Floating platform
The floating platform design addresses stability issues during towing and anchoring by using a pedestal frame with submerged floats and a low-profile bottom plate, enhancing stability and reducing wave impact, thus ensuring safe and efficient offshore operations.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-03-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-02
AI Technical Summary
Existing floating platforms for offshore wind turbines face challenges in maintaining stability during towing and anchoring, particularly due to uncontrollable swaying and capsizing caused by waves, which are exacerbated by the vertical component of force exerted by anchoring systems and the platform's draft, making it difficult to control pitching and rolling motion.
The floating platform design incorporates a pedestal frame supported by columns and submerged floats that provide stability during towing, with a low-profile bottom plate and hollow columns offering buoyancy and reduced wave resistance, along with a geometric configuration that enhances rigidity and buoyancy, allowing for improved anchoring stability and reduced wave impact.
The design significantly increases stability during towing and anchoring, minimizing sway and capsizing risks, while allowing for efficient assembly and construction in harbors, and reduces the need for wind turbine shutdowns to mitigate overturning moments.
Smart Images
Figure 2026510349000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention is a floating platform that is particularly suitable for functioning as a foundation for an offshore wind turbine.
[0002] The floating platform that is the object of the present invention enhances stability against other floating platforms of the prior art and enables enhanced dynamic stability when towing the floating platform from the harbor to its final position within the offshore wind farm and from that position back to the harbor. The anchoring stability at that position within the offshore wind farm is also increased, and when the draft is lower because the platform has not yet been installed, the influence of waves on the platform is reduced by changes in the geometry of the floating surface.
[0003] The floating platform that is the subject of the present invention is applicable to any type of structure intended to be floatingly disposed on the sea surface, particularly a structure intended to function as a support for an offshore wind turbine.
Background Art
[0004] Floating platforms, particularly those specialized for supporting wind turbines for offshore wind power generation, are usually constructed on land and transported by being towed by ships from the harbor to their final positions within the offshore wind farm. When the floating platform is transported to its final position, cables that are part of the anchoring system are connected to the platform. The platform exerts a vertical component of force that increases its apparent weight and thus the draft of the platform. The cables are usually attached to anchors or lower weights placed on the seabed.
[0005] At the end of the service life of the floating platform or when any of the components that are part of the floating platform need to be repaired and / or replaced, it is necessary to remove the mooring cables from the floating platform and tow the floating platform back to the harbor.
[0006] When towing a floating platform, if the platform lacks sufficient stability, and when releasing the mooring cables, especially if the floating platform is equipped with a tall wind turbine tower, the presence of waves can cause the platform to sway uncontrollably, and in some cases even capsize. Therefore, stability is a crucial factor, as this can be unavoidable depending on the operating conditions.
[0007] Furthermore, in order to avoid the risk of excessive rocking or capsizing at its final position, it is desirable that the floating platform be as "transparent" (i.e., unaffected) as possible to waves. To ensure the stability of the floating platform at its final position, the anchoring system is configured to minimize any possible pitching or rolling motion of the floating platform in swell conditions by sufficient tension in the anchoring cable (usually by counterweights).
[0008] However, given the geometry and draft of current floating platforms, it is extremely difficult to control and mitigate the pitching and rolling motion of the floating platform, both during the towing phase to its final position and at the final position itself when anchoring.
[0009] Similarly, in the case of a floating platform that functions as a foundation for a wind turbine at its final position, it may be necessary to interrupt the operation of the wind turbine and position its blades to minimize wind resistance in order to reduce the overturning moment (bending moment) that wind exerts on the floating platform through the wind turbine tower. This would prevent this overturning moment from being added to the wave force on the platform and thus prevent the platform from capsizing. Essentially, this is a matter of turning off the turbine to improve the platform's survival. [Overview of the project]
[0010] To improve upon the aforementioned shortcomings, the present invention relates to a floating platform.
[0011] The floating platform that is the subject of this invention comprises a pedestal frame configured to function as a support for a structure (e.g., a wind turbine).
[0012] The base frame is attached to the bottom plate by multiple columns, so that when in use (in operation), the base frame is supported by the columns to the bottom plate.
[0013] In a novel embodiment, the floating platform that is the object of the present invention comprises a plurality of immersed floats that project from a bottom plate to a distance located between the bottom plate and the maximum height of the column above the bottom plate (for example, perpendicular to the bottom plate).
[0014] These submerged floats provide stability to the floating platform, which is advantageous during the towing operation of the floating platform between the port and its final position within the offshore wind farm. The floating platform becomes largely unaffected by wind and waves due to the increased stability resulting from the submerged floats rising out of the water and acting as stabilizing elements.
[0015] Furthermore, by having a reduced height (lower than the height of the base frame), the floating platform is connected to the anchoring system (by anchoring cables), increasing the apparent weight of the floating platform and raising the water level (draft) relative to the floating platform. The submerged floats are concealed below the waterline, making the floating platform unaffected by waves and transparent in its final position. This is because the surface area facing the waves becomes very small. Once the submerged floats are completely submerged, waves pass over the floats without causing the floating platform to sway or tilt in a manner that could impair its stability.
[0016] The bottom plate is positioned as low as possible (away from the sea surface), making it less susceptible to wave effects.
[0017] Preferably, the cross-section of the bottom plate is polygonal, and more preferably rectangular. Also preferably, the cross-section of the bottom plate is wider than its height. This makes the bottom plate more transparent to waves (resistance to wave motion is reduced).
[0018] The bottom plate, with its extremely flat geometry, exhibits high resistance to the vertical movement of the floating platform, thereby helping to reduce and / or decrease vertical acceleration, and thus improving the stability of the floating platform.
[0019] Preferably, the columns are hollow, thereby functioning as floats. In this way, the floating platform has very large buoyancy, which gives the floating platform high stability both when towing and in its final position.
[0020] The bottom plate may be hollow. This feature provides the floating platform with additional buoyancy and, consequently, greater stability.
[0021] Preferably, the floating platform comprises a plurality of supports (or support components) configured for attaching articulated arms (or pulley-equipped bottom systems, such as those disclosed in Spanish Patent No. P201500839) for connecting the floating platform to mooring cables. This feature makes the floating platform, which is the object of the present invention, suitable for use with articulated arms (or swing arms), such as those described in Spanish Patent Application No. P202230449.
[0022] Therefore, although the floating platform is shown in some of the drawings of this patent application in combination with articulated arms (or swing-type arms), the floating platform that is the object of the present invention can be used without the articulated arms by replacing them with pulleys (however, the pulleys are not shown).
[0023] These supports (or support components) for the articulated arm are preferably positioned in correspondence with (on) the immersion float.
[0024] According to the first embodiment of the floating platform, which is the subject of the present invention, the columns are arranged in pairs, each having a linear portion of a polygonal geometric shape, and each pair of columns has a "V"-shaped geometric shape, with the ends of each pair of columns corresponding to the vertices of the "V" positioned to correspond to a base frame, and the ends of each pair of columns opposite the vertices of the "V" positioned to correspond to a bottom plate. This feature makes the columns easier to manufacture (due to the linear portion of the polygonal geometric shape), and thus these columns can be manufactured in one shipyard and assembled in another shipyard (which is beneficial when repairs or assembly need to be carried out on site). On the other hand, the V-shaped geometric shape of the columns combined with the bottom plate forms a triangular truss geometric shape, which gives the floating platform extremely high rigidity.
[0025] Preferably, in the first embodiment of the floating platform, the columns have linear portions with a rectangular geometric shape.
[0026] Preferably, in the first embodiment of this floating platform, the base frame has a star-shaped geometry with multiple arms, each arm of the base frame extending from the center of the floating platform to the apex of a pair of columns.
[0027] According to a second embodiment of the floating platform, the columns have a cylindrical geometric shape. This geometric shape, although more difficult to manufacture, provides a larger buoyancy volume, allows for the formation of space inside the columns, facilitates access to the platform, and improves the safety of maintenance personnel accessing the platform through access points that can be positioned in accordance with these cylindrical columns.
[0028] Preferably, according to the second embodiment of this floating platform, the pedestal frame has a star-shaped geometry with a plurality of arms, and each arm of the pedestal frame extends from the center of the floating platform to the column.
[0029] Also preferably, according to this second embodiment, the floating platform has a plurality of frame passages, and each frame passage extends from an end of the column (arranged corresponding to the end of the arm of the pedestal frame) to a transverse section of one of the supports (or support parts) of the articulated arm.
[0030] In any of the embodiments of the floating platform, the bottom plate may have a closed curve geometry, for example, a circular geometry.
[0031] Preferably, the bottom plate has a geometry with a polygonal plane.
[0032] Thus, the bottom plate may have a triangular geometry. In this case, the immersion floats may be arranged corresponding to the vertices of the triangular geometry of the bottom plate.
[0033] When the bottom plate has a triangular geometry (by a triangular plane), the protrusions on the bottom plate at the ends of each arm of the cover pedestal arranged corresponding to each column are preferably arranged corresponding to the midpoints of each side of the bottom plate.
[0034] Alternatively, the bottom plate may have a regular hexagonal geometry (by a plane of a regular hexagonal geometry).
[0035] This geometry of the regular hexagonal bottom plate is suitable for large floating platforms intended to support large structures in order to enhance the stability of the platform and limit the overall size.
[0036] Alternatively, the bottom plate may have an irregular hexagonal geometry (formed by planes of an irregular hexagonal geometry with equal sides but different angles).
[0037] This irregular hexagonal base plate geometry is suitable for intermediate-sized floating platforms (between those with triangular base plates and those with regular hexagonal base plates) intended to support structures that are larger than those supported by platforms with triangular base plates, but not as large as those supported by floating platforms with regular hexagonal base plates.
[0038] In both floating platforms whose bottom plate has a geometric shape formed by a regular hexagonal plane and floating platforms whose bottom plate has a geometric shape formed by an irregular hexagonal plane, the immersion floats are preferably arranged to correspond to the alternating vertices of the hexagonal geometric shape of the bottom plate.
[0039] In these cases, and if the base frame has a star-shaped geometry, the projections on the bottom plate at the ends of each arm of the base frame, which is positioned corresponding to each column, are positioned corresponding to the vertices of the hexagonal geometry of the bottom plate.
[0040] Preferably, the floating platform includes means for deploying and retracting at least one cable connecting it to a central counterweight. This allows the central counterweight to be shifted vertically during transport operations using strand jacks housed within the tower's foundation.
[0041] In the floating platform addressed by the present invention, due to the ratio of the volume of the bottom plate to the volume of the columns (the plate accounts for approximately 80% of the total volume of the hull), when the tension of the counterweights and mooring cables is released, the floating platform rises until the upper surface of the bottom plate is above the water, significantly increasing its stability. This occurs only in harbors (where the counterweights are present during navigation), but it greatly simplifies the assembly and construction of the platform in harbors.
[0042] A key difference between this floating platform and other floating platforms in current technology is that in most such platforms, each element serves only one function; that is, each element is either a hydrodynamic element or a structural element, but does not serve both purposes. In fact, when a floating platform needs to dampen motion, flat plates are attached (and reinforced as appropriate), but these have no volume. In contrast, in the floating platform that is the subject of this invention, the bottom plate simultaneously fulfills three functions: being structural (thus giving rigidity to the structure), providing buoyancy, and providing cushioning against vertical motion.
[0043] According to a third embodiment of the floating platform which is the object of the present invention, the floating platform comprises a plurality of supports configured for the coupling of articulated arms for connection of the floating platform with mooring cables, the floating platform comprises a plurality of structural arms, each support being connected to the "V" vertices of an adjacent pair of columns by the corresponding structural arm.
[0044] This feature distributes the tension of the mooring cables between the support and the structural arms, which lightens the structural elements of the floating platform and achieves more effective load distribution.
[0045] These structural arms also create new buoyancy chambers that enhance the platform's buoyancy.
[0046] All of these factors (weight reduction through hollow structural arms, lighter structural elements, and creation of new buoyancy chambers) significantly increase the platform's buoyancy and stability.
[0047] Preferably, according to the third embodiment of this floating platform, each structural arm is positioned coplanar with the corresponding adjacent pair of columns. This feature improves load transmission through each structural arm from each support of each articulated arm to each pair of V-shaped columns, and allows the structural elements of the platform to be designed with thinner geometries, resulting in lighter weight.
[0048] Preferably, each support comprises a first end connected to a corresponding structural arm and a second end connected to an immersion float.
[0049] Each articulated arm is supported on a transverse segment, and each end of the transverse segment is supported on the corresponding first end of the support.
[0050] According to the first modification of the third embodiment of the floating platform, each structural arm has a geometric shape that narrows in the center.
[0051] According to a second modification of the third embodiment of the floating platform, each structural arm has a prismatic geometric shape with two parallel faces. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0052] [Figure 1] A schematic perspective view of the first embodiment of the floating platform, which is the object of the present invention, is shown. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a modified floating platform, in which the connection between the base frame and the columns is made by pins rather than welding. [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective exploded view of the floating platform. [Figure 4]Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the floating platform, where the wind turbine tower mounted on the floating platform is visible. Although not shown, there is a wind turbine on top of the tower. [Figure 5] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the floating platform, illustrating the articulated arm for connecting to the mooring cable. [Figure 6] This diagram shows a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of the floating platform, which is the object of the present invention, in which the bottom plate has a triangular geometric shape. [Figure 7] Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the floating platform, illustrating the wind turbine mounted on the floating platform. [Figure 8] Figure 6 shows a plan view of the floating platform. [Figure 9] Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the floating platform, illustrating the articulated arm for connecting to the mooring cable. [Figure 10] A schematic perspective view of a floating platform according to a second modification of the second embodiment of the present invention is shown, the bottom plate having a hexagonal geometric shape. [Figure 11] Figure 10 shows a schematic perspective view of the floating platform, illustrating the wind turbine mounted on the floating platform. [Figure 12] Figure 10 shows a plan view of the floating platform. [Figure 13] Figure 10 shows a schematic perspective view of the floating platform, illustrating the articulated arms for connecting to the mooring cables. It also includes bracing to reinforce the structure of the floating platform. [Figure 14] A schematic perspective view of a floating platform according to a third modification of the second embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the bottom plate has an irregular hexagonal geometric shape with equal sides. [Figure 15] Figure 14 shows a schematic perspective view of the floating platform, illustrating the wind turbine mounted on the floating platform. [Figure 16] Figure 14 shows a plan view of the floating platform. [Figure 17] Figure 14 shows a schematic perspective view of the floating platform, illustrating the articulated arm for connecting to the mooring cable. [Figure 18] Figure 14 shows a schematic plan view of the floating platform, with the access area for vessels transporting maintenance personnel highlighted. [Figure 19] A first perspective view of a first modification of a third embodiment of the floating platform is shown. [Figure 20] Figure 19 shows a second perspective view of the floating platform. [Figure 21] Figure 19 shows an exploded view of the floating platform. [Figure 22] A first perspective view of a second modification of the third embodiment of the floating platform is shown. [Figure 23] Figure 22 shows a second perspective view of the floating platform. [Figure 24] Figure 22 shows an exploded view of the floating platform. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0053] The following drawings are included as part of the description of at least one embodiment of the present invention.
[0054] As described above, the present invention relates to a floating platform (1).
[0055] The floating platform (1) comprises a base frame (100) and a bottom plate (200), the base frame (100) being configured for mounting structures such as wind turbine towers (2).
[0056] The base frame (100) is connected to the base plate (200) by multiple columns (300) such that, when in use, the base plate (200) is positioned below the base frame (100) and the base frame (100) is held or supported by the columns (300) on the base plate (200).
[0057] Preferably, the column (300) is hollow and thereby functions as a float for the floating platform (1).
[0058] The floating platform (1) comprises a plurality of immersion floats (400). The immersion floats (400) protrude from the bottom plate (200) and have a height lower than the height of the columns (300), so that the maximum height of the immersion floats (400) measured from the bottom plate (200) is less than or equal to the height of the base frame (100) measured from the bottom plate (200).
[0059] Therefore, the immersed float (400) is configured to generate buoyancy for the floating platform (1) in the following manner. In this manner, when the floating platform (1) is towed, and the floating platform (1) is not connected to the mooring cable (lower cable (3)) and is not connected to the central cable (4) that connects the floating platform (1) to the central counterweight (5), the immersed float (400) generates excessive buoyancy, as can be seen from Figure 9, and thereby the immersed float (400) separates the waterline of the floating platform (1).
[0060] When the floating platform (1) is connected to the mooring cable, the effective weight of the floating platform (1) increases, causing the submerged float (400) to be submerged below the waterline of the floating platform (1).
[0061] Preferably, the maximum height above the bottom plate (200) of the immersion float (400) is less than the maximum height above the bottom plate (200) of the column (300).
[0062] The floating platform (1) preferably includes a support (500) which may be configured to connect and / or hook an articulated arm (600) to which the anchoring cable of the floating platform (1) anchoring system is connected. The floating platform also includes a lower cable (3) connecting the floating platform (1) to an anchor or lower weight (not shown) and a central cable (4) connecting the floating platform (1) to a central counterweight (5).
[0063] The base frame (100) may be provided with means for deploying and retracting at least one cable connected to the central counterweight (5), corresponding to the center of the base frame (100). This feature is not shown in the drawings. These means for deploying and retracting at least one connecting cable to the central counterweight (5) allow the vertical position of the central counterweight (5) to be changed using a winch (strand jack) located inside the base frame (100) (directly below the tower (2)). When the central counterweight (5) is lowered, it significantly improves the stability (and consequently its safety) of the platform (1) during movement between the harbor and the wind farm. If the seabed depth is not sufficiently great, the central counterweight (5) can be raised using the winch to have maximum stability adapted to the seabed depth (thus preventing the counterweight from scraping the bottom).
[0064] Preferably, the base frame (100) has a star-shaped geometric form.
[0065] Preferably, the bottom plate (200) is not solid but has a hollow cross-section, thereby acting as a float and providing buoyancy to the floating platform (1). Since this float (bottom plate (200)) is largely submerged, it is not significantly affected by waves.
[0066] According to a first embodiment of the floating platform (1), the columns (300) have a polygonal geometric shape, for example, a rectangular cross-section. Preferably, in this first embodiment of the floating platform (1), the columns (300) are arranged in pairs, and each pair of columns (300) is configured in a "V" shape, with the vertices of the "V" connected to a base frame (100) (inverted "V" shape).
[0067] The immersion floats (400) are arranged alternately on the bottom plate (200) and alternately between each pair of columns (300) in an inverted "V" shape.
[0068] Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 schematically show a first embodiment of a modified floating platform (1). The base plate (200) has a triangular planar geometric shape (with chamfered vertices), and the pedestal frame (100) has a three-pointed star (or arm) geometric shape with one point on each side of the base plate (200), and each end or arm of the pedestal frame (100) connects the center of the pedestal frame (100) (on which the wind turbine tower (2) is located) to the vertices of a pair of columns (300). The protrusions at the vertices of the pair of columns (300) on the base plate (200) are positioned corresponding to the centers of each side of the base plate (200).
[0069] A pair of columns (300) extend from each end or tip of the base frame (100) in an inverted "V" shape, with the vertices of the "V" positioned corresponding to the ends or tips of the base frame (100), and the pair of columns (300) extend apart from each other until they connect to a bottom plate (200) adjacent to the immersion float (400).
[0070] This first embodiment makes it possible to manufacture columns with polygonal cross-sections (preferably rectangular), which are easier to manufacture than cylindrical columns. Furthermore, the V-shaped geometry of the column generates a floating platform having triangular components (see Figure 3) that provide very high rigidity to the floating platform.
[0071] In a first embodiment of this floating platform (1), the immersion float (400) has a polygonal cross-section, preferably a rectangular geometry, and is fork-shaped or "U"-shaped, configured to support a support (500) of an articulated arm (600). The support (500) has an inverted "U"-shaped geometry formed by two parallel support plates and a transverse axis that functions as a pivot axis for the articulated arm (600), or a transverse segment (500a) perpendicular to the support plates.
[0072] Other possible modifications (not shown) of the first embodiment of the floating platform (1) include the bottom plate (200) having a geometric shape made of polygonal planes other than triangles (e.g., regular hexagons or irregular hexagonal planes), and the base frame (100) having a star-shaped geometric shape with a number of points equal to or other than 3.
[0073] According to a second embodiment of the floating platform (1), the columns (300) have a cylindrical geometric shape. Preferably, in this second embodiment of the floating platform (1), the immersion floats (400) also have a cylindrical geometric shape.
[0074] The column (300) connects each end or tip of the base frame (100) to the bottom plate (200). In this second embodiment, there is a single cylindrical column (300) that connects each end of the cover base frame (100) to the bottom plate (200).
[0075] In a second embodiment of this floating platform (1), the support (500) of the articulated arm (600) has an inverted "U" shape geometry formed by two parallel support plates or columns and transverse segments (500a) in the form of transverse plates or perpendicular to the support plates or columns, which serve as a support for bearings for several pivot shafts for the articulated arm (600).
[0076] In this second embodiment, the floating platform (1) includes a plurality of frame passages (700) that connect each end of a column (300) positioned in correspondence with a base frame (100) to a lateral segment (500a) of a support (500) of an articulated arm (600).
[0077] Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9 show a first modification of the second embodiment of this floating platform (1). The bottom plate (200) has a triangular planar geometry (with chamfered vertices), and the base frame (100) has a three-pointed star geometry.
[0078] As shown in Figure 9, the floating platform (1) is combined with hatches (900) located across each end of columns (300) positioned in correspondence with the base frame (100) to provide at least one access point in the form of, for example, a ladder (800) positioned on the columns (300).
[0079] Figures 10, 11, 12, and 13 show a second modification of the second embodiment of the floating platform (1). The base plate (200) has a regular hexagonal plane geometry (with rounded vertices), the pedestal frame (100) has a three-pointed star geometry (or arms), and each end of the pedestal frame (100) or arm connects the center of the pedestal frame (100) (on which the wind turbine tower (2) is located) to one end of a column (300), and the column (300) is positioned at the alternating vertices of the regular hexagonal geometry of the base plate (200).
[0080] The immersion floats (400) are also positioned below the alternating vertices of the regular hexagonal geometry of the bottom plate (200), and the columns (300) and immersion floats (400) are alternately located at the vertices of the regular hexagonal geometry of the bottom plate (200).
[0081] Figures 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 show a third modification of the second embodiment of the floating platform (1). The bottom plate (200) has the geometry of an irregular hexagonal plane (with rounded vertices). This irregular hexagonal geometry is similar to the triangular geometry (as in the first modification of the second embodiment), with the midpoints of the sides of the bottom plate (200) being slightly offset from the center or central axis of the floating platform (1).
[0082] In a third modification of the second embodiment of this floating platform (1), the base frame (100) has a three-pointed star shape (or arms), and each end or arm of the base frame (100) connects to one end of a column (300) at the center of the base frame (100) (on which the wind turbine tower (2) is located), and the column (300) is arranged corresponding to the alternating vertices of the irregular hexagonal shape of the base plate (200).
[0083] The immersion floats (400) are also positioned below the alternating vertices of the irregular hexagonal geometry of the bottom plate (200), and the columns (300) and immersion floats (400) are alternately located at the vertices of the irregular hexagonal geometry of the bottom plate (200).
[0084] As shown in Figure 17, the floating platform (1) is combined with hatches (900) located on each end of columns (300) which are positioned in correspondence with the base frame (100), to provide at least one access point in the form of, for example, a ladder (800) positioned on the columns (300).
[0085] Figure 18 shows a plan view of a floating platform (1) according to a third modification of the second embodiment. In Figure 18, an access area (6) provided for a vessel transporting maintenance personnel is shown by a shaded area, which allows the maintenance personnel to safely access the floating platform at a designated access point. In these access areas (6), it is ensured that the vessel is sufficiently far from the articulated arm (600), thereby preventing the swinging motion of the articulated arm (600) from damaging the vessel and maintenance personnel in the event of waves.
[0086] According to a third embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24, the base frame (100) of the floating platform (1) has a star-shaped geometric form with a plurality of tips (or arms), each tip or arm of the base frame (100) connects the center of the base frame (100) (on which the wind turbine tower (2) is located) to the vertices of a pair of columns (300), and the protrusions of the vertices of the pair of columns (300) on the bottom plate (200) are positioned at the centers of each side of the bottom plate (200).
[0087] Figures 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24 show a modified version of this third embodiment. The base plate (200) has a triangular geometry (with chamfered vertices), and the pedestal frame (100) has a three-pointed star geometry (or arm) with one point on each side of the base plate (200).
[0088] A pair of columns (300) extend from each end or tip of the base frame (100) in an inverted "V" shape, with the vertices of the "V" positioned corresponding to the ends or tips of the base frame (100), and the pair of columns (300) extend apart from each other until they connect to a bottom plate (200) adjacent to the immersion float (400).
[0089] Similar to the first embodiment, this third embodiment also makes it possible to manufacture columns with polygonal cross-sections (preferably rectangular), which are easier to manufacture than cylindrical columns. Furthermore, the V-shaped geometry of the support columns generates a floating platform having truss-shaped components (see Figures 21 and 24) that provide very high rigidity to the floating platform.
[0090] According to a third embodiment of the floating platform (1), each immersed float (400) serves as a support for the corresponding support (500) of the articulated arm (600).
[0091] Each articulated arm (600) is configured to rest on a transverse segment (500a), and each end of this transverse segment (500a) rests on a corresponding support (500) which is supported on an immersion float (400).
[0092] Therefore, the first end (501) of each support (500) connects the support (500) to a transverse segment (500a), which serves as a support for the corresponding articulated arm (600). The second end (502) of each support (500) connects each support (500) to the corresponding immersion float (400).
[0093] In this third embodiment, two structural arms (701) extend from each vertex of the "V" of each pair of columns (300) (arranged corresponding to the ends or tips of the base frame (100)), and each structural arm (701) connects the vertices of the pair of columns (300) having a "V" geometric shape to the first end (501) of a support (500) supported on an immersion float (400) adjacent to the pair of columns (300).
[0094] In this third embodiment of the floating platform (1), each support (500), an immersion float (400) on which the support (500) rests, and a structural arm (701) connecting the first end (501) of the support (500) to the vertices of adjacent pairs of "V"-shaped columns (300) are arranged on the same plane as the adjacent pairs of "V"-shaped columns (300).
[0095] Therefore, in this third embodiment of the floating platform (1), each articulated arm (600) is supported on a corresponding transverse segment (500a), which is supported on a pair of supports (500), each of which is connected by its respective structural arm (701) to the "V" vertices of the respective pair of columns (300).
[0096] The configuration described in the third embodiment of this floating platform (1) makes it possible to transmit the tension of each mooring cable (connected to each articulated arm (600)) to two structural arms (701) and from there to a pair of columns (300) through the corresponding articulated arms (600) and the corresponding transverse segments (500a).
[0097] Therefore, in this third embodiment, the load on the support (500) to the floating platform (1) according to the first embodiment can be reduced by distributing the load between the support (500) and the structural arm (701) (which was borne by each support (500) in the first embodiment), which allows for a lighter structure, the use of thinner geometric shapes for all components of the floating platform (1) structure, and the omission of some of the reinforcing plates that are normally used to ensure the correct assembly of different structural elements.
[0098] Figures 19, 20, and 21 show a first modification of the third embodiment, in which each structural arm (701) has a geometric shape with a tapered portion in the intermediate span of the structural arm (701).
[0099] Figures 19 and 20 show perspective views of the first modification of this third embodiment.
[0100] Figures 22, 23, and 24 show a second modification of the third embodiment, in which each structural arm (701) has a prismatic geometric shape with two parallel faces.
[0101] Figures 22 and 23 show perspective views of a second modification of this third embodiment.
[0102] Figures 21 and 24 show exploded perspective views of different structural elements of the floating platform (1) (related to the first and second modified examples of the third embodiment), showing that each pair of "V"-shaped columns (300) together with two structural arms (701) are formed in the same truss piece (1000), each structural arm is connected to a corresponding support (500), and each support (500) is connected to an immersion float (400).
[0103] The pairs of "V"-shaped columns (300) are formed in the same plane as the structural arms (701), support members (500), and immersion floats (400) in each truss component (1000), which facilitates the manufacture of the truss section (1000) and optimizes the distribution of load and / or stress when the floating platform (1) is in use.
[0104] The V-shaped geometry of the support columns and the geometry of the truss components (1000) generate a floating platform (1) with extremely high rigidity and load-bearing capacity at a reduced weight.
[0105] In addition to their structural functions, these structural arms (701) also allow maintenance personnel of the floating platform (1) to access (by passage) from the base frame (100) to the first end (501) of the support (500) to perform monitoring and / or maintenance work on the articulated arms (600).
[0106] There are possible variations (not shown) of a third embodiment of the floating platform (1), in which the bottom plate (200) has a geometric shape formed by polygonal planes other than triangles (e.g., regular hexagons or irregular hexagonal planes), and the base frame (100) has a star-shaped geometric shape with a number of points equal to or other than 3.
Claims
1. A floating platform (1) comprising a base frame (100) configured to function as a support for a structure, the base frame (100) being attached to a bottom plate (200) by a plurality of columns (300), thereby, in operation, the base frame (100) being supported by the columns (300) on the bottom plate (200), A floating platform (1) comprising a plurality of immersion floats (400) projecting from the bottom plate (200) to a distance located between the bottom plate (200) and the maximum height of the column (300) above the bottom plate (200), wherein the column (300) is arranged in pairs and has a polygonal geometric straight portion, each pair of column (300) has a "V" geometric shape, the ends of each pair of column (300) corresponding to the vertices of the "V" are positioned corresponding to the base frame (100), and the ends of each pair of column (300) opposite to the vertices of the "V" are positioned on the bottom plate (200).
2. The floating platform (1) according to claim 1, wherein the column (300) is hollow.
3. The floating platform (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bottom plate (200) is hollow.
4. The floating platform (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a plurality of support bodies (500) configured to connect articulated arms (600) for connecting mooring cables to the floating platform (1).
5. The floating platform (1) according to claim 4, wherein the support (500) is attached to and arranged on the immersion float (400).
6. The floating platform (1) according to claim 1, wherein the column (300) has a rectangular geometric straight portion.
7. The floating platform (1) according to claim 1 or 6, wherein the base frame (100) has a star-shaped geometric form with a plurality of arms, and each arm of the base frame (100) extends from the center of the floating platform (1) to the vertices of a pair of columns (300).
8. The floating platform (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the bottom plate (200) has a triangular geometric shape.
9. The floating platform (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the bottom plate (200) has a regular hexagonal geometric shape.
10. The floating platform (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the bottom plate (200) has an irregular hexagonal geometric shape.
11. The floating platform (1) according to claim 4 or 5, comprising a plurality of structural arms (701), each support (500) being connected to the vertices of the "V" of an adjacent pair of columns (300) by the corresponding structural arm (701).
12. The floating platform (1) according to claim 11, wherein each structural arm (701) is arranged on the same plane as the corresponding adjacent pair of columns (300).
13. The floating platform (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein each support (500) comprises a first end (501) connected to the corresponding structural arm (701) and a second end (502) connected to an immersion float (400).
14. Each structural arm (701) has a geometric shape with a tapered portion in the center, according to any one of claims 11 to 13, a floating platform (1).
15. Each structural arm (701) has a prismatic geometric shape with two parallel faces, according to any one of claims 11 to 13, the floating platform (1).