System and method for the deployment of a hydroelectric turbine

Abstract

The present invention is concerned with a system and method for the deployment of a hydroelectric turbine, and comprises a base and vessel beneath which the base can be secured, and to which base, from above deck, a hydroelectric turbine can be secured to the base and subsequently released with the base from the vessel.

1 . A hydroelectric turbine deployment system comprising a base ( 12 ) and a hydroelectric turbine ( 10 ) supportable on the base ( 12 ); a marine vessel ( 14 ) adapted to releasably retain, when afloat, the base ( 12 ) therebeneath; wherein the vessel ( 14 ) is adapted to allow the base ( 12 ) to be released and lowered away from, and/or raised under and connected to, the vessel ( 14 ); and in which the base ( 12 ) comprises a support ( 32 ) which projects, when the base ( 12 ) is connected beneath the vessel ( 14 ), upwardly through the vessel ( 14 ); characterised in that the vessel ( 14 ) comprises a portal ( 30 ) through which the support ( 32 ) projects when the base ( 12 ) is mounted beneath the vessel ( 14 ) and through which the support mounted turbine ( 10 ) can pass. 
   
   
       2 . A hydroelectric turbine deployment system according to  claim 1  in which the vessel ( 14 ) comprises load bearing means ( 24 ) adapted to raise and/or lower the base ( 12 ) relative to the vessel ( 14 ). 
   
   
       3 . A hydroelectric turbine deployment system according to  claim 2  in which the load bearing means ( 24 ) comprises one or more winches ( 24 ). 
   
   
       4 . A hydroelectric turbine deployment system according to  claim 1  which the vessel ( 14 ) comprises at least a pair of hulls ( 26 ) connected together. 
   
   
       5 . A hydroelectric turbine deployment system according to  claim 1  in which the system is adapted to enable ballast to be secured to the base ( 12 ) when the base ( 12 ) is secured beneath the vessel ( 14 ). 
   
   
       6 . A hydroelectric turbine deployment system according to  claim 1  which the vessel ( 14 ) is modular. 
   
   
       7 . A method of deploying a hydroelectric turbine ( 10 ) comprising the steps of;
 securing a base ( 12 ) for the turbine ( 10 ) beneath a vessel ( 14 );   securing the turbine ( 10 ) to a support ( 32 ) of the base ( 12 ) which projects upwardly through the vessel ( 14 );   transporting the vessel to a deployment site;   releasing the base from beneath the vessel;   characterised in that in the step of releasing the base from beneath the vessel, allowing the turbine to pass through the vessel.   
   
   
       8 . A method according to  claim 7  comprising, in the step of securing the base ( 12 ), locating the base ( 12 ) on the bottom of a body of water;
 positioning the vessel ( 14 ) above the base ( 12 );   and raising the base ( 12 ) into position beneath the vessel ( 14 ).   
   
   
       9 . A method according to  claim 8  comprising the step of securing one or more lifting lines ( 20 ) to the base ( 12 ) prior to locating the base ( 12 ) on the bottom of the body of water. 
   
   
       10 . A method according to  claim 8  or  9  comprising, in the step of raising the base ( 12 ) into position beneath the vessel ( 14 ), utilizing load bearing means ( 24 ) on the vessel ( 14 ). 
   
   
       11 . A method according to  claim 7  comprising the further step of adding ballast to the base ( 12 ) subsequent to securing the base ( 12 ) beneath the vessel ( 14 ). 
   
   
       12 . A method according to  claim 7  comprising securing the support ( 32 )to the base ( 12 ) subsequent to securing the base ( 12 ) beneath the vessel ( 14 ). 
   
   
       13 . A method according to  claim 7  comprising the further step of testing various operating parameters of the base ( 12 ) and/or turbine ( 10 ) at a test location prior to deploying the base ( 12 ) at the deployment site.