Dual-Base Seabed Carrier Stability During Immersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and removal of equipment on the seabed, such as tidal turbines, are challenging due to the instability caused by decreasing hydrostatic stability as the floating base sinks, leading to a high risk of capsizing, and existing solutions like increasing base mass are not feasible.
Innovation Solution
A method using a device with two interconnected bases forming independent floatation spaces, where one base is filled with water to stabilize the assembly during immersion and the other during emersion, maintaining a predetermined angle of inclination to ensure stability, and a carrier device with control means for water and air flow to manage buoyancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single floating base is used to carry equipment to the seabed, then the installation can be performed with simpler equipment, but the hydrostatic stability decreases as immersion progresses leading to high capsizing risk
Solution Approach 1:
The floating base is divided into two independent floatation spaces (first base and second base) that can be filled with water independently. This segmentation allows one base to remain afloat while the other is being filled, maintaining hydrostatic stability throughout the immersion process and preventing capsizing.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the base is made heavier to maintain stability during immersion, then the center of gravity can be kept below the center of the hull, but the base mass becomes too large leading to elevated volumes and deep draft
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the base statically heavier, the invention uses dynamic control of buoyancy by selectively filling one floatation space with water while keeping the other afloat. This dynamic approach maintains stability during the transition without requiring excessive base mass, avoiding elevated volumes and deep draft.
3Reliability
If specialized handling vessels are used for installation and removal, then the equipment can be handled safely, but the vessels are complex, expensive and not very available
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs its own installation and removal operations without requiring specialized handling vessels. By using the two-base system where one base remains afloat as a stable platform, the device can self-manage the immersion and emersion processes, eliminating the need for complex external handling equipment.
4Productivity
If rapid installation and removal is achieved, then productivity increases, but maintaining stability during the process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device prepares for rapid installation by pre-configuring the two-base system with independent water filling capabilities. Before immersion begins, both bases are ready with controlled water inlet/outlet systems, allowing one base to be quickly filled while the other maintains stability, enabling rapid deployment without compromising stability.
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 stable and cost-effective installation and removal of equipment on the seabed, even in areas with strong currents, by maintaining stability throughout the process and allowing for rapid and adaptable deployment.
Implementation Method 1
a first base (11), adapted to carry the equipment, and comprising a water inlet (14) and an air outlet (15); wherein the first base (11) is floating on a water surface
Implementation Method 2
with water inlet holes (14) arranged at an upper part of the second base (12) when the second base (12) is in a horizontal position, and with air outlet holes (15) arranged at a lower part of the second base (12) when the second base (12) is in a horizontal position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3b
Figure 3c~3d
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for installing a device, carrying at least one item of equipment, on a seabed, the device comprising two bases rigidly connected together and forming two independent flotation volumes; inlet/outlet openings for water and/or air and control means for controlling the flow of water and air to the inside of the flotation volumes; at least one of the two bases carrying the item of equipment; and the method comprising a step of filling one of the two bases with water, the other base rising to and floating on the surface, stabilising the device during the sinking of the base filled with water until contact is made with the seabed.