An auxiliary device for precise docking of a fan and a fan base

Abstract

The application discloses an auxiliary device for precise butt joint of a fan and a fan base, and is used for realizing precise installation of the whole fan on a fan installation ship; the auxiliary device comprises a single-column mast device, a cable jack assembly and a butt joint device; the single-column mast device is arranged on the fan installation ship and is used for adjusting horizontal displacement and vertical displacement of the fan; the cable jack assembly is arranged at a butt joint position of the fan and the fan base and is used for auxiliary positioning of the fan and the fan base; the butt joint device comprises a conical receiver and a positioning pin; the conical receiver is arranged at a lower end of the fan; the positioning pin is arranged at an upper end of the fan base; the positioning pin is inserted into the conical receiver to realize precise butt joint of the fan and the fan base. The application improves the economy and safety of offshore wind farm development and further shortens the installation period and equipment debugging period of the offshore wind farm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of offshore wind turbine installation, specifically to an auxiliary device for precise docking of a wind turbine with its base. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, offshore wind power technology is advancing rapidly, and offshore wind power development has become one of the main forms of new energy technology development and utilization. Unlike onshore wind turbines, the offshore environment is complex, with greater potential risks and a short construction window, which are among the main reasons for the high installation costs of offshore wind turbines. Compared to onshore wind turbine installation, offshore wind turbine installation is more difficult, more challenging, and requires the development of new technologies to reduce costs and increase efficiency.

[0003] There are two main types of offshore wind turbine installation: modular installation using a jack-up platform and integrated installation using a floating crane and other vessels. Modular installation involves assembling the tower, nacelle, and blades sequentially onto a pre-installed wind turbine foundation before commissioning the turbine at sea. Modular installation is currently the primary method for large-scale wind farm construction both domestically and internationally. This method requires specialized wind turbine installation vessels, such as jack-up platforms, and its installation cost is lower than the integrated installation method using a floating crane and other vessels. However, its offshore construction is more complex and difficult, with lower installation efficiency and a longer construction period.

[0004] In the integrated installation using floating cranes, the wind turbine blades, nacelle, and tower are assembled and tested on shore before being transported as a whole to the wind farm area for installation. This integrated installation method requires the use of large transport barges and large crane vessels, resulting in high installation costs. Furthermore, the installation vessel will be subject to swaying due to waves and environmental loads. When the vertical movement of the wind turbine is significant, it can prevent the wind turbine from being stably connected and installed with the offshore wind turbine foundation.

[0005] This invention provides a method for the installation of offshore wind turbines. It utilizes cable jacks to assist in positioning the turbine tower and base during the docking process, guiding precise alignment and preventing collisions between them. A docking device controls the docking process, preventing lateral swaying and ensuring accurate alignment. This method enables precise docking of the turbine and base during installation, improving installation efficiency, reducing costs, ensuring safety, significantly shortening the construction period, and lowering the development cost of offshore wind farms. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to overcome at least one of the defects of the prior art and provide an auxiliary device for precise docking of a wind turbine and a wind turbine base, so as to realize convenient installation and precise docking of the entire wind turbine.

[0007] An auxiliary device for precise docking of a wind turbine and its base is disclosed, enabling precise installation of the entire wind turbine on a wind turbine installation vessel. The device includes a single-mast assembly, a winch jack assembly, and a docking device. The single-mast assembly is mounted on the wind turbine installation vessel and is used to adjust the horizontal and vertical displacement of the wind turbine. The winch jack assembly is located at the docking point between the wind turbine and the wind turbine base, providing auxiliary positioning for both. The docking device includes a conical receiver and a positioning pin. The conical receiver is located at the lower end of the wind turbine, and the positioning pin is located at the upper end of the wind turbine base. Precise docking of the wind turbine and the wind turbine base is achieved by inserting the positioning pin into the conical receiver.

[0008] The conical receiver of this invention is installed on the inner wall of the wind turbine tower, and the positioning pin is installed on the wind turbine base. The docking device can be removed after the wind turbine is installed. The lifting device of the winch jack assembly is installed on the inner wall of the wind turbine base, and the fixing anchor is installed at the end inside the wind turbine tower. After the wind turbine is installed, the tower interior is accessed through the manhole to disassemble and retract the various components of the winch jack. This invention does not limit the specific structure of the single-column mast device; any device capable of achieving the functions described in this invention can be referenced from existing technologies.

[0009] Furthermore, the winch jack assembly includes one or more sets of fixed anchors, winches, and lifting devices; the wind turbine includes an upper wind turbine blade assembly and a wind turbine tower located at the lower end and connected to the wind turbine blade assembly; the fixed anchors are installed on the inner wall of the wind turbine tower; the lifting devices are installed on the inner wall of the wind turbine base; one end of the winch is connected to the fixed anchor, and the other end is connected to the lifting devices.

[0010] Another major inventive point of this application is that the use of a winch jack assembly assists in the positioning process of the cone-shaped receiver on the wind turbine tower and the positioning pin on the wind turbine base, guiding the precise docking of the wind turbine tower and the base, and ensuring the precise docking of the screw holes of the wind turbine tower and the screw holes of the base.

[0011] Furthermore, the docking device also includes a positioning plate disposed inside the conical receiver. The positioning plate is a cone shape with an upward convex shape, which matches the positioning pin. The lower end of the conical receiver has a flared opening. The flared opening design facilitates the insertion of the positioning pin.

[0012] Furthermore, the docking device also includes a hydraulic jack and a rubber pad located at the upper end of the positioning pin.

[0013] Furthermore, the docking device consists of three sets, each set being symmetrical about the central axis of the wind turbine tower; the winch jack assembly consists of two sets, which are mirror-symmetrical about the central axis of the wind turbine tower.

[0014] To achieve more uniform force distribution and higher docking accuracy during the docking process, this invention designs three sets of docking devices, which are evenly distributed to keep the wind turbine tower in a vertical state during docking and movement.

[0015] More preferably, the radius line A1 formed by the center of the winch jack assembly and the center of the wind turbine tower is at an angle of 90° with the radius line B1 formed by one of the docking devices and the center of the wind turbine tower.

[0016] Furthermore, the single-column mast type device includes a mast device body, a first horizontal motion compensation clamp located at the upper end of the mast device body, and a second horizontal motion compensation clamp located on one side of the mast device body.

[0017] Furthermore, the single-column mast type device also includes vertical motion compensators located on both sides. The vertical motion compensator consists of a vertical motion compensating piston device, a sling, and a vertical motion compensating clamp. The clamp of the vertical motion compensator will be clamped onto the outer wall of the wind turbine tower during installation.

[0018] The single-mast device in this invention is used for the installation of an offshore wind turbine. It is equipped with multiple horizontal motion compensation clamps, and the vertical motion compensation clamps have an active motion compensation function in the horizontal plane. Through hydraulic control of forward and backward, left and right movements, the horizontal movement of the wind turbine tower is controlled. It is also equipped with a vertical motion compensator, which provides active vertical motion compensation during the descent of the wind turbine.

[0019] Furthermore, it also includes one or more first auxiliary elbow plates, second auxiliary elbow plates, third auxiliary elbow plates, and fourth auxiliary elbow plates; the fixing anchor is installed on the inner wall of the wind turbine tower through one or more first auxiliary elbow plates; the lifting device is installed on the inner wall of the wind turbine base through one or more second auxiliary elbow plates; the conical receiver is installed on the inner wall of the wind turbine tower through one or more third auxiliary elbow plates; and the positioning pin is installed on the inner wall of the wind turbine base through one or more fourth auxiliary elbow plates.

[0020] Before the wind turbine is installed, the lifting device of the winch jack assembly is installed on the inner wall of the wind turbine base via an auxiliary elbow plate. The fixing anchor and winch are installed on the inner wall of the wind turbine tower via the auxiliary elbow plate. After the entire wind turbine is hoisted to a suitable distance above the wind turbine base, the winch is connected to the lifting device. The lifting device is equipped with a jaw clamp to lock the winch.

[0021] The single-mast installation device of this application is mainly used to achieve overall support, horizontal displacement, and vertical displacement of the wind turbine. When operation is required, an offshore wind turbine transport and installation vessel transports the wind turbine to the vicinity of the designated wind turbine base. The conical receiver, fixed anchor, and winch are pre-installed on the wind turbine tower, and the positioning pins and lifting device are installed on the inner wall of the wind turbine base before installation. Using the single-mast installation device, the wind turbine is lifted to a certain height, and the installation vessel slowly moves towards the wind turbine base. Once the bottom of the wind turbine tower reaches above the wind turbine base, the installation vessel is brought to a stop. The vertical motion compensator is then activated to slowly lower the wind turbine to a suitable distance above the wind turbine base, approximately 3 meters. The jacking device and fixed anchor are connected by a winch, and the jacking device is activated to guide the conical receiver on the wind turbine tower to align with the positioning pin on the base. Simultaneously, the first and second horizontal motion compensation clamps are activated to align the conical receiver on the wind turbine tower with the positioning pin on the base. During this process, the wind turbine continues to descend slowly, and the winch jacks tighten the winch to guide precise alignment between the wind turbine tower and the base. Before the wind turbine descends to the distance from the base reaching the compensation accuracy limit of the vertical motion compensator (approximately 1% of the vertical compensation capacity; for example, with a 5m vertical compensation capacity, the compensation accuracy limit is approximately ±5cm), the hydraulic jack at the upper end of the positioning pin is activated to adjust the height of the positioning pin so that the top of the positioning pin abuts against the positioning plate inside the conical receiver's circular tube, maintaining a safe distance between the wind turbine tower and the wind turbine base. During the wind turbine's descent, the length of the positioning pin is continuously adjusted until the wind turbine tower contacts the wind turbine base. After the wind turbine tower is precisely aligned with the wind turbine base and lowered into place, the installation bolts are used to connect the wind turbine to the base, completing the wind turbine installation. Finally, the wind turbine tower is accessed through the manhole in the wind turbine base to disassemble and retrieve the lifting device of the winch jack, the fixing anchor, and the conical receiver and positioning pin of the winch and docking device.

[0022] Another inventive aspect of this invention is that it simultaneously designs a winch jack assembly and a vertical and horizontal motion compensation device. During the lowering of the wind turbine tower, the wind turbine tower is constantly pulled by the winch of the winch jack assembly, thus preventing upward movement that the vertical motion compensator cannot compensate for. At the same time, the hydraulic jack at the top of the positioning pin is constantly abutting against the positioning plate inside the conical receiver tube, preventing the tower from undergoing downward movement that the vertical motion compensator cannot compensate for. Thus, collisions between the wind turbine tower and the base are avoided.

[0023] The present invention also protects a wind turbine installation vessel including the aforementioned auxiliary device for precise docking of the wind turbine and the wind turbine base.

[0024] A wind turbine installation vessel including the auxiliary devices shown above.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0026] This invention overcomes the limitations and defects of the split-type installation of self-elevating installation platforms and the integrated installation of floating cranes, improving the economy and safety of offshore wind farm development and further shortening the installation and commissioning cycles. This invention provides a method for assisting the precise docking of wind turbines and their bases during the overall installation of offshore wind turbines using a stand-alone offshore wind turbine transport and installation vessel. This method enables precise docking of the entire offshore wind turbine with its base during installation, achieving efficient integrated installation, thereby significantly shortening the construction cycle of offshore wind farms, reducing development costs, and also reducing offshore commissioning work, thus minimizing offshore operation time and risks. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall installation structure of the auxiliary device of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the docking device of the auxiliary device of the present invention in the docking state.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the winch jack assembly structure of the auxiliary device of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another docking state of the docking device of the auxiliary device of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a top view of the installation position of the auxiliary device, the winch jack assembly, and the docking device of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a partial installation structure of the auxiliary device of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the docking device of the auxiliary device of the present invention under different docking states. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The accompanying drawings illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention in more detail. Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The described embodiments are some, but not all, embodiments of the present invention. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this application involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0036] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this application involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the technical solutions of various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides an auxiliary device for precise docking of the wind turbine 10 and the wind turbine base 20, used to achieve precise installation of the wind turbine 10 as a whole on the wind turbine installation vessel 30; it includes a single-mast device 1, a winch jack assembly 2, and a docking device 3; the single-mast device 1 is installed on the wind turbine installation vessel 30 and is used to adjust the horizontal and vertical displacement of the wind turbine 10; the winch jack assembly 2 is installed at the docking point of the wind turbine 10 and the wind turbine base 20 and is used for auxiliary positioning of the wind turbine 10 and the wind turbine base 20; as shown Figure 2 As shown, the docking device 3 includes a conical receiver 31 and a positioning pin 32; the conical receiver 31 is located at the lower end of the fan 10; the positioning pin 32 is located at the upper end of the fan base 20; the precise docking of the fan 10 and the fan base 20 is achieved by inserting the positioning pin 32 into the conical receiver 31.

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, the winch jack assembly 2 includes one or more sets of fixed anchors 21, winches 22, and lifting devices 23; combined with Figure 1 As shown, the wind turbine 10 includes a wind turbine blade assembly 101 at the upper end and a wind turbine tower 102 at the lower end connected to the wind turbine blade assembly 101; the fixed anchor 21 is installed on the inner wall of the wind turbine tower 102; the lifting device 23 is installed on the inner wall of the wind turbine base 20; one end of the winch 22 is connected to the fixed anchor 21, and the other end is connected to the lifting device 23.

[0040] like Figure 4As shown, the docking device 3 also includes a positioning plate 33 disposed inside the conical receiver 31. The positioning plate 33 is a cone shape with an upward protrusion, which matches the positioning pin 32; the lower end of the conical receiver 31 has a flared opening.

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown, the docking device 3 also includes a hydraulic jack 34 and a rubber pad 35 located on the upper end of the positioning pin 32.

[0042] like Figure 5 As shown, the docking device 3 consists of three sets, each set being symmetrical about the central axis of the wind turbine tower 102; the winch jack assembly 2 consists of two sets, which are mirror-symmetrical about the central axis of the wind turbine tower 102.

[0043] The radius line A1 formed by the center of the winch jack assembly 2 and the center of the wind turbine tower 102 is 90° with the radius line B1 formed by one of the docking devices 3 and the center of the wind turbine tower 102.

[0044] like Figure 6 As shown, the single-column mast type device 1 includes a mast device body 11, a first horizontal motion compensation clamp 12 disposed at the upper end of the mast device body 11, and a second horizontal motion compensation clamp 13 disposed on one side of the mast device body 11.

[0045] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, the single-column mast type device 1 also includes vertical motion compensators 14 located on both sides. The vertical motion compensator 14 consists of a vertical motion compensating piston device 141, a sling 142, and a vertical motion compensating clamp 143. The vertical motion compensating clamp 143 of the vertical motion compensator will be clamped onto the outer wall of the wind turbine tower 102 during installation.

[0046] Combination Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, the auxiliary device of the present invention further includes one or more first auxiliary elbow plates 100, second auxiliary elbow plates 200, third auxiliary elbow plates 300, and fourth auxiliary elbow plates 400; the fixing anchor 21 is installed on the inner wall of the wind turbine tower 102 through one or more first auxiliary elbow plates 100; the lifting device 23 is installed on the inner wall of the wind turbine base 20 through one or more second auxiliary elbow plates 200; the conical receiver 31 is installed on the inner wall of the wind turbine tower 102 through one or more third auxiliary elbow plates 300; and the positioning pin 32 is installed on the inner wall of the wind turbine base 20 through one or more fourth auxiliary elbow plates 400.

[0047] Example 2

[0048] This embodiment includes the wind turbine installation vessel 30 of the auxiliary device in Embodiment 1.

[0049] Example 3

[0050] This embodiment provides a method for assisting in the precise docking of the offshore wind turbine 10 and the wind turbine base 20 during the overall installation of the offshore wind turbine 10. The precise docking and installation process is as follows:

[0051] The offshore wind turbine 10 is transported by the installation vessel to the vicinity of the designated wind turbine base 20. The conical receiver 31, the fixed anchor 21, and the winch 22 have been pre-installed on the wind turbine tower 102, and the positioning pin 32 and the jacking device 23 have been installed on the wind turbine base 20 before the installation operation. The single-mast device 1 on the wind turbine installation vessel 30 is used to lift the wind turbine 10 to a certain height. The installation vessel slowly sails towards the wind turbine base 20. After the bottom of the wind turbine tower 102 reaches above the wind turbine base 20, the installation vessel stops.

[0052] Activate the vertical motion compensator 14 and slowly lower the wind turbine 10 to a suitable distance above the wind turbine base 20, approximately 3m ± 0.5m. Connect the jacking device 23 and the fixed anchor 21 with the winch 22, and start the jacking device 23 to guide the conical receiver on the wind turbine tower 102 to precisely align with the positioning pin 32 on the wind turbine base 20. Continue to slowly lower the wind turbine tower 102.

[0053] Simultaneously, activate the first horizontal motion compensation clamp 12 and the second horizontal motion compensation clamp 13; align the conical receiver 31 and the positioning pin 32, as shown. Figure 7 As shown in A, during this process, the wind turbine 10 is slowly lowered, and the lifting device 23 of the winch jack assembly 2 pulls the winch 22 downward to guide the wind turbine tower 102 to accurately connect with the wind turbine base 20.

[0054] Before the wind turbine tower 102 descends to the distance from the wind turbine base 20 and reaches the compensation accuracy limit of the vertical motion compensator 14, approximately 1% of the vertical compensation capacity is reached. Taking a 5m vertical compensation capacity as an example, the compensation accuracy limit is approximately ±5cm. The hydraulic jack 34 located at the top of the positioning pin 32 will then open to adjust the height of the positioning pin 32 so that the top of the positioning pin 32 abuts against the positioning plate 33 inside the conical receiver tube. Figure 7 As shown in Figure B, this is to maintain a safe distance between the wind turbine tower 102 and the base. Simultaneously, during the descent of the wind turbine 10, the length of the positioning pin 32 is continuously adjusted until the wind turbine tower 102 contacts the wind turbine base 20, as shown in Figure B. Figure 7 As shown in C.

[0055] After the wind turbine tower 102 is precisely aligned with the wind turbine base 20 and lowered, the installation bolts connect the wind turbine 10 to the base, completing the installation of the wind turbine 10. Then, the hydraulic jacks are retracted to disengage the turbine from the positioning plate 33. Figure 7 As shown in D;

[0056] Enter the wind turbine tower 102 through the manhole (not shown in the figure) of the wind turbine base 20, and disassemble and retrieve the lifting device 23, fixing anchor 21, and the conical receiver and positioning pin 32 of the winch jack assembly 2, as well as the winch 22 and the docking device 3.

[0057] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments above, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions to the technical solutions of the present invention should not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can also make other changes within the spirit of the present invention and use them in the design of the present invention, as long as they do not deviate from the technical effects of the present invention. These changes made according to the spirit of the present invention should all be included within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. An auxiliary device for precise docking of a wind turbine (10) and a wind turbine base (20), used to achieve precise installation of the wind turbine (10) as a whole on a wind turbine installation vessel (30); characterized in that, It includes a single-column mast type device (1), a winch jack assembly (2), and a docking device (3); The single-column mast device (1) is installed on the wind turbine installation vessel (30) and is used to adjust the horizontal and vertical displacement of the wind turbine (10); The winch jack assembly (2) is located at the junction of the fan (10) and the fan base (20) for auxiliary positioning of the fan (10) and the fan base (20); The docking device (3) includes a conical receiver (31) and a positioning pin (32); the conical receiver (31) is located at the lower end of the fan (10); the positioning pin (32) is located at the upper end of the fan base (20); the precise docking of the fan (10) and the fan base (20) is achieved by inserting the positioning pin (32) into the conical receiver (31); The winch jack assembly (2) includes one or more sets of fixed anchors (21), winches (22) and lifting devices (23); The fan (10) includes a fan blade assembly (101) at the upper end and a fan tower (102) at the lower end connected to the fan blade assembly (101). The fixed anchor (21) is installed on the inner wall of the wind turbine tower (102); the lifting device (23) is installed on the inner wall of the wind turbine base (20); one end of the winch (22) is connected to the fixed anchor (21), and the other end is connected to the lifting device (23).

2. The auxiliary device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The docking device (3) also includes a positioning plate (33) disposed inside the conical receiver (31). The positioning plate (33) is a cone shape with an upward protrusion, which matches the positioning pin (32). The lower end of the conical receiver (31) has a flared opening.

3. The auxiliary device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The docking device (3) also includes a hydraulic jack (34) and a rubber pad (35) located on the upper end of the positioning pin (32).

4. The auxiliary device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The docking device (3) consists of three groups, each group being symmetrical about the central axis of the wind turbine tower (102); the winch jack assembly (2) consists of two groups, which are mirror-symmetrical about the central axis of the wind turbine tower (102).

5. The auxiliary device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The radius line A1 formed by the center of the winch jack assembly (2) and the center of the wind turbine tower (102) is 90° with the radius line B1 formed by the center of one of the docking devices (3) and the center of the wind turbine tower (102).

6. The auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The single-column mast type device (1) includes a mast device body (11), a first horizontal motion compensation clamp (12) located at the upper end of the mast device body (11), and a second horizontal motion compensation clamp (13) located on one side of the mast device body (11).

7. The auxiliary device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The single-column mast type device (1) also includes vertical motion compensators (14) located on both sides. The vertical motion compensator (14) consists of a vertical motion compensating piston device (141), a sling (142), and a vertical motion compensating clamp (143). The vertical motion compensating clamp (143) will be clamped on the outer wall of the wind turbine tower (102) during installation.

8. The auxiliary device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, It also includes one or more first auxiliary elbow plates (100), second auxiliary elbow plates (200), third auxiliary elbow plates (300) and fourth auxiliary elbow plates (400); the fixed anchor (21) is installed on the inner wall of the wind turbine tower (102) through one or more first auxiliary elbow plates (100); the lifting device (23) is installed on the inner wall of the wind turbine base (20) through one or more second auxiliary elbow plates (200); the conical receiver (31) is installed on the inner wall of the wind turbine tower (102) through one or more third auxiliary elbow plates (300); the positioning pin (32) is installed on the inner wall of the wind turbine base (20) through one or more fourth auxiliary elbow plates (400).

9. A wind turbine installation vessel (30) comprising the auxiliary device of any one of claims 2 to 4.

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