Lightweight offshore booster substation and big data center fusion platform

Abstract

This invention provides a lightweight offshore step-up substation and big data center integrated platform. The lower part houses the big data center module, while the offshore substation functional area is located on the upper part of the platform. The first to third layers are functional layers for the big data center modules. Lifting rail areas are located at staggered positions on the outer edges of the first and second layers, with lifting rails installed within these areas. Power centers are located on both the first and second layers. The first layer includes a seawater lifting room, which, along with a cooling room, provides seawater cooling for the entire IDC and main transformer. The power center converts and stabilizes the stepped-down voltage from the upper step-up substation module, providing reliable power transmission to the big data center module. This invention proposes an integrated layout scheme for an offshore electrical platform and IDC, solving the difficulties of cabinet replacement and expansion during IDC operation and maintenance, reducing initial investment and subsequent operation and maintenance costs, and improving the economic benefits of both industries.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a lightweight offshore booster power substation and big data center convergence platform, which can be applied to the field of marine engineering. Background Technology

[0002] With the end of the 2020 offshore wind power "rush to install" trend, offshore wind power has officially entered the era of competitive bidding. The original single energy supply can no longer meet the needs of projects with declining investment and reduced returns. The lightweight development of offshore electrical platforms can only improve economic efficiency by reducing costs, and more economic growth points need to be sought. As one of the "new infrastructure" projects, big data centers (IDCs) naturally complement offshore wind power, which can increase the target users for the offshore wind power industry, thereby improving overall economic efficiency and achieving cost reduction and efficiency improvement.

[0003] Currently, the integration of these two technologies is taking shape; however, existing solutions and design concepts focus on the integration of subsea data centers (IDCs) and offshore electrical platforms. Subsea IDCs offer advantages such as better heat dissipation and lower PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness), but the overall structure is difficult to manufacture and construct, and IDC maintenance involves numerous and complex procedures, making it difficult to meet the high-frequency maintenance and repair needs of large server racks. Furthermore, since IDCs require rack additions based on target users, they are typically not built all at once. This results in high initial investment and low returns for subsea IDC integration solutions. If additional servers are needed later, the construction costs for surfacing and resurfacing the subsea IDC further increase costs, making it difficult to truly achieve the cost reduction and efficiency improvement effects of offshore wind power and IDCs.

[0004] The second approach to integrating the two industries involves placing the data center (IDC) within the upper modules of the offshore electrical platform. This effectively utilizes the platform's sea area while simultaneously drawing seawater for cooling, achieving a complementary advantage. This type of solution significantly reduces costs associated with rack installation, maintenance, and repairs by sacrificing a small amount of cooling efficiency. However, currently, there is no design solution for integrating offshore IDCs and offshore electrical platforms. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to propose a solution for the integrated deployment of offshore electrical platforms and data centers (IDCs). This solution aims to integrate lightweight offshore electrical platforms with IDCs, addressing the difficulties in replacing and adding server racks during IDC operation and maintenance, reducing initial investment and subsequent operation and maintenance costs, and improving the economic benefits of both industries. It also addresses the current situation where offshore electrical platforms have a limited number of power supplies and the voltage levels supplied to IDCs are incompatible.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A lightweight offshore step-up substation and big data center convergence platform is characterized in that the lower part of the platform is a big data center module, and the offshore substation functional area is located on the upper part of the platform; the convergence platform is configured with a five-layer structure, the first to third layers are big data center module functional layers, and the fourth and fifth layers are step-up substation module functional layers.

[0008] The first and second floors serve as server rack layout layers, while the third floor is a cable interlayer. The area between the first and second floors forms the main plant area. Hoisting rail areas are located at staggered positions on the outer edges of the first and second floors, with hoisting rails installed in these areas. The plant also includes a seawater lifting room, cooling room, and power center. Auxiliary plant areas are located on both sides of the main plant area, including: power centers on both the first and second floors; a seawater lifting room on the first floor; and a cooling room providing seawater cooling for the entire IDC and main transformer. The power center converts and stabilizes the stepped-down voltage from the upper step-up transformer module, providing reliable power transmission to the big data center modules.

[0009] Based on the above technical solutions, the present invention may also employ the following further technical solutions, or combine these further technical solutions:

[0010] The fourth floor houses the main transformer room for the step-up transformer module. The main transformer room extends to the fifth floor, and the radiator of the main transformer is located next to the open section of the main transformer room on the fifth floor. The cable shaft located outside the step-up transformer module on the fourth floor connects the main transformer room to the big data center module for cable and data cable connections.

[0011] The fourth floor houses the main transformer room for the step-up substation module, switchgear room, grounding transformer / station service transformer room, small resistor cabinet room, secondary equipment room, 10kV step-down transformer room, low-voltage distribution room, and emergency distribution room. The 10kV step-down transformer room's main function is to step down the voltage to match the voltage level of each cabinet in the IDC functional area and supply power to them. The functions of the other rooms are the same as those of the existing offshore substation platform functional rooms.

[0012] The fifth floor houses the radiator area, the diesel engine room required for the step-up substation modules, the 220kV GIS room, and the relay protection room. It also includes a 10kV diesel engine room, a daily fuel tank room, and a battery room. The 10kV diesel engine room provides backup power for the IDC functional area, addressing power supply issues during unexpected power outages. The remaining rooms function similarly to those on existing offshore substation platforms. This invention features a lightweight substation functional area with the main transformer radiator and main transformer body arranged in a staggered layout. Simultaneously, the GIS floor height is optimized, placing it below the roof level, significantly reducing the planar space and overall floor height, lightening the overall station weight, and facilitating equipment maintenance and hoisting. Furthermore, the entire integrated platform maintains a stable center of gravity.

[0013] The first and second floors of the integrated platform are roughly rectangular in shape. The middle area along the length of the first floor serves as the main plant area. The upper step-up transformer module is located directly above the middle area. Lifting slide rail areas are set on the two long sides of the first floor, and the two lifting slide rail areas are diagonally matched. Lifting slide rail areas are set on the two long sides of the second floor. The lifting slide rail areas of the second floor and the first floor are staggered to ensure the lifting operation of the cabinets and the sliding entry and exit of the cabinets for maintenance and replacement. When not in operation, the lifting slide rail areas are located below the deck deck to ensure the unobstructed access for maintenance. When operation is required, the cover can be lifted to expose the slide rails, allowing the cabinets to slide on the slide rails.

[0014] The main plant area is divided into several block-shaped sub-areas using inspection channels as data center rooms. Cable channels leading to the third floor are set up near the horizontal inspection channels in the data center rooms.

[0015] The third layer is lower than the first and second layers and serves as a cable mezzanine. Cable shafts leading to the fourth layer are set on both sides to collect the data computing power generated by the operation of the big data center module into the upper step-up substation module, while simultaneously transmitting the power from the upper step-up substation module to the big data center module.

[0016] The fifth-floor roof is equipped with a crane for hoisting, relocating and other operations of all station equipment. It also has maintenance covers for the main transformer equipment, the 10kV diesel generator, the GIS equipment, and the diesel generator, which can be used for maintenance of the main equipment in the upper step-up substation module when necessary.

[0017] The first to third floors use an indoor elevator shaft to facilitate the transportation of servers and maintenance tools by maintenance personnel during routine server rack repairs. The fourth and fifth floors use an outdoor inclined staircase on the roof to meet functional requirements while ensuring a lightweight design for the substation functional area and minimizing the overall construction cost. Each floor is equipped with an outer maintenance passage and railings. The railings in the hoisting slide rail area are detachable, while the railings in other locations are fixed, to meet the needs of escape and rescue, rack relocation, and personnel safety.

[0018] The operating logic of the fusion platform of this invention is as follows: Electricity generated by offshore wind turbines is boosted and processed at the substation functional layer before being distributed. Part of the electricity is stepped down by a 10kV transformer and then transmitted to the IDC functional layer. After voltage stabilization, the IDC computing power converts the boosted electricity and sends it back to the fiber optic cable outlet in the substation functional area. The other part of the electricity is directly transmitted via cable. As the integrated submarine cable and electrical cable for the entire station's transmission, the boosted electricity from the substation functional area, along with the computing power provided by the IDC, is ultimately sent to the onshore control center.

[0019] The lightweight step-up substation and big data center convergence platform provided by this invention enhances the dual-industry benefits of offshore wind farms and offshore IDCs. Specifically, its beneficial effects include:

[0020] 1) The platform of this invention integrates offshore IDC and power substation functions. The offshore IDC does not require additional land acquisition in the sea. Its computing power can be transmitted to the land-based control center through the integrated submarine cable of the offshore wind farm. The power required by the IDC can be directly provided by the offshore electrical platform. In addition, the IDC provides new target customers and functions for the offshore electrical platform, realizing the complementary advantages of the two industries, with higher economic benefits, realizing intensive use of the sea, lightweight design of the entire station, and industrial diversification.

[0021] 2) This invention arranges the rack area of ​​the offshore IDC in two layers, located under the platform. The bottom plane area of ​​the platform can be set to match the IDC and is rectangular in shape. This invention also provides a hoisting slide rail area for the offshore IDC, with the hoisting slide rail areas staggered along the long side of the two IDC layers. The two-layer IDC not only provides reasonable expansion space for the offshore IDC, but the staggered hoisting slide rail areas facilitate work without interference, meeting the needs of IDC maintenance, equipment replacement, and expansion work that are more frequent. The hoisting slide rail area solves the problem of accessing and exiting the data center room when adding or maintaining racks, is simple to operate, requires less marine machinery, and greatly reduces maintenance costs. In addition, the hoisting slide rails are pre-embedded, and under normal operating conditions, the slide rails are located below the aisle, without interfering with personnel escape and rescue passages.

[0022] 3) The fusion platform of this invention is equipped with two 10kV diesel generators for the IDC, which ensures the reliability of the IDC operation in the event of an unexpected power outage, avoids adverse situations such as the inability to transfer computing power and data loss, and has a high degree of reliability.

[0023] 4) The present invention adopts a staggered arrangement of radiators and a compact GIS layout for the upper offshore substation functional area, which reduces the planar dimensions and overall floor height, making the structural design more economical and the construction cost lower.

[0024] 5) In this invention, the IDC functional area and the substation functional area are arranged independently, one above the other, ensuring independence for different industries during operation and maintenance. The two functional areas exchange power and data through a cable interlayer, with centralized locations and simplified commissioning and trial operation strategies. The functional areas of this invention operate reliably and are compactly arranged.

[0025] 6) The IDC area of ​​this invention is located on the lower level. Seawater can be easily accessed for water cooling of the data center via a seawater lifting device. The seawater is low in temperature and can be recycled, minimizing the data center's PUE index. It also lowers the center of gravity of the entire converged platform. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall layout of the first layer of the lightweight fusion platform of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall layout of the two-layer lightweight fusion platform of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall three-layer layout of the lightweight fusion platform of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall four-layer layout of the lightweight fusion platform of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall five-layer layout of the lightweight fusion platform of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the overall layout of the roof layer of the lightweight integrated platform of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a front elevation view of the lightweight fusion platform of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a side elevation view of the lightweight fusion platform of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the hoisting slide rail of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To further illustrate the content, features, and effects of this invention, the following detailed description of the invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the first to third floors of the lightweight offshore booster substation and big data center convergence platform of this invention are big data center modules (IDC modules). The first and second floors are used as rack layout layers. The area of ​​the entire convergence platform can be matched with the design area of ​​the big data center modules (IDC modules). The offshore substation functional area is located at the top of the platform.

[0037] The first and second floors of the converged platform are roughly rectangular. The central area along the length of the first floor serves as the main plant area, divided into four sub-areas by inspection corridor 102. Each of the four sub-areas is designated as a data center room 101, housing IDC cabinets. This design ensures that all equipment is readily accessible via the inspection corridor 102 for easy maintenance, while also facilitating segmented management for different tenants during operation. Horizontal and vertical sliding rails are installed between the sub-areas for the cabinets to move in four directions. Cable channels 103 leading to the third floor are located near the horizontal inspection corridor 102 in the four data center rooms 101, with data cables and power cables neatly arranged vertically inside. The two sides of the first floor of the integrated platform are auxiliary plant areas. On one side (west side), along the platform's width (north-south direction), are arranged elevator shaft 2, seawater lifting room, and cooling room 3. Elevator shaft 2 provides access for maintenance personnel and equipment, while the seawater lifting room and cooling room 3 provide seawater cooling for the entire station's IDC and main transformer, reducing PUE. On the other side (east side), along the platform's width (north-south direction), are arranged HVAC room 4, power center 5, and elevator shaft 2. HVAC room 4 provides air cooling, ventilation, and heating for the entire station. Power center 5 converts and stabilizes the power from the upper substation step-up module and the subsequent 10kV step-down transformer, providing reliable power to data center room 101. A fully covered escape route 11 connects the auxiliary plant areas to the main plant of the integrated platform.

[0038] One layer of hoisting slide rail area 10 is set at the cantilevered deck on the two long sides of the first layer, and the two hoisting slide rail areas 10 are set diagonally. Four hidden slide rails 9 are arranged on each hoisting slide rail area 10. The slide rails 9 are used for maintenance, addition and other operations of IDC cabinets.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the layout of the second floor of the lightweight step-up substation and big data center convergence platform of this invention is generally the same as that of the first floor. The central area along the length direction serves as the main plant area, which is divided into four sub-areas by inspection channel 102. Each of the four sub-areas is set up as a data center room 101, which houses IDC cabinets. Cable channels 103 leading to the third floor are set up near the horizontal inspection channel 102 in the four data center rooms 101, with data cables and cables arranged vertically and neatly inside. The two sides along the length direction of the second floor are auxiliary plant areas. The second floor differs from the first floor in two aspects: first, the power center 5 is replaced by a spare parts room 6, which is used to store auxiliary tools and spare materials for maintenance and repair operations; second, the hoisting rail area 10 is staggered from the first floor to avoid interference during hoisting. The main purpose of setting up this floor is to consider the redundancy of the auxiliary equipment area, further increase the number of IDC cabinets that the convergence platform can accommodate, and increase the possibility and economic benefits of future expansion. A full-area escape passage 12 is set between the auxiliary plant and the main plant on the second floor.

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, the middle area of ​​the three-layer lightweight step-up substation and big data center convergence platform of this invention is a cable 104 mezzanine, with a lower floor height than the first and second floors. Cable shafts 8 leading to the fourth floor are located on both sides in the width direction. These two structures work together to provide sufficient turning radius and arrangement space for data cables and cable 2, converging the data computing power generated by the IDC module into the upper step-up module, while simultaneously transmitting power from the upper step-up module to the IDC data center. Elevator lobbies are located on both sides in the length direction of this floor at the same positions as the first and second floors. A temporary storage area 17 is provided in the remaining space on the terrace for placing equipment and materials during short-term operation.

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown, starting from the fourth floor, the step-up substation module 7 of the integrated platform of this invention is displayed. The difference between the step-up substation module 7 and the existing step-up substation is that the layout of this invention is more compact, which makes the structural weight lighter. Specifically, the building plan of the fourth floor is only within the main plant area of ​​the first and second floors. The main transformer and radiator are arranged vertically on the fourth floor. That is, in the fourth floor: the main transformer room 702 is located on one side (west side) of the centerline corresponding to the length direction of the first floor and close to the centerline. The switch cabinet room 701 is arranged on the outer side (west side) of the first floor corresponding to the length direction of the first floor. The grounding transformer and station transformer room 706 and the small resistor cabinet room 707 are arranged on one side (north side) corresponding to the width direction of the first floor. On the other side (east side) of the centerline of the fourth floor, the secondary equipment room 708, the 10kV step-down transformer room 703, the low-voltage distribution room 704 and the emergency distribution room 705 are arranged. Cable shafts 8 connecting to the third floor are set on the north and south sides of the step-up transformer module 7, corresponding to the third floor. Staircase platforms 141 are set on the north and south sides of the escape passage 14 for maintenance personnel to go up and down.

[0042] like Figure 5 As shown, on the fifth floor, the main transformer atrium 702' corresponds to the main transformer room 702, and the radiator area 701' corresponds to the switch cabinet room 701. A 10kV diesel engine room 703', a day-use fuel tank room 704', and a battery room 706' are located in positions corresponding to the grounding transformer / station service room 706 and the small resistor cabinet room 707. On the other side above the main transformer room 702, a second 10kV diesel engine room 703' and a day-use fuel tank room 704' are located for backup power supply to the IDC module. A diesel engine room 705', a 220kV GIS room 707', and a relay protection room 708' are also located for the step-up transformer module. The outer escape route 15 corresponds to the fourth floor, and a stair platform 151 connects the upper and lower floors.

[0043] like Figure 6As shown, this floor is the roof of the step-up substation module 7. In addition to the uniformly arranged escape passage 16 and stair platform 161, a crane 8 is installed for hoisting, relocation and other operations of all station equipment. It is also equipped with a main transformer equipment maintenance cover 901, a 10kV diesel generator maintenance cover 902, a GIS maintenance cover 903 and a diesel generator maintenance cover 903. That is, except for the main transformer room 702, which is open-plan on the fourth and fifth floors, and the main transformer equipment maintenance cover 901 on the top of the fifth floor, the 10kV diesel generator room, the 220kV GIS room and the relay protection room are all located on the fifth floor. The 10kV diesel generator maintenance cover 902, the GIS maintenance cover 903 and the diesel generator maintenance cover are installed on the top of the fifth floor, which can be used for maintenance operations of the main equipment in the upper step-up substation module when necessary.

[0044] The front and side views of the fusion platform of this invention are as follows: Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the data center room 101 in the IDC module uses a raised floor 105, under which data cables and power cables 2 and water cooling pipes required for the server racks are laid; a suspended ceiling 106 is installed on the data center room 101, and ventilation ducts can be reserved inside; hoisting slide rail areas 10 are set at staggered positions on the first and second floors, and the railings on the outside of these areas are detachable railings 71, which are convenient for temporary removal when replacing or adding server racks. The railings in the non-hoisting slide rail areas are fixed railings 72, which cannot be removed throughout their entire life cycle. The remaining functional areas are consistent with the floor plan.

[0045] like Figure 9 As shown, the hoisting slide rail area 9 of the present invention is provided with slide rail 91 and cover plate 92. When not in use, cover plate 92 completely covers slide rail 91 to keep escape passages 11 & 12 unobstructed. When encountering cabinet addition, maintenance or other operations, the handle protection plate 921 above cover plate 92 can be opened, and the cover plate of the corresponding area can be manually moved away by handle 922 to expose slide rail 91, allowing cabinet to slide into / out of data center room 101 to complete cabinet addition and maintenance.

[0046] The above embodiments are merely two preferred technical solutions of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or substitutions to the technical solutions or parameters in the embodiments can be made without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A lightweight offshore boost substation and big data center convergence platform, characterized in that, The lower part of the platform is the big data center module, and the offshore power substation functional area is located on the upper part of the platform; the integrated platform is set as a five-layer structure, with the first to third layers being the big data center module functional layers, and the fourth and fifth layers being the step-up power substation module functional layers; The first and second floors serve as server rack layout layers, while the third floor is a cable interlayer. The area between the first and second floors forms the main plant area. Hoisting rail areas are located at staggered positions on the outer edges of the first and second floors, with hoisting rails installed in these areas. The plant also includes a seawater lifting room, cooling room, and power center. Auxiliary plant areas are located on both sides of the main plant area, including: power centers on both the first and second floors; a seawater lifting room on the first floor; the seawater lifting room and cooling room provide seawater cooling for the entire IDC and main transformer; and the power center converts and stabilizes the stepped-down voltage from the upper step-up transformer module, providing reliable power transmission to the big data center modules. The fourth floor houses the main transformer room of the step-up transformer module. The main transformer room extends to the fifth floor, and the heat sink of the main transformer is located next to the open section of the main transformer room on the fifth floor. The cable shaft located outside the step-up transformer module on the fourth floor connects the cables and data cables to the big data center module. The first and second layers of the integrated platform are roughly rectangular in shape; the middle area along the length of the first layer serves as the main plant area; the upper step-up transformer module is located directly above the middle area. Lifting slide rail areas are set on the two long sides of the first layer, and the two lifting slide rail areas are set diagonally. Lifting slide rail areas are set on the two long sides of the second layer. The lifting slide rail areas of the second layer and the lifting slide rail areas of the first layer are staggered to ensure the lifting operation of the cabinet and the sliding entry and exit of the cabinet for maintenance and replacement. When not in operation, the lifting slide rail areas are located under the deck deck to ensure the unobstructed access for maintenance. When operation is required, the cover can be lifted to expose the slide rails, allowing the cabinet to slide on the slide rails.

2. The lightweight offshore boost substation and big data center convergence platform as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The fourth floor houses the main transformer room for the step-up transformer module, switch cabinet room, grounding transformer / station transformer room, small resistor cabinet room, secondary equipment room, 10kV step-down transformer room, low-voltage power distribution room, and emergency power distribution room. The fifth floor houses the radiator area, the diesel engine room required for the step-up substation module, the 220KV GIS room, and the relay protection room; The fifth floor also houses a 10 kV diesel generator room, a daily fuel tank room, and a battery room; the 10 kV diesel generator room is used for backup power supply to the big data center modules.

3. The lightweight offshore boost substation and big data center convergence platform as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The main plant area is divided into several block-shaped sub-areas using inspection channels as data center rooms. Cable channels leading to the third floor are set up near the horizontal inspection channels in the data center rooms.

4. The lightweight offshore boost substation and big data center convergence platform as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The third layer is lower than the first and second layers and serves as a cable mezzanine. Cable shafts leading to the fourth layer are set on both sides to collect the data computing power generated by the operation of the big data center module into the upper step-up substation module, while simultaneously transmitting the power from the upper step-up substation module to the big data center module.

5. The lightweight offshore boost substation and big data center convergence platform as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fifth-floor roof is equipped with a crane for hoisting, relocating and other operations of all station equipment. It also has maintenance covers for the main transformer equipment, the 10kV diesel generator, the GIS equipment, and the diesel generator, which can be used for maintenance of the main equipment in the upper step-up substation module when necessary.

6. The lightweight offshore boost substation and big data center convergence platform as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first to third floors use an indoor elevator shaft to facilitate the transportation of servers and maintenance tools by maintenance personnel during routine server rack repairs; the fourth to fifth floors use an outdoor inclined staircase on the roof; each floor is equipped with an outer maintenance passage and railings, with detachable railings in the hoisting slide rail area and fixed railings in the remaining locations to meet the needs of escape and rescue, rack relocation and personnel safety.

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