Seabed Winch System for Marine Power Generator Deployment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment and retrieval of submerged power generating apparatuses in marine environments are challenging due to difficulties in accurate alignment and control, especially during deployment, which requires expensive and complex equipment and can be hindered by harsh weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A buoyant power generating apparatus with a winching device and flexible winch tether system that allows for guided engagement with a submerged support structure, using alignment features and clamping mechanisms for secure attachment, and a method involving a remotely operated vehicle for efficient deployment and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a surface vessel with crane or winch is used to lower and raise the power generating apparatus, then the apparatus can be deployed and retrieved, but the equipment cost increases and the operation becomes more complex due to vessel motion affecting positional control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the winching device from the surface vessel and places it on the seabed foundation, eliminating the need for expensive vessel-mounted heavy lifting equipment. The seabed-based winch system performs the lifting function independently, allowing the surface vessel to serve only as a support platform for the telescopic tube and guidance system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a telescopic tube as an intermediary component that extends from the surface vessel to guide the power generating apparatus during deployment and retrieval. This tube provides a stable reference frame and guidance path, compensating for the motion of the surface vessel and enabling precise positional control without requiring expensive heave compensation equipment.
2Measurement precision
If a telescopic tube is used to guide the power generating apparatus, then positional control is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the overhead and potential jamming of the telescopic tube
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic tube is designed to be dynamically extendable and retractable, allowing it to adapt to the deployment and retrieval operations. The tube extends to provide guidance during apparatus movement and retracts when not in use, minimizing its overhead and potential failure points when the system is idle.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic tube is pre-positioned and guided by alignment features before the power generating apparatus is lowered or raised. This preliminary alignment ensures that the apparatus follows the correct path without requiring complex real-time adjustments, reducing the risk of jamming and improving operational reliability.
3Ease of operation
If guide wires are used to guide the power generating apparatus, then the apparatus can be controlled during deployment, but the operation becomes more time-consuming and may not be sufficient during bad weather
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional guide wire system with a robust mechanical guidance structure consisting of the telescopic tube and alignment features. This mechanical system provides more reliable and faster guidance compared to flexible guide wires, enabling quicker deployment and retrieval operations that can be completed within the limited slack water period even during moderately bad weather.
4Force
If the power generating apparatus is negatively buoyant, then it can be lowered onto the support structure, but the deployment becomes more difficult requiring accurate alignment and control underwater
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the negative buoyancy of the power generating apparatus as a controlled force to assist deployment. The apparatus is designed to be slightly negatively buoyant, allowing it to be lowered onto the support structure with minimal lifting effort. The alignment features and telescopic tube guidance system ensure that this downward movement is precisely controlled and aligned, eliminating the need for complex underwater manipulation.
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
This solution simplifies and speeds up the deployment and retrieval processes, reduces equipment costs and exposure to harsh environments, and enhances reliability by allowing the winching device to be maintained independently and shared across multiple apparatus, while minimizing ROV intervention and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A buoyant power generating apparatus with a centre of buoyancy
Implementation Method 2
a winching device releasably engageable with the power generating apparatus, and operable to pay out and to retract a flexible winch tether
Data Source
AI summary
Power generating equipment comprises a support structure adapted to be disposed on the bed of a body of water, a buoyant power generating apparatus having a center of buoyancy, a winching device releasably engageable with the power generating apparatus, and operable to pay out and to retract a flexible winch tether. The flexible winch tether has first and second portions releasably connectable to one another, the first portion being connectable at one end thereof to the support structure and at a second end thereof to the second portion, and the second portion being attached at one end thereof to the winching device, and being connectable at a second end thereof to the first portion.