Floating wind power platform with tension leg device

Abstract

To provide a floating body type wind power generation platform provided with a function of changing an orientation according to direction of wind.SOLUTION: In a floating body type wind power generation platform (1) for ocean power generation provided with a floating unit (2) that includes first, a second, and a third semi-submersible type columns (3a, 3b, 3c) connected to each other each arranged at each corner of the floating type unit (2), a tension leg device (6) is arranged on the third semi-submersible column (3c), the tension leg device (6) is configured to be fixed to a sea bottom by an anchor device (60), the third semi-submersible type column (3c) provides buoyancy configured to generate tension in the tension leg device (6), and the floating body type wind power generation platform (1) is configured to change an orientation so as to corresponding to a wind direction in response to change of the wind direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to floating wind power platforms. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known to use catenary mooring systems as anchoring systems for floating wind power platforms for offshore power generation. A catenary mooring system includes multiple mooring points on the seabed via catenaries. To enhance the horizontal stability of such floating wind power platforms, i.e., to keep the platform substantially upright and prevent tipping under windy conditions, size, shape, and weight distribution are important parameters that must be balanced. For example, large platforms with multiple towers and turbines are often configured to weather vane with the wind, which requires a sufficient distance from the rotation point to the tower, but may also require sufficient weight at the rotation point for sufficient stability. Thus, achieving stability for large weather vaning systems is crucial. In the above-mentioned prior art, moorings serve the sole purpose of station-keeping the platform, and while they have this purpose, they do not affect stability, and the platform is constructed to have similar movement patterns in the sea, regardless of whether it is secured to the seabed by an anchor system. A further inherent feature of catenary mooring systems is that they require significant mooring line weight to create sufficient tension for their retention on the seabed and for system stiffness, and therefore require significant seabed space and material.

[0003] A drawback of conventional solutions is that floating units are expensive to both manufacture and transport, as they consume material and space, which further increases manufacturing costs. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a floating wind power platform with the ability to turn with the wind direction that alleviates some of the drawbacks of the prior art, requires less material during manufacture, is cheaper to manufacture, consumes less space, is more compact yet provides sufficient stability. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a floating wind power platform with improved efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one embodiment, there is provided a floating wind power platform for offshore power generation comprising a floating unit, the floating unit comprising first, second and third semi-submersible columns arranged at each corner of the floating unit and connected to each other, a tension leg device arranged on the third semi-submersible column, the tension leg device being configured to be anchored to the seabed by an anchoring device, the third semi-submersible column providing buoyancy configured to generate tension in the tension leg device, and the floating wind power platform being configured to turn into the wind in response to wind direction.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the third semi-submersible column provides excess buoyancy configured to generate tension in the tension leg device.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the tension leg device is arranged only on the third semi-submersible column.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the tension leg device is arranged at the base end of the third semi-submersible column 3c and has a diameter D 3c is the diameter D of the base end of the semi-submersible column 30c 0.1*D 30c ≦D 3c ≦0.3*D 30c The range is.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the diameter D of the third semi-submersible column 3c 3c is the diameter D of each of the first and second semi-submersible columns 3a / 3b 0.2*D 3a / 3b ≦D 3c ≦0.6*D 3a / 3b The range is. In this specification, the diameter D 3a / 3b is the diameter D 3a and diameter D 3b It is simply D 3a / 3b The same meaning is also meant when written as

[0010] According to one embodiment, the proximal end of the third semi-submersible column is configured to be fully submerged in water.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the tension leg device comprises at least one tension leg device member.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the tension leg device comprises a plurality of tension leg device members.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the tension leg device is configured to be positioned substantially vertically between the seabed and the third semi-submersible column.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the tension leg device is configured to be positioned radially outwardly between the seabed and the third semi-submersible column at an angle β relative to the reference direction z.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the angle β is in the range 0°≦β≦45°.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the at least one tension leg system member comprises any one of a tension mooring line, cable, chain, rope, wire, or tubular steel member.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the tension leg device is configured to be secured to the seabed by an anchoring device.

[0018] According to one embodiment, a turret is arranged on the third semi-submersible column.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the floating body unit is triangular, the corners of the triangle forming the corners of the floating body unit.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the height h of the triangle is in the range 30m≦h≦70m, more preferably 40m≦h≦60m, most preferably 45m≦h≦55m.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the floating wind power platform further comprises first and second wind turbines arranged on first and second semi-submersible columns via first and second towers, respectively.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the reference direction z is the vertical direction z.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the interconnected semi-submersible columns each have a longitudinal column center axis, the first and second towers each have a first and second longitudinal tower center axis, and the first and second semi-submersible columns are angled at first and second angles α with respect to a reference direction z, respectively. 1, The first and second longitudinal tower central axes are parallel to the first and second longitudinal column central axes, respectively.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the first and second angles α1, α2 are the same.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the first and second angles are in the range 5°≦α1,α2≦25°, more preferably 10°≦α1,α2≦20°, and most preferably 12°≦α1,α2≦17°. In this specification, 5°≦α 1 ,α 2 Descriptions such as ≦25° are 1 Also α 2 This means that the angle is between 5° and 25°.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the first and second angles α 1, α2 is 15°.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the floating body unit comprises a truss structure.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the semi-submersible columns are connected to each other via upper connecting members and corresponding lower connecting members arranged in parallel, the lower connecting members being shorter than the upper connecting members.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the first and second towers are interconnected with first and second semi-submersible columns, respectively.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the abutment surfaces forming the interfaces between the first and second towers and the first and second semi-submersible columns have normal directions parallel to the first and second longitudinal tower central axes and the first and second longitudinal column central axes, respectively.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the first and second towers are integrally formed with the first and second semi-submersible columns, respectively.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the first and second towers have the same diameter and cross-sectional area, and the first and second semi-submersible columns have the same diameter and cross-sectional area.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the first and second semi-submersible columns span a plane, the plane having a normal direction in the horizontal direction.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the first and second longitudinal tower central axes are aligned with the first and second longitudinal column central axes, respectively.

[0035] According to one embodiment, first and second support members are arranged to interconnect the first and second towers with the floating body units, respectively.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the anchoring device 60 comprises a weight configured to be placed on the seabed 8 by gravity.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the anchoring device comprises at least one anchoring device member configured to be secured to the seabed.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the anchoring device comprises a plurality of anchoring device members configured to be secured to the seabed.

[0039] According to one embodiment, at least one anchoring device member is a suction pile anchor.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a floating wind power platform for offshore power generation, the platform comprising a floatation unit and first and second wind turbines; the floater unit having first, second, and third interconnected semi-submersible columns, each having a longitudinal column central axis, disposed at each corner of the floater unit; The first and second wind turbines are disposed on first and second semi-submersible columns via first and second towers, respectively, the first and second towers having first and second longitudinal tower central axes, and the first and second semi-submersible columns are angled at first and second angles (α 1, α2) are arranged on the floating body unit and are oriented away from each other, with the first and second longitudinal tower central axes being parallel to the first and second longitudinal column central axes, respectively.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the first and second angles (α1, α2) are the same.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the first and second angles are in the range 5°≦(α1,α2)≦25°, more preferably 10°≦(α1,α2)≦20°, and most preferably 12°≦(α1,α2)≦17°. In this specification, 5°≦(α 1 ,α 2 )≦25°, etc. 1 Also α 2 This means that the angle is between 5° and 25°.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the first and second angles (α1, α2) are 15°.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the floating body unit is formed in a triangle, the corners of the triangle forming the corners of the floating body unit.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the floating body unit has a truss structure.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the semi-submersible columns are interconnected via upper connecting members and corresponding lower connecting members arranged in parallel, the lower connecting members being shorter than the upper connecting members.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the first and second towers are interconnected with first and second semi-submersible columns, respectively.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the abutment surfaces forming the interfaces between the first and second towers and the first and second semi-submersible columns have normal directions parallel to the first and second longitudinal tower central axes and the first and second longitudinal column central axes, respectively.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the first and second towers are integrally formed with the first and second semi-submersible columns, respectively.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the first and second towers have the same diameter and cross-sectional area, and the first and second semi-submersible columns have the same diameter and cross-sectional area.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the first and second semi-submersible columns span a plane, the plane having a normal direction in the horizontal direction.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the first and second longitudinal tower central axes are aligned with the first and second longitudinal column central axes, respectively.

[0053] According to one embodiment, first and second support members are arranged to interconnect the first and second towers to the floating body unit, respectively.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the floating wind power platform is configured to orient itself in response to wind direction.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the reference direction (z) is the vertical direction (z).

[0056] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0057] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a floating wind power platform for offshore power generation. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the floating wind power platform shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the floating wind power platform shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of the floating wind power generation platform shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of the floating wind power generation platform shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0058] The details of the invention are described below. The same reference symbols indicate identical or corresponding elements throughout the figures. It will be understood that these figures are used for illustration purposes only and do not limit the scope of the invention. Swedish Patent Application No. 1850064-5 by the applicant is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Protection may be sought for the features of the referenced Swedish Patent Application No. 1850064-5.

[0059] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a floating wind power platform 1 for offshore power generation comprising a floating unit 2. According to one embodiment, the floating unit 2 comprises three interconnected semi-submersible columns 3a, 3b, 3c, i.e., first, second, and third semi-submersible columns 3a, 3b, 3c, which further have longitudinal column central axes 3a', 3b', 3c', respectively, as shown in FIG. 2. According to one embodiment, the floating unit 2 comprises a plurality of semi-submersible columns. According to one embodiment, the floating unit 2 comprises three or more semi-submersible columns. According to one embodiment, the floating unit 2 comprises at least three semi-submersible columns 3a, 3b, 3c. According to one embodiment, the semi-submersible columns are interconnected via at least three connecting members 10a, 10b, 10c, 20a, 20b, 20c. In the case of a floating unit 2 comprising three or more semi-submersible columns, the first, second, and third semi-submersible columns may be indirectly interconnected. According to one embodiment, the semi-submersible columns are connected to each other via upper connecting members 10a, 10b, 10c and corresponding parallel-arranged lower connecting members 20a, 20b, 20c. According to one embodiment, the lower connecting members 20a, 20b, 20c are shorter than the upper connecting members 10a, 10b, 10c. As a result, the total amount of material used in the floating unit 2 can be reduced compared to a floating unit 2 in which the upper and lower connecting members have the same length. According to one embodiment, the normal water level, i.e., waterline 7, of the floating wind power platform 1 during use is half the distance between the upper connecting members 10a, 10b, 10c and the lower connecting members 20a, 20b, 20c, respectively. According to one embodiment, a semi-submersible column is disposed at each corner of the floating unit 2. According to one embodiment, the semi-submersible column is a buoyant structure. According to one embodiment, the semi-submersible column extends at least above the upper connecting members 10a, 10b, 10c and has an upper end. According to one embodiment, the semi-submersible columns 3a, 3b, 3c have increased diameter proximal ends 30a, 30b, 30c, respectively, which increases the buoyancy and displacement of the semi-submersible columns 3a, 3b, 3c and their respective areas, thereby increasing their resistance to movement through the water.According to one embodiment, base ends 30a, 30b, 30c are cylindrical with central axes 30a', 30b', 30c' (not shown), respectively, and each central axis 30a', 30b', 30c' is parallel to reference direction z. According to one embodiment, the distance between central axis 30a' and central axis 30b' is approximately 100 m, also referred to as the platform length. According to one embodiment, the distance between central axis 30c' and either central axis 30a' or 30b' is approximately 70 m. According to one embodiment, reference direction z is substantially parallel to or parallel to a normal to a plane spanned by the end points of longitudinal column central axes 3a', 3b', 3c' of each semisubmersible column 3a, 3b, 3c. According to one embodiment, the reference direction z is substantially parallel to or parallel to a normal direction of a plane spanned by the upper connection members 10a, 10b, 10c or the lower connection members 20a, 20b, 20c, or both. According to one embodiment, the reference direction z is substantially parallel to or parallel to a vertical line, i.e., a plumb line, during normal use of the wind power platform 1. According to one embodiment, the reference direction z is the vertical direction z. According to one embodiment, the floating body units 2 are triangular, the corners of the triangle forming the corners of the floating body units 2. According to one embodiment, the triangle is an isosceles triangle. According to one embodiment, the connecting members 10a, 10c, and / or 20a, 20c have different lengths, thereby forming a non-isosceles or uneven triangle, i.e., an oblique triangle. According to one embodiment, the floating body units are formed as polygons with semi-submersible columns at each corner. According to one embodiment, the semi-submersible columns may be arranged in the center of the floating body units 2. According to one embodiment, the floating body units 2 comprise a truss structure. According to one embodiment, the floating body unit 2 comprises a skeleton structure. According to one embodiment, a plurality of connecting members are arranged to interconnect the upper and lower connecting members.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the tension leg device 6 is arranged on the third semi-submersible column 3c, and the tension leg device 6 is configured to be anchored to the seabed 8. According to one embodiment, the tension leg device 6 is arranged on the proximal end 30c of the third semi-submersible column 3c. According to one embodiment, the proximal end 30c of the third semi-submersible column 3c has a significantly larger diameter compared to the third semi-submersible column 3c. According to one embodiment, as further shown in FIG. 2, the diameter D of the third semi-submersible column 3c is 3c is the diameter D of the base end 30c of the semi-submersible column 3c 30c For 0.1*D 30c ≦D 3c ≦0.3*D 30c According to one embodiment, the diameter D of the third semi-submersible column 3c is in the range 3c The first and second semi-submersible columns 3a, 3b Each diameter D 3a / 3b 0.2*D 3a / 3b ≦D 3c ≦0.6*D 3a / 3b According to one embodiment, the diameter D of each of the first and second semi-submersible columns 3a, 3b is in the range 3a / 3b is measured at the waterline 7 in use. According to one embodiment, the diameter D of the third semi-submersible column 3c 3c is measured at the waterline 7 in use. According to one embodiment, the third semi-submersible column 3c has a significantly smaller diameter than the first and second semi-submersible columns 3a, 3b. According to one embodiment, the diameter of the semi-submersible columns 3a, 3b is 5m≦D 3a / 3b According to one embodiment, the diameter of the semi-submersible columns 3a, 3b is in the range of 6m≦D 3a / 3b ≦8m. According to one embodiment, D 30c Diameter D 3cBy reducing the water surface area of the third semi-submersible column 3c, the water surface area of the third semi-submersible column 3c is reduced, thereby reducing its exposure to waves and the resulting risk of undesired movement of the floating wind power platform 1. According to one embodiment, the third semi-submersible column 3c provides buoyancy configured to generate tension in the tension leg device 6. According to one embodiment, the third semi-submersible column 3c provides excess buoyancy configured to generate excess tension in the tension leg device 6. According to one embodiment, excess buoyancy is defined as a buoyancy force that occurs when the weight of the displaced water is greater than the weight of the platform 1. According to one embodiment, the upward force is resisted by the tension leg device 6, preventing the platform 1 from rising. According to one embodiment, during excess buoyancy, the buoyancy of the platform 1 exceeds its weight, generating an upward force on the platform 1 in the z-direction. According to one embodiment, stability of the floating wind power platform 1 is provided by the excess buoyancy of the tension leg device 6 and the resulting tension. According to one embodiment, stability of the floating wind power platform is provided in part by the buoyancy of the platform and in part by a tension leg device mooring system with weather vaning capabilities. According to one embodiment, the base end 30c of the third semi-submersible column 3c is configured to be completely submerged in water. According to one embodiment, the base end 30c of the third semi-submersible column 3c is configured to be completely submerged below the waterline 7, i.e., reference sea level 7, as shown in FIG. 2. According to one embodiment, the tension leg device 6 is disposed only on the third semi-submersible column. That is, the first and second semi-submersible columns 3a, 3b are not provided with tension leg devices 6. According to one embodiment, the tension leg device 6 comprises at least one tension leg device member 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, and 6f. According to one embodiment, the tension leg device 6 comprises a plurality of tension leg device members 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, and 6f. According to one embodiment, the tension leg device 6 comprises at least six tension leg device members 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f.According to one embodiment, the tension leg device 6 comprises at least six tension leg device members 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, and 6f, although any suitable number of tension leg device members 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, and 6f may be required based on application or environmental conditions. According to one embodiment, the tension leg device 6 is configured to be positioned substantially vertically between the seabed 8 and the first semi-submersible column 3c. According to one embodiment, the tension leg device 6 is configured to be positioned vertically between the seabed 8 and the first semi-submersible column 3c. According to one embodiment, the tension leg device members 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, and 6f are configured to be positioned at an angle β with respect to the reference direction z between the seabed 8 and the third semi-submersible column 3c. According to one embodiment, at least one of the tension leg device members 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, and 6f is configured to be positioned at an angle β with respect to the reference direction z between the seabed 8 and the third semi-submersible column 3c. According to one embodiment, the tension leg device members 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, and 6f are configured to be disposed radially outwardly at an angle β, i.e., in the range of 0°≦β≦45°, with respect to the reference direction z. According to one embodiment, at least one tension leg device member 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, and 6f comprises a tension mooring line, cable, chain, rope, or wire. According to one embodiment, at least one tension leg device member 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, and 6f comprises a tubular steel member, sometimes referred to as a tendon. According to one embodiment, the tension leg device 6 is configured to be anchored to the seabed 8 by an anchoring device 60. According to one embodiment, the anchoring device 60 comprises a weight configured to be placed on the seabed 8 by gravity. According to one embodiment, the anchoring device 60 comprises at least one anchoring device member 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d, 60e, and 60f configured to be anchored to the seabed 8. According to one embodiment, the anchoring device 60 comprises a plurality of anchoring device members 60 a , 60 b , 60 c , 60 d , 60 e , 60 f configured to be secured to the seabed 8 .According to one embodiment, the tension leg device members 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f are provided with anchoring device members 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d, 60e, 60f, respectively. According to one embodiment, the anchoring device members 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d, 60e, 60f are suction pile anchors.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the floating wind power platform 1 is configured to turn into the wind according to the wind direction. According to one embodiment, the weather vaning is provided by a turret 9 arranged on the floating unit 2. According to one embodiment, the turret 9 is arranged on one of the semi-submersible columns 3a, 3b, 3c. According to one embodiment, the turret 9 is arranged on the third semi-submersible column 3c. According to one embodiment, the turret 9 is arranged at the base end 30c of the third semi-submersible column 3c. According to one embodiment, the turret 9 is interconnected with the mooring system. According to one embodiment, the turret 9 is interconnected with the tension leg arrangement 6. According to one embodiment, the turret 9 is interconnected with the tension leg arrangement 6 via the third semi-submersible column 3c.

[0062] According to one embodiment, as further shown in FIG. 2, the weight distribution, i.e., the center of gravity, can be changed in the platform 1 by a ballast system 12. The platform 1 includes a ballast system 12, which includes ballast tanks 12a and 12b provided in at least the first and second semi-submersible columns 3a and 3b, respectively. According to one embodiment, the ballast system 12 includes ballast tanks 12a, 12b, and 12c provided in at least the first, second, and third semi-submersible columns 3a, 3b, and 3c, respectively. A control system 11 configured to control the volume of water in the ballast tanks is further provided. According to one embodiment, the ballast system 12 can level the platform 1 when the water level changes, for example, due to tides. According to one embodiment, controlling the volume of water in the ballast tank 12c of the third semi-submersible column 3c allows control of the draft and buoyancy of the semi-submersible column 3c, which can further control the tension in the tension leg device 6. According to one embodiment, interim or temporary stability during transportation or installation of the platform 1 can be achieved by reducing the volume of ballast water in the ballast tanks 12a, 12b, and 12c, thereby reducing the draft of the platform 1 and positioning the base end 30c of the third semi-submersible column 3c at the waterline 7, increasing the waterline area and stability during transportation and installation. According to one embodiment, interim or temporary stability during transportation or installation of the platform 1 can be achieved by placing a temporary or temporary volume on the third semi-submersible column 3c to provide additional buoyancy, thereby increasing the waterline area and therefore the stability of the platform 1 during transportation and installation. According to one embodiment, the volume is bolted or welded to the third semi-submersible column 3c. As an installation step, the volume is removed from the third semi-submersible column 3c, thereby placing the tension leg device 6 on the third semi-submersible column 3c.

[0063] In prior art solutions, weather vaning platforms or structures typically derive all their stability from buoyancy. Such prior art moorings serve and have only one goal: to keep the station in place. Weather vaning platforms or structures require additional stability as they rotate around a single point connected to the seabed or float freely due to the structure's buoyancy. Because weather vaning allows for the efficient use of multiple towers on the same platform, such structures are often large. The large size reflects both the required displacement and the size of the structure. Providing a stable platform requires sufficient distance in the y-direction from the tower to the rotation point, sufficient weight and buoyancy at the rotation point, and material. Prior art platforms or structures with weather vaning capabilities are therefore inherently stable and are configured to withstand being detached from the seabed without tipping over. At the same time, increasing the size of the weathervaning platform to achieve sufficient stability can negatively affect its rotational ability during weathervaning, as a larger displacement, coupled with the tower size, results in slower movement through the water and slower adaptation to changing weather conditions, such as wind direction. Furthermore, a larger displacement will cause the platform to tilt more to adapt to changes in water current direction rather than wind direction, which negatively affects the equilibrium of the platform 1 with tides and wind. Overall, this results in the disadvantage of a reduced efficiency of such a platform.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the triangle forming the floating unit 2 has a height, i.e., the distance in the y-direction from the upper connecting member 10b to the third semi-submersible column 3c, which can be significantly reduced compared to floating units of wind power platforms that do not rely on the constant tension of the tension leg device 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This height, also referred to as the platform beam or platform width, can be reduced by 40-60% compared to such prior art wind power platforms. According to one embodiment, the platform beam is approximately 50 meters, where the platform length, as described in

[0031] , is approximately 100 meters. According to one embodiment, the height h of the triangle is in the range of 30 m ≦ h ≦ 70 m, more preferably 40 m ≦ h ≦ 60 m, and most preferably 45 m ≦ h ≦ 55 m. According to one embodiment, the ratio of the beam to the hub height of the platform 1, i.e. the ratio r of the distance from the waterline 7 in use to the rotation axes 4a', 4b' of the turbine rotor at the intersection of the first and second longitudinal tower central axes 5a', 5b' b-hh is 0.3≦r b-hh ≦0.70, more preferably 0.4≦r b-hh ≦0.60, most preferably 0.5≦r b-hh According to one embodiment, the ratio r of the beam of the platform 1 to the rotor diameter is in the range of ≦0.6. b-rd , 0,25≦r b-rd ≦0.60, more preferably 0.3≦r b-rd ≦0.55, most preferably 0.35≦r b-rd ≦0.50 As previously mentioned, the present invention allows for a smaller ratio than prior art solutions, thereby reducing costs and increasing the efficiency of the platform 1.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the floating wind power platform comprises first and second wind turbines 4a, 4b arranged on first and second semi-submersible columns 3a, 3b via first and second towers 5a, 5b, respectively. According to one embodiment, if the floating unit 2 comprises three or more semi-submersible columns, further wind turbines may be arranged on the floating unit 2, for example, on a semi-submersible column. According to one embodiment, if further wind turbines are arranged on the floating unit 2, they may be arranged in a row. According to one embodiment, a turret is attached to the third semi-submersible column 3c. According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the first and second towers 5a, 5b have first and second longitudinal tower central axes 5a', 5b', respectively. According to one embodiment, the first and second towers 5a, 5b are interconnected with the first and second semi-submersible columns 3a, 3b, respectively. According to one embodiment, when three semi-submersible columns are arranged in a row, the middle semi-submersible column and the wind tower may have longitudinal column and tower central axes parallel to the reference direction z. According to one embodiment, the diameters and cross-sectional areas of the first and second towers 5a, 5b and the first and second semi-submersible columns 3a, 3b are the same, respectively. According to one embodiment, the abutment surfaces 3a", 5a" and 3b", 5b" forming the interfaces between the first and second towers 5a, 5b and the first and second semi-submersible columns 3a, 3b, respectively, have normal directions parallel to the first and second longitudinal tower central axes 5a', 5b' and the first and second longitudinal column central axes 3a', 3b', respectively. According to one embodiment, the abutment surfaces 3a", 5a" and 3b", 5b" have a circular ring shape. According to one embodiment, the abutment surfaces 3a", 5a" and 3b", 5b" have the shape of a circular area. Thus, by selecting such a normal direction of the abutment surfaces, it is possible to use circles, circular rings or circular areas, as opposed to elliptical abutment surfaces that result from abutment surfaces of towers and / or columns having a normal direction that is non-parallel to the longitudinal tower central axis and / or longitudinal column central axis. The shaping of elliptical abutment surfaces is difficult to achieve with sufficient precision to allow the necessary fit between two elliptical abutment surfaces, which is required during installation between the towers 5a, 5b and the semi-submersible columns 3a, 3b.', 3b'。 Furthermore, if both the towers 5a", 5b" and the column abutment surfaces 3b", 5b" have normal directions parallel to the longitudinal tower central axes 5a', 5b' and the longitudinal column central axes 3a', 3b', respectively, difficulties in combining or attaching a circular, circular ring, or circular area shape to an elliptical, elliptical ring, or elliptical area shape are avoided. According to one embodiment, the first and second towers 5a, 5b are integrally formed with the first and second semi-submersible columns 3a, 3b, respectively.

[0066] 2 is a side view of a floating wind power platform 1 for offshore power generation, viewed in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axes 4a', 4b' of the turbine rotors. According to one embodiment, the first and second semi-submersible columns 3a, 3b are angled at first and second angles α , ... 1,The first and second semi-submersible columns 3a, 3b are arranged on the floating body unit 2 and are oriented away from each other at an angle α2. According to one embodiment, oriented away from each other means that the wind turbines are further away from each other than other parts of their respective semi-submersible columns 3a, 3b, or at least the lowest base ends of the semi-submersible columns 3a, 3b. According to one embodiment, the first and second semi-submersible columns 3a, 3b are oriented away from each other by a total angle α1 + α2 in a plane spanned by the first and second semi-submersible columns 3a, 3b. According to one embodiment, the first and second longitudinal tower central axes 5a', 5b' are parallel to the first and second longitudinal column central axes 3a', 3b', respectively. According to one embodiment, the first and second longitudinal tower central axes 5a', 5b' are aligned with the first and second longitudinal column central axes 3a', 3b', respectively. According to one embodiment, the inclination of the first and second semi-submersible columns 3a, 3b and the first and second towers 5a, 5b allows the floating unit 2 to be made even more compact, while at the same time keeping a sufficient distance or a similar distance between the wind turbines 4a, 4b as in the case without inclination, thereby allowing the use of turbine rotor blades of a sufficient size or a similar size for energy production as in the case without inclination. In this respect, the floating unit 2 aims to optimize size / cost versus its energy production capacity. According to one embodiment, the first and second angles α 1, α 2 are the same. According to one embodiment, the first and second angles are 5°≦(α 1, α2)≦25°, more preferably 10°≦(α 1, α2)≦20°, most preferably 12°≦(α 1, According to one embodiment, the first and second angles (α 1, α2) is 15°. The first and second angles α 1,A further advantage of using the first and second semi-submersible columns 3a, 3b arranged on the floating unit 2 at an angle α2 is that the floating unit 2 has a larger waterline area, which provides a higher hydrodynamic stiffness, i.e. a higher resistance in water. The higher resistance in water provides resistance to undesired movements of the floating unit 2 when in use. As a result, displacement of the floating unit 2, for example due to the semi-submersible columns 3a, 3b, 3c and their ends 30a, 30b, 30c, can be reduced. The reduced displacement allows for a reduction in material, which further reduces the manufacturing costs of the floating unit 2 and the wind power platform 1. According to one embodiment, the first and second semi-submersible columns 3a, 3b are arranged on the floating unit 2 at the first and second angles α 1, α2 is zero, ie the first and second semi-submersible columns 3a, 3b are not directed away from each other.

[0067] FIG. 3 is a side view of a floating wind power platform 1 for offshore power generation, viewed perpendicular to the turbine rotor rotation axes 4a' and 4b'. As can be seen from this figure, according to one embodiment, the first and second semi-submersible columns 3a and 3b span a plane having a normal direction y that is perpendicular to the horizontal direction. According to one embodiment, the first and second semi-submersible columns 3a and 3b span a plane having a normal direction y that is perpendicular to the reference direction z. According to one embodiment, the z and y directions are defined to form or correspond to the axes of a coordinate system, as shown in FIG. 2, and further include the horizontal direction x. According to one embodiment, the longitudinal central axis 3c' of the third semi-submersible column 3c is parallel to the reference direction z. According to one embodiment, when the floating unit 2 has an oblique triangular shape, the plane spanned by the first and second semi-submersible columns 3a and 3b is not parallel to the wind direction during weather vaning when the platform 1 and the floating unit 2 reach equilibrium during use. Therefore, in these cases, the planes straddled by the first and second wind turbine rotors are different planes, and one of the first and second columns 3a, 3b is the upwind column and the other is the downwind column.

[0068] FIG. 4 is a side view of the floating wind power platform 1 for offshore power generation as seen from the negative z direction.

[0069] FIG. 5 is a side view of a floating wind power platform 1 for offshore power generation. As can be seen from this figure, according to one embodiment, first and second support members 40a, 40b are arranged to interconnect the first and second towers 5a, 5b, respectively, with the floating units 2. According to one embodiment, at least one support member 40a, 40b is arranged between the two towers 5a, 5b to interconnect them. According to one embodiment, the use of the support members 40a, 40b reduces stresses at the connection points of the towers 5a, 5b with the columns 3a, 3b, respectively, due to gravity, for example, in bolted connections at the abutment surfaces 3a", 5a" and 3b", 5b". According to one embodiment, the use of the support members 40a, 40b increases the stability of the wind power platform 1. According to one embodiment, the wind turbines 4a, 4b are arranged to be rotatable relative to the wind towers 5a, 5b, respectively, with the rotation axes parallel to the longitudinal tower central axes 5a', 5b'. According to one embodiment, the wind turbines 4a, 4b are configured to be rotatable relative to the wind towers 5a, 5b, respectively, with their rotation axes parallel to the reference direction z. According to one embodiment, the rotation, i.e., the relative angular displacement of the wind turbines with respect to the wind towers 5a, 5b, is limited, thereby avoiding, for example, engagement of the wind turbine rotors with the wind tower during use. According to one embodiment, the limits are configured to be set by mechanical structures, for example, mechanical stops. According to one embodiment, the limits are configured to be set by software. According to one embodiment, the wind power platform 1 is configured to produce energy by rotation of the wind turbine rotors, e.g., by generators, within the wind turbines or nacelles. According to one embodiment, the offshore power generation / energy production can be transferred, i.e., transported, to land via an energy cable configured for energy transfer.

[0070] Having described a preferred embodiment of a floating wind power platform 1 for offshore power generation, a person skilled in the art will recognize that modifications can be made thereto within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0071] All of the above-described alternative embodiments or parts of the embodiments can be freely combined as long as they are not inconsistent and do not deviate from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A floating unit (2), first, second and third interconnected semi-submersible columns (3a, 3b, 3c) respectively arranged at each corner of the floating body unit (2); a tension leg device (6) disposed only on the third semi-submersible column (3c); a turret (9) interconnected with the tension leg device (6) and disposed on the third semi-submersible column (3c); The tension leg device (6) has an anchor device (60) that fixes the tension leg device (6) to the seabed (8), the third semi-submersible column (3c) provides buoyancy configured to generate tension to taut the tension leg device (6); The diameter of the first and second semi-submersible columns (3a, 3b) is 5 m or more and 10 m or less; A floating wind power generation platform (1) that changes direction according to the wind direction.

2. The floating wind power platform (1) according to claim 1, wherein the third semi-submersible column (3c) provides an upwardly directed buoyant force that tensions the tension leg device (6).

3. The floating wind power platform (1) according to claim 2, wherein an upward buoyancy is maintained by the tension leg device (6), and the floating wind power platform (1) is prevented from rising.

4. The tension leg device (6) is disposed at the base end (30c) of the third semi-submersible column (3c), and the diameter D ３ｃ is the diameter D of the base end (30c) of the third semi-submersible column (3c). ３０ｃ 0.1*D ３０ｃ More than 0.3*D ３０ｃ A floating wind power platform (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which ranges from:

5. The diameter D of the third semi-submersible column (3c) ３ｃ is the diameter D of the first and second semi-submersible columns (3a, 3b) ３ａ and D ３ｂ 0.2*D ３ａ More than 0.6*D ３ａ or less and 0.2*D ３ｂ More than 0.6*D ３ｂ A floating wind power platform (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which ranges from:

6. The floating wind power platform (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the tension leg device (6) comprises a plurality of tension leg device members (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f).

7. 7. The floating wind power platform (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising first and second wind turbines (4a, 4b) arranged on the first and second semi-submersible columns (3a, 3b) via first and second towers (5a, 5b), respectively.

8. the first and second semi-submersible columns (3a, 3b) extend in a plane, the first and second semi-submersible columns (3a, 3b) are coplanar, and the plane has a normal in a horizontal direction y; the semi-submersible columns (3a, 3b, 3c) are interconnected via upper connecting members (10a, 10b, 10c) and corresponding lower connecting members (20a, 20b, 20c) arranged in parallel; 8. The floating wind power platform (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the ratio of the distance in the y direction from the upper connecting member (10b) to the third semi-submersible column (3c) to the distance from the water line (7) in use to the axis of rotation (4a', 4b') of the turbine rotor at the intersection of the first and second longitudinal tower central axes (5a', 5b') is ≥ 0.3 and ≤ 0.

70.

9. further comprising first and second wind turbines (4a, 4b); The semi-submersible columns (3a, 3b, 3c) each have a longitudinal column central axis (3a', 3b', 3c'), the first and second wind turbines (4a, 4b) are respectively arranged on the first and second semi-submersible columns (3a, 3b) via first and second towers (5a, 5b); the first and second towers (5a, 5b) have first and second longitudinal tower central axes (5a', 5b'), respectively; the first and second semi-submersible columns (3a, 3b) are arranged on the floating body unit (2) at first and second angles (α1, α2) with respect to the vertical direction (z), respectively, and are oriented in directions away from each other; The floating wind power platform (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first and second longitudinal tower central axes (5a', 5b') are parallel to the first and second longitudinal column central axes (3a', 3b'), respectively.

10. The floating wind power platform (1) according to claim 9, wherein the first and second angles (α1, α2) are the same.

11. The floating wind power platform (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the first and second angles (α1, α2) are in the range of 5° to 25°.

12. the semi-submersible columns (3a, 3b, 3c) are interconnected via upper connecting members (10a, 10b, 10c) and corresponding lower connecting members (20a, 20b, 20c) arranged parallel thereto, The floating wind power platform (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the lower connecting members (20a, 20b, 20c) are shorter than the upper connecting members (10a, 10b, 10c).

13. the semi-submersible columns (3a, 3b, 3c) each have an increased diameter proximal end (30a, 30b, 30c) to increase the buoyancy and displacement of the semi-submersible columns (3a, 3b, 3c) and their respective areas, thereby increasing resistance to movement through the water; The floating wind power platform (1) according to claim 12, wherein the base ends (30a, 30b, 30c) are connected to each other via the lower connecting members (20a, 20b, 20c).

14. The floating wind power platform (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the first and second towers (5a, 5b) are interconnected with the first and second semi-submersible columns (3a, 3b), respectively.

15. 15. The floating wind power platform (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the normal directions of the respective abutment surfaces (3a", 5a", 3b", 5b") forming the interfaces between the first and second towers (5a, 5b) and the first and second semi-submersible columns (3a, 3b) are parallel to the first and second longitudinal tower central axes (5a', 5b') and the first and second longitudinal column central axes (3a', 3b').

16. The floating wind power platform (1) according to claim 15, wherein the abutment surfaces (3a", 5a", 3b", 5b") are toric or circular in shape.

17. The floating wind power platform (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein the first and second towers (5a, 5b) and the first and second semi-submersible columns (3a, 3b) have the same diameter and cross-sectional area, respectively.

18. 18. The floating wind power platform (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 17, wherein the first and second semi-submersible columns (3a, 3b) extend in a plane, the first and second semi-submersible columns (3a, 3b) being coplanar, the plane having a normal to the horizontal direction.

19. The floating wind power platform (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 18, wherein the first and second longitudinal tower central axes (5a', 5b') are aligned with the first and second longitudinal column central axes (3a', 3b'), respectively.

20. The floating wind power platform (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 19, configured to turn towards the wind in response to the wind direction.

21. 21. The floating wind power platform (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, further comprising a ballast system (12) having ballast tanks (12a, 12b) provided on at least the first and second semi-submersible columns (3a, 3b), respectively.

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