Mooring system for a floating modular station and floating modular station

Abstract

The invention relates to a mooring system (1) for floating modules of a floating modular station on a body of water, the mooring system (1) comprising: - a plurality of main lines (2) essentially parallel to one another; - a plurality of sets of anchor lines (4a, 4b), each set of anchor lines (4a, 4b) being associated with a main line so as to keep said main line submerged at a non-zero depth H in the body of water; - a plurality of sets of secondary lines (3a, 3b) intended to secure the floating modules to the main lines (2).

Description

Floating modular station mooring system and floating modular station FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of energy production, and in particular to the field of solar energy production. Specifically, the invention relates to a mooring system for floating modules of a modular floating station, and in particular a modular floating solar station.

[0002] The mooring system according to the present invention is in particular designed to provide sufficient stability to the modular floating station when the body of water on which it floats becomes choppy, but also to allow the passage of floating boats for maintenance purposes.

[0003] The invention also relates to a modular floating installation equipped with the mooring system according to the present invention. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Document WO 2022 / 242858 A1 describes a method for manufacturing and assembling a floating installation on a body of water. Specifically, the floating installation comprises rows of floats arranged in pairs supporting photovoltaic panels. Also in this document, and particularly in relation to Figure 10, the floating installation includes a mooring system equipped with 510 and 520 cables designed to ensure the stability of the floating installation.

[0005] However, the mooring system proposed in document WO 2022 / 242858 A1 is not satisfactory.

[0006] Indeed, cables 510 and 520, illustrated in Figure 10 of document WO 2022 / 242858 A1, are laid on, or near the surface of, the body of water on which the floating installation is floating. More specifically, cables 510 and 520 form a perimeter delimiting the floating installation and thus make access, for example by boat, to the navigation areas between the pairs of rows difficult.

[0007] Furthermore, the mesh of the mooring system remains of limited density and does not provide sufficient stability to the floating installation with regard to water movements that may occur in the event of bad weather or wind.

[0008] US documents 2017 / 0033732A1, US 2018 / 001975 A1, and WO 2014 / 136107 A1 also propose mooring systems that suffer from the same limitations and are, consequently, unsatisfactory.

[0009] Thus, one aim of the present invention is to propose a mooring system for a floating modular station giving said floating modular station sufficient stability with regard to water movements that may occur in the event of bad weather or wind.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is also to provide a mooring system allowing free access, for example by means of a floating vessel, to the navigation spaces provided between the pairs of rows.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a floating installation equipped with a mooring system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The objectives are, at least in part, achieved by a mooring system for floating modules of a modular floating station on a body of water, the mooring system comprising:

[0013] - a plurality of main lines that are essentially parallel to each other;

[0014] - a plurality of sets of anchor lines, each set of anchor lines being associated with a main line in order to keep said main line submerged at a non-zero depth H of the body of water;

[0015] - a plurality of sets of secondary lines intended to secure the floating modules to the main lines.

[0016] According to one embodiment, each anchor line comprises a first end by which it is connected to the main line to which it is associated and a second end by which it is anchored to the bottom of the body of water.

[0017] According to one embodiment, said anchoring system comprises a plurality of blocks, for example of concrete, each block being linked to the second end of an anchor line and resting on the bottom of the body of water.

[0018] According to one embodiment, said mooring system comprises a plurality of anchors, each anchor being linked to the second end of an anchor line and is configured to anchor said anchor line to the bottom of the body of water.

[0019] According to one embodiment, each anchor line set comprises end anchor lines and at least one intermediate anchor line, each end anchor line is linked to one end of the main line, while the at least one intermediate anchor line is linked to the main line at a distance from either of the two ends of said main line.

[0020] The invention also relates to a modular floating installation which includes:

[0021] - the mooring system according to the present invention;

[0022] - a plurality of rows of floats arranged essentially perpendicular to the main lines, each row of floats being linked to each of the main lines via a secondary line.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the lengths of the secondary lines linking a row of floats are adjusted to maintain essentially equivalent buoyancy from one float to another in the row of floats considered.

[0024] According to one embodiment, each main line comprises two end sections and a central section, the secondary lines linking a row of floats to an end section being longer than the secondary lines linking said row of floats to the central section.

[0025] According to one embodiment, each row of floats comprises a plurality of floats joined together, advantageously two by two.

[0026] According to one embodiment, each float comprises a hollow metal cylinder in which flotation means are arranged, advantageously each flotation means comprises an inflatable structure.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the rows of floats are arranged in pairs of rows, the pairs of rows being arranged to leave a navigation channel between two pairs of adjacent rows.

[0028] According to one embodiment, each pair of rows supports solar panels.

[0029] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description that follows, with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0030] This is a schematic representation of an example of a mooring system from a top view and conforming to the principles set forth in the present invention;

[0031] Laest is a schematic representation of a main line associated with its set of secondary lines and anchor lines, lare represents in particular the arrangement of the main line in relation to the bottom and the surface of the body of water;

[0032] This is a schematic representation of a modular floating installation equipped with the mooring system according to the present invention, the main lines being essentially perpendicular to the rows of floats;

[0033] This is a schematic representation of a modular floating installation equipped with the mooring system according to the present invention in the presence of wind, the anchor lines arranged obliquely with respect to the rows of floats;

[0034] Laest is a schematic representation of a main line associated with its set of secondary lines and anchor lines, lare also represents the maintenance of pairs of rows of floats by an arrangement of vertical secondary lines;

[0035] Laest is a schematic representation of a main line associated with its set of secondary lines and anchor lines, lare also represents the maintenance of pairs of rows of floats by an arrangement of oblique secondary lines;

[0036] This is a schematic representation of a floating installation considering the implementation of a floating technical walkway. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] The proposed mooring system is designed to stabilize a modular installation of floating modules, suitable for various bodies of water such as lakes, coastal basins, sheltered bays, or shallow areas near the coast.

[0038] This structure is designed to support both fixed loads, such as solar panels, and allow safe passage of boats, while adapting to the movements and variations of the aquatic environment.

[0039] In the remainder of this statement, the term essentially, when used, means that a deviation of plus or minus 5% may be tolerated from the strict meaning of the statement.

[0040] Here, we can see an example of a mooring system 1 according to the present invention.

[0041] In the image, we can see a partial view of the mooring system and its arrangement in relation to a body of water. In particular, the image partially illustrates the mooring system in relation to the bottom F and the surface S of the body of water E.

[0042] The mooring system 1 comprises a set of main lines 2 submerged at a depth H ( ) relative to the surface S, which can be adjusted according to the specific requirements of the installation. In a marine environment, the submersion depth of the main lines 2 can be adjusted between 0.75 meters and 5 meters, advantageously between 1 meter and 3 meters. It is understood that the depth H is measured between the surface of the water body and the main line.

[0043] The main lines 2 are advantageously essentially parallel to each other.

[0044] These two main lines, designed to withstand harsh underwater conditions, can be made of galvanized steel cables, which offer excellent tensile strength and increased longevity in a marine environment. Alternatively, the main lines can be made of chains.

[0045] A lighter and more flexible alternative consists of high-density polymer lines, such as polyethylene (HDPE) or reinforced polypropylene. These materials are chosen for their corrosion resistance, durability, and ability to withstand the dynamic forces of water.

[0046] To keep these main lines 2 in a submerged position, sets of anchor lines 4a, 4b can be considered. Each set of anchor lines 4a, 4b is connected to a main line 2 and extends down to the bottom F of the body of water.

[0047] A 4a, 4b type anchor line can be made of materials such as polypropylene or nylon, capable of withstanding high tensile loads and tension variations due to the movements of floating modules.

[0048] Each anchor line 4a, 4b has two ends: one end attached to the main line 2, for example, by means of stainless steel shackles, reinforced to withstand seawater and temperature variations, or swivels that limit the effects of twisting due to currents and the movements of the floats described later in this statement. The second end of the anchor line is securely anchored to the seabed.

[0049] This type of anchoring is ensured by blocks, for example dense concrete blocks 5 () weighing for example between 500 kg and 1000 kg depending on the dimensions and the load to be stabilized, which rest directly on the bottom F. These concrete blocks 5 are ideal for rocky or stable bottoms.

[0050] In softer soils, such as sandy bottoms, galvanized metal screw anchors or anchor piles, for example 1 to 2 meters in length, can be used to ensure a firm and durable anchoring.

[0051] The inventors were able to observe that each main line exhibited a deflection, towards the bottom F, on two end sections 1a, 1b while a central section 1c, intercalated between the two end sections 1a, 1b was at a relatively constant depth.

[0052] Thus, the anchor lines 4a and 4b are organized into two main types to ensure the longitudinal stability of the structure. The end anchor lines 4a are attached to the ends of the main lines 2, ensuring a solid fixing at the critical points of each main line 2. These anchor lines can be reinforced to withstand maximum stresses.

[0053] Between these end points, intermediate anchor lines 4b are positioned, for example regularly, to maintain a uniform immersion of the main line 2 over its entire length, thus reducing the effects of bending or twisting.

[0054] In a standard configuration, for example, an intermediate anchor line could be planned every 10 to 20 meters for 2 main lines of 50 meters in length.

[0055] Figure 10 illustrates a modular floating installation. This installation comprises a plurality of parallel rows of floats 11. Each row of floats 11 comprises an alignment of a plurality of floats 12. More specifically, each float 12 has an axis of elongation aligned with the row of floats to which it belongs.

[0056] According to the example given in Figure 1, the rows of floats 11 are arranged essentially perpendicular to the main lines, each row of floats being connected to each of the main lines by means of a secondary line 3a, 3b. This arrangement can, for example, be imposed during the floating installation in windless conditions. In this respect, essentially perpendicular can be understood as meaning that the angle between a main line and a row of floats can be between 80° and 100°. This configuration is of particular interest in aquatic environments with no exposure to wind, where the stability of the structure is not affected by aerodynamic stresses.

[0057] In windy conditions, the rows of floats may deviate from their essentially perpendicular arrangement with respect to the main lines, particularly at the end portions 2a of the main lines. An end portion 2a of a main line refers to the portion between one end of said main line and the nearest secondary line. Specifically, in these windy conditions, the angle formed between the rows of floats and the main lines is between 30° and 60°, advantageously between 20° and 70°, and even more advantageously between 10° and 80°. This point is illustrated in Figure 1, where a wind, represented by arrow V, blows across the body of water in a direction essentially parallel to the rows of floats. This wind exerts a force causing the floating installation to move in the direction symbolized by arrow V.This movement of the floating installation causes a tensioning of the main lines, and a deviation of the end portions 2a of these lines from a direction perpendicular to the rows of floats.

[0058] These secondary lines 3a, 3b, often made of high-density polyethylene, can be designed to be floating, in order to maintain a flexible but constant connection between the modules and the main lines 2.

[0059] Alternatively, the secondary lines 3a and 3b may not be floating. In this respect, they may be made of a material comprising at least one of the following elements: synthetic fibers, or steel. However, these aspects do not limit the present invention, and a person skilled in the art may choose any type of material suitable for forming a secondary line.

[0060] The lengths of these secondary lines 3a, 3b can be adjusted to balance the waterline height of the float rows 11, and in particular to compensate for the sagging of the main lines at the end section. Thus, in a float row 11, the secondary lines 3a, 3b at the ends could measure 1.2 meters, while the central secondary lines would be shorter, at approximately 1 meter.

[0061] This helps maintain uniform flotation stability despite the variable loads that may be applied to the ends of each row.

[0062] The 12 floats may include hollow metal cylinders, such as stainless steel or aluminum treated for marine environments.

[0063] Inside each cylinder are flotation devices, for example inflatable chambers made of waterproof material or polyurethane foam, providing stable buoyancy and ensuring the safety of the structure even in the event of partial damage to a module.

[0064] These floats are arranged in rows perpendicular to the main lines 2 and are joined together to create a continuous structure. A typical configuration includes rows of floats arranged in pairs 13. Specifically, each pair comprises a first row 11a and a second row 11b. The pairs of rows can be arranged to leave between them navigation channels 14, for example, approximately 1 to 3 meters wide, allowing the passage of small boats and thus facilitating inspection and maintenance of the installation.

[0065] Each pair of rows can accommodate panels, including solar panels 15. Said panels can be inclined relative to the water surface, so as to present an exposure face oriented from the second row 11b towards the first row 11a of the corresponding pair of rows, so that, when the wind blows from the first row towards the second row, said exposure face is exposed to said wind.

[0066] According to a second variant, illustrated in the figure, the secondary lines are not aligned with the vertical. More specifically, as illustrated in the said figure, the two secondary lines 3a, 3b, referred to respectively as the first and second secondary lines, connect a main line 2 to the first 11a and the second 11b row of the same pair of rows 13, and extend convergently from the main line under consideration. By “extend convergently,” it is meant that the spacing between said secondary lines decreases as they move away from the main line.

[0067] For example, secondary lines 3a, 3b may deviate from the vertical direction by an angle less than or equal to 30°, advantageously less than or equal to 15°, even more advantageously less than or equal to 5°.

[0068] According to this second variant, it may be advantageous to position the rows of floats transversely to the prevailing winds of the body of water on which they float.

[0069] According to this second variant, the secondary lines are therefore fixed in such a way as to exhibit differential tension behavior depending on the direction of the incoming wind. This configuration makes it possible to exploit the relative flexibility of the flotation system to adapt the position and inclination of the floats to aerodynamic stresses, thereby limiting the forces transmitted to the overall structure of the floating installation.

[0070] Thus, when the wind blows from the first row to the second row of a pair of rows (called the first direction), the first secondary lines are put under tension, while the second secondary lines are, conversely, released. In this configuration, the second rows of floats can then sink into the water and thus reduce the tilt of the panels.

[0071] This inclination has the effect of reducing the frontal surface area exposed to the airflow and, consequently, of decreasing the aerodynamic forces exerted on the float and the associated structure.

[0072] Conversely, when the wind blows from a direction opposite to the first, the second secondary lines are under tension while the first secondary lines are slack. In this case, the first rows may rise slightly relative to the second rows. This movement results in a decrease in the tilt angle of the solar panels relative to the wind direction, which again translates into a reduction in the aerodynamic forces applied to the modules and the floating structure.

[0073] In general, this arrangement of secondary lines allows the floating installation to exhibit adaptive behavior in response to wind. The differential slack in the secondary lines, depending on the wind direction and intensity, permits slight tilting movements of the floats, which partially dampen aerodynamic loads and improve overall stability. This design thus helps extend the lifespan of mechanical components and reduce structural stresses transmitted to the main lines and anchoring elements.

[0074] The pairs of rows of floats provide a stable base for solar panel supports, anchored directly to the floats. This arrangement allows for efficient use of the water surface to generate renewable energy, with each panel optimally oriented to maximize solar exposure based on the structure's geographical location.

[0075] This modular 1 mooring system is therefore adaptable to different types of bodies of water, from small lakes to larger coastal areas, and gives the installation increased strength, deployment flexibility, and easy access for maintenance and inspection operations.

[0076] According to a third variant of the present invention which may incorporate all or part of the technical elements described above, some main lines, or even all of the main lines, may be anchored by one and / or the other of their ends to a bank of the body of water on which the floating installation rests.

[0077] Thus, and advantageously, the floating installation according to this variant includes:

[0078] - a mooring system for the floating modules, the mooring system comprising:

[0079] - a plurality of main lines essentially parallel to each other, and the main one submerged at a non-zero depth H of the body of water;

[0080] - a plurality of rows of floats, each row of floats being linked to each of the main lines by means of one of the secondary lines, the lengths of the secondary lines linking a row of floats are adjusted to maintain essentially equivalent buoyancy from one float to another in the row of floats considered, each main line comprises two end sections and a central section, the secondary lines linking a row of floats to an end section being longer than the secondary lines linking said row of floats to the central section.

[0081] The floating installation may include anchor lines, allowing the main lines to be anchored to the bank at their ends. Advantageously, the main lines may only need to be anchored at their ends.

[0082] According to this variant, the main lines can have a mass that allows them to remain submerged at depth H. In particular, the main lines can have a density adapted to their maintenance at the previously defined immersion.

[0083] The mooring system according to the present invention makes it possible to avoid the use of temporary anchors and makes it possible to secure the floating modular installation at all times, also during the installation phase.

[0084] The mooring system according to the present invention also limits the need for divers to intervene once the mooring system is in place on the body of water. Indeed, all the ends of the secondary lines are accessible from a boat, for example, via temporary buoys and / or connection points on the floats.

[0085] Laillustre another variant (fourth variant) of the floating installation which can take up all or part of the characteristics associated with the first, second and third variants.

[0086] In this variant, the floating installation includes a floating walkway 16 extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the pairs of rows of floats 12. The ends of the first row 11a and the second row 11b are each fixed, by means of a first bar 17a and a second bar 17b, respectively, to a first attachment point 19a and a second attachment point 19b of the floating walkway. More specifically, the first bar 17a and the second bar 17b extend divergently from, respectively, the ends of the first and second rows 11a, 11b towards said first and second attachment points. This arrangement, substantially trapezoidal in shape, increases the mechanical rigidity of the overall structure and limits the relative movements of the pairs of rows with respect to the floating walkway.

[0087] In particular, the divergent arrangement of bars 17a, 17b ensures a better distribution of tensile forces between the attachment points of the technical walkway and the ends of the rows, so as to stabilize the position of the floats in case of variations in load or stress from wind and swell.

[0088] Such a configuration thus helps to improve the cohesion of the floating assembly, to reduce angular deformations between adjacent rows and to maintain a regular spacing between the main lines.

[0089] In addition, a first chain 18a can link the first attachment point 19a with the end of the second row 11b and a second chain 18b can link the second attachment point 19b with the end of the first row 11a.

[0090] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and alternative embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

A modular floating installation (10) on a body of water comprising: - a mooring system (1) for the floating modules, the mooring system (1) comprising: - a plurality of main lines (2) essentially parallel to each other; - a plurality of sets of anchor lines (4a, 4b), each set of anchor lines (4a, 4b) being associated with a main line in order to keep said main line submerged at a non-zero depth H of the body of water; - a plurality of sets of secondary lines (3a, 3b);- a plurality of rows of floats, each row of floats being linked to each of the main lines (2) by means of one of the secondary lines (3a, 3b), the lengths of the secondary lines (3a, 3b) linking a row of floats are adjusted to maintain an essentially equivalent buoyancy from one float to the other of the row of floats considered, each main line comprises two end sections (1a, 1b) and a central section (1c), the secondary lines (3a, 3b) linking a row of floats to an end section (1a, 1b) being longer than the secondary lines (3a, 3b) linking said row of floats to the central section (1c).; Installation according to claim 1, wherein the secondary lines (3a, 3b) linking a row of floats to an end section (1a, 1b) are longer than the secondary lines (3a, 3b) linking said row of floats to the central section (1c). An installation according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rows of floats are arranged essentially perpendicular to the main lines or arranged obliquely to the main lines. An installation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each row of floats comprises a plurality of floats joined together, advantageously two by two. Installation according to claim 4, wherein each float comprises a hollow metal cylinder in which flotation means are arranged, advantageously each flotation means comprises an inflatable structure. An installation according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the rows of floats are arranged in pairs of rows (13) referred to respectively as first row and second row, the pairs of rows (13) being arranged to leave a navigation channel between two pairs of adjacent rows (13). Installation according to claim 6, wherein each pair of rows supports solar panels. An installation according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the secondary lines (3a, 3b), referred to respectively as first secondary line (3a) and second secondary line (3b), linking one of the main lines, respectively, to the first row and second row of a pair of rows extend divergently from each other from the main line considered. Installation according to claim 8, wherein the secondary lines (3a, 3b) deviate from the vertical direction by an angle less than or equal to 30°, advantageously less than or equal to 15°, even more advantageously less than 5°. An installation according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the secondary lines are aligned with the vertical, the body of water being advantageously free from exposure to wind. An installation according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each anchor line (4a, 4b) comprises a first end by which it is connected to the main line to which it is associated and a second end by which it is anchored to the bottom of the body of water. Installation according to claim 11, wherein said anchoring system comprises a plurality of blocks, for example concrete blocks, each block being linked to the second end of an anchor line (4a, 4b) and resting on the bottom of the body of water. Installation according to claim 12, wherein said mooring system (1) comprises a plurality of anchors, each anchor being linked to the second end of an anchor line (4a, 4b) and is configured to anchor said anchor line (4a, 4b) to the bottom of the body of water. An installation according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein each set of anchor lines (4a, 4b) comprises end anchor lines (4a) and at least one intermediate anchor line (4a, 4b), each end anchor line (4a) is connected to one end of the main line, while the at least one intermediate anchor line (4b) is connected to the main line at a distance from either of the two ends of said main line. An installation according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the main lines are anchored by their ends to a bank of the body of water.

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