Connecting structure and method for discarded platform and fan foundation

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of offshore wind power, and particularly relates to a connection structure and method for a discarded platform and a fan foundation. A draught fan is installed on a jacket column leg of an offshore platform, a transition piece is fixed to the lower end of a stand column of the draught fan, an insertion tip is fixed to the lower end of the transition piece, the central axis of the insertion tip coincides with the central axis of the stand column, and the insertion tip is coaxially inserted into the upper end of the jacket column leg. The jacket column legs are fixedly connected with the transition pieces or the stand columns.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of offshore wind power technology, specifically relating to a connection structure between a decommissioned platform and a wind turbine foundation, as well as a method for connecting a decommissioned platform and a wind turbine foundation. Background Technology

[0002] Offshore wind power is an important form of renewable energy that has received widespread attention and rapid development. However, the construction and maintenance costs of offshore wind farms are relatively high, and their construction typically requires deep-sea areas with complex seabed conditions, which places higher demands on the stability and durability of wind turbine generators.

[0003] Meanwhile, with the gradual reduction of offshore oil extraction, many offshore oil platforms face the problem of abandonment and dismantling. Although abandoned offshore oil platforms are no longer used for oil extraction, their structure and location still have great potential for reuse. Using these platforms as jacket structures for offshore wind power generation can not only reduce the use of new materials and lower the cost of building new wind power facilities, but also improve energy efficiency and achieve sustainable resource utilization.

[0004] In existing technologies, the modification of the jacket structure of offshore oil production platforms after the end of their service life often requires the complete replacement of the original upper block structure, which has a long construction period and is quite difficult.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop an installation structure and method that can quickly install offshore wind turbines onto offshore platforms. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the technical problems described above, this invention aims to propose a connection structure between a decommissioned platform and a wind turbine foundation, which enables the wind turbine to be quickly installed on a decommissioned offshore platform.

[0007] The present invention also proposes a method for connecting abandoned platforms to wind turbine foundations, which enables wind turbines to be quickly installed on abandoned offshore platforms.

[0008] According to the present invention, a connection structure between a decommissioned platform and a wind turbine foundation is provided. The wind turbine is installed on the jacket column leg of the offshore platform. A transition piece is fixed at the lower end of the wind turbine column. A tip is fixed at the lower end of the transition piece. The central axis of the tip coincides with the central axis of the column. The tip is coaxially inserted into the upper end of the jacket column leg. The jacket column leg is fixedly connected to the transition piece or the column.

[0009] In one specific embodiment, the transition member is constructed in a cylindrical shape, with its outer diameter matching the inner diameter of the column and the guide frame leg. The upper end of the transition member is coaxially fixed to the inner side of the column, and the lower end is located on the inner side of the guide frame leg.

[0010] In one specific embodiment, the transition member is constructed in the shape of a flat plate, the end face size of the transition member is larger than the end face size of the column and the guide frame column leg, the upper end face of the transition member is fixedly connected to the lower end face of the column, and the lower end face is fixedly connected to the upper end face of the guide frame column leg.

[0011] In one specific embodiment, a plurality of ribs are uniformly arranged circumferentially on the outer side of the lower end of the column, and the lower end face of each rib is fixedly connected to the upper end face of the transition member.

[0012] In one specific embodiment, a positioning post is coaxially arranged inside the column, and a positioning hole for fitting the positioning post is provided on the transition member.

[0013] In one specific embodiment, a plurality of reinforcing ribs are provided inside the tip, and the reinforcing ribs are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the tip by welding, and the reinforcing ribs are fixedly connected to each other by welding.

[0014] In one specific embodiment, a cover plate is sealed at the lower end of the plug tip by welding.

[0015] According to the present invention, a method for connecting a decommissioned platform to a wind turbine foundation is also provided, comprising the following steps:

[0016] S1. Pre-treatment of offshore platforms;

[0017] S2. Measure the spacing and radial dimensions of each jacket support leg on the offshore platform;

[0018] S3. Based on the relationship between the radial dimensions of the jacket support column legs and the radial dimensions of the wind turbine column, the connection structure between the disposal platform and the wind turbine foundation provided by the present invention is set up.

[0019] In one specific embodiment, in S3, when the radial dimension of the jacket support column leg is the same as the radial dimension of the wind turbine column, the waste disposal platform and wind turbine foundation connection structure according to claim 2 is provided.

[0020] In one specific embodiment, in S3, when the radial dimension of the jacket column leg is different from the radial dimension of the wind turbine column, the abandonment platform and wind turbine foundation connection structure according to claim 3 or 4 is provided.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this application are as follows.

[0022] This invention installs the wind turbine's column onto the jacket support column leg of an abandoned offshore platform, enabling the rapid installation of the wind turbine onto the offshore platform.

[0023] Because the wind turbine's support column and the jacket support column legs of the offshore platform coincide in center but have different pipe diameters, if the connection between the two is not accurate and secure, it will affect the stability of the structure and consequently the safe operation of the wind turbine. This invention addresses the issue of differences in the dimensions of the jacket support column legs by proposing a connection method for different pipe diameters, enabling the wind turbine to be more securely mounted on the jacket support column legs of the offshore platform. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the connection structure between the abandoned platform and the wind turbine foundation provided by the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of section C connected to the guide frame column leg;

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along the AA direction;

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along the BB direction in the diagram;

[0029] Figure 5 for Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of part D in the diagram;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the connection structure between the abandoned platform and the wind turbine foundation provided by the present invention;

[0031] Figure 7 for Figure 6 An enlarged schematic diagram of part E in the diagram after it is connected to the guide frame column leg;

[0032] Figure 8 for Figure 6 A cross-sectional view along the FF direction in the diagram;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the connection structure between the abandoned platform and the wind turbine foundation provided by the present invention;

[0034] Figure 10 for Figure 9An enlarged schematic diagram of section G in the diagram after it is connected to the guide frame column leg;

[0035] Figure 11 for Figure 9 A cross-sectional view along the HH direction in the diagram;

[0036] Figure 12 and Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of two different lengths of plug tips, namely type 1 and type 2.

[0037] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of the two types of plug tips during the installation of the wind turbine;

[0038] Figures 15-18 This is a schematic diagram of the welding between the various components.

[0039] The reference numerals in the figure are as follows:

[0040] 1. Guide frame column legs;

[0041] 2. Columns; 21. Positioning columns;

[0042] 3. Transition component; 31. Positioning hole;

[0043] 4. Spike; 41. Reinforcing rib; 42. Cover plate;

[0044] 5. Ribs;

[0045] 100. Abandoned platform and wind turbine foundation connection structure.

[0046] In this application, all drawings are schematic and are used only to illustrate the principles of the invention, and are not drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] It should be noted that the directional terms or qualifiers such as "up" and "down" used in this application are all specific to the referenced [reference]. Figure 1 In other words, they are not used to define the absolute position of the components involved, but can vary depending on the specific circumstances.

[0049] Example 1

[0050] Figure 1 The structure of the abandoned platform and wind turbine foundation connection structure 100 according to the present invention is shown. Figures 1-5 As shown, the wind turbine's column 2 is installed on the jacket support leg 1 of the offshore platform. In this embodiment, the lower end of the column 2 and the upper end of the jacket support leg 1 are both constructed as hollow cylindrical tubes, and the inner diameter of the column 2 is the same as the inner diameter of the jacket support leg 1.

[0051] A transition piece 3 is fixed to the lower end of the fan column 2. The transition piece 3 is cylindrical in shape, and its outer diameter is matched with the inner diameter of the column 2. In other words, the transition piece 3 can be inserted into the column 2, and its central axis coincides with the central axis of the column 2. The transition piece 3 is fixedly connected to the column 2 by welding.

[0052] A tip 4 is coaxially provided at the lower end of the transition piece 3. In this embodiment, the tip 4 is constructed as a cone with an outer diameter that gradually decreases from top to bottom, and the central axis of the tip 4 coincides with the central axis of the column 2.

[0053] After the column 2 is coaxially set at the upper end of the guide frame column leg 1 via the transition piece 3 and the tip 4, the tip 4 is coaxially inserted into the upper end of the guide frame column leg 1, the lower part of the transition piece 3 is coaxially inserted into the upper end of the guide frame column leg 1, and the lower end face of the column 2 is fixedly connected to the upper end face of the guide frame column leg 1 by welding.

[0054] According to the present invention, a plurality of reinforcing ribs 41 are provided inside the tip 4 and the transition member 3. For example... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, two reinforcing ribs 41 are arranged intersectingly inside the tip 4 and the transition piece 3. The reinforcing ribs 41 are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the tip 4 and the transition piece 3 by welding. Each reinforcing rib 41 is fixedly connected to the other by welding.

[0055] According to the present invention, a cover plate 42 is provided at the lower end of the tip 4 by welding.

[0056] In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the column 2 is the same as the inner diameter of the jacket support column leg 1. When installing the fan, the transition piece 3 first forms an integral part with the tip 4. Then, the upper end of the transition piece 3 is set inside the column 2 of the fan by welding. Finally, the column 2 is inserted into the jacket support column leg 1 from top to bottom. Under the action of the tip 4 and the transition piece 3, it is guided to center and the lower end face of the column 2 is welded to the upper end face of the jacket support column leg 1.

[0057] This connection method simplifies the construction process, reducing construction time and costs. Direct welding provides strong structural strength, ensuring reliability during long-term operation. Precise butt joints and robust connections contribute to improving the stability and durability of the entire wind turbine structure.

[0058] Example 2

[0059] Figure 6 The structure of a second embodiment of the abandoned platform and wind turbine foundation connection structure 100 according to the present invention is shown. For example... Figures 6-8As shown, the wind turbine's column 2 is installed on the jacket support leg 1 of the offshore platform. In this embodiment, the lower end of the column 2 and the upper end of the jacket support leg 1 are both constructed as hollow cylindrical tubes. The inner diameter of the column 2 is smaller than the inner diameter of the jacket support leg 1, and the difference in their radii is within 5 cm.

[0060] A transition piece 3 is fixed to the lower end of the fan column 2. The transition piece 3 is flat. Specifically, the transition piece 3 is circular, and its outer diameter is larger than that of the jacket column leg 1. The upper end face of the transition piece 3 is coaxially fixedly connected to the lower end face of the fan column 2 by welding.

[0061] A tip 4 is coaxially provided at the lower end of the transition piece 3. In this embodiment, the tip 4 is constructed as a cone with an outer diameter that gradually decreases from top to bottom, and the central axis of the tip 4 coincides with the central axis of the column 2.

[0062] After the column 2 is coaxially set at the upper end of the guide frame column leg 1 via the transition piece 3 and the tip 4, the tip 4 is coaxially inserted into the upper end of the guide frame column leg 1, and the lower end face of the transition piece 3 is coaxially fixedly connected to the upper end face of the guide frame column leg 1 by welding.

[0063] In one specific embodiment, the thickness of the transition member 3 is 50-100mm, and the difference between the outer radius of the transition member 3 and the outer radius of the jacket support column leg 1 is the difference between the inner radius of the column 2 and the inner radius of the jacket support column leg 1 plus 10cm.

[0064] According to the present invention, a plurality of reinforcing ribs 41 are provided inside the tip 4. For example... Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, two reinforcing ribs 41 are arranged crosswise inside the tip 4. The reinforcing ribs 41 are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the tip 4 by welding, and the reinforcing ribs 41 are fixedly connected to each other by welding.

[0065] According to the present invention, a cover plate 42 is provided at the lower end of the tip 4 by welding.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, a positioning post 21 is coaxially arranged inside the lower end of the column 2, and a positioning hole 31 for fitting the positioning post 21 is coaxially arranged on the transition piece 3. This arrangement facilitates the coaxial installation of the transition piece 3 on the lower end face of the column 2.

[0067] The circular, flat transition piece 3 is simple in design, easy to install, and helps to evenly distribute forces, improving the stability and load-bearing capacity of the structure. This connection node design enables stable support and effective force transfer for the upper structure of the wind turbine. Precise docking and robust connections contribute to improving the stability and durability of the entire wind turbine structure.

[0068] Example 3

[0069] In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the column 2 is smaller than the inner diameter of the guide frame column leg 1, and the difference in their radii is greater than or equal to 5cm.

[0070] Based on Embodiment 2, this embodiment features multiple ribs 5 evenly distributed circumferentially on the outer side of the lower end of the column 2. The lower end face of each rib 5 is fixedly connected to the upper end face of the transition piece 3. Each rib 5 is fixedly connected to the column 2 and the transition piece 3 by welding.

[0071] The design of rib 5 helps to distribute forces evenly, improving the stability and load-bearing capacity of the structure. This connection node design enables stable support and effective force transfer for the upper structure of the wind turbine. Precise docking and robust connections contribute to improving the stability and durability of the entire wind turbine structure.

[0072] Example 4

[0073] According to the present invention, a method for connecting a waste platform to a wind turbine foundation is also provided, comprising the following steps.

[0074] S1, Pre-treatment of offshore platforms.

[0075] This embodiment primarily involves the pretreatment of abandoned offshore platforms. First, the offshore platform is thoroughly inspected to assess its structural integrity and stability. Then, the sections requiring removal are identified to ensure the safety and efficiency of subsequent construction. Precise cutting is then performed at the work site to remove unnecessary parts of the abandoned offshore platform.

[0076] S2. Measure the spacing and radial dimensions of each jacket column leg on the offshore platform.

[0077] The spacing and radial dimensions of each jacket support leg 1 on the offshore platform were precisely measured and the data were recorded for later use. Based on the measurement results, the tip structure of the wind turbine foundation, namely the column 2, the transition piece 3, and the tip 4, was designed to ensure matching with the jacket support leg 1.

[0078] The spigot structure of the wind turbine foundation is constructed onshore according to the design drawings. Rigorous quality control and testing are conducted to ensure that the strength and durability of the spigot structure meet the requirements.

[0079] The completed wind turbine foundation spigot structure will be transported to the offshore platform by sea transport. Safety during transportation will be ensured to avoid damage to the wind turbine foundation spigot structure.

[0080] S3. Based on the relationship between the radial dimensions of the jacket support column legs and the radial dimensions of the fan column, set up a connection structure 100 between the abandoned platform and the fan foundation.

[0081] When the inner diameter of the jacket support column leg 1 is the same as the inner diameter of the wind turbine column 2, the abandoned platform and wind turbine foundation connection structure 100 proposed in Embodiment 1 of the present invention is provided.

[0082] When the inner diameter of the jacket support column leg 1 is different from the inner diameter of the wind turbine column 2, and the difference in their radii is within 5 cm, the abandoned platform and wind turbine foundation connection structure 100 proposed in Embodiment 2 of the present invention shall be provided.

[0083] When the inner diameter of the jacket support column leg 1 is different from the inner diameter of the wind turbine column 2, and the difference in their radii is greater than or equal to 5cm, the abandoned platform and wind turbine foundation connection structure 100 proposed in Embodiment 3 of the present invention shall be provided.

[0084] The specific process of setting up the connection structure 100 between the abandoned platform and the wind turbine foundation is as follows.

[0085] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the tip 4 includes two types with different lengths.

[0086] like Figure 14 As shown, at the offshore platform, the two longer prongs 4 are first positioned to ensure their alignment and stability with the jacket support legs 1. Next, the two shorter prongs 4 are positioned to complete the positioning of the entire wind turbine foundation.

[0087] After positioning, welding is performed to securely connect the wind turbine foundation's spigot structure to the jacket support column leg 1. Professional welding techniques are employed during the welding process to ensure weld quality and prevent defects. After welding, non-destructive testing, such as ultrasonic testing, is conducted to verify the integrity of the weld joint.

[0088] Subsequent inspection and maintenance involve a detailed examination of the entire connection structure to ensure no potential problems are overlooked. Necessary adjustments and maintenance are made as needed to ensure the long-term stability of the connection structure.

[0089] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0090] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0091] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0092] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute any limitation on the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connection structure between a discarded platform and a wind turbine foundation, characterized in that, The wind turbine is installed on the jacket column leg (1) of an abandoned offshore platform. A transition piece (3) is fixed at the lower end of the column (2) of the fan, and a tip (4) is fixed at the lower end of the transition piece. The central axis of the tip (4) coincides with the central axis of the column (2). The tip (4) is coaxially inserted into the upper end of the guide frame column leg (1). The guide frame column leg (1) is fixedly connected to the transition piece (3) or the column (2).

2. The connection structure between the abandoned platform and the wind turbine foundation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transition piece (3) is cylindrical in shape, and its outer diameter is adapted to the inner diameter of the column (2) and the guide frame leg (1). The upper end of the transition piece (3) is coaxially fixed to the inner side of the column (2), and the lower end is located inside the column leg (1) of the guide frame.

3. The connection structure between the abandoned platform and the wind turbine foundation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transition piece (3) is constructed in the shape of a flat plate. The end face size of the transition piece (3) is larger than the end face size of the column (2) and the guide frame column leg (1). The upper end face of the transition piece (3) is fixedly connected to the lower end face of the column (2), and the lower end face is fixedly connected to the upper end face of the guide frame column leg (1).

4. The connection structure between the abandoned platform and the wind turbine foundation according to claim 3, characterized in that, Multiple ribs (5) are evenly arranged circumferentially on the outer side of the lower end of the column (2), and the lower end face of each rib (5) is fixedly connected to the upper end face of the transition member (3).

5. The connection structure between the abandoned platform and the wind turbine foundation according to claim 3, characterized in that, A positioning post (21) is coaxially arranged inside the column (2), and a positioning hole (31) is provided on the transition piece (3) for fitting the positioning post (21).

6. The connection structure between the abandoned platform and the wind turbine foundation according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Multiple reinforcing ribs (41) are provided inside the tip (4). The reinforcing ribs (41) are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the tip (4) by welding. The reinforcing ribs (41) are fixedly connected to each other by welding.

7. The connection structure between the abandoned platform and the wind turbine foundation according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, A cover plate (42) is sealed at the lower end of the tip (4) by welding.

8. A method for connecting a discarded platform to a wind turbine foundation, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Pre-treatment of offshore platforms; S2. Measure the spacing and radial dimensions of each jacket support leg on the offshore platform; S3. Based on the relationship between the radial dimensions of the jacket support column legs and the radial dimensions of the fan column, a connection structure between the abandoned platform and the fan foundation as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 is provided.

9. The method for connecting the abandoned platform and the wind turbine foundation according to claim 8, characterized in that, In S3, when the radial dimension of the jacket support column leg is the same as the radial dimension of the wind turbine column, the waste disposal platform and wind turbine foundation connection structure according to claim 2 is provided.

10. The method for connecting the abandoned platform and the wind turbine foundation according to claim 8, characterized in that, In S3, when the radial dimension of the jacket support column leg is different from the radial dimension of the wind turbine column, the waste disposal platform and wind turbine foundation connection structure according to claim 3 or 4 is provided.

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