KR20240140681A - Submersible buoy system - Google Patents

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention is to provide a submersible buoy system which improves a buoy system applicable to a marine structure to adjust buoyancy so as to be submerged below the water surface in case of emergency, thereby protecting the entire system and building additional facilities if necessary to enable real-time monitoring. The submersible buoy system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a sensor unit provided in a main body unit forming a buoyancy adjustment space so that a lower side is partially buried in the water surface and an upper side is exposed to the water surface and floats on the water surface to detect external environmental risk factors around the main body unit; a control unit that analyzes a risk detection signal supplied from the sensor unit and provides a buoyancy adjustment signal corresponding to the diving of the main body unit to the buoyancy adjustment unit when it is determined as a dangerous situation of the main body unit; and a buoyancy adjustment unit provided in the buoyancy adjustment space of the main body unit in a buoyancy adjustment shape and driven according to the buoyancy adjustment signal supplied from the control unit to adjust the buoyancy corresponding to the diving of the main body unit and the exposure to the water surface.

Description

SUBMERSIBLE BUOY SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a submersible buoy system.

In general, floating structures on the sea include buoys, mooring lines, anchors, and auxiliary equipment. In the marine environment, weather conditions, ship collisions, and marine debris entanglement can occur, which can have fatal effects on floating structures on the sea. For example, strong typhoons, waves, and tsunamis can cause buoys or mooring lines to be damaged, or anchors to be pulled out and swept away. In addition, ships can collide with floating structures, or mooring lines can become entangled in ship screws, and fishing gear such as fishing rods or nets can become entangled in buoys or mooring lines, damaging the structures.

When such a phenomenon occurs, part of the structure is damaged, which worsens the soundness of the entire system and increases the cost of continuous maintenance. In addition, the entire system may be destroyed, resulting in the loss of the structure and adversely affecting surrounding structures (entanglement or collision with surrounding structures such as wind turbines or aquaculture facilities, damage to ships due to entanglement of screws of passing fishing boats, collision with breakwaters, etc.). For these reasons, continuous maintenance is required for marine structures, and since it is performed by taking into account the use of ships, personnel recovery, and the risk of marine activities, it requires more effort than on land. Therefore, a buoy system is needed that can safely sink the structure underwater by adjusting the buoyancy in situations where marine floating structures may be damaged, and can install GPS, etc. for situational monitoring.

As a related prior art document, Korean Patent No. 1,087,221 discloses a “buoy for marine observation.”

Korean registered patent 1,087,221

An embodiment of the present invention is to provide a submersible buoy system that can be applied to offshore structures, thereby protecting the entire system by controlling buoyancy to dive below the water surface in an emergency, and enabling real-time monitoring by constructing additional facilities when necessary.

A submersible buoy system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a sensor unit which detects external environmental risk factors around the main body by forming a buoyancy control space in which a lower side is partially submerged in the water surface and an upper side is exposed to the water surface so as to float on the water surface, a control unit which analyzes a risk detection signal supplied from the sensor unit and provides a buoyancy control signal corresponding to the submergence of the main body to the buoyancy control unit if a risk detection signal supplied from the sensor unit is determined to be a dangerous situation of the main body, and a buoyancy control unit which is provided in a buoyancy control shape in the buoyancy control space of the main body and is driven according to the buoyancy control signal supplied from the control unit to control buoyancy corresponding to the submergence and water surface exposure of the main body.

The main body may include an elongated skeletal frame in the height direction.

The sensor unit may include a sensor that detects at least one piece of information among ocean current flow, wave height, and water temperature related to the marine environment.

The main body may further include a power supply unit that generates electricity.

The power supply unit may include a self-generating unit.

The self-generation unit may include solar cell modules.

The power supply unit may further include an energy storage unit connected to the solar cell module to store the generated power.

The buoyancy control unit may include a cover unit that is formed as a watertight structure to contract or expand depending on the amount of internal air and is joined to the main body unit, and an actuating unit that is joined to the main body unit on the inside of the cover unit to control the amount of air inside the cover unit.

The cover portion may include a flexible separator.

The drive unit may include an air compressor.

By controlling the buoyancy of the buoy system applicable to offshore structures and allowing them to be submerged in an emergency, the safety of offshore structures can be increased, and the unit cost of safety equipment can be reduced.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a submersible buoy system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a submersible buoy system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a submersible buoy system according to an embodiment of the present invention in a state of floating on the water surface and a state of being submerged.
FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of a submersible buoy system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a submersible buoy system according to another embodiment of the present invention in a state of floating on the water surface and a state of being submerged.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The singular forms used herein include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The word "comprising," as used herein, specifies particular features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of other particular features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms including technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are additionally interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the relevant technical literature and the presently disclosed content, and are not interpreted in an ideal or very formal sense unless defined. As an example, "applied" as described below is interpreted to include both a state of being suitably used and a state before being suitably used.

Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a submersible buoy system according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a submersible buoy system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a submersible buoy system according to an embodiment of the present invention in a state where it is floating on the water surface and a state where it is submerged. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a submersible buoy system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body (100), a sensor unit (110), a control unit (120), and a buoyancy control unit (130), and improves the diving function of a buoy system applicable to a marine structure, thereby protecting the entire system by controlling buoyancy so that it can dive below the water surface (10) in an emergency, thereby enhancing the safety of the marine structure and reducing the unit cost of safety equipment.

The main body (100) may form a buoyancy control space such that the lower side is partially submerged in the water surface (10) and the upper side is exposed to the water surface (10) so as to float on the water surface (10). The main body (100) may include an elongated skeletal frame in the height direction. The performance and range of the buoyancy control unit (130) may be set in consideration of the buoyancy and the support load of the main body (100). When buoyancy is controlled through the buoyancy control unit (130), the frame of the main body (100) is supported for the stability of the entire system, and an additional system (GPS, sensor, etc.) may be installed in the main body (100). A stand capable of supporting an additional load or a salvage object may be provided at the lower part of the main body (100).

The sensor unit (110) is provided in the main body (100) and has the function of detecting external environmental risk factors around the main body (100). The sensor unit (110) may include a sensor that detects at least one of information related to the ocean environment, such as the flow of ocean currents, wave height, and water temperature.

The control unit (120) is a logical part of a program that performs calculations, processing, etc. by a processor of an information processing device, and may be implemented as software, hardware, etc. For example, the information processing device may include a control computer such as a control panel, a laptop, a personal computer, a handheld computer, a PDA (personal digital assistant), a mobile phone, a smart device, a tablet, etc. The control unit (120) may analyze information related to diving buoyancy control based on information stored in a memory and implement an overall control operation related to transmission of the related information. For example, the control unit (120) may analyze a danger detection signal supplied from the sensor unit (110) and, if it is determined that there is a danger situation of the main body (100), provide a buoyancy control signal corresponding to diving of the main body (100) to the buoyancy control unit (130). The control unit (120) may detect a signal related to diving buoyancy control and perform a control operation corresponding to the detected signal. The control unit (120) can convert analog signals input from the sensor unit (110) into digital values to acquire related data. The control unit (120) can analyze input information related to submerged buoyancy control and set the buoyancy control unit (130) to maintain a submerged or floating state when driven. The control unit (120) can implement overall control operations related to submerged buoyancy control based on information stored in the memory.

Meanwhile, the control unit (120) can implement a monitoring function by recording and storing the sensing contents of the sensor unit (110) in the built-in memory and providing the stored information signal in the memory to the user manager by wireless communication using a wireless communication network at set times through the communication module. In order to implement the monitoring function, the cover unit (132) can include a receiver for controlling the floating or submerging of the main body unit (100) in an emergency. The receiver can communicate with the main control system of the entire structure (large buoy, monitoring center, etc.) or a transmitter in a nearby offshore wind power generator, and additionally, a sensor such as GPS can be installed for real-time behavior monitoring.

The buoyancy control unit (130) is provided in a buoyancy control shape in the buoyancy control space of the main body (100), and is driven according to a buoyancy control signal supplied from the control unit (120) to control buoyancy corresponding to the submergence of the main body (100) and exposure to the water surface (10).

The buoyancy control unit (130) may include a cover unit (132) and a driving unit (134). The cover unit (132) may be formed as a watertight structure so as to contract or expand depending on the amount of internal air and may be coupled to the main body unit (100). The cover unit (132) may include a flexible separator. That is, in order to control the buoyancy of the main body unit (100), the outer shape of the cover unit (132) may be formed as a structure that can contract and expand (a flexible separator made of polymer or the like, a panel shape with an angle adjustment, etc.). For example, the cover unit (132) may be formed as a corrugated pipe shape that can contract and expand in the vertical direction. In addition, a driving unit (134) for density control may be provided inside the cover unit (132).

The driving unit (134) is coupled to the main body (100) inside the cover unit (132) and can control the amount of air inside the cover unit (132). The driving unit (134) may include an air compressor. The driving unit (134) may be further equipped with a compression tank, wires, a motor, etc., as needed.

Meanwhile, the main body (100) may further include a power supply unit (140) that is equipped and generates electricity. The power supply unit (140) may include a self-generation unit (142). The self-generation unit (142) may include a solar cell module, wave energy harvesting (Piezoelectric Generator, Triboelectric Generator, etc.). The power supply unit (140) may further include an energy storage unit (144, ESS system) that is connected to the self-generation unit (142) and stores the generated electricity. Here, the energy storage unit (144) may include a lithium-ion battery (Li-ion battery). As described above, the solar cell module included in the power supply unit (140) generates electricity by generating solar power during the day. And the electricity generated by the solar cell module may be stored in the energy storage unit (144). That is, the electric energy generated through the self-generation unit (142) is stored in the internal energy storage unit (144), and the stored electric energy can be used when needed.

As described above, the submersible buoy system according to the embodiment of the present invention can implement an active buoy system for securing the stability of offshore structures. That is, the submersible buoy system is a buoy system that can be applied to offshore facilities such as aquaculture facilities and other offshore structures, and can control buoyancy so that it can be submerged below the water surface (10) in an emergency to protect the entire system. In addition, real-time monitoring is possible by constructing additional facilities when necessary.

In the case of existing aquaculture buoys, materials with high buoyancy such as Styrofoam or plastic were used, and buoyancy was adjusted by replacing buoys with different volumes. As aquaculture organisms grow in structures such as traps or pockets hanging from the bottom, the buoyancy required for the buoy increases. Accordingly, replacement or additional installation is necessary. Such frequent maintenance personnel input and the use of disposable buoys reduce the economic feasibility and business viability of aquaculture. If buoys with appropriate buoyancy cannot be installed at the appropriate time due to rough marine environments, problems with the supply of ships and personnel, etc., it can cause damage to the entire structure.

Meanwhile, in the case of floating lidar or floating measurement buoys, steel is mainly used for the safety of the internal equipment of the structure. Since expensive equipment is installed, the risk of damage or loss is high, and high-strength equipment is required for the safety of the structure.

The submersible buoy system according to an embodiment of the present invention can implement an active buoy system capable of diving or floating as needed, thereby increasing the safety of the structure and reducing the unit cost of safety equipment. In addition, a self-power generation unit (142) and an energy storage unit (144) capable of storing the generated energy can be provided. The outer shape of the cover unit (132) can be implemented as a structure capable of contracting and expanding depending on the amount of internal air. In addition, the main body unit (100) can be formed as a frame capable of supporting the internal equipment. The internal equipment coupled to the main body unit (100) includes a small air compressor and a wireless receiver for buoyancy control, and GPS, etc. can be installed in the free space.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a submersible buoy system according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a submersible buoy system according to another embodiment of the present invention in a state where it is floating on the water surface (10) and in a state where it is submerged. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the submersible buoy system according to another embodiment of the present invention has a difference from the buoyancy control unit (130) according to the embodiment of the present invention in the shape of the buoyancy control unit (130a). While describing the submersible buoy system according to another embodiment of the present invention, a detailed description of the same content as that of the submersible buoy system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be omitted. In the submersible buoy system according to another embodiment of the present invention, the buoyancy control unit (130a) may include a diamond-shaped cover unit (132a), and a driving unit (134a) provided on the inside of the cover unit (132a). In addition, a corresponding displacement structure may be provided on the inside of the cover unit (132a) so as to be displaced in the up-and-down direction.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications may be made within the scope of the claims, the detailed description of the invention, and the attached drawings, and this also naturally falls within the scope of the present invention.

10 ; sleep 100 ; main body
110; Sensor section 120; Control section
130; Buoyancy control part 132; Cover part
134 ; Drive unit 140 ; Power unit
142; Self-generation unit 144; Energy storage unit

Claims (10)

A sensor unit that detects external environmental risk factors around the main body part, which is provided in a main body part that forms a buoyancy control space so that the lower part is partially submerged in water and the upper part is exposed to the water surface to float on the water surface.
A control unit that analyzes the danger detection signal supplied from the sensor unit and, if it is determined that there is a danger situation in the main body, provides a buoyancy control signal corresponding to the submergence of the main body to the buoyancy control unit, and
A buoyancy control unit is provided in a buoyancy control space of the main body part in a buoyancy control shape, and is driven according to a buoyancy control signal supplied from the control unit to control buoyancy corresponding to the submersion and surface exposure of the main body part.
A submersible buoy system comprising: In paragraph 1,
A submersible buoy system including a main body having an elongated skeletal frame in the height direction. In paragraph 1,
The above sensor part
A submersible buoy system comprising a sensor that detects at least one of information related to ocean current flow, wave height, and water temperature in the marine environment. In paragraph 1,
A submersible buoy system further comprising a power supply unit provided in the main body to generate electricity. In Article 4,
The above power unit is a submersible buoy system including a self-power generation unit. In Article 5,
The above self-power generation unit is a submersible buoy system including a solar cell module. In Article 6,
A submersible buoy system, wherein the power supply unit further includes an energy storage unit that is connected to the solar cell module and stores the generated power. In paragraph 1,
The above buoyancy control unit
A cover part formed as a watertight structure that contracts or expands depending on the amount of internal air and is joined to the main body part, and
A driving unit that is coupled to the main body inside the cover part and controls the amount of air inside the cover part
A submersible buoy system comprising: In Article 8,
The above cover part is a submersible buoy system including a flexible separator. In Article 8,
The above driving unit is a submersible buoy system including an air compressor.