Systems, Methods And Assemblies For Supplying Power To An Offshore Facility

Abstract

The present invention is directed to processes and systems that use wave energy to drive one or more air turbines associated with an offshore facility, wherein such turbines can generate electrical power for use on the offshore facility and/or adjacent facilities and equipment. The offshore facility can be an offshore platform or a floating vessel. The turbine can be housed within a structural member of the facility or a tubular member suspended from the facility. The turbine can also be housed within a tubular member connected to a structural member of the facility.

1 . A method for producing power from wave energy for use on an offshore facility, the method comprising the steps of:
 a) positioning a tubular member associated with an offshore facility in communication with the water, the tubular member having an opening for waves from the water to enter in exit the tubular member, the inward/outward flow of water raises and lowers the water level in the tubular member thereby defining an oscillating water column within the tubular member and thereby effecting pressure changes in the air residing above the water in column;   b) utilizing the pressure changes in the air above the oscillating water column to drive a turbine that is coupled with an electric power-generating device so as to generate electric power; and   c) using the electric power to power devices on the offshore facility.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular member is suspended from the facility. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular member is formed in a structural support of the facility. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , where:
 the facility is an offshore oil platform; and   the tubular member is formed in a structural support of the facility.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , where:
 the facility is an offshore oil platform; and   the tubular member is suspended from the platform.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , where:
 the facility is an offshore oil platform; and   the tubular member connected to a structural support of the platform.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , where:
 the facility is a floating vessel; and   the tubular member is formed in a structural support of the facility.   
     
     
         8 . A system for producing power from wave energy for use on an offshore facility, comprising:
 an offshore facility having a tubular member positioned adjacent a water level, the tubular member having a columnar volume with an opening at sea level;   an oscillating water column within the columnar volume of the tubular member, the oscillating water column having an oscillating water level, the water level in the column being raised and lowered by wave-induced flow of water into and out of the common opening;   a variable volume of air above the water level;   a turbine housed in the columnar volume of tubular member above the water level and variable volume of air, the turbine rotates in response to changes in the air volume above the water level;   a rotating alternator driven by the turbine;   an air opening located above the turbine; and   a power cable connected to the rotating alternator that communicates electrical power to one or more electrical devices associated with the facility.   
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the tubular member is suspended from the facility. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the tubular member is formed in a structural support of the facility. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 8 , where:
 the facility is an offshore oil platform; and   the tubular member is formed in a structural support of the facility.   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 8 , where:
 the facility is an offshore oil platform; and   the tubular member is suspended from the platform.   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 8 , where:
 the facility is an offshore oil platform; and   the tubular member connected to a structural support of the platform.   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 8 , where:
 the facility is a floating vessel; and   the tubular member is formed in a structural support of the facility.   
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein a plurality of turbines are housed within the columnar volume of tubular member above the water level and variable volume of air. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein there are a plurality of tubular members with each tubular member a columnar volume and a turbine housed therein. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein:
 there are a plurality of tubular members with each tubular member a columnar volume; and   there are a plurality of turbines are housed within each of the columnar volumes above the water level.   
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the tubular member further comprises an air opening formed above the turbine. 
     
     
         19 . A system for producing power from wave energy for use on an offshore facility, comprising:
 a) an offshore facility having a support structure, the support structure having a columnar volume with a first opening at water level;   b) an oscillating water column within the columnar volume of the support structure, the oscillating water column having an oscillating water level, the water level being raised and lowered by wave-induced flow of water into and out of the first opening;   c) a variable volume of air above the water level, the variable volume varying in response to oscillation of the water level;   d) a turbine housed in the columnar volume of the support structure above the water level and variable volume of air, the turbine rotates in response to changes in the variable volume;   e) a rotating alternator driven by the turbine;   f) an air opening located above the turbine; and   g) a power take-off cable connected to the rotating alternator to power or more electrical devices associated with the facility.