Buoyant rotatable ocean transducer.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a buoyant rotatable marine transducer and a load reduction device defined by the buoyant rotatable marine transducer, in particular for use in anchoring offshore structures such as floating platforms and the like as are common in the fields of marine renewable energy, oil and gas applications and aquaculture, the buoyant rotatable marine transducer comprising a buoyant body adapted to assume a first orientation in which a longitudinal axis of the body is substantially vertically disposed when at least partially submerged in a body of water and under no load, and first and second mooring connection points provided on the body, the at least first mooring connection point being positioned such that a load applied to the body via the first mooring connection point acts off-axis with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a buoyant, rotatable marine converter for converting one form of energy or motion to another, which has application as a load reduction device and system, in particular a load reduction device for use in anchoring offshore structures such as floating, submerged, or semi-submerged platforms or the like common in marine renewable energy, oil and gas applications, aquaculture, and other related fields, which load reduction device is preferably adjustable to achieve different stiffness responses.

[0002] Such an offshore structure may be, for example, an oil or gas platform, a platform or similar support for a wind turbine or an underwater tidal turbine, an underwater arch, or any other structure required to be moored at a particular location.

[0003] The present invention also relates to sensor systems incorporating such buoyant, rotatable ocean transducers, particularly self-powered sensor systems operable to record data relating to the local ocean environment, operational data and other data relating to the system to which the sensor system is connected or an integral part, and to transmit that data to a remote location for real-time monitoring or subsequent review.

[0004] The invention further relates to a floating platform incorporating such a buoyant, rotatable ocean transducer as an integral load-relief device. [Background technology]

[0005]

[0003] Offshore floating platforms or similar marine structures requiring mooring are typically subjected to harsh environmental conditions, and as a result, the mooring systems used to secure such structures are also subjected to severe operational loads. For example, wave-induced motion of the floating structure imposes large shock loads on the mooring connection points on the platform, as the mooring lines securing the platform alternate between slack and tension as a result of swells imposed by passing wave motion.

[0006] Additionally, wind and tidal forces impose additional loads on the moorings which can be significant and intermittent, increasing the peak and shock loads imparted to the platform; in this combination, the loads and forces that the offshore platform must withstand can be significant and can cause damage to the platform and / or moorings, ultimately leading to mooring failure and subsequent loss of the platform.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a load reduction system employing at least one buoyant, rotatable marine transducer operable to function as a load reduction device, and a load reduction device adapted to provide a reduction in load transfer to a moored floating platform or the like, and to smooth or damp peak loads, shock loads, fatigue loads, etc., and compatible with all known mooring types, including catenary moorings, semi-tension moorings, and tension moorings.

[0008] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a sensor system comprising such a buoyant, rotatable marine transducer to power one or more sensors to facilitate acquisition of data that can be transmitted to a remote location, such as an onshore facility, for real-time monitoring or future evaluation, or to enable feedback control of a system to which the sensor system is connected or integrally formed, for example. Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a buoyant, rotatable marine transducer comprising: a body adapted to be at least partially submerged in a body of water and to assume a first orientation when unloaded, wherein in the first orientation a longitudinal axis of the body is aligned with a reference orientation; and first and second mooring connection points provided on the body, wherein at least the first mooring connection point is positioned such that a load applied to the body via the first mooring connection point acts off-axis from the longitudinal axis.

[0010] Preferably, the body is adapted to undergo a displacement when a load is applied to the body via the first and second mooring connection points and to return to the first orientation when the load is removed.

[0011] Preferably, the body is adapted to undergo rotational displacement when a load is applied.

[0012] Preferably, the body is shaped to maximize and / or control resistance during displacement of the body due to the impact of the load.

[0013] Preferably, the body is shaped to minimize and / or control drag during return of the body to the first orientation.

[0014] Preferably, the body is adapted to undergo rotational displacement about an axis of rotation extending through a point within or outside the body.

[0015] Preferably, the second anchoring connection point is positioned so that loads applied to the body through the second anchoring connection point act off-axis from the longitudinal axis.

[0016] Preferably, the position of at least the first mooring connection point on the body is adjustable.

[0017] Preferably, the position of the first anchoring connection point is adjustable in the longitudinal and / or radial direction of the body.

[0018] Preferably, the position of the second mooring connection point on the body is adjustable.

[0019] Preferably, the position of the second anchoring connection point is adjustable longitudinally and / or radially of the body.

[0020] Preferably, the location of at least the first mooring connection point is longitudinally spaced from the centre of gravity of the body.

[0021] Preferably, the location of at least the first mooring attachment point is longitudinally spaced from the centre of buoyancy of the body.

[0022] Preferably, the location of the second mooring connection point is longitudinally spaced from the center of gravity of the body.

[0023] Preferably, the location of the second mooring connection point is longitudinally spaced from the centre of buoyancy of the body.

[0024] Preferably, the first and second mooring attachment points, the center of gravity of the body, and the center of buoyancy of the body are arranged in a linear array.

[0025] Preferably, the body is neutrally buoyant.

[0026] Preferably, the body is positively buoyant.

[0027] Preferably, the body is negatively buoyant.

[0028] Preferably, the body comprises a weighted portion.

[0029] Preferably, the body comprises a buoyant portion.

[0030] Preferably, the body comprises a buoyant portion and a weighted portion.

[0031] Preferably, the buoyant portion and the weighted portion are positioned to establish a force pair that together act to return the body to the first orientation.

[0032] Preferably, the buoyant portion and the weighted portion are longitudinally spaced from one another.

[0033] Preferably, the buoyancy of the body is adjustable.

[0034] Preferably, the buoyant rotatable ocean transducer is equipped with an energy capture take off system.

[0035] Preferably, the energy capture take-off system is operable to generate electrical energy in response to rotation of the body.

[0036] Preferably, the electrical energy is supplied to one or more electrically powered components provided in or on the marine converter.

[0037] Preferably, the buoyant, rotatable ocean transducer comprises one or more sensors.

[0038] Preferably, the buoyant, rotatable ocean transducer comprises a transmitter operable to wirelessly transmit data acquired from the one or more sensors.

[0039] Preferably, the body comprises two or more sections.

[0040] Preferably, at least one of the body sections articulates relative to the other body section.

[0041] Preferably, the buoyant rotatable marine transducer comprises one or more fairleads extending outwardly from the body to facilitate changing the point at which loads applied from one or more mooring lines secured to the first and / or second mooring connection points act on the body as it undergoes rotation.

[0042] Preferably, the buoyant rotatable marine transducer comprises one or more springs arranged to compress in response to rotation of the body so as to adjust the stiffness response of the body.

[0043] Preferably, the body defines a passageway extending between the first and second mooring connection points.

[0044] Preferably, the body is operable to clamp the mooring line or cable so as to limit or prevent displacement of the mooring line through the passageway.

[0045] Preferably, one or both ends of the passageway terminate in a bend restrictor.

[0046] Preferably, the body is openable to allow external access to the entire length of the passageway.

[0047] Preferably, the position of one or more of the mooring connection points, and / or the level or position of ballast within the body, and / or the level or position of buoyancy of the body, is dynamically controllable autonomously and / or in response to signals from one or more of the sensors and / or in response to external information.

[0048] Preferably, the buoyant rotatable marine transducer comprises a load-relieving device for reducing or managing the load or tension on the mooring lines securing the floating platform.

[0049] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a load reduction apparatus for reducing or managing load or tension on mooring lines securing a floating platform or the like, the load reduction apparatus comprising a buoyant rotatable marine transducer according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0050] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a load reduction system for securing a floating structure, the load reduction system comprising at least one buoyant rotatable marine transducer according to the first aspect of the present invention, a first mooring line connected between the floating structure and a body of the buoyant rotatable marine transducer, and a second mooring line connected between the body of the buoyant rotatable marine transducer and an anchor.

[0051] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a floating platform integrally formed with at least one rotatable buoyant marine transducer according to the first aspect of the present invention, the rotatable buoyant marine transducer being rotatably mounted to the platform at one of the first or second mooring points.

[0052] Preferably, the body of the rotatable buoyant marine transducer comprises a buoyant portion above the mooring point at which the body is rotatably attached to the platform and / or a weighted portion below the mooring point at which the body is rotatably attached to the platform.

[0053] Preferably, the at least one rotatable buoyant ocean transducer body provides the effective amount of buoyancy and displacement required to float the floating platform.

[0054] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a sensor system comprising at least one rotatable buoyant ocean transducer according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0055] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of mooring a floating platform, comprising the steps of fixing one or more of the rotatable buoyant marine transducers according to the first aspect of the present invention to the floating platform via one of the mooring connection points, and anchoring at least one rotatable buoyant marine transducer via another one of the mooring connection points.

[0056] Preferably, the method includes the steps of temporarily securing the body in a rotated out-of-equilibrium orientation before securing to the floating platform, securing the body to the floating platform under low line tension, and releasing the body from the out-of-equilibrium orientation.

[0057] Preferably, the body of the one or more rotatable buoyant ocean transducers comprises a ballast tank defining a weighted portion of the body and a buoyancy tank defining a buoyant portion of the body, and the method includes the steps of positioning the one or more rotatable buoyant ocean transducers in a body of water at or adjacent to the deployment site in an unballasted state and with the buoyancy tanks at least partially filled with air or water, anchoring at least one rotatable buoyant ocean transducer via one of the mooring connection points, fixing the one or more rotatable buoyant ocean transducers to a floating platform via the other of the mooring connection points, transferring ballast to the ballast tank, and transferring water from the buoyancy tank or transferring air to the buoyancy tank.

[0058] Preferably, the body of each of the one or more rotatable buoyant marine transducers is fixed such that the mooring lines extending between the anchor and the body and the mooring lines extending between the body and the floating platform each extend substantially vertically.

[0059] Preferably, the method includes adjusting the stiffness curve of at least one rotatable buoyant ocean transducer such that the line tension between the rotatable buoyant ocean transducer and the floating platform remains substantially constant as the body of the rotatable buoyant ocean transducer rotates in response to tidal fluctuations.

[0060] As used herein, the term "transducer" is intended to mean a device that can convert one form of energy, force, or motion into another form, such as, for example, converting linear motion into rotational motion, physical displacement into electrical energy, kinetic energy into potential energy, or work (force multiplied by distance) into rotational kinetic energy.

[0061] As used herein, the term "buoyant" is intended to mean neutrally buoyant, negatively buoyant, or positively buoyant.

[0062] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0063] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic diagram of the existing mooring arrangement of a floating offshore structure when no significant environmental stress is applied and the mooring lines are slack. [Figure 2] The existing mooring arrangement in Figure 1 is shown with the mooring lines under tension and under load as a result of environmental forces acting on the system. [Figure 3] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a rotatable buoyancy ocean transducer defining a load reduction device according to one aspect of the present invention for use in a load reduction system. [Figure 4] 4 shows the load reduction device of FIG. 3 provided as part of a load reduction system for securing a floating offshore platform, with no significant environmental loads and with the mooring lines in a slack state. [Figure 5] 5 shows the arrangement of FIG. 4 with the load-relieving device in a loaded state and subjected to a rotational displacement. [Figure 6] 5, including a pair of arrows indicating the pair of restoring forces generated by the load reduction device of the present invention. [Figure 7] 4-6, which shows the load-relieving device restored to an upright or unloaded orientation. [Figure 8] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a load reduction device according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9(a)] 9 shows the load-relieving device of FIG. 8 in use, with a pair of mooring lines secured but in an unloaded state and orientation. [Figure 9(b)] The load-relieving device of Figure 9(a) is shown under load and subjected to rotational displacement. [Figure 10] 8 and 9 shown deployed as part of a load reduction system, the load reduction device being neutrally buoyant. [Figure 11] The load reduction device of Figures 8 and 9 is shown deployed as part of a load reduction system, where the load reduction device is positively buoyant. [Figure 12] 1 shows a pair of load reduction devices deployed as part of a load reduction system for securing a floating offshore platform. [Figure 13] 13 shows the arrangement of FIG. 12 for securing the floating wind turbine platform. [Figure 14a] 1 illustrates various stiffness response curves that can be achieved by varying the physical properties of the load relief device of the present invention. [Figure 14b] 1 illustrates various stiffness response curves that can be achieved by varying the physical properties of the load relief device of the present invention. [Figure 14c] 1 illustrates various stiffness response curves that can be achieved by varying the physical properties of the load relief device of the present invention. [Figure 14d] 1 illustrates various stiffness response curves that can be achieved by varying the physical properties of the load relief device of the present invention. [Figure 14e] 1 illustrates various stiffness response curves that can be achieved by varying the physical properties of the load relief device of the present invention. [Figure 15] 1A-1C show plan, elevation and end views of an alternative configuration of a load reducing device according to the present invention; [Figure 16] 10A-10C show plan, elevation and end views of a further alternative configuration of a load reducing device according to the present invention; [Figure 17] 10A-10C show plan, elevation and end views of yet another form of load reducing device in accordance with the present invention; [Figure 18] 10 illustrates alternative possible connections for mooring lines to one embodiment of the load reduction device of the present invention. [Figure 19] 10 illustrates further possible alternative connections of mooring lines to one embodiment of the load reduction device of the present invention; [Figure 20] 10 illustrates yet another possible alternative connection of mooring lines for one embodiment of the load reduction device of the present invention. [Figure 21] 10 illustrates an alternative cross-connection of mooring lines for one embodiment of the load reduction device of the present invention. [Figure 22a] 1 illustrates a particular deployment methodology for using a load reduction device according to the present invention as a mooring tensioner for securing a floating offshore platform. [Figure 22b] The arrangement of Figure 22a is shown with the load reducing device rotated upwards by raising its weighted end through the surface buoy prior to connection to the floating offshore platform. [Figure 22c] 1 shows the load reducing device rotated to a substantially horizontal position. [Figure 22d] 1 shows a load reduction device connected to a floating offshore platform. [Figure 22e] 1 shows a load reduction device connected to a floating offshore platform and held in a substantially horizontal position. [Figure 22f] 10 shows the weighted end of the load reducing device being lowered. [Figure 22g] 1 shows the load relieving device fully lowered and therefore rotated to a substantially vertical orientation, while still tethered to the surface. [Figure 22h] 1 shows the load reduction device released from the surface tether. [Figure 23a] FIG. 1 illustrates an alternative deployment method for a load reduction device according to the present invention when used as a mooring tensioner for securing a floating offshore platform, with the load reduction device anchored but not yet connected to the floating offshore platform, and in a substantially horizontal orientation and unballasted. [Figure 23b]23a shows the arrangement of FIG. 23a with the load reducing device connected to the floating offshore platform. [Figure 23c] 1 shows a load reduction device connected and secured to a floating platform. [Figure 23d] 1 shows the vessel positioned above the load reducing device. [Figure 23e] Shows how ballast and buoyancy lines are connected from the vessel to the load reducing device. [Figure 23f] Shows how ballast and buoyancy are pumped into the load-relieving device. [Figure 23g] Shown is the load reducing device fully ballast and buoyant, with the ballast and buoyancy lines still connected. [Figure 23h] 1 shows the load reducing device after the ballast and buoyancy lines have been cut. [Figure 24a] FIG. 1 illustrates a deployment methodology for using a load reduction device according to the present invention to manage tension in securing a floating offshore platform via vertical mooring lines, with the mooring lines secured but not yet under tension. [Figure 24b] The mooring lines are pretensioned and the load reducing device is rotated to a horizontal orientation as shown in Figure 24a. [Figure 24c] The floating platform is shown at the lowest astronomical tide. [Figure 24d] The floating platform at the highest astronomical full hour is shown. [Figure 25a] 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a load relief device in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, incorporating a pair of springs to adjust the stiffness response of the device. [Figure 25b] 1 shows the load relief device partially rotated in response to an external load. [Figure 25c] 1 shows the load relief device rotated substantially fully to the orientation in which the spring is about to be compressed. [Figure 25d] 1 shows the load relief device rotated to the point where the pair of springs are compressed. [Figure 26a]1 illustrates a load-relieving platform according to one aspect of the present invention incorporating an integrated load-relieving device according to another aspect of the present invention, the platform being in a substantially unloaded state. [Figure 26b] 26b shows the offloading platform of FIG. 26b under load. [Figure 27a] 1 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a load-relieving platform in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, incorporating a pair of integrated load-relieving devices, in a substantially unloaded state. [Figure 27b] 27b shows the offloading platform of FIG. 27a under load. [Figure 28a] 1 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of a load reduction platform in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, incorporating a pair of integrated buoyant load reduction devices, in a substantially unloaded state. [Figure 28b] 28b shows the offloading platform of FIG. 28a under load. [Figure 29a] 10 illustrates a side view of a further alternative embodiment of a load relief device according to an aspect of the present invention, incorporating a passageway through the body of the device terminated at either end by a bend limiter. [Figure 29b] 29b shows a front view of the device shown in FIG. 29a. [Figure 29c] The device is shown in an open position to allow access to the entire length of the passageway. [Figure 29d] Shows a device with a cable or line passing through it and in a substantially unloaded state. [Figure 29e] The device shown in Figure 29d is under load and consequently undergoes rotation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0064] 1 and 2 illustrate a conventional mooring or station-keeping system for securing a floating platform P to the surface of a body of water S, the conventional mooring system including one or more mooring lines L secured between the platform P and anchors C located on the seabed or other supporting surface. FIG. 1 illustrates the conventional mooring system in a relatively unloaded condition, and therefore in the absence of significant environmental forces such as waves, wind, tides, etc., such that the mooring line(s) L are relatively slack and the platform P is subjected to only a baseline load via the mooring lines L.

[0065] 2 illustrates a conventional mooring system where environmental forces F act on platform P to displace it, resulting in taut mooring lines L restraining or restricting the movement of platform P. The types of undulating displacements caused by wind, waves, and other environmental forces impose large impulse loads on platform P via mooring lines L as they alternate between slack and taut states. These cyclical loads are particularly severe on associated components, and therefore the present invention was developed to provide an improved alternative to such conventional mooring systems.

[0066] 3 , a rotatable, buoyant marine transducer in accordance with the present invention is shown defining a load reduction apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, generally designated 10, for use in securing a floating platform P to a body of water S to resist displacement of the platform P induced by external environmental forces, and preferably to eliminate or attenuate the above-mentioned shock, peak, snatch, and / or fatigue loads that occur when using conventional moorings. Thus, a transducer in the form of load reduction apparatus 10 is operable to convert at least a portion of a substantially linear load or force applied to the platform P via an external environmental force into a force-biased rotation of the load reduction apparatus 10. In this manner, as will be described in more detail below, the load reduction apparatus 10 converts linear motion into rotational motion in order to dissipate forces acting on the platform P.

[0067] The load reduction device 10 of the present invention includes a body 12, which in the illustrated embodiment is elongated and cylindrical, the shape and dimensions of which may vary depending on the particular application, particularly the size and / or weight of the platform P to be secured, and / or the prevailing local environmental conditions. In an exemplary embodiment, the body 12 has a longitudinal length defined by a longitudinal axis LL of 20 meters and a diameter of 2 meters. The body 12 may be formed from any suitable material, such as steel, composite, plastic, concrete, or any other suitable material or combination of materials capable of withstanding the local environmental conditions over time. The body 12 defines a first end 14 and a second end 16, with a cylindrical sidewall 18 extending therebetween. The sidewall 18 is provided with first and second mooring connection points 20 and 22, which are preferably diametrically opposed but longitudinally spaced or offset from one another. The first and second mooring connection points 20, 22 may be of any suitable configuration capable of securing the respective mooring lines, as described in more detail below.

[0068] The location of one or both of the mooring connection points 20, 22 may be adjustable or adjustable longitudinally along the sidewall 18, also as described in more detail below, to change the separation or offset between the mooring connection points 20, 22, and thus, as described in more detail below, related to the stiffness response curve established by the body 12 in resisting and damping loads applied to the body 12. It should be understood that the mooring connection points 20, 22 may be located on the interior or exterior of the body's sidewall, and this longitudinal adjustability is intended to apply to such configurations as well. Similarly, the radial or lateral location of one or both of the mooring connection points 20, 22 may be adjustable or adjustable to further change the stiffness response curve of the load reduction device 10, particularly by changing the angle defined between the respective mooring connection points 20, 22 and the center of gravity (COG) and / or center of buoyancy (COB) of the body 12.

[0069] The load reduction device 10 is adapted to be placed in a body of water S and, when at rest or unloaded, to assume a first orientation with its longitudinal axis LL in a reference direction, which in this first embodiment is substantially vertical. While this can be achieved by any suitable means, in the preferred embodiment shown, the body 12 defines a first portion 24 extending from the first end 14 and having buoyancy, preferably provided by providing a buoyant material, such as air or foam, within the body 12, and a second portion 26 extending from the second end 16 and spaced longitudinally from the first portion 24, preferably provided by providing one or more weights disposed within the body 12. The buoyancy and weight of each of the first portion 24 and the second portion 26 are preferably adjustable, for example, by adding or subtracting buoyant and weighted material. Notably, weighted material or ballast may be added only after the device 10 has been deployed to facilitate transportation and installation.

[0070] By providing first and second portions 24, 26 longitudinally spaced from one another, preferably adjacent first and second ends 14, 16, respectively, body 12 tends to a first vertical orientation when located in a body of water S, as shown, for example, in FIG. 4, which also shows both mooring lines L1, L2 having optional stiff sections at their connections to body 12. The weight-to-buoyancy ratio of body 12 determines whether load reduction device 10 is neutrally buoyant, negatively buoyant, or positively buoyant. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, load reduction device 10 is neutrally buoyant and therefore tends to rest in an upright position below the water surface S.

[0071] The load reduction devices 10 are intended to form part of a load reduction system 50 comprising at least one load reduction device 10, a first mooring line L1 secured between the floating platform P and the body 12 via a first mooring connection point 20, and a second mooring line L2 secured between the body 12 and an anchor C via a second mooring connection point 22. Of course, it will be understood that the anchor C may be replaced by any other suitable functional alternative.

[0072] Turning now to FIG. 5 , when a load is applied to the load alleviation device 10 in response to an environmental force acting to displace the platform P, the first and second mooring lines L1, L2 are tensioned while the body 12 initially remains in a substantially vertical orientation. Thereafter, as a result of the longitudinal offset between the first and second mooring connection points 20, 22, the tension established by the opposing and offsetting forces acting on opposite sides of the body 12 effectively applies an overturning moment to the body 12, which acts to rotate the body 12 about, for example, a horizontally extending axis of rotation located between the first and second mooring connection points 20, 22. However, it will be appreciated that this axis of rotation may be located other than between the mooring connection points. Translation of the body 12 within the mooring spread may cause the body 12 to rotate about a different axis outside the mooring connection points. In semi-taut or catenary moorings, the body 12 translates when the load reduction device 10 is loaded and rotated to a horizontal orientation, so that the motion of the load reduction device 10 is rotational due to the torque coupling, but there is also a global translation of the device 10. As a result of these two motions, there can be a net rotation about an imaginary pivot axis that is outside the geometry of the device.

[0073] Environmental forces tending to rotate body 12 through tension applied through mooring lines L1, L2 are countered by the pair of forces generated by buoyant first portion 24 and weighted second portion 26, which together produce a self-righting moment on body 12. This self-righting or righting moment tends to displace body 12 toward a vertical position, thereby acting to resist forces generated by environmental conditions that displace floating platform P.

[0074] Thus, the load alleviation apparatus 10 and associated load alleviation system 50 act to maintain the position of the floating platform P within an acceptable excursion range and to dampen shock loads that might otherwise be imposed on the platform P when environmental forces displace the platform P. Figure 6 schematically illustrates the pair of forces that create a restoring moment on the body 12: the buoyant force B acting to rotate the first end 14 upward, and the weight-based force W acting to rotate the second end 16 downward. Figure 7 illustrates the load alleviation system 50 returned to a first, unloaded orientation with the body 12 positioned with the longitudinal axis LL oriented substantially vertical, maintaining the platform P in its intended position.

[0075] To enhance the above-described functions, body 12 may be shaped or otherwise modified to generate a maximum drag force when body 12 is displaced in one direction, i.e., from vertical toward or beyond horizontal, under the influence of environmental forces, and a minimum drag force when body 12 is displaced in the opposite direction, i.e., returning to a vertical position. In this manner, the drag force provides additional resistance to environmental forces.

[0076] 8 and 9, a second embodiment of a load reduction device in accordance with the present invention is shown and generally designated 110. In the second embodiment, like components are given like reference numerals and perform like functions unless otherwise noted. Load reduction device 110 includes a cylindrical body 112 having a first end 114 and an opposite second end 116, with a sidewall 118 extending therebetween. To provide the functionality described above with reference to the first embodiment, body 112 includes a first portion 124 extending from first end 114 and containing a buoyancy material, such as foam or air, therein, and a second portion 126 extending from second end 116 and containing a weight or ballast therein. Unlike the first embodiment, body 112, while cylindrical, has a graduated diameter, with first portion 124 having a significantly larger diameter than second portion 126 and both ends having larger diameters than the intermediate or connecting sections of sidewall 118.

[0077] In the second embodiment, the first tether connection point 120 is provided on the second portion 126 and the second tether connection point 122 is provided on the first portion 124. As in the first embodiment, the tether connection points 120, 122 are preferably diametrically opposed but longitudinally offset from one another. While the tether connection points 120, 122 are located on the side walls 118 of the second portion 126 and the first portion 124, respectively, it will be understood that the tether connection points 120, 122 may be moved individually or together to intermediate sections of the side walls 118 connecting the first and second portions 124, 126, or to any other suitable location relative to the body 112.

[0078] FIG. 9a shows a load reduction device 110 having first and second mooring lines L1, L2 secured thereto via first and second mooring connection points 120, 122, as described above. FIG. 9a shows the load reduction device 110 in an unloaded, and therefore vertical, orientation, while FIG. 9b shows the load reduction device 110 in a loaded and rotated orientation. Unlike the first embodiment, the mooring lines L1, L2 traverse over the body 112 such that each connection point is offset from its respective mooring line to the far side of the body 112, an arrangement that is important for controlling the stiffness response. The device 110 shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b is also modified from the device 110 of FIG. 8 by including one or more fairleads 60 extending outward from the sidewall 118 to change the point at which the load from each of the mooring lines L1, L2 acts on the body 112 when subjected to rotation, thereby altering the stiffness response of the load reduction device 110 to applied environmental loads. The fairlead 60 may be positioned so that contact is made progressively between the mooring lines and the fairlead 60 as the device 10 rotates, or so that contact is lost progressively between the mooring lines and the fairlead 60 as the device 10 rotates.

[0079] Figure 10 shows load reduction device 110 configured for neutral buoyancy, and Figure 11 shows load reduction device 110 configured for positive buoyancy to break the surface of body of water S. Device 110 has been modified from that shown in Figure 8 by locating the mooring connection points radially outward on the sidewall of the body to further change the stiffness response of device 110.

[0080] It will also be appreciated that more than one load reduction device 10; 110 may be provided, each connected to a respective anchor C, to properly secure the floating platform P, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. 13 illustrates one particular application of the load reduction device 10; 110, a floating wind turbine platform P. The load reduction device 10; 110 may also include two or more articulated sections (not shown), for example hinged to one another, to further manipulate the stiffness response curve to be generated. Furthermore, the shape of the body 12 may vary widely, and may be provided, for example, as a cruciform member including two buoyancy arms and two weighted arms, as shown in FIG. 15, or any other suitable configuration.

[0081] In any mooring system, in addition to the mooring preload, tidal and other currents, and wind loads impose background or baseline tensions on the mooring lines that are part of the mooring system. Baseline tensions acting on catenary, semi-taut, or taut moorings increase the stiffness response of the mooring system. As a result, subsequent wave or wind gust loads act on the stiff moorings, generating very high tension forces.

[0082] To address the above-mentioned problems, the load reduction device 10; 110 of the present invention preferably provides a nonlinear stiffness response curve when the body 12; 112 undergoes a rotation or other displacement from an unloaded state to a loaded state, as shown, for example, in FIG. 14. FIG. 14a illustrates a response curve when the first and second mooring connection points 20; 120, 22; 122 are longitudinally spaced or offset from one another by a set distance, e.g., 5 m. The response curve can be varied by adjusting the offset or longitudinal separation between the first and second mooring connection points 20; 120, 22; 122, as shown, for example, in FIG. 14c, where the distance or offset between the mooring connection points 20; 120, 22; 122 is changed. FIG. 14b illustrates the effect of varying the distance between the buoyant portion's COB and the weighted portion's COG. FIG. 14d illustrates the change in stiffness response curve when the first and second mooring connection points 20, 120, 22 and 122 are adjusted or moved radially or laterally outside or inside the body 12, 112 away from the longitudinal axis to adjust the angle between the COB, first and second mooring connection points and the COG of the body 12, 112.

[0083] FIG. 14e shows various stiffness response curves that can be achieved by varying the buoyancy and / or weight of the first portion 24;124 and second portion 26;126.

[0084] A nonlinear stiffness response, such as some of the response curves described above, is advantageous because a very stiff initial response ensures minimal elongation of the mooring lines under baseline preload, current or wind loads, after which the lower stiffness portion of the curve ensures a compliant response to load variations beyond the baseline, such as from waves.

[0085] Additionally, various modifications and variations are contemplated in the design and construction of the load reduction device of the present invention. For example, referring to Fig. 15, plan, elevation, and end views of a load reduction device according to the present invention are shown, having a substantially "X"-shaped body to facilitate, for example, large angle rotational displacement. Similarly, Fig. 16 shows plan, elevation, and end views of a substantially "Y"-shaped body, and Fig. 17 shows a substantially "X"-shaped body in which pairs of upper and lower projections or portions of the body are angled out of the main plane of the device.

[0086] 18 shows one embodiment of a load reduction device according to the invention, generally designated 210, with the connection end of each mooring line L1 and L2 provided as a rigid element or arm 230; 232 pivotally connected to the body 212 of the device 210, with the mooring connection points 220; 222 positioned so that the axis of rotation of the body 212 is at or near the center of rotation of the body 212. The device 210 is shown schematically and may have defined buoyant and weighted sections (not shown), for example, which may be appropriately dimensioned to provide the required levels of ballast and buoyancy as described above.

[0087] Figure 19 shows the load reduction device 210 of Figure 18, but with the mooring connection points 220; 222 adjusted along the body 212 so that the axis of rotation of the body 212 is at or near the body's center of buoyancy. Figure 20 shows the load reduction device 210 of Figure 18, but with the mooring connection points 220; 222 adjusted along the body 212 so that they are positioned toward the top of the body 212. Figure 21 shows the load reduction device 210, but with the connections of the mooring lines to the mooring connection points 220; 222 reversed, so that the mooring lines extend beyond the body 212 to the mooring connection points, causing rotation of the body 212 in the opposite direction from that described and shown in the previous configuration. The rigid connection of the mooring lines to the body 212 allows the mooring lines freedom to rotate about their axes on the body 212, preventing rotation about the longitudinal axis of the device or wear on the mooring line connections.

[0088] 22, the load reduction device 210 is shown at various stages of a particular deployment method. Note that the first or buoyant portion 224 and the second or weighted portion 226 of the body 212 have been enlarged relative to the schematics of FIGS. 18-21 to more accurately reflect the characteristics necessary to provide the required load reduction function through the force-biased rotation of the body 212 under the buoyant and weighted forces acting thereon to resist the force-biased rotation.

[0089] In Figure 22a it can be seen that the load reduction apparatus 210 is positioned adjacent to a floating offshore platform P but is initially not connected to the platform P, with a first mooring line L1 left hanging freely from the apparatus 210. Once in position adjacent to the platform P, the apparatus 210 is anchored to the seabed via a second mooring line L2, as described in detail above. A weighted portion 226 of the apparatus 210 is tethered to a surface buoy B or any other suitable vessel.

[0090] Figure 22b shows the next important step in the deployment method, in which weighted section 226 is pulled upward via its connection to buoy B or other vessel, and device 210 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction. At this stage, the device is said to be in an unbalanced, or unstable, state, but is maintained in this state by its connection to the buoy.

[0091] Figure 22c shows the device 210 rotated to a substantially horizontal orientation and held in this position by its connection to buoy B. In Figure 22d, the device is connected to platform P via first mooring lines L1 while still tethered to the buoy so as to ensure that the first mooring lines are substantially free of tension during connection to platform P. Figure 22e shows the arrangement after connection to platform P is complete.

[0092] Figure 22f shows that weighted portion 226 is lowered back down by letting out line from buoy B or another vessel, causing the device to rotate towards a stable orientation, i.e., equilibrium, and thus begin to tension mooring lines L1 and L2. Figure 22g shows the device 10 fully rotated to a substantially vertical orientation, but with buoy B still connected, and Figure 22h shows the device 10 with buoy B disconnected and load reduction device 210 securing platform P as previously described.

[0093] 23, load reduction device 210 is shown at various stages of an alternative deployment methodology. To facilitate this deployment methodology, a first or buoyant portion and a second or weighted portion of device 210 are hollow and are fillable with buoyancy and ballast, respectively, as described below, effectively defining ballast tanks and buoyancy tanks, respectively.

[0094] Thus, referring to FIG. 23a, the load reduction device 210 is positioned adjacent to a floating offshore platform P but is initially not connected to the platform P, with the first mooring line L1 remaining freely hanging from the device 210. Once in position adjacent to the platform P, the device 210 is anchored to the seabed via the second mooring line L2 as detailed above. Because the second or weighted portion of the device 210 is hollow and empty, the first or buoyant portion 224 may be filled with air or partially filled with water to achieve a desired orientation of the device 210, which for this deployment methodology is preferably substantially horizontal as shown.

[0095] Figure 23b shows the device 210 connected to the platform P via a first mooring line L1, which remains substantially tension-free due to the horizontal orientation of the device 210. Figure 23c shows the completed connection to the platform P.

[0096] Figure 23d shows a vessel V positioned adjacent to the platform P and above the apparatus 210, and Figure 23e shows that a ballast line M is connected between a ballast tank (not shown) on the vessel V and the second part 226, and a buoyancy line N is connected between a buoyancy tank or air source (not shown) on the vessel V and the first part 224 of the apparatus 210.

[0097] In FIG. 23f, ballast is pumped into second portion 226 to increase its weight, while air is pumped into or water is pumped out of first portion 224 to increase its buoyancy. This results in the aforementioned force pair acting to rotate device 210 in a clockwise direction relative to the orientation shown in FIG. 23e. FIG. 23g shows the device after ballast and buoyancy pumping is complete, but with lines M and N still connected, and FIG. 23h shows the lines disconnected, rendering device 210 fully operable for mooring platform P. Rather than pumping ballast and / or buoyancy into body 212, it is also contemplated that ballast blocks (not shown) and / or buoyancy blocks may be added to body 212 after it has been placed in the body of water adjacent to platform P. Accordingly, it is understood that the terms "ballast tank" and "buoyancy tank" should be interpreted to encompass such arrangements, where no actual tank or enclosure is required.

[0098] 24, load reducing devices 210 are illustrated in various stages of deployment and operation in mooring an offshore platform P with substantially vertical mooring lines L1 and L2 to accommodate tidal fluctuations in water level while maintaining relatively consistent tension in the mooring lines. In the illustrated method, two or more, typically three or four, devices 210 are employed along with corresponding mooring lines L1 and L2.

[0099] In Figure 24a, the device 210 is initially installed in a substantially vertical orientation with very low or negligible tension in the mooring lines L1 and L2. The mooring lines L1 and L2 are then pre-tensioned by any suitable conventional means, for example winches located on the platform P, causing the device to rotate to a horizontal orientation against the bias of the force pairs.

[0100] The load reduction device 210 is configured or adjusted, as described above, to have a stiffness curve that allows the device 210 to rotate in response to tidal fluctuations while minimizing changes in tension in the mooring lines L1 and L2. FIG. 24c shows the platform at lowest astronomical tide with the device 210 rotated to a horizontal orientation, and FIG. 24d shows the platform at highest astronomical tide with the device 210 rotated above horizontal, effectively increasing the total length of lines L1 and L2 to accommodate tidal fluctuations and thereby avoiding significant changes in tension. Of course, it will be understood that the horizontal orientation is used here merely as an illustration of the relative position of the device 210 between the two extremes of tidal level. Additionally, the device 210 responds to environmental loads as described above to reduce tension and / or peak and / or fatigue loads in the mooring lines.

[0101] FIG. 25 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a buoyant, rotatable ocean transducer embodying a load reduction device, generally designated 310. In this alternative embodiment, like components are given like reference numerals and, unless otherwise noted, perform like functions. Device 210 comprises a buoyant body having a first buoyant portion 324 and a second weighted portion 326 spaced apart from one another. The device further comprises first and second arms 330 and 332 pivotally attached to body 312 for connecting first and second mooring lines, as previously described. Unlike the previous embodiment, device 310 further comprises first and second springs 340 and 342, the first spring attached across weighted portion 326 and the second spring attached across buoyant portion 324. It will be understood that the location, type, and arrangement of springs 340 and 342 can be varied while retaining their desired functionality, and device 310 merely illustrates one possible configuration. It will also be understood that a single spring could be employed, or that more than the two springs shown could be employed. It should also be understood that an end stop or bumper (not shown) could be provided in place of or in combination with a spring to limit the range of rotational motion, and therefore extension, that device 310 can undergo, in addition to limiting clockwise rotation. The use of the term "spring" is intended to encompass such end stops or other deformable elements, whether alone or in combination with another spring.

[0102] As described below, the springs 340 / 340 are operable to gradually change the stiffness response of the device 310, effectively allowing for further stages of stiffness response than those described above with reference to the nonlinear stiffness response curve. Figure 25a shows the device 310 in a substantially vertical, and therefore unloaded, state. Figure 25b shows the device 310 under load and subjected to a certain amount of rotational displacement. Figure 25c illustrates this progression of rotation, with the pair of arms 330 / 332 having rotated relative to the body 312 to such an extent that they approach their respective springs 340 / 342 and / or end stops (not shown). Finally, Figure 25d illustrates the device having undergone sufficient rotation that the arms 330 / 332 contact and compress the springs 340 / 342. The compression of the springs 340 / 342 serves to control the stiffness response of this final stage of the body's rotation.

[0103] Turning to FIG. 26a, an offshore platform P1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown incorporating a buoyant, rotatable marine transducer in the form of a load reduction device 410 integrated with the platform P1. The load reduction device 410 operates in essentially the same manner as previously described, comprising a body 412 defining a buoyant portion 424 and a weighted portion 426, and a pair of mooring connection points 420, 422. However, unlike the previous embodiment, the first mooring connection point defines a direct connection to the platform P1 about which the body 12 can rotate. The second mooring connection point has a second arm 432 pivotally connected thereto from which extends a second mooring line L2, which may be anchored or otherwise secured as previously described. It is also envisioned that the platform P1 may not include the rigid second arm 432, and the mooring line L2 may be directly connected to the mooring connection point 422.

[0104] In the absence of significant environmental loads, and as shown in Figure 26a, the body assumes a substantially vertical orientation under the influence of the force pair generated by the buoyant portion 424 and the weighted portion 426. However, as shown in Figure 26b, when external environmental forces, such as wind, waves, tides, etc., act on the platform P1, the device 410 undergoes a rotation against the action of the force pair to reduce the load on the platform P1 by converting a portion of the load into a rotational displacement of the device 410.

[0105] Although platform P1 is shown with a single integrated load-relieving device 410, it should be understood that second or additional devices 410 may be provided as part of platform P1.

[0106] 27a and 27b, a similar arrangement is shown where platform P2 is provided with a buoyant, rotatable ocean transducer in the form of a load-reducing device 510 integrated with platform P2. Unlike platform P1, load-reducing device 510 does not include a buoyant portion, but instead relies solely on a weighted portion 526, such that the force acting against external environmental forces is generated solely by the resistance of the weighted portion to rotation of device 510. It will be appreciated that, similar to platform P1, a second or additional device 510 may be provided as part of platform P2.

[0107] 28a and 28b show a further embodiment of an offshore platform P3 according to an aspect of the present invention, incorporating a pair of buoyant, rotatable ocean transducers in the form of load-reducing devices 610 integrated with the platform P3. The configuration of devices 610 is essentially the inverse of devices 510 on platform P2, whereby each load-reducing device 610 does not include a weighted portion, but instead relies solely on a buoyant portion, such that the force acting against external environmental forces is generated solely by the buoyant portion's resistance to rotation of device 510. Thus, the arrangement of platform P3 and devices 610 must ensure that buoyant portion 624 is substantially submerged, and in the illustrated embodiment, two buoyant portions actually provide a significant amount of the buoyancy and displacement required to float the entire platform P3.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 29 , a further alternative embodiment of a buoyant, rotatable marine transducer embodying a load reduction device, generally designated 710, is provided. In this alternative embodiment, like components are given like reference numerals and, unless otherwise noted, perform like functions. The device 710 comprises a buoyant body 712 having a first buoyant portion 724 and a second weighted portion 726 defining longitudinally opposite ends of the body. The body 712 defines a passageway 760 that extends substantially longitudinally through the body but laterally through the body 712 to effectively define a first mooring connection point 720 and a second mooring connection point 722, allowing a single length of line to pass through the passageway 760 to define a first mooring line L1 on one side of the body and a second mooring line L2 on the other side of the body 712. The line may be a power cable, wire rope, chain, or the like. The device 710 preferably incorporates a first bend limiter 762 defining the first mooring connection point 720 and a second bend limiter 764 defining the second mooring connection point 722 to prevent damage to the line. The body 712 may be formed as a pair of separable sections or halves, as shown in FIG. 29c, to allow the device to be clamped around an existing cable or line. The load reducing device of this particular design avoids snatch loads on the cable and maintains curvature within acceptable limits, which can be important in certain applications.

[0109] The load reduction device of the present invention may be modular in structure for ease of manufacture, transportation, and / or installation and retrieval. The body of the device may be shaped and dimensioned to increase or decrease inertial loads, such as by entraining water during rotation. The body may be provided with multiple mooring connection points for different responses. The body may include only ballast or, conversely, only buoyancy. The load reduction device may be adapted to enable dynamic and / or autonomous control of ballast level, buoyancy, or mooring connection point position, such as in response to large waves or other environmental information, such as weather forecasts, which may be monitored by providing one or more sensors and / or receivers within the load reduction device. The load reduction device may also include some form of energy capture takeoff system (not shown) to harness power from environmental forces acting thereon, for example, to power one or more onboard systems, such as the adaptive ballast or buoyancy described above. It should also be appreciated that the load reduction device of the present invention may be used in combination with or as a sub-component within a mooring system comprising other components, for example in an overall mooring configuration in which multiple load reduction means are utilized.

[0110] It will thus be appreciated that the buoyant, rotatable marine transducers embodying the load alleviation devices 10, 110; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610; 710 and related load alleviation systems provide a simple yet highly effective means of converting one form of energy or motion to another. This functionality facilitates marine applications such as anchoring and damping severe environmentally induced forces on platforms or other structures, and allows the stiffness response curve to be tailored or adjusted in many ways to provide desired load handling performance.

[0111] Also, while the above embodiments utilize the buoyant, rotatable marine transducer as a load-relief device, it should be understood that other applications are possible. In particular, the rotatable, buoyant marine transducer of the present invention can be used as a sensor system (not shown) that includes one or more sensors on or within the body of the transducer and is operable to obtain data regarding various parameters or characteristics of the surrounding environment, such as temperature, pressure, orientation, forces acting on the body, etc. Such sensors are conventional in form and operation and need not be described in detail herein. The sensor system preferably includes a transmitter that allows data to be transmitted from the transducer, wirelessly or otherwise.

[0112] The sensor system may preferably include an energy capture take-off system operable to convert rotational displacement of the body as described above into electrical energy for powering the various sensors, transducers and associated electrical components. In this way, the sensor system is capable of long-term operation, which is an important advantage in a marine environment.

Claims

1. 1. A buoyant, rotatable marine transducer comprising: a rigid body adapted to be at least partially submerged in a body of water and to assume a first orientation when unloaded, wherein in the first orientation a longitudinal axis of the body is disposed in a reference orientation; and first and second mooring connection points comprising rigid arms, at least one of which is pivotally connected to the body, wherein the first and second mooring connection points are positioned such that respective loads applied to the body via the first and second mooring connection points act off-axis relative to the longitudinal axis, the first and second mooring connection points are positioned opposite but longitudinally offset from one another and are located intermediate the first and second free ends of the body and on the interior of the body, the body being adapted to undergo a rotational displacement when a load is applied to the body via the first and second mooring connection points and to return to the first orientation when the load is removed, the body comprising a buoyant portion and a weighted portion that are longitudinally spaced apart and rigidly connected to one another to establish a force pair that together act to return the body to the first orientation.

2. 10. The buoyant rotatable ocean transducer of claim 1, wherein the body is shaped to maximize and / or control drag during displacement of the body due to an applied load effect.

3. A buoyant rotatable marine transducer according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the body is shaped to minimize and / or control drag during return of the body to the first orientation.

4. A buoyant rotatable marine transducer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the body is adapted to undergo rotational displacement about an axis of rotation extending through a point within or outside the body.

5. 5. A buoyant rotatable marine transducer according to any preceding claim, wherein the second mooring connection point is positioned such that loads applied to the body via the second mooring connection point act off-axis from the longitudinal axis.

6. A buoyant rotatable marine transducer according to any preceding claim, wherein the position of at least the first mooring connection point on the body is adjustable.

7. A buoyant rotatable marine transducer according to claim 6 , wherein the position of the first mooring connection point is adjustable longitudinally and / or radially of the body.

8. A buoyant rotatable marine transducer according to any preceding claim, wherein the position of the second mooring attachment point on the body is adjustable.

9. A buoyant rotatable marine transducer according to claim 8 , wherein the position of the second mooring connection point is adjustable longitudinally and / or radially of the body.

10. A buoyant rotatable marine transducer according to any preceding claim, wherein the location of at least the first mooring attachment point is longitudinally spaced from the centre of gravity of the body.

11. A buoyant rotatable marine transducer according to any preceding claim, wherein the location of at least the first mooring attachment point is longitudinally spaced from the centre of buoyancy of the body.

12. A buoyant rotatable marine transducer according to any preceding claim, wherein the location of the second mooring attachment point is longitudinally spaced from the centre of gravity of the body.

13. A buoyant rotatable marine transducer according to any preceding claim, wherein the location of the second mooring attachment point is longitudinally spaced from the centre of buoyancy of the body.

14. 14. A buoyant rotatable marine transducer according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second mooring attachment points, the centre of gravity of the body and the centre of buoyancy of the body are arranged in a linear array.

15. A buoyant rotatable marine transducer according to any preceding claim, wherein the body is neutrally buoyant.

16. A buoyant rotatable marine transducer according to any preceding claim, wherein the body is positively buoyant.

17. A buoyant rotatable marine transducer according to any preceding claim, wherein the body is negatively buoyant.

18. A buoyant rotatable marine transducer according to any preceding claim, wherein the buoyancy of the body is adjustable.

19. A buoyant rotatable marine transducer according to any preceding claim, comprising an energy capture take-off system.

20. 20. A buoyant rotatable marine transducer as described in claim 19, wherein the energy capture takeoff system is operable to generate electrical energy in response to rotation of the body.

21. 21. A buoyant rotatable marine transducer according to claim 20, wherein the electrical energy is supplied to one or more electrically powered components provided within or on the marine transducer.

22. A buoyant, rotatable ocean transducer according to any preceding claim, comprising one or more sensors.

23. 23. A buoyant, rotatable ocean transducer according to claim 22, comprising a transmitter operable to wirelessly transmit data obtained from the one or more sensors.

24. A buoyant rotatable marine transducer according to any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises two or more sections.

25. 25. A buoyant rotatable marine transducer according to claim 24, wherein at least one of the body sections articulates relative to another body section.

26. A buoyant rotatable marine transducer according to any preceding claim, comprising one or more springs arranged to compress in response to rotation of the body.

27. A buoyant rotatable marine transducer according to any preceding claim, wherein the body defines a passageway extending between the first mooring attachment point and the second mooring attachment point.

28. 28. A buoyant rotatable marine transducer as described in claim 27, wherein one or both ends of the passageway terminate in a bend restrictor.

29. 29. A buoyant rotatable marine transducer according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the body is openable and closable to allow external access to the entire length of the passageway.

30. 24. A buoyant rotatable marine transducer as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 23, wherein the position of one or more of the mooring attachment points, and / or the level or position of ballast within the body, and / or the level or position of buoyancy of the body, is dynamically controllable autonomously and / or in response to signals from one or more of the sensors and / or in response to external information.

31. 31. A load reduction device for reducing or managing loads or tensions on mooring lines securing a floating platform, the load reduction device comprising a buoyant rotatable marine transducer according to any one of claims 1 to 30.

32. 31. A load reduction system for securing a floating structure, the load reduction system comprising at least one buoyant rotatable marine transducer according to any one of claims 1 to 30, a first mooring line connected between the floating structure and a body of the buoyant rotatable marine transducer, and a second mooring line connected between the body of the buoyant rotatable marine transducer and an anchor.

33. 31. A floating platform having integrally formed therewith at least one buoyant rotatable ocean transducer according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the rotatable buoyant ocean transducer is rotatably attached to the platform at one of the first mooring connection point and the second mooring connection point.

34. 34. A floating platform as described in claim 33, wherein the rotatable buoyant ocean transducer body comprises a buoyant portion above a mooring point at which the body is rotatably attached to the platform and / or a weighted portion below a mooring point at which the body is rotatably attached to the platform.

35. 35. A floating platform as claimed in claim 33 or 34, wherein the body of the at least one rotatable buoyant ocean transducer has an effective amount of buoyancy required to float the floating platform.

36. A sensor system comprising at least one rotatable buoyant ocean transducer according to any one of claims 1 to 30.

37. 31. A method of mooring a floating platform, comprising the steps of: fixing one or more rotatable, buoyant marine transducers according to any one of claims 1 to 30 to the floating platform via one of the first mooring connection points and the second mooring connection points; and anchoring the at least one rotatable, buoyant marine transducer via another one of the mooring connection points.

38. 38. A mooring method as described in claim 37, comprising the steps of temporarily securing the body in a rotated off-equilibrium orientation prior to securing to the floating platform; securing the body to the floating platform under low line tension; and releasing the body from the off-equilibrium orientation.

39. 39. A mooring method as described in claim 37 or 38, wherein the body of the one or more rotatable, buoyant ocean transducers comprises ballast tanks defining a weighted portion of the body and buoyancy tanks defining a buoyant portion of the body, the method comprising the steps of: positioning the one or more rotatable, buoyant ocean transducers in an unballasted state and with their buoyancy tanks at least partially filled with air or water in a body of water at or adjacent to a deployment site; anchoring the at least one rotatable, buoyant ocean transducer via one of the mooring connection points; securing the one or more rotatable, buoyant ocean transducers to the floating platform via the other of the mooring connection points; transferring ballast to the ballast tanks; and transferring water from the buoyancy tanks or air to the buoyancy tanks.

40. 39. A mooring method as described in claim 37 or 38, wherein the body of each of the one or more rotatable buoyant marine transducers is fixed so that mooring lines extending between an anchor and the body and mooring lines extending between the body and the floating platform extend vertically, respectively.

41. 41. A mooring method as described in claim 40, including adjusting the stiffness curve of the at least one rotatable, buoyant ocean transducer so that a body of the rotatable, buoyant ocean transducer rotates in response to tidal changes and line tension between the rotatable, buoyant ocean transducer and the floating platform remains constant.

Images