In this paper, updated conceptual designs and preliminary schedule estimates for the MiniFloat-III power generation hull willrnbe presented. In this study, the MiniFloat hull is sized to support power generation capacity ranging from 5 to 100 MW.rnThe MiniFloat platform is a small semi-submersible with excellent motion characteristics. It has been under technicalrndevelopment since 2003. The design philosophy has been to optimize the economical benefits by minimizing the total cost ofrnthe project. This is achieved by addressing all areas of the development, and by favoring simplicity in the engineering,rnfabrication, towing, installation and commissioning of the unit. Technical qualification of the MiniFloat includesrnhydrodynamic, structural and model tests results.rnThe MiniFloat was sized specifically for power generation equipment to support subsea equipment in marginal fieldrndevelopments. One variation of the MiniFloat concept is the WindFloat, a hull supporting a large (2-10 MW) floating windrnturbine. The WindFloat is the most advanced form of the MiniFloat, with the first unit fabricated in the spring 2011 andrncommissioned at the end of the summer. Again, simplicity in all phases, from turbine commissioning at quay side to a wetrntow to the deployment site has significant commercial advantages. Applicability of those learnings to the subsea powerrngeneration unit will be addressed in the manuscript.rnLarge subsea developments are highly sensitive to project CAPEX and amount of power delivered to the sea bed. Being ablernto deliver constant, reliable power to the subsea, in all type of wave environments, while minimizing the cost of the platformrnsupporting the power production equipment is crucial to this industry. It will enable the US to develop its marginal fields inrnthe GOM, when other solutions may not be technically feasible. This has tremendous benefits in today's world economyrnwhere there is significant desire to decrease the dependence on foreign oil.
展开▼
