Floating storage structure for storing afloat a constituent member of one or more floating wind turbines

Abstract

The present invention relates to a floating storage structure (2) for storing afloat a constituent member one or more floating wind turbines (4), comprising a flotation means comprising at least one flotation member (20) intended to be submerged and at least one flotation element (22) secured to the flotation member (20), the floating storage platform (2) comprising at least one volume (12) for receiving a constituent member of the floating wind turbine (4).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title: Floating structure for the afloat storage of a component of one or more floating wind turbines

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of floating wind turbines, and more particularly to the storage of the elements that compose them.

[0004] As part of the energy transition towards renewable energy sources, offshore wind farms are being developed to meet growing electricity needs. These wind farms can, depending on the case, include fixed wind turbines that rest on foundations laid on the seabed or floating wind turbines that float on the surface of the water.

[0005] Floating wind turbines typically consist of a floating foundation, also called a float, a mast erected on the float, and a rotor and blade assembly mounted at the top of the mast. These turbines can be built either in ports or on quays and then assembled at sea, for example, on floating platforms built specifically for this purpose at the wind farm site.

[0006] The assembly of floating wind turbines, however, involves constraints, particularly weather-related ones; favorable weather conditions are necessary to erect the masts on the floats, for example. Furthermore, it can be more economical to organize assembly operations in series, during which several floating wind turbines are installed simultaneously.

[0007] It is then necessary to store the various components of the floating wind turbines while awaiting assembly. While such storage is possible on land or at the dock, it results in a significant loss of space that is not necessarily compatible with port space constraints. Furthermore, since assembly and installation operations are dependent on weather conditions, it is difficult to predict the duration of such storage.

[0008] The present invention falls within this context by proposing a means of storing components of floating wind turbines in water, thereby freeing up space in ports. The main object of the present invention is a floating storage structure for a component of one or more floating wind turbines, comprising a flotation means including at least one flotation element intended to be submerged and at least one flotation element attached to the flotation element. The floating storage platform includes at least one receiving volume configured to house a component of the floating wind turbine.

[0009] The floating storage structure according to the invention allows for the storage of components of floating wind turbines pending their subsequent assembly. The floating storage structure is specifically configured to store at least one wind turbine float. "Afloat storage" here means that the floating storage structure is configured to store the wind turbine component in water. More precisely, the component is stored in a receiving volume that corresponds to a space extending around a main frame of the floating storage structure, this receiving volume being at least partially submerged. In other words, the component is not supported by the floating storage structure, which makes it possible to limit the size of the empty floating storage structure.

[0010] The floating storage structure is a floating storage platform.

[0011] By allowing for storage while afloat, the floating storage structure helps to free up space on land-based facilities. It also offers greater flexibility, as it can be moved, as needed, to other wind farm assembly sites, for example. The floating storage structure is, for instance, towable to these sites.

[0012] The floating storage structure is kept afloat by means of a flotation device, which performs the primary buoyancy function of the structure. This flotation device extends, for example, from one longitudinal end of the floating storage structure to the other. This flotation device is submerged, which contributes to the stability of the floating storage structure by lowering its center of gravity below the surface. Submerging the flotation device, at depths of several meters or tens of meters, effectively reduces wave action and thus the movements caused by swells. Furthermore, the immersion of the flotation device, combined with the afloat storage characteristic, helps to reduce the visual pollution caused by the presence of the floating storage structure at sea.The buoyancy functions are also provided, to a lesser extent, by at least one flotation element that is mechanically connected to the flotation device. The flotation device and the flotation element extend primarily in different directions. The flotation element is at least partially submerged; it thus corresponds to a visible portion of the floating storage structure when it is deployed at sea. The flotation device and the flotation element are elongated components of the floating storage structure that contribute to its main framework.

[0013] According to an optional feature of the invention, the floating structure comprises at least two arms attached to the flotation element and contributing to delimiting the receiving volume of the constituent element of the floating wind turbine.

[0014] The two arms extend in different directions, thus defining the receiving volume along at least two directions. In some embodiments, at least one of the arms is substantially straight. In other embodiments, one of the arms extends along a curved path. The arms contribute to forming the main framework of the floating storage structure.

[0015] According to an optional feature of the invention, at least one of the arms is intended to be at least partially emerged and the flotation element is intended to be partially emerged, the flotation element being at least partially filled with air.

[0016] At least one of the arms, for example, is just below the surface of the water. The emergence of at least one of the arms and at least part of the flotation element prevents the floating storage structure from sinking. The air filling of the flotation element also helps to keep at least a portion of the floating storage structure afloat.

[0017] According to an optional feature of the invention, the floating structure extends along a main extension direction, the flotation member extending mainly in a direction parallel to the main extension direction and the flotation element extending mainly in a direction secant to the main extension direction.

[0018] Thus, in some embodiments the flotation element extends perpendicularly to the flotation device. The flotation element extends, for example, substantially perpendicularly to a plane inscribed in the surface of the water.

[0019] According to an optional feature of the invention, the floating structure has at least one median zone, at least one of the arms participating in delimiting the receiving volume of the constituent element of the floating wind turbine extending radially towards an environment outside the median zone.

[0020] In other words, the floating storage structure comprises a plurality of receiving volumes for the constituent elements of the floating wind turbine, oriented away from the central zone. These receiving volumes surround, for example, the central zone of the floating storage structure.

[0021] According to an optional feature of the invention, the arms are superimposed one on top of the other.

[0022] The floating storage structure then comprises an upper arm and a lower arm. The lower arm is, for example, at the level of the water surface and the upper arm above the water surface, or the lower arm is submerged while the upper arm is at the level of the water surface or emerged.

[0023] The overlapping arms, which extend in different planes, provide better support for the wind turbine's component when it is positioned within the receiving volume. This overlapping also helps prevent contact between the wind turbine's component and the flotation device.

[0024] According to an optional feature of the invention, the arms are assembled to each other so as to form a cross.

[0025] This cross shape acts as a stop for the wind turbine component in two directions, thus ensuring better retention within the receiving volume. The cross shape also helps prevent contact between two adjacent wind turbine components, that is, components located in two contiguous receiving volumes.

[0026] According to an optional feature of the invention, the flotation device and / or flotation element are formed by hollow cylinders.

[0027] In some embodiments, the flotation device and / or flotation element are round cylinders, which reduces the hydrodynamic forces applied to them. In other embodiments, the flotation device and / or flotation element are square cylinders. Other cross-sections of the flotation device and / or flotation element are also possible. The flotation device and / or flotation element can be made of concrete, which increases the durability of the floating storage structure. Alternatively, the flotation device and / or flotation element can be made of steel, which reduces the overall weight of the floating storage structure. Other construction materials are also possible, provided they are resistant to prolonged exposure to seawater.

[0028] According to an optional feature of the invention, the hollow cylinder forming at least one of the flotation organ and flotation element is filled with ballast material.

[0029] The presence of ballast material improves the stability of the floating storage structure by lowering its center of gravity. The ballast material also allows for adjusting the degree to which the floating storage structure is submerged; the more ballast material fills the hollow cylinder, the deeper the structure is submerged in the water. The ballast material can be either liquid, such as water, or solid, such as sand or concrete.

[0030] According to an optional feature of the invention, the floating structure includes an attachment system for the constituent element of the floating wind turbine.

[0031] The mooring system connects the components of the floating wind turbine to the floating storage structure. This prevents any drift of the turbine components relative to the floating structure and also limits contact between the various components attached to the floating storage structure. The mooring system includes, among other things, mooring lines.

[0032] The floating storage structure can, for example, be positioned resting on the seabed, with the flotation device then resting on the seabed.

[0033] According to an optional feature of the invention, the floating structure includes a mooring system.

[0034] The mooring system connects the floating structure to the seabed, a quay, or a mooring dolphin. Such a mooring system includes, for example, mooring lines, anchors, and connectors, and it secures the floating storage structure to the seabed to prevent it from drifting. The mooring system also allows the platform to be moved across the water. For example, the mooring system extends from the flotation device to the seabed.

[0035] According to an optional feature of the invention, at least one of the arms involved in delimiting the receiving volume of the constituent element of the floating wind turbine is equipped with a protective element.

[0036] This protective element provides protection for both the arm and the turbine's main component. In some embodiments, the protective element is a coating applied to the arm. In other embodiments, the protective element is a buoy attached to the arm. The floating storage structure may also include protective elements carried by and / or attached to the flotation device.

[0037] According to an optional feature of the invention, at least one of the arms involved in defining the receiving volume of the constituent element of the floating wind turbine includes a system for adjusting its length.

[0038] This adjustment system allows the arm to adapt to different sizes of wind turbine components. For example, the arm can be retracted to accommodate large wind turbine components, or extended to accommodate smaller components.

[0039] Depending on the method of implementation, the arms can have different shapes and sizes.

[0040] At least one of the arms may also include equipment such as cranes, maintenance platforms or other types of machinery.

[0041] According to an optional feature of the invention, the flotation device extends along a median plane of the floating structure.

[0042] This is a first variant of the floating storage structure, in which it comprises a single flotation element extending centrally within the structure. The median plane of the floating storage structure corresponds, for example, to its plane of symmetry.

[0043] According to an optional feature of the invention, the flotation element is formed of a first flotation sub-element and a second flotation sub-element, the first flotation sub-element and the second flotation sub-element each extending from one side of a median plane of the floating structure.

[0044] This is a second variant of the floating storage structure, in which it has two sub-organs of flotation that make up the flotation unit. These two sub-organs extend on either side of a median plane of the floating storage structure so as to guarantee its equilibrium.

[0045] According to an optional feature of the invention, the flotation device is formed of a plurality of sections at least partially composed of concrete and comprising steel reinforcements.

[0046] The hollow sections are joined together, for example by being placed end-to-end, to form the flotation device.

[0047] According to an optional feature of the invention, the sections are interconnected by a rigid connection system so as to form a monolithic flotation device.

[0048] According to an optional feature of the invention, the floating structure has an elongated overall shape. This elongated shape of the floating storage structure limits the forces it experiences due to waves and currents by providing them with limited resistance. Furthermore, the elongated floating storage structure is easily transportable.

[0049] According to an optional feature of the invention, the floating structure has a general "H" shape.

[0050] This general form of floating storage structure can, depending on the specific design, include one or more central spans connecting two main spans. More complex general forms of the floating storage structure can increase the number of receiving volumes it offers or enhance its resistance to marine currents.

[0051] According to an optional feature of the invention, the floating structure has a general "C" shape.

[0052] According to an optional feature of the invention, the floating structure has a general "L" shape.

[0053] According to an optional feature of the invention, the floating structure has a general "O" shape.

[0054] The invention further relates to an assembly of a floating storage structure as previously mentioned and at least one component of one or more floating wind turbines, wherein the floating structure is installed at sea and the component is disposed in its receiving volume.

[0055] The floating storage structure can, for example, be transported to a wind farm site, to which the components of floating wind turbines are also transported. These components are then arranged within the receiving volumes of the floating storage structure to form the assembly. According to an optional feature of the invention, the assembly includes towing means attached to the flotation element.

[0056] These towing devices facilitate the transport of the entire assembly. Other features, details, and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, on the one hand, and the illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments provided with reference to the accompanying drawings, on the other hand, in which:

[0057] [Fig. 1] illustrates, schematically, a perspective view of an assembly of a floating storage structure according to a first variant of a first embodiment and a plurality of constituent elements of one or more floating wind turbines, the constituent elements of floating wind turbines being received in receiving volumes of the floating storage structure.

[0058] [Fig. 2] illustrates, schematically, a close-up view of a portion of the whole of figure 1;

[0059] [Fig. 3] illustrates, schematically, a cross-sectional view of the whole of figure 1;

[0060] [Fig. 4] illustrates, schematically, a top view of a second variant of the floating storage structure according to the first embodiment;

[0061] [Fig. 5] illustrates, schematically, a perspective view of a third variant of the floating storage structure according to the first embodiment;

[0062] [Fig. 6] illustrates, schematically, a cross-sectional view of the third variant of the floating storage structure of figure 5;

[0063] [Fig. 7] illustrates, schematically, a perspective view of a first variant of a second embodiment of the floating storage structure of figure 1;

[0064] [Fig. 8] illustrates, schematically, a top view of an assembly comprising the floating storage structure according to the first variant of the second embodiment of figure 7;

[0065] [Fig. 9] illustrates, schematically, a perspective view of a second variant of the second embodiment of the floating storage structure of figure 7;

[0066] [Fig. 10] illustrates, schematically, a top view of a third embodiment of the floating storage structure of figure 1;

[0067] [Fig. 11] illustrates, schematically, a top view of a fourth embodiment of the floating storage structure of figure 1;

[0068] [Fig. 12] illustrates, schematically, a top view of a fifth embodiment of the floating storage structure of figure 1;

[0069] [Fig. 13] illustrates, schematically, a top view of a first variant of a sixth embodiment of the floating storage structure of figure 1;

[0070] [Fig. 14] illustrates, schematically, a top view of a second variant of the sixth embodiment of the floating storage structure of figure 13;

[0071] [Fig. 15] illustrates, schematically, different possible shapes for the section of a flotation device of the floating storage structure in Figures 1 to 14.

[0072] The features, variations, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variations of the invention may include only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from prior art.

[0073] In the figures, elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0074] In the detailed description that follows, the terms "longitudinal," "transverse," and "vertical" refer to the orientation of a floating storage structure according to the invention. A longitudinal direction corresponds to a principal extension direction of the floating storage structure, this longitudinal direction being parallel to a longitudinal axis L of a frame of reference L, V, T illustrated in the figures. A vertical direction corresponds to a direction perpendicular to a water surface in which the floating storage structure is intended to be positioned, this vertical direction being parallel to a vertical axis V of the frame of reference L, V, T, and this vertical axis V being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. Finally, a transverse direction corresponds to a direction parallel to a transverse axis T of the frame of reference L, V, T, this transverse axis T being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and to the vertical axis V.

[0075] Figures 1 to 3 schematically illustrate an assembly 1 comprising a floating storage structure 2 according to a first variant of a first embodiment and a plurality of floating wind turbine components 4, this assembly 1 being located at sea. The floating storage structure 2 according to the invention allows the floating wind turbine components 4 to be stored afloat, i.e., in the water, pending their assembly to form floating wind turbines.

[0076] The floating storage structure 2 according to the first variant of the first embodiment has a main extension direction parallel to a longitudinal direction L. The floating storage structure 2 extends, along this longitudinal direction L, between a first longitudinal end 6 and a second longitudinal end 8.

[0077] The floating storage structure 2 is formed by a main frame 10 and at least one receiving volume 12, preferably a plurality of receiving volumes 12. The main frame 10 of the floating storage structure 2 corresponds to the physical elements that constitute it, while the receiving volumes 12 are intangible areas intended to accommodate components of floating wind turbines 4. Since the floating storage structure 2 allows for afloat storage, the receiving volumes 12 correspond to volumes filled with water and air. More specifically, the receiving volumes 12 are not arranged on the main frame 10 but are only at least partially delimited by it.

[0078] The floating storage structure 2 is semi-submersible, such that a first portion 14 of the main frame 10 is submerged and a second portion 16 of this main frame 10 is above water. The first submerged portion 14 and the second above water portion 16, which are particularly visible in Figure 3, are abstractly delimited by a waterline 18. This waterline 18, which for illustrative purposes is represented here as a straight line, extends in a plane in which a water surface is inscribed. Within the floating storage structure 2, the main frame 10 includes, in particular, a flotation device that prevents the floating storage structure 2 from sinking. The flotation means consists of at least one flotation organ 20 and at least one flotation element 22, preferably a plurality of flotation elements 22. The flotation organ 20 and the flotation element 22 are particularly visible in Figure 3.

[0079] The flotation device 20 is designed to be submerged; when the floating storage structure 2 is installed at sea, it is, for example, positioned approximately twenty meters from the waterline 18. In some embodiments, the flotation device 20 rests against the seabed. To prevent any drift or other unintentional movement of the floating storage structure 2, and where applicable, of the assembly 1 when this floating storage structure 2 is accompanied by components of floating wind turbines 4, the flotation device 20 is connected to the seabed by a mooring system 24. The flotation device 20 is, for example, moored using one or more anchors that engage with the seabed. Alternatively, the floating storage structure 2 uses the mooring system 24 to moor to a quay or to a mooring dolphin.

[0080] In the first variant of the first embodiment, the flotation device 20 is unique. In this first variant, the flotation device 20 is also elongated and straight. More precisely, it extends primarily along the longitudinal direction L, from the first longitudinal end 6 of the floating storage structure 2 to its second longitudinal end 8. The flotation device 20 is centered here along a median plane S or plane of symmetry of the floating storage structure 2 along the longitudinal direction L; thus, the flotation device 20 lies within a median zone 26 of the floating storage structure 2.

[0081] The flotation device 20 is a hollow cylinder that may or may not be filled with ballast material, such as water, sand, or concrete, as required. If necessary, the ballast material is placed in compartments provided for this purpose within the flotation device 20. Such compartments are, for example, delimited by means of partitions extending primarily along the longitudinal direction L and partitions extending in planes perpendicular to this longitudinal direction L. The flotation device 20 is here a hollow cylinder with a round cross-section, although this is not a limitation of the invention. Some possible shapes for the cross-section of the flotation device 20 are illustrated in Figure 15.

[0082] In the first variant of the first embodiment, the flotation device 20 is, for example, made of reinforced concrete. More precisely, the flotation device 20 is formed from a plurality of concrete sections that are placed end-to-end and then joined together to form a single, continuous flotation device 20. The concrete sections thus form a monolithic assembly, meaning that it cannot be separated without damaging the flotation device 20. Alternatively, the flotation device could be made of steel.

[0083] The floating storage structure is designed to be modular, meaning that it can initially be built to accommodate, for example, four floating wind turbine components. Subsequently, it can be expanded to include up to ten or more floating wind turbine component receiving volumes, depending on requirements. This modularity of the platform is possible by adding concrete sections end-to-end and joining them to form a single, continuous floating element, as described above.

[0084] As previously mentioned, the floating storage structure 2 comprises several flotation elements 22 which are regularly distributed along the flotation member 20, that is, from the first longitudinal end 6 of the floating storage structure 2 to its second longitudinal end 8. More specifically, the floating storage structure 2 here comprises six flotation elements 22, but another number of flotation elements 20 could be considered as long as there is at least one. What will be described in relation to one of the flotation elements 22 is intended to apply to the others.

[0085] The flotation element 22 is integral with the flotation device 20 and is located in the median zone 26. The flotation element 22 has an elongated, straight shape. It extends from the flotation device 20 towards the surface. The flotation element 22 thus extends in a direction intersecting the flotation device 20. It is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the flotation device 20 and to the plane in which the water surface lies. In other words, the flotation element 22 extends primarily in a vertical direction V.

[0086] The flotation element 22 is a hollow cylinder that can be round, square, or any other shape in cross-section. This hollow cylinder, which forms the flotation device 22, can, as appropriate, be filled with the same ballast material as the flotation device 20, with a different ballast material, or not be filled with any ballast material at all. The flotation element 22 is, for example, filled with air.

[0087] The flotation element 22 here presents a section with dimensions smaller than the dimensions of a section of the flotation organ 20.

[0088] The flotation element 22 is at least partially emerged; it thus includes an upper portion intended to extend above the waterline 18. The flotation element 22 also includes a lower portion intended to extend below the waterline 18, by which it is attached to the flotation device 20. It is understood that the upper portion, since it is emerged, is a visible portion of the floating storage structure 2 when the latter is installed at sea.

[0089] In addition to the flotation device 20 and the flotation element 22, the main frame 1 of the floating storage structure 2 comprises at least two arms 28, which are particularly visible in Figure 2. These arms 28 are integral with the flotation element 22 and extend radially around it. They extend primarily in a plane parallel to the plane in which the water surface lies.

[0090] Within the floating storage structure 2, the arms 28 help to delimit at least one receiving volume 12 for the floating wind turbine component 4. Here, "help to delimit" means that the arms 28 are capable of retaining the floating wind turbine component 4 within the receiving volume 12. The arms 28 are superimposed on one another, so that they comprise a lower arm 28A and a lower arm 28B. As the arms 28 are shown in Figure 3, the lower arm 28A is flush with the waterline 18, while the upper arm 28B is above water. It is thus understood that the lower arm 28A and the upper arm 28B extend around the flotation element 22 at different heights, these heights being assessed according to the vertical direction V.

[0091] In the first variant of the first embodiment, the arms 28 are substantially straight. As is particularly visible in Figure 2, the lower arm 28A and the upper arm 28B are arranged to form a cross; in other words, in the plane in which the water surface is inscribed, the two arms 28 are perpendicular to each other. Thus, the lower arm 28A is inscribed along a transverse direction T which is substantially perpendicular to the principal extension direction of the floating storage structure 2; that is to say, the lower arm 28A extends radially opposite to the median zone 26. Conversely, the upper arm 28B extends mainly along this principal extension direction of the floating storage structure 2, in other words, along the longitudinal direction L.The extension of the lower arm 28A in line with the main extension direction of the floating storage structure 2, i.e., in line with the flotation device 20, improves the stability of the floating storage structure 2 and reduces its transverse movements. The upper arm 28B, on the other hand, is positioned away from the waves. The cross shape resulting from the arrangement of the arms 28 delimits the receiving volume 12 of the floating wind turbine component 4 on the one hand in the longitudinal direction L, for example to avoid contact between the floating wind turbine component 4 and the flotation component 20, and on the other hand in the vertical direction V, for example to avoid contact between the floating wind turbine component 4 and another floating wind turbine component 4 arranged along the floating storage structure 2 in an adjoining receiving volume 12.

[0092] In the presence of a floating storage structure 2 which comprises a plurality of receiving volumes 12 which are aligned along the median zone 26 of the floating storage structure 2 and are arranged on either side of it, as is the case in Figure 1, the upper arm 28B can participate in delimiting two adjoining receiving volumes 12, that is to say, neighboring along the longitudinal direction L. Similarly, in this situation the lower arm 28A can participate in delimiting two receiving volumes 12 opposite along the transverse direction T, that is to say two receiving volumes 12 arranged on either side of the median zone 26 of the floating storage structure 2, as illustrated in particular in Figure 2.

[0093] It is understood from the above that in the presence of a plurality of receiving volumes 12 aligned along the median zone 26, a given receiving volume 12 is delimited in the longitudinal direction L by a first lower arm 28A attached to a first flotation element 22 and by a second lower arm 28A attached to a second flotation element 22 which is close to the first flotation element 22. In the same way, this given receiving volume 12 is delimited in the transverse direction T by a first upper arm 28B attached to the first flotation element 22 and by a second upper arm 28B attached to the second flotation element 22.

[0094] It should be noted that, due to the spacing between two adjacent flotation elements 22, the first upper arm 28B must extend sufficiently far towards the second upper arm 28B to prevent a small floating wind turbine component 4 from passing between the two upper arms 28B without being held in place by them. Therefore, at least one upper arm 28B is equipped with a length adjustment system 30. This adjustment system 30, which is particularly visible in Figure 2, is, for example, hydraulic or mechanical. The adjustment system 30 is configured to extend the upper arm 28B along the longitudinal direction L so as to accommodate a small floating wind turbine component 4. In other words, the upper arm 28B is then lengthened.Conversely, the adjustment system 30 is configured to retract the upper arm 28B when a larger floating wind turbine component 4 is present. As can be seen in Figure 2, at least one of the arms 28 is pointed. Here, both the lower arm 28A and the upper arm 28B are pointed. This pointed shape helps to break up waves and also forms a ramp that facilitates the entry of the floating wind turbine component 4 into the receiving volume 12.

[0095] Once the floating wind turbine component 4 is placed within the receiving volume 12, it is connected to the floating storage structure 2 by an attachment system 32. This attachment system 32, notably illustrated in figure 2, connects for example the floating wind turbine component 4 to one of the arms 28 or to both the lower arm 28A and the upper arm 28B.

[0096] It should be noted that the floating wind turbine component 4, when inserted into or placed within the receiving volume 12, is liable to damage the floating storage structure 2 in the event of impact or contact between these two elements. Therefore, at least one of the arms 28 is equipped with a protective element 34. Here, both the lower arm 28A and the upper arm 28B are equipped with such a protective element. The protective element may, as appropriate, take the form of a coating covering a portion of the floating storage structure 2, where applicable at least one of the arms 28 and / or the flotation element 20. Alternatively or additionally, the protective element is a buoy interposed between at least one of the arms 28 and the floating wind turbine component 4, and / or between the flotation element and the floating wind turbine component 4.

[0097] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the floating storage structure 2 is implemented according to the first variant of the first embodiment. This first embodiment corresponds more precisely to an elongated main form of the floating storage structure 2. In other words, all variants of the first embodiment share this elongated main form. In the first variant of the first embodiment, the floating storage structure 2, which extends mainly along the longitudinal direction L, has a row of receiving volumes 12 on one side of its mid-zone 26, and a row of receiving volumes 12 on the other side of this mid-zone 26. The floating storage structure 2 here has, but is not limited to, ten receiving volumes 10 and can therefore accommodate ten components of floating wind turbines 4.However, the floating storage structure 2 does not have a receiving volume 10 aligned with its median zone 26 along the longitudinal direction L.

[0098] Other variations and embodiments are, however, conceivable without departing from the scope of the invention. These variations and embodiments will now be described with reference to Figures 4 to 14. Unless otherwise stated, the features described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 remain applicable mutatis mutandis to other variations and embodiments, provided they are not incompatible.

[0099] Figure 4 presents a second variant of the first embodiment. In this second variant, it should be noted that the arms 28 differ from those described previously. Specifically, the arms 28 are not straight; rather, at least one of the arms 28 extends along a curve. The arms 28 are paired to form an arc that helps define the receiving volume 12. This arc provides improved protection for the floating wind turbine component 4 located within the receiving volume 12.

[0100] Furthermore, the second variant differs from the first variant in that its receiving volumes 12 are arranged differently. In Figure 4, the floating storage structure 2 has four receiving volumes 12 on one side of the median zone 26, four receiving volumes 12 on the other side of the median zone 26, one receiving volume 12 aligned with the median zone 26 at the first longitudinal end 6 of the floating storage structure 2 and one receiving volume 12 aligned with the median zone 26 at its second longitudinal end 8.

[0101] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a third variant of the first embodiment, respectively in perspective and cross-sectional views. This third variant differs from the first variant in that the flotation element 20 is not a single unit. Here, the flotation element 20 is subdivided into a first flotation sub-element 20A and a second flotation sub-element 20B. The first flotation sub-element 20A and the second flotation sub-element 20B extend parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the first flotation sub-element 20A and the second flotation sub-element 20B extend here on either side of the median plane S of the floating storage structure 2.

[0102] As can be seen in the schematic representation in Figure 6, the flotation sub-components 20A and 20B are formed by hollow cylinders with a rectangular cross-section. Furthermore, these flotation sub-components 20A and 20B are connected to each other by at least one transverse span 36. This transverse span 36 is, for example, a bar made of the same material as the flotation sub-components 20A and 20B and extending perpendicularly to them. The transverse span 36 is, for example, included in the flotation means of the floating storage structure 2 and thus contributes to the flotation of this floating storage structure 2 in the same way as the flotation component 20 and the flotation element 22.

[0103] The first flotation sub-member 20A and the second flotation sub-member 20B are here connected to each other by a plurality of transverse spans 36 which are arranged at regular intervals from the first longitudinal end 6 of the floating storage structure 2 to the second longitudinal end 8. The transverse span 36 carries the flotation element 22. In other words, the transverse span 36 connects each connecting sub-member 20A, 20B to the flotation element 22.

[0104] In this third variant of the first embodiment, the floating storage structure 2 has a row of five receiving volumes 12 on one side of its median zone 26 and a row of five receiving volumes 12 on the other side of this median zone 26. The floating storage structure 2 according to this third variant can therefore accommodate ten constituent elements of floating wind turbines 4, although this number is not limiting of the invention.

[0105] Figures 7 to 9 illustrate the floating storage structure 2 according to a second embodiment, respectively according to a first variant in Figures 7 and 8 and according to a second variant in Figure 9. This second embodiment illustrates a floating storage structure 2 whose main shape is "H". Thus, in this second embodiment, the floating storage structure 2 has at least two flotation elements 20 extending parallel along the longitudinal direction L, and at least one flotation element 20 extending along the transverse direction T. In the first variant in Figures 7 and 8, the floating storage structure 2 has two flotation elements 20 extending along the transverse direction T, while in the second variant in Figure 9, the floating storage structure 2 comprises, along this transverse direction T, a single flotation element 20.

[0106] Due to the presence of at least one flotation element 20 extending along the transverse direction T, the floating storage structure 2 has at least one receiving volume 12 in its mid-zone 26 and can therefore receive at least one floating wind turbine component 4 in this mid-zone 26. In Figures 7 and 8, the floating storage structure 2 according to the first variant of the second embodiment has three receiving volumes 12 along each of its flotation elements 20 extending along the longitudinal direction L, and two receiving volumes 12 along each of its flotation elements 20 extending along the transverse direction T.In Figure 9, the floating storage structure 2 according to the second variant of the second embodiment has two receiving volumes 12 along each of its flotation members 20 extending along the longitudinal direction L, and six receiving volumes 12 along its single flotation member 20 extending along the transverse direction T, with three receiving volumes 12 on each side of the latter.

[0107] A third embodiment of the floating storage structure 2 according to the invention is illustrated in Figure 10. In this third embodiment, the flotation element 20 is divided into sections 38, with a first section 38A, a second section 38B, a third section 38C, a fourth section 38D, and a fifth section 38E extending from the first longitudinal end 6 of the floating storage structure 2 to its second longitudinal end 8. These sections 38 extend primarily along the longitudinal direction L and are offset from the median plane S. More specifically, the first section 38A, the third section 38C, and the fifth section 38E are arranged on one side of the median plane S, while the second section 38B and the fourth section 38D are arranged on the other side of this median plane S.

[0108] In this third embodiment, the floating storage structure 2 includes a receiving volume 12 on either side of each section 38 along the transverse direction T. At their ends, the sections 38 are connected to each other by means of a transverse span 36 similar to the transverse span 36 of the third variant of the first embodiment of Figures 5 and 6, this transverse span 36 being the carrier of the flotation element 22.

[0109] Figure 11 illustrates the floating storage structure 2 according to a fourth embodiment in which it is generally O-shaped. More precisely, sections 38 of a flotation device 20 are assembled to form an octagon. The floating storage structure 2 thus has a central portion 40 within the octagon and a peripheral portion 42 outside it. In this fourth embodiment, the receiving volumes 12 of the floating storage structure 2 are arranged within the peripheral portion 42. In other words, these receiving volumes 12 are oriented outside the octagon formed by the flotation device 20. It is understood that the receiving volumes 12 are then arranged to receive the constituent elements of floating wind turbines 4 on only one side of the flotation device 20.

[0110] The floating storage structure 2 according to a fifth embodiment is shown in Figure 5. Here, the floating storage structure 2 has a general "C" shape. The floating storage structure 2 according to the fifth embodiment corresponds, for example, to half of the floating storage structure 2 according to the fourth embodiment. However, unlike this fourth embodiment, the floating storage structure 2 here has receiving volumes 12 on either side of the flotation element 20. Thus, receiving volumes 12 are provided both within the central portion 40 and within the peripheral portion 42. The central portion 40 corresponds in this fifth embodiment to an internal contour of the "C" shape, while the peripheral portion 42 corresponds to an external contour thereof.

[0111] A sixth embodiment of the floating storage structure 2 is illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, with a first variant shown in Figure 13 and a second variant shown in Figure 14, respectively. In this sixth embodiment, the floating storage structure 2 has a general "L" shape. The flotation element 20 is subdivided into at least a first section 38A and a second section 38B, which extend substantially perpendicularly to each other. The receiving volumes 12 are arranged on either side of the flotation element 20, that is, both in the central portion 40 of the floating storage structure 2, which corresponds to its inner contour, and in the peripheral portion 42, which corresponds to its outer contour.

[0112] In the first variant of Figure 13, the first section 38A and the second section 38B are directly joined to each other, i.e., without an intermediary. In the second variant of Figure 14, the first section 38A and the second section 38B are connected to each other via a third section 38C and a fourth section 38D, which form a bend between the first section 38A on one side and the second section 38B on the other. The floating storage structure 2 according to the first variant of the sixth embodiment and the floating storage structure 2 according to the second variant of this sixth embodiment are both capable of receiving ten components of floating wind turbines 4.

[0113] Regardless of the variant or embodiment used for the floating storage structure 2, the installation process for this floating storage structure 2 is similar. The floating storage structure 2 is first manufactured at an onshore facility, preferably but not exclusively near a port. The floating storage structure 2 is then transported to the port, for example by towing using towing equipment connected to its flotation element, and launched using a ramp. Once in the water, the floating storage structure 2 can be transported to a chosen site, if necessary by towing. Once at the chosen site, the floating storage structure 2 is secured to the seabed via the mooring system 24 to hold it in position.The component(s) of floating wind turbines 4 can then be positioned in the receiving volumes 12 of the floating storage structure 2 pending their assembly and installation.

[0114] The present invention thus proposes a floating storage structure for storing components of floating wind turbines pending their assembly, such a floating storage structure having a limited footprint because its volumes for receiving the components of floating wind turbines are afloat, i.e. in the water.

[0115] The present invention is not limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated herein, and also extends to any equivalent means and configuration as well as any technically operative combination of such means.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Floating storage structure (2) afloat of a component of one or more floating wind turbines (4), comprising a flotation means including at least one flotation component (20) intended to be submerged and at least one flotation element (22) integral with the flotation component (20), the floating storage structure (2) including at least one receiving volume (12) configured to house a component of the floating wind turbine (4), the floating storage structure (2) including at least two arms (28, 28A, 28B) integral with the flotation element (22) and participating in delimiting the receiving volume (12) of the component of the floating wind turbine (4).

2. Floating storage structure (2) afloat according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one of the arms (28, 28A, 28B) is intended to be at least partially emerged and the flotation element (22) is intended to be partially emerged, the flotation element (22) being at least partially filled with air.

3. Floating storage structure (2) afloat according to any one of the preceding claims, extending along a principal extension direction, the flotation member (20) extending mainly in a direction parallel to the principal extension direction and the flotation element (22) extending mainly in a direction secant to the principal extension direction.

4. Floating storage structure (2) afloat according to any one of the preceding claims, having at least a median zone (26), at least one of the arms (28, 28A, 28B) participating in delimiting the receiving volume (12) of the constituent element of the floating wind turbine extending radially towards an environment outside the median zone.

5. Floating storage structure (2) afloat according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arms (28, 28A, 28B) are superimposed one on top of the other.

6. Floating storage structure (2) afloat according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arms (28, 28A, 28B) are assembled to each other so as to form a cross.

7. Floating storage structure (2) afloat according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flotation device (20) and / or the flotation element (22) are formed by hollow cylinders.

8. Floating storage structure (2) afloat according to the preceding claim, wherein the hollow cylinder forming at least one of the flotation member (20) and flotation element (22) is filled with ballast material.

9. Floating storage structure (2) afloat according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an attachment system (32) for the constituent element of the floating wind turbine (4).

10. Floating storage structure (2) afloat according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a mooring system (24).

11. Floating storage structure (2) afloat according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the arms (28, 28A, 28B) participating in delimiting the receiving volume (12) of the constituent element of the floating wind turbine (4) is equipped with a protective element (34).

12. Floating storage structure (2) afloat according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the arms (28, 28A, 28B) participating in delimiting the receiving volume (12) of the constituent element of the floating wind turbine (4) includes a system for adjusting its length.

13. Floating storage structure (2) afloat according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flotation member (20) extends along a median plane (S) of the floating structure.

14. Floating storage structure (2) afloat according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the flotation element (20) is formed of a first flotation sub-element (20A) and a second flotation sub-element (20B), the first flotation sub-organ (20A) and second flotation sub-organ (20B) each extending from one side of a median plane (S) of the flotation structure.

15. Floating storage structure (2) afloat according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flotation member (20) is formed of a plurality of sections (38, 38A, 38B, 38C, 38D, 38E) at least partially composed of concrete and comprising steel reinforcements.

16. Floating storage structure (2) afloat according to the preceding claim, wherein the sections (38, 38A, 38B, 38C, 38D, 38E) are interconnected by a rigid connection system so as to form a monolithic flotation element (20).

17. Floating storage structure (2) afloat according to any one of the preceding claims, having a generally elongated shape.

18. Floating storage structure (2) afloat according to any one of claims 1 to 16, having a general "H" shape.

19. Floating storage structure (2) afloat according to any one of claims 1 to 16, having a general “C” shape.

20. Floating storage structure (2) afloat according to any one of claims 1 to 16, having a general "L" shape.

21. Floating storage structure (2) afloat according to any one of claims 1 to 16, having a general "O" shape.

22. Assembly (1) of a floating storage structure (2) afloat according to any one of the preceding claims and of at least one component of one or more floating wind turbines (4), wherein the floating structure (2) is installed at sea and the component (4) is disposed in its receiving volume (12).

23. Assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising towing means attached to the flotation element.

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