by first lifting device 304 back to the surface.

[0179] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of an ICCP anode mount 402. The anode mount 402 is configured to mount the anode of an ICCP system to an offshore structure, such as a foundation pile for a wind turbine. In the illustrated embodiment, the anode mount supports an anode 403. Figure 14 shows an alternative perspective view of the anode mount 402, and Figure 15 shows an exploded view of the anode mount 402.

[0180] The anode mounting portion 402 is configured to be mounted in an opening in a wall of the offshore structure from a first side of the wall to position the anode on a second side of the wall, the second side of the wall being opposite the first side of the wall.

[0181] The anode mounting portion comprises a core body 412, an anode seat 413, a base bracket 414 for engaging a first side of the wall, and a gripper bracket 420 for engaging a second side of the wall. The gripper bracket is positioned between the base bracket and the anode seat such that the anode mounting portion is configured to be mounted from the first side of the wall, which is the side facing inwardly of the wall, i.e., the side opposite the second side of the wall on which the anode is mounted in use.

[0182] The core body 412 extends along a core axis 415 between an anode end 416 and a base end 417, and the base bracket 414 and the gripper bracket 420 are mounted to the core body. In the illustrated embodiment, the core body 412 includes a passage 426 for guiding the anode power cable therethrough.

[0183] The foundation bracket 414 and the gripper bracket 420 extend in a direction perpendicular to the core axis 415 of the core body 412 and are spaced apart from each other so that the wall of the offshore foundation pile can be positioned between the foundation bracket and the gripper bracket when the core body is in the wall opening.

[0184] An anode seat 413 is mounted to the core 412 at an anode end 416 for supporting the anode 403 with the anode extending in a direction parallel to the core axis 415 .

[0185] In addition to the anode mounting portion 402, Figures 13-16 also show a section of the wall 418 of the foundation pile, which is provided with an opening 411 for mounting the anode mounting portion 402 to the wall 418. In Figures 13 and 14, the anode mounting portion 402 is mounted in the opening 411. This is the location where the anode is used to protect the foundation pile.

[0186] Figure 13 shows a first side 419 of wall 418, which faces inward of the foundation pile, and Figure 14 shows a second side 421 of wall 418, which faces outward of the foundation pile.

[0187] In accordance with the present invention, the anode mounting portion 402 is configured to be mounted in an opening 411 in the wall 418 from a first side 419 of the wall to support the anode on a second side 421 of the wall. To this end, the anode mounting portion 402 is provided with a gripper bracket 420 that is configured to pass through the opening 411. In the illustrated embodiment, the gripper bracket 420 is configured to cooperate with the elongated opening 411, which in the illustrated embodiment is oval in shape.

[0188] 13-16, opening 411 is shown as being elliptical in shape and thus has a central opening 422 and two radially extending passages 423 that extend along the longitudinal axis of the elliptical opening on either side of the central opening.

[0189] To cooperate with this oval opening, the gripper bracket 420 has two or more arms 425 that extend radially relative to the central axis 415 of the anode mounting portion 402 .

[0190] Thus, in a first position of the gripper bracket 420 relative to the opening 411, the radially extending passage of the opening overlaps with the radially extending arms of the gripper bracket, allowing the gripper bracket to pass through the opening 411 from a first side of the wall to a second side of the wall.

[0191] As the gripper bracket 420 passes through the opening, the gripper bracket is rotated 90 degrees relative to the opening to a second position. In Figures 13-15, the anode is depicted with the gripper plate in this second position. In the second position, the arms of the gripper bracket 420 overlap a section of the wall located between the radially extending passages of the opening. In this position, the gripper bracket can engage a second side of the wall.

[0192] It should be noted that in the illustrated embodiment, the gripper bracket and the foundation bracket cannot rotate relative to one another about the core axis. Thus, when the gripper bracket is moved from a first position to a second position, the foundation bracket is also moved from the first position to the second position. In an alternative embodiment, the gripper bracket can be rotated relative to the foundation bracket about the core axis.

[0193] Additionally, the gripper bracket 420 and the base bracket 414 are configured to be moved toward one another, and more specifically, the base bracket is configured to be moved relative to the gripper bracket along the core axis to engage the wall and clamp the wall between the gripper bracket and the base bracket.

[0194] In the illustrated embodiment, the base bracket 414 is movably supported so that it can move relative to the gripper bracket 420 parallel to the central axis 415 of the anode mounting portion 402 .

[0195] The gripper bracket 420 is provided with bolts 424 that extend parallel to the central axis 415 of the anode mounting portion 402 and thus parallel to the direction of movement of the base bracket 414. The bolts 424 extend through openings in the base bracket 414. Therefore, by tightening nuts (not shown) onto each of these bolts 424, the gripper bracket 420 is pulled toward the base bracket 414, and the wall 418 is clamped between the base bracket and the gripper bracket.

[0196] In an alternative embodiment, the foundation bracket is provided with clamping elements, for example in the form of bolts, that can be moved relative to the foundation bracket to engage a first side, i.e., an inner surface, of the offshore structure. Tightening these bolts pushes the foundation bracket away from the inner surface of the wall and pulls the gripper bracket toward the outer surface of the wall, thus clamping the wall between the foundation bracket and the gripper bracket, or more specifically, between the bolts mounted on the foundation bracket and the gripper bracket.

[0197] A coupling device, e.g., one or more grippers or magnets, is provided for an ROV according to the present invention to engage the anode mount, preferably to engage the base plate of the anode mount. Furthermore, the ROV is preferably configured to rotate the anode mount about its central axis, and thus rotate the cylindrical anode supported by the anode mount about its longitudinal axis. Thus, the gripper bracket of the anode mount can be rotated by the ROV from a first position for passing the gripper bracket through an opening to a second position for clamping the wall between a base bracket, or a fastening part provided on the base bracket, on one side of the wall and a gripper bracket, or a fastening part provided on the gripper bracket, on the opposite side of the wall.

[0198] Figure 15 is an exploded view of the anode mount of Figure 13. In the figure, the base bracket 414 is shown separate from the grasper bracket 420, and the base bracket and grasper bracket are spaced apart from a first side 419 of the wall, i.e., the inner surface of the wall, and from a second side 421 of the wall, i.e., the outer surface of the wall, respectively.

[0199] The gripper bracket of the anode mount according to the present invention has two or more arms extending radially relative to a central axis of the anode mount for cooperating with a passageway extending radially relative to a central opening of the opening in the wall of the offshore foundation, such that the gripper bracket can be positioned relative to the opening in a first position in which the passageway overlaps the arms and the gripper bracket can pass through the opening in the wall of the offshore foundation from a first side of the wall to a second side of the wall.

[0200] Additionally, the grasper bracket can be positioned relative to the opening in a second position where the arms of the grasper bracket overlap a section of the wall located between the radially extending passages of the opening, and in this second position, the grasper bracket, or a fastening means provided on the grasper bracket, can engage a second side of the wall.

[0201] FIG. 16 shows a front view of a gripper bracket 520 having three arms 525 extending radially relative to the central axis of the anode mounting portion.

[0202] Figure 17 shows a front view of an opening 511 in a wall of a foundation pile, where the opening is configured to cooperate with the gripper bracket 520 shown in Figure 16. The opening 511 comprises a central opening 522 and three passages 523 extending radially from the central opening 522 of the opening 511.

[0203] Thus, the gripper bracket 520 can be positioned relative to the opening 511 in a first position, in which the passage 523 of the opening 511 overlaps with the arm 525 of the gripper bracket 520 and the gripper bracket can pass through the opening.

[0204] Additionally, the grasper bracket 520 can be positioned relative to the opening 511 in a second position in which the arms 525 of the grasper bracket overlap a section 527 of the wall 518 positioned between the radially extending passages 523 of the opening 511. In this second position, the grasper bracket 520, or a fastening means provided on the grasper bracket, can engage the wall 518.

[0205] A second position of the gripper bracket 520 allows the anode mount to be mounted in the opening by clamping the wall between the gripper bracket 520 and the base bracket of the anode mount.

[0206] The present invention can be summarized according to one or more of the following clauses. 1. A method for mounting ICCP anodes on offshore foundation piles for wind turbines to protect their exterior surfaces, comprising: - using an ROV inside the foundation pile for installation of a preferably cylindrical anode through an opening in the wall of the foundation pile; - mounting an anode mounting on the wall of the foundation pile, the anode mounting supporting a preferably cylindrical anode on the outside of the foundation pile; A method comprising:

[0207] 2. The method is - coupling the ROV to an anode mount, the anode mount supporting a cylindrical anode; - lowering the ROV with the anode mounting and the anode inside the foundation pile using a lifting device; - supporting the ROV with the anode mount and the anode in the opening using a lifting device; - aligning the cylindrical anode with an opening in the wall of the foundation pile using an ROV; - moving the anode through the opening using an ROV and / or a lifting device; - mounting the anode mounting to the wall of the foundation pile, preferably using an ROV, for example by welding, bolting, fastening, etc.; - detaching the ROV from the anode mount; (ii) any method in accordance with clause 1, including:

[0208] 3. The anode mounting area is a core body extending along a core axis between an anode end and a base end; an anode seat mounted on the core at the anode end for supporting the anode with the anode extending in a direction parallel to the core axis; - a foundation bracket mounted to the core for engaging a first side of the wall of the foundation pile; - a gripper bracket mounted to the core for engaging a second side of the wall of the foundation pile, the second side of the wall being opposite the first side of the wall, the gripper bracket being positioned between the foundation bracket and the anode seat; Equipped with The method is: - using the ROV to align the cylindrical anode with the opening in the wall of the foundation pile, aligning the core axis of the anode mounting part with the opening; - moving the anode seat and anode gripper bracket through the opening using the ROV, preferably using an ROV; a method in accordance with clause 1 or 2, further comprising:

[0209] 4. How to do it: - moving the anode seat and anode gripper bracket through the opening using the ROV, and then rotating the gripper bracket about the anode core axis relative to the opening, preferably by rotating the ROV or a portion of the ROV about its core axis; - mounting the anode mounting portion to the wall of the offshore structure by moving the gripper bracket and the foundation bracket and / or by moving fastening elements provided on the gripper bracket and / or the foundation bracket towards the outer and inner surfaces, respectively, of the wall of the foundation pile in order to clamp the wall between the gripper bracket and the foundation bracket; a method in accordance with clause 3, further including:

[0210] 5. A method according to clause 4, wherein the gripper bracket is rotated relative to the opening and base bracket about the anode core axis by pivoting the gripper bracket about the core axis.

[0211] 6. An ICCP anode mount configured to mount an anode of an ICCP system to an offshore structure, such as a foundation pile for a wind turbine, the anode mount configured to be mounted in an opening in a wall of the offshore structure, the anode mount comprising: a core body extending along a core axis between an anode end and a base end; an anode seat mounted on the core body at the anode end for supporting the anode in a state in which the anode extends in a direction parallel to the core axis; a foundation bracket mounted to the core for engaging a first side of the wall; a gripper bracket mounted to the core for engaging a second side of the wall, the second side of the wall being opposite the first side of the wall; and Equipped with the foundation bracket and the gripper bracket extend in a direction perpendicular to the core axis and are spaced apart from one another such that the wall of the offshore foundation pile can be positioned between the foundation bracket and the gripper bracket when the core is in the wall opening; The anode mounting portion, wherein the gripper bracket and / or the base bracket are configured to be moved toward each other and / or are provided with a clamping component configured to be moved toward the other bracket to engage the wall and clamp the wall between the gripper bracket and the base bracket.

[0212] 7. An anode mounting portion according to clause 6, wherein the gripper bracket is positioned between the base bracket and the anode seat, and the anode mounting portion is therefore configured to be mounted from the side facing inwardly of the wall, i.e., from the side opposite to the side on which the anode is mounted in use.

[0213] 8. An anode mounting portion according to clause 6 or 7, wherein the anode is a cylindrical anode, the cylindrical anode having a longitudinal core axis and a diameter perpendicular to the longitudinal core axis, and the width and length of the gripper bracket in the direction perpendicular to the core axis are greater than the diameter of the cylindrical anode so that the anode can be moved through an opening in which the anode mounting portion is mounted.

[0214] 9. An anode mounting according to one or more of clauses 6 to 8, wherein the anode mounting, preferably the core body of the anode, is configured to be engaged by a lifting device and is preferably configured to allow rotation of at least the anode seat about the core axis while the anode mounting is supported by the lifting device.

[0215] 10. An anode mounting part according to one or more of clauses 6 to 9, in which the core body is provided with a passage for guiding the anode power cable therethrough.

[0216] 11. An anode mounting according to one or more of clauses 6 to 10, wherein the foundation bracket and / or grasper bracket are provided with fastening parts, such as bolts, which can be moved relative to one or both of the brackets to engage the surface of the offshore structure and clamp the wall between the grasper bracket and the foundation bracket.

[0217] 12. An anode mounting according to one or more of clauses 6 to 11, wherein the base bracket is movable relative to the gripper bracket along the core axis.

[0218] 13. An anode mounting according to one or more of clauses 6 to 12, wherein the gripper bracket can be rotated relative to the base bracket about a core axis.

[0219] 14. An anode mount according to one or more of clauses 6 to 13, wherein the anode mount, preferably a base bracket of the anode mount, is configured to be engaged by an ROV.

[0220] 15. The gripper bracket shall be oval in shape, and the anode mounting part shall comply with one or more of clauses 6 to 14.

[0221] 16. An ROV (remotely operated vehicle) for loading an anode mount into an opening in an offshore structure in accordance with one or more of the preceding clauses, the ROV (remotely operated vehicle) being configured to be supported by a crane during positioning of the anode mount relative to the opening.

[0222] 17. An ROV according to clause 16, wherein the ROV is provided with a coupling device, such as one or more grippers or magnets, for engaging the anode mounting.

[0223] 18. An ROV according to clause 16 or 17, wherein the ROV comprises a plurality of propellers, one or more of the propellers being oriented to counteract moment forces caused by the weight of the anode and the ROV being supported by the lifting device, and preferably to control the orientation of the anode while the ROV is supported by the lifting device.

[0224] 19. An ROV according to one or more of clauses 16 to 18, wherein the ROV comprises a plurality of propulsors, one or more of the propulsors being oriented to rotate the ROV, the anode mount, and the anode about a central axis of the anode mount, preferably while the ROV is supported by the lifting device.

[0225] 20. An ROV in accordance with clause 19, where the ROV is provided with counterbalance to offset the weight of the anode relative to the point at which the ROV is supported by the lifting device.

[0226] 21. An assembly of an anode mounting part and an anode according to one or more of clauses 6 to 15, wherein the anode is mounted, for example bolted, to an anode seat of the anode mounting part.

[0227] 22. An assembly according to clause 21, wherein the anode is a cylindrical anode, the anode having a longitudinal axis parallel to and preferably coincident with the axis of the anode mounting portion.

[0228] 23. An assembly according to clause 21 or 22, wherein the assembly further comprises an ROV according to one or more of clauses 16 to 20 for positioning an anode mounting, preferably an anode, relative to an opening in the wall of the foundation pile.

[0229] 24. An assembly according to one or more of clauses 21 to 23, wherein the assembly further comprises a lifting device, the lifting device comprising a winch and associated lifting cable for supporting the ROV with the anode mounting and the anode. [Explanation of symbols]

[0230] 1 ROV 2 ICCP anode mounting section 3 ICCP anode, cylindrical anode 4 Lifting Device 5 Lifting winch 6 Lifting wire 7. Wind turbine foundation piles 8 Undersea 11 Opening 12 core 13 Anode seat 14 Foundation bracket 15 core shaft 16 Anode end 17 Foundation edge 18 Wall 19 First Side 101 ROV 102 Anode mounting section 103 Anode 107 Foundation piles 111 Opening 112 Core body 114 Foundation Bracket 115 Core axis 118 Wall 119 First Side 120 Grasp bracket 121 Second Side 301 ROV 302 ICCP anode mounting section 303 Anode 304 First lifting device 305 Lifting winch 306 Lifting Wire 307 Wind Turbine Foundation Piles 310 Propulsion device 311 Opening 315 Core axis 318 Wall 320 Grasp bracket 322 Longitudinal Axis 323 Front end 324 Rear end 325 First Connecting Device 326 Secondary Linking Device 340 Second lifting device 402 ICCP anode mounting section 403 Anode 411 Opening 412 Core body 413 Anode seat 414 Foundation Bracket 415 Core axis 416 Anode end 417 Foundation edge 418 Wall 419 First Side 420 Grasp bracket 421 Second Side 422 Center opening 423 Radial passage 424 volts 425 Arm 426 Passage 511 Opening 518 Wall 520 Grasp bracket 522 Center opening 523 Passage 525 Arm 527 Wall Area

Claims

1. 1. A method for mounting ICCP anodes on offshore foundation piles for wind turbines to protect their exterior surfaces, comprising: using an ROV inside the foundation pile for installation of a preferably cylindrical anode through an opening in the wall of the foundation pile; mounting an anode mounting portion on the wall of the foundation pile, the anode mounting portion supporting the preferably cylindrical anode on the outside of the foundation pile; A method comprising:

2. coupling the ROV to the anode mounting portion, the anode mounting portion supporting the cylindrical anode; lowering the ROV with the anode mounting portion and the anode inside the foundation pile using a first lifting device; supporting the ROV with the anode mounting portion and the anode in the opening using the first lifting device; aligning the cylindrical anode with the opening in the wall of the foundation pile using the ROV and / or a second lifting device; moving the anode through the opening using the ROV, the first lifting device, and / or a second lifting device; mounting the anode mounting portion to the wall of the foundation pile, preferably using the ROV, for example by welding, bolting, clamping, etc.; decoupling the ROV from the anode mounting portion; The method of claim 1 , comprising:

3. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing an opening in the wall of the offshore foundation pile for mounting the anode, the opening allowing at least a portion of the anode and anode mounting portion to pass through the opening from a first side of the wall to a second side of the wall.

4. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the opening comprises a central opening and two or more radially extending passages, more preferably the opening comprises a central opening and two radially extending passages, more preferably the opening is an elliptical opening.

5. The anode mounting portion is a core body extending along a core axis between an anode end and a base end; an anode seat mounted on the core body at the anode end for supporting the anode in a state in which the anode extends in a direction parallel to the core axis; a foundation bracket mounted to the core for engaging a first side of the wall of the foundation pile; a gripper bracket mounted to the core for engaging a second side of the wall of the foundation pile, the second side of the wall being opposite the first side of the wall, the gripper bracket being positioned between the foundation bracket and the anode seat; Equipped with The grasper bracket is to pass the grasper bracket through the opening from the first side of the wall to the second side of the wall in a first position with the arm of the grasper bracket passing through the passage of the opening; and to overlap a section of the wall located between the radially extending passages of the opening so that the arms of the gripper bracket can engage the second side of the wall in a second position in which the gripper bracket is rotated about the core axis relative to the first position; two or more arms extending radially relative to the core shaft; The method comprises: aligning the core axis of the anode mounting portion with the opening when aligning the cylindrical anode with the opening in the wall of the foundation pile using the ROV and / or a second lifting device; aligning the arms of the grasper bracket with the radial passages of the opening; moving the anode seat and the gripper bracket of the anode through the opening, preferably using the ROV; using the ROV to move the anode seat and the gripper bracket of the anode through the opening, and then rotating the gripper bracket relative to the opening about the core axis of the anode, preferably by rotating the ROV or a portion of the ROV about the core axis, thereby misaligning the arms of the gripper bracket with the radial passages of the opening; mounting the anode mounting portion to the wall of the offshore foundation pile by moving the gripper bracket and the foundation bracket and / or moving fastening parts provided on the gripper bracket and / or the foundation bracket towards the outer and inner surfaces, respectively, of the wall of the foundation pile to clamp the wall between the gripper bracket and the foundation bracket; The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

6. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the gripper bracket is rotated relative to the opening and the base bracket about the central axis of the anode mounting portion by pivoting the gripper bracket about the central axis of the anode mounting portion.

7. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the grasper bracket is elliptical and thus has two arms extending radially relative to the core axis.

8. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the offshore foundation piles have a diameter of at least 4 metres, preferably at least 6 metres, and / or a height of at least 20 metres, preferably at least 30 metres.

9. the ROV extends along a longitudinal axis between a forward end and an aft end, the ROV supports the anode at the forward end of the ROV, the ROV is provided with a first coupling device for the first lifting device at or near the aft end of the ROV, and a second coupling device for the second lifting device at or near the forward end of the ROV; the first lifting device is connected to the first coupling device of the ROV, and the second lifting device is connected to the second coupling device of the ROV; the step of lowering the ROV with the anode mounting portion and the anode inside the foundation pile includes using the first lifting device to support the ROV and to lower the ROV, the ROV being supported in a vertical position with its front end facing downward; 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of aligning the cylindrical anode with the opening in the wall of the foundation pile includes using the second lifting device to raise the front end of the ROV relative to the rear end, thereby placing the ROV in a horizontal position with the front end of the ROV facing the wall of the foundation pile.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein moving the anode through the opening comprises using the ROV to push the anode through the opening while the ROV is supported by the first lifting device and the second lifting device.

11. 11. An assembly for supporting a wind turbine, preferably for carrying out a method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising: an offshore foundation pile for a wind turbine, the offshore foundation pile having a wall with an opening for mounting an anode; an ICCP anode mount configured to be mounted in the opening in the wall of the offshore foundation pile, the ICCP anode mount having an anode seat; An ICCP anode for protecting the outer surface of the foundation pile, the ICCP anode being mounted on the anode seat portion of the anode mounting portion; Equipped with the opening for mounting the anode comprises a central opening and two or more radially extending passages, the openings allowing at least a portion of the anode and the anode mounting portion to pass through the openings from a first side of the wall to a second side of the wall; The anode mounting portion is a core body extending along a core axis between an anode end and a base end; an anode seat mounted on the core body at the anode end for supporting the anode in a state in which the anode extends in a direction parallel to the core axis; a foundation bracket mounted to the core for engaging a first side of the wall of the foundation pile; a gripper bracket mounted to the core for engaging a second side of the wall of the foundation pile, the second side of the wall being opposite the first side of the wall, the gripper bracket being positioned between the foundation bracket and the anode seat; Equipped with The grasper bracket is to pass the grasper bracket through the opening from the first side of the wall to the second side of the wall in a first position with the arm of the grasper bracket passing through the passage of the opening; and to overlap a section of the wall located between the radially extending passages of the opening so that the arms of the gripper bracket can engage the second side of the wall in a second position in which the gripper bracket is rotated about the core axis relative to the first position; An assembly comprising two or more arms, the number of arms being equal to or less than the number of passages in the opening extending radially relative to the core axis.

12. 12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the opening comprises a central opening and two or more radially extending passages, preferably the opening is an elliptical opening.

13. 13. An assembly according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the anode is a cylindrical anode, the anode having a longitudinal core axis that is parallel to, and preferably coincides with, the core axis of the anode mounting portion when the anode is mounted on the anode seat of the anode.

14. 14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the cylindrical anode has a longitudinal core axis and a diameter perpendicular to the longitudinal core axis, and the width and length of the gripper bracket in the direction perpendicular to the core axis are greater than the diameter of the cylindrical anode so that the anode can be moved through the opening in which the anode mounting portion is mounted.

15. 15. The assembly of claim 11, further comprising an ROV for positioning the anode mounting portion and the anode mounted on the anode seat of the anode mounting portion relative to the opening in the wall of the foundation pile, and for installing the anode from inside the foundation pile through the opening in the wall of the foundation pile.

16. 16. The assembly of claim 15, further comprising a first lifting device, the first lifting device comprising a winch and associated lifting cable for supporting the ROV with the anode mounting portion and the anode.

17. 17. The assembly of any one of claims 11 to 16, further comprising a foundation pile having a wall and an opening in the wall for mounting an anode with the anode mounting portion.

18. 18. An assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 17, further comprising a first lifting device for supporting the ROV, preferably at the aft end of the ROV.

19. 19. An assembly as claimed in claim 18, further comprising a second lifting device for supporting the ROV, preferably at a forward end of the ROV.

20. 20. An anode mounting for use in an assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 19.

21. the anode mounting portion is configured to mount an anode of an ICCP system to an offshore structure, such as a foundation pile for a wind turbine, the anode mounting portion being configured to be mounted in an opening in a wall of the offshore structure, the opening having a central opening and a radially extending passageway for positioning the anode from a first side of the wall to a second side of the wall, the second side of the wall being opposite the first side of the wall, the anode mounting portion being configured to: a core body extending along a core axis between an anode end and a base end; an anode seat mounted on the core body at the anode end for supporting the anode in a state in which the anode extends in a direction parallel to the core axis; a base bracket mounted to the core for engaging the first side of the wall; a gripper bracket mounted to the core for engaging the second side of the wall; and Equipped with the foundation bracket and the gripper bracket extend in a direction perpendicular to the core axis of the core body and are spaced apart from each other such that the wall of the offshore foundation pile can be positioned between the foundation bracket and the gripper bracket when the core body is in the opening in the wall; the gripper bracket and / or the base bracket are configured to be moved toward each other and / or are provided with a clamping element configured to be moved toward the other bracket to engage the wall and clamp the wall between the gripper bracket and the base bracket; 17. An ICCP anode mount as described in claim 16, preferably comprising two or more arms extending radially relative to the core axis to overlap a section of the wall located between the radially extending passages of the opening so that, in a first position, the gripper bracket can pass from a first side of the wall to the second side of the wall through the opening, the opening having a central opening and radially extending passages overlapping the arms, and in a second position, where the gripper bracket is on the second side of the wall and is rotated relative to the first position about the core axis, the gripper bracket can engage the second side of the wall.

22. 22. The anode mounting portion of claim 21, wherein the gripper bracket is positioned between the base bracket and the anode seat, such that the anode mounting portion is configured to be mounted from the first side of the wall, which is the side facing inward of the wall, i.e., opposite the second side of the wall on which the anode is mounted during use.

23. 23. An anode mounting portion according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the anode mounting portion, preferably the core body of the anode mounting portion, is configured to be engaged by a lifting device and / or configured to allow rotation of at least the anode seat portion about the core axis while the anode mounting portion is supported by the lifting device.

24. 24. An anode mounting according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the core comprises a passage for guiding an anode power cable therethrough.

25. 25. An anode mounting as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the foundation bracket and / or the gripper bracket are provided with fastening components such as bolts that can be moved relative to one or both of the brackets to engage a surface of the offshore structure and clamp the wall between the gripper bracket and the foundation bracket.

26. 26. The anode mounting section of any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the base bracket is movable relative to the grasper bracket along the core axis.

27. 27. The anode mounting section of any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the gripper bracket is rotatable relative to the base bracket about the core axis.

28. 28. An anode mount according to any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein the anode mount, preferably the base bracket of the anode mount, is configured to be engaged by an ROV.

29. 29. The anode mount of any one of claims 21 to 28, wherein the gripper bracket is elongated and has two arms extending on opposite sides of the core axis.

30. 30. The anode mounting of claim 29, wherein the gripper bracket is oval and / or the base bracket is rectangular.

31. 11. An ROV for use in a method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

32. 32. An ROV (remotely operated vehicle) for mounting an anode mounting according to any one of claims 20 to 29 into an opening in a wall of an offshore structure, preferably as claimed in claim 31, preferably configured to be supported by a first lifting device, such as a crane or lifting winch, whilst positioning the anode mounting relative to the opening.

33. 33. The ROV of claim 32, wherein the ROV extends along a longitudinal axis between a front end and a rear end, and wherein the ROV is provided with a coupling device, such as one or more grippers or magnets, at the front end of the ROV for engaging an anode mounting portion, preferably for engaging the anode mounting portion according to any one of claims 20 to 30, preferably for engaging the anode mounting portion such that the core axis of the anode mounting portion supported by the ROV is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ROV.

34. the ROV is provided with a first coupling device for the first lifting device at or near the aft end of the ROV and a second coupling device for a second lifting device at or near the forward end of the ROV; 34. The ROV of claim 33, wherein the ROV may therefore be supported at its rear end by the first lifting device, such as a crane or lifting winch, and at its front end by a second lifting device, such as a crane or lifting winch.

35. 35. The ROV of claim 33 or 34, wherein the ROV is configured to rotate the anode mounting portion about the core axis of the anode mounting portion by rotating the coupling device or a part thereof, and preferably to rotate an anode mounted on the anode mounting portion.

36. 36. The ROV of claim 35, wherein the ROV has an ROV frame and an anode support frame, the coupling device is mounted to the anode support frame, and the anode support frame is rotatably mounted to the ROV frame to enable rotation of the anode mounting portion about the core axis of the anode mounting portion by rotating the anode support frame relative to the ROV frame about the core axis, preferably to enable rotation of an anode mounted on the anode mounting portion.

37. 37. The ROV of any one of claims 32 to 36, wherein the ROV comprises a plurality of thrusters, one or more of the thrusters being oriented to counteract moment forces caused by the weight of the anode and the ROV while supported by the lifting device, and preferably to control the orientation of the anode while the ROV is supported by the lifting device.

38. 38. The ROV of any one of claims 32 to 37, wherein the ROV comprises a plurality of thrusters, one or more of the thrusters being oriented to rotate the ROV, and an anode mount and an anode carried by the ROV, about the core axis of the anode mount, preferably while the ROV is supported by an elevation device.

39. 39. The ROV of any one of claims 32 to 38, wherein the ROV is provided with a plurality of mounting cylinders for securing bolts or nuts, each of the mounting cylinders having a longitudinal chamber for holding the nut or the bolt, the walls of the chamber having teeth for engaging sides of the bolt or the nut.

40. 31. An assembly of an anode mounting part and an ICCP anode according to any one of claims 20 to 30, wherein the anode is mounted, e.g. bolted, to the anode seat of the anode mounting part.

41. 41. An assembly according to claim 40, wherein the anode is a cylindrical anode, the anode having a longitudinal core axis parallel to, and preferably coincident with, the core axis of the anode mounting portion.

42. 42. The assembly of claim 41, wherein the cylindrical anode has a longitudinal core axis and a diameter perpendicular to the longitudinal core axis, and the width and length of the gripper bracket in the direction perpendicular to the core axis are greater than the diameter of the cylindrical anode so that the anode can be moved through the opening in which the anode mounting portion is mounted.

43. 43. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 40 to 42, further comprising an ROV as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 39 for positioning the anode mounting portion, preferably for positioning the anode, relative to the opening in the wall of the foundation pile.

44. 44. The assembly of any one of claims 40 to 43, wherein the assembly further comprises a lifting device, the lifting device comprising a winch and associated lifting cable for supporting the ROV with the anode mounting portion and the anode.

45. 45. The assembly of any one of claims 40 to 44, further comprising a foundation pile having a wall and an opening in the wall for mounting an anode with the anode mounting portion.

46. 26. The assembly of claim 25, wherein the opening has a central opening for passage of the core body of the anode mounting portion and the anode, and two or more passages extending radially from the central opening for passage of two or more arms of the grasper bracket.

47. 28. The assembly of claim 26 or 27, wherein the grasper bracket and the opening are oval shaped.

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