CAPEX and OPEX - Reduced costs by application of laminated concrete construction systems and floating moulds

摘要

Part 1. Briefly describes the history of marine concrete and how this material offers cost savings in CAPEX and OPEX for the structures which are required by the marine renewable energy business. Laminated concrete construction is explained to differentiate between conventional cast concrete. Laminated Concrete material offers savings in initial construction costs (CAPEX) and requires very little maintenance (OPEX), it is therefore the ideal material for the construction of various types of marine structure. The laminated concrete construction process produces high quality and high strength to weight ratios which make it comparable and very competitive with conventional concrete or steel structures. The manufacturing process permits the economic use of new materials and of high tensile steel reinforcements together with fibre reinforcements and polymer additives not usually found in conventional marine concrete work. Bio-resisting (Anti-Fouling) and Bio-accepting (Marine Culture) surfaces and specially hardened surfaces for bearings can be formulated and applied using the laminating technologies. (Patents applied for) Part 2. Describes the WREC (Wave Resource Energy Collector ) UK Patent Granted. A floating structure is constructed in sheltered waters, preferably close to intended deployment site. The structure is designed to 'fit' the particular wave energy site and is towed to the site and quite deliberately ' wrecked ' into the site in a controlled and engineered procedure. Once in position the structure is further secured by application of ballast and concrete so that it will not move from the shoreline position. Part 3. Describes to TEE concept. (Total Energy Extractor ) UK Patent Granted. This concept suggests the placing of a very large floating or gravity structure in the Ocean to extract wind, wave and current power from the single structure. Part 4. Describes a series production line operation where marine structures are built in laminated concrete, from floating moulds, fitted with machinery and then towed to sea for their particular deployment.