Autonomous Anchoring of Offshore Concrete Caissons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore structure foundations lack autonomous anchoring capabilities, requiring costly and limited maritime resources for precise positioning and anchoring, especially when completely submerged, which complicates the transition from floating to gravity foundation stages.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising sensors, control units, and communication modules that enable self-anchoring of floating concrete caissons by controlling ballast levels and tugboat operations, allowing for precise positioning and anchoring without human intervention or heavy-lift vessels, using sensors like level sensors, pressure sensors, and GPS for real-time monitoring and decision-making.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional anchoring methods using tugboats and external positioning networks are used, then positioning precision can be achieved, but the complexity of the system and the cost of specialized maritime resources increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The floating caisson is equipped with autonomous ballast control systems that enable it to perform its own anchoring operations without external assistance. The caisson monitors its own position using onboard sensors and automatically adjusts its ballast to achieve the desired positioning and sinking, eliminating the need for complex external tugboat operations and positioning networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of tugboats physically pulling and positioning the caisson with an automated control system that uses sensors, processors, and ballast management to achieve positioning. This substitution reduces the need for heavy mechanical maritime resources while maintaining positioning precision.
2Productivity
If autonomous anchoring systems are implemented, then the need for specialized maritime resources is reduced, but the complexity of the control and sensor systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions: it monitors position, controls ballast distribution, manages the sinking process, and ensures safe anchoring. By integrating these functions into a single autonomous system, the patent improves anchoring efficiency while managing complexity through functional integration rather than adding separate specialized maritime resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous system incorporates continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor the caisson's position, orientation, and ballast levels, and this information is fed back to the control system which automatically adjusts ballast distribution. This feedback mechanism enables precise autonomous control without requiring complex external intervention systems.
3Reliability
If the caisson is completely submerged for final installation, then the foundation can be properly installed on the seabed, but the control and monitoring of the anchoring process becomes more difficult without external assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The caisson is equipped with all necessary sensors, control systems, and communication equipment before submersion. The autonomous anchoring system is pre-programmed with the anchoring sequence and safety parameters, enabling it to execute the complete anchoring and submersion process reliably without external assistance once the process begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an autonomous control system as an intermediary between the ballast management system and the submersion process. This control intermediary continuously monitors all parameters, coordinates ballast release, and manages the submersion sequence, ensuring reliable installation while eliminating the need for direct human intervention during the critical submersion phase.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables autonomous, precise, and cost-effective anchoring of offshore structures, reducing the need for specialized maritime resources and ensuring reliable installation with minimal human intervention, while maintaining project tolerances and operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
The concrete caisson is lightened with rectangular or circular internal cells interconnected with each other. The cells are equipped with filling and emptying devices, enabling ballast control for final anchorage.
Implementation Method 2
When the caisson reaches the seabed, its final position is verified and all the cells are filled until the foundation is totally installed on the seabed
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for the autonomous anchoring of foundations for offshore structures consisting of a self-floating concrete caisson manufactured in a floating dock, capable of being towed to their final location, provided with internal vertical cells, which are divided into cells that are interconnected with each other and equipped with emptying and filling devices that allow the regulation of the ballast level for anchoring when they are filled with seawater. This method comprises the following stages: constraining the foundation, fastening and mooring by at least three tugboats pulling radially on the foundation to be anchored from at least 3 different directions; connecting the different sensors needed for controlling the operation with a control unit; gradual and controlled sinking of the foundation until it reaches its position of installation on the seabed; and final ballasting of the foundation.