Buoyant offshore platform deployment device and method for deploying a buoyant offshore platform

Abstract

The deployment device comprises a main body portion including a platform engagement portion, the platform engagement portion being configured to engage securely with a corresponding portion of an offshore renewable energy system platform, and a mooring tension member coupled to the main body portion, wherein the platform engagement portion is further configured to disengage from a corresponding portion of the platform, and further, when the platform engagement portion is engaged with a corresponding portion of the platform, the mooring tension member is configured to apply tension to at least one mooring line of the offshore renewable energy system platform along a plane substantially perpendicular to the base portion of the platform, and under the tension, the main body portion is configured to move with respect to at least one mooring line from a first non-deployed position to a second deployed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a buoyant offshore platform deployment device and a method of deploying a buoyant offshore platform.

Background Art

[0002] Both wave energy and offshore wind energy are recognized as major technological options for decarbonizing the world's energy system. The economic viability and practical feasibility of these renewable energy systems depend significantly on the ease and cost of installation and maintenance of these systems offshore. One solution for minimizing the cost of these systems is to install wave energy systems and wind energy systems on floating or buoyant platforms offshore.

[0003] The advantage of buoyant offshore platforms is that the foundations required for buoyant offshore platforms can typically be installed on the seabed of the water area more quickly and easily, and these foundations can be laid more easily at greater depths. Furthermore, the completed buoyant offshore platforms can be manufactured on land or near land, rather than assembling the components one by one offshore, and then towed to the desired location. However, there are problems with current state-of-the-art buoyant offshore platforms, as well as with the methods and equipment used to install them offshore. The objectives and aspects of the present disclosure aim to alleviate at least these problems related to the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure relates to a deployment system for deploying a buoyant offshore platform to a desired operating depth in a body of water, on which a renewable energy capture and conversion system is to be supported. When such a buoyant platform is fixed in place at a submerged operating depth in a body of water, it is typically stable against dynamic wave and wind forces acting on the platform due to the reactive nature of buoyancy against opposing tensions in the anchoring means (such as one or more mooring lines). The aforementioned stability is generally understood to enable both improved safety under severe weather and wave conditions, and optimal operation of the supported renewable energy capture and conversion system under fluctuating wave and weather conditions. However, such safety and stability characteristics may be affected by the specific shape and form factor of the buoyant platform, and the design of the shape and form factor needs to be finely tuned to optimize the aforementioned safety and stability, and consequently, the energy capture and conversion performance. Therefore, any unnecessary design elements that need to be fabricated for the platform, such as mounted deployment devices or deployment device fasteners, may negatively impact the optimization described above.

[0005] While deployed submerged in water, such buoyant platforms are typically intended to remain relatively stationary during use to optimize energy capture and conversion, and at the same time, preferably to minimize load and acceleration on sensitive equipment and machinery. Such use in a marine environment may induce or promote corrosion and marine biofouling on moving parts. Therefore, the use of moving parts may be difficult, for example, when moving the platform from a submerged deployed position to a floating non-deployed position for maintenance, repair, or relocation of the platform.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a deployment device is provided for use in deploying an offshore renewable energy system platform to a submersion configuration, the deployment device comprising a main body portion including a platform engagement portion, the platform engagement portion being configured to be fixedly engaged with a corresponding portion of an offshore renewable energy system platform, and a mooring tension member coupled to the main body portion, the platform engagement portion being further configured to disengage from a corresponding portion of the platform, and further, when the platform engagement portion is engaged with a corresponding portion of the platform, the mooring tension member being configured to apply tension to at least one mooring line along a plane substantially perpendicular to the base portion of the platform, the main body portion being configured to move with respect to at least one mooring line from a first non-deployed position to a second deployed position.

[0007] At least one mooring cable is preferably in communication with a mooring tensioning member. Therefore, the present disclosure preferably provides a removable deployment system that allows for the optional removal and reinstallation of the deployment system to a buoyant offshore platform. Thus, a series of platforms can be deployed using the same deployment system.

[0008] This disclosure further aims to enable the design of each subsystem to be optimized with respect to their respective roles and engineering constraints by separating the design process for the buoyancy platform from the design process for the associated deployment system, and also to enable iteration of the platform design within such a development unit without the need for extensive consideration of how the platform will be deployed.

[0009] Applying vertical tension to move the mooring rope planarly relative to the platform can, in some embodiments, preferably avoid hoisting problems that may be common in motor-driven winch designs, and in some embodiments, preferably allow for stepwise tensioning of the rope.

[0010] The removable nature of the present disclosure preferably further reduces marine biofouling and corrosion, which would cause problems in the case of a deployment system left in place on the platform for the entire lifespan of the platform.

[0011] The terms “first non-deployed position” and “second deployed position” will be understood as referring to the spatial position of the platform, or any equipment associated with the deployment system (such as the main body of the deployment system) that can be permanently or temporarily attached to or engaged with the platform, relative to the sea surface of the body of water in which the buoyant offshore platform is deployed. In some preferred embodiments, the “first non-deployed position” refers to the platform floating on the sea surface of the body of water, and the “second deployed position” refers to the platform partially submerged in the body of water, in some preferred embodiments. In some preferred embodiments, at the second deployed position, at least one mooring line of the deployment device can be disengaged from a fixed mooring line attached to the seabed of the body of water, and this disengagement can occur after the fixed mooring line has been attached to the platform. Thus, in accordance with the above use, it will be understood that the plane to which tension is applied by the mooring tensioning member is intended to be parallel to the plane of movement of the platform between the above positions.

[0012] In some preferred embodiments, the tension described above is configured to move the main body portion or at least one mooring rope by a certain distance along the plane described above, where the distance is equal to the distance between a first non-deployed position and a second deployed position. Thus, when the tension described above is applied to at least one mooring rope by the mooring index tension member, embodiments will be understood in which a fixed point along the main body portion or along the at least one mooring rope moves in the same plane as the applied tension and optionally moves over a distance along the plane described above that is equal to the distance between a first non-deployed position and a second deployed position.

[0013] At least one mooring line is preferably a tension line having an end configured to releasably engage with a first end of the mooring line of the offshore renewable energy system platform described above, the mooring line being attached to the seabed of the body of water. Thereafter, the tension line is preferably separate from the corresponding mooring line of the platform and releasably engageable with that mooring line. Therefore, the tension line is preferably part of the deployment device and can be removed from the platform with the deployment device after the platform has been deployed, for example, for use when deploying further platforms. Preferably, when the tension line is engaged with the mooring line described above, the mooring pull tension member is configured to apply tension to the tension line so that a portion of its body moves from a first non-deployed position to a second deployed position. In some preferred embodiments, the mooring pull tension member and the corresponding tension line are any preferred combination and can preferably be selected from the group consisting of a chain jack and a corresponding chain, a strand jack and one or more corresponding wire strands, a winch and a corresponding flexible line.

[0014] In some preferred embodiments, the mooring tensioning member includes a rigid actuating member having an end configured to releasably engage with a first end of at least one mooring line of the offshore renewable energy system platform described above, the mooring line being attached to the seabed of the body of water. In such embodiments, once the rigid actuating member is engaged with the mooring line, the mooring tensioning member is configured to move the rigid actuating member to apply tension to the mooring line engaged with the rigid actuating member, preferably so that the main body portion moves from a first non-deployed position to a second deployed position. In some preferred embodiments, the mooring tensioning member and the corresponding rigid actuating member are any preferred combination, preferably selected from the group of climbing jacks and corresponding climbing ladders, indexing jacks and corresponding indexing members. The movement of the rigid actuating member relative to the main body portion by the mooring tensioning member is configured to apply and maintain tension to at least one mooring line during the deployment of the platform from a floating configuration to a submerged or partially submerged configuration. The aforementioned movement of the actuarial member is preferably in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base portion of the platform described above. In some embodiments, the movement of the actuarial member may further include rotational movement, such as in a screw mechanism. In some embodiments, the rigid actuarial member can be permanently engaged with at least one mooring cable of the deployment device or a tension cable of the deployment device.

[0015] In some preferred embodiments, the tension member is configured to move relative to the main body portion along the aforementioned plane between a first non-deployed position and a second deployed position, such that tension is applied to at least one mooring rope along the aforementioned plane. Thus, an embodiment will be understood in which, as the tension member moves relative to the main body portion along the aforementioned plane, the tension member pulls at least one mooring rope along the aforementioned plane by a distance equal to the movement of the main body portion. Thus, in such embodiments, the relative movement between the main body portion and the mooring tension member preferably moves the main body portion from the first non-deployed position to the second deployed position.

[0016] In some embodiments, the deployment device preferably further comprises one or more buoyancy members. The one or more buoyancy members preferably allow the deployment device to float on the surface of the water and provide buoyancy configured to act in the opposite direction to the direction of the applied tension. The aforementioned counteracting of tension by buoyancy preferably improves stability during the tensioning and deployment of the platform. The one or more buoyancy members preferably complement the one or more buoyancy members of an offshore renewable energy system platform to provide additional buoyancy and an increased waterline area, and therefore further stability during deployment and / or tensioning. By connecting the deployment device to the platform at the periphery of the platform, a wide range of buoyancy points is provided, which may be advantageous in resisting excessive pitching or rolling of the platform during deployment. In some embodiments, the one or more buoyancy members may assist in the recovery of the deployment device after it has been disengaged from the platform.

[0017] In some embodiments, the deployment device preferably further comprises one or more peripheral members or fins extending from the deployment device, the peripheral members or fins being positioned on the deployment device such that they are located below the sea surface of the body when the deployment device is engaged with the platform. The one or more peripheral members or fins are preferably motion stabilizers configured to reduce the pitch or roll of the deployment device and / or the platform engaged with the deployment device during transport of the deployment device (and optionally the platform described above) and / or during the deployment of the platform. The one or more motion stabilizers can take any preferred form and may, for example, be analogous to the motion stabilizers of a ship. In some embodiments, the motion stabilizers can be static and can provide passive motion stabilization, and in some embodiments, they can be movable relative to the body portion, such as being movable laterally and / or rotationally relative to the body portion, in order to provide the motion stabilization described above. Such movement of the one or more peripheral members or fins can be performed in response to dynamic wave forces acting on the deployment device and can be performed manually or automatically.

[0018] In some preferred embodiments, the main body portion includes an elongated turret attached to the platform engagement portion, the turret comprising an elongated turret body having a first end and a second end distal to the first end.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the platform engagement portion is molded to engage with a corresponding connector on the platform. In some such embodiments, the platform engagement portion preferably includes a plug member extending from a first end of the turret body, the plug member having a first end proximal to the turret body and a second end distal to the turret body, the second end of the plug member configured to engage with a corresponding socket on the platform, the engagement described above preventing lateral movement of the plug member relative to the socket. In some preferred embodiments, the body portion and / or platform engagement portion includes one or more auto-alignment features configured to guide the correct insertion and orientation of the plug (and therefore the deployment device) within the socket. In such embodiments, the body portion and / or platform engagement portion may include one or more features molded to engage with the socket and / or platform to provide a single orientation of the deployment device relative to the platform. In a preferred embodiment, the plug member further includes a flange radiating from the proximal end of its first end, the flange configured to restrict further insertion of the plug member into the socket described above.

[0020] In some embodiments comprising a turret, the turret body preferably further includes one or more landing features positioned along its length, the landing features configured to enable engagement of the turret to one or more vessels, for example, for the purpose of moving operating or maintenance personnel to and from the deployment device. In some embodiments, one or more boat landing features are preferably configured to align and / or engage with corresponding features on the platform. Thereafter, the alignment or engagement with the corresponding features on the platform preferably functions as an auto-aligning feature for the deployment device, enabling only one desired orientation of the deployment device relative to the platform. Such a single possible orientation of the deployment device relative to the platform preferably improves the speed and ease of deployment while positioning the deployment device to maximize ease of access and operation. In embodiments comprising a turret and one or more buoyancy members, one or more buoyancy members may remain floating on the surface of the water during deployment. Such embodiments may assist in the recovery of the deployment device after disengaging from the platform. In other embodiments, one or more buoyancy members may be submerged with the platform during deployment. Such embodiments can help maintain platform stability during deployment.

[0021] In some embodiments, the elongated turret further includes a top member configured to engage with a second end of the turret body, the top member including a platform on which a mooring tension member is supported. The top member is preferably configured to engage with the second end of the turret body so that the top member is detachable from the second end of the turret body. This modular configuration can improve the ease of transporting the turret and attaching or detaching it from the platform. In some preferred embodiments, in the second deployed position, the platform of the top member is configured to remain above the water surface of the body. This platform can support the mooring tension member, and in embodiments where the platform remains above the water surface throughout the deployment, the tension member and any other devices supported on the platform are protected from the effects of wetting.

[0022] Preferably, the turret body includes a channel extending along its length between a first end and a second end, and at least one mooring cable, tension cable, or at least a portion of a rigid actuation member extends along the channel. The channel is preferably centered on the turret body and coaxial with the turret body. Centering the channel, along with centering any mooring cables extending along the channel, preferably functions to optimize the ease of deployment through the application of tension by the tension member.

[0023] In some preferred embodiments, the turret body further includes at least one ballast support member configured to support at least one removable ballast thereon. By providing a ballast support member for supporting removable ballast, preferably, the application of ballast mass to the deployment device is made possible, and this ballast mass provides ballast weight that acts downward on the buoyancy of the buoyant offshore renewable energy system platform to be deployed. Thereafter, the ballast mass of the removable ballast supports the application of tension to the mooring lines by the tension member, thereby enabling the use of a tension device with a lower load than when used in other ways. The removable nature of the ballast preferably improves the ease of deployment, and once the platform is deployed to a second deployment position, the ballast can be removed before the rest of the deployment device is removed from the platform.

[0024] The turret body preferably further includes a ballast fluid chamber configured to contain a certain volume of ballast fluid, the turret body further includes a ballast fluid inlet configured to receive ballast fluid into the ballast fluid chamber, and a ballast fluid outlet configured to allow the discharge of ballast fluid from the ballast fluid chamber. The ballast fluid can be any suitable ballast fluid, such as seawater or slurry. The ballast fluid preferably has a higher density than seawater, thereby optimizing the form factor of the ballast fluid chamber.

[0025] In some preferred embodiments, the deployment device further comprises a pump configured to pump ballast fluid into and / or out of the ballast fluid compartment. In some embodiments, the ballast fluid compartment may not be located on the deployment device, but instead may be located within a suitable portion of the offshore platform. In some such embodiments, the deployment device further comprises a pump preferably configured to pump ballast fluid into and / or out of a cavity located within the offshore renewable energy system platform described above. Such embodiments preferably serve to minimize the form factor of the deployment device by eliminating the need for an onboard ballast fluid compartment. In embodiments where a cavity located within the offshore renewable energy system platform described above is configured to provide or contribute to the net buoyancy of the platform by containing a buoyant fluid, such as air, the deployment device may be configured to replace at least a portion of the buoyant fluid with a certain amount of the ballast fluid described above, thereby reducing the net buoyancy of the platform. The replacement described above may be carried out by any preferred means, such as using the pump described above.

[0026] In some embodiments, the elongated turret preferably further includes a rail extending along a portion of the turret body, to which a mooring and tensioning member is attached, and the mooring and tensioning member is configured to move along the rail between a first non-deployed position and a second deployed position.

[0027] In some preferred embodiments, the tension member further includes a motor configured to drive the above-described movement of the mooring line tensioning member along the rail. Such motor-driven planar movement along the rail can be used to apply tension to at least one mooring line. Such motor-driven planar movement can further or alternatively be used to apply an initial tension to at least one mooring line to tension the at least one mooring line against the seabed of the body of water. Then, optionally, tension can be applied to the at least one mooring line by the above-described motor-driven movement of the tension member. In some embodiments, the deployment device can further include one or more ballast members, each of the one or more ballast members having a certain mass. The one or more ballast members are preferably configured to apply a gravitational force to the mooring line tensioning member in proportion to the ballast mass. Such gravitational force is preferably configured to supplement or apply tension. In embodiments with a turret, the one or more ballast members are preferably configured to move between a first height proximal to the second end of the turret body and a second lower height of the turret body during application of tension. The one or more ballast members can, in some embodiments, provide additional stability to the turret and / or the platform engaged with the turret.

[0028] In some embodiments, the mooring line tensioning member preferably includes an elongated turret including a turret body having a first end and a second end distal from the first end, and a rail extending along a portion of the turret body, with the first end of at least one mooring line coupled to the turret body proximal to the first end of the turret body. In such embodiments, the rail is preferably movably coupled to the body portion such that the turret is configured to move along the above-described plane.

[0029] In some embodiments including a turret, the engagement between the platform engagement portion and the platform is preferably such that when the platform engagement portion is engaged, the turret extends substantially perpendicular to the base portion of the platform described above.

[0030] In some embodiments, the tension member preferably includes a reciprocating unidirectional mechanism configured to apply the tension described above. This reciprocating unidirectional mechanism includes a first hydraulic ram and a second hydraulic ram. Each of the first hydraulic ram and the second hydraulic ram described above is attached to a corresponding movable unidirectional member. This movable unidirectional member is configured such that the unidirectional member restricts the movement of one of the mooring cables in a first direction along the plane described above. Further, in order to apply a second tension to the mooring cable described above, it is configured to be moved in the first direction by a corresponding hydraulic ram. It has a tension mode and a release mode. In the tension mode, the unidirectional member is configured to be moved along the mooring cable in a second direction along the plane described above by a corresponding hydraulic ram, and the second direction is opposite to the first direction. Each of the above-described unidirectional members is configured to shift in a reciprocating manner between the tension mode and the release mode.

[0031] In some such embodiments, each of the above-described unidirectional members can preferably be moved independently of the other unidirectional member by a corresponding first hydraulic ram or second hydraulic ram. Preferably, in such embodiments, at least one mooring cable includes a chain, and the reciprocating unidirectional mechanism is a chain jack. Embodiments in which the tension member is any suitable device, such as an electric winch, will be understood.

[0032] In some embodiments, the tensioning member may have active heave compensation, which preferably enables continuous operation in fluctuating sea conditions. In some embodiments, the tensioning member may be configured to apply a constant tension to at least one mooring line, and in some embodiments, the constant tension may be configured to be adjusted by the user or automatically, for example, according to specific sea conditions. The tensioning member may have any advanced controls, which are preferable to enable more efficient and safer operation of the deployment device when deploying the platform described above.

[0033] In some embodiments, at least one mooring line further includes a termination portion, preferably configured to be attached to the seabed of a body of water. In a preferred embodiment, during use as described above, the movement of the main body portion toward the second deployed position is configured to immerse the platform in the water body to a submersion operating configuration having an operating depth. In such a preferred embodiment, the operating depth is substantially equal to the distance between the first non-deployed position and the second deployed position.

[0034] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a buoyant offshore platform for supporting a renewable energy system in a body of water having a sea surface and a seabed, the buoyant offshore platform comprising a base portion for submerging the body of water below the sea surface, a top portion for keeping the body of water above the sea surface, a connector positioned on the base portion or the top portion, and a deployment device, the deployment device comprising a body portion having a platform engaging portion, the platform engaging portion configured to engage securely with a connector, and a mooring tension member coupled to the body portion, the platform engaging portion being further configured to disengage from a corresponding portion of the platform, and further, when the platform engaging portion is engaged with the connector, the mooring tension member is configured to apply tension to at least one mooring line along a plane substantially perpendicular to the base portion, and under the tension, the body portion is configured to move with respect to at least one mooring line from a first non-deployed position to a second deployed position.

[0035] In some embodiments, the buoyant offshore platform preferably further includes a floating configuration in which the buoyant offshore platform is positioned substantially floating on the aforementioned sea surface of the aforementioned body of water, and a submerged configuration in which the base portion is submerged below the aforementioned sea surface of the aforementioned body of water, and the top portion remains above the aforementioned sea surface of the aforementioned body of water, wherein tension is applied to at least one mooring line so that the buoyant offshore platform transitions between the floating configuration in which the main body portion is in a first non-deployed position and the submerged configuration in which the main body portion is in a second deployed position during use as described above.

[0036] In some embodiments, the base portion preferably includes at least three vertices, at least the three aforementioned vertices having corresponding connectors, and the platform further comprises a number of deployment devices equal to the number of connectors.

[0037] It will be understood that the deployment device for the platform according to the second embodiment can be the deployment device according to the first embodiment. A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for deploying a buoyant offshore platform for supporting a renewable energy system, the method comprising: moving the buoyant offshore platform to a location on the water along the surface of the water; attaching a deployment device to the buoyant offshore platform; securing one or more mooring lines between the deployment device and the seabed of the water; using the deployment device to apply tension to at least one mooring line along a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane occupied by the base portion of the buoyant offshore platform so that a portion of the buoyant offshore platform is submerged in the water; and removing the deployment device from the buoyant offshore platform.

[0038] In some embodiments, this method may further include attaching at least one fixed-length mooring line between the buoyant offshore platform and the seabed of the water. It will be understood that the deployment device of the method according to the third embodiment can be the deployment device according to the first embodiment.

[0039] It will be understood that any feature described herein as suitable for incorporation into one or more aspects or embodiments of the Disclosure is intended to be generalizable across all aspects and embodiments of the Disclosure. Those skilled in the art will be able to understand other aspects of the Disclosure in light of the Description, Claims, and Drawings of the Disclosure. The above general description and the following “Modes for Carrying Out the Invention” are illustrative and descriptive and do not limit the Claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0040] Here, specific embodiments are described by reference to the accompanying drawings, merely as examples. [Figure 1]This is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a platform, which includes three deployment devices according to a first embodiment, when used to deploy the platform into a submersible operating configuration. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a deployment device according to a first aspect. [Figure 3] Figures 1 and 2 show an exploded view of the buoyant platform and deployment device floating at a desired deployment location in a body of water, before the deployment device is attached to the platform in a step of an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the third aspect. [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the platform and deployment device in a subsequent step of an exemplary method according to a third embodiment, in which a temporary mooring line is attached between the deployment device and the seabed of the water. [Figure 5] Figures 3 and 4 show perspective views of the platform and deployment device in a subsequent step of an exemplary method, in which the tension member of the deployment device is moved vertically along the rails of the deployment device to apply tension to the temporary mooring ropes and submerge the platform in the water. [Figure 6] Figures 3 to 5 show perspective views of the platform in a state where it has been deployed into a submersion configuration at an operating depth within the water body, with the deployment device removed. [Figure 7A] This is an exploded perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of the deployment device according to the first aspect. [Figure 7B] This is a cutaway view of an exemplary embodiment of Figure 7A, which is engaged with an offshore renewable energy system platform. [Figure 7C] Figure 7B is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8A] Figures 7A to 7C show a series of perspective views comprising steps of a third embodiment of a method for deploying a buoyant offshore platform using exemplary deployment devices. [Figure 8B]Figures 7A to 7C show a series of perspective views comprising steps of a third embodiment of a method for deploying a buoyant offshore platform using exemplary deployment devices. [Figure 8C] Figures 7A to 7C show a series of perspective views comprising steps of a third embodiment of a method for deploying a buoyant offshore platform using exemplary deployment devices. [Figure 8D] Figures 7A to 7C show a series of perspective views comprising steps of a third embodiment of a method for deploying a buoyant offshore platform using exemplary deployment devices. [Figure 8E] Figures 7A to 7C show a series of perspective views comprising steps of a third embodiment of a method for deploying a buoyant offshore platform using exemplary deployment devices. [Figure 8F] Figures 7A to 7C show a series of perspective views comprising steps of a third embodiment of a method for deploying a buoyant offshore platform using exemplary deployment devices. [Figure 8G] Figures 7A to 7C show a series of perspective views comprising steps of a third embodiment of a method for deploying a buoyant offshore platform using exemplary deployment devices. [Figure 9A] This is an exploded perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of the deployment device according to the first aspect. [Figure 9B] This is a cutaway view of an exemplary embodiment of Figure 9A, which is engaged with an offshore renewable energy system platform. [Figure 10A] This is an exploded perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of the deployment device according to the first aspect. [Figure 10B] Figure 10A is a cutaway view of an exemplary embodiment engaged with an offshore renewable energy system platform. [Figure 11A] This is an exploded perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of the deployment device according to the first aspect. [Figure 11B] This is a cutaway view of an exemplary embodiment of Figure 11A, which is engaged with an offshore renewable energy system platform. [Figure 12A] This is a front cutaway view of a further exemplary embodiment of a deployment device according to the first embodiment, engaged with an offshore renewable energy system platform according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12B] This is a front cutaway view of a further exemplary embodiment of a deployment device according to the first embodiment, engaged with an offshore renewable energy system platform according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12C] These are partially enlarged views of the rigid operating member in the embodiments shown in Figures 12A and 12B. [Figure 13] Exemplary steps of a method for deploying a buoyant offshore platform according to a third embodiment are shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0041] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view is shown of an exemplary embodiment of a buoyant offshore platform 100 according to a second aspect, the platform 100 being suitable for supporting one or more renewable energy systems mounted thereon. In the particular embodiment described, the platform 100 comprises a base portion formed of three elongated cylindrical transverse struts 102. Each of the three transverse struts 102 is connected to an adjacent transverse strut 102 by a connector 104 attached to one end thereof, and the struts 102 and connectors 104 together form a triangular base portion of the buoyant platform 100 having three vertices. The platform 100 further comprises elongated cylindrical oblique struts 106 extending upward from each connector 104 obliquely to the base portion, and these oblique struts 106 converge at their ends distal to the corresponding connectors 104 so as to form a substantially tetrahedral platform 100 in the illustrated embodiment. The three diagonal supports 106 are integrally connected by the apex portion 108 of the tetrahedral platform 100, which supports the wind turbine 110. The tetrahedral shape of the particular embodiment shown, when deployed into a submersible configuration in a body of water, provides a favorable level of support and stability to the wind turbine 110 supported thereon. Embodiments will be understood in which the platform can take on any preferred shape for a desired application. In particular, although the platform is shown to support a wind turbine, the platform can support any preferred renewable energy system, or any preferred combination of renewable energy systems, such as a wave energy converter.

[0042] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, each connector 104 further includes a socket 112 located on its outer portion. Each socket 112 is molded to receive a complementary platform connector 202 of a corresponding deployment device 200 according to a first aspect of the present disclosure. A more detailed description of each deployment device 200 is given with reference to Figure 2 below. In the particular embodiment shown in Figure 1, the corresponding platform connectors of the three deployment devices 200 are configured to engage with the corresponding socket 112 of the platform 100 so as to support the deployment device 200 and prevent lateral movement or rotation of the deployment device 200. The engagement described above is also configured so that each deployment device 200 can be disengaged from the corresponding socket 112 when the deployment of the platform 100 into the immersion operation configuration is complete.

[0043] In the particular embodiment shown in the illustration, the lateral support 102 of the triangular base portion of the platform 100 is hollow and contains a gas such as air, or a gas / liquid mixture, to provide buoyancy to the lateral support 102 and therefore to the platform 100. Embodiments will be understood in which the buoyancy described above is provided by any preferred means, such as one or more buoyancy tanks dispersed on the platform. The buoyancy of the platform 100 provides stability to the platform 100 and therefore to the renewable energy system supported on the platform 100 when the platform 100 is submerged in water.

[0044] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a deployment device 200 according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the deployment device 200 comprises a turret having an elongated cylindrical turret body 204 having a first end 206 and a second end 208. A platform connector 202 extends from the turret body 204 at the first end 206 of the turret body 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform connector 202 includes a substantially cylindrical body having a chamfered end distal to the turret body 204. The body of the platform connector 202 extends along the same plane as the turret body 204 and is substantially coaxial with the turret body 204. The body of the connector 202 is molded to engage complementaryly with the socket 112 of the platform 100 to facilitate subsequent disengagement of the connector 202 from the socket 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 202 is further molded to provide a slip fit within the socket 112, maximizing the surface area of ​​the mating surfaces between the socket 112 and the connector 202 so as to prevent lateral and pitting movement of the connector 202 within the socket 112. The connector 202 is molded to engage with the socket 112 in only a single rotational orientation, thereby acting as an auto-alignment feature to achieve a desired orientation of the device 200 relative to the platform 100. The connector 202 further includes a latch feature (not shown) configured to temporarily attach the device 200 to the platform 100. Embodiments will be understood in which insertion of the connector 202 into the socket 112 is sufficient to provide a desired temporary connection of the device 200 to the platform 100, and the latch feature is not required.

[0045] A circular radial flange 210 is positioned at the interface between the connector 202 and the turret body 204, extending outward from the turret body 204 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the turret body 204. The flange 210 has a substantially planar upper and lower surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the planar lower surface of the flange 210 engages with the upper surface of the wall of the socket 112 on the platform 100 while the connector 202 is engaged with the socket 112. The aforementioned engagement of the flange 210 with the socket 112 prevents further movement of the connector 202 into the socket 112 and also prevents pitching movement of the connector 202, and therefore the turret body 204, while the connector 202 is fully engaged with the socket 112. The planar upper surface of the flange 210 provides a surface on which deployment or maintenance personnel can work during deployment or maintenance of the platform 100.

[0046] At the second end 208 of the turret body 204, a planar rectangular surface 212 is positioned on the turret body 204, extending across the top of the turret body 204 and substantially concentric with the turret body 204. The rectangular surface 212 supports a plurality of housings, including power supply equipment 214, 216. Embodiments can be understood in which any suitable equipment, such as one or more ballast members, can be supported, which may be intended to provide further stability to the turret body or to provide or enhance the application of tension to the mooring ropes.

[0047] The turret extends along the length of the turret body 204 and, in the illustrated embodiment, further includes an elongated rail 215 extending between the flange 210 of the connector 202 and the top surface 212 of the turret body 204.

[0048] The turret further includes a tension member 218 coupled to the rail 215. In the illustrated embodiment, the tension member 218 includes a body housing a motor (not shown) configured to drive the movement of the tension member 218 along the rail 215 between a first uppermost position 220 near the second end 208 of the turret body 204 and a second lowermost position 222 near the first end 206 of the turret body 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor of the tension member 218 communicates with a power supply 214 and receives power from the power supply 214 to drive the aforementioned movement of the tension member between the first position 220 and the second position 222.

[0049] The turret further includes a temporary lowering line (TLL) 217, which extends from a tension member 218 at one end and is temporarily attached at the opposite end to an anchoring point on the seabed of the body of water. The tension member 218 is configured to apply tension to the TLL 217 when the tension member 218 moves upward along the rail 215 from a second position 222 to a first position 220, thereby biasing the platform 100 below the sea surface of the body of water. Two fixed-length flexible mooring lines 224 of the platform 100 are permanently attached to the anchoring point on the seabed of the body of water and extend upward from that anchoring point. As described above, when the platform 100 is sufficiently submerged by the movement of the tension member 218 along the rail 215, the two fixed-length permanent mooring lines 224 engage with the platform 100. The fixed length of the permanent mooring rope 224 thereby defines the desired operating depth of the platform 100. After the fixed-length mooring rope 224 is engaged with the platform 100, the TLL 217 can be disengaged from the corresponding anchoring point as part of the disengagement of the deployment device 200 from the platform 100. Prior to the aforementioned disengagement, the tension member 218 can be moved a short distance from the first position 220 to the second position 222 in order to release tension in the TLL 217.

[0050] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the turret 200 further includes a landing feature in the form of a guide rail 226 that protrudes from the turret body 204 and extends along the length of the turret body 204 between a first end 206 and a second end 208. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide rail 226 is configured to engage with one or more vessels 227 to assist in the movement of operating and maintenance personnel to and from the deployment device 200.

[0051] When in use, platform 100 is transported across the surface of the water (not shown) to the desired location for deployment. Connectors 202 of turret 200 engage with corresponding sockets 112 of the buoyant platform 100 floating on the surface of the water, as shown in Figure 3, and the turret body 204 and rails 215 on it extend perpendicular to the plane occupied by the triangular base portion of platform 100 and substantially perpendicular to the surface of the water.

[0052] The distal end of the TLL 217 from the tension member 218 is attached to the seabed of the body of water to support the buoyant platform 100 above the surface of the body of water. Power is supplied to the motor of the tension member 218, and accordingly, the tension member 218 is driven along the rail 215 from a second position 222 to a first position 220, thereby pulling the TLL 217 and applying tension to the TLL 217, submerging the base portion of the platform 100 below the surface of the body of water, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The length of movement of the tension member 218 determines the depth of submersion of the base portion of the platform 100, which in the illustrated embodiment is substantially equal to the distance between the first position 220 and the second position 222. This submersion depth is the operating depth of the platform 100, from which the platform 100 is deployed to achieve the submersion operation configuration in the illustrated embodiment.

[0053] Once the submersion operation depth is reached, the platform 100 is secured to the seabed of the body of water by attaching a fixed-length mooring rope 224 between the platform and the seabed of the body of water. Optionally, the tension member 218 can then be moved a short distance from a first position 220 to a second position 222 to release tension in the TLL 217, after which the TLL 217 can be detached from the seabed of the body of water, and the connector 202 can be disengaged from the corresponding socket 112 to provide the deployed platform as shown in Figure 6. In the submersion operation configuration, the buoyancy of the platform 100 provides stability to the renewable energy system supported on it during the operation of converting captured energy, such as wind or wave energy, into useful energy, such as electrical energy.

[0054] Referring to Figure 7A, an exploded view of a further exemplary embodiment 702 of the deployment device according to the first aspect is shown. In the illustrated embodiment 702, the deployment device 702 comprises a turret having an elongated cylindrical turret body 704 having a first end 706 and a second end 708. A platform connector 703 extends from the turret body 704 at the first end 706 of the turret body 704. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform connector 703 includes a substantially cylindrical projection extending from the first end 706 of the turret body 704. The body of the platform connector 703 extends along the same plane as the turret body 704 and is substantially coaxial with the turret body 704. The body of the connector 703 is molded to engage complementaryly with the corresponding socket 705 of the offshore renewable energy system platform 700, as shown in the cutaway view of Figure 7B, in order to facilitate subsequent disengagement of the connector 703 from the socket 705. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 703 is further molded to provide a sliding fit within the socket 705, maximizing the surface area of ​​the mating surfaces between the socket 705 and the connector 703 so as to prevent lateral and pitting movement of the connector 703 within the socket 705.

[0055] A circular radial flange 710 is positioned at the interface between the connector 703 and the turret body 704, extending outward from the turret body 704 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the turret body 704. The flange 710 has a substantially planar underside. In the illustrated embodiment, the planar underside of the flange 710 is configured to engage with the upper surface of the wall portion of the socket 705 on the platform 700 while the connector 703 is engaged with the socket 705. The aforementioned engagement of the flange 708 with the socket 705 prevents further movement of the connector 703 into the socket 705 and also prevents pitching movement of the connector 703, and therefore the turret body 704, while the connector 703 is fully engaged with the socket 705.

[0056] A landing feature 717 suitable for engaging the device 702 with a vessel (not shown) extends along the turret body 704 and includes an elongated rail, the landing feature 717 being separated from the turret body 704 by a corresponding bracket feature.

[0057] The deployment device 702 further comprises a top member 712 having a cylindrical top member body 714, the top member body 714 having substantially the same diameter as the cylindrical turret body 704. The top member body 714 includes a landing feature 717 configured to correspond to and provide an extension thereof of the landing feature of the turret body 704. A planar rectangular platform 716 is supported at the upper end of the top member body 714. A connector 718, which engages with a second end 708 of the turret body 704 and is molded to attach the top member 714 to the turret body 704, extends from the end of the top member body 712 distal to the planar platform 716.

[0058] A mooring and tensioning member 720 is supported on the platform 716, which in the illustrated exemplary embodiment takes the form of a double hydraulic chain jack 720, but it will be understood that any suitable tensioning device can be used as described herein. Two flexible chains 722 communicate with the chain jack 720. The top member 712 includes a box-shaped chain chamber 724 for accommodating the slack portion of the chains 722. The chain chamber 724 has an opening 725 through which the two chains 722 extend, and the two chains 722 are guided by a rotating sprocket 726 from the chamber 724 through the opening 725 to the chain jack 720. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, Y-connectors 728 are present at the ends of the two chains 722, connecting the two chains 722 to the first end of an extension cable 730. In the illustrated embodiment, the extension cable 730 extends from the Y-connector 728 to the temporary mooring cable connector 732, which is configured to removably engage with the permanent mooring cable connector 734, thereby allowing the temporary connector to be disengaged from the permanent connector 734 during the detachment of the device 702 from the platform 700. In the illustrated embodiment, the permanent connector 734 is attached to a plurality of mooring cables 736, which extend between the connector 734 and the seabed of the water body to which the mooring cables 736 are anchored. In the illustrated embodiment, the permanent connector 734 is configured to be attached to the platform 700 below the device 702. Embodiments will be understood in which the connection between the temporary mooring cable connector 732 and the permanent mooring cable connector 734 may take any preferred form of temporary connection, such as a lifting eye and hook, a shackle, or any other preferred connection system as understood.

[0059] The top member body 714 and the turret body 704 include an inner elongated channel 719 that extends between the platform 716 and the lowest end of the platform connector 703, and the chain 722 and extension cord 730 are configured to extend along this inner elongated channel 719.

[0060] When in use, device 702 is connected to socket 705 of the buoyant platform 700 when the platform 700 is floating on the water, and the chain 722 and extension rope 730 descend through socket 705 of the platform 700 and further into the water so that the temporary connector 732 can engage with the permanent connector 734 attached to the anchored mooring rope 736. The two chains 722 are then partially pulled in by the chain jack 720 or by any other motor-driven means, such as the motor-driven movement of the sprocket 726, until the mooring rope 736 is pulled towards their corresponding anchoring points in the seabed of the water. Next, the chain jack 720 is configured to achieve the configuration shown in the cutaway view of Figure 7B and the perspective view of Figure 7C by applying tension to the two chains 722 so that the floating platform 700 is gradually submerged in the water towards the permanent connector 734 of the mooring rope 736. Thus, the anchored mooring rope 736 and the permanent connector 734 define the operating depth of the buoyant platform 700, at which point the permanent connector 734 is attached to a corresponding engagement area of ​​the platform 700, which in the illustrated embodiment is directly below the device 702 and is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the device 702. At the operating depth shown in Figure 7C, the platform 716 of the top member 712, and therefore the machinery supported thereon, remain above the sea surface of the water. Next, the temporary connector 732 is disengaged from the permanent connector 734, and the device 702 is disengaged from the socket 705, so that it can be used in further deployment of the platform 700 described above.

[0061] Figures 8A–8G show exemplary platform deployment sequences for a buoyant tetrahedron platform 700, which has three base vertices 738 formed at the intersections of adjacent buoyant transverse supports 740 of the platform 700, and the platform 700 is deployed using embodiments 702 described in relation to Figures 7A–7C, with the same numbering used where applicable. The buoyant platform 700 is positioned with each vertex above a corresponding permanent mooring cable connector 734. Each mooring cable connector 734 is attached to the first end of two mooring cables 736 extending between the connector 734 and a corresponding anchor point 738 on the seabed of the body of water. In the particular embodiments shown, the permanent connectors 734 are shown as buoyant, but any preferred means for manipulating the connectors 734 to the illustrated position will be understood. As shown in Figure 8A, each of the three vertices of platform 700 includes a corresponding deployment device socket 705. With respect to each socket 705, the platform connector 703 of the turret body 704 of the corresponding device 702 engages with the socket 705 in the manner described. The specific method of transporting and operating the deployment device 702 for engagement with the socket 705 is not shown, and any preferred method of transport and operation, such as using a corresponding vessel with appropriate machinery, will be understood. Although the devices 702 are shown to engage simultaneously for simplification, it will be understood that, in the realm of logistics, the devices 702 can be engaged sequentially with platform 700.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, after engaging the turret body 704 with the corresponding socket 705, the top member 712 of each device 702 engages with the corresponding turret body 704, as shown in Figure 8B, and the chain 722 and extension cord 730 extend along the channel 719 in the turret body 704 through the bottom of the corresponding platform apex, so that the temporary connector 732 positioned at the end of the extension cord 730 is moved proximal to the corresponding permanent mooring cord connector 734, as shown in Figure 8C. As shown in Figure 8D, each temporary connector 732 is then moved to engage with the corresponding permanent mooring cord connector 734, which in the illustrated embodiment is performed by a remotely operated submersible device, but any preferred means may be understood.

[0063] Next, as shown in Figure 8E, the chain jack 720 of device 702 applies tension to the corresponding chain 722 so that platform 700 is gradually submerged in the water. Platform 700 is submerged until, at the operating depth of platform 700, the platform 716 of the top member remains above the sea surface of the water as shown, the permanent mooring cable connector 734 can be engaged with the corresponding engagement area on the corresponding apex of platform 700, as shown in Figure 8F. This engagement is shown in Figure 8F as being performed by a remotely operated submersible device, but any preferred means may be understood.

[0064] Next, the temporary connector 732 is disengaged from the corresponding permanent mooring cable connector 734. The top member 712 is removed from the corresponding turret body 704, and then the turret body 704 is subsequently removed from the corresponding platform socket 705, leaving the buoyant platform 700 deployed at the operating depth, as shown in Figure 8G.

[0065] Referring to Figure 9A, an exploded view of a further exemplary embodiment 902 of the deployment device according to the first embodiment is shown. Embodiment 902 shown in Figures 9A and 9B is similar to embodiment 702 described in relation to Figures 7A-7C, with the corresponding numbering of feature parts 700-740 replaced, where necessary, with the numbering 900-940 in Figures 9A and 9B. In the further embodiment 902 of Figures 9A and 9B, the device 902 includes a lower load tensioning means, including an electric winch 942, instead of the chain jack 722 and sprocket 726 mechanism of the earlier embodiment 702. Any suitable tensioning means, as described herein, will be understood. Embodiment 902 can be used in a suitable application in which any suitable ballast mass can be applied to the buoyancy platform 900 such that the weight of the ballast mass acts downward on the buoyancy platform 900 during the application of tension by the electric winch. Therefore, the weight of the ballast mass functions to support the tensile action of a tension member, which is an electric winch 942 in the illustrated exemplary embodiment. Therefore, what is needed is a lower-load tension member that can reduce the cost and complexity of device 902. As shown in the cutaway views of Figures 9A and 9B, the tension member is shown as an electric winch 942. In the particular embodiment shown, the ballast mass is provided in the form of seawater, which is pumped into a cavity (not shown) contained within the lateral support 940 of platform 900. Prior to the pumping described above, the cavity of the lateral support is filled with air, which in the illustrated embodiment provides or contributes to the net buoyancy of the illustrated platform. During the pumping of seawater into the cavity, the air is replaced and / or discharged from the cavity, thereby reducing the net buoyancy of platform 900. In a particular embodiment shown in the illustration, the device 902 further comprises a pump (not shown) for pumping seawater into and out of each cavity of the platform's lateral support columns 940. When in use, the device 902 will engage with the platform 900 as described herein substantially in relation to the earlier embodiment 702.In the illustrated embodiment, the pump is configured to provide ballast mass to support the tensile action of the winch 942 by pressurizing seawater into the lateral support columns 740 of the platform 900, either before or after lowering the winch cable 944 and extension cable 930 and subsequently engaging the temporary connector 932 with the corresponding permanent mooring cable connector 934. In a preferred embodiment, lowering the winch cable 944 and extension cable 930 and subsequently engaging the temporary connector 932 with the corresponding permanent mooring cable connector 934 is performed before pressurizing seawater or any suitable ballast fluid into the lateral support columns 940 of the platform 900. The winch 942 applies and maintains tension on the winch cable 944 wound around the winch 942 throughout the addition of ballast mass in order to keep the flooded platform under control at all times and to reel in the extension cable 930 extending from the winch cable 944 and flood the platform 900 as described above. At the operating depth, after engaging the permanent mooring cable connector 934 with the corresponding engagement area at the platform apex, the ballast mass can then be removed. In the illustrated embodiment 902, this involves pumping seawater out of the lateral support columns 940 of the platform 900, and the net buoyancy of the platform 900 increases as the seawater is replaced with air. Once the platform reaches the operating depth, the removal of the ballast mass allows the total buoyancy of the buoyant platform 900 to act against the tension of the mooring cables 936 to provide the platform 900 with maximum stability in the water.

[0066] Referring to Figure 10A, an exploded view of a further exemplary embodiment 1002 of the deployment device according to the first aspect is shown. Embodiment 1002 shown in Figures 10A and 10B is similar to embodiments 702 and 902 described in relation to Figures 7A and 7C, and Figures 9A and 9B, where the corresponding numbering of feature parts 700 to 740, and feature parts 942 and 944, is replaced, as necessary, with the numbering 1000 to 1044 in Figures 10A and 10B. In the further embodiment 1002 shown, similar to embodiment 902 described in relation to Figures 9A and 9B, a ballast mass is employed, which in the illustrated embodiment is an electric winch 1042, enabling a lower load tensile member. Any preferred tensile means, as described herein, will be understood. In the further embodiment 1002 shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the ballast mass is applied to the device 1002 itself. In the particular embodiment 1002 shown, the ballast mass takes the form of a plurality of weighted discs 1046 supported on corresponding support rods 1048 of a pair of support rods 1048, each support rod 1048 extending parallel to the turret body 1004. Each of the pair of support rods 1048 extends from the corresponding bracket 1050 of a pair of oppositely oriented brackets 1050, which project in opposite directions from opposite points on the turret body 1004. Thus, when each support rod 1048 supports an equal number of weighted discs 1046, the ballast mass is balanced about the central axis of the turret body 1004. Maintaining this balance of the ballast mass is key to ensuring the stability of the platform 1000 and device 1002 throughout the entire deployment of the platform 1000 in the particular embodiment 1002 shown. With respect to the portion of the turret body 1004 proximal to the bracket 1050, a thicker wall portion is used, which preferably provides greater support to the aforementioned portion when the ballast disc is supported on the corresponding rod. When in use, the device 1002 will engage with the platform 1000 as described herein substantially in relation to the prior embodiment 702.In the illustrated embodiment, before or after engaging the temporary connector 1032 with the corresponding permanent mooring cable connector 1034, the weighted discs 1046 are sequentially added to the corresponding support rods 1048, as shown in Figures 10A and 10B, until each support rod 1048 is fully equipped with the weighted discs 1046. The winch 1042 applies and maintains tension on the winch cable 1044 wound around the winch 1042 throughout the addition of ballast mass in order to keep the flooded platform under control at all times and to reel in the extension cable 1030 extending from the winch cable 1044 and flood the platform 1000 as described above. At the operating depth, after engaging the permanent mooring cable connector 1034 with the corresponding engagement area at the platform apex, the ballast mass can then be removed. In the illustrated embodiment 1002, this involves sequentially removing the weighted disc 1046 from the corresponding support rod 1048, followed by either disengaging the rest of the device 1002 from the platform 1000, as described above, or disengaging the device 1002 with ballast from the platform 1000. As described above, once the platform reaches the operating depth, the removal of the ballast mass allows the full buoyancy of the buoyant platform 1000 to act against the tension of the mooring cable 1036 to provide the platform 1000 with maximum stability in the water.

[0067] Referring to Figure 11A, an exploded view of a further exemplary embodiment 1102 of the deployment device according to the first aspect is shown. Embodiment 1102 shown in Figures 11A and 11B is similar to embodiments 702 and 902 described in relation to Figures 7A to 7C, and Figures 9A and 9B, where the corresponding numbering of feature parts 700 to 740, and feature parts 942 and 944 are replaced, as necessary, with the numbering 1100 to 1144 in Figures 11A and 11B. In the further embodiment 1102 shown, similar to embodiment 902 described in relation to Figures 9A and 9B, and embodiment 1002 described in relation to Figures 10A and 10B, a ballast mass is employed, which in the illustrated embodiment is an electric winch 1142, enabling a lower load tensile member. Any preferred tensile means as described herein will be understood. In a further embodiment 1102 shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the ballast mass is applied to the device 1102 itself. In the particular embodiment 1102 shown, the turret body 1104 includes a cavity 1152 positioned around a central channel 1119 and separated from the central channel 1119 by a partition wall 1154. The turret body 1104 further includes a pump port (not shown) through which fluid ballast mass can be pumped into and out of the cavity 1150. In the particular embodiment 1102 shown, the fluid ballast mass is a slurry, but any suitable fluid ballast mass can be assumed. In such a ballasted embodiment, a longer platform connector 1103 is provided, which may function to provide greater support and stability against any pitching movement of the ballasted turret during use. During use, device 1102 will engage with platform 1100 as described herein substantially in relation to prior embodiments 702.In the illustrated embodiment, before or after engaging the temporary connector 1132 with the corresponding permanent mooring cable connector 1134, fluid ballast mass is pumped into the cavity 1152 (by a pump on device 1102 or by a separate pump on a vessel transporting the fluid ballast mass, for example, separate from device 1002), thereby providing ballast mass to support the tensile action of winch 1142. The winch 1142 applies and maintains tension on the winch cable 1144 wound around the winch 1142 throughout the addition of ballast mass in order to keep the flooded platform under control at all times and to reel in the extension cable 1130 extending from the winch cable 1144 and flood the platform 1100 as described above. At the operating depth, after engaging the permanent mooring cable connector 1134 with the corresponding engagement area at the platform apex, the ballast mass can then be removed. In illustrated embodiment 1102, this involves using a selected specific pumping method to pump the fluid ballast mass, which is a slurry in illustrated embodiment 1002, out of the cavity 1152. As described above, once the platform reaches the operating depth, the removal of the ballast mass allows the full buoyancy of the buoyant platform 1100 to act against the tension of the mooring cables 1136 to provide the platform 1100 with maximum stability in the water.

[0068] It will be understood that the deployment sequences shown in Figures 8A to 8G and described in relation to those figures are suitable for use when deploying the platform using the embodiments shown in Figures 9A to 11B and described in relation to those figures, which have been appropriately modified to take into account the features of the corresponding embodiments.

[0069] Referring to Figures 12A and 12B, front cutaway views of a further exemplary embodiment of the deployment device 1202 according to the first embodiment, communicating with the platform 1200 according to the second embodiment. The cutaway views of Figures 12A and 12B show one vertex of the platform 1200, formed at the intersection of a lateral support 1204 and an oblique support 1206, as described herein, providing a complementary socket for receiving the deployment device 1202. The deployment device 1202 in the illustrated embodiment comprises a turret body 1208, the turret body 1208 having an internal channel extending along the turret body 1208. The device 1202 further comprises a mooring and tensioning member 1210, which includes opposing power gears (not shown), each of which engages with the corresponding side of a rigid actuation member 1212. The teeth of the gear of the mooring tension member 1210 engage with corresponding projections extending along the outer surface of the rigid actuating member 1212. A temporary descent cable 1214 extends from the lower end of the rigid actuating member 1212, substantially as described herein. In use, the rotation of the gear of the mooring tension member 1210, through engagement with the projection 1218 of the rigid actuating member 1212, functions to move the rigid actuating member 1212 perpendicular to the base of the platform 1200, which is formed by the lateral support 1204 of the platform 1200. The movement of the rigid actuating member 1212 biases the platform 1200 below the sea surface 1218 of the water body into which the platform 1200 will be deployed by applying tension to the temporary descent cable 1214. Figure 12C shows a partially enlarged view of the rigid actuating member 1212 of the embodiment shown in Figures 12A and 12B. As more clearly shown in Figure 12C, the rigid actuation member 1212 includes a projection 1218 positioned along the rigid actuation member 1212, which is configured to apply tension to the temporary descent cable 1214 by engaging with the mooring index tensioning member 1210 when the rigid actuation member 1212 is moved as shown in Figures 12A and 12B.When submerged, device 1202 can be disengaged from platform 1200 in any preferred manner, such as those disclosed herein. Embodiments 1202 are to be understood with reference to the disclosures herein and may include any preferred rigid actuating member and corresponding mooring tensioning member, for example, any preferred indexing jack and indexing member, or a climbing jack and corresponding climbing ladder. The movement of the actuating member may include a rotational component, for example, in embodiments in which the actuating member moves by a screw action.

[0070] Referring to Figure 13, an exemplary step of one embodiment of method 300 according to a third aspect is provided in accordance with the steps shown in Figures 3 to 6, which include moving the buoyant offshore platform to a location in the water along the surface of the water (302), Attaching a deployment device to a buoyant offshore platform (304), (306) Securing one or more mooring lines between the deployment device and the seabed of the water body, Using a deployment device, tension is applied to at least one mooring line along a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane occupied by the base portion of the buoyant offshore platform so that a portion of the buoyant offshore platform is submerged in the water (308), Attaching at least one fixed-length mooring rope between the buoyant offshore platform and the seabed of the water (310), This includes removing the deployment device from a buoyant offshore platform (312).

[0071] It will be understood that the above steps can be performed in any preferred order, and for example, the deployment device (304) to be attached to the buoyant offshore platform can be pre-installed before moving the platform to a location in the water (302).

[0072] The embodiments described above are given only as examples, and it will be understood that alternative forms are also considered within the scope of this disclosure. For example, while the tension member is described in some embodiments as using motor-driven movement along a rail, this can take any preferred form of motor-driven movement, as will be understood. Embodiments will be understood in which any preferred application of tension (effectively substantially vertical movement) is used in a direction perpendicular to the plane occupied by the base portion of the engaged platform. Such forces can be distinguished from tension applied in an oblique / inclined direction with respect to the aforementioned plane and can be distinguished from rotational forces, such as those applied by a winch in some cases. In some embodiments, tension is preferably provided by the movement of the tension member in the direction of the force described above. In some embodiments, the movement of the tension member can be driven by a motor and / or supported by weight provided by one or more ballasts. In some embodiments, the application of tension may not require the movement of the entire tension member along a rail, and may, for example, use the ratchet action of a chain jack tension member or a similar ratchet device for use with any preferred mooring cable configuration. In such embodiments, the entire tensioning member does not change its position relative to the main body, and at least one mooring line moves relative to the main body along the aforementioned plane, causing the main body to move between a first non-deployed position and a second deployed position. In such embodiments, the mooring lines can be effectively stretched taut against the fixings on the opposite side of the mooring lines, adjacent to the seabed of the water, by applying an initial tension to the mooring lines using the movement of a chain jack along the rail, for example, by motor drive or by ballast (using one or more ballast members). In such embodiments, subsequent tension or traction can be applied to the mooring lines by the chain jack, for example in a ratchet manner, without further movement of the chain jack along the rail. The subsequent tension or traction described above can, in such embodiments, cause the platform to flood toward the flooding operating depth.In some embodiments, the deployment device, for example, the turret embodiment described, can provide buoyancy independent of that provided by the platform, for example, by one or more buoyancy members attached to the deployment device. Such buoyancy can improve stability, for example, during deployment or transport. Further stability during deployment or transport can be provided by one or more motion stabilizers positioned on the deployment device, for example, movable fins or peripheral members configured to move laterally or rotationally relative to the rest of the deployment device, for example, in response to dynamic wave forces acting on the deployment device. Several embodiments are shown in which the tension member is a double / double chain jack. Embodiments will be understood in which the tension member is any preferred member, such as a strand jack or jack leg. While the tension member can apply tension to two tension cables, as shown in some embodiments, other embodiments will be understood in which the tension member may include multiple separate tension members per deployment device, depending on the desired application. Several embodiments are described herein in which at least one mooring cable of the deployment device includes a tension cable (e.g., one or two chains, or a winch cable) and an extension cable. Embodiments in which at least one mooring cable of such embodiments may be any preferred combination of cables or a single cable will be understood.

Claims

1. A deployment device for use when deploying an offshore renewable energy system platform into a submersible configuration, wherein the deployment device is A main body portion including a platform engagement portion, wherein the platform engagement portion is configured to be fixedly engaged with a corresponding portion of an offshore renewable energy system platform, The main body portion is connected to a mooring and traction member, The platform engagement portion is further configured to disengage from the corresponding portion of the platform, Furthermore, the deployment device is configured such that, when the platform engaging portion is engaged with the corresponding portion of the platform, the mooring tensioning member applies tension to at least one mooring rope along a plane substantially perpendicular to the base portion of the platform, and under the tension, the main body portion moves with respect to the at least one mooring rope from a first non-deployed position to a second deployed position.

2. The deployment device according to claim 1, wherein the mooring and traction member includes a tension cable communicating with the mooring and traction member, the tension cable having an end configured to be releasably engaged with a first end of at least one mooring cable, and the mooring cable is attached to the seabed of a body of water.

3. The deployment device according to claim 2, wherein when the tension cable is engaged with the mooring cable, the mooring index tension member is configured to apply tension to the tension cable such that the main body portion moves from the first non-deployed position to the second deployed position.

4. The aforementioned mooring and tensioning member and the corresponding tensioning cable Chain jack and corresponding chain, Strand jack and one or more corresponding wire strands, winch and corresponding flexible cable A deployment device according to claim 2 or claim 3, selected from the group.

5. The deployment device according to claim 1, wherein the mooring tensioning member includes a rigid operating member having an end configured to be releasably engaged with a first end of the at least one mooring rope of the offshore renewable energy system platform, and the mooring rope is attached to the seabed of a body of water.

6. The deployment device according to claim 5, wherein when the rigid operating member engages with the mooring rope, the mooring index tensioning member is configured to move the rigid operating member in order to apply tension to the mooring rope such that the main body portion moves from the first non-deployed position to the second deployed position.

7. The aforementioned mooring and tensioning member and the corresponding rigid operating member are Climbing jacks and corresponding climbing ladders, Indexing jack and corresponding indexing member A deployment device according to claim 5 or claim 6, selected from the group.

8. The deployment device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the tension is configured to move the main body portion by a certain distance along the plane, and the distance is equal to the distance between the first non-deployed position and the second deployed position.

9. The deployment device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the tensioning member is configured to move relative to the main body portion along the plane between a first non-deployed position and a second deployed position such that the tension is applied to the at least one mooring rope along the plane.

10. The main body portion, The platform engagement portion includes an elongated turret, the turret being, A deployment device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising an elongated turret body having a first end and a second end distal to the first end.

11. The deployment device according to claim 10, wherein the platform engagement portion is located on the turret body near the first end of the turret body.

12. The deployment device according to claim 11, wherein the platform engagement portion is molded to engage with a corresponding connector on the platform.

13. The deployment device according to claim 12, wherein the platform engagement portion includes a plug member extending from the first end of the turret body, the plug member having a first end proximal to the turret body and a second end distal to the turret body, the second end of the plug member being configured to engage with a corresponding socket on the platform, the engagement preventing lateral movement of the plug member relative to the socket.

14. The deployment device according to claim 13, wherein the plug member further includes a flange that extends radially from the proximal end of the first end of the plug member, and the flange is configured to restrict further insertion of the plug member into the socket.

15. The deployment device according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the turret body further includes one or more landing feature portions positioned along the length of the turret body, and the landing feature portions are configured to enable engagement of the turret with one or more vessels.

16. The deployment device according to any one of claims 10 to 15, further comprising a top member configured to engage with the second end of the turret body, wherein the top member includes a platform on which the mooring and tensioning member is supported.

17. The deployment device according to claim 16, wherein in the second deployment position, the platform of the top member is configured to remain above the sea surface of the body of water.

18. The deployment device according to any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the turret body includes a channel extending along the length of the turret body between the first end and the second end, and at least one mooring cable, the tension cable, or at least a portion of the rigid operating member extends along the channel.

19. The deployment device according to any one of claims 10 to 18, further comprising at least one ballast support member configured to support at least one removable ballast thereon.

20. The deployable device according to any one of claims 10 to 19, further comprising: a ballast fluid chamber configured to contain a certain volume of ballast fluid, wherein the turret body further comprises a ballast fluid inlet configured to receive the ballast fluid into the ballast fluid chamber, and a ballast fluid outlet configured to allow the discharge of the ballast fluid from the ballast fluid chamber.

21. The deployment device according to claim 20, further comprising a pump configured to pump the ballast fluid into the ballast fluid chamber and / or pump the ballast fluid out of the ballast fluid chamber.

22. The deployment device according to any one of claims 10 to 21, wherein the elongated turret further includes a rail extending along a portion of the turret body, the mooring and tensioning member is attached to the rail, and the mooring and tensioning member is configured to move along the rail between a first non-deployed position and a second deployed position.

23. The deployment device according to any one of claims 10 to 22, wherein the engagement between the platform engagement portion and the platform is such that, when the platform engagement portion is engaged, the turret extends substantially perpendicularly to the base portion of the platform.

24. The deployment device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, further comprising a pump configured to pump ballast fluid into a cavity located within the offshore renewable energy system platform and / or pump the ballast fluid out of the cavity.

25. The deployment device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein, during use, the movement of the main body portion toward the second deployment position is configured to immerse the platform in the water body to a depth of water for a water immersion operation configuration having an operating depth.

26. A buoyant offshore platform for supporting a renewable energy system in a body of water comprising the sea surface and the seabed, wherein the buoyant offshore platform is A base portion for flooding the aforementioned body of water below the sea level, A top portion for keeping the aforementioned body of water above the sea surface, A connector positioned on the base portion or the top portion, A deployment device is provided, and the deployment device is A main body portion having a platform engagement portion, wherein the platform engagement portion is configured to engage with the connector in a fixable manner, The main body portion is connected to a mooring and traction member, The platform engagement portion is further configured to disengage from the corresponding portion of the platform, Furthermore, the platform is configured such that, when the platform engagement portion is engaged with the connector, the mooring tension member applies tension to at least one mooring rope along a plane substantially perpendicular to the base portion, and under the tension, the main body portion moves with respect to the at least one mooring rope from a first non-deployed position to a second deployed position.

27. The aforementioned buoyant offshore platform, A floating configuration in which the buoyancy-type offshore platform is positioned, substantially floating on the sea surface of the water body, The base portion is submerged below the sea surface of the body of water, and the top portion remains above the sea surface of the body of water, in a submersion operation configuration. It further includes, The platform according to claim 26, wherein the tension is applied to the at least one mooring line such that, during use, the buoyant offshore platform transitions between the floating configuration when the main body portion is in the first non-deployed position and the submerged configuration when the main body portion is in the second deployed position.

28. The platform according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the base portion includes at least three vertices, at least the three vertices having corresponding connectors, and the platform further comprises a number of deployment devices equal to the number of connectors.

29. A method for deploying a buoyant offshore platform to support a renewable energy system, wherein the method is Moving a buoyant offshore platform along the surface of the water to a location in the water, Attaching a deployment device to the aforementioned buoyant offshore platform, One or more mooring lines are fixed between the deployment device and the seabed of the water area. Using the deployment device, tension is applied to at least one mooring line along a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane occupied by the base portion of the buoyant offshore platform, such that a portion of the buoyant offshore platform is submerged in the water area. Removing the deployment device from the aforementioned buoyant offshore platform, Methods that include...

Images