Launching system and launching method

Abstract

We provide a launching system that can accommodate larger floating foundations. [Solution] A launching system 1 for launching a floating foundation 20, comprising a barge 50 on which the floating foundation 20 is placed, wherein the barge 50 tilts its hull 51 with the floating foundation 20 on it to launch the floating foundation 20.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an intake system and an intake method.

Background Art

[0002] Technological development for installing an offshore wind turbine at sea is underway. To install an offshore wind turbine at sea, first, it is necessary to float and place the foundation of the offshore wind turbine at sea. The foundations of offshore wind turbines include forms such as floating foundations, monopile foundations, and jacket foundations. Among these, a floating foundation is fabricated in a yard dock facility and then moved from the yard dock facility to the sea for floating.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses building a floating foundation by laying it horizontally on a gantry that has been laid horizontally in a yard dock facility, loading the floating foundation together with the gantry onto a barge, and moving the barge out of the yard dock facility.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, Patent Document 1 had room for improvement in coping with the enlargement of floating foundations.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an intake system and an intake method capable of coping with the enlargement of floating foundations.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A launching system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a launching system for launching a floating foundation, comprising a barge on which the floating foundation is placed, wherein the barge tilts its hull while the floating foundation is placed on it to launch the floating foundation.

[0008] A launching method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a launching method for launching a floating foundation, characterized by comprising an inclined step for launching the floating foundation by tilting the hull of the barge while the floating foundation is placed on the barge. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, a launching system and launching method can be provided that can accommodate the scaling up of floating foundations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows an offshore wind turbine 10 to which the launching system 1 according to the embodiment is applied, and (a) is a schematic diagram of the offshore wind turbine 10, and (b) is a side view of the floating foundation 20. [Figure 2] This diagram shows a barge 50 for launching a floating foundation 20 into the sea W, and includes (a) a plan view, (b) a side view, and (c) a front view. [Figure 3] This figure shows the curved surface 66 of the skid rail 65. [Figure 4] This figure shows the curved surface 27 of the brace 22. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing the elastic support frame 28. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating the launching method S according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing the launching method S according to the embodiment in step order. [Figure 8] This is a graph showing the inclination angle of barge 50. [Figure 9] This graph shows the movement speed of the floating foundation 20. [Figure 10] This graph shows the vertical load on barge 50. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] A launching system and launching method according to one embodiment of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] (Floating foundation 20) Figure 1 shows an offshore wind turbine 10 to which the launching system 1 according to the embodiment is applied, and (a) is a schematic diagram of the offshore wind turbine 10, and (b) is a side view of the floating foundation 20. As shown in Figure 1(a), the offshore wind turbine 10 is positioned at sea. The offshore wind turbine 10 comprises multiple blades 11, a hub 12, a nacelle 13, a tower 14, and the like. Multiple blades 11 are attached to a hub 12. When wind is applied, the multiple blades 11 rotate around the hub 12. A nacelle 13 is located at the top of the tower 14. A generator is installed inside the nacelle 13. The offshore wind turbine 10 generates electricity by transmitting the rotation of the blades 11 to the generator. The electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine 10 is transmitted to other offshore wind turbines or land-based power plants via a submarine cable (not shown) connected to the offshore wind turbine 10.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1(a), the offshore wind turbine 10 is supported by a floating foundation 20. The floating foundation 20 is a foundation that floats on the sea W and is moored by a wire 28 connected to the seabed. The wire 28 may be a chain or fiber rope. A tower 14 is connected to the floating foundation 20, and the offshore wind turbine 10 is supported on the sea surface W by the buoyancy acting on the floating foundation 20.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1(b), the floating foundation 20 is of the submersible type. The submersible floating foundation 20 has, for example, a triangular shape in plan view. The shape of the floating foundation 20 in plan view may be other shapes, such as a roughly rectangular shape. The floating foundation 20 has a center column 21 disposed at the center, and three braces 22 extending radially in three directions from the base end of the center column 21. The three braces 22 are arranged at intervals of, for example, approximately 120 degrees in plan view. The floating foundation 20 may include a side column 25 erected from the tip of the brace 22.

[0015] The floating foundation 20 has a weight of, for example, 3,600 t and lengths in the X and Y directions of approximately 100 m. After being manufactured at the yard facility Y, the floating foundation 20 is placed on the barge 50 and then launched from the barge 50 into the sea W (above water). In the following description, among the horizontal directions, the direction along the quay wall of the yard facility Y is referred to as the Y direction or the width direction, and the direction orthogonal to the quay wall of the yard facility Y is referred to as the X direction or the front-rear direction. Among the X directions, the direction in which the floating foundation 20 is launched is referred to as the +X direction or the launch direction. The opposite direction to the direction in which the floating foundation 20 is launched is referred to as the -X direction.

[0016] (Launching System 1) The launching system 1 is a system for launching the floating foundation 20 manufactured at the yard facility Y built on the coast or the like into the sea W, and includes a barge 50, a propulsion device 70, a towing vessel 80, and a winch 90.

[0017] (Barge 50) FIG. 2 is a view showing the barge 50 for launching the floating foundation 20 into the sea W, and is (a) a plan view, (b) a side view, and (c) a front view. The barge 50 is a structure floating on the sea and is used for launching the floating foundation 20. The barge 50 is moored to the quay wall of the yard facility Y, and after placing the floating foundation 20 thereon, launches the floating foundation 20 into the sea W. The barge 50 has a hull 51 that is substantially rectangular in plan view, and the floating foundation 20 is placed on the deck 52 which is the upper surface thereof. The overall length (length in the X direction) and overall width (length in the Y direction) of the barge 50 are approximately 100 m, which is slightly longer than the overall length and overall width of the floating foundation 20. The height of the barge 50 is approximately 10 m. In barge 50, the part closest to the seawall of yard facility Y is called the bow, and the part furthest from yard facility Y is called the stern. The water depth near the quay of yard facility Y is approximately 10-15 meters.

[0018] The barge 50 has multiple ballast chambers (not shown) inside its hull 51. The barge 50 can control the attitude of its hull 51 by adding and removing seawater (ballast water) from the ballast chambers. The barge 50 can maintain the hull 51 horizontally or tilt it. In an unloaded state (without the floating foundation 20 installed), the barge 50 can tilt the attitude of its hull 51 (fore-aft tilt angle) to, for example, about 5 to 10 degrees. The barge 50 maintains the hull 51 horizontally when installing the floating foundation 20, and tilts the hull 51 when launching the floating foundation 20.

[0019] Barge 50 consists of multiple (for example, three) auxiliary barges 60L, 60C, and 60R, each having a long, roughly rectangular hull. These three auxiliary barges 60L, 60C, and 60R have substantially identical hulls. The three auxiliary barges 60L, 60C, and 60R extend in a direction perpendicular to the quay wall of yard facility Y (X direction). In other words, the floating foundations 20 of the auxiliary barges 60L, 60C, and 60R extend from yard facility Y to sea W along the launching direction (X direction). In addition, the auxiliary barges 60L, 60C, and 60R are arranged at intervals along the direction parallel to the quay wall of yard facility Y (Y direction). In other words, the auxiliary barges 60L, 60C, and 60R are arranged in parallel along the floating foundations 20 in a direction perpendicular to the launching direction (Y direction) from yard facility Y to sea W.

[0020] The auxiliary barges 60L, 60C, and 60R are connected by connecting members 63. Specifically, multiple connecting members 63 are placed between adjacent auxiliary barges 60C and 60L, and between adjacent auxiliary barges 60C and 60R. The auxiliary barges 60L, 60C, and 60R are connected to each other to form a single barge 50 (hull 51). Also, the decks 62L, 62C, and 62R of the auxiliary barges 60L, 60C, and 60R are aligned flat (symmetrical) to form a single deck 52.

[0021] Of the auxiliary barges 60L, 60C, and 60R, the auxiliary barge 60C, which is positioned in the center in the width direction (Y direction), has the center column 21 of the floating foundation 20 placed on it. One of the three braces 22 (brace 22A) is placed on the auxiliary barge 60C. If the floating foundation 20 has three side columns 25, the side column 25A, which is positioned at the tip of brace 22A, is also placed on the auxiliary barge 60C. One of the three braces 22 (brace 22B) is mounted on the auxiliary barge 60L, which is located on the left side (i.e., port side) facing the bow. If the floating foundation 20 has three side columns 25, the side column 25B, which is located at the tip of brace 22B, is also mounted on the auxiliary barge 60L. One of the three braces 22 (brace 22C) is mounted on the secondary barge 60R, which is located on the right side (i.e., starboard) facing the bow. If the floating foundation 20 has three side columns 25, the side column 25C, which is located at the tip of brace 22C, is also mounted on the secondary barge 60L.

[0022] Multiple skid rails 65 supporting the floating foundation 20 are provided on the deck 52 of the barge 50. There are, for example, six skid rails 65, and two skid rails 65 are provided on the decks 62L, 62C, and 62R of each of the auxiliary barges 60L, 60C, and 60R. The skid rail 65 extends from the yard facility Y to the sea W along the launching direction (X direction) via a floating foundation 20. The skid rail 65 extends along the entire length of the barge 50. In other words, the skid rail 65 extends from the bow to the stern of the barge 50.

[0023] The two skid rails 65C positioned on the auxiliary barge 60C support the center column 21 and brace 22A of the floating foundation 20. They also support the side column 25A. The two skid rails 65L positioned on the secondary barge 60L support the braces 22B of the floating foundation 20, and also support the side columns 25B. The two skid rails 65R positioned on the secondary barge 60R support the braces 22C of the floating foundation 20, and also support the side columns 25C. The skid rail 65 supports the floating foundation 20 and allows the floating foundation 20 to slide (free slide) along its extension direction (X direction). In other words, when the floating foundation 20 is launched from the barge 50 into the sea W, the floating foundation 20 moves along the skid rail 65.

[0024] The skid rails 65 are arranged with gaps between them in the Y direction. The distance between a pair of skid rails 65 in the Y direction on each sub-barrel 60R, 60C, and 60L is wider than the overall width of the multi-axle bogie. The reason for setting the spacing of the skid rails 65 in the Y direction in this way is to load the floating foundation 20 onto multiple multi-axle trolleys and transport them onto the barge 50. The multi-axle trolleys are self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) with many wheels and are equipped with a lifting mechanism (jacks) on their bodies. The multiple multi-axle trolleys, loaded with the floating foundation 20 which is mounted on a frame (not shown), are transferred from the yard facility Y onto the deck 52 of the barge 50. At this time, the multiple multi-axle trolleys move between the skid rails 65. Then, the multiple multi-axle trolleys move to the designated positions on deck 52, transfer the floating foundation 20 onto the skid rails 65, and then return from barge 50 to yard facility Y. The floating foundation 20 is transported onto the barge 50 with three braces 22, with braces 22B and 22C facing the +X direction (stern side of the barge 50) and brace 22A facing the -X direction (bow side of the barge 50). In this way, the floating foundation 20 is transported onto the barge 50 using multiple multi-axle trolleys.

[0025] Figure 3 shows the curved surface 66 of the skid rail 65. The stern end of the skid rail 65 may be formed in a curved shape that rounds downwards. In other words, the skid rail 65 may have a curved surface 66 that curves downwards at the upper corner of the end in the launching direction (+X direction). This curved surface 66 is for the purpose of smoothly separating the end of the floating foundation 20 in the -X direction (the tip of the brace 22A) from the barge 50 when the floating foundation 20 is launched from the barge 50 into the sea W. In other words, the curved surface 66 of the skid rail 65 prevents the tip of the brace 22A of the floating foundation 20 from getting caught on the stern of the barge 50 or being damaged by interference with the stern when it hits the sea W. It also prevents the tip of the brace 22A of the floating foundation 20 from hitting the sea W, thereby avoiding load concentration on the brace 22A. Furthermore, the curved surface 66 is not limited to a rounded curved shape, but may also be a straight slope that slopes downwards.

[0026] The skid rail 65 may be equipped with a propulsion device 70 that propels the floating foundation 20 in the launching direction (see Figure 7(b)). The propulsion device 70 is a device that provides thrust to the floating foundation 20 in the launching direction when the floating foundation 20 slides along the skid rail 65. The propulsion device 70 is positioned on the skid rail 65 and moves along the skid rail 65 from the bow side (-X direction side) to the stern side (+X direction side). At this time, it presses against the -X end of the floating foundation 20 (the tip of the brace 22A), propelling the floating foundation 20 in the launching direction. The propulsion device 70 may be hydraulic, pneumatic, steam, or electromagnetic. In the launching system 1, when launching the floating foundation 20, the hull 51 of the barge 50 is tilted to slide the floating foundation 20 along the skid rail 65. The propulsion device 70 provides thrust to the floating foundation 20 in the launching direction, assisting it to slide freely along the skid rail 65. As a result, even if the frictional resistance (static friction) between the floating foundation 20 and the skid rail 65 is large, the floating foundation 20 can slide smoothly along the skid rail 65 without further tilting the hull 51 of the barge 50.

[0027] Furthermore, the propulsion device 70 may propel the floating foundation 20 not only during the initial stages of sliding, but also until the floating foundation 20 hits the water and completely separates from the barge 50. When the center column 21 and braces 22B and C of the floating foundation 20 hit the water, the sliding of the floating foundation 20 slows down, and it may take time to fully launch the floating foundation 20. Therefore, the propulsion device 70 propels the floating foundation 20 until the brace 22A hits the water (the floating foundation 20 separates from the barge 50). This shortens the time it takes to fully launch the floating foundation 20 and makes the launching operation of the floating foundation 20 more efficient. Furthermore, when the floating foundation 20 completely separates from the barge 50, the barge 50 will swing violently, so workers should be evacuated from the deck 52 in advance. In addition, to avoid the propulsion system 70 being submerged, it is preferable to move the propulsion system 70 toward the stern before the floating foundation 20 completely separates from the barge 50.

[0028] Figure 4 shows the curved surface 27 of the brace 22. To ensure smooth launching of the floating foundation 20 from the barge 50 into the sea W, a curved surface 27 that curves upward may be provided at the lower corner of the tip (-X direction end) of the brace 22A of the floating foundation 20. In other words, the tip of the brace 22 may be formed into a curved shape that rounds upward. This curved surface 27, similar to the curved surface 66 of the skid rail 65, is intended to smoothly separate the -X direction end (tip of the brace 22A) of the floating foundation 20 from the barge 50 when the floating foundation 20 is launched from the barge 50 into the sea W. This prevents the floating foundation 20 from getting caught on the stern of the barge 50 or being damaged by interference with the stern when the floating foundation 20 is launched from the barge 50 into the sea W. Furthermore, when the tip of the brace 22A of the floating foundation 20 lands on the sea W, it can be smoothly separated from the barge 50, thereby avoiding load concentration on the brace 22A. Furthermore, the curved surface 27 is not limited to a rounded curved shape; it may also be a straight slope that points upwards.

[0029] Figure 5 shows the elastic support frame 28. Furthermore, in order to smoothly launch the floating foundation 20 from the barge 50 into the sea W, multiple elastic supports 28 may be attached to the bottom surface of the brace 22 of the floating foundation 20. The elastic supports 28 are provided to buffer and distribute the load applied to the brace 22 during launching. When the floating foundation 20 is launched from the barge 50 onto the sea W, a particularly high load is placed on the brace 22A. Specifically, a load of approximately 20% of the weight of the floating foundation 20 is placed on the brace 22A. The elastic support frame 28 is made of an elastic material such as various resins, rubber, or springs, and can cushion and distribute the load applied to the brace 22A, etc. By attaching multiple elastic support frames 28 to the bottom surface of the brace 22, damage to the brace 22A, etc. can be prevented during launching. Furthermore, a metal plate (not shown) is placed on the bottom surface of the elastic support frame 28. Since the bottom surface of the elastic support frame 28 needs to slide in close contact with the skid rail 65 of the barge 50, the metal plate is placed to reduce frictional resistance between it and the skid rail 65.

[0030] (Tugboat 80) The tugboat 80 is a vessel that tows the floating foundation 20 in the launching direction and is positioned on the sea W at the stern of the barge 50 (see Figures 7(b) and (c)). The tugboat 80 assists in the launching of the floating foundation 20 by pulling the tow rope 81 attached to the floating foundation 20 in the +X direction. When the floating foundation 20 has separated from the barge 50 and hit the water, the tugboat 80 tows the floating foundation 20 in the launching direction. In other words, the tugboat 80 is used to separate the floating foundation 20 from the barge 50. The tugboat 80 may tow the floating foundation 20 not only after it has completely separated from the barge 50, but also from the moment the center column 21 and braces 22B and C hit the water. When the center column 21 and braces 22B and C of the floating foundation 20 hit the water, the sliding of the floating foundation 20 slows down, and it takes time to fully launch the floating foundation 20. Therefore, the tugboat 80 may tow the floating foundation 20 even before it has completely separated from the barge 50. This makes the launching operation of the floating foundation 20 more efficient.

[0031] (Reluctant winch 90) The Oshimi winch 90 is a pull-out device that pulls the floating foundation 20 in the opposite direction to the launching direction (-X direction), and is located in the yard facility Y (see Figures 7(b) and (c)). The Oshimi winch 90 pulls the towing wire 91 attached to the floating foundation 20 in the -X direction to prevent the floating foundation 20 from rapidly launching. The sting winch 90 gradually releases the towing wire stretched between the floating foundation 20 and the skid rail 65 as the floating foundation 20 slides along the skid rail 65. This slows down the movement (sliding) speed of the floating foundation 20, mitigating the impact on the floating foundation 20 (braces 22B,C) when it hits the water. Therefore, damage to the floating foundation 20 during launch can be prevented. The spare winch 90 is used in the inclined step S12, which will be described later. The spare winch 90 may also be used in the propulsion step S13, which will be described later.

[0032] (Launch method) Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the launching method S according to the embodiment. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the launching method S according to the embodiment in step order. Figure 8 is a graph showing the inclination angle of barge 50. Figure 9 is a graph showing the movement (sliding) speed of the floating foundation 20. Figure 10 is a graph showing the vertical load on the barge 50. In Figures 8, 9, and 10, the "tip" refers to the end of the floating foundation 20 in the +X direction (the tip of the braces 22B and 22C), and the "rear end" refers to the end of the floating foundation 20 in the +X direction (the tip of the brace 22A).

[0033] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the launching method S according to the embodiment includes a placement step S11, an inclination step S12, a propulsion step S13, and a towing step S14.

[0034] (Placement step S11) The loading step S11 is a step in which the floating foundation 20 is transported from the yard facility Y to the barge 50 using multiple multi-axle trolleys. As shown in Figure 7(a), prior to the loading step S11, the barge 50 is moored at the quay of the yard facility Y. The floating foundation 20 manufactured at the yard facility Y is loaded onto multiple multi-axle trolleys and transported from the yard facility Y to the barge 50. Multiple multi-axle trolleys transfer the floating foundation 20 onto the skid rails 65, and then return from the barge 50 to the yard facility Y. In this way, the floating foundation 20 is transported onto the barge 50. Once the placement step S11 is completed, the process moves on to the inclination step S12.

[0035] (Inclined step S12) The inclined step S12 is a step in which the hull 51 of the barge 50 is tilted while the floating foundation 20 is placed on it. As shown in Figure 7(b), the barge 50 tilts the hull 51 in the fore-and-aft direction by adding and removing seawater (ballast water) to multiple ballast chambers inside the hull 51. The barge 50 raises its bow (-X direction side) and lowers its stern (+X direction side). The barge 50 adjusts the ballast so that the tilt of the hull 51 (when unloaded) is, for example, about 5 degrees. By tilting the hull 51 in the fore-and-aft direction in this way, the floating foundation 20 becomes able to slide along the skid rail 65 in the launching direction. As shown in Figure 8, the actual inclination angle of the barge 50 fluctuates with the movement of the floating foundation 20. The maximum inclination angle (for example, about 8 degrees) is reached when the +X end of the floating foundation 20 (the tip of the braces 22B and 22C) hits the water.

[0036] At the inclined step S12, the floating foundation 20 is pulled in the opposite direction to the launching direction (-X direction) by the wedge winch 90 to prevent the floating foundation 20 from sliding rapidly. This mitigates the impact on the floating foundation 20 (braces 22B, 22C) upon entry into the water, preventing damage to the floating foundation 20. Once the inclination step S12 is completed, the process moves on to the propulsion step S13.

[0037] (Promotion step S13) The propulsion step S13 is a step in which the propulsion device 70 provides a thrust force to the floating foundation 20 in the direction of launch. As shown in Figure 7(b), in the propulsion step S13, the propulsion device 70 assists in causing the floating foundation 20 to free slide along the skid rail 65. Due to the inclination by the barge 50 and the thrust provided by the propulsion device 70, the floating foundation 20 begins to slide (free slide) in the direction of launch along the skid rail 65.

[0038] As shown in Figure 9, when the center column 21 of the floating foundation 20 touches the water, the sliding of the floating foundation 20 slows down. As shown in Figure 10, the vertical load on the barge 50 also decreases gradually when the center column 21 of the floating foundation 20 touches the water. Therefore, as shown in Figure 7(b), after the center column 21 hits the water and stops launching, the floating foundation 20 is propelled by the propulsion device 70. Specifically, when the vertical load on the barge 50 decreases to, for example, about 40% of the maximum load, the floating foundation 20 is propelled by the propulsion device 70. The propulsion device 70 propels the floating foundation 20 in the launching direction until the floating foundation 20 is completely separated from the barge 50 (stern end touches the water). This makes the launching operation of the floating foundation 20 more efficient.

[0039] In the propulsion step S13, the floating foundation 20 may be pulled in the opposite direction to the launching direction (-X direction) using the wedge winch 90 to prevent the floating foundation 20 from sliding rapidly. This reduces the impact on the floating foundation 20 (braces 22B, 22C) upon entry into the water, preventing damage to the floating foundation 20. Once the propulsion step S13 is completed, the process moves to the towing step S14.

[0040] (Towing step S14) The towing step S14 is a step in which the floating foundation 20 is towed in the launching direction by the tugboat 80, thereby separating the floating foundation 20 from the barge 50. As shown in Figure 7(c), the tugboat 80 pulls the towing rope 81 attached to the floating foundation 20 in the launching direction (+X direction) to separate the floating foundation 20 from the barge 50. Furthermore, the tugboat 80 may begin to tow the floating foundation 20 while a portion of it (the brace 22A) is still attached to the barge 50. In other words, in towing step S14, the floating foundation 20 may be pulled down from the barge 50. Furthermore, the tugboat 80 may tow the floating foundation 20 to the installation site of the offshore wind turbine 10 after separating it from the barge 50. By following each step of the launching method S, the floating foundation 20 can be launched from the yard facility Y, via the barge 50, into the sea W.

[0041] According to the launching system 1 and launching method S of this embodiment, it is possible to accommodate larger floating foundations 20 and increase production capacity. As floating foundations grow in scale and production volume increases, launching them stably and efficiently presents challenges. For example, the increasing size of floating foundations makes it increasingly difficult to lift them with floating crane vessels. Sinking barges lack sufficient carrying capacity for transporting floating foundations, and they cannot be launched unless transported to areas with a water depth of 20 meters or more. When manufacturing floating foundations in dry docks, the limited number of facilities makes it impossible to adequately accommodate the increase in production volume. The launching system 1 and launching method S can solve these problems.

[0042] In other words, according to the launching system 1 and launching method S of this embodiment, the floating foundation 20 is slid along the hull 51 of the barge 50, so the floating foundation 20 can be launched even in shallow waters with a depth of about 10m. To put it another way, in order to launch the floating foundation 20, it is not necessary to place the floating foundation 20 on the barge 50 and move it to a deeper area. Since only the barge 50 is tilted, the floating foundation 20 can be launched even if it is large. Furthermore, since the barge 50 can remain docked at yard facility Y, the launching of the next floating foundation can begin immediately. Therefore, the launching of the floating foundation 20 can be made more efficient, and the increased production of the floating foundation 20 can be adequately accommodated.

[0043] The technical scope of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0044] For example, the launching system 1 does not need to be equipped with a propulsion device 70. For example, the launching system 1 does not need to be equipped with a tugboat 80. For example, the launching system 1 does not need to be equipped with a spare winch 90. For example, the barge 50 does not have to have multiple sub-barges 60C, etc. That is, the barge 50 may have a single, roughly rectangular hull. For example, the skid rails 65 may not be provided on the deck 52 of the barge 50. For example, the skid rail 65 does not have to have a curved surface 66. For example, the floating foundation 20 does not have to have a curved surface 27 at the tip of the brace 22A. For example, the floating foundation 20 does not have to have an elastic support frame 28 at the bottom of the brace 22. For example, the floating foundation 20 does not have to have multiple side columns. For example, the floating foundation 20 may have other shapes, such as a roughly rectangular shape in plan view.

[0045] For example, the offshore wind turbine 10 is not limited to a horizontal-axis type; it may also be a vertical-axis type. The floating foundation 20 is not limited to a submersible type; it may also be a barge type, a TLP type (Tension Leg Platform), or other types, and is not particularly limited.

[0046] Furthermore, it is possible to replace the components in the above embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, and the above-described modifications may be combined as appropriate.

[0047] The launching system and launching method according to the above embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows. (Note) (1) Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure is a launching system for launching a floating foundation, comprising a barge on which the floating foundation is placed, wherein the barge tilts its hull while the floating foundation is placed on it to launch the floating foundation. This disclosure describes a method where the floating foundation is simply tilted while the barge's hull is in place. This eliminates the need to transport the floating foundation to deep waters, allowing for smooth launching even in shallow waters. Furthermore, it can accommodate larger floating foundations.

[0048] (2) Aspect 2 of the present disclosure is a launching system according to (1), wherein the barge slides the floating foundation along the hull. This disclosure describes a floating foundation that slides along the hull, eliminating the need for special equipment and thus reducing launching costs and improving operational efficiency.

[0049] (3) A third aspect of the present disclosure is a launching system according to (1) or (2), wherein the barge tilts the hull by adjusting the ballast. This disclosure describes a method for tilting the hull by adjusting the ballast, which does not require any special equipment, thus reducing launching costs and improving operational efficiency.

[0050] (4) Aspect 4 of the present disclosure is a launching system according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the barge has a propulsion device that propels the floating foundation in the launching direction. This disclosure describes a system that uses a propulsion device to propel the floating foundation in the direction of launching, thereby improving the efficiency of the launching operation.

[0051] (5) Aspect 5 of the present disclosure is a launching system according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the barge has skid rails for sliding the floating foundation in the launching direction. In this disclosure, the floating foundation is launched by sliding it along the skid rail, thus ensuring that the floating foundation is reliably launched.

[0052] (6) Aspect 6 of the present disclosure is a launching system according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the barge has a curved surface that curves downward at the upper corner of the end of the floating foundation in the launching direction. In this disclosure, the barge has a downwardly rounded slope at its launching end, which allows the floating foundation to be smoothly separated from the barge.

[0053] (7) Aspect 7 of the present disclosure is a launching system according to any one of (1) to (6), comprising a tugboat for towing the floating foundation in the launching direction. In this disclosure, the floating foundation is towed in the launching direction by a tugboat, allowing it to be separated from the barge. Furthermore, the time from when the floating foundation hits the water until it separates from the barge can be shortened, thereby improving the efficiency of the launching operation.

[0054] (8) Aspect 8 of the present disclosure is a launching system according to any one of (1) to (7), comprising a pull-out device for pulling the floating foundation in the opposite direction to the launching direction. In this disclosure, the floating foundation is pulled in the opposite direction to the launching direction by a slack-pulling device, thereby mitigating the impact when the floating foundation hits the water.

[0055] (9) Aspect 9 of the present disclosure is a launching system according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the floating foundation has a curved surface that curves upward at the lower corner of the end opposite to the direction of launching. In this disclosure, the floating foundation has an upwardly curving slope at the end opposite to the launching direction, so that the floating foundation can be smoothly separated from the barge.

[0056] (10) Aspect 10 of the present disclosure is a launching system according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the floating foundation has an elastically deformable elastic frame on the bottom surface to which the barge is in contact. In this disclosure, since the floating foundation has an elastic support structure on its bottom surface, when the floating foundation hits the water, the elastic support structure elastically deforms to mitigate and distribute the load on the part that contacts the barge. Therefore, damage to the floating foundation when it hits the water can be prevented.

[0057] (11) Aspect 11 of the present disclosure is a launching system according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the barge has a plurality of sub-barges arranged in parallel horizontally perpendicular to the launching direction of the floating foundation, and the plurality of sub-barges are connected to form the hull. This disclosure describes a system consisting of multiple sub-barrels arranged in parallel, enabling efficient launching operations tailored to the shape of the floating foundation. Furthermore, even large floating foundations can be launched by placing them on the barge.

[0058] (12) Aspect 12 of the present disclosure is a launching system according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the plurality of sub-barrels are spaced apart in the orthogonal directions and adjacent sub-barrels are connected to each other by connecting members. In this disclosure, multiple sub-barrels arranged in parallel are connected by connecting members, so that the multiple sub-barrels form a single hull. This allows for efficient launching of the floating foundation.

[0059] (13) Aspect 13 of the present disclosure is a launching system according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the floating foundation has a center column, and the center column is placed on a sub-barrel among a plurality of sub-barrels that is positioned in the center in the orthogonal direction. In this disclosure, the center column, which is positioned in the middle of the floating foundation, is placed on a secondary barge positioned in the middle, allowing for efficient launching according to the shape (type) of the floating foundation.

[0060] (14) Aspect 14 of the present disclosure is a launching system according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein the floating foundation has a plurality of side columns, the plurality of side columns are individually mounted on the plurality of sub-barrels. In this disclosure, the multiple side columns of the floating foundation are individually placed on multiple sub-barrels, allowing for efficient launching according to the shape (type) of the floating foundation.

[0061] (15) Aspect 15 of the present disclosure is a launching method for launching a floating foundation, comprising an inclined step for launching the floating foundation by tilting the hull of the barge while the floating foundation is placed on the barge. This disclosure describes a method where the floating foundation is simply tilted while the barge's hull is in place. This eliminates the need to transport the floating foundation to deep waters, allowing for smooth launching even in shallow waters. Furthermore, it can accommodate larger floating foundations.

[0062] (16) Aspect 16 of the present disclosure is the launching method according to (15), wherein the floating foundation is slid along the hull in the inclined step. This disclosure describes a floating foundation that slides along the hull, eliminating the need for special equipment and thus reducing launching costs and improving operational efficiency.

[0063] (17) Aspect 17 of the present disclosure is a launching method according to (15) or (16), comprising a propulsion step for propelling the floating foundation in the launching direction. This disclosure describes how the floating foundation is propelled in the direction of launching, thereby improving the efficiency of the launching operation.

[0064] (18) Aspect 18 of the present disclosure is a launching method according to any one of (15) to (17), comprising a towing step for towing the floating foundation in the launching direction. In this disclosure, the floating foundation is towed in the launching direction by a tugboat or the like, allowing the floating foundation to be separated from the barge. Furthermore, the time from when the floating foundation hits the water until it separates from the barge can be shortened, thereby improving the efficiency of the launching operation. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 1. Launching System 10 Offshore wind turbines 20 Floating foundation 21 Center Column 22, 22A, 22B, 22C braces 25, 25A, 25B, 25C Side Column 27 Curved surface 28 Elastic frame 50 barges 51 Hull 52 Deck 60C sub barge 60L sub barge 60R sub barge 63 Connecting member 65 Skid Rails 66 Curved surface 70 Propulsion device 80 tugboat 90 Winch S Launch method W at sea

Claims

1. A launching system for launching a floating foundation, The floating foundation is mounted on a barge, The barge tilts its hull with the floating foundation in place, and launches the floating foundation into the water. The barge slides the floating foundation along the hull, The barge has skid rails that slide the floating foundation in the direction of launching, The barge comprises a first barge and a second barge different from the first barge, which are arranged in parallel in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction in which the floating foundation is launched. The first barge has a first skid rail that slides the floating foundation in the direction of launching, The second barge has a second skid rail that slides the floating foundation in the direction of launching it into the water. Launching system.

2. The launching system according to claim 1, wherein the barge tilts its hull by adjusting the ballast.

3. The launching system according to claim 1, wherein the barge has a propulsion device that propels the floating foundation in the direction of launching it.

4. The launching system according to claim 1, wherein the barge has a curved surface that curves downward at the upper corner of the end in the direction in which the floating foundation is launched.

5. The launching system according to claim 1, further comprising a tugboat for towing the floating foundation in the direction of launching it into the water.

6. The launching system according to claim 1, further comprising a pull-back device for towing the floating foundation in the opposite direction to the direction in which it is launched.

7. The launching system according to claim 1, wherein the floating foundation has a curved surface that curves upward at the lower corner opposite to the direction of launching.

8. The launching system according to claim 1, wherein the floating foundation has an elastically deformable elastic frame on the bottom surface in contact with the barge.

9. The first barge and the second barge are arranged in parallel in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction in which the floating foundation is launched, The launching system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first barge and the second barge are connected to form the hull.

10. The launching system according to claim 9, wherein the first barge and the second barge are arranged with an interval between them in the orthogonal horizontal direction, and the first barge and the second barge are connected by a connecting member.

11. The launching system according to claim 9, wherein the floating foundation has a center column, and the center column is placed on one of the first barge and the second barge, which are positioned in the center of the orthogonal horizontal direction.

12. The floating foundation has multiple side columns, The launching system according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of side columns are mounted on one of the first barge and the second barge.

13. A method for launching a floating foundation, An inclined step that tilts the hull of the barge with the floating foundation placed on it, and launches the floating foundation into the water, A sliding step for sliding the floating foundation along the hull, Equipped with, The barge has skid rails that slide the floating foundation in the direction of launching, The barge comprises a first barge and a second barge different from the first barge, which are arranged in parallel in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction in which the floating foundation is launched. The first barge has a first skid rail that slides the floating foundation in the direction of launching, The second barge has a second skid rail that slides the floating foundation in the direction of launching it into the water. In the sliding step, the floating foundation is slid along the first skid rail and the second skid rail. Launch method.

14. The launching method according to claim 13, wherein the floating foundation is slid along the hull in the inclined step.

15. The launching method according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising a propulsion step for propelling the floating foundation in the direction of launching it into the water.

16. The launching method according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising a towing step for towing the floating foundation in the direction of launching it into the water.

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