Submerging offshore support structure

Abstract

This is a support structure for situating and protecting operative devices in deep offshore locations to include certain types of wind turbines. The support structure can be made to submerge and reemerge automatically, with the operative device, to avoid damage that would be caused by hazards in a marine environment at or near the water's surface. Approaching hazards are detected remotely and by sensors located on and around the supporting structure. Critical environmental and support structure conditions are constantly monitored and managed by computer through a network of sensors, equipment controls, and pre programmed response sequencing.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Not ApplicableSTATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableSEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM APPENDIX[0003]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]The present invention relates to the field of mid- and deep-offshore fixed supporting structures, particularly those supporting wind turbines as operative devices. More specifically, the present invention provides a fully submersible structure to avoid destructive hazards commonly found in offshore marine environments.DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART[0005]Wind power is an alternative source of energy which is perpetual, though periodic, sustainable and clean. Once past the initial capital investment, the cost of running a wind driven power generating station is relatively minimal. Innovative communities have erected wind turbines in clusters to leverage the advantages of wind power. These clusters sometimes referred to as “wind farms,” have been relatively succe...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a cost-effective support structure for locating operative equipment in moderately deep and deep sea water.

[0015]It is another object of the invention to provide a support structure particularly adapted for wind turbines which cost effectively minimizes potential damage from destructive hazards typically expected in a marine environment.

[0016]It is still a further object of this invention to provide a low-cost and reliable wind-driven power generating station optimally situated for maximum power production.

[0019]A supporting structure in accordance with this invention is characterized by being located in mid to deep offshore waters. A principle aspect of the present invention is to improve the likelihood that, whatever the operational device installed to operate in open water, it will continue to function despite hazards brought upon it by extreme weather, seas and potentially damaging marine traffic. These environmental certainties have been addressed in the prior art by constructing support structures to design parameters estimated to endure the projected hazards that might occur while the operative device remains continually in its operative position above the water's surface. Compared to the present invention, such designs still leave major support structure components and the operative device substantially vulnerable. Support structures embodying this invention are an improvement over the prior art in that their ability to fully submerge allows them to achieve a cost effective approach to providing a reliable and enduring platform or support structure for the expensive operative device, allowing for numerous wind turbine designs.

[0020]While this invention has been motivated by the need for increased wind-driven energy production, the invention of this submergible support structure has application to many non-energy generating operative devices which would derive benefit when positioned to operate offshore. Various operative devices may be fortified to withstand the marine environment by using seals and durable materials or they may be completely encapsulated by the supporting structure in a manner that avoids direct destructive contact with corrosive salt water and other harms typical of periodic submersion in the underwater environment. Such fortification or waterproofing of the operative device, which is required by certain embodiments of this invention, provides the added advantage of making the turbines, or other operative devices, more impervious to the operating conditions encountered at sea above the water's surface. The fortification of components of the support structure to withstand being repeatedly submerged may include provisions to combat bio-fouling.

[0021]A fully submergible structure, according to the invention disclosed herein, is comprised of three functional zones in basically vertical alignment. From bottom to top, the zones will be referred to as the foundation, active, and primary zones. The foundation zone provides an economical and stable footing for anchoring and connecting the system or ancillary components of the invention. The active zone provides the repositioning movement which allows the overall structure to evade damage. Motive forces generated in the active zone cause the structure to extend and retract, thereby rising above the surface of the water and escaping below the water's surface as needed. The motive force may be accomplished by numerous means including mechanical levers, counter balance, pulleys and cables in conjunction with flood tanks or expandable vessels, hydraulic rams, electric solenoids, or other conventional methods of supplying movement. Mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic components involved with generating the force for transition movement between fully submerged and extended positions of the structure may be fortified with seals, treatments, and other provisions to withstand underwater harms. Finally, the primary zone is the vertical area where the operative device is mounted. When the invention is in the extended position, an operative device, such as a wind turbine, is positioned for full and productive operation.

Problems solved by technology

At the same time, concerns over the environmental impact of wind farms have prevented some communities from adopting wind power conversion systems.

However, benefits gained by locating wind turbines offshore are largely offset by increased costs.

Such designs are expensive to engineer and construct.

Even support structures which are located in relatively shallow water consume significantly more building materials than would be required to build a suitable support structure on land in order to withstand the projected loading of severe storm conditions.

Similarly, assembling, erecting or repairing components in challenging marine environments is more complicated and therefore more costly.

Wherever wind driven power stations are located, they are subject to damage from excessive wind speed.

Wind turbines located offshore are subject to additional hazards peculiar to a marine environment.

Corrosion from battering saltwater, and forces from waves and tides, can be destructive to turbines and supporting structures.

Collisions with routine waterway traffic during conditions of low visibility or mechanical failure are also a potential hazard.

Irrespective of the source of damage, repairing large offshore structures is costly, particularly when productive operations must be suspended for the purpose of carrying out these repairs.

With the need to function in deeper and deeper water, such material intensive designs become cost prohibitive to serve as support structures for wind generated power.

Though semi-submersible designs reduce the likelihood of damage from adverse weather and surf, their major operative components relating to petroleum extraction situated permanently above the surface are left largely unprotected from unanticipated weather or collision with iceberg or vessel.

However, the buoyant nature of the structures provide little stability for connecting to underwater power grids and the act of protecting operative devices from approaching hazards require quickly moving the structures substantial distances soon after a harmful hazard is perceived.

Despite these motivating factors, wind power still amounts to only a small portion of the world's total energy production.

The significant capital outlay needed to build and install equipment and infrastructure remains a substantial barrier to the wide spread application of wind power.

Waves, weather, and sea-going traffic are among the many hazards with which an offshore turbine must routinely contend.

Under severe conditions, substantial investments necessary to position wind based power generating stations offshore are placed at risk.

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