FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for mooring of and supply electrical
power to a vessel, the system comprising a mooring buoy, a mooring connection being
a combined mooring and electrical connection by comprising a mooring line and an electric
conductive cable for supply of said electrical power and a retractable vessel connector
provided at an end of the mooring connection, wherein the vessel connector is a combined
mooring connector and electrical connector. The system further comprising or involves
a gripping device arranged on a vessel wherein the gripping device is configured to
grip and lock said vessel connector to moor said vessel to said mooring buoy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Floating vessels, such as ships, are from time to time in a waiting position, such
as waiting for entering a harbour or anchored up while waiting for guests, typically
for cruise ships, and staff to board or un-board and/or cargo to be loaded or unloaded.
During such periods of time, the vessel is still in need for powering various electrically
powered equipment, as climate control, communications, entertainment, lighting, refrigeration,
water desalination and treatment etc. Such power load is typically referred to as
hotel electrical power.
[0003] Such vessels typically have two sets of engines, one for propulsion of the vessel
and another, often referred to as an auxiliary engine(s), for driving and electrical
generator providing electrical power to cover the hotel electrical power, where the
motor used for propulsion is shut-down while the engine driving the electrical generator
is running during waiting periods. During such waiting periods the vessel typically
is anchored up, which anchoring may be assisted by a positioning system using electrically
driven thrusters to maintain the vessel in a desired position, e.g. with the bow facing
wind and/or waves.
[0004] While the use of the auxiliary engine(s) does provide a workable solution, some of
the drawbacks of the solution are excessive emission of exhaust gasses and storage
of fuel which takes up storage capacity of the vessel.
[0005] Since the auxiliary engines drives an electrical generator it may be tempting to
seek a solution in which the electrical power is supplied from a different electrical
source than the auxiliary engines driving the generator, which different electrical
source is external to the vessel.
[0006] Such a different source may be a wind turbine farm, an inland placed power production
facility or even an off-shore power cable transporting electrical power over sea.
[0007] Moreover, charging of electrical power is also relevant for vessels which are partly
(hybrid), mainly or solely driven by electric propulsion means such as electric ferries,
electric cargo vessels and the like. In this case, there is a need for power supply
to charge electric power storage means on the vessel such as batteries by an electrical
source external to the vessel. Charging facilities for such vessels can be distributed
at strategic geographic locations in order to guarantee charging possibilities along
a vessel's travel route in or between harbours. From a logistic point of view, charging
facilities for charging of batteries can typically be arranged in vicinity to shore
or offshore based wind turbine farms to make use of the generated renewable energy.
However, also other sources for electric power may be used and supplied at these charging
points.
[0008] While it may be tempting to provide electrical power to the vessel from one or more
of such different sources, such a connection requires a cabled connection to be onboarded
the ship and connected to the electrical consuming equipment onboard the vessel.
[0009] When considering connecting the vessel to an external electrical source one is faced
with the problem of mooring the vessel in manner that does not interfere with the
electrical connection and vice versa. At the same time, safety for persons handling
the mooring and electrical connection has to be taken into consideration.
[0010] Hence, an improved mooring of and electrical connection to a vessel would be advantageous,
and in particular a more efficient and/or reliable mooring of and electrical connection
to a vessel would be advantageous.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In particular, it may be seen as an object of the present invention to provide a
mooring of and electrical connection to a vessel that solves one or more of the above-mentioned
problems.
[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an alternative to the
prior a rt.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Thus, the above described object and several other objects are intended to be obtained
in a first aspect of the invention by providing a system for mooring of and supply
electrical power to a vessel, the system preferably comprises:
- a mooring buoy being configured to float on a sea surface and to be anchored to a
seabed;
- a mooring connection being a combined mooring and electrical connection by comprising
a mooring line and an electric conductive cable for supply of said electrical power,
wherein said mooring line is configured to take-up tension arising from a vessel being
moored to said mooring buoy by use of the mooring connection while essentially no
mooring tension is applied to the electrical conductive cable, said mooring line is
preferably connected to said mooring buoy or anchored to the seabed at the seabed;
- a retractable vessel connector provided at an end of the mooring connection, said
vessel connector being a combined mooring connector and electrical connector, and
- a gripping device arranged on a vessel, said gripping device being configured to grip
and lock said vessel connector to moor said vessel to said mooring buoy or to the
seabed.
[0014] By embodiments according to the first aspect, the mooring and provision of electrical
connection have been made safe and easy. As mooring and electrical connection may
be viewed as only requiring that the vessel connector is brought onboard the vessel
and to the gripping device, risk involved in handling a mooring line and electrical
conductive cable independently has been mitigated. Thus, the connection point for
the electric cable and the mooring is in the same place and no additional mooing means
for the connector are needed when the connector is locked by the gripping device.
[0015] In preferred embodiments, the vessel connector may have an electrical plug and/or
electrical socket to which the electric conductive cable may be electrically connected.
[0016] In preferred embodiments, the mooring connection may further comprise a tubular jacket
preferably enclosing at least a section of the mooring line and the electric conductive
cable. Such a tubular jacket may preferably extend from vessel connector.
[0017] In preferred embodiments, the mooring line and the electric conductive cable may
be co-axially arranged with electric conductive cable arranged inside said mooring
line.
[0018] In preferred embodiments, the mooring line and the electric conductive cable may
be arranged side-by-side preferably without being intertwined and/or meshed.
[0019] In preferred embodiments, the gripping device may comprise one or more engaging element(s)
preferably configured to engage the vessel connector to grip and lock said vessel
connector.
[0020] Preferably, the engaging element may be retractable from a first position where it
engages said vessel connector to a second position where it does not engage said vessel
connector. Such a retraction may be a reciprocating movement.
[0021] In preferred embodiments the engaging element(s) may comprise a chain stopper. Such
a chain stopper may be a chain stopper used for engaging an anchor chain of a conventional
anchor. In preferred embodiments, the engaging element(s) the gripping device may
be a fork, a gripper, a hook with release function such as a towing hook, a smit or
a towing bracket.
[0022] In preferred embodiments, the gripping device may be arranged at a deck position
of the vessel, said deck position is preferably a position on a weather deck, preferably
at the bow of the vessel. However, the gripping device may be arranged at other suitable
positions of the vessel.
[0023] In preferred embodiments, the system may further comprise a winch preferably configured
to reel-in a rope, cord, cable, wire or the like connected to said vessel connector.
Preferably, such a winch may be positioned relatively to the gripping device so that
the winch upon reeling-in pulls the vessel connector to the gripping device.
[0024] In preferred embodiments, the vessel connector may further comprise a pick-up line
connected to the vessel connector. Such a pick-up line may preferably be dimensioned
to allow for the vessel connector to be hoisted or winched on-board said vessel. In
preferred embodiments, the pick-up line may have a positive buoyancy and/or being
provided with buoyancy elements to prevent fully submerge of the pick-up line, when
the pick-up line is in water.
[0025] In preferred embodiments, the vessel connector may have a longitudinal axis along
which the vessel connector extends, a proximal end from which the mooring connection
extends towards the mooring buoy and a distal end opposite the proximal end. Preferably,
the vessel connector may comprise at a distance from the proximal end an elongate
section preferably comprising a protrusion arranged closer to the distal end than
the elongate section, and the gripping device may comprise two prongs dimensioned
and shaped to receive the elongate section while preventing the protrusion to pass
in-between the prongs.
[0026] In preferred embodiments, the vessel connector may have a longitudinal axis along
which the vessel connector extends, a proximal end from which the mooring connection
extends towards the mooring buoy and a distal end opposite the proximal end, wherein
the vessel connector may comprise an outwardly tapering section extending from the
proximal end towards the distal end. Preferably, the outwardly tapering section may
have a smallest cross section at the proximal end.
[0027] In preferred embodiments, the vessel connector may comprise a shell construction
preferably defining at least an outer contour or an outer shell of the vessel connector.
Preferably, such a shell construction may comprise an interior placed mechanical connection
point or area to which the mooring line may be mechanically connected, and an interior
placed electrical connection point or area to which cords of the electrical conductive
cable may be electrically connected. In preferred embodiments, the vessel connector
may be rotational symmetric around a longitudinal axis of the vessel connector.
[0028] In preferred embodiments, the mooring buoy may comprise a floatable body preferably
having a vertical through-going opening, as viewed from a position with the mooring
buoy floating on a horizontal sea surface. Preferably, the vessel connector and the
vertically through-going opening may be mutually shaped and dimensioned to releasable
accommodate at least a part of the vessel connector in said vertical through-going
opening.
[0029] In preferred embodiments, an upper section of the through-going opening may be funnel
shaped preferably with a decreasing cross section in downward direction of the vertical
through-going opening.
[0030] In preferred embodiments, the mooring line may extend in its retractable position
in a loop a distance downwards through the through the vertical through-going opening.
[0031] In preferred embodiments, the floating body may comprise fastening elements, preferably
arranged on an underside of the floatable body for fastening anchor lines to the floatable
body, wherein the anchor lines are used to anchor the floating body.
[0032] In preferred embodiments, the buoyancy of the mooring buoy may be larger than the
total gravitational forces of the mooring buoy, the vessel connector and preferably
also the mooring connection.
[0033] In second aspect, the invention relates to a vessel connector having a longitudinal
axis along which the vessel connector extends, a proximal end configured to receive
a mooring connection and a distal end opposite the proximal end. Preferably,
- the vessel connector may comprise at a distance from the proximal end an elongate
section preferably comprising a protrusion arranged closer to the distal end than
the elongate section, said protrusion being configured to co-operate with a gripping
device preferably comprising two prongs dimensioned and shaped to receive the elongate
section while preventing the protrusion two pass in-between the prongs.
[0034] In preferred embodiments the elongated section may be flexible/bendable.
[0035] In a third aspect, the invention relates to a method preferably comprising:
- providing a system according to the first aspect at an off-shore position and anchoring
the mooring buoy to the seabed;
- connecting the electrical conductive cable to an electric power supply;
- navigating a vessel to position in close proximity to the off-shore position to allow
access from the vessel to the vessel connector;
- hoisting or winch the vessel connector on-board a vessel and to the gripping device;
- engage the gripping device to grip the vessel connector;
- connect the electric conductive cable to a distribution board of the vessel, which
distribution board is preferably configured to distribute electrical power to one
or more electrical power consuming devices on-board the vessel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0036] The present invention and in particular preferred embodiments thereof will now be
described in more detail with regard to the accompanying figures. The figures show
ways of implementing the present invention and are not to be construed as being limiting
to other possible embodiments falling within the scope of the attached claim set.
Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a system for mooring of and supply of electrical
power to a vessel. The vessel connector is illustrated positioned in the mooring buoy,
with the interior placed part of the vessel connector and the through going opening
in the mooring buoy illustrated by grey lines. In addition, an enlarged cross section
view along A-A of fig. 1 is provided illustrating details of the mooring connection
extending downwards from the vessel connector;
Figure 2 illustrates the vessel connector of the first embodiment;
Figure 3 illustrates the vessel connector of the first embodiments being winched into
a gripping device (Fig. 3A) and gripped in the gripping device (Fig. 3B);
Figure 4 schematically illustrates typical steps involved in mooring of and supply
electrical power to a vessel according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 schematically illustrates typically steps involved in mooring of a supply
electrical power to vessel according to the preferred embodiment of fig. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] Reference is made to fig. 1 illustrating a first embodiment of a system for mooring
of and supply electrical power to a vessel. As illustrated, the system comprises a
mooring buoy 1 being configured to float on a sea surface and to be anchored to a
seabed. The mooring buoy 1 is typically anchored to the seabed by the anchor lines
34 which at the seabed may be connected to one or more anchoring devices, such as
weights of substantial mass allowing the mooring buoy 1 to maintain a substantially
stationary position when a vessel is moored to the buoy 1.
[0038] The system further comprising a mooring connection 2. Such a mooring connection 2
is in the illustrated embodiment configured to be a combined mooring line and electrical
connection by the mooring connection 2 comprising a mooring line 3 and an electric
conductive cable 4. The mooring line 3 is configured to take-up tension arising from
a vessel being moored to the mooring buoy 1 by use of the mooring connection 2 while
essentially no mooring tension is applied to the electrical conductive cable 4. Such
a take-up of tension by the mooring line 3 is typically provided by that the mooring
line 3 and the electrical conductive cable 4 are not connected in manner where tension
can be transferred from the mooring line 3 to the electrical cable 4.
[0039] The mooring line connection 2 is an elongate element and the mooring line 3 is in
the illustrated embodiment connected to the mooring buoy at an end to the mooring
buoy 1. This is perhaps most clearly visible in fig. 5 wherein the mooring line 3
extends downward from the vessel connector 7 in a loop below the mooring boy 1 by
being connected at one end to the mooring boy 1. The connection of the mooring line
3 to the mooring buoy 1 is made sufficiently strong to withstanding forces arising
from a vessel being moored to the buoy 1 through the mooring line 3. In other embodiments,
the mooring line 3 may be anchored to the seabed at the seabed.
[0040] The system also comprises a vessel connector 7 (Fig. 1 and 2). This vessel connector
7 is typically provided at an end of the mooring connection 2. The vessel connector
7 serves at least two purposes namely of being a combined mooring connector and electrical
connector, where the mooring connector is used to moor a vessel and the electrical
connector is used to supply electricity to the vessel.
[0041] It is to be noted, that although the disclosure herein has focussed on supplying
the vessel with electrical power, the invention can also be used to use a vessel to
supply electrical power to off-shore devices, such as ROV or other vessels. In addition
to providing electrical power, the invention may also be used for supplying signals,
such as a data signal. Although such data may be transferred by use of the electrical
conductive cable, a separate data cable, such as an optical fibre or an electrical
conductive cable may be applied. In such embodiments, the separate data cable is typically
combined into the combined mooring and electrical connection.
[0042] A gripping device 13 is arranged on a vessel 14 to moor and the gripping device 13
is configured to grip and lock said vessel connector 7 to moor the vessel 14 to the
mooring buoy 1 (Fig 3 A and B).
[0043] The electric conductive cable has typically a length being longer than the mooring
line 3, and extends from a power source via the mooring buoy 1. It is to be noted
that the electric conductive cable does not necessarily extend uninterrupted from
the electrical power source as it may be connected to a distribution device 37 (see
fig. 4) for distributing electrical power to a number of systems for mooring and supply
of electrical power to a vessel as disclosed herein. In such embodiments, the distribution
device 37 is connected to an electrical power source. Such an electrical power source
may be a wind turbine, such as a wind turbine farm or any other electrical source
or producing system. The electrical power source may positioned off-shore or on-shore.
[0044] As illustrated in fig. 1 and 2, the vessel connector 7 being connected to the mooring
line 3 at the end of the mooring connection 2. It is to be noted that the mooring
connection 2 may extend into the vessel connector 7, as most clearly visible in fig.
2.
[0045] To connect the electric conductive cable to the vessel, the vessel connector 7 comprises
an electrical plug and/or electrical socket 12 to which the electric conductive cable
4 is electrically connected. The plug and/or socket 12 is typically arranged behind
a water tight and openable cover to avoid water to get into contact with the plug
and/or socket 12.
[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the mooring connection 2 has a tubular jacket 15 enclosing
at least a section of the mooring line 3 and the electric conductive cable 4. The
tubular jacket 15 extends a distance from vessel connector 7. The tubular jacket 15
is typically dimensioned so that the mooring line 3 and the electric conductive cable
4 can move substantially freely of each other inside the tubular jacket 15 whereby
the tubular jacket 15 may serve as a protective element for the mooring line and electric
conductive cable while assembling the mooring line and electrical conductive cable
into an assembled element for easy handling.
[0047] The mooring line 3 and the electric conductive cable 4 may be co-axially arranged
with electric conductive cable 4 arranged inside said mooring line 3 (or vice versa).
In such embodiments, it is generally preferred that the electric conductive cable
4 and the mooring line 3 are dimensioned relatively to each other to allow the two
elements to move relatively to each other in their longitudinal directions to avoid
a tension carried by the mooring line 3 at least during mooring being transferred
to the electric conductive cable 4.
[0048] In another embodiment (see fig. 2) the mooring line 3 and the electric conductive
cable 4 are arranged side-by-side preferably without being intertwined and/or meshed.
To make such a side-by-side configuration an assembled element, a tubular jacket 15
as disclosed above may be provided (see also fig. 1, enlarged cross section A-A).
[0049] Reference is now made to fig. 3A and 3B illustrating inter alia a preferred embodiment
of a gripping device 13. As illustrated the gripping device 13 comprising a retractable
engaging element 16 where the engaging element 16 being retractable from a first position
where it engages said vessel connector 7 to a second position where it does not engage
vessel connector 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the engaging element 16 is configured
to reciprocate between a position where it does not engage the vessel connector 7,
illustrated in fig. 3A, and a position where it does engage. In preferred embodiments,
the non-engaging position is a position where the engaging element 16 is retracted
to a lower position such as towards or even below deck level of the vessel.
[0050] The gripping device 13 is preferably arranged at a deck position of the vessel, said
deck position is preferably a position on a weather deck, preferably at the bow of
the vessel. The position is typically the position at which the vessel would be moored
when moored e.g. to a quay.
[0051] Alternative engaging elements 16 of the gripping device 13 can typically be a chain
stopper, a fork, a gripper, a hook with release function such as a towing hook, a
smit or a towing bracket.
[0052] As also illustrated in fig. 3A and 3B, the system may further comprise a winch 17
configured to reel-in a rope, cord, cable, wire or the like connected to said vessel
connector 7, which in fig. 3A and 3B is illustrated by a pick-up line 28. The pick-up
line 28 is also shown in fig. 1 and the intended use of the pick-up line 28 is to
hoist the vessel connector 7 onboard the vessel and into the gripping device, first
by picking up the pick-up line 28 and subsequently reel it in by use of the winch
17. Accordingly, the winch 17 is preferably positioned relatively to the gripping
device 13 so that the winch upon reeling-in pulls the vessel connector 7 to the gripping
device 13.
[0053] The pick-up line 28 connected to the vessel connector is accordingly, preferably
dimensioned to allow for the vessel connector 2 to be hoisted or winched on-board
said vessel. Preferably, the pick-up line 28 has a positive buoyancy and/or being
provided with buoyancy elements 29 (see fig. 1) to prevent fully submerge of the pick-up
line 28, when the pick-up line 28 is in water.
[0054] As perhaps most clearly seen from fig. 1, the vessel connector 7 has a longitudinal
axis 19 along which the vessel connector 7 extends, a proximal end 20 from which the
mooring connection 2 respectively extends to the mooring point (e.g. seabed or mooring
buoy) and to the electrical power source and a distal end 21 opposite the proximal
end 20. In the disclosed embodiments, the outer contour of vessel connector 7 is rotational
symmetric about the longitudinal axis 19, although the invention is not limited to
such symmetric shapes.
[0055] It is generally preferred to provide the vessel connector 7 with a positive buoyancy
so as to allow it for floating on the sea surface. Depending on the buoyancy of the
mooring line 3 and the electric conductive cable 4, the buoyancy provided to the vessel
connector 7 may be sufficient to prevent the mooring line 3 and/or the electrical
conductive cable from submerging the vessel connector 7. In other embodiments, the
mooring line 3 and/or the electrical conductive cable 4 may be provided with buoyancy
providing elements.
[0056] The vessel connector 7 has at a distance from the proximal end 20 an elongate section
22 comprising a protrusion 23 arranged closer to the distal end 21 than the elongate
section 22. The elongate section 22 is preferably a straight section having a uniform
cross sectional diameter along the elongate section, but other shapes may be used
such as tapering shapes. The purpose of the straight elongate section 22 in combination
with protrusion 23 is to define an edge which can abut one or more elements of the
gripping device 13 when a pull is provided in the vessel connector 7 from the mooring
lines in a direction towards the mooring buoy 1. In a preferred embodiment, the elongated
section 22 can have a certain degree of flexibility/non-stiffness. This will allow
that this part of the connector can be bended during the raising and mooring operation
for example when lifting up the connector on the weather board of a vessel. This may
be provided by the elongate section 22 being made from rubber, such as steel reinforced
rubber.
[0057] In the embodiment shown in fig. 3A and 3B, the gripping device 13 comprising two
prongs 24 dimensioned and shaped to receive the elongate section while preventing
the protrusion 23 to pass in-between the prongs 24. As illustrated, the two prongs
24 defines an open ended funnel shaped upper section with a more narrow and straight
section below. The narrow section can accommodate the elongate section 22 while preventing
the protrusion 23 to pass through by the edge of the protrusion 23 abutting the prongs
24. Thereby, the vessel connector 7 is prevented from moving further in a direction
away from the winch 17 aligned with the longitudinal axis 19 than delimited by the
protrusion 23. During operation, the vessel connector 7 is pulled towards the gripping
device 13 by the winch 17 while the prongs 24 are in a retracted position allowing
the vessel connector to be positioned in a position allowing the prongs 24 to grip
the vessel connector 7 when moved upwards as shown in fig. 3B to engage the vessel
connector 7.
[0058] After the prongs 24 have engaged the vessel connector 7, the tension in the pick-up
line 28 may be released as now the gripping device is the tension carrying element.
Is it preferred to connect the electric conductive cable to provide power to the vessel
after the vessel connector 7 has been engaged and after the tension of the pick-up
line has been released. The advantage of this is a reduced risk for operating personal
avoiding to enter an area where a mooring line is tensioned. For example when connecting
the electrical cable.
[0059] The gripping device 13 is typically arranged at a position elevated relatively to
the mooring buoy 1 whereby the mooring connection 2 extend slanted downwardly from
the vessel towards the mooring buoy 1. In addition, the gripping device 13 is typically
arranged and dimension so that the longitudinal axis 19 of the vessel connector 7
is horizontal or substantially horizontal. By this, upward directed forces acting
on the vessel connector 7 is typically eliminated or at least mitigated to an extend
where there is no need for preventing the vessel connector 7 from moving upward in
the gripping element 13 whereby the mooring connection can be established by the prongs
moving upwardly.
[0060] The illustrated vessel connector 7 has an outwardly tapering section extending from
the proximal end 20 towards the distal end 21, wherein the outwardly tapering section
5 has a smallest cross section at the proximal end 20. By providing the vessel connector
7 with such an outwardly tapering section, the vessel connector 7 may show a self-centring
function when the vessel connector is arranged in an opening of the mooring buoy 1.
With reference to fig. 1 the vessel connector 7 is placed in such an opening 31 of
the mooring buoy 1 and due to the weight of the mooring connection 2 which extend
through the opening and the vessel connector 7, and the weight of the vessel connector
7, the vessel connector 7 is pulled by gravity into the opening 31. The opening 31
in the illustrated embodiment has a funnel shaped upper section assisting in placing
the vessel connector 7 in the opening 31.
[0061] In preferred embodiments, the vessel connector 7 comprising a shell construction
defining at least an outer contour or an outer shell of the vessel connector 7. The
shell construction is preferably selected to provide the vessel connector 7 a low
weight while still assuring sufficient strength to allow it to take-up mooring forces.
Reinforcement elements may be arranged inside the shell to increase mechanical strength.
The low weight may further provide a positive buoyancy to the vessel connector 7 preventing
it from sinking in case of being dropped on the sea.
[0062] As illustrated in fig. 2, the shell construction preferably has an interior placed
mechanical connection point or area 26 to which the mooring line 3 is mechanically
connected, and an interior placed electrical connection point or area 27 to which
cords of the electrical conductive cable 4 is electrically connected. An interior
electrical connection is provided between the electrical connection point or area
27 and the plug and/or socket 12.
[0063] The vessel connector 7 may have an access hatch 25 providing access to the interior
placed electrical connection point of area 27 from the outside of the vessel connector
7. Such a configuration has been found to be practical e.g. in case of replacing a
damaged electrical conductive cable and/or for providing space for manoeuvring cords
inside the vessel connector 7.
[0064] The mooring line 3 is selected in accordance with the required strength and length
to moor a vessel and non-limiting examples on mooring lines 3 are rope, cord, cable,
wire, chain or the like.
[0065] While the mooring buoy may be raised from the seabed by other means, the mooring
buoy 1 according to preferred embodiments comprises a floatable body 30. By floatable
body is typically meant that it floats due to buoyancy, which is the case for the
embodiment shown in fig. 1. As shown in fig. 1, the floatable body 30 has a vertical
through-going opening 31, as viewed from a position with the mooring buoy 1 floating
on a horizontal sea surface. The vessel connector 7 and the vertically through-going
opening 31 are mutually shaped and dimensioned to releasable accommodate at least
a part of the vessel connector 7 in said vertical through-going opening 31. By releasable
accommodated is typically meant that the vessel connector 7 can be pulled up from
its position in the through going-opening 31. The mooring buoy typically floats both,
when the vessel connector is retracted into the buoy or when moored to a vessel.
[0066] As illustrated in fig. 1, an upper section of the through-going opening may be funnel
shaped 32 with a decreasing cross section in downward direction of the vertical through-going
opening 31, which as disclosed above may assist the location of the vessel connector
7 in the through-going opening 31.
[0067] Since the mooring buoy 1 is to be used to moor a vessel, the mooring buoy 1 is in
some embodiments anchored to the seabed. In preferred embodiments, the anchoring is
made by anchoring the floating body 30 to the seabed and to this, the floating body
typically has fastening elements, such as an eye, arranged on an underside of the
floatable body 30 for fastening anchor lines 34 to the floatable body 30.
[0068] Preferably, the proximate end 8 of the mooring line is connected to the floating
body of the mooring buoy 1 as described above. In an alternative embodiment, the mooring
line may extend via the through-opening in the mooring buoy to the seabed or to a
fixed installation and is directly connected with its proximate end there. Thereby
the mooring line also serves as anchor line.
[0069] As it is preferred in many embodiments, that the mooring buoy 1 floats on the sea
surface, the buoyancy of the mooring buoy 1 is preferably made larger than the total
gravitational forces of anchoring chains, cables and the like of the mooring buoy
1 and the vessel connector 7. Depending on the buoyancy of the mooring line, the buoyancy
of the mooring buoy 1 may be made so that it also carries the load of the mooring
connection 2.
[0070] The invention also relates to a method of mooring and supply electrical power to
a vessel. In a preferred embodiment, such a method involves providing a system for
mooring and supply of electrical power, as disclosed herein, at an off-shore position
and anchoring the mooring buoy (1) to the seabed. Off-shore position is to be understood
in a broad context as it may be close to the coast, such as in a harbour or it may
be further away from the cost.
[0071] With the system provided, the electrical conductive cable 4 is connected to an electric
power supply (not shown in figures). It is noted that such an electrical connection
may be provided or even re-established before or after the mooring buoy 1 is anchored
to the seabed.
[0072] A vessel is navigated to a position in close proximity to the off-shore position
to allow access from the vessel to the vessel connector 7. With the vessel in this
position, the vessel connector 7 is hoisted or winched on-board vessel and to the
gripping device 13.
[0073] With the vessel connector 7 positioned in the gripping device 13, the gripping device
is engaged to grip the vessel connector 7, where after the vessel has been moored.
The winch or hoist used to pull the vessel connector 7 on-board winch or hoist may
now be released.
[0074] While the electrical conductive cable can be connected to provide power to the vessel
at essentially any time the vessel connector 7 is within reach of the vessel, it is
generally preferred to make the electrical connection after the vessel connector 7
has been gripped by the gripping device 13. The electrical connection is provided
by connecting the electric conductive cable 4 to a distribution board 36 of the vessel,
typically by use of cable 38 having plug(s) and/or socket(s) mating the plug(s) and/or
socket(s) of the vessel connector 7 and the distribution board 36 as shown in fig.
4. Such a distribution board 36 is typically configured to distribute electrical power
to one or more electrical power consuming devices and/or electric power storage on-board
the vessel. It is further preferred that the electrical cable is only supplied with
power from a power source when an electric connection has actually been established
on board of the vessel. The electric connector maybe washed with freshwater to remove
salt before the connecting.
[0075] It is generally preferred that the electrical conductive cable is not live but electrically
disconnectable from the power supply by an electrical switch (not illustrated) so
as to reduce the risk of electric shock during handling of inter alia the vessel connector
7 and during establishment of electrical connection onboard the vessel from the vessel
connector 7. Such an electrical switch may be positioned at various places, such as
on the buoy 1 or at a remote location, such as at the electrical power supply or other
locations. It may even be placed in or on the vessel connector 7. In embodiments where
the electrical switch is positioned remote from the vessel preventing manually activation
and deactivation, the electrically switch is typically remotely operated. Such a remote
operation may comprise transmitting an activation code or deactivation code (when
to disconnect the vessel connector 7) e.g. through the electric conductive cable or
data cable, an SMS, and via radio transmission. Security may be built into the transmission
of the codes such as an authentication protocol to avoid unintended activation and
deactivation.
[0076] Reference is made to fig. 4 schematically illustrating typical steps involved in
mooring and supply electrical power to a vessel 14 by use of a system according to
the present invention. It is noted that fig. 4 comprises figures 4A-L, where figs.
4A, B illustrate a vessel approaching the mooring buoy 1, and figs. 4C illustrates
the mooring buoy 1 floating on the water, and fig. 4D illustrates an optional distribution
device 37 for distributing electrical power to a number of systems for mooring and
providing electrical power to a vessel. Figs. 4E-L schematically illustrates different
stages during mooring and supply of electrical power to a vessel 14.
[0077] As perhaps most clearly visible in fig. 4B a system for mooring and supply of electrical
power to a vessel as otherwise disclosed herein is arranged at an off-shore position.
The mooring buoy 1 is anchored to the seabed by use anchoring lines 34.
[0078] The electrical conductive cable 4 is connected to an electric power supply (not illustrated).
In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical conductive cable 4 is connected to the
electrical power supply via an optional distribution device 37 having a not illustrated
electrical connection to the power supply.
[0079] As presented herein, it is generally preferred that the electrical conductive cable
is not live but electrically disconnectable from the power supply by an electrical
switch (not illustrated) so as to reduce the risk of electric shock during handling
of inter alia the vessel connector 7 and during establishment of electrical connection
onboard the vessel from the vessel connector 7.
[0080] Upon mooring and power supply, a vessel 14 is navigated to a position in close proximity
to the off-shore position of the mooring buoy 1 to allow access from the vessel to
the vessel connector 7.
[0081] With reference to fig. 4C such a position is typically a position where a pick-up
line 28 is within reach from the vessel 14. If a pick-up line 28 is not embodied,
the vessel is typically navigated to a position where the vessel connector 7 is within
reach from the vessel 14 and a pick-up line can be applied to the vessel connector
7. In the following, typical involved steps after having positioned the vessel are
disclosed.
[0082] As illustrated in fig. 4E a deckhand uses a boat hook to pick the pick-up line 28
and brings the pick-up line 28 onboard the vessel 14 (see fig. 4F). With the pickline
28 onboard, the pick-up line 28 is arranged in a winch 17 which winches, by reeling
in the pick-up line 28, the vessel connector 7 on-board the vessel 14 and to the gripping
device 13 as illustrated in fig. 4H. It is noted that the gripping device shown in
fig. 4 is illustrated in greater details in fig. 3A, B.
[0083] With the vessel connector 7 located in the gripping device 13, the gripping device
engages (as illustrated in fig. 3B) to grip the vessel connector 7. By this, the mooring
tension is now carried by the gripping device 13 and the tension in the pick-up line
28 can be released, if desired, as illustrated in fig. 4J.
[0084] The electric conductive cable 4 can now safely be connected to a distribution board
36 of the vessel. Such a distribution board 36 is typically configured to distribute
electrical power to one or more electrical power consuming devices and/or power storage
devices on-board the vessel. The connection is typically carried out by a cable 38
which may be guided from the distribution board 36 by a cable guide 39 to the moored
vessel connector 7. In embodiments, in which the electric conductive cable 4 is connected
to a power supply through an electrical switch, the switch is turned on.
[0085] Fig. 5 illustrates some of the steps disclosed in connection with fig. 4 seen in
a different perspective. Figs. 5A-5C illustrates that the deckhand pulls the pick-up
line 28 onboard the vessel. Fig. 5C illustrates that the mooring connection 2 is about
to be pulled on-board the vessel. Fig. 5D illustrates the vessel being moored and
illustrates that the mooring line 3 is tight whereas the electrical conductive cable
4 is hanging loose, that is the mooring forces are taken up by the mooring line 3.
[0086] Instead of mooring the vessel connector through the gripping device on board of the
vessel, it is principally also possible to only use the vessel connector for charging
purposes and to keep the vessel in a stable position by other means such as by anchoring,
a Dynamic positioning system or other means during the charging process/power transfer.
[0087] Although the present invention has been described in connection with the specified
embodiments, it should not be construed as being in any way limited to the presented
examples. The scope of the present invention is set out by the accompanying claim
set. In the context of the claims, the terms "comprising" or "comprises" do not exclude
other possible elements or steps. Also, the mentioning of references such as "a" or
"an" etc.. should not be construed as excluding a plurality. The use of reference
signs in the claims with respect to elements indicated in the figures shall also not
be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Furthermore, individual features
mentioned in different claims, may possibly be advantageously combined, and the mentioning
of these features in different claims does not exclude that a combination of features
is not possible and advantageous.
List of reference symbols used:
[0088]
- 1
- Mooring buoy
- 2
- Mooring connection
- 3
- Mooring line
- 4
- Electric conductive cable
- 5
- Outwardly tapering section
- 7
- Vessel connector
- 12
- Plug and/or socket
- 13
- Gripping device
- 14
- Vessel
- 15
- Tubular jacket
- 16
- Engaging element, preferably being extractable
- 17
- Winch
- 18
- Rope, cord, cable, wire or the like
- 19
- Longitudinal axis
- 20
- Proximal end
- 21
- Distal end
- 22
- Elongate section
- 23
- Protrusion
- 24
- Prongs
- 25
- Access hatch
- 26
- Interior placed mechanical connection point or area
- 27
- Interior placed electrical connection point or area
- 28
- Pick-up line
- 29
- Buoyancy element
- 30
- Floatable body
- 31
- Vertical through-going opening
- 32
- Funnel shaped section
- 34
- Anchor line
- 36
- Distribution board
- 37
- Distribution device
- 38
- Cable
- 39
- Cable guide
1. A system for mooring of and supply electrical power to a vessel, the system comprising:
• a mooring buoy (1) being configured to float on a sea surface and to be anchored
to a seabed;
• a mooring connection (2) being a combined mooring and electrical connection by comprising
a mooring line (3) and an electric conductive cable (4) for supply of said electrical
power, wherein said mooring line (3) is configured to take-up tension arising from
a vessel being moored to said mooring buoy (1) by use of the mooring connection (2)
while essentially no mooring tension is applied to the electrical conductive cable
(4), said mooring line (3) is connected to said mooring buoy or anchored to the seabed
at the seabed;
• a retractable vessel connector (7) provided at an end (8) of the mooring connection
(2), said vessel connector (7) being a combined mooring connector (9) and electrical
connector (10), and
• a gripping device (13) arranged on a vessel (14), said gripping device (13) being
configured to grip and lock said vessel connector (7) to moor said vessel (14) to
said mooring buoy (1) or to the seabed.
2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the vessel connector (7) comprising an electrical
plug and/or electrical socket (12) to which the electric conductive cable (4) is electrically
connected.
3. A system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mooring connection (2) further comprising
a tubular jacket (15) enclosing at least a section of the mooring line (3) and the
electric conductive cable (4) and extending from vessel connector (7).
4. A system according to any one of claim 1-3, wherein the mooring line (3) and the electric
conductive cable (4) are co-axially arranged with electric conductive cable (4) arranged
inside said mooring line (3) or
are arranged side-by-side preferably without being intertwined and/or meshed.
5. A system according to any one of the preceding claims 1-4, wherein the gripping device
(13) comprising one or more engaging element(s) (16) configured to engage the vessel
connector (7) to grip and lock said vessel connector (7).
6. A system according to claim 5, wherein the engaging element (16) is retractable from
a first position where it engages said vessel connector (7) to a second position where
it does not engage said vessel connector (7).
7. A system according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the system further comprising
a winch (17) configured to reel-in a rope, cord, cable, wire or the like connected
to said vessel connector (7), said winch (17) being positioned relatively to the gripping
device (13) so that the winch upon reeling-in pulls the vessel connector (7) to the
gripping device (13).
8. A system according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the vessel connector (7) further
comprising a pick-up line (28) connected to the vessel connector (7), said pick-up
line being dimensioned to allow for the vessel connector (7) to be hoisted or winched
on-board said vessel, said pick-up line (28) having a positive buoyancy and/or being
provided with buoyancy elements (29) to prevent fully submerge of the pick-up line
(28), when the pick-up line (28) is in water.
9. A system according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the vessel connector (7) has
a longitudinal axis (19) along which the vessel connector (7) extends, a proximal
end (20) from which the mooring connection (2) extends towards the mooring buoy (1)
and a distal end (21) opposite the proximal end (20), wherein
• the vessel connector (7) comprises at a distance from the proximal end (20) an elongate
section (22) comprising a protrusion (23) arranged closer to the distal end (21) than
the elongate section (22), and
• the gripping device (13) comprising two prongs (24) dimensioned and shaped to receive
the elongate section while preventing the protrusion (23) to pass in-between the prongs
(24).
10. A system according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the vessel connector (7) has
a longitudinal axis (19) along which the vessel connector (7) extends, a proximal
end (20) from which the mooring connection (2) extends towards the mooring buoy (1)
and a distal end (21) opposite the proximal end (20), wherein the vessel connector
(7) comprising an outwardly tapering section extending from the proximal end (20)
towards the distal end (21), the outwardly tapering section (5) has a smallest cross
section at the proximal end (20).
11. A system according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the vessel connector comprising
a shell construction defining at least an outer contour or an outer shell of the vessel
connector (7), said shell construction comprising
• an interior placed mechanical connection point or area (26) to which the mooring
line (3) is mechanically connected, and
an interior placed electrical connection point or area (27) to which cords of the
electrical conductive cable (4) is electrically connected.
12. A system according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the vessel connector (7) is
rotational symmetric around a longitudinal axis of the vessel connector (7).
13. A system according to any of claims 1-12, wherein the mooring buoy (1) comprising
a floatable body (30) having a vertical through-going opening (31), as viewed from
a position with the mooring buoy (1) floating on a horizontal sea surface, wherein
the vessel connector (7) and the said vertically through-going opening (31) are mutually
shaped and dimensioned to releasable accommodate at least a part of the vessel connector
(7) in said vertical through-going opening (31).
14. A system according to any of the claims 1-13, wherein the mooring line extends in
its retractable position in a loop a distance downwards through the through the vertical
through-going opening (31).
15. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the buoyancy of the
mooring buoy (1) is larger than the total gravitational forces of the mooring buoy
(1), the vessel connector (7) and preferably also the mooring connection (2).
16. A vessel connector (7) having a longitudinal axis (19) along which the vessel connector
(7) extends, a proximal end (20) configured to receive a mooring connection and a
distal end (21) opposite the proximal end (20), wherein
• the vessel connector (7) comprising at a distance from the proximal end (20) an
elongate section (22) comprising a protrusion (23) arranged closer to the distal end
(21) than the elongate section (22), said protrusion being configured to co-operate
with a gripping device (13) comprising two prongs (24) dimensioned and shaped to receive
the elongate section while preventing the protrusion (23) two pass in-between the
prongs (24).
17. A vessel connector according to claim 16, wherein the elongated section (22) is flexible/bendable.
18. A method of mooring and supply electrical power to a vessel, the method comprising:
• providing a system according to any one of the preceding claims at an off-shore
position and anchoring the mooring buoy (1) to the seabed;
• connecting the electrical conductive cable (4) to an electric power supply (35);
• navigating a vessel to position in close proximity to the off-shore position to
allow access from the vessel to the vessel connector (7);
• hoisting or winch the vessel connector (7) on-board a vessel and to the gripping
device (13);
• engage the gripping device to grip the vessel connector (7);
• connect the electric conductive cable (4) to a distribution board (36) of the vessel,
which distribution board (36) is configured to distribute electrical power to one
or more electrical power consuming devices on-board the vessel.