A method and system for early fault detection in a wind turbine generator (7) is provided. A vibration signal of noise produced by the generator is received. A periodic signal component related to the number of rotor bars of a rotor (11) of the generator (7) is identified in the vibration signal, and a potential fault in the stator of the generator is identified based at least in part on a change in characteristic of the periodic signal component over time.
Wind turbine cable connector monitoring method and device for monitoring a connector (1) attached to cable (4). A temperature sensor (6) is provided for sensing a measured temperature at a position a known distance along the cable (4) from the connector (1). A controller (8,19) records the measured temperature from the temperature sensor (6) while the connector (4) is in use, and identifies a potential fault condition in the connector (4) based on the measured temperature and the position the known distance along the cable (4) from the connector (1).
G01K 3/00 - Thermometers giving results other than momentary value of temperature
F03D 17/00 - Monitoring or testing of wind motors, e.g. diagnostics
G01K 1/02 - Means for indicating or recording specially adapted for thermometers
G01K 3/14 - Thermometers giving results other than momentary value of temperature giving differences of valuesThermometers giving results other than momentary value of temperature giving differentiated values in respect of space
3.
INTERNAL PLATFORM SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR AN OFFSHORE FOUNDATION STRUCTURE
An internal platform support structure (20) for an offshore foundation structure, such as a wind turbine foundation. The internal platform support structure (20) comprising a plurality of structural elements (30, 40) for supporting a platform within the foundation structure interior. The plurality of structural elements (30, 40) is configured to be assembled together and connected by fasteners (24).
Marine detection system and method for detecting marine bodies 8. The system includes a first sensor 6 for detecting marine bodies in a first detection region. A second sensor 3 is provided for detecting marine bodies in a second detection region. The second sensor is a different type of sensor to the first sensor and the second detection region overlaps with or is adjacent to the first. A controller 5 is provided including a neural network for processing data from the first and second sensors, where the neural network is trained to determine the presence of a marine body 8 based on the sensor data characteristics, and a signal indicating the presence of the marine body is output based on the determination by the neural network.
B63B 79/10 - Monitoring properties or operating parameters of vessels in operation using sensors, e.g. pressure sensors, strain gauges or accelerometers
G01S 15/93 - Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
Wind turbine blade installation apparatus for attaching a wind turbine blade (13) to the hub (12) of a wind turbine (11). The apparatus comprises a primary frame (14) for supporting the wind turbine blade (13) in a vertical orientation. An interface (23) connects the wind turbine blade (13) to the primary frame (14). A rigid connector (15) connects the primary frame (14) to the boom (6) of a crane (4). The rigid connector (15) includes a moveable coupling to the boom (6) such that the primary frame (14) is moveable between a first position for receiving the blade (13) lifted by the crane (4), and a second position for holding a root (131) of the blade (13) in its vertical orientation above the head (9) of the boom (6) of the crane (4).
F03D 13/10 - Assembly of wind motorsArrangements for erecting wind motors
B66C 1/10 - Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting, lowering, or hauling gear of cranes, or adapted for connection therewith for transmitting forces to articles or groups of articles by mechanical means
B66C 23/18 - Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory or swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib cranes, derricks or tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular locations or for particular purposes
Seismic soil probe (1) comprising a body for insertion into the soil, a seismic sensor (3) located at a first region of the body, and a seismic generator (2) located at a second region of the body for emitting seismic signals. The seismic generator (2) comprises a hammer (6), a biasing member (7) for biasing the hammer (6) into contact with a surface (21), and an actuator (5) operable to move the hammer (6) against the bias away from the surface (21) to a primed position and to release the hammer (6) from the primed position for impacting the surface (21) to generate a seismic wave signal.
Method of installing a foundation (1) having a toe (2) which is inserted into a soil (10) until a depth of the toe (2) reaches at least a minimum installation depth threshold (23). During insertion, fluid is jetted from a plurality of nozzles (7) provided at the toe (2) for directing fluid distally into the soil (10) ahead of the toe (2). The jetting of fluid from the plurality of nozzles (7) is controlled based on the depth of the toe (2), wherein the rate of jetting of fluid is reduced when the depth of the toe (2) reaches a stabilisation depth (22) ahead of the minimum installation depth threshold (23).
E02B 17/00 - Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legsConstruction methods therefor
E02B 17/02 - Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legsConstruction methods therefor placed by lowering the supporting construction to the bottom, e.g. with subsequent fixing thereto
8.
OFFSHORE EQUIPMENT DESTRUCTION APPARATUS AND METHOD
Offshore equipment destruction apparatus comprising: a secure enclosure (9) for housing equipment (10), an initiator (12) for triggering a destruction means (14) located within the enclosure (9) to render at least part of the equipment (10) unusable. A security controller (11) automatically controls the initiator (12) to trigger the destruction means (14) in response to the identification of an unauthorised attempt to access the enclosure (9).
B63B 27/16 - Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers of lifts or hoists
B63B 27/30 - Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers for transfer at sea between ships or between ships and off-shore structures
10.
METHOD FOR STABILIZING ISLAND MODE IN AN ENERGY HUB
Described are methods and systems comprising providing an energy hub having an electrical infrastructure; providing a number of generators of electrical energy and a plurality of consumers of electrical energy connectable to and disconnectable from said electrical infrastructure, the plurality of consumers comprising at least one critical consumer of electrical energy and at least one non-critical consumer of electrical energy; disconnecting the energy hub from the grid; supplying said electrical infrastructure with electrical energy from at least some generators among said number of said generators of electrical energy; using said electrical energy by means of at least some consumers of said plurality of consumers; monitoring at least voltage and frequency of said electrical energy in said electrical infrastructure; and selectively disconnecting and/or reconnecting one or more of said non-critical consumers of electrical energy.
A foundation (10) for a structure including a body (1) for insertion into a soil (2) in an insertion direction during installation, the body (1) having a toe (3) at its distal end. An array of nozzles (6) are provided at the distal end for jetting a fluid, with the nozzles (6) in the array being configured such that their fluid jets (7) are complementarily directed for generating a fluid stream (8) ahead of the toe (3) which flows in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction to erode the soil below the pile toe.
Floating vertical wind profile sensor or LiDAR device (1) comprising a vertical wind profile sensor sensor (8) for sensing a vertical wind profile, a self-propulsion system (24) for propelling the device through a body of water, and a deployable special mark (10), actuatable to switch between a deployed state for identifying the device as a special marker buoy and an undeployed state for identifying the device as a vessel. A controller (22) is provided for switching the device (1) from a vessel mode to a buoy mode when the vessel is anchored. The controller (22) switches the special mark (10) to the deployed state when the device (1) is in the buoy mode. The method involves the floating LiDAR device (1) navigating to a target location and the buoy mode being activated while vertical wind profile data are collected.
A method is described for the early identification of material fatigue in drive train components of a wind turbine installation.
A method is described for the early identification of material fatigue in drive train components of a wind turbine installation.
In particular, a signal, representing revolutions per minute of a wind turbine shaft, is obtained and modulated by the azimuth angle measurement of the turbine blade. This signal is band passed at twice the frequency of rotation and Fourier transformed to extract amplitude values. An alert response can then be triggered when it is determined that there has been a change in a characteristic of the amplitude values such as the amplitude values increasing beyond a multiple of a determined baseline amplitude value.
A system and method for transporting a wind turbine tower (1). A vessel (6) is used to transport one or more towers (1) to an installation site. A cradle (4) is provided for securing the one or more towers (1) in a horizontal orientation during transportation. An upending device (5,10) is used to transition the one or more towers (1) from the horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation for subsequent connection to a foundation at the installation site.
A foundation (1) for a structure (7) comprising a body (8) having a lateral surface (11) and a distal end (10) for insertion into a soil (2). At least a region of the lateral surface (11) forms a first electrode. One or more second electrodes (9) are provided on the body (8) and are flush with or sit proud of the lateral surface (11). Each second electrode (9) extends transversely around the lateral surface (11) and is electrically insulated therefrom by an insulating strip (12) provided between the respective second electrode and the lateral surface. During installation, a voltage may be applied across the electrodes for inducing an electroosmosis effect to reduce installation resistance.
Marine fender (1) for engaging an offshore structure (10) during a transfer operation. The fender (1) comprises a mount (3) for fixing the fender (1) to a vessel (5). An engagement part (2) engages with an opposing surface (11) of the offshore structure (10) when the vessel (5) and opposing surface are forced together such that interface friction resists movement of the engagement part (1) over the opposing surface (11). A coupling (4) is provided connecting the engagement part (2) to the mount (3), wherein the coupling (4) comprises a regulating part for regulating the velocity of movement of the engagement part (2) over the opposing surface (11).
A method of installing a foundation (1) for a structure. The foundation body (2) has a toe (7) at its distal end which defines an aperture into an internal cavity (12) defined by an inner wall (8). Fluid is jetted from a plurality of nozzles (9) to direct fluid distally into the soil (5) ahead of the toe (7) during installation. A pump arrangement (13) controlled by a controller (16) is used to vary the quantity of fluid at a proximal end to thereby vary the fluid suspension pressure adjacent the toe (7) in a fluid communication channel (11) extending between the proximal end and the toe (7). The controller varies the fluid suspension pressure as the toe (7) inserts deeper into the soil (5) based on a target fluid suspension pressure as a function of toe depth.
E02B 17/02 - Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legsConstruction methods therefor placed by lowering the supporting construction to the bottom, e.g. with subsequent fixing thereto
A monopile comprising a body (1) having a hollow interior, a toe (9) at a distal end for insertion into a soil (19) during monopile installation, and a proximal end region (2) for supporting a structure (7), such as a wind turbine tower, once the monopile has been installed. The body (1) further comprises a door aperture (12) provided in the body (1) for accessing the interior of the body (1). The door aperture (12) is configured to receive a door assembly (6,18) once the monopile (1) has been installed.
A fixture for securing into a soil for bearing a load. The fixture comprises body having a foundation section for insertion into the soil. An anode surface and a cathode surface are provided on the foundation section and are electrically connected to one another. The anode surface comprises a metal or metal alloy with a more negative electrode potential than the cathode surface so as to promote electrochemical reactions within regions of the soil at or adjacent the interface between the fixture and the soil for causing a cementation processes to bond soil particles together and to the foundation section.
A foundation (1) for a structure. The foundation (1) has a body (2) for insertion into a soil in an insertion direction during installation. The body (2) has a toe (8) at its distal end. The toe (2) defines an aperture (11) into an internal cavity (15). Movement of the toe (2) through the soil displaces soil laterally into a displaced soil region within the internal cavity (15). One or more nozzles (10) are provided for directing a fluid to the displaced soil region during installation for transporting soil away from the displaced soil region. A pumping system (24) is also provided for evacuating fluid from the internal cavity (15) during installation for reducing the soil suspension pressure within the displaced soil region.
E02B 17/02 - Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legsConstruction methods therefor placed by lowering the supporting construction to the bottom, e.g. with subsequent fixing thereto
Devices are methods are disclosed for a ladder cleaning device. The ladder cleaning device comprises a number of rings. The rings are adapted to be arranged around rungs of a ladder. A cord passes through a hole in each of said rings. The device further comprises at least one attachment device adapted for attaching said cord to the ladder. The ladder cleaning device may be in the form of a kit of parts to allow retrofitting on the ladder.
Described are systems and methods for black-starting an electrical grid, comprising disconnecting an energy farm from the grid at a first location, said first location being located between the electrical grid and the energy storage with the associated converter, providing a synchronous condenser, energizing the AC export cable using said energy storage and the associated converter, energizing at least one part of the energy farm electrical infrastructure via said AC export cable using said energy storage and the associated converter, re-establishing energy supply to said energy farm electrical infrastructure by said electric generators, energizing said synchronous condenser, and reconnecting the energy farm to said electrical grid at said first location.
Wind turbine lightning stroke diagnostic apparatus for a wind turbine having conductive blades. A lightning protection system input is provided for receiving measured current data associated with a current conducted by the lightning protection system following a lightning stroke. An air pressure sensor is mounted using a mount within an internal cavity of a conducive wind turbine blade assembly. A sensor monitor monitors the measured current data and the output of the air pressure sensor for identifying a bypass lightning stroke when a measured current increase coincides with the detection of a lightning generated shockwave within the internal cavity by the air pressure sensor.
Described herein are systems, methods, and structures for transferring an object between a ship and an offshore structure, comprising a hoisting mechanism arranged on the offshore structure and adapted to attach to the object, at least one range sensing device adapted to provide data relating to a detected distance from a reference point on the offshore structure to the ship, where the system is adapted to receive the data from the at least one range sensing device and to move the hoisting cable in response to the detected distance, and a motion reference unit adapted to provide data relating to a detected motion of the ship independently of the at least one range sensing device, and wherein the system is adapted to move the hoisting cable in response to the detected motion of the ship.
Described are ships and docking systems comprising a fender for mounting on a bow of a ship, comprising an elastically deformable body portion, and a concave engagement surface defined by the body portion, wherein the concave engagement surface extends perpendicular to a center line of the ship, such that portions of the fender distal to the center line extend further forward in a direction parallel to the center line than a portion of the fender central to the center line.
B63B 5/02 - Hulls characterised by their construction of non-metallic material made predominantly of wood
B63B 21/00 - Tying-upShifting, towing, or pushing equipmentAnchoring
B63B 27/30 - Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers for transfer at sea between ships or between ships and off-shore structures
B63B 59/02 - Fenders integral with waterborne vessels or specially adapted thereforRubbing-strakes
26.
Method and system for early fault detection in a wind turbine generator
A method and system for early fault detection in a wind turbine generator (7). A particulate sensor (9) is provided in the generator housing (8). The accumulation of particulate debris is monitored using the particulate sensor (9). A potential fault may be identified based at least in part on the accumulation of particulate debris on the sensor (9).
G01N 27/82 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating magnetic variables for investigating the presence of flaws
27.
Monitoring steel support structures for offshore wind turbines
Disclosed is a method for estimating deterioration of a steel support structure (180) supporting an offshore wind turbine (181). The steel support structure (180) being made of a first type of steel, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a first sensor (111) having one or more sensor elements, wherein a first sensor element of the one or more sensor elements is made of a type of steel corresponding to the first type of steel; (b) arranging the first sensor (111) in connection with said steel support structure (180); (c) inducing an electrical current through at least one of the one or more sensor elements; (d) monitoring the deterioration of a part of the first sensor (111) by in a first time interval measuring electrical properties of the first sensor (111) and storing the measurements as first data; (e) estimating the deterioration of the steel support structure (180) from the first data.
G01N 27/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance
28.
Methods and devices for predicting vessel bow motion
A method for the use in offshore crew transfer when transferring a person between a crew transfer vessel and a structure or vice versa where a prediction system for predicting vessel bow motion in response to sea waves detected by said wave detection device is used. An indicator is adapted to indicate a prediction of vessel bow motion below a first bow motion threshold value within a first predetermined time period based on said prediction system. The transfer of the person only takes place when said vessel bow motion is indicated to be below the first vessel bow motion threshold value within the first predetermined time period.
B63B 27/14 - Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers of ramps, gangways or outboard ladders
B63B 79/10 - Monitoring properties or operating parameters of vessels in operation using sensors, e.g. pressure sensors, strain gauges or accelerometers
B63B 79/30 - Monitoring properties or operating parameters of vessels in operation for diagnosing, testing or predicting the integrity or performance of vessels
B63B 79/15 - Monitoring properties or operating parameters of vessels in operation using sensors, e.g. pressure sensors, strain gauges or accelerometers for monitoring environmental variables, e.g. wave height or weather data
B63B 27/00 - Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
Disclosed is a method for estimating systematic yaw misalignment of a wind turbine. The method comprising the steps of: receiving yaw data from the wind turbine indicative of the degrees of rotation of the nacelle for a plurality of yaw operations; receiving performance data from the wind turbine indicative of the alignment of the nacelle of the wind turbine with the wind direction before and after each of the plurality of yaw operations. The yaw data and the performance data being recorded during normal operation of the wind turbine, and the yaw data and the performance data is processed together to estimate the systemic yaw misalignment of the wind turbine.
Methods for black-starting an electrical grid (2) are described herein. For example, a method comprising disconnecting the wind farm (1) from the grid at a first location, said first location being located between the electrical grid (2) and the energy storage (16) with the associated converter (17), energizing the AC export cable (12) using said energy storage (16) and the associated converter (17), energizing at least one part of the wind farm electrical infrastructure via said export cable (12) using said energy storage (16) and the associated converter (17), re-establishing energy supply to said wind farm electrical infrastructure by said wind turbine generators (3, 4), and reconnecting the wind farm (1) to said electrical grid (2) at said first location.
Disclosed is a support system (100) for supporting an offshore wind turbine comprising a steel support structure (180) for supporting the offshore wind turbine and a cathodic protection system (101-105) configured to protect the steel support structure from corrosion. The cathodic protection system comprising one or more galvanic anodes (101) arranged in connection with the steel support structure and a first electrical connection (102) electrically connecting the one or more galvanic anodes to the steel support structure. This allows the steel support structure to be polarized by the electrons flowing from the one or more galvanic anodes to the steel support structure. The first electrical connection is an adaptable electrical connection that can change the rate of electrons flowing from the one or more galvanic anodes to the steel support structure and thereby change the polarization of the steel support structure.
E02B 17/00 - Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legsConstruction methods therefor
C23F 13/02 - Inhibiting corrosion of metals by anodic or cathodic protection cathodicSelection of conditions, parameters or procedures for cathodic protection, e.g. of electrical conditions
F03D 13/25 - Arrangements for mounting or supporting wind motorsMasts or towers for wind motors specially adapted for offshore installation
A foundation (1) for a structure such as an off-shore wind turbine. The foundation (1) comprises a body (4) having a lateral surface (8,9) and a distal end (5) for insertion into a soil (2). At least a region of the lateral surface (8,9) forms a first electrode. A second electrode (7) is provided on the lateral surface (8,9) of the body (4) and is electrically insulated from the first electrode. The body (4) further comprises a spacing formation (6) for forming a gap (11) between the second electrode (7) and the soil (2) when the body (4) is inserted into the soil (2). In use, an electric potential may be established between the electrodes to induce electro-osmosis in the soil for allowing the foundation to be installed more easily. The polarity of the electric potential may also be reversed for stabilising the foundation.
E02B 17/08 - Equipment specially adapted for raising, lowering, or immobilising the working platform relative to the supporting construction for raising or lowering
E02B 17/00 - Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legsConstruction methods therefor
F03D 13/25 - Arrangements for mounting or supporting wind motorsMasts or towers for wind motors specially adapted for offshore installation
E02D 13/00 - Accessories for placing or removing piles or bulkheads
H02K 7/18 - Structural association of electric generators with mechanical driving motors, e.g.with turbines
Disclosed is a guiding device for guiding an elongated element such as a cable or a pipe from the exterior into a hollow interior of a support element, the support element being a support element for supporting an offshore structure and being at least partly submerged in water, wherein the guiding device comprises; a tube having a first opening at a first end for facing the exterior and a second opening at a second end opposite to the first end for facing the hollow interior of the support element. The guiding device is configured to allow water to flow into the first opening and out of the second opening of the tube, and substantially prevent water from flowing into the second opening and out of the first opening whereby the guiding device allows water to enter the hollow interior of the support element but not exit the hollow interior.
F03D 80/80 - Arrangement of components within nacelles or towers
F03D 9/25 - Wind motors characterised by the driven apparatus the apparatus being an electrical generator
H02G 1/10 - Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing, or dismantling electric cables or lines for laying cables, e.g. laying apparatus on vehicle in or under water
H02G 3/22 - Installations of cables or lines through walls, floors or ceilings, e.g. into buildings
patents
