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GB2522444A - Lifting frame - Google Patents

Lifting frame Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2522444A
GB2522444A GB1401186.0A GB201401186A GB2522444A GB 2522444 A GB2522444 A GB 2522444A GB 201401186 A GB201401186 A GB 201401186A GB 2522444 A GB2522444 A GB 2522444A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
frame
turbine assembly
remotely operable
frame according
coupling
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1401186.0A
Other versions
GB201401186D0 (en
Inventor
Matthew Reed
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.)
Marine Current Turbines Ltd
Original Assignee
Marine Current Turbines Ltd
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 Marine Current Turbines Ltd filed Critical Marine Current Turbines Ltd
Priority to GB1401186.0A priority Critical patent/GB2522444A/en
Publication of GB201401186D0 publication Critical patent/GB201401186D0/en
Priority to PCT/EP2015/050809 priority patent/WO2015110364A1/en
Publication of GB2522444A publication Critical patent/GB2522444A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current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 
    • B63B35/00—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
    • B63B27/10—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers of cranes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B39/00—Equipment to decrease pitch, roll, or like unwanted vessel movements; Apparatus for indicating vessel attitude
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G67/00—Loading or unloading vehicles
    • B65G67/60—Loading or unloading ships
    • B65G67/603—Loading or unloading ships using devices specially adapted for articles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66C—CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
    • B66C1/00—Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting or lowering gear of cranes or adapted for connection therewith for transmitting lifting forces to articles or groups of articles
    • B66C1/10—Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting or lowering gear of cranes or adapted for connection therewith for transmitting lifting forces to articles or groups of articles by mechanical means
    • B66C1/22—Rigid members, e.g. L-shaped members, with parts engaging the under surface of the loads; Crane hooks
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
    • F03B13/12—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
    • F03B13/26—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
    • F03B13/12—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
    • F03B13/26—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
    • F03B13/264—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy using the horizontal flow of water resulting from tide movement
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B17/00—Other machines or engines
    • F03B17/06—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head"
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2230/00—Manufacture
    • F05B2230/60—Assembly methods
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2230/00—Manufacture
    • F05B2230/60—Assembly methods
    • F05B2230/604—Assembly methods using positioning or alignment devices for aligning or centering, e.g. pins
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2230/00—Manufacture
    • F05B2230/60—Assembly methods
    • F05B2230/61—Assembly methods using auxiliary equipment for lifting or holding
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2240/00—Components
    • F05B2240/90—Mounting on supporting structures or systems
    • F05B2240/97—Mounting on supporting structures or systems on a submerged structure
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/30—Energy from the sea, e.g. using wave energy or salinity gradient
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P70/00—Climate change mitigation technologies in the production process for final industrial or consumer products
    • Y02P70/50—Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Oceanography (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)

Abstract

A submersible turbine assembly lift frame 7 comprises a propulsion device 22, remotely operable pitch angle adjuster 21, a remotely operable roll angle adjuster 20 and a remotely operable coupling 18 for coupling the frame to the turbine assembly. The frame may comprise a rigid rectangular framework 17 with rigid arms 19 depending therefrom. The rigid arms may have the remotely operable couplings mounted thereon. The frame may further comprise a lift cable coupling and the buoyancy of the frame may be variable. A method of using the lift frame in the retrieval of a submerged turbine assembly is also disclosed.

Description

I
LIFTING FRAIvIE This invention relates to a device and method for retrieval of a submersible turbine assembly.
Sub-sea tidal stream turbines are typically installed in areas of strong tidal current, which gives rise to safety issues for divers during installation and extraction of the turbines, As a result, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are generally used in place of divers. However, even ROVs are somewhat limited in the times at which they can safely operate, usually only around slack water. This puts pressure on the operators to complete installation or extraction in a relatively short time frame. Inmost cases, the turbine assembly itself is not buoyant, but even in the case of buoyant turbines, divers or ROVs are used for attaching or detaching fixtures to aid raising, lowering, or towing.
The use of a vessel which is able to lift and lower a frame from beneath the vessel has been proposed. The turbine is fed into the base through the vessel, to avoid the need for heavy lifting equipment on one side of the ship, as described in EP1 980670. A modification is described in EP2450562 in which the lifting frame is designed to be moved into position over the turbine by a barge. Couplers on the lifting frame act as guides for positioning and lock into a base of the turbine. Sensors are provided on the frame, such as cameras or imaging sonar, for monitoring the position of the frame, so that the guides on the lifting frame can correct any positional errors as they move along with the barge, or tug. Retrieval of a turbine can be carried out during a running tide, US 2011155682 describes a lifting frame having a submersible component which may be provided with sensors to assist in monitoring and measuring its approach to the support structure of the turbine and an underwater drive system on the submersible component.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a submersible turbine assembly lift frame comprises a propulsion device, remotely operable pitch angle adjuster, a remotely operable roll angle adjuster and a remotely operable coupling for coupling the frame to the turbine assembly.
Preferably, the frame comprises a rigid rectangular framework, from two parallel edges of which rigid arms depend.
Preferably, the remotely operable coupling is mounted on the rigid arms, Preferably, the remotely operable coupling comprises one or more hydraulic shackles.
Preferably, remotely operable coupling connectors are provided on a powertrain housing or support.
Preferably, the frame further comprises an on-board controller to control the propulsion device, pitch angle adjuster, roll angle adjuster and remotely operable coupling.
Preferably, the frame fbrther comprises a lift cable coupling.
Preferably, the buoyancy of the frame is variable.
Preferably, the frame further comprises on-board sensors.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, a method of retrieving a submerged turbine assembly comprises lowering a frame according to any preceding claim towards the assembly; obtaining information relating to the orientation arid location relative to the turbine assembly; controlling operation of the thrusters, roll and pitch angle adjusters to bring the frame to a desired location about the turbine assembly; activating actuators to couple the frame to the turbine assembly; and lifting the turbine assemlily on a lift cable attached to the frame.
Preferably, the method further comprises modifying the buoyancy of the frame in order to bring it to the desired location.
An example of a lifting frame for a submersible turbine assembly according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure illustrates a turbine assembly being installed using a frame according to the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates the frame of Fig. 1, fitted to the turbine assembly, in more detail; and, Figure 3 illustrates an alternative coupling mechanism for the frame in Fig. 1.
Current technology for lifting submersible tidal stream turbine assemblies involves the use of an ROV to guide and locate a lift frame to the tidal turbine. As tidal turbines are installed in areas of strong tidal current, use of ROVs limits the lifting opportunities, due to their limited flow rate capability. Positioning of the lift frame cannot commence until an ROV is deployed and in location which uses up precious time in the slack water period (between tides) before the power train lift can commence. The ROY provides visual feedback to the surface to allow positioning of the lift frame relative to the turbine, to attach lines to the turbine and to assist with mechanical manipulation to align and locate the lift frame or lifting line attachment.
The lift operation must be completed within a single slack water period. This puts pressure on the operators and leaves little room for dealing with unforeseen complications, so increasing the cost, complexity and risk of the operations. The present invention overcomes these limitations by providing a remotely operated frame which is able to control its position and orientation relative to the turbine assembly and support structure without the use of divers or ROVs.
As shown in Fig,], lifting and retrieval of a submersible turbine assembly comprising turbine 8, 10 and powertrain 12 is typically carried out from a ship or barge 2 on the sea surface 3. A lift line 5 from a crane 4 on the ship or barge is connected to the frame 7. The operation will be described in this example with respect to retrieval of a submersible turbine from its support structure, typically a pile 6 on the seabed, but the frame is also suitable for use in installation of the turbine assembly, where the thrusters may be used to provide fine adjustment of the powertrain position to assist in the mechanical alignment prior to engagement of the powertrain with its support structure.
Fig.2 shows the frame and its relationship to the installed turbine assembly in more detail. Turbine blades 10 connected to a hub 8 are coupled to a powertrain 12 of the turbine assembly via a connector 11. The power train is mounted to the pile 6 via a support H. The frame comprises a top beam 14, each end of which is connected to corners 5, 16 of a rectangular frame]7. Typically, the connection is a chain or cable to allow movement for a roll adjustment mechanism to change the roll angle. For lightness and ease of movement through the water, the frame is made up simply of four beams forming the rectangle, but in some cases, further reinforcement (not shown) may be provided by means of diagonal cross members between the corners in the plane of the rectangular framework, or a mesh fixed between the four beams. Depending from the corners of the rectangular frame are rigid arms 9. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the arms are replaced by rigid panels on each long side of the frame. This prevents the frame from being positioned across the powertrain, rather than along it. A rectangular frame is preferred, as orientation is more clearly visible to an operator, but the frame could be square with the arms on opposing parallel sides, or at the corners.
Each of the rigid arms is provided with a coupling 18 to engage the frame with the turbine assembly. In this example, the arms connect the frame to lifting points formed in the support 13. In an alternative example, illustrated in Fig.3, the couplings 18 engage with lifting points 23 formed in a housing 24 of the powertrain 12, rather than on the support 13 by which the powertrain is connected to the pile. The actuators may be hydraulic shackles to connect or release the frame from the power train housing, or support, remotely. Not only does the rigidity of the frame 14, 17, 19 simplify the mechanical attachment, it also assists in ensuring stable lifting of the turbine assembly.
In order to bring the frame into position to retrieve the turbine assembly, as well as lowering the frame into the vicinity of the turbine assembly, the frame needs to be able to make fine adjustments to its position once there. The initial positioning of the frame with the turbine assembly, once in the vicinity of the assembly, is achieved by actuation of thrusters 22 mounted to the frame, In the example shown in Fig.2, the thrusters for manoeuvring the frame when docking with a powertrain 12 of a submerged turbine assembly are mounted either side of the cross beam 14, on a support 25. This has the advantage of being close to the roll angle and pitch angle actuators 20, 21. However, the thrusters could be mounted on the rectangular frame 17, or the depending arms 19. Instead of a single pair of thrusters, multiple thrusters may be used, either unidirectional, or reversible thrusters. Ideally, the frame is lowered as near as possible to the powertrain from a ship positioned above the powertrain, due account having been taken of the prevailing tidal flow direction and the arms 19 fit down either side of the powertrain to meet with the couplings on the support or housing. In practice though, the frame may not be properly aligned or positioned, due to differences in the actual and estimated flow, or localised turbulence, at which point, fine control of the frame location is required, The effect of the current, or other turbulence in the region may cause pitch, or roll of the frame with respect to the alignment of the turbine on the pile, Control of the orientation of the frame and its movement relative to the turbine assembly may be by means of a remote connection, for example along a cable from the ship, or under control of a controller mounted to the frame in a waterproof housing. For a frame mounted controller, from inputs received from one or more sensors 26, 27 on the frame or the turbine assembly, information about location and orientation may be derived and appropriate control signals generated to cause actuators 21, 20 for pitch or roll correction to operate, or to operate the couplings 18 between the frame and the turbine assembly. Alteration of the frame pitch angle is particularly useful in compensating between centre of gravity and centre of buoyancy when the powertrain crosses the air to water boundary, as well as for aligning the frame with the powertrain when docking the frame prior to retrieval of the turbine assembly.
The sensors may be optical sensors 26, or other means in the case of providing visual feedback to a surface operator to assess alignment and position, such as frame mounted cameras and lighting. Location devices may be used to provide information.
For example, GPS on the ship, may be used to fix the position of the ship and then submerged positioning technology is used to locate the lift frame and/or turbine position relative to the ship, thus providing an absolute position. Alternatively, passive or active RFID tags 27, for example located in the connection points on the powertrain housing, or on the support, may be used to provide location information, A digital clinometer 28 installed on the main beam 14 may be used to provide information for adjustment of the pitch or roll angle of the frame, From this, a control signal sent to an actuator on the main beam, such as in the main beam to lift line connection, adjusts the pitch of the frame, or a signal to an actuator of the roll angle adjustment mechanism cause a change in the roll angle. Another option is to use local accelerometers 29 on the frame, in combination with the control system, to allow automatic positional keeping or stabilisation from turbulence forces.
The frame is suspended by the lift line 5, so does not have to be mutually buoyant. If the frame is designed to have a high weight to drag ratio, for example, of the order of weight being five times larger than drag force, then the frame can be deployed in higher current velocities than ROVs, which must be mutually buoyant.
As described above, the attitude, orientation and position of the frame may be adjusted by an operator on the surface, or by an onboard control system and by means of the thmsters and actuators changes can be made as required to correctly align the frame and the powertrain for connection, In addition to the stability provided by the weight of the lift frame i.e. the high weight to drag ratio, use of the thmsters and use of pitch and roll control provides further mitigation for the effects of turbulence, hence unwanted frame movement, during alignment and docking operations.
The present invention allows for cost effective and relatively low risk installation and retrieval of submersible tidal stream turbines on the seabed or a supporting structure by lowering from a surface vessel. The invention increases the time available to lift the tidal turbine power train as the location of the lift frame can commence in advance of slack water due to the inherently higher flow rates at which the frame can operate as compared with traditional ROYs. The additional time period, making frill use of the slack water, is particularly valuable for tidal turbines which are specifically located in strong tidal flows. The lifting operation is made simpler and safer by eliminating ROVs and their support systems and the reduction in complexity and increased time window for the main lifting process makes the overall operation less risky. If need be, the additional time available allows the operation to be reversed in the event of a problem occurring, further reducing risk.

Claims (10)

  1. CLAIMSL A submersible turbine assembly lift frame, the frame comprising a propulsion device, remotely operable pitch angle adjuster, a remotely operable roll angle adjuster and a remotely operable coupling for coupling the frame to the turbine assembly.
  2. 2. A frame according to claim I, wherein the frame comprises a rigid rectangular framework, from two parallel edges of which rigid arms depend.
  3. 3. A frame according to claim t or claim 2, wherein the remotely operable coupling is mounted on the rigid arms.
  4. 4. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the remotely operable coupling comprises one or more hydraulic shackles.
  5. 5. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein remotely operable coupling connectors are provided on a powertrain housing or support.
  6. 6. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame further comprises an on-board controller to control the propulsion device, pitch angle adjuster, roll angle adjuster and remotely operable coupling.
  7. 7. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame further comprises a lift cable coupling.
  8. 8. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the buoyancy of the frame is variable.
  9. 9. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame further comprises on-board sensors.
  10. 10. A method of retrieving a submerged turbine assembly, the method comprising lowering a frame according to any preceding claim towards the assembly; obtaining information relating to the orientation and location relative to the turbine assembly; controlling operation of the thrusters, roll and pitch angle adjusters to bring the frame to a desired location about the turbine assembly; activating actuators to couple the frame to the turbine assembly; and lifting the turbine assembly on a lift cable attached to the frame.A method according to claim 10, wherein the method further comprises modifying the buoyancy of the frame in order to bring it to the desired location.Amendments to the Claims have been filed as follows:-CLAIMSL A submersible turbine assembly lift frame, the frame comprising a propulsion device, remotely operable pitch angle adjuster, a remotely operable roll angle adjuster and a remotely operable coupling for coupling the frame to the turbine assembly.2. A frame according to claim I, wherein the frame comprises a rigid rectangular framework, from two parallel edges of which rigid arms depend.3. A frame according to claim t or claim 2, wherein the remotely operable coupling is mounted on the rigid arms.4. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the remotely operable coupling comprises one or more hydraulic shackles.5. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame further comprises I"." an on-board controller to control the propulsion device, pitch angle adjuster, roll angle adjuster and remotely operable coupling.6. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame fUrther comprises a lift cable coupling.7. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the buoyancy of the frame is variable.8. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame further comprises on-board sensors.9. A powertrain housing or support comprising remotely operable coupling connectors adapted to couple a frame according to any preceding claim to the turbine assembly.10. A method of retrieving a submerged turbine assembly, the method comprising lowering a frame according to any preceding claim towards the assembly; obtaining information relating to the orientation and location relative to the turbine assembly; controlling operation of the thrusters, roll and pitch angle adjusters to bring the frame to a desired location about the turbine assembly; activating actuators to couple the frame to the turbine assembly; and lifting the turbine assembly on a lift cable attached to the frame 11, A method according to claim 10, wherein the method further comprises modifying the buoyancy of the frame in order to bring it to the desired location, (4
GB1401186.0A 2014-01-24 2014-01-24 Lifting frame Withdrawn GB2522444A (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1401186.0A GB2522444A (en) 2014-01-24 2014-01-24 Lifting frame
PCT/EP2015/050809 WO2015110364A1 (en) 2014-01-24 2015-01-16 Submersible lift frame

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1401186.0A GB2522444A (en) 2014-01-24 2014-01-24 Lifting frame

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201401186D0 GB201401186D0 (en) 2014-03-12
GB2522444A true GB2522444A (en) 2015-07-29

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1401186.0A Withdrawn GB2522444A (en) 2014-01-24 2014-01-24 Lifting frame

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2522444A (en)
WO (1) WO2015110364A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3339629A1 (en) * 2016-12-21 2018-06-27 Openhydro IP Limited A hydroelectric turbine deployment and recovery system and method

Citations (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS59143887A (en) * 1983-02-02 1984-08-17 若松港湾工業株式会社 Lifting hook device for installing underwater structure
US20110155682A1 (en) * 2008-07-11 2011-06-30 Matthias Grassow Lifting device for the installation and service of an underwater power plant
GB2496608A (en) * 2011-11-15 2013-05-22 Subsea 7 Ltd Apparatus and method for lifting a payload from an underwater location
DE102012010019A1 (en) * 2012-05-22 2013-11-28 Axzion Gks Stahl + Maschinenbau Gmbh Load carrying equipment i.e. cross element, for assembling propeller blade, of wind turbine outside of building, has wing-shaped air deflector panel regulating pre-defined layer by change of position based on environmental conditions

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB9927624D0 (en) * 1999-11-24 2000-01-19 Slingsby Engineering Ltd Remotely controlled submersible vehicle for subsea tooling
US8297214B2 (en) * 2010-08-31 2012-10-30 Lotz Jeffrey Paul Remotely operated submersible vehicle
US20120282064A1 (en) * 2011-05-02 2012-11-08 John Anthony Payne Apparatus and methods of positioning a subsea object
FR2980221B1 (en) * 2011-09-19 2013-10-25 Sabella SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FIXING A HYDROLENE, AND HYDRAULIC ENERGY RECOVERY ASSEMBLY USING SUCH A SYSTEM
GB2514773B (en) * 2013-06-03 2015-05-20 Andritz Hydro Hammerfest Uk Ltd Underwater turbine installation apparatus and methods

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS59143887A (en) * 1983-02-02 1984-08-17 若松港湾工業株式会社 Lifting hook device for installing underwater structure
US20110155682A1 (en) * 2008-07-11 2011-06-30 Matthias Grassow Lifting device for the installation and service of an underwater power plant
GB2496608A (en) * 2011-11-15 2013-05-22 Subsea 7 Ltd Apparatus and method for lifting a payload from an underwater location
DE102012010019A1 (en) * 2012-05-22 2013-11-28 Axzion Gks Stahl + Maschinenbau Gmbh Load carrying equipment i.e. cross element, for assembling propeller blade, of wind turbine outside of building, has wing-shaped air deflector panel regulating pre-defined layer by change of position based on environmental conditions

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Publication number Publication date
WO2015110364A1 (en) 2015-07-30
GB201401186D0 (en) 2014-03-12

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