WO2024258533A2 - Système d'amarrage de navires marins extracôtiers - Google Patents

Système d'amarrage de navires marins extracôtiers Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2024258533A2
WO2024258533A2 PCT/US2024/029130 US2024029130W WO2024258533A2 WO 2024258533 A2 WO2024258533 A2 WO 2024258533A2 US 2024029130 W US2024029130 W US 2024029130W WO 2024258533 A2 WO2024258533 A2 WO 2024258533A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
mooring
weight
floor surface
weights
cable
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/US2024/029130
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2024258533A3 (fr
Inventor
Andrea Pedretti
Alexander PUZRIN
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Energy Vault Inc
Original Assignee
Energy Vault Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Energy Vault Inc filed Critical Energy Vault Inc
Publication of WO2024258533A2 publication Critical patent/WO2024258533A2/fr
Publication of WO2024258533A3 publication Critical patent/WO2024258533A3/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
    • B63B21/50—Anchoring arrangements or methods for special vessels, e.g. for floating drilling platforms or dredgers

Definitions

  • the present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for mooring offshore marine vessels (e.g., boats, under-water turbines for energy generation, etc.) and more particularly to mooring systems which include multiple blocks connected to each other by a chain or cable.
  • offshore marine vessels e.g., boats, under-water turbines for energy generation, etc.
  • mooring systems which include multiple blocks connected to each other by a chain or cable.
  • Mooring systems are arrangements of anchors, chains, ropes or other similar structures to secure a vessel or floating structure to a fixed point.
  • the mooring system is important for ensuring vessels are stable and stationary in water, regardless of wind and/or currents.
  • many systems can be costly and inefficient.
  • existing mooring systems utilize chains to couple the mooring anchor to the vessel, which are expensive and add significant cost to the mooring system, where the chain is heavy and contacts the floor surface of the body of water to provide a horizontal frictional force.
  • an improved mooring system for mooring off-shore vessels (e.g., marine vessels, platforms, underwater turbines, etc.) in a body of water.
  • the mooring system includes two or more blocks connected to each other by a cable or chain.
  • a first block applies a vertical force equal to and counter to the maximum buoyancy force applied by the off-shore vessel and does not apply a horizontal friction force on the floor surface of the body of water.
  • a second block is coupled to the first block by a chain or cable. The second block only applies a horizontal friction force on the floor surface of the body of water and does not experience a moment from a cable that couples the off-shore vessel and the first block.
  • the mooring system can have a plurality of mooring weights.
  • the plurality of mooring weights includes a first mooring weight and a second mooring weight horizontally spaced apart from each other and configured for placement on a floor surface of a body of water.
  • the plurality of mooring weights have a cable or chain that extend between the mooring weights which can couple to the first mooring weight and the second mooring weight.
  • the cable or chain can also be coupled to a side portion of the first mooring weight and extends to and couples to a side portion of the second mooring weight.
  • the first mooring weight is configured to be coupled to an offshore vessel via a second cable.
  • the first mooring weight can be configured to apply a vertical force on the floor surface that is equivalent to and counteracts a maximum vertical buoyancy force exerted by the offshore vessel on the second cable.
  • the second mooring weight is also operable to solely apply a horizontal force on the floor surface of the body of water.
  • the horizontal force can be a drag force.
  • the horizontal force is equivalent to a frictional force between a bottom surface of the second mooring weight and the floor surface of the body of water.
  • the plurality of mooring weights can be plurality of blocks, where the blocks include concrete or reinforced concrete.
  • the reinforced concrete can also include rebar.
  • the plurality of mooring weights can be the same weight and each of the plurality of blocks or weights can have a volume of 60 cubic meters.
  • the bottom surface of the plurality of mooring weights is a planar surface.
  • the plurality of blocks can have a length dimension of approximately 4 meters, a height dimension of approximately 3.7 meters, and a width dimension of approximately 4 meters.
  • the first mooring weight is a block
  • the second mooring weight has one or more prongs, wherein the one or more prongs of second mooring weight are configured to grab and exert a drag force on the floor surface of the body of water.
  • the plurality of mooring weights are coupled to a frame and configured to support its associated mooring weight spaced from the floor surface. Additionally, the plurality of mooring weights can be coupled to an elongated foundation and configured to support its associated mooring weight spaced from the floor surface.
  • the plurality of mooring weights can include a third mooring weight.
  • the third mooring weight can be spaced apart from the first mooring weight and second mooring weight and configured for placement on the floor surface of the body of water. Additionally, a cable or chain can extend between and couple to the third mooring weight and the second mooring weight.
  • the mooring system can have a plurality of mooring weights.
  • the plurality of mooring weights can include a first mooring weight, a second mooring weight, and a third mooring weight each spaced apart from each other and configured for placement on a floor surface of a body of water.
  • a cable or chain can extend between and couple to the first mooring weight and the second mooring weight.
  • a second cable or chain can extend between and coupling to the third mooring weight and the second mooring weight.
  • the first mooring weight can be configured to be coupled to an offshore vessel via a third cable.
  • the first mooring weight can also apply a vertical force on the floor surface that is equivalent to and counteracts a maximum vertical buoyancy force exerted by the offshore vessel on the third cable.
  • the second mooring weight can be configured to solely apply a first horizontal force on the floor surface of the body of water.
  • the third mooring weight can be configured to solely apply a second horizontal force on the floor surface of the body of water.
  • each of the plurality of mooring weights can have a different weight. Additionally, the first mooring weight can have a different weight than the second mooring weight and the third mooring weight.
  • the plurality of mooring weights can also be a same weight.
  • Each of the plurality of mooring weights can be coupled to a frame configured to support its associated mooring weight spaced from the floor surface. The frame can be configured to prevent the plurality of mooring weights from sinking into the floor surface.
  • Each of the plurality of mooring weights can also be coupled to an elongated foundation configured to support its associated mooring weight spaced from the floor surface.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a mooring system operatively coupled to an offshore vessel.
  • Figure 2 is another schematic perspective view of a mooring system operatively coupled to an offshore vessel.
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of a mooring weight connected to a steel frame.
  • Figure 4 is another perspective view of a mooring weight connected to a skirted foundation.
  • Figure 5 is another schematic perspective view of a mooring weight.
  • Figure 6A is a schematic view of a mooring system operatively coupled to an offshore vessel.
  • Figure 6B is a schematic view of multiple positions of a mooring system operatively coupled to an offshore vessel.
  • Figure 7 is a schematic force diagram of a mooring weight.
  • a mooring system that can be operatively coupled to an off-shore marine vessel (e.g., ship, platform, etc.), which can keep the vessel stationary in a large body of water (e.g., lake, ocean).
  • the mooring system can have multiple weights (e.g., mooring weights, anchors, mooring blocks) which apply a force to the floor of the body of water.
  • One of the mooring weights can counteract the vertical (buoyant) forces from the offshore vessel.
  • Additional mooring weights e.g., one or more mooring weights, plurality of mooring weights, blocks
  • a horizontal force e.g., friction force, drag force
  • the horizontal force can be equivalent to the frictional force between the floor surface and the additional mooring weights. Additional details of the offshore marine vessel can be found in U.S. Application No. 18/433018, filed February 2, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • FIG. 1 shows a mooring system 100 including an offshore vessel (e.g., boat, pontoon, underwater turbine for generating electricity) in a body of water.
  • the mooring system 100 further includes the vessel 102 and a mooring weight 110 (e.g., square block, rectangular block) interconnected by a cable 106.
  • the vessel 102 is an underwater turbine.
  • the vessel 102 can be a ship or a platform on a surface of the body of water (c.g., lake, ocean).
  • the mooring weight 110 can have a planar (c.g., flat) bottom surface that contacts the floor surface 116 of the body of water.
  • the vessel 102 is buoyant and exerts a buoyant force FB to the top of the cable 106.
  • the cable 106 can be a plurality of cables.
  • the cable 106 can be one or more lightweight cables or ribbons (e.g., made of steel) and can be lower in weight than a typical chain used in mooring systems.
  • the body of water may have a current C which can exert a force on the vessel 102 leading to a resultant drag force FD exerted by the vessel 102 on the cable 106.
  • the combined drag force FD and buoyant force FB leads to a resultant tensile force 104 at the top of the cable 106.
  • the resultant tensile force 104 at the top of the cable 106 can cause a opposite tensile force 108 at the bottom of the cable 106.
  • the bottom of the cable 106 is connected to the mooring weight 110 (e.g., to an upper surface of the mooring weight 110).
  • the mooring weight 110 can be placed or located on or near the floor surface 116 of the body of water.
  • the mooring weight 110 can exert a vertical force 114 (e.g., gravitational force) in a direction towards the floor surface 116.
  • the vertical force 114 can be equivalent to the weight of the mooring weight 110 in the body of water.
  • the mooring system 100 has an additional mooring weight 120 (e.g., second mooring weight) which is coupled to the mooring weight 110.
  • the second mooring weight 120 is placed on a floor surface 116 of a body of water spaced apart from the mooring weight 110.
  • the second mooring weight 120 can be made of concrete or another similar material (e.g., steel, metal, composite, reinforced concrete, rebar, etc.). Additionally, the second mooring weight 120 can in some examples be a square or rectangular block.
  • the mooring weight 110 and/or the second mooring weight 120 may be made of reinforced concrete which can also include rebar.
  • the mooring weight 110 and/or the second mooring weight 120 can be made from local soil and/or remunerated waste material (e.g., coal combustion residuals such as bottom ash, fiberglass from decommissioned wind turbine blades, waste tailings from mining processes) or other recycled material.
  • waste material e.g., coal combustion residuals such as bottom ash, fiberglass from decommissioned wind turbine blades, waste tailings from mining processes
  • At least a portion of the mooring weight 110 and/or the second mooring weight 120 can be made of high-performance concrete (e.g., having a compression strength of 10-60 megapascal (MPa), such as 25-40 MPa). In one example, at least a portion of the mooring weight 110 and/or the second mooring weight 120 can be made of low-grade concrete (e.g., having a compression strength lower than 10 MPa, such as 3-8 MPa).
  • high-performance concrete e.g., having a compression strength of 10-60 megapascal (MPa), such as 25-40 MPa
  • at least a portion of the mooring weight 110 and/or the second mooring weight 120 can be made of low-grade concrete (e.g., having a compression strength lower than 10 MPa, such as 3-8 MPa).
  • one or both of the top and bottom portions of the mooring weight 110 and/or the second mooring weight 120 can be made of high performance concrete (e.g., having a compression strength of 10-60 MPa, such as 25-40 MPa) and a middle portion of the mooring weight 110 can be made of low grade concrete (e.g., having a compression strength lower than 10 MPa, such as 3-8 MPa), In examples where the entire mooring weight 110 and/or second mooring weight 120 is load-bearing, the compressive strength required of the block walls is reduced.
  • the second mooring weight 120 and the mooring weight 110 are interconnected by a cable or chain 126.
  • the cable or chain 126 can extend generally horizontally between the second mooring weight 120 and the mooring weight 110 (e.g., the first mooring weight).
  • the cable or chain 126 can extend between lower portions of the second mooring weight 120 and the mooring weight 110 (e.g., extend between anchor locations in the lower fourth, lower third, lower half of the height of the second mooring weight 120 and the mooring weight 110).
  • the distance between the second mooring weight 120 and the mooring weight 110 is fixed (e.g., they are interconnected by a rod instead of a cable or chain).
  • the distance between the second mooring weight 120 and the mooring weight 110 can vary (e.g., they are interconnected by the cable or chain 126, which are not rigid).
  • the mooring weight 110 can apply a vertical force 114 towards the floor surface 116 that is equal to or greater than the buoyant force FB exerted by the vessel 102 on the cable 106.
  • the mooring weight 110 can have a weight in water equal to or greater than the maximum buoyancy force FB exerted by the offshore vessel 102 on the cable 106.
  • having the mooring weight 110 weigh as much as the maximum buoyancy force FB permits the mooring weight 110 to counteract the vertical force exerted on the cable 106 by the vessel 102 due to the buoyant force FB of the vessel 102.
  • the mooring weight 110 may be minimally in contact (e.g., lightly touching, exerting essentially zero normal force) with the floor surface 116 and optionally does not apply a horizontal force 112 (e.g., a horizontal frictional force) to the floor surface. Therefore, the horizontal force 112 would be zero.
  • the horizontal force 112 is a frictional force between a bottom surface of the mooring weight 110 and the floor surface 116.
  • the drag force FD exerted by the vessel 102 can be transferred by the cable 106 to the mooring weight 110 and to the second mooring weight 120 (e.g., via the cable or chain 126).
  • the horizontal force 122 from second mooring weight 120 (e.g., exerted by the second mooring weight 120 on the floor surface 116) can be equal to or greater than the drag force FD and counteract the drag force FD exerted by the vessel 102.
  • the horizontal force 122 from the second mooring weight 120 can be the sole horizontal force applied to the cable 106 in an opposite direction of the drag force FD.
  • the horizontal force 122 from the second mooring weight 120 can advantageously inhibit (e.g., prevent) the vessel 102 from freely traveling through or along the body of water.
  • the second mooring weight 120 can exert a vertical force 124 on the floor surface 116.
  • the horizontal force 122 is a frictional force between a bottom surface of the second mooring weight 120 and the floor surface 116.
  • the frictional force is based on the weight in water of the second mooring weight 120 (e.g., the vertical force 124 as exerted on the floor surface 116) and the coefficient of friction between the floor surface 116 (e.g., sand, clay, rock, etc.) and the bottom surface of the second mooring weight 120.
  • the second mooring weight 120 can have a planar (e.g., flat) bottom surface that contacts the floor surface 116 of the body of water.
  • the second mooring weight 120 by counteracting the buoyant force FB from the vessel 102 with the mooring weight 110, the second mooring weight 120 only experiences horizontal loading due the drag force FD from the vessel 102. Therefore, the second mooring weight 120 will not experience a moment (See FIG. 7) due to the buoyant force FB exerted on the cable 106. Inhibiting (e.g., preventing) a moment on the second mooring weight 120 advantageously increases the amount of horizontal force 122 the second mooring weight 120 can exert on the floor surface 116 (e.g., approaches a maximum possible frictional force between the second mooring weight 120 and the floor surface 116).
  • Use of the mooring weight 110 and the second mooring weight 120 has various advantages over the use of a single mooring weight in the mooring system 100. First, this allows the mooring weight 110 and the second mooring weight 120 to each have a lower weight than a weight a single mooring weight (e.g., just mooring weight 110) would have, inhibiting (e.g., preventing) failure (e.g., sinking) of the floor surface 116 when the mooring weight(s) 1 10, 120 are placed on it.
  • the mooring weight 110 and the second mooring weight 120 require less material (c.g., less concrete) than a single mooring weight (c.g., just mooring weight 110) to apply a same horizontal frictional force on the floor surface 116 which reduces the cost of manufacture of the mooring system 100.
  • a horizonal friction force e.g., horizontal force 122
  • horizontal force 122 a horizonal friction force
  • the mooring weight 110 and the second mooring weight 120 when compared to a single mooring weight that has a higher weight (e.g., since horizontal friction force does not vary linearly with increased vertical weight where the floor surface 116’ is sand).
  • the horizontal force 122 is a drag force applied by the second mooring weight 120 (See FIGS. 3-4).
  • the second mooring weight 120 can include prongs (e.g., can be a reaper anchor), where the prongs can grip or grab the floor surface 116 and exert a horizontal force 122 or drag force on the floor surface 116 to inhibit (e.g., prevent) the vessel 102 from freely moving.
  • the mooring weight 110 and the second mooring weight 120 can be the same weight and/or volume. In some implementations, the mooring weight 110 and the second mooring weight 120 can have different weights and/or volumes.
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a mooring system 100’ operatively coupled to an offshore vessel 102’ .
  • Some of the features of the mooring system 100’ are similar to the features of the mooring system 100 in FIG. 1.
  • reference numerals used to designate the various components of the mooring system 100’ are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the mooring system 100 in FIG. 1, except that an “ ‘ ” has been added to the end of the numerical identifier. Therefore, the structure and description for the various features of the mooring system 100 and how it’s operated and controlled in FIG. 1 are understood to also apply to the corresponding features of the system 100’ in FIG. 2, except as described below.
  • the mooring system 100’ differs from the mooring system 100 in that an additional mooring weight 130’ (e.g., third mooring weight) is coupled to the mooring weight 120’ via a cable or chain 136’ in the same manner that the second mooring weight 120’ is coupled to the mooring weight 110’ by cable or chain 126’.
  • the vessel 102’ exerts a buoyant force FB on the cable 106’ .
  • the current C from the body of water can cause the vessel 102’ to exert a drag force FD to the cable 106’.
  • the resultant force of the buoyant force FB and the drag force FD on top of the cable 106’ causes a resultant tensile force 104’.
  • the bottom of the cable 106’ is connected to the first mooring weight 110’ (c.g., to an upper surface of the mooring weight 110’).
  • the resultant tensile force 104’ at the top of the cable 106’ can cause an opposite tensile force 108’ at the bottom of the cable 106’.
  • the first mooring weight 110’ is located on the floor surface 116’ of the body of water.
  • the first mooring weight 110’ can exert a vertical force 114’ to the floor surface 116’.
  • the first mooring weight 110’ can weigh the same as the buoyant force FB of the vessel 102’ or exert a vertical force 114’ in an opposite direction of the buoyant force FB that is equal to or greater to the maximum buoyant force FB.
  • the first mooring weight 110’ takes up or counteracts the vertical load applied to the cable 106’ by the vessel 102’. Additionally, the first mooring weight 110’ can be in minimal contact with the floor surface 116’ and not exert a horizontal force on the floor surface 116’ (e.g., the first mooring weight 110’ may lightly touch the floor surface 116’ or exert a nearly zero normal force on the floor surface 116’).
  • the first mooring weight 110’ can be interconnected with a second mooring weight 120’ via a cable or chain 126’.
  • the cable or chain 126’ can extend between and couple to a side of the first mooring weight 110’ and a side of the second mooring weight 120’ .
  • the second mooring weight 120’ can exert a vertical force 124’ on the floor surface 116’.
  • the second mooring weight 120’ can exert a horizontal force 122’ to the floor surface 116’ (e.g., a horizontal frictional force).
  • the first mooring weight 110’ counteracts the maximum buoyancy force FB exerted by the vessel 102’
  • the second mooring weight 120’ can only apply a horizontal force to the cable 106’.
  • the second mooring weight 120’ can be interconnected with a third mooring weight 130’ via a cable or a chain 136’ (e.g., in the same manner that the mooring weight 110’ is interconnected to the second mooring weight 120’ by the cable or chain 126’).
  • the cable or chain 136’ can extend between and couple to a side of the second mooring weight 120’ and the third mooring weight 130’ .
  • the third mooring weight 130’ can have a planar (e.g., flat) bottom surface that contacts the floor surface 116’ of the body of water.
  • the third mooring weight 130’ can exert a vertical force 134’ on the floor surface 116’.
  • the third mooring weight 130’ can exert a horizontal force 132’ (e.g., a horizontal frictional force) to the floor surface 116’.
  • the third mooring weight 130’ can only apply a horizontal force 132’ to the cable 106’.
  • the combination of the horizontal force 132’ from the third mooring weight 130’ (c.g., exerted by the third mooring weight 130’ on the floor surface 116’) and horizontal force 122’ from the second mooring weight 120’ (e.g., exerted by the second mooring weight 120’ on the floor surface 116’) can advantageously inhibit (e.g., prevent) the vessel 102’ from freely traveling through the body of water.
  • the horizontal force 122’ and horizontal force 132’ can be equal to or greater than and counteract the drag force FD exerted by the vessel 102’.
  • the third mooring weight 130’ is identical to the second mooring weight 120’ and can be the same weight and/or volume. Therefore, the third mooring weight 130’ and the second mooring weight 120’ can exert a similar and/or identical vertical forces and horizontal forces to the floor surface 116’.
  • the second mooring weight 120’ and the third mooring weight 130’ can have different weights and/or volumes.
  • the first mooring weight 110’, the second mooring weight 120’, and the third mooring weight 130’ can all be different weights or volumes.
  • Use of the mooring weight 110’, the second mooring weight 120’ and the third mooring weight 130’ has various advantages over use of the mooring weight 110’ and the second mooring weight 120’.
  • this allows the mooring weight 110’ and the second mooring weight 120’ and the third mooring weight 130’ to each have a lower weight than a weight the mooring weight 110’ (or mooring weight 110) and second mooring weight 120’ (or mooring weight 110) would have, combined, further inhibiting (e.g., preventing) failure (e.g., sinking) of the floor surface 116’ when the mooring weight(s) 110’, 120’, 130’ are placed on it.
  • the mooring weight 110’, the second mooring weight 120’ and the third mooring weight 130’ together would require less material (e.g., less concrete) than the mooring weight 110’ (or mooring weight 110) and the second mooring weight 120’ (or second mooring weight 120) in order to apply the same horizontal frictional force, and therefore reduces the cost of manufacture of the mooring system 100’.
  • This is at least in part because the mooring system 100’ more efficiently applies a horizonal friction force on the floor surface 116’ with the second mooring weight 120’ and the third mooring weight 130’ than with just the second mooring weight 120’ (or second mooring weight 120).
  • the horizontal force 132’ can be a frictional force based on vertical force 134’ of the third mooring weight 130’ applied to the floor surface 116’ and the coefficient of friction between the floor surface 1 16’ (e.g., sand clay, etc.) and the bottom surface of the third mooring weight 130’.
  • the vertical force 134’ can be the weight in water of the third mooring weight 130’.
  • the second mooring weight 120’ and the third mooring weight 130’ will not experience a moment (See FIG. 7) due to the buoyant force FB from vessel 102’ exerted on the cable 106’.
  • Inhibiting (e.g., preventing) a moment on the third mooring weight 130’ advantageously increases the amount of horizontal force 132’ the third mooring weight 130’ can exert on the floor surface 116’ (e.g., approach a maximum possible frictional force between the third mooring weight 130’ and the floor surface 116’).
  • the horizontal forces are drag forces applied by the second mooring weight 120’ or third mooring weight 130’ (See FIGS. 3- 4).
  • the third mooring weight 130’ can include prongs (e.g., can be a reaper anchor), where the prongs can grip or grab the floor surface 116’ and exert a horizontal force 132’ or drag force on the floor surface 116’ to inhibit (e.g., prevent) the vessel 102’ from freely moving.
  • FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the mooring weight 110 connected to a frame 156 (e.g., a T-shaped frame).
  • the frame 156 can be made of steel or other suitable materials (e.g., other metals or metal alloys).
  • the frame 156 can help distribute loads during transportation, installation, and operation of the frame 156.
  • the frame 156 can have a right side 156 A and a left side 156B spaced from each other by a distance greater than a transverse distance of the mooring weight 110 so that the mooring weight 110 can be disposed between and adjacent to the right side 156 A and the left side 156B.
  • the right side 156 A and the left side 156B can extend linearly.
  • the frame 156 can have one or more flanges 157.
  • the right side 156A can have a right flange 157A and the left side 156B can have a left flange 157B which form a recessed seat for the mooring weight 110 to sit (e.g., support the mooring weight 110).
  • An upper portion or upper surface 142 of the mooring weight 110 can extend beyond the top of the left side 156B and the top of the right side 156A.
  • the right bottom edge 161 A of the right side 156 A and the left bottom edge 16 IB of the left side 146B can be beveled.
  • the frame 156 can be located or disposed on a bottom perimeter 160 of the mooring weight 110.
  • the frame 156 can elevate the mooring weight 110 above the floor surface 116 of the body of water. Therefore, substance or debris or underwater lifeforms on the floor surface 116 (e.g., sand, clay, etc.) can easily travel, pass and/or sit underneath the mooring weight 110.
  • the frame 156 can penetrate the soil of the floor surface 116 to ensure shearing on the soil interface of the floor surface 116. Shearing on the soil interface of the floor surface 116 can prevent the mooring weight 110 from sinking into the floor surface 116.
  • placing the mooring weight 110 on the frame 156 can reduce the structural integrity requirements (e.g., strength, density, etc.) of the mooring weight 110.
  • the right side 156A of the frame 156 can have one or more coupling rings 155A, 155B.
  • the coupling rings 155A, 155B can couple to the cable 106.
  • the left side 156B of the frame 156 can have one or more coupling rings.
  • the coupling rings 155A, 155B can indirectly couple the cable 106 to the mooring weight 110 without requiring coupling the cable 106 directly to the mooring weight 110.
  • the coupling rings 155A, 155B can also couple the rings to other blocks (e.g., second mooring weight 120, third mooring weight 130’) via the chain 126 or chain 136’, where the second mooring weight 120 (or second mooring weight 120’) and third mooring weight 130’ can also be disposed on a similar frame 156.
  • other blocks e.g., second mooring weight 120, third mooring weight 130’
  • FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the mooring weight 110 connected to a skirted foundation 158.
  • the skirted foundation 158 can have a right side 158 A and a left side 158B which couple to the right side 146 A of the mooring weight 110 and the left side 146B of the mooring weight 110 respectively.
  • the skirted foundation 158 can be located on a bottom perimeter 160 of the mooring weight 110.
  • the skirted foundation 158 can help distribute loads during transportation, installation, and operation of the mooring weight 110.
  • the skirted foundation 158 can have a right side 158A and a left side 158B spaced from each other by a distance greater than a transverse distance of the mooring weight 110 so that the mooring weight can be disposed between the right side 158A and left side 158B.
  • the right side 158A and left side 158B can extend linearly and can have an elongated length. Therefore, substance or debris or underwater lifeforms on the floor surface 116 (e.g., sand, clay, etc.) can easily travel, pass and/or sit underneath the mooring weight 110.
  • the skirted foundation 158 can have one or more flanges 159.
  • the right side 158A can have a right flange 159A and the left side 158B can have a left flange 159B which together form a recessed seat for the mooring weight 110 to sit.
  • a portion of the mooring weight 110 can extend beyond the right side 158A and left side 158B.
  • the right bottom edge 163A and the left bottom edge 163B can be beveled.
  • the right side 158 A of the skirted foundation 158 can have one or more coupling rings 155A, 155B.
  • the couplings rings 155A, 155B can couple to the cable 106.
  • the right side 158A of the skirted foundation 158 can also have one or more coupling rings.
  • the coupling rings 155A, 155B can indirectly couple the cable 106 to the mooring weight 110 without requiring coupling the cable 106 directly to the mooring weight 110.
  • the coupling rings 155A, 155B can also couple the rings to other blocks or weights (e.g., second mooring weight 120, third mooring weight 130’) via the chain 126 or chain 136’.
  • placing the mooring weight 110 on the skirted foundation 158 can reduce the structural integrity requirements (e.g., strength, density, etc.) of the mooring weight 110.
  • the skirted foundation 158 can increase the load capacity (e.g., horizontal forces) the mooring weight 110 can withstand.
  • the use of the skirted foundation 158 can reduce the number of the mooring weights or blocks in the mooring system 100.
  • the skirted foundation 158 can enable the mooring weight 110 to exert a horizontal force on dense sands (e.g., sands where the mooring weight 110 will not penetrate without suction). Though FIGS.
  • first mooring weight 110’, the second mooring weight 120’, and the third mooring weight 130’ can have similar, if not identical features to the mooring weight shown and described in FIGS. 3-4.
  • the second mooring weight 120 and third mooring weight 130’ can also be disposed on a similar skirted foundation 158 and a similar frame 156
  • FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the mooring weight 110.
  • the mooring weight 110 can have a length dimension L, a height dimension D, and a width dimension B.
  • the volume of the mooring weight 110 can be approximately 60 cubic meters.
  • the length dimension L can be approximately 4 meters
  • the height dimension D can be approximately 3.7 meters
  • the width dimension B can be approximately 4 meters.
  • the height dimension D can be 2.5 meters.
  • the volume of the mooring weight when height dimension is 2.5 meters can be approximately 40 cubic meters.
  • mooring weight 110 and second mooring weight 120’ of mooring system 100’ can have similar, if not identical features.
  • second mooring weight 120, the first mooring weight 110’, the second mooring weight 120’, and the third mooring weight 130’ can have similar, if not identical features to the mooring weight shown and described in FIG. 5.
  • FIGS. 6A-6B shows a perspective view of the mooring system 100 coupled to vessel 102.
  • the cable Before the cable 106 applies a force 108 to the mooring weight 110, the cable is in maximum position 106C.
  • the cable 106 can then apply a force 108 (see FIG. 1) to the mooring weight 110 once the vessel 102 attempts to extend the cable 106 past maximum position 106C.
  • the cable 106 can be in a minimum position 106A, a zero position 106B, and a maximum position 106C.
  • the cable 106 extends from a relaxed position (e.g., the minimum position 106A where the cable 106 has slack) as the position of the vessel 102 changes.
  • the position of the vessel 102 can change due to a current moving the vessel 102 or the vessel 102 motoring to a new position in the body of water.
  • FIG. 7 shows the loads applied to the mooring weight 110.
  • the features of mooring weight 110 can be similar to the features of mooring weight 110’ or second mooring weight 120’.
  • the mooring weight 110 can experience one or more moments about a load reference point.
  • the mooring weight 110 can also experience and exert a horizontal force and experience or exert a vertical force on the floor surface 116 of the body of water.
  • the embodiments disclosed herein reduce the moment applied to the second mooring weight 120’ (or first mooring weight 110’ and/or second mooring weight 120’ and/or third mooring weight 130’) which can increase the amount of horizontal force 122 that the second mooring weight 120 can exert on the mooring system 100. Therefore, the mooring weight 110 and second mooring weight 120 can have a smaller size or weight and still exert high horizontal forces on the floor surface 116. This can improve manufacturing, shipping, and materials costs. Additional Embodiments
  • a mooring system may be in accordance with any of the following clauses:
  • a mooring system comprising: a plurality of mooring weights, wherein the plurality of mooring weights includes a first mooring weight and a second mooring weight spaced apart from each other and configured for placement on a floor surface of a body of water; and a cable or chain extending between and coupling to the first mooring weight and the second mooring weight; wherein the first mooring weight is configured to be coupled to an offshore vessel via a second cable, the first mooring weight configured to apply a vertical force on the floor surface that is equivalent to and counteracts a maximum vertical buoyancy force exerted by the offshore vessel on the second cable; and wherein the second mooring weight is configured to solely apply a horizontal force on the floor surface of the body of water.
  • Clause 7 The mooring system of clause 6, wherein the reinforced concrete includes rebar.
  • Clause 9 The mooring system of clause 2, wherein the plurality of blocks have a length dimension of approximately 4 meters, a height dimension of approximately 3.7 meters, and a width dimension of approximately 4 meters.
  • Clause 10 The mooring system of clause 1, wherein the plurality of mooring weights includes a third mooring weight spaced apart from the first mooring weight and second mooring weight and configured for placement on the floor surface of the body of water, a cable or chain extending between and coupling to the third mooring weight and the second mooring weight.
  • Clause 11 The mooring system of clause 1, wherein the first mooring weight is a block and the second mooring weight has one or more prongs, wherein the one or more prongs of second mooring weight is configured to grab and exert a drag force on the floor surface of the body of water.
  • Clause 13 The mooring system of clause 1, wherein the cable or chain is coupled to a side portion of the first mooring weight and extends to and couples to a side portion of the second mooring weight.
  • each of the plurality of mooring weights is coupled to a frame configured to support its associated mooring weight spaced from the floor surface.
  • each of the plurality of mooring weights is coupled to an elongated foundation configured to support its associated mooring weight spaced from the floor surface.
  • Clause 16 The mooring system of clause 1, wherein the horizontal force is equivalent to a frictional force between a bottom surface of the second mooring weight and the floor surface of the body of water.
  • a mooring system comprising: a plurality of mooring weights, wherein the plurality of mooring weights include a first mooring weight, a second mooring weight, and a third mooring weight each spaced apart from each other and configured for placement on a floor surface of a body of water; a cable or chain extending between and coupling to the first mooring weight and the second mooring weight; a second cable or chain extending between and coupling to the third mooring weight and the second mooring weight; wherein the first mooring weight is configured to be coupled to an offshore vessel via a third cable, the first mooring weight configured to apply a vertical force on the floor surface that is equivalent to and counteracts a maximum vertical buoyancy force exerted by the offshore vessel on the third cable; wherein the second mooring weight is configured to solely apply a first horizontal force on the floor surface of the body of water; and wherein the third mooring weight is configured to solely apply a second horizontal force on the floor surface
  • Clause 20 The mooring system of clause 18, wherein the first mooring weight has a different weight than the second mooring weight and the third mooring weight.
  • each of the plurality of mooring weights is coupled to a frame configured to support its associated mooring weight spaced from the floor surface.
  • each of the plurality of mooring weights is coupled to an elongated foundation configured to support its associated mooring weight spaced from the floor surface.
  • Conditional language such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.
  • the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degree.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)
  • Revetment (AREA)
  • Laying Of Electric Cables Or Lines Outside (AREA)

Abstract

Un système d'amarrage peut comprendre une pluralité de poids d'amarrage, qui peuvent comprendre un premier poids d'amarrage et un second poids d'amarrage espacés l'un de l'autre, pour un placement sur une surface de sol d'une masse d'eau. Un système d'amarrage peut également comprendre un câble ou une chaîne s'étendant entre et s'accouplant au premier poids d'amarrage et au second poids d'amarrage. Le premier poids d'amarrage peut être couplé à un navire en mer par l'intermédiaire d'un second câble. De plus, le premier poids d'amarrage peut appliquer une force verticale sur la surface de sol qui est équivalente à et contrecarre une force de flottabilité verticale maximale exercée par le navire extracôtier sur le second câble. Le second poids d'amarrage peut uniquement appliquer une force de frottement horizontale sur la surface de sol de la masse d'eau.
PCT/US2024/029130 2023-06-14 2024-05-13 Système d'amarrage de navires marins extracôtiers Pending WO2024258533A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202363508180P 2023-06-14 2023-06-14
US63/508,180 2023-06-14

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2024258533A2 true WO2024258533A2 (fr) 2024-12-19
WO2024258533A3 WO2024258533A3 (fr) 2025-01-16

Family

ID=93852807

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2024/029130 Pending WO2024258533A2 (fr) 2023-06-14 2024-05-13 Système d'amarrage de navires marins extracôtiers

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2024258533A2 (fr)

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US657263A (en) * 1899-11-13 1900-09-04 Emil Theodor Bunje Mooring-anchor.
IT1127193B (it) * 1979-08-10 1986-05-21 Tecnomare Spa Doa di attracco per navi cisterna
CN114750876B (zh) * 2022-03-16 2023-04-14 青岛鲁普耐特绳网研究院有限公司 灯浮标长工作寿命锚泊系统

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2024258533A3 (fr) 2025-01-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
Esteban et al. Gravity based support structures for offshore wind turbine generators: Review of the installation process
CN103332269B (zh) 背负式海上风电整机运输安装船
KR100949891B1 (ko) 육상건조된 선박의 횡방향 진수공법과 그 장치
CN102653308B (zh) 将风力涡轮机运输到“离岸”地点的船只及其设置方法
KR101774693B1 (ko) 연안 플로터 계류 시스템
CN102292258B (zh) 用于在双体船系统的干舷和格排上减少负载及节省钢材的预加载
Campos et al. Spar concrete monolithic design for offshore wind turbines
KR20130069811A (ko) 이중 데릭 항빙 잭 업 시추 유닛
US20150093202A1 (en) Deepwater jacket design method
CN103498420B (zh) 大型钢箱梁上岸施工方法
US20100221070A1 (en) Topsides load-out to barge catamaran for float-over installation
WO2024258533A2 (fr) Système d'amarrage de navires marins extracôtiers
EP3532678B1 (fr) Installation portuaire et procédé d'amarrage d'un corps flottant dans une installation portuaire
US20250033745A1 (en) Tension-leg floating offshore platform and installation method thereof
WO2013157958A1 (fr) Plate-forme flottante et submersible
NL2009579C2 (en) Sand bag wind turbine foundation.
CN115680015A (zh) 一种负压桶风机基础海上安装方法
CN105821899A (zh) 海上风机基础辅助下水装置及方法
KR20130127699A (ko) 부유식 플랜트의 계류 장치 및 계류 방법
CN115783181A (zh) 一种海上风电整体浮运安装方法
WO2004096632A1 (fr) Construction flottante, construction de plate-forme, procede de mise en place d'une construction de plate-forme flottante en mer et procede d'enlevement d'une construction de plate-forme en mer
CN114084302B (zh) 海上风机固定式基础、海上风机装置及海上风机整机的运输安装方法
Uzunoglu et al. Design and application of a gravity anchor for a self-installing tension leg platform with free-float capabilities
TWI834746B (zh) 具備起重機之作業台船及其起重機運用方法
RU2309221C2 (ru) Комплекс для монтажа морской ледостойкой переставной платформы и способ ее транспортировки и монтажа посредством комплекса для монтажа

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE