Mooring apparatus and method of installation thereof

Abstract

A mooring apparatus (100) for connecting a plurality of floating bodies (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e), the plurality of floating bodies comprising: at least one floating body (110a, 110c, 110e) located on a first side (115a) of a first axis (115) extending in a first horizontal direction; and at least two floating bodies (110b, 110d) located on a second side (115b) of the first axis, the second side being opposite to the first side in a second horizontal direction orthogonal to the first horizontal direction, wherein the floating bodies are arranged in a first sequence, wherein each floating body in the first sequence is located on the opposite side of the first axis to the subsequent floating body in the first sequence, wherein each floating body is connected to the subsequent floating body in the first sequence by an inter-floating-body connection member, and wherein one or more of the plurality of floating bodies is anchored by a mooring member (130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, 130e). A method of installing a mooring apparatus is also disclosed.

Description

[0001] MOORING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF INSTALLATION THEREOF

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a mooring apparatus for a plurality of floating bodies and a method of installing a mooring apparatus. to the invention

[0004] It is known to provide a mooring apparatus to secure a floating body in a body of water to a fixed position. Typically, the fixed position is determined by an anchor to the seabed or a connection to land. The floating body is typically attached to the anchor by a flexible line, such as a chain or rope. The floating body can therefore move around in the water within a restricted area which is determined by the length of the flexible line. Where multiple floating bodies are so secured, it is desirable that the mooring apparatus provides sufficient structure to the secured floating bodies so that they cannot hit one another and so that they do not interfere with one another. In addition, known mooring apparatuses typically use a large number of lines to anchor a floating body to the seabed, which is costly and labour intensive to install.

[0005] It is in this context that the present inventions have been devised. of the invention

[0006] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mooring apparatus for connecting a plurality of floating bodies. It may be the plurality of floating bodies comprises at least one floating body located on a first side of a first axis. It may be that the first axis extends in a first horizontal direction. It may be that the plurality of floating bodies comprises at least two floating bodies located on a second side of the first axis. It may be that the second side is opposite to the first side in a second horizontal direction. It may be that the second horizontal direction is orthogonal to the first horizontal direction. It may be that the floating bodies are arranged in a first sequence. It may be that each floating body in the first sequence is located on the opposite side of the first axis to the subsequent floating body in the first sequence. It may be that each floating body is connected to the subsequent floating body in the first sequence by an inter-floating-body connection member. It may be that one or more of the plurality of floating bodies is anchored by a mooring member.

[0007] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing a mooring apparatus. The method may comprise providing a plurality of floating bodies. It may be that the plurality of floating bodies comprises at least one floating body located on a first side of a first axis extending in a first horizontal direction. It may be that the plurality of floating bodies comprises at least two floating bodies located on a second side of the first axis. It may be that the second side is opposite to the first side in a second horizontal direction. It may be that the second horizontal direction is orthogonal to the first horizontal direction. It may be that the method comprises arranging the floating bodies in a first sequence. It may be that each floating body in the first sequence is located on the opposite side of the first axis to the subsequent floating body in the first sequence. It may be that the method comprises connecting each floating body to the subsequent floating body in the first sequence by an inter-floating-body connection member. It may be that the method comprises anchoring one or more of the plurality of floating bodies with a mooring member.

[0008] Accordingly, it will be understood that the first sequence may comprise consecutive connected floating bodies on alternating sides of the first axis. Advantageously, by providing consecutive floating bodies of the first sequence on alternating sides of the first axis and connected to one another, it is possible to use fewer mooring members to anchor the floating bodies, whilst ensuring that each floating body cannot move so close as to contact any each other floating body (and e.g. its neighbours in the sequence). This is a significant improvement over the conventional arrangement which requires three anchor points and three mooring lines per floating body to achieve the same result.

[0009] In addition, in using this arrangement, the floating bodies do not shadow one another because they are offset from one another on the water surface, rather than being arranged to form a continuous straight line on the water surface. This is particularly important for some types of floating bodies. As an example, for floating bodies having oceanographic sensors or floating wave energy convertors (WECs), known mooring apparatus typically cause the floating bodies to shadow one another which interferes with the sensor measurements and reduces the amount of energy that can be extracted from the water. By shadowing, we refer to the absorption of wave energy from one WEC reducing the amount of wave energy available for a subsequent WEC to absorb. This can occur when WECs are arranged on the surface of the water in straight lines, where each WEC faces the direction of travel of the waves. This is because waves generally travel in a straight line and so if, for example, WECs were arranged in a straight line the first WEC in the sequence would absorb a large portion of the wave energy, leaving less wave energy for the second WEC to absorb. Therefore, by providing consecutive floating bodies of the first sequence on alternating sides of the first axis, the shadowing of nearby floating bodies is reduced and it is possible to position more floating bodies in an available space without the effect of such shadowing having a negative impact.

[0010] Typically, one or more of the plurality of floating bodies is anchored to a fixed point, e.g. by a mooring member. The one or more of the plurality of floating bodies may be anchored to (e.g. a fixed point on) the sea bed. The one or more of the plurality of floating bodies may be anchored to (e.g. a fixed point on) the ocean floor. The method may comprise anchoring one or more of the plurality of floating bodies to a fixed point, e.g. by a mooring member. The method may comprise anchoring one or more of the plurality of floating bodies to (e.g. a fixed point on) the sea bed. The method may comprise anchoring one or more of the floating bodies to (e.g. a fixed point on) the ocean floor.

[0011] Typically, the floating bodies are buoyant. Typically, the mooring apparatus is installed (e.g. offshore) in a body of water (optionally in the sea, optionally in open ocean). Typically, the method comprises installing the mooring apparatus in a body of water. Accordingly, the first and axes are typically parallel to (e.g. coincident with) the still water surface). Typically, the mooring apparatus may be installed for example at least 100 m, such as at least 1 km, for example at least 5 km, such as at least 10 km, for example at least 30 km, such as at least 50 km, for example at least 60 km from the shore. Typically, the mooring apparatus may be installed for example at most 1 km, such as at most 5 km, for example at most 10 km, such as at most 30 km, for example at most 50 km, such as at most 80 km from the shore. Typically, the mooring apparatus may be installed in water having a depth of for example at least 40 m, such as at least 75 m, for example at least 100 m, such as at least 125 m, for example at least 150 m, such as at least 175 m. Typically, the mooring apparatus may be installed in water having a depth of for example at most 75 m, such as at most 100 m, for example at most 125 m, such as at most 150 m, for example at most 175 m, such as at most 200 m.

[0012] It may be that at least one of the plurality of floating bodies is a wave energy convertor (WEC). The WEC may be a wave energy extractor which extracts energy from the movement of the body of water in which it is installed. However, other buoyant bodies such as floating wind turbines, floating oceanographic sensors, or buoys, tidal turbines, floating solar panels, etc may also be envisaged.

[0013] Typically, the WEC may comprise a floating body having a wave receiving channel with a sloping base and a wave receiving opening provided between opposing first and second side walls. The sloping base typically extends beneath a still water surface in a still water rest position. Typically, the sloping base extends from an end wall of the wave receiving channel. The wave receiving channel may have a channel resonant frequency defined by one or more of the sloping base, the first side wall, the second side wall and the end wall. It may be that the wave receiving channel is configured to cause resonance (typically within the channel) of waves received by the wave receiving channel through the wave receiving opening and having the said channel resonant frequency.

[0014] Typically, the first axis is not a physical barrier dividing the plurality of floating bodies into a subgroup on one side of the first axis and a subgroup on the other side of the first axis. Instead, the first axis is a conceptual line intended to provide a comparison between floating bodies on a first side and floating bodies on a second side. It may be that the first axis is a line extending in a vertical plane bisecting a horizontal area into a first section (i.e. the first side) and a second section (i.e. the second side). It may be that the first section and the second section are adjacent to each other (optionally with no space therebetween). It may be that the first section and the second section do not overlap). It may be that there is at least one floating body located on a first side of a first axis (e.g. in the vertical plane). It may be that there are at least two floating bodies located on a second side of a first axis (e.g. in the vertical plane).

[0015] It may be that the plurality of floating bodies are arranged on (e.g. float on) a surface of a body of water. The surface of water may be considered as a planar surface extending horizontally (e.g. parallel to the Earth’s surface). However, as bodies of water are subject to wave motion, it will be appreciated that the floating bodies will move up and down with the surface of the water in correspondence with the wave motion. It may be that the first and second sides of the first axis are regions of the surface of a body of water.

[0016] It may be that the first axis is (e.g. substantially) orthogonal to the principal direction of the waves in the body of water. Advantageously, this further reduces the shadowing of adjacent floating bodies in the sequence. It may be that the apparatus is configured such that the first axis is arranged at 90° to the principal direction of the waves in the body of water. The method may comprise configuring the apparatus such that the first axis is arranged at 90° to the principal direction of the waves in the body of water. It may be that the apparatus is configured such that the first axis is arranged at between 85° and 95°, optionally between 80° and 100°, optionally between 70° and 110° to the principal direction of the waves in the body of water. The method may comprise configuring the apparatus such that the first axis is arranged at between 85° and 95°, optionally between 80° and 100°, optionally between 70° and 110° to the principal direction of the waves in the body of water. The method may comprise determining (e.g. measuring) the principal direction of the waves in the body of water. The method may comprise simulating the principal direction of the waves in the body of water.

[0017] It may be that one or more of the plurality of floating bodies is anchored by a mooring member to the ground underneath the body of water (for example, the seabed or ocean floor). It may be that the plurality of floating bodies comprises at least one floating body having at least 50% of its length in the second horizontal direction located on the first side of the first axis. It may be that the plurality of floating bodies comprises at least two floating bodies each having at least 50% of their length in the second horizontal direction located on the second side of the first axis.

[0018] It may be that the inter-floating-body connections members extend across the first axis.

[0019] It may be that the floating bodies are attached to the inter-floating-body member at an attachment point on the floating body. It may be that at least one floating body in the first sequence comprises one or more attachment points, for attachment to the respective inter-floating-body members attached to it, which are located on the first side of the first axis. It may be that at least two floating bodies in the first sequence each comprise one or more attachment points, for attachment to the respective interfloating-body members attached to it, which are located on the second side of the first axis.

[0020] Typically, the first horizontal direction refers to a direction along the surface on which the floating bodies are arranged. Typically, the second horizontal direction refers to a direction that is also along the surface on which the floating bodies are arranged, but that is perpendicular (i.e. orthogonal) to the first direction. In other words, both the first and second direction lie within the planar surface on which the floating bodies are provided. It may be that the first and second sides of the first axis are separated from one another in the second horizontal direction.

[0021] It may be that consecutive floating bodies of the first sequence are arranged on alternating sides of the first axis. It may be that the consecutive floating bodies of the first sequence are alternately distributed on either side of the first axis.

[0022] The first sequence of floating bodies may comprise a group of floating bodies connected by the inter-floating-body connection members. Each floating body in the first sequence may be connected to another floating body in the first sequence to thereby form a zig-zag line of floating bodies as the first sequence. It may be that the floating bodies are vertices of a zig-zag. It may be that the inter-floating-body connection members are connecting lines between the vertices of a zig-zag. It will be understood that a zig-zag is a line made up of a series of connected lines inclined at angles in alternate directions. The point at which the lines in the series connect form vertices (e.g. corners). Each of the series lines may be the of same length. The series of lines may comprise lines of different lengths. Each of the vertex angles (i.e. the internal angle of the corner) in the zig-zag may be equal to one another. The vertex angles (i.e. the internal angle of the corner) in the zig-zag may vary along the series of connected lines.

[0023] It may be that the plurality of floating bodies comprises a total of an odd integer ‘ri floating bodies. It may be that the plurality of floating bodies comprises a total of an odd integer ‘ri floating bodies in each sequence. It may be that the method of installing a mooring apparatus comprises providing a total of an odd integer ‘ri floating bodies. It may be that the method of installing a mooring apparatus comprises providing a total of an odd integer ‘ri floating bodies in each sequence. It may be that ‘ri is at least 3. It may be that ‘ri is at least 5. It will be understood that an integer is a positive whole number and is greater than zero.

[0024] Advantageously, an odd number of floating bodies in a sequence provides the largest ratio of floating bodies to anchor points or mooring members. This is particularly useful as the anchor points are an expensive component which require large amounts of capital expenditure and resources for installation / decommissioning. It may be that the apparatus comprises fewer anchors (optionally anchor points) than floating bodies. It may be that the apparatus comprises fewer mooring members than floating bodies.

[0025] Advantageously, providing a sequence of 5 floating bodies provides an optimal balance between providing a high number of floating bodies connected together in the sequence without the sequence becoming so large so as to be difficult to install and / or control.

[0026] It may be that ‘ri is at least 5, for example at least 7, such as at least 9. It may be that ‘ri is at most 15, for example at most 13, such as at most 11, for example at most 9, such as at most 7.

[0027] It may be that the plurality of floating bodies comprises ‘2x+T floating bodies. It may be that the plurality of floating bodies comprises ‘2x+T floating bodies in each sequence. It may be that the method of installing a mooring apparatus comprises providing ‘2x+ floating bodies. It may be that the method of installing a mooring apparatus comprises providing ‘2x+T floating bodies in each sequence. It may be that ‘x’ is at least 1. It may be that ‘x’ is at least 2. It may be that the number of floating bodies in each sequence can be (e.g. completely) described as 2x+1 floating bodies, where x is an integer. It may be that the number of floating bodies in each sequence is exactly 2x+1 floating bodies, where x is an integer.

[0028] It may be that ‘x’ is at least 1 , for example at least 2, such as at least 3. It may be that ‘x’ is at most 6, for example at most 5, such as at most 4, for example at most 3, such as at most 2.

[0029] It may be that each floating body in the sequence is connected to at least one other floating body in the sequence. It may be that at least one floating body in the sequence is connected to two other floating bodies in the sequence (optionally to exactly two other floating bodies in the sequence, optionally to less than three other floating bodies in the sequence).

[0030] It may be that the plurality of floating bodies comprises a first floating body at the start of the sequence. It may be that the plurality of floating bodies comprises a further floating body at the end of the sequence. It may be that the plurality of floating bodies comprises one or more intermediate floating bodies between the first and further floating bodies. It may be that the first and further floating bodies are not (e.g. directly) connected to one another (e.g. other than via the one or more intermediate floating bodies).

[0031] Advantageously, since the first and further floating bodies are not connected to one another, the risk of shadowing between the floating bodies in the sequence is reduced as a (e.g. zig-zag) line, rather than array is formed by the floating bodies in the sequence.

[0032] It will be appreciated that a line refers to a series of connected floating bodies which are connected from one end (e.g. first) floating body to another end (e.g. further) floating body via intermediate floating bodies. There are only two end floating bodies (e.g. in a sequence, e.g. in a line) and every other floating body in the line is an intermediate floating body. The end floating bodies (e.g. in a sequence, e.g. in a line) are not connected to one another. An end floating body (e.g. in a sequence, e.g. in a line) is connected to one other floating body in the line (e.g. an intermediate floating body where the line has three or more floating bodies). Each intermediate floating body is connected to only two other floating bodies in the line (e.g. in a sequence). For example, where the line has three floating bodies in total, there is only one intermediate floating body and it is connected to the two end floating bodies. As another example, where the line has five floating bodies in total, there is one intermediate floating body that is connected to two other intermediate floating bodies and there are two intermediate floating bodies connected to one other intermediate floating body and one end floating body.

[0033] In contrast, in an array of floating bodies, there are either no end floating bodies or more than two end floating bodies (where an end floating body is a floating body that is connected to one other floating body). In addition, in an array, intermediate floating bodies may be connected to more than two other floating bodies.

[0034] The first floating body may define the start point of a zig-zag formed by the floating bodies and connection members of the first sequence. The further floating body may define the end point of a zig-zag formed by the floating bodies and connection members of the first sequence. It may be that an intermediate floating body is connected to one other intermediate floating body and one of the first and further floating body. It may be that an intermediate floating body is connected to two other intermediate floating bodies. When ‘ri is equal to 3, it may be that an intermediate floating body is connected to both of the first and further floating bodies.

[0035] Typically, the first and further floating bodies are not directly connected to one another. Typically, the first and further floating bodies are not directly connected by an inter- floating-body connection member. That is, there is typically not an inter-floating-body connection member which extends between the first floating body and the further floating body. In this way, the first sequence does not form an (e.g. closed) polygon. In other words, the first sequence does not form a closed shape where the floating bodies are vertices and the inter-floating body connection members are edges.

[0036] It may be that the first and further floating bodies are each connected to only one respective intermediate floating body of the plurality of floating bodies (e.g. by an inter- floating-body connection member). It may be that the method of installing a mooring apparatus comprises connecting each of the first and further floating bodies to only one respective intermediate floating body of the plurality of floating bodies (e.g. using an inter-floating-body connection member).

[0037] Advantageously, since the first and further floating bodies are connected to only one intermediate floating body, the complexity of the mooring apparatus is reduced because the number of inter-floating-body connection members is reduced compared to if the intermediate floating bodies were each individually anchored by multiple mooring members per floating body. This is because the connection of the floating bodies to one another provides stability to and secures each floating body. As a result, this provides a more straight-forward method of installation and requires fewer component parts to completely install the mooring apparatus.

[0038] Advantageously, since the first and further floating bodies are connected to only one intermediate floating body, the complexity of the mooring apparatus is reduced because the number of inter-floating-body connection members is reduced compared to if the first and further floating bodies were connected to more than one intermediate floating body as in an array. This provides a more straight-forward method of installation and requires fewer component parts to completely install the mooring apparatus.

[0039] Through connection between the first and further floating bodies to an intermediate floating body, additional stability is provided to each of the floating bodies in the first sequence.

[0040] Optionally, the first and further floating bodies may each be connected to only one other respective intermediate floating body of the floating bodies in the first sequence. Optionally, the method of installing the mooring apparatus may comprise connecting each of the first and further floating bodies to only one other respective intermediate floating body in the first sequence.

[0041] Typically, the first sequence is formed of floating bodies arranged in a singular zig-zag line. That is, each end vertex of the first sequence is connected to one other vertex of the zig-zag by a single inter- floating-body connection member and each intermediate vertex, between the start and end vertices of the first sequence, is connected to two other vertices of the first sequence. Typically, each of the first and further floating body is connected to a single floating body of the first sequence. Typically, the method of installing a mooring apparatus comprises connecting each of the first and further floating body to a single floating body of the first sequence.

[0042] Typically, the only floating body to which the first floating body is connected to is on the opposite side of the first axis to the first floating body. Typically, the only floating body to which the further floating body is connected to is on the opposite side of the first axis to the further floating body.

[0043] It may be that each intermediate floating body is connected to exactly two other floating bodies in the first sequence. It may be that the method of installing a mooring apparatus comprises connecting each intermediate floating body to exactly two other floating bodies in the first sequence.

[0044] Advantageously, since intermediate floating bodies are connected to exactly two other floating bodies, the complexity of the mooring apparatus is reduced because the number of inter-floating-body connection members is reduced compared to if the intermediate floating bodies were individually anchored by multiple mooring members per floating body. This is because the connection to the other floating bodies to one another provides stability to the mooring of each floating body. As a result, this provides a more straight-forward method of installation and requires fewer component parts to completely install the mooring apparatus.

[0045] Advantageously, since intermediate floating bodies are connected to exactly two other floating bodies, the complexity of the mooring apparatus is reduced because the number of inter-floating-body connection members is reduced compared to if the intermediate further floating bodies were connected to more than two intermediate floating body as in an array. This provides a more straight-forward method of installation and requires fewer component parts to completely install the mooring apparatus.

[0046] Typically, each intermediate floating body is connected to exactly two other floating bodies on the opposite side of the first axis to it. Typically, the method of installing a mooring apparatus comprises connecting each intermediate floating body to exactly two other floating bodies on the opposite side of the first axis to it. It may be that adjacent floating bodies in each sequence, in the first horizontal direction, are connected to one another by inter-floating-body connection members to form a zig-zag line. It may be that the method of installing a mooring apparatus comprises connecting adjacent floating bodies, in the first horizontal direction, to one another by inter-floating-body connection members to form a zig-zag line.

[0047] Advantageously, the sequence of floating bodies arranged in a zig-zag line reduces the complexity of the mooring apparatus compared to mooring apparatus in which each floating body is anchored by multiple mooring members because the connection of the floating bodies to one another in the zig-zag provides stability and serves to anchor each floating body. As a result, this provides a more straight-forward method of installation and requires fewer component parts to completely install the mooring apparatus.

[0048] Advantageously, the sequence of floating bodies arranged in a zig-zag line reduces the number of inter-floating-body connection members compared to if the floating bodies were connected in an array. This provides a more straight-forward method of installation and requires fewer component parts to completely install the mooring apparatus.

[0049] Advantageously, as the floating bodies in the sequence are arranged in a zig-zag line, they do not shadow one another. Therefore, when the floating bodies include WECs, a greater amount of energy can be extracted from each WEC compared to a group of WECs arranged in an array where they may overlap in the direction parallel to the direction of wave travel.

[0050] By adjacent floating bodies, we refer the following types of floating bodies. Typically, the line of shortest distance between each floating body and the first axis extends perpendicular to the first axis, i.e. extends in the second direction. Typically, the line of shortest distance between each floating body and the first axis reaches the first axis at a reference point along the first axis. Typically, floating bodies which are adjacent in the first horizontal direction, have reference points along the first axis which are adjacent to one another. It may be that adjacent floating bodies (e.g. in the first sequence), on opposite sides of the first axis, are connected to one another by inter-floating-body connection members to form a zig-zag line. In other words, adjacent floating bodies in the first sequence may not be floating bodies which are located closest to one another if both floating bodies are on the same side of the first axis.

[0051] It may be that the plurality of floating bodies are provided across a first surface extending along a first plane. It may be that the smallest angle, in the first plane, between consecutive inter-floating-body connection members is such as between 100° and 140°, for example between 105° and 135°, such as between 110° and 130°, for example between 115° and 125°. It may be that the smallest angle in the first plane, between consecutive inter-floating body connection members is exactly 120°. It may be that the method of installing a mooring apparatus comprises providing the plurality of floating bodies across a first surface extending along a first plane.

[0052] Advantageously, when the plurality of floating bodies are positioned such that the smallest angle, in the first plane, between consecutive inter-floating-body connection members is between 100° and 140°, a zig-zag arrangement is formed which is highly effective at reducing shadowing due to the offset angle between each floating body.

[0053] It may be that the first plane aligns with the surface of the water on which the floating bodies are installed (without taking into account wave motion of the ocean, e.g. parallel to the still water surface). Typically, the first and second horizontal directions lie in the first plane.

[0054] The smallest angle between consecutive inter-floating-body connection members may typically be less than 180°. It may be that the smallest angle, in the first plane, between consecutive inter-floating-body connection members is between for example 20° and 170°, such as 50° and 150°, for example 60° and 140°, such as 70° and 130°, for example 80° and 120°.

[0055] Typically, the smallest angle between consecutive inter-floating-body connection members extends in the first plane. The consecutive inter-floating-body connection members may be inter-floating-body connection members connected to the same floating body. It may be that the plurality of floating bodies comprises at least one floating body located on a first side of a second axis. It may be that the second axis extends in a third horizontal direction. It may be that the plurality of floating bodies comprises at least two floating bodies located on a second side of the second axis. It may be that the second side is opposite to the first side in a fourth horizontal direction. It may be that the plurality floating bodies are arranged in a second sequence. It may be that each floating body in the second sequence is located on the opposite side of the second axis to the subsequent floating body in the second sequence. It may be that each floating body is connected to the subsequent floating body in the second sequence by an inter-floating-body connection member. It may be that the last floating body in the first sequence is connected to the last floating body in the second sequence.

[0056] It may be that the method step of providing the plurality of floating bodies comprises providing at least one floating body located on a first side of a second axis extending in a third horizontal direction. It may be that the method step of providing the plurality of floating bodies comprises providing at least two floating bodies located on a second side of the second axis. It may be that the second side is opposite to the first side in a fourth horizontal direction. It may be that the method comprises arranging the floating bodies in a second sequence. It may be that each floating body in the second sequence is located on the opposite side of the second axis to the subsequent floating body in the second sequence. It may be that the method comprises connecting each floating body to the subsequent floating body in the second sequence by an inter-floating-body connection member. It may be that the method comprises connecting the last floating body in the first sequence to the last floating body in the second sequence.

[0057] Advantageously, more floating bodies can be provided in the mooring apparatus by providing a second sequence of floating bodies. This may be preferable to adding more floating bodies to the first sequence because it avoids the possibility of the second sequence becoming so large that it becomes unruly and difficult to control and keep stable in the body of water in which it is installed.

[0058] When the floating bodies are WECs, this means that more energy can be extracted from the water. It may be that the first and second sequence comprise the same number of floating bodies. It may be that the first and second sequence comprise a different number of floating bodies.

[0059] Typically, the third horizontal direction (and therefore the second axis) may be parallel to the first horizontal direction (and therefore the first axis). However, in other examples, the third horizontal direction (and therefore the second axis) could extend in any direction within the plane of the first and second horizontal directions (i.e. in the first plane).

[0060] Similarly, the fourth horizontal direction may be parallel to the second horizontal direction. However, in other examples, the fourth horizontal direction could extend in any direction within the plane of the first and second horizontal directions (i.e. in the first plane).

[0061] Typically, the first and third horizontal direction do not overlap (optionally at more than one point, e.g. in the plane of the surface of the water (e.g. when at rest)). Typically, the second and fourth horizontal direction do not overlap (optionally at more than one point, e.g. in the plane of the surface of the water (e.g. when at rest)).

[0062] Typically, the second axis may have any of the features previously described in relation to the first axis. That is, the second axis is typically not a physical barrier dividing the plurality of floating bodies into two subgroups, each subgroup on either side of the second axis. The second axis may be a vertical plane bisecting an area into a first section and a second section on either side of the second axis.

[0063] Typically, the second sequence (and the floating bodies therein) may have any of the features previously described in relation to the first sequence. That is, consecutive floating bodies of the second sequence are arranged on alternating sides of the second axis. It may be that the consecutive floating bodies of the second sequence are alternately distributed on either side of the second axis. In this way, it may be that the floating bodies of the second sequence are vertices of a zig-zag. It may be that the inter-floating-body connection members are connecting lines between the vertices of a zig-zag. It may be that the last floating body in the first sequence is connected to the last floating body in the second sequence via a secondary floating body. It may be that the method comprises connecting the last floating body in the first sequence to the last floating body in the second sequence via a secondary floating body. Typically, the secondary floating body refers to a buoy or other floating structure.

[0064] It may be that the last floating body in the first sequence is connected to the last floating body in the second sequence via a shared anchor point. It may be that the method comprises connecting the last floating body in the first sequence to the last floating body in the second sequence via a shared anchor point. The shared anchor point may be a subsea hub, or other grounded (i.e. non-floating) structure.

[0065] It may be that the last floating body in the first sequence is directly connected to the last floating body in the second sequence. It may be that the method comprises directly connecting the last floating body in the first sequence to the last floating body in the second sequence. Typically, direct connection means that there are no intermediary floating bodies between the last floating body in the first sequence and the last floating body in the second sequence. That is, the last floating body in the first sequence and the last floating body in the second sequence are connected to one another using a secondary connection member.

[0066] Typically, the inter-floating-body connection member is flexible. It may be that the inter- floating-body connection member comprises a chain.

[0067] Advantageously, chains are flexible in the water whilst also providing the necessary strength to connect the floating bodies in the sequences.

[0068] It may be that the inter-floating-body connection member comprises an (e.g. studless) chain. It may be that the inter-floating-body connection member comprises a studlink long-term mooring chain. It may be that the inter-floating-body connection member is formed of steel. It may be that the inter-floating-body connection member is selected depending on the floating bodies used in the mooring apparatus and / or the specific location in which the mooring apparatus is to be installed.

[0069] It will be envisaged that other types of flexible inter-floating-body connection members could be used including, for examples cables and / or ropes. It may be that at least one of the inter-floating-body connection members form a (e.g. approximation to a) catenary curve in use (e.g. when at rest). It may be that the method step of connecting each floating body to the subsequent floating body in the sequence by an inter-floating-body connection member comprises forming a catenary curve in at least one of the inter-floating-body connection members.

[0070] Advantageously, the provision of a catenary curve in the inter-floating-body connection member allows for peak mooring load damping and WEC generation compliance (where the floating bodies are WECs).

[0071] A catenary curve is the curve formed by a chain or cable suspended under its own weight when supported only at its ends in a uniform gravitational field. With the inter- floating-body connection member suspended in water, the catenary curve of the interfloating-body connection member may be different to when it is suspended in air.

[0072] It will be appreciated that the catenary curve may be formed by the inter-floating-body connection member when the body of water is at rest. It will be appreciated that the catenary line formed by the inter-floating-body connection member may deviate from the mathematical definition of a catenary curve in dependence on movement of the floating bodies and inter-floating-body connection members under action from the water by a deviation factor. The first deviation factor may refer to a percentage of distance between each point of the inter-floating-body connection member and the mathematical catenary curve. The first deviation factor may be such as at most 25%, for example at most 20%, such as at most 15%, for example at most 10%, such as at most 5%. The first deviation factor may be such as at least 5%, for example at least 10%, such as at least 15%.

[0073] Typically, the shape of the catenary curve is designed by taking into account the weight and length of the inter-floating-body connection members (e.g. chains), particularly the static equilibrium of the inter-floating-body connection members and the range of motions and accelerations of the inter-floating-body connection members caused by environmental conditions at location in which the mooring apparatus is installed. It may be that the shape of the catenary curve depends on the type of floating bodies used in the mooring apparatus and / or the specific location in which the mooring apparatus is to be installed. It may be that the inter-floating-body connection member is suspended in the water column between (e.g. and below) the floating bodies to which it is connected.

[0074] Advantageously, since the inter-floating-body connection member does not touch the ground, the length of the inter-floating-body connection member is reduced. In turn, this reduces manufacturing costs and operational costs. In addition, the possibility of the inter-floating-body connection member becoming trapped on the ground (e.g. seabed or ocean floor) is reduced.

[0075] It may be that the lowest point of the inter-floating-body connection member beneath the surface of the body of water is at the midpoint of the water column, which is the distance between the surface of the body of water and the ground (e.g. seabed or ocean floor). It may be that the lowest point of the inter-floating-body connection member beneath the surface of body of water is within a distance such as 20% of, for example 15% of, such as 10% of, for example 5% of the water column from the midpoint of the water column. However, it will be appreciated that the lowest point of the inter-floating-body connection member may depend on the specific location in which the mooring apparatus is to be installed.

[0076] It may be that the mooring member is formed of one or more flexible lines. It may be that the mooring member comprises a plurality of lines made of different materials.

[0077] It may be that the mooring member comprises a ground chain. It may be that the mooring member comprises a thrasher chain. It may be that the mooring member comprises a (e.g. synthetic) rope.

[0078] Advantageously, the thrasher chains provide additional mass and therefore stiffness in the thrash zone. In addition, thrasher chains are particularly strong and therefore can withstand repeated contact with the ground (e.g. seabed or ocean floor) when the thrasher chain is moved up and down due to movement of the floating body to which it is attached under wave motion.

[0079] Advantageously, ground chains may be at least partly embedded into the ground (optionally into the seabed, optionally into the ocean floor)so that there is minimal uplift under expected environmental conditions at the location in which the mooring apparatus is installed.

[0080] It may be that such as at least 3, for example at least 4, such as at least 5 of the plurality of floating bodies is anchored to the ground (optionally to the seabed, optionally to the ocean floor) by a mooring member. It may be that the closest integer of floating bodies to at least one half of the floating bodies in each sequence are anchored to the ground (optionally to the seabed, optionally to the ocean floor) by a mooring member.

[0081] It may be that each of the floating bodies is anchored by a mooring member. It may be that the method of installing the mooring apparatus comprises anchoring each of the floating bodies with a mooring member.

[0082] Advantageously, by connecting each of the floating bodies to the ground (optionally to the seabed, optionally to the ocean floor) with a mooring member, the stability of the mooring apparatus is improved. However, since each floating body in the sequence is connected to at least one other floating body in the sequence, fewer mooring members are needed for each floating body compared to if the floating bodies in the sequence were not connected to one another.

[0083] It may be that each of the floating bodies is anchored to the ground (optionally to the seabed, optionally to the ocean floor) by only one mooring member per floating body. It may be that the method of installing the mooring apparatus comprises anchoring each of the floating bodies to the ground (optionally to the seabed, optionally to the ocean floor) by only one mooring member per floating body.

[0084] It may be that at least one mooring member extends (e.g. in a projection in the first plane) perpendicular to the first horizontal direction. It may be that the method step of anchoring one or more of the plurality of floating bodies with a mooring member comprises providing at least one mooring member extending (e.g. in a projection in the first plane) perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

[0085] Advantageously, the mooring members extend perpendicular to the first horizontal direction so that the mooring member does not interfere with the inter-floating-body connection members. This means that the risk of the mooring members and the inter- floating-body connection members becoming tangled is reduced.

[0086] In other words, the at least one mooring member may extend (e.g. in a projection in the first plane) in the second horizontal direction.

[0087] It may be that the mooring members connected to at least one of the first and further floating bodies extend (e.g. in a projection in the first plane) collinearly with the inter- floating-body line connected to the first and / or further floating body.

[0088] By collinearly, we refer to two directions which line on the same straight line. By projection in the first plane, we refer to a transformation of the points in three dimensions onto the plane of the surface of the water (e.g. the first plane).

[0089] It may be that the moor lines connected to at least one of the first and further floating bodies are aligned in a vertical plane with the inter-floating-body line connected to the first and / or further floating body.

[0090] It may be that at least one mooring member extends perpendicular to the first horizontal direction away from the first axis. It may be that the method step of anchoring one or more of the plurality of floating bodies (e.g. to the seabed, optionally to the ocean floor)with a mooring member comprises providing at least one mooring member extending perpendicular to the first horizontal direction away from the first axis.

[0091] Advantageously, the mooring members extend away from the first axis so that the mooring member does not interfere with the inter-floating-body connection members. This means that the risk of the mooring members and the inter-floating-body connection members becoming tangled is further reduced.

[0092] It may be that at least one of the wave energy convertors (WECs) is connected to a power take off system configured to transmit electricity generated by the wave energy convertor (WEC). It may be that the method of installing the mooring apparatus comprises connecting at least one of the wave energy convertors (WECs) to a power take off system configured to transmit electricity generated by the wave energy convertor (WEC). Advantageously, the power take off system allows for the energy converted from the wave motion of the water to electrical energy to be transmitted to a power storage facility. Therefore, the apparatus provides for renewable energy generation.

[0093] It may be that the power take off system comprises a generator. It may be that the generator is configured to generate electrical energy from kinetic energy of the WEC, which is caused by wave motion of the water.

[0094] It may be that the power take off system comprises one or more electrical cables. It may be that the power take off system comprises an umbilical. An umbilical is a cable placed in the water, e.g. on the seabed or ocean floor, that carries electric energy from one place to another.

[0095] Typically, each floating body that is a WEC is connected to a power take off system.

[0096] Typically, each power take off system is connected to a power storage facility. The power take off system may be connected to a subsea energy storage hub.

[0097] It may be that the power take off system comprises one or more bend restrictors. It may be the that the power take off system comprises a first bend restrictor having a concave shape and / or a second bend restrictor comprising a buoyant bend restrictor having a convex shape.

[0098] Advantageously, the bend restrictors protect the power take of system, e.g. the umbilical cable. The bend restrictors prevent the umbilical from undesired bending or twisting.

[0099] Typically, the first and second bend restrictors surround a portion of the umbilical. The first bend restrictor is typically not buoyant so that it sinks in the water and causes the umbilical to bend in a desired location. The second bend restrictor is typically buoyant so that it pulls the portion of the umbilical that it surrounds upwards. Typically, the first and second bend restrictors cause the umbilical to form a lazy ‘S’ shaped portion.

[0100] It will be appreciated that the formation of the lazy ‘S’ shaped portion in the umbilical will depend on the movement of the body of water in which the floating bodies and the inter-floating-body connection members are installed. Therefore, the formation of the ‘S’ shaped portion in the umbilical may occurwhen the water is at rest, or has a benign wave climate. The formation of the lazy ‘S’ shaped portion may be formation of a sigmoid curve. It will be appreciated that the lazy ‘S’ shaped portion may deviate from a true ‘S’ shape in dependence on movement of the floating bodies and inter-floating- body connection members under action from the water by a second deviation factor. The second deviation factor may refer to a percentage of distance between each point of the inter-floating-body connection member and a true ‘S’ shape. The second deviation factor may be such as at most 25%, for example at most 20%, such as at most 15%, for example at most 10%, such as at most 5%. The second deviation factor may be such as at least 5%, for example at least 10%, such as at least 15%.

[0101] Typically, the first bend restrictor is concave when viewed from the surface of the water. Typically, the second bend restrictor is convex when viewed from the surface of the water.

[0102] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an offshore wind farm comprising a plurality of wind turbines and at least one mooring apparatus as described above positioned between two or more of the plurality of wind turbines.

[0103] Advantageously, the provision of the mooring apparatus in between wind turbines in an offshore wind farm makes for an efficient use of space. When the floating bodies include WECs, the energy generated at the offshore wind farm site is increased because energy is generated both from wind turbines and the floating WECs. The mooring apparatus does not increase the area used by the wind farm because they are placed in the un-used space between the wind turbines.

[0104] It may be that the method of installing a mooring apparatus comprises installing a plurality of anchor points at a chosen site for installation. It may be that the individual components, such as the anchors, mooring members, inter-floating-body connection members, floating bodies are carried to the site on a boat or vessel (such as a barge). It may be that the boat or vessel makes multiple return visits to the site to install the individual components, for example due to weight and size constraints. Typically, the method of installation takes place over an extended period of time, such as a number of days. It may be that the method comprises anchoring a first floating body to a first anchor point. It may be that the method comprises attaching a first inter-floating-body connection member to the first floating body. It may be that the method comprises anchoring a second floating body to a second anchor point. It may be that the method comprises attaching the first inter-floating-body connection member to the second floating body. It may be that the method comprises attaching a second inter- floatingbody connection member to the second floating body. It may be that the method comprises anchoring a third floating body to a third anchor point. It may be that the method comprises attaching the second inter-floating-body connection member to the third floating body. It may be that the method comprises attaching a third inter-floating- body connection member to the third floating body. It may be that the method comprises anchoring a fourth floating body to a fourth anchor point. It may be that the method comprises attaching the third inter-floating-body connection member to the fourth floating body. It may be that the method comprises attaching the fourth interfloating-body connection member to the fourth floating body. It may be that the method comprises anchoring a fifth floating body to a fifth anchor point. It may be that the method comprises attaching the fourth inter-floating-body connection member to the fifth floating body.

[0105] It may be that the wind turbines are fixed-foundation turbines or floating turbines.

[0106] An example embodiment of the present invention will now be illustrated with reference to the following Figures in which:

[0107] Figure 1 is a plan view of a schematic of an example mooring apparatus according to an aspect of the invention;

[0108] Figure 2 is a side view of a schematic of the example mooring apparatus of Figure 1 , according to an aspect of the invention;

[0109] Figure 3 is a side view of a schematic of the example mooring apparatus of Figures 1 and 2, according to an aspect of the invention;

[0110] Figure 4 is a plan view of a schematic of the example mooring apparatus of Figures 1 to 3, according to an aspect of the invention;

[0111] Figure 5 is a plan view of a schematic of an example offshore wind farm according to an aspect of the invention; Figure 6 is a plan view of a schematic of a further example mooring apparatus according to an aspect of the invention;

[0112] Figure 7 is a flowchart of an example of a method of installation of a mooring apparatus according to an aspect of the invention;

[0113] Figure 8 is a flowchart of an example of a method of installation of a mooring apparatus according to an aspect of the invention;

[0114] Figure 9 is a flowchart of an example of a method of installation of a mooring apparatus according to an aspect of the invention;

[0115] Figure 10 is a flowchart of an example of a method of installation of a mooring apparatus according to an aspect of the invention;

[0116] Figure 11 is a flowchart of an example of a method of installation of a mooring apparatus according to an aspect of the invention;

[0117] Figure 12 is a flowchart of an example of a method of installation of a mooring apparatus according to an aspect of the invention;

[0118] Figure 13 is a flowchart of an example of a method of installation of a mooring apparatus according to an aspect of the invention; and

[0119] Figure 14a and 14b are flowcharts of an example of a method of installation of a mooring apparatus according to an aspect of the invention.

[0120] Detailed Description of an Example Embodiment

[0121] Figure 1 is a plan view of a schematic of an example mooring apparatus 100 according to an aspect of the invention. Figure 2 is a side view of the schematic of the mooring apparatus 100. The mooring apparatus 100 includes a sequence 105 of 5 wave energy convertors (WEC) 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, which function as the floating bodies described above. The mooring apparatus 100 is located in a body of water, such as the ocean. The WECs 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e float on the surface 160 of the body of water. The second and fourth WECs are located on a first side 115a of the axis 115. The first, third and fifth WECs 110a, 110c, 110e are located on a second side 115b of the axis 115. The first axis 115 extends in a first direction, i.e. from left to right on the page of Figure 1 (which in this example represents the direction from West to East on the water surface). The first and second sides 115a, 115b of the first axis 115 are separated in a second direction, i.e. in the direction running from top to bottom of the page of Figure 1 (which in this example represents the direction from North to South on the water surface). The shortest distance between the WECs 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e and the first axis also extends in the second direction. Both the first and second direction lie in a 2D first plane, which corresponds to the surface of the water on which the WECs are floating (without accounting for wave motion, e.g. when the water is at rest). The first plane aligns with the plane of the page of Figure 1. Although the mooring apparatus comprises 5 WECs, there could be a plural and odd number of WECs smaller or greater than 5.

[0122] The first WEC 110a is connected to the second WEC 110b by first inter-floating-body line 120a. The second WEC 110b is connected to the third WEC 110c by second inter- floating-body line 120b. The third WEC 110c is connected to the fourth WEC 110c by third inter-floating-body line 120c. The fourth WEC 110d is connected to the fifth WEC 110e by fourth inter-floating-body line 120d. As indicated by arc 140, the smallest angle between consecutive inter-floating-body lines is 120° in this example. However, this angle could be greater or smaller than 120°.

[0123] Figure 2 shows a side view of the end of the mooring apparatus 100 in which the first WEC 110a and the second WEC 110b can be seen. Since the third and fifth WECs 110c, 110e are arranged in line with the first WEC 110a, they are not visible in this view. Similarly, since the fourth WEC 110d is arranged in line with the second WEC 110b, it is not visible in this view.

[0124] The first WEC 110a is anchored to the seabed by first moor line 130a. The second WEC 110b is anchored to the seabed 150 by second moor line 130b. The third WEC 110c is anchored to the seabed by third moor line 130c. The fourth WEC 110d is anchored to the seabed by fourth moor line 130d. The fifth WEC 110e is anchored to the seabed by fifth moor line 130e. The second, third and fourth moor lines 130b, 130c, 130d extend from the respective WEC in a direction perpendicular to the axis 115. The first and fifth moor lines 130a, 130e are aligned in a vertical plane with the respective inter-floating-body line 120a, 120d.

[0125] As shown in Figure 2, the first inter-floating body line 120a forms a catenary curve as it is suspended in the water. Also shown in Figure 2 is the composition of the first and second moor lines 130a, 130b. The first and second moor lines 130a, 130b are each formed of three different components. The moor lines 130a, 130b comprise a synthetic rope 131a, 131b which is connected to the respective WEC 110a, 110b at one end. The moor lines 130a, 130b comprise a thrasher chain 132a, 132b which is connected to the other end of the synthetic rope 131a, 131b. The moor lines 130a, 130b comprise a ground chain 133a, 133b which is connected to the other end of the thrasher chain 132a, 132b. The other end of the ground chain 133a, 133b is connected to an anchor point 155a, 155b which anchors the moor line 130a, 130b to the seabed 150. Each of the third, fourth and fifth moor lines 130c, 130d, 130e connected to the third, fourth and fifth WEC 110c, 110d, 110e respectively also comprise a synthetic rope connected to a thrasher chain which is in turn connected to a ground chain.

[0126] Figure 3 is a side view of the schematic of mooring apparatus 100 with the addition of a power take off system for first and second WECs 110a, 110b. As with Figure 2, only the first and second WECs 110a, 110b are shown. Figure 4 is a plan view of the schematic of mooring apparatus 100 which shows the power take off system 170a, 170b, 170c 170d, 170e for each of the WECs 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e. Although Figure 3 shows only the first and second power take off systems 170a, 170b of the first and second WEC 110a, 110b respectively, it will be appreciated that the power take off systems 170c 170d, 170e for the WECs 110c, 110d, 110e would still be present in Figure 3 and are not shown for simplicity.

[0127] Each of the first and second WECs 110a, 110b are connected to a respective power take off system 170a, 170b. The power take off system 170a, 170b includes an umbilical cable 171a, 171b. Along each umbilical cable 171a, 171b is a first bend restrictor 172a, 172b which is not buoyant so that it forms a concave curved portion of the umbilical cable 171a, 171b with respect to the surface 160 of the water. Along each umbilical cable 171a, 171 b there is also a second bend restrictor 173a, 173b which is buoyant so that it forms a convex curved portion of the umbilical cable 171a, 171b with respect to the surface 160 of the water. The two bend restrictors 172a, 172b, 173a, 173b together prevent tension and twisting of the umbilical cable 171a, 171b which allows for power take off from the WEC to a subsea hub 180 for energy storage.

[0128] As shown in Figure 4, the power take off system 170a, 170b, 170d, 170e for the first, second, fourth and fifth WECs 110a, 110b, 110d, 110e extends from the respective WEC in a direction perpendicular to the first axis 115. The third power take off system 170c extends from the third WEC 110c at an angular offset from the direction perpendicular to first axis 115 because the third moor line 130c extends from the third WEC 130c perpendicular to the first axis 115. Each of the power take off systems 170c, 170d, 170e also comprise the same two bend restrictors as the first and second power take off systems 170a, 170b. Figure 5 is a plan view of a schematic of an example offshore wind farm 1000 according to an aspect of the invention. The offshore wind farm 1000 comprises a plurality of wind turbines, of which three are labelled as 190a, 190b, 190c on Figure 5. The offshore wind farm 1000 is arranged in a body ofwater. In the regions of water between the wind turbines 190a, 190b, 190c there is a mooring apparatus, such as mooring apparatus 100, three of which are labelled as 100a, 100b, 100c in Figure 5. As evident from Figure 5, this arrangement is a particularly effective use of space on the surface of the body of water.

[0129] Figure 6 illustrates an arrangement of an example mooring apparatus 200. The mooring apparatus 200 includes the first sequence 105 of floating bodies and a second sequence 205 of floating bodies. The floating bodies of the second sequence 205 are alternately arranged on either side of a second axis 215. The second axis 215 is parallel to the first axis 115, although it will be understood that this is not strictly required, and the two axes 115, 215 may for example be arranged at some angle to each other. The last WEC of the first sequence 105 is connected by a line 286a, which functions as the secondary connection member discussed above, to a buoy 285, which functions as the secondary floating body discussed above. The last WEC of the second sequence 205 is connected by a line 286b to the buoy 285. It will be appreciated that the buoy 285 could be replaced by another floating structure or a fixed foundation structure such as a subsea energy hub. In other examples, the last WEC of the first sequence 105 and the last WEC of the second sequence 205 are connected by a single line extending directly from the last WEC of the first sequence 105 to the last WEC of the second sequence 205.

[0130] Figure 7 is a flowchart of an example of a method 300 of installation of a mooring apparatus according to an aspect of the invention. The method 300 comprises providing 305 a plurality of floating bodies, for example the first to fifth floating bodies 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e of the examples of Figures 1 to 5. The floating bodies are distributed across a first axis extending in a first horizontal direction such that there is at least one floating body located on a first side of the first axis and at least two floating bodies located on a second side of the first axis. The first and second sides are opposite to one another in a second horizontal direction orthogonal to the first horizontal direction. The method 300 comprises arranging 310 the floating bodies in a first sequence such that each floating body in the first sequence is located on the opposite side of the first axis to the subsequent floating body in the first sequence.

[0131] The method 300 comprises connecting 315 each floating body to the subsequent floating body in the first sequence by an inter-floating-body connection member and anchoring 320 one or more of the floating bodies to the seabed by a mooring member.

[0132] As an example of the method above, the method of installation may comprise providing 305, 310 the first floating body 110a on one side of the first axis 115 and the second floating body 110b on the other side of the first axis 115 and connecting 315 the first and second floating body 110a, 110b to one another using the first inter-floating-body line 120a. The method may then comprise providing 305, 310 the third floating body 110c on the other side of the first axis 115 to the second floating body 110b (so providing the third floating body 110c on the same side of the first axis 115 as the first floating body 110a) and connecting 315 the third floating body 110c to the second floating body 110b using the second inter-floating-body line 120b. The method may then comprise providing 305, 310 the fourth floating body 110d on the other side of the first axis 115 to the third floating body 110c (so providing the fourth floating body 110d on the same side of the first axis 115 as the second floating body 110b) and connecting 315 the fourth floating body 110d to the third floating body 110c using the third inter- floating-body line 120c. The method may then comprise providing 305, 310 the fifth floating body 110e on the other side of the first axis 115 to the fourth floating body 110d (so providing the fifth floating body 110e on the same side of the first axis 115 as the first and third floating body 110a, 110c) and connecting 315 the fifth floating body 110e to the fourth floating body 110d using the fourth inter-floating-body line 120d. Each of the floating bodies could first be anchored 320 to the seabed by the respective moor lines 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, 130e before they are connected to the other floating bodies in the sequence.

[0133] In this way, the method steps of method 300 may be performed in a different order to the order shown in the flowchart, as they may be repeated for each floating body in the first sequence 105.

[0134] Figure 8 is a flowchart of an example of a method 400 of installation of a mooring apparatus according to an aspect of the invention. The method 400 can be carried out as part of the method step 315 of method 300. In particular, the method 400 comprises connecting 405 each of first and further floating bodies (e.g. the first and fifth floating bodies 110a, 110e) to only one respective intermediate floating body of the plurality of floating bodies. The first and further floating bodies are the two end floating bodies on either end of the first sequence. The intermediate floating bodies are the bodies of the first sequence between the first and further floating bodies.

[0135] The method 400 comprises connecting 410 each intermediate floating body (e.g. the second, third and fourth floating bodies 110b, 110c, 110d) to exactly two other floating bodies of the plurality of floating bodies. Therefore, the method step 415 of connecting adjacent floating bodies in each sequence, in the first horizontal direction, to one another by inter-floating-body connection members to form a zig-zag line is performed.

[0136] Figure 9 is a flowchart of an example of a method 500 of installation of a mooring apparatus according to an aspect of the invention. The method 500 can be carried out in addition to method 300 where the method step 305 of method 300 includes providing at least one floating body located on a first side of a second axis extending in a third horizontal direction and at least two floating bodies located on a second side of the second axis, the second side being opposite to the first side in a fourth horizontal direction.

[0137] The method 500 comprises arranging 505 the floating bodies in a second sequence such that each floating body in the second sequence is located on the opposite side of the second axis to the subsequent floating body in the second sequence.

[0138] The method 500 comprises connecting 510 each floating body to the subsequent floating body in the second sequence by an inter-floating-body connection member and connecting 515 the last floating body in the first sequence to the last floating body in the second sequence.

[0139] As an example of the method above, the method of installation of the second sequence 205 may comprise providing 505 a first floating body on one side of the second axis 215 and a second floating body on the other side of the second axis 215 and connecting 510 the first and second floating body to one another using a first inter- floating-body line. The method may then comprise providing 505 a third floating body on the other side of the second axis 215 to the second floating body (so providing the third floating body on the same side of the second axis 215 as the first floating body) and connecting 510 the third floating body to the second floating body using a second inter-floating-body line. The method may then comprise providing 505 a fourth floating body on the other side of the second axis 215 to the third floating body (so providing the fourth floating body on the same side of the second axis 215 as the second floating body) and connecting 510 the fourth floating body to the third floating body using a third inter-floating-body line. The method may then comprise providing 505 a fifth floating body on the other side of the second axis 215 to the fourth floating body (so providing the fifth floating body on the same side of the second axis 215 as the first and third floating body) and connecting 510 the fifth floating body to the fourth floating body using a fourth inter-floating-body line. The method then comprises connecting 215 the fifth floating body 110e in the first sequence 105 to the fifth floating body in the second sequence 205.

[0140] In the paragraph above, the floating bodies and inter-floating body lines refer to those which form the second sequence 205. In this way, the method steps of method 500 may be performed in a different order to the order shown in the flowchart, as they may be repeated for each floating body in the second sequence 205.

[0141] Figure 10 is a flowchart of an example of a method 600 of installation of a mooring apparatus according to an aspect of the invention. The method steps 605, 610 can both be performed or only one method step can be performed. The method steps 605, 610 are optional method steps the method 300.

[0142] Method step 605 can comprises providing the plurality of floating bodies across a first surface extending along a first plane and method step 610 comprise providing an odd integer ‘ri floating bodies in each sequence.

[0143] Figure 11 is a flowchart of an example of a method 700 of installation of a mooring apparatus according to an aspect of the invention. The method steps 705, 710 can both be performed or only one method step can be performed. The method steps 705, 710 are optional method steps the method 300. The method 700 can be carried out as part of the method step 320 of method 300. The method 700 comprises anchoring 705 each of the floating bodies to the seabed by a mooring member and providing 710 at least one mooring member extending perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

[0144] Figure 12 is a flowchart of an example of a method 800 of installation of a mooring apparatus according to an aspect of the invention. The method 800 is a particular implementation of method step 315, method 400 and method steps 510, 515. In particular, the method 800 comprises forming 805 a catenary curve in at least one of the inter-floating-body connection members.

[0145] Figure 13 is a flowchart of an example of a method 900 of installation of a mooring apparatus according to an aspect of the invention. The method 900 is performed when the floating bodies are WECs, such as in the mooring apparatus 100. The method 900 comprises connecting at least one of the WECs to a power take off system. The power take off system transmits electricity generated at the WEC to a subsea energy storage hub.

[0146] Figures 14a and 14b are flowcharts of an example of a method 1400 of installation of a mooring apparatus according to an aspect of the invention. The method 1400 is an exemplary method of installation of mooring apparatus having 5 WECs, for example the mooring apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1. The method 1400 comprises installing five anchor points (such as anchors 155a, 155b shown in Figure 2) at a chosen site, such as 10 km offshore in an ocean. The individual components, such as the anchors, mooring members, inter-floating-body connection members, WECs are carried to the site on a boat or vessel (such as a barge). Due to weight and size constraints, the installation method 1400 requires that the boat or vessel takes multiple return visits to the site from the shore (or a larger offsite vessel or boat). The method of installation 1400 typically takes place over an extended period of time, such as a number of days.

[0147] The method 1400 comprises attaching 1405 the first WEC 110a to a first anchor point using ground and thrasher chains. The method 1400 comprises attaching 1415 a first inter-WEC chain to the first WEC 110a. The method 1400 comprises attaching 1420 the second WEC 110b to a second anchor point using ground and thrasher chains and attaching 1425 the first inter-WEC chain to the second WEC 110b. The method 1400 also comprises attaching 1430 a second inter-WEC chain to the second WEC 110b. The method 1400 comprises attaching 1435 the third WEC 11 Oc to a third anchor point using ground and thrasher chains and attaching 1440 the second inter- WEC chain to the third WEC 110c. The method 1400 also comprises attaching 1445 a third inter- WEC chain to the third WEC 110c. The method 1400 comprises attaching 1450 the fourth WEC 110d to a fourth anchor point using ground and thrasher chains and attaching 1455 the third inter-WEC chain to the fourth WEC 110d. The method 1400 also comprises attaching 1460 a fifth inter-WEC chain to the fourth WEC 110d. The method 1400 comprises attaching 1465 the fifth WEC 110e to a fifth anchor point using ground and thrasher chains and attaching 1470 the fourth inter-WEC chain to the fifth WEC 110e.

[0148] In summary, there is provided a mooring apparatus (100) for connecting a plurality of floating bodies (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e), the plurality of floating bodies comprising: at least one floating body (110a, 110c, 11 Oe) located on a first side (115a) of a first axis (115) extending in a first horizontal direction; and at least two floating bodies (110b, 11 Od) located on a second side (115b) of the first axis, the second side being opposite to the first side in a second horizontal direction orthogonal to the first horizontal direction, wherein the floating bodies are arranged in a first sequence, wherein each floating body in the first sequence is located on the opposite side of the first axis to the subsequent floating body in the first sequence, wherein each floating body is connected to the subsequent floating body in the first sequence by an inter- floating-body connection member, and wherein one or more of the plurality of floating bodies is anchored by a mooring member (130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, 130e).

[0149] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to and do not exclude other components, integers, or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0150] Features, integers, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination or in any order, except combinations and orders where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

Claims1. A mooring apparatus for connecting a plurality of floating bodies, the plurality of floating bodies comprising: at least one floating body located on a first side of a first axis extending in a first horizontal direction; and at least two floating bodies located on a second side of the first axis, the second side being opposite to the first side in a second horizontal direction orthogonal to the first horizontal direction, wherein the floating bodies are arranged in a first sequence, wherein each floating body in the first sequence is located on the opposite side of the first axis to the subsequent floating body in the first sequence, wherein each floating body is connected to the subsequent floating body in the first sequence by an inter-floating-body connection member, and wherein one or more of the plurality of floating bodies is anchored by a mooring member.

2. The mooring apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of floating bodies comprises: at least one floating body located on a first side of a second axis extending in a third horizontal direction; and at least two floating bodies located on a second side of the second axis, the second side being opposite to the first side in a fourth horizontal direction, wherein the plurality floating bodies are arranged in a second sequence, wherein each floating body in the second sequence is located on the opposite side of the second axis to the subsequent floating body in the second sequence, wherein each floating body is connected to the subsequent floating body in the second sequence by an inter-floating-body connection member, and wherein the last floating body in the first sequence is connected to the last floating body in the second sequence.

3. The mooring apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the plurality of floating bodies comprises a first floating body at the start of the sequence and a further floating body at the end of the sequence, and one or more intermediate floating bodies between the first and further floating bodies, andwherein the first and further floating bodies are not connected to one another.

4. The mooring apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first and further floating bodies are each connected to only one respective intermediate floating body of the plurality of floating bodies.

5. The mooring apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein each intermediate floating body is connected to exactly two other floating bodies in the first sequence.

6. The mooring apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein adjacent floating bodies in each sequence, in the first horizontal direction, are connected to one another by inter-floating-body connection members to form a zig-zag line.

7. The mooring apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of floating bodies are provided across a first surface extending along a first plane, and wherein the smallest angle, in the first plane, between consecutive inter- floating-body connection members is between 100° and 140°, optionally between 110° and 130°.

8. The mooring apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of floating bodies, in each sequence, comprises a total of an odd integer ‘ri floating bodies, optionally wherein ‘ri is at least 3 or at least 5.

9. The mooring apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein: at least one of the inter-floating-body connection members form a catenary curve in use; and / or the inter-floating-body connection member comprises a chain; and / or each of the floating bodies is anchored by a mooring member; and / or the mooring member comprises one or more of: a ground chain and a thrasher chain.

10. The mooring apparatus of any of preceding claim, wherein: at least one mooring member extends perpendicular to the first horizontal direction; and / orthe mooring apparatus is installed in a body of water and the inter-floating-body connection member is suspended in the water column between the floating bodies to which it is connected.

11. The mooring apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the plurality of floating bodies is a wave energy convertor.

12. The mooring apparatus of claim 11 , wherein at least one of the wave energy convertors is connected to a power take off system configured to transmit electricity generated by the wave energy convertor.

13. The mooring apparatus of claim 12, wherein the power take off system comprises one or more bend restrictors, optionally comprising a first bend restrictor having a concave shape and / or a second bend restrictor comprising a buoyant bend restrictor having a convex shape.

14. An offshore wind farm comprising a plurality of wind turbines and at least one mooring apparatus according to any preceding claim positioned between two or more of the plurality of wind turbines.

15. A method of installing a mooring apparatus, the method comprising: providing a plurality of floating bodies comprising at least one floating body located on a first side of a first axis extending in a first horizontal direction and at least two floating bodies located on a second side of the first axis, the second side being opposite to the first side in a second horizontal direction orthogonal to the first horizontal direction; arranging the floating bodies in a first sequence, wherein each floating body in the first sequence is located on the opposite side of the first axis to the subsequent floating body in the first sequence; connecting each floating body to the subsequent floating body in the first sequence by an inter-floating-body connection member; and anchoring one or more of the plurality of floating bodies with a mooring member.

16. The method of installing a mooring apparatus of claim 15, wherein providing the plurality of floating bodies comprises providing at least one floating bodylocated on a first side of a second axis extending in a third horizontal direction and at least two floating bodies located on a second side of the second axis, the second side being opposite to the first side in a fourth horizontal direction, and the method comprises: arranging the floating bodies in a second sequence, wherein each floating body in the second sequence is located on the opposite side of the second axis to the subsequent floating body in the second sequence, connecting each floating body to the subsequent floating body in the second sequence by an inter-floating-body connection member, and connecting the last floating body in the first sequence to the last floating body in the second sequence.

17. The method of installing a mooring apparatus of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the plurality of floating bodies comprises a first floating body at the start of the sequence and a further floating body at the end of the sequence, and one or more intermediate floating bodies between the first and further floating bodies, and wherein the first and further floating bodies are not connected to one another.

18. The method of installing a mooring apparatus of claim 17, comprising connecting each of the first and further floating bodies to only one respective intermediate floating body of the plurality of floating bodies.

19. The method of installing a mooring apparatus of any of claims 15 to 18, comprising connecting each intermediate floating body to exactly two other floating bodies in the first sequence.

20. The method of installing a mooring apparatus of any of claims 15 to 19, comprising connecting adjacent floating bodies in each sequence, in the first horizontal direction, to one another by inter-floating-body connection members to form a zig-zag line.

21. The method of installing a mooring apparatus of any of claims 15 to 20, comprising providing the plurality of floating bodies across a first surface extending along a first plane, wherein the smallest angle, in the first plane,between consecutive inter-floating-body connection members is between 100 and 140°, optionally between 110° and 130°.

22. The method of installing a mooring apparatus of any of claims 15 to 21 , comprising providing a total of an odd integer ‘ri floating bodies in each sequence, optionally wherein ‘ri is at least 3 or at least 5.

23. The method of installing a mooring apparatus of any of claims 15 to 22, wherein connecting each floating body to the subsequent floating body in the sequence by an inter-floating-body connection member comprises forming a catenary curve in at least one of the inter-floating-body connection members; and / or the method comprises anchoring each of the floating bodies with a mooring member.

24. The method of installing a mooring apparatus of any of claims 15 to 23, wherein anchoring one or more of the plurality of floating bodies with a mooring member comprises providing at least one mooring member extending perpendicular to the first horizontal direction; and / or wherein the method comprises installing the mooring apparatus in a body of water and wherein the inter-floating-body connection member is suspended in the water column between the floating bodies to which it is connected.

25. The method of installing a mooring apparatus of any of claims 15 to 24, wherein at least one of the plurality of floating bodies is a wave energy convertor and the method comprises connecting at least one of the wave energy convertors to a power take off system configured to transmit electricity generated by the wave energy convertor.

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