Modular floating platform for marine energy generation and / or extraction devices

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular floating platform for marine energy generation and / or extraction devices, comprising a prismatic floating modular structure (2) attached to the sea bed by a plurality of minimally invasive mooring lines (3), the structure (2) comprising a plurality of connecting means (4, 5) that allow the modular coupling of same to the structure (2) of one or more other identical platforms (1) arranged adjacently, forming a supporting assembly of variable dimensions as required in each case. Preferably, the floating modular structure (2) is formed by a steel frame (6) filled with concrete blocks (7) and low-density polyethylene pieces (8) in the proportion necessary for the structure (2) to float.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] MODULAR FLOATING PLATFORM FOR MARINE ENERGY GENERATION AND / OR EXTRACTION DEVICES

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention, as expressed in the title of this specification, relates to a modular floating platform for marine energy generation and / or extraction devices that provides, for its intended purpose, advantages and features, which are described in detail below, which represent an improvement on the current state of the art.

[0005] The object of the present invention lies in a platform which, intended to be installed fixed to the seabed, serves as a means of supporting turbines and / or other apparatus or devices intended for the generation and / or extraction of offshore energy, preferably those intended for the extraction of wave energy, said platform having the particularity of consisting of a floating structure of prismatic configuration, which is fixed to the seabed through minimally invasive mooring lines based on weight anchors, and which has a series of modular assembly means that allow the mutual coupling of the same with other identical platforms to achieve a support of the dimension required in each case, being advantageously conceived to imitate the solidity of a fixed wall deeply cemented in the seabed, being completely immune to any movement in the three dimensional axes,but generating a much smaller impact than in the case of a cemented wall.

[0006] FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The scope of the present invention falls within the sector of the industry dedicated to the manufacture of support structures for marine installations, particularly covering the field of support structures for devices and systems for generating or extracting offshore energy. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0008] As is well known, within the world of material extraction and offshore marine energy generation, there is a monumental challenge: installing devices in an environment as dynamic and vast as the sea. These devices, crucial to energy demand and resource supply, require a robust structure to support them above or below the sea surface. Immobility in the face of waves becomes an essential requirement to ensure their efficient and safe operation.

[0009] However, this need for immobility confronts the industry with a complicated dilemma. Installing static structures entails a colossal effort, involving not only technical precision in the placement of the devices, but also the development of complex and often invasive anchors on the seabed. This process not only represents an enormous logistical and financial effort, but also has a significant impact on delicate underwater ecosystems.

[0010] The objective of the present invention is, therefore, the development of a modular floating platform that offers a practical solution to this problem.

[0011] As a reference to the current state of the art, it should be noted that several types of floating offshore platforms are currently known, the main characteristics of which are set out below:

[0012] Semi-submersible platforms:

[0013] - Buoyancy: These platforms have compartments that fill with water to partially submerge, providing stability.

[0014] - Anchoring: They are held in place by anchors in the seabed, allowing them to withstand waves and ocean currents.

[0015] Tension Leg Platforms (TLP).

[0016] - Buoyancy: They are buoyant, but are held in place by vertical tendons that are anchored to the seabed, providing stability.

[0017] - Anchoring: The tendons are anchored to the seabed, which prevents lateral movement of the platform.

[0018] Fixed production platforms:

[0019] - Buoyancy: These platforms do not float, they are completely immobile and are held in place by their weight and the foundation structures that are fixed to the seabed.

[0020] - Anchoring: They do not have mobile anchors, as they are firmly anchored to the seabed.

[0021] Floating production platforms (FPSO - Floating Production Storage and Offloading)'.

[0022] - Buoyancy: These are floating vessels that have a large storage capacity and float on the surface of the sea.

[0023] - Anchoring: They use anchors to stay in a fixed position during production and storage operations.

[0024] Floating platforms for offshore wind energy:

[0025] - Buoyancy: They use floating structures to support wind turbines on the sea surface and take advantage of offshore winds.

[0026] - Anchoring: They can use anchoring systems similar to those of oil platforms or be permanently anchored to the seabed.

[0027] Floating platforms for wave and tidal energy (wave and tidal power):

[0028] - Buoyancy: They use buoys and floating structures to capture the energy of waves and tides.

[0029] - Anchoring: Some use anchors on the seabed, while others are floating and move with the ebb and flow of the water.

[0030] However, it does not appear that the existing platforms described, taken separately or in combination, have the same or similar technical, structural and constitutive characteristics as the modular floating platform claimed here, characteristics that have been designed to address the common challenges faced by offshore platforms, providing more effective and sustainable alternative solutions.

[0031] EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The modular floating platform for marine energy generation and / or extraction devices proposed by the invention is configured as an optimal solution to the aforementioned objectives which, in turn, represents an improvement on the current state of the art, with the characterizing details that make it possible and distinguish it being conveniently included in the final claims that accompany this description.

[0033] Specifically, the platform of the invention proposes, as has been previously indicated, a platform that, intended to be installed fixed to the seabed with the objective of serving as a means of supporting turbines and / or other marine apparatus or devices intended for the generation and / or extraction of energy, is essentially configured from a floating prismatic structure that is fixed to the seabed through a plurality of minimally invasive mooring lines and has a plurality of modular assembly means to allow coupling it with another or other equal platforms and to be able to give it the dimension that is required in each case.

[0034] Preferably, the floating platform structure is a rectangular prism, with dimensions such that it can be transported without major logistical complications, and is made up of a steel frame filled with concrete blocks and low-density polyethylene in the proportion necessary to achieve buoyancy.

[0035] To facilitate its assembly with other platforms of identical dimensions and create larger floating structures, the prism-shaped structure preferably has standardized recesses and complementary protrusions on at least one of its faces, preferably on two of its opposite faces, allowing precise coupling of some platforms with others.

[0036] Furthermore, these assembly means preferably comprise additional connecting elements. Preferably, bolts or pins are inserted into holes provided for this purpose in the recesses and protrusions that align once two adjacent platforms have been assembled with them, thus ensuring a firm and strong connection between them.

[0037] The anchoring system for each platform to the seabed is carried out by a series of mooring lines that are tensioned by turnbuckles attached individually to each one.

[0038] Ideally, each platform can be secured with up to twelve mooring lines, although this number can be reduced depending on the needs and configuration of the entire modular assembly.

[0039] In any case, the anchoring system, designed to be minimally invasive, is based on a weight-bearing system, using a calcium carbonate biotope as a weight. This not only ensures the stability of the platform but also creates a natural habitat for various marine species. Furthermore, this solution does not generate negative impacts on the surrounding ecosystem, thus promoting a sustainable environmental balance.

[0040] Preferably, the modular floating platform object of the invention is designed, in its capacity, to support wave energy extraction devices in calm waters such as those of the Mediterranean, although this is not a limitation. In any case, the optimal efficiency of these devices depends on the complete immobility of the platform in the face of waves. The platform's structure is designed to mimic the solidity of a fixed wall deeply cemented into the seabed, being completely immune to any movement in the three dimensional axes but generating a much smaller impact than in the case of a cemented wall.

[0041] The platform is designed so that, when a wave approaches, it can receive the impact without giving way, allowing the devices installed on it to perfectly absorb the wave energy.

[0042] The advantages of the platform of the invention with respect to other known platforms are multiple, especially the following:

[0043] - Minimum mobility due to waves:

[0044] One of the most notable advantages of the inventive modular floating platform is its ability to maintain minimal mobility in the face of ocean waves. This results in exceptional stability even in adverse maritime conditions. Waves, which are often a source of instability for floating structures, barely disturb the platform. Its intelligent design and advanced technology allow the platform to smoothly adapt to variations in waves, keeping any movement to a minimum. This is essential to ensure optimal functioning of the devices installed on it, which require a stable surface to operate effectively.

[0045] - Non-invasive anchoring to the marine environment:

[0046] Another crucial advantage of the modular floating platform lies in its marine-friendly anchoring approach. Instead of using invasive anchors that could disrupt underwater ecosystems and damage fragile seabeds, the invented platform employs non-invasive anchoring technologies. These innovative systems ensure the structure remains in position without causing significant damage to the surrounding marine environment. This not only preserves biodiversity and ocean health but also demonstrates a commitment to environmentally friendly practices.

[0047] - Simple and modular installation:

[0048] In addition to its stability and eco-friendly approach, the modular floating platform stands out for its simple and modular installation. The structure has been designed with a modular approach that allows for quick and efficient installation. Each component fits perfectly with the next, simplifying the assembly process. This feature not only saves time but also reduces costs associated with installation, making projects economically viable and financially accessible.

[0049] - Variable size due to its medullary nature:

[0050] Another outstanding feature of the modular floating platform is its versatility in terms of size. Thanks to its modular design, the platform can be adapted and customized to meet the specific needs of each project. This modularity not only allows the platform to be adjusted to support different loads and devices, but also facilitates its expansion or reduction according to the changing requirements of the project. The ability to easily and efficiently adjust the platform's size is essential for adapting to different marine conditions and accommodating diverse technologies. Furthermore, this feature facilitates installation in areas with limited space, making it a practical option even in marine locations previously considered challenging for the installation of floating structures.The flexibility in size not only improves the platform's adaptability to changing environments but also optimizes resource utilization. This ensures greater efficiency in the utilization of marine space and maximizes the performance of installed energy devices. Ultimately, this adjustability and customization significantly contributes to the viability and effectiveness of projects in the field of floating offshore structures.

[0051] In short, the invented modular floating platform offers a complete and effective solution to the challenges faced in the field of offshore structures. Its ability to maintain minimal wave mobility, its non-invasive anchoring in the marine environment, its simple and modular installation, and its adaptable size make it a leading option for offshore projects seeking stability, sustainability, and efficiency in equal measure.

[0052] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] To complement the description being made and in order to help better understand the characteristics of the invention, a drawing is attached to this specification, as an integral part thereof, in which the following has been represented for illustrative and non-limiting purposes:

[0054] Figure 1 shows a schematic top perspective view of an example of the modular floating prismatic platform structure of the invention, showing its general configuration; Figure 2 shows a schematic bottom perspective view of the example of the prismatic structure of the platform, according to the invention, shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of two identical structures in the process of being coupled together; Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of one of the bolts comprising the assembly means of the platform structure to ensure their union; Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a portion of the prismatic structure of the platform, showing the different parts comprising it; Figure 6 shows.- Shows a schematic perspective view of an example of a weight anchor used to secure the platform structure of the invention; and Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of two platforms joined together and secured to the seabed by weight anchors.

[0055] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0056] In view of the aforementioned figures, and in accordance with the adopted numbering, one can observe in them a non-limiting embodiment of the modular floating platform for marine energy generation and / or extraction devices of the invention, which comprises what is described in detail below.

[0057] Thus, as can be seen in said figures, the platform (1) of the invention essentially comprises a floating modular structure (2) of prismatic configuration that is fixed to the seabed through a plurality of minimally invasive mooring lines (3), said structure (2) having a plurality of assembly means (4, 5) that allow the modular coupling of the same with the structure (2) of one or more other equal platforms (1) arranged adjacently, allowing the formation of a support assembly of variable dimensions, as required in each case.

[0058] Preferably, the floating modular structure (2) of the platform (1) is made up of a steel frame (6) filled with concrete blocks (7) and low-density polyethylene pieces (8) in the proportion necessary to achieve the buoyancy of said structure (2).

[0059] Preferably, the structure (2) is a rectangular prism, preferably having dimensions of 7-21 m x 1-5 m x 2-8 m. In an even more preferred embodiment, the structure (2) is a rectangular prism, preferably having dimensions of 11.5 x 2.5 x 4 m.

[0060] REPLACEMENT SHEET (Rule 26) Preferably, the assembly means of the structure (2) comprise at least some recesses (4) and some projections (5) on at least one of its faces which are of complementary dimensions and arrangement to fit respectively into the projections (5) and recesses (4) of the structure (2) of another identical platform (1) located adjacently, as shown in Figure 3.

[0061] Preferably, the structure (2) has said recesses (4) and said projections (5) on two of its opposite faces.

[0062] Furthermore, preferably, the assembly means (4, 5) comprise additional joining elements (9) that ensure their joining.

[0063] Thus, preferably, the recesses (4) and projections (5) that make up the assembly means of the structure (2) have holes (10) suitable for the insertion of bolts (9) that pass through each other when they are assembled with the projections (5) and recesses (4) of another platform (2), serving as additional joining elements, as shown in figure 3.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the recesses (4) are cylindrical grooves or holes made in the structure (2) and the projections (5) are cylindrical rods that emerge from the structure (2), said cylinders being sized to fit completely within the cylindrical grooves.

[0065] For their part, said bolts (9) have a head (9a) of a larger dimension than the holes (10), made in the structure (2) in coincidence with the recesses (4) and the projections (5), and with a threaded end (9b) for fixing by means of a nut (11).

[0066] For its part, the mooring lines (3) with which the structure (2) of the platform (1) is fixed to the seabed (f), comprise a weight anchor (12) consisting of a Calcium Carbonate biotope that, in addition to ensuring the stability of the platform (1), is capable of creating a natural habitat for marine species, avoiding generating a negative impact on the surrounding ecosystem. Preferably, each mooring line (3) comprises a tensioner (13) individually coupled to it for tensioning it. Preferably, on the lower face of the structure (2) there is provided a plurality of fastening points (14), distributed in pairs in several anchors (15) that emerge from it, to fix the mooring lines (3). Preferably, the structure (2) of the platform (1) comprises twelve fastening points (14) to fix up to twelve mooring lines (3).Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field understands its scope and the advantages derived from it.

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- Modular floating platform for marine energy generation and / or extraction devices characterized by comprising a floating modular structure (2) of prismatic configuration that is fixed to the seabed through a plurality of minimally invasive mooring lines (3), said structure (2) having a plurality of assembly means (4, 5) that allow the modular coupling of the same with the structure (2) of one or more other equal platforms (1) arranged adjacently, allowing the formation of a support assembly of variable dimensions, as required in each case. 2.- Modular floating platform for marine energy generation and / or extraction devices, according to claim 1, characterized in that the floating modular structure (2) is made up of a steel frame (6) filled with concrete blocks (7) and low-density polyethylene pieces (8) in the proportion necessary to achieve the buoyancy of said structure (2). 3.- Modular floating platform for marine energy generation and / or extraction devices, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the structure (2) is a rectangular prism with dimensions between 7-21 mx 1-5 m x 2-8 m. 4.- Modular floating platform for marine energy generation and / or extraction devices, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the assembly means of the structure (2) comprise at least some recesses (4) and some projections (5) on at least one of its faces that are of complementary dimensions and arrangement to fit respectively into the projections (5) and recesses (4) of the structure (2) of another identical platform (1) located adjacently. 5.- Modular floating platform for marine energy generation and / or extraction devices, according to claim 4, characterized in that the structure (2) has said recesses (4) and said projections (5) on two of its opposite faces. 6.- Modular floating platform for marine energy generation and / or extraction devices, according to any of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the means of assembly (4, 5) comprise additional joining elements (9). 7.- Modular floating platform for marine energy generation and / or extraction devices, according to claim 6, characterized in that the recesses (4) and projections (5) have holes (10) suitable for the insertion of bolts (9) that pass through each other when they are assembled with the projections (5) and recesses (4) of another platform (2), serving as additional joining elements. 8.- Modular floating platform for marine energy generation and / or extraction devices, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mooring lines (3) with which the structure (2) is fixed to the seabed (f) comprise a weight anchor (12) consisting of a Calcium Carbonate biotope. 9.- Modular floating platform for marine energy generation and / or extraction devices, according to claim 8, characterized in that each mooring line (3) comprises a tensioner (13) individually coupled to it for tensioning. 10.- Modular floating platform for marine energy generation and / or extraction devices, according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, on the lower face of the structure (2) there is provided a plurality of fastening points (14), distributed in pairs in several anchors (15) that emerge from it, to fix the mooring lines (3). 11.- Modular floating platform for marine energy generation and / or extraction devices, according to claim 10, characterized in that the structure (2) comprises twelve fastening points (14) for fixing up to twelve mooring lines (3).

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