OTEC Anchors: Selection and Plan for Development.
Abstract
Anchor systems capable of maintaining the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) power plants on station were identified and compared. Deadweight anchors with base shear keys were selected as the best choice for the more common ocean environments. Concepts for transporting and lowering the required deadweight anchor systems to the seafloor site are described and their limitations noted. The attractiveness - and technical feasibility - of using a free-fall-emplaced deadweight anchor installation if highlighted. Pile anchors attached to a common frame (template) were selected as the better choice on the hard (rock) seafloors often found in the high-energy, shallow-water areas of the Gulf Stream. Further development of the pile anchor system for OTEC, however, is probably not necessary because it is expected that such hard seafloor anchor sites are best avoided by OTEC plants. A plan for development of the free-fall-emplaced deadweight anchor is presented and a plan for implementation recommended. The development plan includes evaluation of the hydrodynamic stability of the free-falling anchor, development of the soil-penetration/anchor-deceleration inter-relationship, assembly of a structural analysis and design technique for the anchor, and finally a demonstration of a near prototype size OTEC free-fall deadweight anchor in early 1980. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA049552
Entities
People
- J. M. Atturio
- P. J. Valent
Organizations
- Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center