Shallow draft floats providing intact stability
OwnerJeremy J. Papadopoulos, Vincent Loccisanoinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A shallow-draft float is configured with above-float buoyancy or below-float water lifters dimensioned to control the righting arm of the turbine as tip angle increases to 15 and then 30 degrees. The embodiment is configured for use with a floating wind turbine that has a center of mass above the water surface and is supported by relatively small floats. In an example embodiment, a buoyant structure resides above the float and provides additional flotation when submerged. In another embodiment, the structure beneath the water surface contains water that provides ballast as the float moves above the water surface. In various embodiments, structural elements that provide ballast or flotation may be stowed until needed.
Claims7
A shallow draft float providing intact stability to a marine structure comprising:
- a lower portion having an inverted conical section having a pointed bottom transitioning to a circular top which is engaged with a short cylindrical portion;
- and
- an upper portion being a tall cylindrical, inflatable textile form engaged at an end, atop said short cylindrical portion;
- and
- said float supports a marine structure;
- wherein
- said lower portion resides at least partially beneath a water surface and said upper portion resides above the water surface until a tipping force is applied to said marine structure forcing said lower portion beneath the water surface wherein said upper surface provides additional floatation to counter said tipping force and to provide intact stability.
A float providing intact stability to a marine structure comprising:
- said float having an inverted conical section having a pointed bottom transitioning to a circular top which is engaged with a relatively short cylindrical portion;
- and
- said float supports a marine structure;
- and
- said float is engaged with a hollow form suspended from said float under water beneath said float;
- and
- said hollow form having an open top and an open bottom and a sealable lid movably engaged with said hollow form open top;
- wherein
- said flotation lid seals over said hollow form open top when a tipping force on said marine structure causes said float to be lifted out of the water, thus providing ballast and intact stability.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.