Fixed underwater floating tunnel with wind turbines

Abstract

The present invention discloses a fixed underwater floating tunnel equipped with a wind turbine, comprising a fixed floating tunnel body, a plurality of fixed columns for supporting the fixed floating tunnel body arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the fixed floating tunnel body, a plurality of mooring cables provided between the fixed columns and the fixed floating tunnel body, and a power supply device provided inside the fixed floating tunnel body; the fixed floating tunnel body is characterized in that the tops of all the fixed columns are located above the horizontal plane A, and the wind turbines are fixed to the fixed columns by wind turbine reinforcement and wave-breaking devices. This can realize the three-dimensional development and application of marine space. The floating tunnel utilizes the marine water space for transportation construction, and the wind turbine utilizes marine wind energy resources for power generation, providing a green energy supply for the floating tunnel, reducing the operating cost of the floating tunnel, improving the intensive utilization of marine space resources, and increasing the utilization efficiency of marine resources, thereby maximizing the benefits of marine resource development.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of cross-sea channel engineering, and in particular is a fixed underwater suspended tunnel arranged with a wind turbine. Background Art

[0002] The submerged floating tunnel (SFT), also known as the Archimedean bridge, is a new form of underwater transportation. Its characteristic feature is that it is neither buried nor resting on the seabed, but rather stably suspended at a certain depth. Its essence is the application of Archimedean buoyancy theorem to underwater transportation construction. Compared with traditional cross-sea bridges and submarine tunnels, floating tunnels offer numerous advantages: They are less restricted by water depth and span, and the cost per unit length does not increase with span length. Located 20 to 50 meters below the surface, they are less susceptible to adverse weather conditions such as typhoons and do not interfere with surface traffic. They also reduce vehicle exhaust emissions, offering significant environmental advantages. They are recognized as the most competitive cross-sea structure of the 21st century.

[0003] The development of marine space resources is unprecedentedly active, expanding across a growing range. There is demand for development above the surface, within the water column, on the seabed, and even below it. Future marine engineering construction and marine resource development will place greater emphasis on increasing the utilization of marine space. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention proposes a fixed underwater floating tunnel equipped with a wind turbine. The fixed floating tunnel provides a stable foundation for offshore wind turbines, significantly reducing wind turbine construction costs, increasing the applicable water depth of fixed wind turbines, and reducing energy consumption. The wind turbines utilize marine wind energy resources to generate electricity, providing a green energy supply for the floating tunnel. The remaining electricity can be fed into the power grid, reducing the operating costs of the floating tunnel. The combination of the two can achieve three-dimensional development and utilization of marine space, enhance the intensive utilization of marine space resources, improve the utilization efficiency of marine resources, and maximize the benefits of marine resource development.

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention proposes a technical solution for implementing a fixed underwater floating tunnel equipped with a wind turbine: the fixed underwater floating tunnel equipped with a wind turbine includes a fixed floating tunnel tube body, and a plurality of fixed columns for supporting and fixing the fixed floating tunnel tube body are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the fixed floating tunnel tube body, a plurality of mooring cables are provided between the fixed columns and the fixed floating tunnel tube body, and a power supply equipment is provided in the fixed floating tunnel tube body; it is characterized in that the tops of all the fixed columns are located above the horizontal plane A, and a wind turbine reinforcement and wave-breaking device is fixed on the top of the fixed columns, and the wind turbine unit is fixed to the fixed columns through the wind turbine reinforcement and wave-breaking device.

[0006] Furthermore, the fixed underwater floating tunnel with a wind turbine according to the present invention comprises:

[0007] The cross section of the fixed floating tunnel tube body is elliptical, a two-way lane is provided in the fixed floating tunnel tube body, and a groove for installing the power supply equipment is provided on the top of the inner wall of the fixed floating tunnel tube body.

[0008] The fixing column is provided with a through hole leading to a groove for installing the power supply device, and the power transmission line of the wind turbine generator set is connected to the power supply device through the through hole.

[0009] Multiple fixed columns are arranged at intervals of 50 meters. Each fixed column penetrates and is rigidly connected to the fixed floating tunnel body. The multiple mooring cables include two mooring cables arranged on both sides of the fixed columns and between the fixed floating tunnel body respectively. The mooring cables themselves are taut and have pre-tension, thereby serving as cables to fix and strengthen the fixed floating tunnel body.

[0010] A connecting convex plate is provided at the corresponding position where the fixed floating tunnel tube body is connected to the mooring cable, and a threaded hole is provided on the connecting convex plate and matches the first bolt; a nut is pre-embedded at the corresponding position where the side of the fixed column is connected to the mooring cable, and matches the second bolt; after one end of the mooring cable is connected to the fixed floating tunnel tube body, the pretension of the mooring cable is adjusted, and then the other end of the mooring cable is connected to the side of the fixed column through the second bolt, and the pretension of the mooring cable is adjusted again to make the mooring cable reach a stable state.

[0011] The mooring cable is one of a steel wire rope, a steel pipe and a composite fiber cable; the outer layer of the steel wire rope or the steel pipe is galvanized or aluminum-plated; the outer layer of the composite fiber cable is provided with an anti-corrosion coating.

[0012] The wind turbine reinforcement and wave-breaking device includes a circular flange fixed to the bottom of the column of the wind turbine group, and a plurality of third bolts are pre-embedded in the top of the fixed column, and the column of the wind turbine group is fixed to the fixed column by threaded connection. The bottom of the column of the wind turbine group is sequentially covered with a sealing cover and a wave-breaking support seat, and a gap is left between the sealing cover and the column of the wind turbine group, and the gap is filled with rubber material. The top of the wave-breaking support seat is provided with an inner edge, and the inner edge is tightly buckled on the sealing cover. The wave-breaking support seat is provided with a through groove consistent with the axial direction of the fixed floating tunnel pipe body, and the bottom of the wave-breaking support seat is fixed to the fixed column.

[0013] The wave-breaking support seat is made of concrete splicing, and its outer surface is coated with an anti-corrosion coating.

[0014] Part of the electric energy generated by the wind turbine is incorporated into the power grid through the line, and the other part is transmitted to the power supply equipment through the transmission line.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] Combining wind turbines with fixed floating tunnels significantly improves ocean utilization. Combining offshore wind farm construction with floating tunnels mitigates the drawback of both structures being elevated above the sea surface, making them impassable to ships, while also providing a new means of navigation. The construction and installation of fixed offshore wind turbines at water depths of 100 meters is costly and challenging, while floating wind turbines offer limited safety and are susceptible to extreme weather conditions. Therefore, leveraging the fixed pile foundations of floating tunnels effectively reduces costs and installation complexity while ensuring greater structural safety and stability, facilitating the expansion of offshore wind turbines to depths exceeding 100 meters. Floating tunnels are expensive to construct and contain numerous electrical devices, requiring a land-based power grid connection, making operation and maintenance complex. The novel approach of combining wind turbines with fixed floating tunnels allows the wind turbines to provide the necessary electricity for floating tunnel operations, with any remaining electricity fed into the grid for power generation. This significantly improves the economic efficiency of floating tunnels, offering high practical value and promising development prospects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a fixed underwater suspended tunnel equipped with wind turbines;

[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A front view of a fixed underwater suspended tunnel with a wind turbine arranged therein;

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A side view of a fixed underwater floating tunnel with a wind turbine arranged therein;

[0020] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the anchor cable connection structure between the fixed floating tunnel body and the fixed columns in the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the fan unit and the fixed column in the present invention.

[0022] In the figure: 1-fixed floating tunnel body, 2-power supply equipment, 3-fixed column, 4-mooring cable, 5-wave-breaking support seat, 6-wind turbine, 7-connecting convex plate, 8-second bolt, 9-first bolt, 10-power line, 11-sealing cover, 12-rubber material, 13-circular flange, 14-third bolt. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The technical solution of the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The described specific embodiments are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0024] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the present invention proposes a fixed underwater floating tunnel equipped with a wind turbine, comprising a fixed floating tunnel body 1. A plurality of fixed columns 3 are arranged axially along the fixed floating tunnel body 1 to support and secure the fixed floating tunnel body 1. Multiple mooring cables 4 are provided between the fixed columns 3 and the fixed floating tunnel body 1. A power supply device 2 is provided within the fixed floating tunnel body 1. The fixed floating tunnel body 1 has an elliptical cross-section and a two-way lane. A recess is provided at the top of the inner wall of the fixed floating tunnel body 1 for mounting the power supply device 2. The power supply device 2 provides functions such as lane lighting and emergency lighting. The tops of all fixed columns 3 are located above a horizontal plane A. Wind turbine reinforcement and wave-proofing devices are fixed to the tops of the fixed columns 3 to prevent seawater corrosion of the wind turbine. The wind turbine reinforcement and wave-proofing devices secure the wind turbine 6 to the fixed columns 3. The fixed column 3 is provided with a through hole leading to the groove for installing the power supply device 2. The wind turbine 6 converts wind energy into electrical energy by driving the rotor inside the wind turbine through the blades. The power transmission line 10 of the wind turbine 6 is connected to the power supply device 2 through the through hole to provide it with continuous power.

[0025] like Figure 3 As shown, multiple fixed columns 3 are arranged every 50 meters. Each fixed column 3 penetrates and is rigidly connected to the fixed floating tunnel body 1. As the main supporting component of the floating tunnel, they provide lateral and longitudinal rigidity to resist the effects of wind, wave and current loads. Multiple mooring cables 4 include two mooring cables 4 arranged on either side of the fixed columns 3 and between the fixed floating tunnel body 1. These mooring cables 4 are taut and pre-tensioned, providing good stability. They act as cables to secure and reinforce the fixed floating tunnel body 1, ensuring good stability and ensuring the safe passage of vehicles within.

[0026] like Figure 4As shown, the fixed floating tunnel body 1 is provided with a connecting plate 7 at the corresponding position where it connects to the mooring cable 4. The connecting plate 7 has a threaded hole that is compatible with a first bolt 9. Nuts are pre-embedded at the corresponding position where the mooring cable 4 connects to the side of the fixed column 3, and are compatible with a second bolt 8. After one end of the mooring cable 4 is connected to the fixed floating tunnel body 1, the pretension of the mooring cable 4 is adjusted, and the other end of the mooring cable 4 is then connected to the side of the fixed column 3 via the second bolt 8. The pretension of the mooring cable 4 is adjusted again to stabilize the mooring cable 4. The mooring cable 4 can be made of steel wire rope, steel pipe, or composite fiber cable, such as high-strength polyethylene cable. If a steel cable or steel pipe is used, the outer layer should be galvanized or aluminum-plated for corrosion protection. If a composite fiber cable is used, the outer layer should be coated with an anti-corrosion coating.

[0027] like Figure 5 As shown, the top of the fixed column 3 should be flat and connected to the wind turbine 6 by bolt connection. A through hole is left between the top of the fixed column 3 and the power supply device 2, which is used to pass the power transmission line of the generator set 6 to provide electrical energy to the power supply device. The wind turbine reinforcement and wave protection device includes a circular flange 13 fixed to the bottom of the column of the wind turbine 6. A plurality of third bolts 14 are pre-embedded in the top of the fixed column 3, which are used to fix the column of the wind turbine 6 to the fixed column 3 through threaded connection. The bottom of the column of the wind turbine 6 is successively covered with a sealing cover 11 and a wave-proof support seat 5. A gap is left between the sealing cover 11 and the column of the wind turbine 6. The gap is filled with corrosion-resistant rubber material 12. The sealing cover 11 is made of stainless steel to ensure the watertightness of the connection. The corrosion-resistant rubber material 12 serves as a vibration damping material to prevent resonance between the wind turbine 6 and the suspended tunnel, which would cause irreparable damage to both. The top of the wave-breaking support seat 5 is provided with an inner edge that is tightly buckled on the sealing cover 11. The wave-breaking support seat 5 is provided with a through groove that is axially aligned with the fixed floating tunnel body 1. The bottom of the wave-breaking support seat 5 is fixed to the fixed column 3. The wave-breaking support seat 5 is made of concrete splicing, and its outer surface is coated with an anti-corrosion coating. The wind turbine reinforcement and wave-breaking device (including the wave-breaking support seat 5, the sealing cover 11, the rubber material 12, the circular flange 13 and the third bolt 14) serves to reinforce and prevent seawater corrosion of the wind turbine.

[0028] The wind turbine is equipped with an impeller, a gearbox, a wind speed control mechanism, a generator, and a yaw control system. The wind turbine is a monopile-type structure, with the fixed column 3 as its foundation, which is more conducive to structural stress and resistance to horizontal displacement. The output end of the impeller is connected to the input end of the gearbox via a main shaft to increase the rotational speed. The output end of the gearbox is connected to the speed control mechanism to ensure a uniform output speed, which is then connected to the generator. The wind turbine 6 includes a yaw control system that allows for quick and stable alignment with the wind direction when the wind speed vector changes, allowing the wind turbine to maximize wind energy. The generator blades rotate under the force of the wind, converting the wind force into mechanical energy, which is then regulated by the gearbox into a stable output to drive the generator to generate electricity. Part of the electricity generated by the wind turbine 6 is fed into the power grid via a transmission line, and the remaining part is transmitted to the power supply device 2 via a transmission line.

[0029] The installation process of the fixed underwater floating tunnel with a wind turbine proposed by the present invention is as follows:

[0030] The fixed floating tunnel body 1 is constructed in sections, with each section being 50 meters apart. A fixed column 3 is provided at the center of the fixed floating tunnel body 1. The fixed floating tunnel body 1 is cast in sections, and the joints are poured with concrete again for secondary reinforcement.

[0031] First bolts 9 are used to connect one end of the mooring cable 4 to the raised connecting plates 7 on either side of the fixed floating tunnel body 1. The diameter and inclination angle of the mooring cable 4 should be determined based on the dimensions of the fixed floating tunnel body 1. After one end of the mooring cable 4 is connected, the cable is tensioned to the designed tension using a jack. Second bolts 8 are then used to connect the cable to the embedded nuts on the sides of the fixed columns 3.

[0032] The wind turbine assembly 6 is transported to the vicinity of the fixed column 3 by a wind turbine installation vessel. The wind turbine is vertically hoisted to the top of the fixed column 3 and then connected with bolts. The wiring is also completed. The connection is first treated with rubber material 12 and then sealed with a sealing cover 11 to ensure watertightness. The outer layer of the wind turbine wave-breaking support 5 is cast and then coated with an anti-corrosion treatment.

[0033] The power transmission line 10 of the wind turbine 6 is connected to the power supply equipment 2 on the inner wall of the floating tunnel through the through hole on the top of the fixed column 3, and electrical protection equipment is added.

[0034] Although the present invention has been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned specific embodiments. The above-mentioned specific embodiments are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Under the guidance of the present invention, ordinary technicians in this field can make many variations without departing from the purpose of the present invention, and these are all protected by the present invention.

Claims

1. A fixed underwater floating tunnel equipped with a wind turbine, comprising a fixed floating tunnel tube (1), a plurality of fixed columns (3) for supporting and fixing the fixed floating tunnel tube (1) arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the fixed floating tunnel tube (1), a plurality of mooring cables (4) being provided between the fixed columns (3) and the fixed floating tunnel tube (1), and a power supply device (2) being provided in the fixed floating tunnel tube (1); characterized in that: The tops of all the fixed columns (3) are located above the horizontal plane A, and a wind turbine reinforcement and anti-wave device is fixed to the top of the fixed columns (3), and the wind turbine (6) is fixed to the fixed columns (3) through the wind turbine reinforcement and anti-wave device; A plurality of fixed columns (3) are arranged at intervals of 50 m, each fixed column (3) penetrates and is rigidly connected to the fixed floating tunnel body (1), and a plurality of mooring cables (4) include two mooring cables (4) arranged on both sides of the fixed columns (3) and connected to the fixed floating tunnel body (1) respectively. The mooring cables (4) are themselves taut and have pre-tension, so as to be used for fixing and reinforcing the rigidity of the fixed floating tunnel body (1) in the form of cables; The wind turbine reinforcement and wave-proofing device comprises a circular flange (13) fixed to the bottom of the column of the wind turbine group (6); a plurality of third bolts (14) are pre-buried on the top of the fixed column (3); the column of the wind turbine group (6) is fixed to the fixed column (3) by threaded connection; the bottom of the column of the wind turbine group (6) is sequentially covered with a sealing cover (11) and a wave-proofing support seat (5); a gap is left between the sealing cover (11) and the column of the wind turbine group (6); the gap is filled with a rubber material (12); the top of the wave-proofing support seat (5) is provided with an inner edge, which is tightly buckled on the sealing cover (11); the wave-proofing support seat (5) is provided with a through groove that is consistent with the axial direction of the fixed floating tunnel pipe body (1); the bottom of the wave-proofing support seat (5) is fixed to the fixed column (3).

2. The fixed underwater floating tunnel with a wind turbine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross section of the fixed floating tunnel tube body (1) is elliptical, a two-way lane is provided inside the fixed floating tunnel tube body (1), and a groove for installing the power supply device (2) is provided on the top of the inner wall of the fixed floating tunnel tube body (1).

3. The fixed underwater floating tunnel with a wind turbine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixed column (3) is provided with a through hole leading to a groove for installing the power supply device (2), and the power transmission line (10) of the wind turbine (6) is connected to the power supply device (2) through the through hole.

4. The fixed underwater floating tunnel with a wind turbine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A connecting convex plate (7) is provided at a corresponding position where the fixed floating tunnel body (1) is connected to the mooring cable (4), and a threaded hole is provided on the connecting convex plate (7) and matched with a first bolt (9); a nut is pre-embedded at a corresponding position where the side of the fixed column (3) is connected to the mooring cable (4) and matched with a second bolt (8); after one end of the mooring cable (4) is connected to the fixed floating tunnel body (1), the pretension of the mooring cable (4) is adjusted, and the other end of the mooring cable (4) is connected to the side of the fixed column (3) through the second bolt (8), and the pretension of the mooring cable (4) is adjusted again to make the mooring cable (4) reach a stable state.

5. The fixed underwater floating tunnel with a wind turbine according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: The mooring rope (4) is one of a steel wire rope, a steel pipe and a composite fiber rope; the outer layer of the steel wire rope or the steel pipe is galvanized or aluminum-plated; the outer layer of the composite fiber rope is provided with an anti-corrosion coating.

6. The fixed underwater floating tunnel with a wind turbine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wave-breaking support seat (5) is made of concrete, and its outer surface is coated with an anti-corrosion coating.

7. The fixed underwater floating tunnel with a wind turbine according to claim 1, characterized in that: Part of the electric energy generated by the wind turbine generator set (6) is incorporated into the power grid through the line, and the other part is transmitted to the power supply equipment (2) through the transmission line.

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