U.S. patent application number 12/654139 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-17 for foundation base for mounting wind turbines in an aquatic bed and method for manufacturing said foundation.
Invention is credited to Manuel Torres Martinez.
Application Number | 20100150663 12/654139 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42240726 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100150663 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Torres Martinez; Manuel |
June 17, 2010 |
Foundation base for mounting wind turbines in an aquatic bed and
method for manufacturing said foundation
Abstract
The invention relates to a foundation base for mounting wind
turbines in an aquatic bed and a method for manufacturing said
foundation, formed by a conical structure which is made up of an
assembly of columns (1) like generatrices, arranged between an
upper apex core (2) and a lower annular footing (3), the
constructive mounting of said assembly being carried out on an
annular mold (8) which is arranged floating in the water, in which
the annular footing (3) is formed, with the attachment thereon of
the columns (1), which are held in the constructive formation of
the structural assembly by means of a support jig (10).
Inventors: |
Torres Martinez; Manuel;
(Pamplona, ES) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE NATH LAW GROUP
112 South West Street
Alexandria
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
42240726 |
Appl. No.: |
12/654139 |
Filed: |
December 11, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
405/222 ;
405/224 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02D 27/425 20130101;
F05B 2240/95 20130101; E02D 27/42 20130101; Y02E 10/727 20130101;
F03D 13/25 20160501; F05B 2250/232 20130101; E02B 17/0021 20130101;
F03D 13/10 20160501; Y02E 10/72 20130101; E02B 2017/0039 20130101;
Y02P 70/50 20151101; E02B 2017/0091 20130101; E02B 17/027
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
405/222 ;
405/224 |
International
Class: |
E02B 17/00 20060101
E02B017/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 17, 2008 |
ES |
P 200803577 |
Claims
1. A foundation base for mounting wind turbines in an aquatic bed,
of the type intended to be seated on the aquatic floor in the
installation site, in order to place a wind turbine thereon,
characterized in that it consists of a conical structure comprising
an assembly of columns (1) like generatrices, arranged between an
upper apex core (2) and a lower annular footing (3), determining a
structural assembly in the form of a cage, with the upper ends of
the columns (1) being secured with respect to the apex core (2),
whereas the lower end thereof is introduced in the constructive
formation of the annular footing (3).
2. The foundation base for mounting wind turbines in an aquatic bed
according to claim 1, characterized in that the apex core (2) is
formed by a tubular element with an upper base (2.1) for the
securing of the wind turbine to be supported with the foundation
and a lower base (2.2) with respect to which the securing of the
columns (1) is established.
3. The foundation base for mounting wind turbines in an aquatic bed
according to claim 1, characterized in that the footing (3) is
formed by annular concrete block, with a circular or polygonal
contour, with a metallic framework (3.1) in the inside, the lower
end of the columns (1) being included in said concrete block, with
fastenings for securing on the metallic framework (3.1).
4. The foundation base for mounting wind turbines in an aquatic bed
according to claim 1, characterized in that the columns (1) have
threaded rods in the upper end, by means of which the securing with
respect to the base (2.2) of apex core (2) is established.
5. The foundation base for mounting wind turbines in an aquatic bed
according to claim 1, characterized in that the columns (1) have
hooks (1.2) in the lower end, by means of which the fastenings for
securing on the metallic framework (3.1) of the footing (3) are
established.
6. The foundation base for mounting wind turbines in an aquatic bed
according to claim 1, characterized in that the columns (1) have a
polygonal section, for example a square triangular section,
determining sharp edges allowing an ice breakup function of the
structural assembly of the foundation.
7. The foundation base for mounting wind turbines in an aquatic bed
according to claim 1, characterized in that vertical tubes (6) are
included in the constructive block of the footing (3) for the
anchorage of the foundation by means of piles in the installation
site.
8. The foundation base for mounting wind turbines in an aquatic bed
according to claim 1, characterized in that on the conical
structure formed by the columns (1) there are arranged
reinforcement rings (11) which are fixed on the mentioned columns
(1), to prevent the buckling thereof.
9. A method for manufacturing a foundation base for mounting wind
turbines in an aquatic bed, determining a conical structure which
is formed by an assembly of columns (1) like generatrices, arranged
between an upper apex core (2) and a lower annular footing (3),
characterized in that the constructive mounting is carried out on
an annular mold (8), with a circular or polygonal contour, which is
arranged floating in the water (9), on which there is incorporated
a jig (10) consisting of a mast (10.1) and articulated radial arms
(10.2) thereon, said jig (10) being included through the apex core
(2) of formation of the foundation, with respect to which the
columns (1) of formation of the conical structure are secured at
the upper end, which columns are supported in the radial arms
(10.1) of the jig (10), with the lower end thereof entering in the
mold (8), in which the concreting of formation of the footing (3)
is carried out, covering said lower end of the columns (1) with the
constructive concrete.
10. The method for manufacturing a foundation base for mounting
wind turbines in an aquatic bed according to claim 9, characterized
in that once the constructive formation of the foundation is
carried out, the jig (10) is removed by means of the extraction
thereof in a folded position through the apex core (2).
11. The method for manufacturing a foundation base for mounting
wind turbines in an aquatic bed according to claim 9, characterized
in that the demolding with respect to the mold (8) is carried out
by lifting the assembly of the foundation formed, such that the
footing (3) comes out of said mold (8), which remains floating in
the water (9).
Description
FIELD OF THE ART
[0001] The present invention relates to the installation of wind
turbines in aquatic beds, proposing for such purpose a foundation
base made with structural features facilitating the construction in
port installations, for the transport from the installation site
and the mooring in said site by means of an aquatic vehicle.
STATE OF THE ART
[0002] For the production of electrical energy by means of the
exploitation of wind, the use of wind turbines located in aquatic
beds, wherein wind regimes greater than those on land are obtained
due to the low roughness of the water surface, in addition to
having large free spaces for placing the wind turbines, is
known.
[0003] One condition of the wind turbines of this type is that they
must be suitably anchored in the aquatic floor in order to ensure
the installation in a stable manner, the use of foundations formed
by a large concrete block is known for that purpose, which block is
moored and seated in the installation site to then arrange the
corresponding wind turbine thereon.
[0004] Said foundations are usually constructed in port sites or
coastal areas, from which they are transported by means of an
aquatic vehicle for the mooring in the application site.
[0005] Given the dimensions and the weight of these foundations,
their manufacture is very expensive and cranes with high load
capacity are required for the handling, which cranes must in turn
be transported to the installation site, large vessels which
generally come from the gas or petroleum industry being used for
that purpose, resulting in a very high cost.
[0006] In this sense, European patent EP 1,777,348, for example,
describes a gravity seating foundation and the method for
installing said foundation in an aquatic bed, using to that end an
adapted vessel which carries out the conditioning of the aquatic
floor, whereas the mooring of the foundation on the conditioned
aquatic bed is carried out with another vessel provided with a
system of cranes; which solution entails process cost and slowness
problems derived from the multiple independent operative means
which are used.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to the invention, a foundation base for mounting
wind turbines in an aquatic bed is proposed, with a structural
embodiment facilitating the constructive formation of said
foundation in a port site and the transport for the installation
mooring by means of a vehicle capable of carrying the foundation
and depositing it by itself in the aquatic floor.
[0008] This foundation object of the invention consists of a
conical structure formed by a assembly of columns like generatrices
arranged between an upper apex core and a lower annular footing,
the upper apex core being formed by a cylindrical element with an
upper base for the securing of the tower of the wind turbine to be
installed and with a lower base on which the columns of the conical
structure are secured by means of threaded elements, whereas the
lower footing, which can be circular or polygonal, is formed by a
concrete ring, in which the lower ends of the columns of the
conical structure are embedded.
[0009] The component columns of the conical structure can be
metallic (for example of steel), or of concrete reinforced with
metallic bars, threaded rods projecting, in any case, through the
upper end in order to establish the securing with respect to the
apex core of the structure, whereas hooks come out through the
lower end of said columns in order to establish therewith a
mounting fastening with respect to metallic framework bars which
are arranged in the constructive formation of the lower annular
footing of the structure.
[0010] A structural assembly with a simple construction and with
the necessary weight is thus obtained in order to determine, as a
result of its configuration, a seat for the support on the aquatic
floors with the required stability to serve a supporting base for a
wind turbine.
[0011] In the annular footing of the structural assembly there are
included, however, vertical piling tubes through which it is
possible to establish a fastening anchorage by means of piles on
the aquatic floor, when the conditions require it, for example when
the seating site is of a soft nature.
[0012] By means of the columns of the conical structure the
foundation furthermore determines an ice breakup function, said
columns of the conical structure being provided for such purpose
according to a sharp edge configuration, for example, with a
square- or triangular-shaped section, having an advantageous
application for the installation in geographical places with a cold
climate where the aquatic surfaces usually freeze into ice.
[0013] The assembly of the foundation thus formed determines a
hollow structure in the form of a cage, which in the application
arrangement can be used for exploitation in secondary uses, such as
for example, by means of covering with a metallic net in order to
determine a fish farm therein.
[0014] The constructive formation of the structure of the
foundation is carried out by arranging in the water a floating
annular mold and a jig in the form of an umbrella structure axially
in vertical with respect to such mold, the component columns of the
conical structure being incorporated supported in an inclined
position on the arms of the jig, with the upper end thereof secured
to the apex core for the formation of the structure, and with the
lower end of said columns introduced in the floating annular mold,
such that by concreting in the mold the formation of the
constructive block of the annular footing, the structure of the
foundation is formed in an integral assembly.
[0015] Once so, on the assembly of the component columns of the
conical structure there are arranged peripheral reinforcement rings
to prevent the buckling of the mentioned columns, and the jig in
the form of an umbrella structure is extracted through the tubular
apex core of the structure.
[0016] For the transport to the installation site, the foundation
thus constructed is suspended, by means of a capstan, from an
inverted V-shaped structure arranged on an aquatic vehicle, such
that by lifting the foundation the lower footing thereof comes out
of the formation mold, which remains floating in the water.
[0017] In these conditions, by means of the aquatic vehicle the
foundation is taken to the installation site, wherein the actual
transport vehicle is submersed, such vehicle itself carrying out
the preparation of the aquatic floor with means which it has
incorporated therein, and immediately the seating of the foundation
in the prepared area, such that the seating of the foundation is
carried out without giving time for the area prepared for that
purpose to undergo alterations.
[0018] After the foundation is deposited, the aquatic vehicle
refloats to the surface, being able to be used to carry with itself
the wind turbine to be installed and place it on the
foundation.
[0019] Therefore, truly advantageous features in the structure and
construction of a supporting foundation for the installation of
wind turbines in aquatic beds are obtained with the object of the
invention, this solution acquiring its own identity and a preferred
character with respect to the known foundations for this
function.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the floating mold which
is used for the constructive formation of the foundation object of
the invention, according to a circular embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the floating mold with the
jig in the form of an umbrella structure which is used to support
the component columns of the conical structure in the constructive
formation of the foundation.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mounting of a column of
the conical structure of the foundation.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the arrangement of the
assembly of the conical structure in the formation of the
foundation.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the assembly of the
foundation formed on the floating mold, with the jig in the form of
an umbrella structure in the inside.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the extraction of the jig in
the form of a folded umbrella structure used for the constructive
formation of the foundation.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a sectional detail of the apex of the foundation,
with the jig in the form of an umbrella structure included through
the tubular apex core.
[0027] FIG. 8 is detail like that of the previous figure, in the
phase of extraction of the jig in the form of a folded umbrella
structure through the tubular apex core.
[0028] FIG. 9 is an example in perspective view of a column with a
square section for the formation of the conical structure of the
foundation.
[0029] FIG. 9A is an example in perspective view of a column with a
triangular section for the formation of the conical structure of
the foundation with a great effect of the ice breakup function.
[0030] FIG. 10 is a sectional detail of the securing of a column of
the conical structure on the apex core of the foundation.
[0031] FIG. 11 is a detail of the previous figure in an exploded
position.
[0032] FIG. 12 shows a port installation with the mold for
manufacturing the foundation on water.
[0033] FIG. 13 is a depiction like the previous one, with the jig
in the form of an umbrella structure on the floating mold.
[0034] FIG. 14 is a depiction like the previous ones, with the
assembly of the foundation formed on the floating mold.
[0035] FIG. 15 is a depiction of the collection of the foundation
by means of an aquatic transport vehicle.
[0036] FIG. 16 shows the lifting of the foundation with respect to
the floating mold in order to be suspended in the transport
position.
[0037] FIG. 17 is a depiction of the submersed position of the
aquatic transport vehicle of the foundation, in the operation of
preparation of the aquatic floor.
[0038] FIG. 18 is a depiction of the operation of the seating of
the foundation in the prepared area of the aquatic floor.
[0039] FIG. 19 is a depiction of the refloating of the aquatic
vehicle after the foundation is deposited.
[0040] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the foundation with the
corresponding wind turbine placed thereon and the aquatic vehicle
in the position of withdrawal from the installation area.
[0041] FIG. 21 is a view of the arrangement of the foundation in
the aquatic floor, with anchorage by means of fastening piles.
[0042] FIG. 22 is a sectional detail of the formation of the lower
footing of the foundation.
[0043] FIG. 23 is a sectional detail of the seat of the footing of
the foundation with a fastening pile.
[0044] FIG. 24 is an example in perspective view of the formation
of the foundation with the lower footing with a polygonal shape and
the columns of the conical structure with a triangular section.
[0045] FIG. 25 is a plan view of the embodiment of the foundation
according to the example of the previous figure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0046] The object of the invention relates to a foundation base for
supporting wind turbines in aquatic beds, with features simplifying
the constructive embodiment and facilitating the application of a
method for manufacturing in port installations, for the transport
of the constructed foundation and seating thereof in the
installation site by means of an aquatic vehicle.
[0047] The proposed foundation is made up of a conical structure
formed by an assembly of columns (1) arranged like generatrices
between an upper apex core (2) and a lower annular footing (3).
[0048] The columns (1) can be metallic, for example of steel, or of
concrete, having threaded rods (1.1) in the upper end and hooks
(1.2) in the lower end, as observed in the example depicted in FIG.
9.
[0049] Said columns (1) can have any configuration, but they are
particularly provided with a polygonal section, such that they
determine sharp edges capable of carrying out an ice breakup
function, for example with a configuration with a square section,
like the example of FIG. 9, or with a configuration with a
triangular section, like the example of FIG. 9A, the latter
embodiment being particularly advantageous for installations of the
foundation in places with a cold climate which are prone to the
formation of ice in the aquatic surface.
[0050] The apex core (2) is a cylindrical element, with an upper
base (2.1) for the securing of the tower of the wind turbine (4)
which is arranged on the foundation, as observed in FIG. 20,
whereas in the lower part said element of the apex core (2)
determines a base (2.2) intended for the securing of the columns
(1) of the conical structure, by means of the threaded rods (1.1)
of the upper end thereof, as observed in FIGS. 10 and 11.
[0051] The footing (3) of the foundation is formed by an annular
block formed from concrete, with a metallic framework (3.1)
therein, said block of the footing (3) being attached to the
columns (1) of the conical structure by means of the inclusion of
the lower end of the mentioned columns (1) in the material of this
block of the footing (3), after attaching the hooks (1.2) of the
columns (1) on the metallic framework (3.1) of the footing (3), as
observed in FIG. 22.
[0052] Said footing (3) of the foundation can have an annular shape
according to any contour configuration, without this altering the
concept, for example according to a circular contour, like in FIGS.
1 to 6, or according to a polygonal contour, like in FIGS. 24 and
25, without these examples being limiting.
[0053] Thus, the foundation determines an integral structural
assembly, with a weight and a base allowing the gravity seating in
aquatic floors (5), to support a wind turbine (4) arranged thereon.
Nevertheless, for the cases of application of seating on soft
aquatic floors (5), in the constructive block of the footing (3)
there are arranged vertical tubes (6), through which it is possible
to establish an anchorage securing by means of piles (7) in order
to ensure the fastening, as observed in FIGS. 21 and 23.
[0054] The constructive formation of the foundation is carried out
on a floating annular mold (8), with a circular contour like the
one depicted in FIG. 1 or with a polygonal contour, which is
arranged on the water (9) in a port installation, as observed in
FIG. 12, axially placing in vertical on said mold (8) a jig (10)
formed by a mast (10.1) and a series of radial articulated arms
(10.2) on the mentioned mast (10.1), in the form of an umbrella
structure, as observed in FIGS. 2 and 13.
[0055] The jig (10) in the form of an umbrella structure is
included through the cylindrical element of the apex core (2)
intended for assembling the foundation, said element of the apex
core (2) being in the upper end of the mast (10.1) of the jig
(10).
[0056] The columns (1) are mounted on this assembly to form the
conical structure of the foundation, the mentioned columns (1)
being arranged, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, supported on the radial
arms (10.2) of the jig (10), with the upper end thereof attached to
the lower base (2.2) of the apex core (2) and with the lower end of
said columns (1) entering the annular mold (8), such that, once so,
the concreting of formation of the block of the footing (3) is
carried out in the mold (8), whereby the conical structure is
formed.
[0057] To prevent the deformation of the columns (1) by buckling,
reinforcement rings (11) are arranged on the assembly of the
conical structure formed by said columns (1), as observed in FIG.
5, said rings (11) being fixed on the columns (1) by any fastening
means which allow establishing the rigidity of the assembly.
[0058] Once the foundation is completely formed in the indicated
manner, the jig (10) is removed, folding the arms (10.2) over the
mast (10.1) for that purpose, such that in this position said jig
(10) is extracted through the tubular element of the apex core (2)
of the foundation, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8.
[0059] In these conditions, the foundation formed remains on the
mold (8), floating in the water (9), such that in this arrangement
the foundation can be collected by an aquatic vehicle (12), as
shown in FIG. 15, for the transport to the installation site. To
that end, an aquatic vehicle (12) formed by two floats (13), such
as a catamaran, is provided, there being an inverted V-shaped
structure (14) on the mentioned floats (13), which structure
incorporates a capstan (15) in the apex, by means of which the
foundation is held and lifted, as shown in FIG. 16.
[0060] When the foundation is lifted, the footing (3) thereof comes
out of the mold (8), the latter remaining on the water (9), whereas
the foundation remains suspended from the structure (14) of the
aquatic vehicle (12), wherein it is maintained stable by means of
side stops (16) so that it does not swing due to the movements of
the vehicle (12) on the water (9) during the transport.
[0061] In the installation site of the foundation, the aquatic
vehicle (12) is submersed, being supported in the aquatic floor (5)
by means of telescopic legs (17), between which there is arranged a
transverse bridge (18) having a head (19) which can incorporate
tools of different types, by means of which the preparation of the
area of the aquatic floor (5) intended for seating the foundation
is carried out, as shown in FIG. 17.
[0062] Once the corresponding area of the aquatic floor (5) is
prepared, the foundation is placed thereon by simply allowing it to
move down by means of the capstan (15), until the seating, as shown
in FIG. 18, such that the preparation of the area of the aquatic
floor (5) and the seating of the foundation are carried out in
immediately consecutive operations, without time, therefore, for
the prepared area to undergo alterations due to the movements of
the water (9), which ensures the perfect seating of the
foundation.
[0063] After the foundation is deposited, the aquatic vehicle (12)
refloats to the surface, for its transport back to the port
installations, from where with this same vehicle (12) or another
similar one, the wind turbine (4) to be installed can be taken for
its placement on the foundation arranged on the aquatic floor (5)
in the installation site.
* * * * *