Subsea-mounted factory infrastructure

Abstract

We provide underwater factory infrastructure that can be repurposed for a variety of uses over the long term. [Solution] The invention provides an underwater factory infrastructure that can be operated unmanned by housing or connecting various functional modules without limiting its use, comprising a factory structure 10 to be sunk to the seabed and functional modules 20 that are detachably connected to the factory structure, the factory structure is equipped with attitude control means to control its attitude during and after sinking, as well as buoyancy adjustment means or fixing means, and is stably installed even under uneven or sloping conditions on the seabed, and the factory structure can adopt an isobaric structure or a structure with locally pressure-resistant compartments, and by using lightweight, high-rigidity materials, recovery or relocation is made easy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to factory infrastructure installed on the seabed. More specifically, in a seabed environment with high water pressure, low temperature, uneven ground, etc., various functional modules can be accommodated or connected without limiting the use, and it relates to a seabed-installed factory infrastructure that can be operated unmanned.

[0002] The present invention is not limited to specific processing contents, resource types, or uses, but relates to a factory infrastructure that can flexibly arrange, replace, or reconfigure various devices for handling substances, fluids, solids, or phase-change materials on the seabed, and belongs to a basic technology applicable to all seabed utilization technologies.

Background Art

[0003] In recent years, various technologies using the seabed have been studied, such as seabed resource development, seabed environmental countermeasures, energy-related applications, data processing, etc. In these technologies, devices or equipment installed on the seabed are required, but conventionally, facilities individually designed for specific uses or specific processing devices have been mainstream.

[0004] However, the seabed has environmental conditions significantly different from those on land or at sea, such as high water pressure, low temperature, tidal currents, and uneven ground. <000-0026>Therefore, it is difficult to directly apply conventional factory equipment or ocean platforms. Especially, facility configurations premised on human presence have significant limitations in terms of safety, maintenance, and operation costs.

[0005] Conventional ocean platforms and seabed bases are often designed on the premise of human residence, work, or specific uses. The structure is large and tends to be heavy, It was difficult to flexibly respond to changes in usage or the addition of functions. Therefore, when adapting to new applications, The need to construct an entire new facility arose, leading to increased costs and construction time.

[0006] Furthermore, the objects that will be handled on the seabed in the future are: It is expected that the materials will diversify, including solids, fluids, muds, and phase change materials. It is not rational to construct separate facilities for each application to address these needs. A common factory infrastructure whose functions can be rearranged according to changes in use is, It was not yet fully established.

[0007] Furthermore, in the case of equipment installed on the seabed, Stability of posture during sinking, posture maintenance after installation, ease of repositioning or retrieval. This will be a significant technical challenge, A factory infrastructure that takes all of these factors into consideration is: This had not been adequately proposed in conventional technology.

[0008] Thus, in conventional seabed utilization technologies, Equipment designed individually for specific uses is the mainstream. Flexible to accommodate changes in usage or addition of functions Common factory infrastructure was not yet well established. The problem the invention aims to solve.

[0009] In light of the above-mentioned state of prior art, various seabed utilization technologies, including seabed resource development, seabed environmental countermeasures, energy storage, and data processing, have been considered in recent years. However, many of these technologies are proposed as individually designed equipment for specific applications or specific processing devices. A common factory infrastructure capable of flexibly accommodating changes in usage and the addition of functions had not yet been sufficiently established.

[0010] In addition, the seabed has severe environmental conditions such as high water pressure, low temperature, ocean currents, irregular terrain, etc., making it difficult for people to reside permanently. Therefore, it is not possible to simply apply conventional factory equipment installed on land or at sea. In particular, for equipment installed on the seabed, the posture stability during sinking, the long-term posture maintenance after installation, and the ease of rearrangement or recovery are important technical issues.

[0011] Conventional ocean platforms and seabed bases are often designed on the premise of human habitation and specific uses, and there is a problem that the equipment structure is large and heavy, and it is difficult to change the use or reconfigure the functions. Therefore, it is necessary to newly install the entire equipment according to new uses and treatment targets, which has imposed major constraints in terms of cost, construction period, and environmental load.

[0012] Furthermore, in the future, the objects to be handled on the seabed are expected to diversify, including solids, fluids, mud-like substances, phase-change materials, etc. However, it is not reasonable to construct these as individual equipment each time. There is a need for a factory infrastructure that can accommodate and connect various functional modules and be operated unmanned without limiting the uses as needed.

[0013] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a factory infrastructure that can accommodate and connect various functional modules and be operated unmanned without limiting the uses under the severe environment of the seabed. for the purpose.

[0014] In particular, the present invention has a structure that enables sinking to the seabed, posture stability after installation, and rearrangement or recovery as needed, and is different from conventional use-fixed equipment, and aims to provide a seabed-installed factory infrastructure that can be diverted to various uses over a long period of time. Means for Solving the Problems

[0015] In order to solve the above problems, the seabed installation type factory infrastructure according to the present invention includes a factory structure to be submerged on the seabed, and is configured to be capable of accommodating or connecting a predetermined functional module to the factory structure.

[0016] The factory structure is configured to be stably installed in the seabed environment, and includes at least one of attitude maintaining means, buoyancy adjusting means or fixing means for controlling the attitude during and after submerging.

[0017] The factory structure has a structure capable of coping with the seabed water pressure environment, and may be configured as an isobaric structure in which substantially no water pressure difference occurs between the inside and the outside, or a hybrid structure having locally pressure-resistant compartments, or a combination of these structures.

[0018] At least a part of the factory structure is formed of carbon fiber reinforced resin, carbon fiber composite material, or lightweight high-rigidity material containing these, and weight reduction is achieved in consideration of submerging, recovery or rearrangement.

[0019] The functional module is arranged inside or outside the factory structure, and realizes various functions for handling substances, fluids, solids or phase change substances, and is detachably, replaceably or reconfigurably connected according to the application.

[0020] The factory structure is provided with a remote monitoring unit, an autonomous control unit or a control unit combining these for monitoring or controlling the operating state of the functional module. ​It is designed to operate continuously without requiring a person to be present.

[0021] Furthermore, the factory structure is It is towed from the sea or underwater and sunk to a designated location. It has a configuration that allows it to float or be moved by buoyancy adjustment or recovery means as needed. This makes it easier to change the use, add functions, or remove the system after its operational life ends.

[0022] The underwater factory infrastructure according to the present invention is Without being limited to specific uses or processing content, By changing the configuration and combination of the aforementioned functional modules, Applicable to various processing, storage, or transfer applications in seabed environments. Effect of the Invention

[0023] According to the present invention, by adopting a configuration that allows for the housing or connection of functional modules according to their intended use in a factory structure submerged on the seabed, Without being limited to specific uses or processing content, We can provide underwater factory infrastructure that can be adapted for a variety of uses.

[0024] According to the present invention, the factory structure is equipped with a configuration that allows control of its posture during sinking and after installation, Less susceptible to the effects of uneven seabed terrain, slopes, or currents, This enables stable, long-term unmanned operation.

[0025] According to the present invention, the factory structure can employ an isobaric structure or a mixed structure that includes locally pressure-resistant compartments, Depending on the installation depth and intended use, the degree of freedom in structural design increases. This eliminates the need for excessive pressure-resistant structures, allowing for simplification and weight reduction of the design.

[0026] According to the present invention, by using a lightweight, high-rigidity material such as carbon fiber reinforced resin in at least a part of the factory structure, This reduces the workload required for sinking, retrieval, or repositioning. Factory infrastructure can be operated as reusable equipment, rather than being treated as disposable.

[0027] According to the present invention, since the functional module is detachable or reconfigurable, When changing the intended use, adding new functions, or changing the operating conditions, There is no need to construct the entire factory structure anew. This can significantly reduce capital investment costs and construction time.

[0028] According to the present invention, by adopting an unmanned operation configuration with remote monitoring or autonomous control for the factory structure, It does not require a permanent staff member to be present. This enables safe and continuous operation even in harsh underwater environments such as high water pressure and low temperatures.

[0029] According to the present invention, the factory structure is equipped with a configuration that enables towing, sinking, floating, or recovery, It can be flexibly adapted even after the end of its intended use or when installation conditions change. This will contribute to reducing environmental impact and improving the efficiency of marine area utilization.

[0030] The underwater factory infrastructure according to the present invention is Processing of seabed resources, energy-related applications, environmental protection applications, storage or transshipment applications, etc. Applicable to a wide range of fields, We provide foundational technologies that can flexibly adapt to future technological advancements and expansions of applications. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of an underwater factory infrastructure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing the towing, sinking, and installation of a factory structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]This is an explanatory diagram showing the attitude control state of a factory structure under uneven or sloping conditions on the seabed, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram showing how to attach, detach, replace, or reconfigure a functional module relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] The following describes an embodiment of the underwater factory infrastructure according to the present invention. I will explain while referring to the drawings. The embodiments shown below are examples intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to these specific configurations.

[0033] The underwater factory infrastructure in this embodiment is Factory structures to be submerged on the seabed, The factory structure comprises a plurality of functional modules housed in or connected to the said factory structure, It is operated through remote monitoring or autonomous control, without requiring a permanent human presence.

[0034] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of the underwater factory infrastructure according to this embodiment. The factory structure 10 is installed on the seabed S, Internally or externally, functional modules 20A and 20B are available, depending on the application. It is connected via the module connection section 30.

[0035] Furthermore, the underwater work device 70 shown in Figure 1 is This shows an example of equipment used for connecting, replacing, inspecting, or maintaining functional modules. This may include remotely operated unmanned underwater vehicles, autonomous unmanned underwater vehicles, etc. The underwater work device 70 is not limited to the present invention.

[0036] The factory structure 10 is Supports and protects functional modules 20A and 20B, It is designed to be stably installed in a seabed environment. The factory structure 10 can employ an isobaric structure, a pressure-resistant structure, or a combination thereof, and its specific configuration is appropriately selected according to the installation water depth, application, or operating conditions.

[0037] Functional modules 20A and 20B are, A device or group of devices having a predetermined function for handling substances, fluids, solids, or phase change materials, The specific processing details or applications are not limited to the present invention. Each functional module can be modified according to changes in its intended use or additions to its functionality. It is configured to be detachable, replaceable, or reconfigurable.

[0038] The factory structure 10 includes: For monitoring or controlling the operating status of each functional module A remote monitoring unit 40 or an autonomous control unit (not shown) is provided. It is operated via communication means from facilities at sea or on land.

[0039] Next, the method for sinking and installing the factory structure 10 will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the factory structure 10 is After being towed at sea or in the sea, It is sunk to a predetermined seabed position using the buoyancy adjustment means 50. Embodiment 1 (Basic configuration: Sinking ~ Installation)

[0040] This first embodiment shows the basic configuration of an underwater factory infrastructure and the operational form from sinking to installation.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the underwater factory infrastructure according to this embodiment is A factory structure 10 to be installed on the seabed, It is configured to include a functional module 20 housed in or connected to the factory structure 10. The factory structure 10 supports multiple functional modules 20, This forms the foundational structure for protecting these systems in the underwater environment and enabling their stable operation.

[0042] The factory structure 10 is configured in a form that can be towed on or under the sea. As shown in Figure 2, after being transported to the designated installation area, It is lowered to the seabed S using the buoyancy adjustment means 50. The buoyancy adjustment means 50 is a tank that can be filled with water and drained. Alternatively, it may be composed of a variable buoyancy body, The sinking speed and sinking posture of the factory structure 10 can be controlled.

[0043] The factory structure 10 is designed so that its posture does not become significantly disturbed even during the sinking process. It is designed with consideration for the center of gravity, external shape, or auxiliary attitude control means. This suppresses rotation, tilting, or unstable behavior during sinking. It becomes possible to land on the seabed S in a predetermined position and orientation.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, after the factory structure 10 has settled on the seabed S, Using the attitude control means 60, The system adjusts its attitude to accommodate uneven or sloped seabed terrain. The attitude control means 60 is: A center of gravity adjustment mechanism, a buoyancy adjustment mechanism, fins, thrusters, support structures, etc. are used. These can be used individually or in combination.

[0045] The factory structure 10, even after installation, It detects changes in attitude due to tidal currents, ground changes, or external disturbances. By operating the attitude control means 60 as needed, It is configured to maintain a predetermined posture. This ensures a stable installation condition over a long period of time.

[0046] Inside or outside the factory structure 10, Functional modules 20, depending on the application, are connected via module connection sections 30. In this embodiment 1, the specific functional content of the functional module 20 is not limited. A key feature of the factory structure 10 is that it functions as a foundational infrastructure that houses or supports various functional modules.

[0047] The factory structure 10 includes: A remote monitoring unit 40 or an autonomous control unit is provided. The sinking, installation, and post-installation conditions are as follows: It is monitored or controlled via communication means from a facility at sea or on land. This eliminates the need for a person to be permanently stationed there. Unattended installation and operation will be possible.

[0048] As described above, according to this embodiment 1, It is submerged on the seabed and can maintain a stable position even after installation. This enables the realization of the basic configuration of an underwater factory infrastructure. Embodiment 2 (Details of attitude control: Suitable for rough terrain)

[0049] This second embodiment is used when the seabed is not flat or when the ground conditions are uneven. This relates to a configuration for installing and maintaining underwater factory infrastructure in a stable position.

[0050] The seabed often consists of a mixture of sandy and muddy layers, bedrock, slopes, or uneven terrain. Simply placing the factory structure 10 on the seabed would not be sufficient. There is a risk of tilting, localized subsidence, or an unstable posture occurring. This second embodiment is based on such uneven terrain conditions, It is characterized by its ability to actively or passively control the posture of the factory structure 10.

[0051] As shown in Figure 3, the factory structure 10 is For adjusting or maintaining posture during and after sinking. It is equipped with attitude control means 60. The attitude control means 60 is Center of gravity adjustment mechanism, buoyancy adjustment mechanism, fins, thrusters, support legs, Alternatively, this can be achieved by combining these configurations.

[0052] The center of gravity adjustment mechanism is, A movable mass body placed inside the factory structure 10, Alternatively, it may be composed of an internal fluid transfer mechanism, By adjusting the center of gravity of the factory structure 10, Corrects the tilt or uneven load after the lure reaches the bottom.

[0053] The buoyancy adjustment mechanism is, Includes a buoyancy adjustment tank or variable buoyancy device, By adjusting the local buoyancy of the factory structure 10, To equalize the contact conditions with the seabed S, It suppresses changes in posture caused by uneven terrain.

[0054] Furthermore, the outer perimeter of the factory structure 10 is Propulsion or attitude control elements such as fins or thrusters may be provided. These factors Stabilizing the posture during sinking, fine-tuning after installation, Alternatively, corrections are made for external disturbances such as tidal currents.

[0055] The factory structure 10 is Equipped with a posture detection sensor, tilt sensor, or acceleration sensor, Based on these detection results, the attitude control means 60 is activated, It is configured to maintain a predetermined posture. This control may be performed by the remote monitoring unit 40 or the autonomous control unit.

[0056] In this second embodiment, The factory structure 10 does not need to be in a perfectly horizontal position. Depending on the application, installation conditions, or configuration of the functional module 20, It may be controlled to allow inclination or angle within a predetermined range.

[0057] As described above, according to this embodiment 2, Even under uneven or sloping conditions on the seabed, The factory structure 10 can be installed and maintained in a stable position. This enables unattended operation over long periods. Embodiment 3 (Module replacement and reconfiguration)

[0058] This third embodiment describes a subsea-mounted factory infrastructure, This relates to operational methods for replacing or reconfiguring functional modules.

[0059] The factory structure 10 in this third embodiment is Based on the configurations shown in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, Depending on changes in intended use, addition of functions, or changes in operating conditions, A key feature is that the functional module 20 can be replaced or reconfigured.

[0060] As shown in Figure 4, the factory structure 10 includes: For detachably connecting the function module 20 A module connection section 30 is provided. The module connection section 30 is This includes mechanical connections, fluid connections, electrical connections, communication connections, or combinations thereof. The system is designed to allow for reliable connection and disconnection even in underwater environments.

[0061] The replacement or reconfiguration of the functional module 20 is This can be carried out while the factory structure 10 is installed on the seabed. For example, underwater work device 70 (remotely operated unmanned submersible, Using autonomous unmanned submersible vehicles, etc., Remove the existing functional module 20. Another functional module 20 can be connected.

[0062] In this third embodiment, The specific functions of the function module 20 are not limited. For handling substances, fluids, solids, or phase change materials Modules with various functions can be connected. As a result, the factory structure 10 is Flexible functionality configuration can be changed depending on the application. It functions as a common infrastructure.

[0063] When replacing or reconfiguring the functional module 20, The remote monitoring unit 40 or the autonomous control unit, Monitor module connection status, operating status, or safety status. Control the exchange or reconfiguration procedure as needed. This eliminates the need for a person to be permanently stationed there. This enables safe and reliable module replacement.

[0064] Furthermore, in this third embodiment, From a state where multiple function modules 20 are connected simultaneously, It is also possible to replace or add only some of the functional modules 20. Without stopping the entire factory structure 10, The functionality may be expanded or its intended use changed in stages.

[0065] As described above, according to this embodiment 3, With the factory structure 10 still in place, The functional module 20 can be replaced or reconfigured. Flexible to adapt to changes in application or technological advancements This enables the realization of underwater factory infrastructure. (Explanation of terms)

[0066] In this specification, "subsea-mounted factory infrastructure" means, This refers to an equipment structure that is submerged on the seabed and operates by housing or connecting predetermined functional modules. It is not limited to specific uses, processing methods, or resource types.

[0067] In this specification, "factory structure" means: This refers to a structure for supporting, housing, or connecting functional modules. Includes enclosures, frames, or combinations thereof configured for stable installation in a seabed environment. The structure may be an isobaric structure, a pressure-resistant structure, or a combination of both.

[0068] In this specification, "functional module" means: Connected to or housed in a factory structure, This refers to a device or group of devices having a predetermined function for handling substances, fluids, solids, or phase change materials. The specific functional details are not limited to this invention.

[0069] In this specification, "module connection section" means: This refers to a connection part for detachably connecting a functional module to a factory structure. This includes mechanical connections, fluid connections, electrical connections, communication connections, or combinations thereof.

[0070] In this specification, "submerged" means: Move the factory structure from the sea or underwater to a predetermined seabed location. This refers to the action of installing something on the seabed. This can be done by towing, buoyancy adjustment, suspension, or a combination thereof.

[0071] In this specification, "floating" means: This refers to the operation of moving factory structures installed on the seabed into or out of the sea. This may be done for the purpose of retrieval, relocation, or relocation.

[0072] In this specification, "attitude control" means: During or after installation, This refers to adjusting or maintaining the inclination, direction, or positional relationship of factory structures. This includes center of gravity adjustment, buoyancy adjustment, fins, thrusters, support legs, or a combination thereof.

[0073] In this specification, "isobaric structure" means: This refers to a structure in which the interior and exterior of a factory have substantially the same hydrostatic pressure environment. Includes structures that do not require a pressure-resistant outer shell.

[0074] In this specification, "pressure-resistant compartment" means: It is installed in part of the factory structure, This refers to a compartment that maintains a predetermined pressure difference relative to the surrounding water pressure.

[0075] In this specification, "lightweight, high-rigidity material" means: It is lighter than conventional materials such as steel. Furthermore, it refers to a material that has a predetermined rigidity or strength. Includes carbon fiber reinforced resin, carbon fiber composite material, or material containing these.

[0076] In this specification, "unattended operation" means: This refers to a form of operation in which a factory structure is not permanently staffed by personnel. This includes operation via remote monitoring, remote control, autonomous control, or a combination thereof.

[0077] In this specification, “remote monitoring or control” means: From a facility at sea or on land, This refers to monitoring or controlling the status of factory structures or functional modules via communication means. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0078] 10 Factory structure 20 Function Modules 20A, 20B Functional Modules 30 Module connection section 40 Remote Monitoring Department 50 Buoyancy adjustment means 60 Attitude control means 70 Underwater work equipment S Seabed

Claims

1. Subsea-mounted type, installed on the seabed and operated by housing predetermined functional modules. It is factory infrastructure, The aforementioned underwater factory infrastructure is, Factory structures to be submerged on the seabed, Located inside or outside the aforementioned factory structure, Functional modules for handling materials, fluids, solids, or phase change substances A detachable module connection section, For stably maintaining the aforementioned factory structure on the seabed Posture-holding means, fixing means, or buoyancy-adjusting means, The operating status of the aforementioned functional module is monitored or controlled. Remote monitoring or unmanned operation control unit and Equipped with, The aforementioned underwater factory infrastructure is, By changing, replacing, or adding to the configuration of the aforementioned functional module, It is configured to be applicable to multiple processes or storage, regardless of the application. An underwater factory infrastructure characterized by the following features.

2. In the underwater factory infrastructure described in claim 1, At least a part of the aforementioned factory structure, Carbon fiber reinforced resin, carbon fiber composite material, or lightweight, high-rigidity material containing these. Characterized by being formed by Underwater factory infrastructure.

3. In the subsea-mounted factory infrastructure according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned factory structure is An isobaric structure in which virtually no difference in water pressure occurs between the inside and outside. or Mixed structure with locally pressure-resistant compartments The ability to adopt either of the following is a key feature. Underwater factory infrastructure.

4. In the underwater factory infrastructure described in claim 1, The aforementioned factory structure is Towed from the sea or underwater, It has a configuration that allows it to be sunk to a predetermined location. An underwater factory infrastructure characterized by the following features.

5. In the underwater factory infrastructure described in claim 4, The aforementioned factory structure is Buoyancy adjustment tank, variable buoyancy device, or drainage / water injection mechanism Equipped with, It is possible to either sink or float and recover it. An underwater factory infrastructure characterized by the following features.

6. In the subsea-mounted factory infrastructure according to claim 4 or 5, The aforementioned factory structure is For controlling the attitude during and after sinking. Center of gravity adjustment means, fins, thrusters, or guide structures Features that Underwater factory infrastructure.

7. In the underwater factory infrastructure described in claim 1, The aforementioned functional module is It can be replaced, added to, or reconfigured while installed on the seabed. An underwater factory infrastructure characterized by the following features.

8. In the underwater factory infrastructure described in claim 1, The aforementioned factory infrastructure is Without the assumption of permanent staff presence, Operated by remote monitoring or autonomous control. An underwater factory infrastructure characterized by the following features.

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