Modular floating foundation and wind turbine

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application provides a modular floating foundation and a fan. The modular floating foundation is connected to the side of the bottom of the tower of the fan. The modular floating foundation comprises a plurality of standard floating body modules and a plurality of connecting structural members. The plurality of standard floating body modules are connected in sequence to form a polygon. The adjacent two standard floating body modules at each corner of the polygon are connected through the connecting structural members, and the tower is connected to the connecting structural member at one corner of the polygon. The present application can reduce the manufacturing threshold and reduce the wharf occupation time.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of wind power generation, and in particular to a modular floating foundation and a wind turbine. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the gradual depletion of energy sources such as coal and oil, humans pay more and more attention to the use of renewable energy. Wind energy, as a clean and renewable energy, is increasingly valued by countries around the world. With the continuous development of wind power technology, wind turbine generators are increasingly used in power systems. Wind turbines are large equipment that convert wind energy into electrical energy, and are usually set up in areas rich in wind energy resources.

[0003] Due to the strong versatility of the semi-submersible wind turbine foundation, it is suitable for a wide range of water depths, and there are more floating wind power projects using semi-submersible foundations at home and abroad. The overall layout of the semi-submersible floating wind turbine foundation of the current mainstream design adopts a three-column or four-column scheme. Multiple columns are connected to each other through beam supports. The existing semi-submersible floating foundation design scheme is mostly based on the design of 5MW-level wind turbines. After the wind turbine is upsized, the diameter of the column providing the main buoyancy is mostly greater than 12m. A steel cylinder with a size above this must be provided with a relatively dense structural reinforcement to prevent structural buckling damage. Therefore, it brings complex welding and construction technology, which requires professional technicians to operate for a long time, and needs to occupy a large area of the wharf for a long time for manufacturing and assembly, resulting in low construction efficiency and poor economy, and thus not marketable. SUMMARY

[0004] The purpose of the embodiments of the present application is to provide a modular floating foundation and a wind turbine, which can reduce the manufacturing threshold and reduce the wharf occupation time.

[0005] One aspect of the embodiments of the present application provides a modular floating foundation connected to the side surface of the bottom of the tower of a wind turbine. The modular floating foundation comprises a plurality of standard float modules and a plurality of connecting structural members. The plurality of standard float modules are connected in sequence to form a polygon. The adjacent two standard float modules at each corner of the polygon are connected by the connecting structural members, and the tower is connected to the connecting structural member at one corner of the polygon.

[0006] Further, each of the standard float modules comprises two first floating columns, an upper cross-brace support and a lower cross-brace support, and the two first floating columns are connected to each other by the upper cross-brace support and the lower cross-brace support, wherein the connecting structural member connects the first floating column of each of the adjacent two standard float modules.

[0007] Further, a prefabricated slot is arranged on the first floating column, and a clamping piece is arranged on the connecting structure, which is clamped in the prefabricated slot to connect the first floating column and the connecting structure.

[0008] Further, the plurality of connecting structures include a first connecting structure not connected with the tower and a second connecting structure connected with the tower, the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure each have two first matching surfaces, the two first matching surfaces are respectively connected with two first floating columns, and the second connecting structure further has a tower matching surface for connecting with the tower.

[0009] Further, a second floating column is arranged at other corners except the corners connected with the tower, the first connecting structure further has a second matching surface, and the second matching surface is connected with the second floating column.

[0010] Further, the second floating column has the same structure as the first floating column.

[0011] Further, the two first floating columns, the upper cross-brace support and the lower cross-brace support in each standard floating body module form a rectangular frame, and each standard floating body module further includes one or more diagonal brace supports arranged in the rectangular frame.

[0012] Further, each standard floating body module includes two diagonal brace supports, one end of each of the two diagonal brace supports is connected to a middle position of the upper cross-brace support, and the other end of each of the two diagonal brace supports is connected to a position close to the lower cross-brace support of the two first floating columns.

[0013] Further, a pendant swing plate is arranged at each corner of the polygon, and the pendant swing plate is connected to the bottom of the two first floating columns and the second floating column at the corresponding corner.

[0014] Further, a damping reinforcement plate is connected between the lower cross-brace supports of the two adjacent standard floating body modules at each corner of the polygon.

[0015] Further, a prefabricated eye plate is arranged on the lower cross-brace support, and a mounting portion with a mounting hole is arranged on the damping reinforcement plate, and the mounting portion and the prefabricated eye plate are connected by bolts.

[0016] Further, the standard floating body module includes three, and the three standard floating body modules are sequentially connected to form a triangle.

[0017] Compared to existing three-column floating foundations, the diameter of a single floating column in the modular floating foundation of this application embodiment can be reduced by approximately 29% while maintaining the same cross-sectional area. The floating columns also require less internal structural reinforcement, facilitating manufacturing. Furthermore, the standard floating modules can be pre-installed in factories outside the dock, transported to the dock, and then assembled with a small number of connecting structural components. This reduces manufacturing barriers, minimizes dock time, and increases transportation and installation efficiency.

[0018] The modular floating foundation of this application embodiment is connected to the side of the tower. The modular floating foundation can avoid being subjected to the gravity load of the tower and wind turbine. The load at the bottom of the tower is not concentrated, and the load is transferred to the structure more evenly, which is friendly to tower installation.

[0019] Another aspect of this application provides a wind turbine. The wind turbine includes a modular floating foundation, a tower, and a wind turbine as described above. The modular floating foundation is connected to the side of the bottom of the tower, and the wind turbine is mounted on the top of the tower. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a modular floating foundation according to an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a top view of a modular floating foundation according to an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a side view of a standard floating body module according to an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a first connecting structure according to an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a modular floating foundation according to another embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a top view of a modular floating foundation according to another embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of a modular floating foundation according to another embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a side view of a standard floating body module according to another embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a first connecting structure according to another embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 10This is a top view schematic diagram of the connection between the floating column and the connecting structure in one embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 11 This is a side view of the connection between the floating column and the connecting structure according to an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 12 This is a top view schematic diagram of the connection between the lower cross brace and the damping reinforcement plate according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0033] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application. Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in the embodiments of this application should be understood in their ordinary sense by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms "a" or "one" and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. "A plurality" or "several" indicates two or more. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "front," "rear," "lower," and / or "upper" and similar terms are for ease of description only and are not limited to a location or spatial orientation. The terms "comprising" or "including" and similar terms mean that the elements or objects preceding "comprising" or "including" cover the elements or objects listed after "comprising" or "including" and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. The terms "connected" or "linked" and similar terms are not limited to physical or mechanical connections and can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in this application specification and appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0034] This application provides a modular floating foundation. Through modular design, it can significantly enhance market competitiveness in terms of construction, transportation and assembly while ensuring the overall performance of the semi-submersible floating wind turbine foundation.

[0035] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An illustration of a modular floating base 1 according to one embodiment of this application is shown, wherein, Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the modular floating foundation 1 is revealed. Figure 2 A top view of the modular floating foundation 1 is shown. (As shown) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment of this application, a modular floating foundation 1 is connected to the side of the bottom of the wind turbine tower 6. The modular floating foundation 1 includes multiple standard floating body modules 10 and multiple connecting structural members 20. The multiple standard floating body modules 10 are sequentially connected to form a polygon. Adjacent standard floating body modules 10 at each corner of the polygon are connected by connecting structural members 20, wherein the tower 6 is connected to the connecting structural member 20 at one corner of the polygon.

[0036] In some embodiments, the modular floating base 1 of this application includes three standard floating body modules 10. The three standard floating body modules 10 are connected in sequence to form a triangle.

[0037] Figure 3 A side view of a standard floating body module 10 according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 3 As shown, each standard floating module 10 includes two first floating columns 11, an upper horizontal support bracket 12, and a lower horizontal support bracket 13. The two first floating columns 11 are connected to each other via the upper horizontal support bracket 12 and the lower horizontal support bracket 13, respectively. A connecting structure 20 connects one first floating column 11 in each of two adjacent standard floating modules 10. The two first floating columns 11, the upper horizontal support bracket 12, and the lower horizontal support bracket 13 in each standard floating module 10 form a rectangular frame; therefore, the standard floating module 10 is generally rectangular in shape.

[0038] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, each of the two adjacent standard floating modules 10 is connected by a connecting structure 20. Therefore, as Figure 2 As shown, in polygons (e.g.) Figure 2 The triangle has two first floating pillars 11 at each corner.

[0039] In some embodiments, the first floating column 11 of this application has a circular cross-sectional shape. The first floating column 11 is a circular buoy. The two first floating columns 11 in each standard floating module 10 have the same diameter. Of course, the cross-sectional shape of the first floating column 11 of this application is not limited to a circle. In other embodiments, the first floating column 11 of this application may also be square, rhomboid, or other polygonal in shape.

[0040] The buoyancy and restoring force of the modular floating foundation 1 are mainly provided by the first floating columns 11 among multiple standard floating body modules 10. In this embodiment, the buoyancy and restoring force of the modular floating foundation 1 are mainly provided by the six first floating columns 11 among three standard floating body modules 10.

[0041] The plurality of connecting structures 20 of this application include a first connecting structure 21 that is not connected to the tower 6 and a second connecting structure 22 that is connected to the tower 6. Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a first connecting structure 21 according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 4 As shown, the first connecting structure 21 has two first mating surfaces 211, which are respectively connected to the two first floating columns 11. The first mating surfaces 211 have a shape that matches the outer surface of the first floating column 11.

[0042] The second connecting structure 22 is similar to the first connecting structure 21. The difference between the second and first connecting structures 22 is that, since the second connecting structure 22 also needs to connect to the tower 6, in addition to having two first mating surfaces 211 that respectively connect to the two first floating columns 11, the second connecting structure 22 also has a tower mating surface (unlabeled) for connecting to the tower 6. Similarly, the tower mating surface has a shape that matches the outer surface of the tower 6.

[0043] Compared to WindFloat-type three-column floating foundations, the diameter of a single floating column in the standard floating module 10 of the modular floating foundation 1 of this application embodiment can be reduced by approximately 29% while maintaining the same cross-sectional area. The floating columns also require less internal structural reinforcement, facilitating manufacturing. Furthermore, the standard floating module 10 can be pre-installed in a factory outside the dock, transported to the dock, and then assembled with a small number of connecting structural components 20. This reduces manufacturing barriers, minimizes dock time, and increases transportation and installation efficiency.

[0044] The modular floating foundation 1 of this application embodiment is connected to the side of the tower 6. The modular floating foundation 1 can avoid being subjected to the gravity load of the tower 6 and the wind turbine. The load at the bottom of the tower is not concentrated, and the load is transferred to the structure more evenly, which is friendly to the installation of the tower 6.

[0045] Figures 5 to 7 An illustration of a modular floating base 2 according to another embodiment of this application is shown, wherein, Figure 5 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of modular floating foundation 2 is revealed. Figure 6 A top view of the modular floating foundation 2 is revealed. Figure 7 An exploded view of the modular floating foundation 2 is shown. (Refer to...) Figures 5 to 7 As shown, with Figure 1 and Figure 2 Unlike the modular floating foundation 1 shown, in Figures 5 to 7 In the modular floating foundation 2 shown, a second floating column 30 is added at each corner of the polygon, except for the connecting tower 6. Multiple standard floating modules 10 and the second floating column 30 are connected by connecting structural members 20.

[0046] In some embodiments, the second floating column 30 may have the same structure as the first floating column 11. This allows for the standardization of the various components of the entire modular floating foundation 2, facilitating production and manufacturing.

[0047] The buoyancy and restoring force of the modular floating foundation 2 are primarily provided by the first floating columns 11 and additional second floating columns 30 in the multiple standard floating body modules 10. In this embodiment, the buoyancy and restoring force of the modular floating foundation 2 are mainly provided by the six first floating columns 11 and two second floating columns 30 (a total of eight floating columns) in the three standard floating body modules 10. The additional second floating columns 30 are designed to upgrade the buoyancy and restoring force of the modular floating foundation 2 according to the capacity of the installed wind turbine.

[0048] Figure 8 A side view of a standard floating body module 10 according to another embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 8 As shown, each standard float module 10 also includes one or more diagonal bracing supports 14. The one or more diagonal bracing supports 14 are disposed in the rectangular frame formed by two first float columns 11, an upper cross bracing support 12 and a lower cross bracing support 13 in each standard float module 10.

[0049] In some embodiments, each standard floating module 10 includes two diagonal bracing supports 14, one end of which is connected to the middle of the upper horizontal support 12, and the other end of which is connected to the two first floating columns 11 near the lower horizontal support 13. This increases the structural strength of the standard floating module 10.

[0050] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a first connecting structure 21 according to another embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 9As shown, since the first connecting structure 21 at the other corners not connected to the tower 6 needs to connect to the second floating column 30 in addition to connecting to one first floating column 11 in each of the two adjacent standard floating modules 10, the first connecting structure 21 not connected to the tower 6 has two first mating surfaces 211 that are respectively connected to the two first floating columns 11, and also has a second mating surface that is connected to the second floating column 30. The second mating surface has a shape that matches the outer surface of the second floating column 30.

[0051] Figure 10 and Figure 11 This application discloses a connection method between the floating column and the connecting structure 20 according to one embodiment, wherein, Figure 10 A top view diagram showing the connection between the floating column and the connecting structural member 20 is shown. Figure 11 A side view diagram illustrating the connection between the floating column and the connecting structural member 20 is shown. (See attached diagram.) Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, a prefabricated groove 111 is provided on the floating column (which may be the first floating column 11 and / or the second floating column 30), and a locking member 201 is provided on the connecting structure 20. The locking member 201 on the connecting structure 20 can be engaged with the prefabricated groove 111 on the floating column, thereby connecting the floating column and the connecting structure 20. Furthermore, the locking point between the locking member 201 on the connecting structure 20 and the prefabricated groove 111 on the floating column can be further fixed by welding, thereby further enhancing the connection effect.

[0052] Figure 10 The connection between the floating column and the connecting structure 20 shown can be applied to the connection between the first floating column 11 and the first connecting structure 21 / second connecting structure 22, and can also be applied to the connection between the second floating column 30 and the first connecting structure 21.

[0053] In the modular floating foundation 1 of this application, the floating columns and connecting structural components 20 are connected by prefabricated slots 111 and clips 201, which can greatly improve the installation efficiency between standard floating modules 10.

[0054] Continue to refer to Figures 5 to 7 As shown, in some embodiments, a sag plate 40 is also provided at each corner of the polygon, and the sag plate 40 is connected to the bottom of the two first floating columns 11 and the second floating column 30 at the corresponding corner.

[0055] like Figure 6As shown, in some embodiments, a damping reinforcement plate 50 is connected between the lower cross bracing 13 of two adjacent standard floating body modules 10 at each corner of the polygon. The damping reinforcement plate 50 is a plate structure, and the material of the damping reinforcement plate 50 can be steel or composite material. Its functions are: first, to increase the vertical and rotational damping of the modular floating foundation 2 and reduce the motion response of these degrees of freedom; second, to enhance the structural reinforcement between the cross bracing supports.

[0056] Figure 12 This is a top view schematic diagram illustrating the connection between the lower cross brace 13 and the damping reinforcement plate 50 according to one embodiment of this application. Figure 12 As shown, a prefabricated eye plate 131 is provided on the lower cross brace 13, and a mounting part 51 with mounting holes is provided on the damping reinforcement plate 50. The mounting part 51 on the damping reinforcement plate 50 and the prefabricated eye plate 131 on the lower cross brace 13 can be connected by bolts 52, thereby connecting the damping reinforcement plate 50 to the lower cross brace 13. By adopting this bolt connection method between the damping reinforcement plate 50 and the lower cross brace 13, the installation efficiency of the damping reinforcement plate 50 can be improved.

[0057] The modular floating foundation 2 of the second embodiment of this application has similar beneficial technical effects to the modular floating foundation 1 of the first embodiment.

[0058] Furthermore, the modular floating foundation 2 of the second embodiment of this application is particularly suitable for large-capacity wind turbines. Existing three-column floating foundations require larger cross brace spans and larger floating column diameters as the wind turbine capacity increases. Excessive cross brace length leads to flexibility, making structural deformation difficult to overcome. In addition, a larger floating column diameter requires more dense structural reinforcement. The modular floating foundation 2 of the second embodiment of this application consists of three floating columns (two first floating columns 11 and one second floating column 30) at the corners of the polygon (excluding the connecting tower 6, for example, at the triangular point of a triangle), which are connected by connecting structural members 20. Compared with the conventional three-column floating foundation, which has only one floating column at the triangular point, the length of the cross bracing of the modular floating foundation 2 of the second embodiment of this application can be greatly shortened. In addition, with the same cross-sectional area, the diameter of a single floating column of the modular floating foundation 2 of the second embodiment of this application can be reduced by more than 40% compared with the conventional three-column floating foundation design. This also reduces the number of internal structural reinforcements in the floating columns. Furthermore, with the same cross-sectional area, the area moment of the dispersed cross-sections relative to the center of the waterline surface of the foundation is larger, providing a greater restoring force. The greater the restoring force, the more stable the modular floating foundation 2 is.

[0059] Furthermore, the damping reinforcement plate 50 added to the lower cross brace 13 of the modular floating foundation 2 in the second embodiment of this application can effectively improve the damping of the modular floating foundation 2 in the heave and rocking directions, reduce the motion response of the floating structure, and its increased structural and installation costs are very small, making it economically efficient.

[0060] To accommodate larger capacity wind turbines, the modular floating foundation 2 of the second embodiment of this application has the same dimensions for each modular component, including the floating columns and supporting structures, resulting in fewer structural components and facilitating production, processing, and transportation.

[0061] The following provides two implementation schemes for the modular floating foundation of this application.

[0062] Option 1: In the standard floating module, each floating column can be circular, square, rhomboid, or polygonal, with a diameter of approximately 7m; the span of the cross bracing is 25-50m, with a minimum draft of 20m; the connecting structures between standard floating modules and between the tower and standard floating modules are welded or connected with slotted bolts; the minimum diameter of the tower base is 6m. Therefore, the total displacement of the modular floating foundation is approximately 6000-9000 tons.

[0063] Option 2: In the standard floating module, the shape of a single floating column can be circular, square, rhomboid, or polygonal, with a diameter of approximately 8m; the span of the cross bracing is 50-60m, and the minimum draft is 20m. Connections between standard floating modules, between the tower and the standard floating modules, and between the damping reinforcement plate and the lower cross bracing of the standard floating module are made by welding or bolting; the minimum diameter of the tower base is 8m. Therefore, the total displacement of this modular floating foundation is approximately 9000-13000 tons.

[0064] This modular floating foundation is suitable for sea areas with a water depth greater than 40m and can be used to install high-power offshore wind turbines of 10MW or more.

[0065] This application also provides a fan. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the fan includes the above... Figure 1 or Figure 5 The modular floating foundation 1 or 2, tower 6, and wind turbine 7 shown are connected to the side of the bottom of tower 6, and wind turbine 7 is installed on the top of tower 6.

[0066] The modular floating foundation and wind turbine provided in the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the modular floating foundation and wind turbine of this application. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for helping to understand the core ideas of this application and are not intended to limit this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to this application without departing from the spirit and principles of this application, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A modular floating foundation, connected to the side of the bottom of a wind turbine tower, characterized in that: The modular floating foundation includes: Multiple standard floating body modules, which are sequentially connected to form a polygon; and Multiple connecting structural members are provided, and adjacent two standard floating body modules at each corner of the polygon are connected by the connecting structural members, wherein the tower is connected to the connecting structural member at one corner of the polygon. Each of the standard floating body modules includes two first floating columns, an upper horizontal support bracket, and a lower horizontal support bracket. The two first floating columns are connected to each other through the upper horizontal support bracket and the lower horizontal support bracket, respectively. The connecting structure connects one of the first floating columns in each of two adjacent standard floating body modules.

2. The modular floating foundation as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A prefabricated groove is provided on the first floating column, and a clip is provided on the connecting structure. The clip is snapped into the prefabricated groove to connect the first floating column to the connecting structure.

3. The modular floating foundation as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of connecting structural components include a first connecting structural component that is not connected to the tower and a second connecting structural component that is connected to the tower. Both the first connecting structural component and the second connecting structural component have two first mating surfaces, which are respectively connected to two first floating columns. The second connecting structural component also has a tower mating surface for connecting to the tower.

4. The modular floating foundation as described in claim 3, characterized in that: A second floating column is provided at other corners besides the connecting tower. The first connecting structure also has a second mating surface, which is connected to the second floating column.

5. The modular floating foundation as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The second floating column has the same structure as the first floating column.

6. The modular floating foundation as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The two first floating columns, the upper cross brace and the lower cross brace in each standard floating body module form a rectangular frame, and each standard floating body module also includes one or more diagonal braces disposed in the rectangular frame.

7. The modular floating foundation as described in claim 6, characterized in that: Each of the standard floating body modules includes two inclined support brackets, one end of each of the two inclined support brackets is connected to the middle position of the upper horizontal support bracket, and the other end of each of the two inclined support brackets is connected to the two first floating columns near the lower horizontal support bracket.

8. The modular floating foundation as described in claim 4, characterized in that: A sag plate is also provided at each corner of the polygon, the sag plate being connected to the bottom of the two first floating columns and the second floating column at the corresponding corner.

9. The modular floating foundation as described in claim 4 or 8, characterized in that: A damping reinforcement plate is connected between the lower cross braces of two adjacent standard float modules at each corner of the polygon.

10. The modular floating foundation as described in claim 9, characterized in that: A prefabricated eye plate is provided on the lower cross brace, and a mounting part with mounting holes is provided on the damping reinforcement plate. The mounting part and the prefabricated eye plate are connected by bolts.

11. The modular floating foundation as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The standard floating body module comprises three modules, which are connected in sequence to form a triangle.

12. A fan, characterized in that: It includes a modular floating foundation, a tower, and a wind turbine as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the modular floating foundation is connected to the side of the bottom of the tower, and the wind turbine is mounted on the top of the tower.

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