Mooring
A mooring ( 10 ) for connecting an ocean energy capturing device ( 51 ) to a seabed ( 16 ) is disclosed. The mooring ( 10 ) comprises a base ( 12 ) adapted for connection to the ocean energy capturing device ( 51 ). A plurality of anchor bolts ( 18 ) are each connected at a first end to the base ( 12 ) and have a second end adapted to be embedded in the seabed ( 16 ) for attaching the base ( 12 ) to the seabed ( 16 ). A method of securing the ocean energy capturing device ( 51 ) to the seabed ( 16 ) is also disclosed. The method involves passing a tensile transmission line ( 46 ) through a guide opening ( 44 ) in the base ( 12 ) and drawing the tensile transmission line ( 46 ) through the guide opening ( 44 ) to drag the ocean energy capturing device ( 51 ) toward the base ( 51 ).
1. A method of securing an ocean energy capturing device to a seabed, said method comprising the steps of:
providing a mooring comprising:
a base adapted for stationary mounting to the seabed and for connection to the ocean energy capturing device;
a tapered socket on the base, the socket being of non-circular cross-section; and
a guide opening in the base, the guide opening adapted to receive a tensile transmission line therethrough for guiding the ocean energy capturing device toward the base for engagement therewith;
securing the base relative to the seabed;
connecting one end of the tensile transmission line to the ocean energy capturing device;
passing the tensile transmission line through the guide opening;
drawing the tensile transmission line through the guide opening to drag the ocean energy capturing device toward the base; and
connecting the ocean energy capturing device to the base by engaging a tapered spigot on the ocean energy capturing device with the tapered socket on the base.
2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein a larger diameter end of the socket is located at an end of the socket furthest from the base.
3. A method according to claim 1 , including the additional step of providing a first pulley wheel connected to the base.
4. A method according to claim 3 , wherein the first pulley wheel is located adjacent an end of the socket closest the base.
5. A method according to claim 3 , including the additional step of providing a second pulley wheel located adjacent the guide opening.
6. A method according to claim 5 , including the additional step of passing the tensile transmission line around the first and second pulleys during said drawing.
7. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the mooring comprises a plurality of legs extending from the base for engagement with the seabed to distribute loads from the base to the seabed.
8. A method according to claim 7 , wherein at least one of the legs is adjustable to allow for adjustment of the orientation of the base relative to the seabed.
9. A method according to claim 7 , further comprising a pad connected to a seabed engaging end of each of the legs for distributing the loads transferred to the seabed through the legs.
10. A method according to claim 1 , wherein securing the base to the seabed comprises installing a plurality of anchor bolts, each having a first end for connection to the base and a second end for connection to the seabed.
11. A method according to claim 10 , wherein said anchor bolts are connected to the base at said first end by lock nuts.
12. A method according to claim 11 , further comprising a spherical joint between each of the lock nuts and the base.
13. A method according to claim 10 , wherein said second end of said anchor bolts is adapted to be embedded in the seabed by drilling and grouting, screwing and locking by expansion, or direct driving.
14. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the mooring comprises:
an apron extending from the base for engagement with the seabed to distribute loads from the base to the seabed; and
a rubble rim formed around the apron.
15. A method according to claim 1 , further comprising an annular flange extending radially outwardly from an open end of the socket.