A device and method for monitoring the tension of an anchor chain of a floating wind turbine mooring system

Abstract

The application relates to a device and a method for monitoring the anchor chain tension of a floating wind turbine mooring system, and belongs to the technical field of floating ocean engineering structures. The device solves the problems of large direct measurement error and high underwater measurement cost. The device comprises an inclinometer, a signal acquisition communication board, a signal processor, a central control room host, a display instrument and a strain sensor. The strain sensor, the inclinometer and the signal acquisition communication board are electrically connected. The signal acquisition communication board, the signal processor, the central control room host and the display instrument are sequentially electrically connected. The device has the advantages of simple structure, convenient installation and use, easy maintenance, overall replacement in case of failure, cost saving, comprehensive monitoring of the anchor chain tension and the inclination motion change, and small error.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a device and method for monitoring anchor chain tension, belonging to the technical field of floating marine engineering structures. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, floating wind turbine technology has played an increasingly important role in the development and utilization of offshore new energy. Mooring chains, as an indispensable piece of equipment for floating wind turbine platforms, connect the anchor to the platform and are used to transfer and buffer external forces. Their reliability and safety are crucial for the normal operation of the floating wind turbine platform. Because mooring systems are constantly submerged in seawater, they face the risk of seawater corrosion and are continuously subjected to various environmental loads such as wind, waves, and currents. In the actual operation of the mooring system on a floating wind turbine platform, abnormal tension can easily occur in the mooring chains. Once the mooring chains are overloaded and break, it will pose a significant potential threat to the operational safety of the floating wind turbine platform. Therefore, monitoring the tension and assessing the reliability of mooring chains on floating wind turbine platforms is of strategic importance.

[0003] The existing technology has the following problems:

[0004] 1. The existing method for monitoring mooring anchor chains involves direct measurement from the top of a floating wind turbine platform, i.e., installing a pin sensor on the top of the floating wind turbine platform to directly measure the tension of the mooring anchor chains. This method has a large error.

[0005] 2. Existing methods for monitoring mooring anchor chains involve underwater measurements using specially developed sensors to conduct structural measurements of the mooring system of floating wind turbine platforms. However, these methods require the installation of auxiliary clamps, which have high requirements for installation accuracy and are costly.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need to propose a device and method for monitoring the anchor chain tension of a floating wind turbine mooring system in order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention addresses the shortcomings of the aforementioned quadcopter Mars spacecraft by providing a device and method for monitoring the anchor chain tension of a floating wind turbine mooring system. A brief overview of the invention is given below to provide a basic understanding of certain aspects of it. It should be understood that this overview is not an exhaustive summary of the invention. It is not intended to identify key or essential parts of the invention, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0008] The technical solution of the present invention:

[0009] A device for monitoring the anchor chain tension of a floating wind turbine mooring system includes an inclinometer, a signal acquisition and communication board, a signal processor, a central control room host, a display, and a strain sensor. The strain sensor, inclinometer, and signal acquisition and communication board are electrically connected, and the signal acquisition and communication board, signal processor, central control room host, and display are electrically connected in sequence.

[0010] Preferred configuration: also includes an anchor, anchor chain, tensioner, chain stopper, buoy, and platform. One end of the anchor chain is connected to the anchor, and the other end of the anchor chain is connected to the chain stopper via the tensioner. The chain stopper is fixedly connected to the platform. The pulley of the tensioner presses the anchor chain. A strain sensor is installed near the tensioner, and an inclinometer is installed below the tensioner and connected to the anchor chain. A buoy is installed at the bottom of the platform.

[0011] Preferably, the platform has three tensioners arranged in a circumferential array along its edge, each tensioner being connected to an anchor chain, which is a steel suspension chain, and three signal acquisition and communication boards are connected to the platform.

[0012] Preferably, the inclinometer is mounted on the anchor chain, and the inclinometer is a 0.030 MEMS dual-axis inclinometer.

[0013] Preferred features: The tensioner is made of seawater corrosion resistant material, the cable is a special marine cable, and the installation layout avoids passing through unsafe areas of the floating wind turbine platform. To avoid corrosion and failure of electronic components, the connector is an aviation connector with a waterproof rating of IP67, and the inclinometer and strain sensor are equipped with a watertight pressure-bearing protective shell.

[0014] A method for monitoring anchor chain tension in a floating wind turbine mooring system includes the following steps:

[0015] Step 1: Establish a local finite element analysis model of the tensioner and base;

[0016] Step 2: Construct the response matrix of the measurement points based on the finite element simulation results;

[0017] Step 3: Calculate the pressure at the contact point between the anchor chain and the tensioner pulley;

[0018] Step 4: Monitor the change in inclination angle of the lower anchor chain of the tensioner in real time using an inclinometer to obtain the real-time change of inclination angle α;

[0019] Step 5: Calculate the anchor chain tension.

[0020] Preferred method: In step one, establish models of tensioner, base, and anchor chain. Apply a unit pressure load P at the contact position between the pulley of the tensioner and the anchor chain. Analyze the load-bearing conditions of the tensioner and base, the characteristics of the load transmission path of the tensioner and load, obtain the response value X at the measuring point, and then obtain the load transmission stiffness matrix K through calibration.

[0021] K = KX, K = PX -1 ;

[0022] In step two, based on the finite element simulation results, areas with high stress are selected on the tensioner base, and the real-time changes in stress and strain are monitored by strain sensors, and the response matrix X′ of the measuring points is constructed.

[0023] In step three, the pressure P′ at the contact point between the anchor chain and the tensioner pulley is calculated based on the load transfer stiffness matrix K and the measuring point monitoring response matrix X′.

[0024] P′=XX′;

[0025] In step five, the real-time changes in anchor chain tension are calculated based on physical relationships;

[0026] F = T2sinα, T2cos = T1;

[0027]

[0028] In the formula, a is the angle between the anchor chain and the vertical direction, T2 is the tension at the upper end of the anchor chain, and T1 is the tension at the lower end of the anchor chain.

[0029] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0030] 1. This invention can achieve comprehensive monitoring of the magnitude and tilt angle changes of the anchor chain tension with small error. On the one hand, it can understand the tension changes of the mooring chain and make an assessment of the production safety of the floating wind turbine platform; on the other hand, when the tension of the mooring chain is abnormal, emergency avoidance measures can be taken to avoid dangerous situations.

[0031] 2. Based on load identification technology, this invention can monitor the anchor chain tension in real time and dynamically, thereby making an objective assessment of the mooring system design model and relevant specifications. It is of great value in identifying platform load parameters, laying the foundation for subsequent structural design, structural optimization, performance evaluation and other stages, and providing strong scientific support for the platform reliability optimization design.

[0032] 3. This invention has a simple structure, is easy to install and use, and is easy to maintain. If a fault occurs, the entire unit can be replaced, saving costs.

[0033] 4. This invention can obtain the tension and inclination information of the mooring chain through load inversion identification technology. It is simple to operate, highly accurate, timely, and widely applicable. It can operate for a long time in harsh marine environments. The monitoring signal data is processed by the signal processor and sent to the main unit in the central control room. The display shows the magnitude and abnormality of the mooring chain tension. When the mooring chain tension is abnormal, an alarm signal will be transmitted to the relevant professionals on the floating wind turbine platform for emergency handling. This invention has the function of automatically collecting, analyzing, displaying, and warning the mooring chain tension and inclination data, realizing the automated monitoring of the mooring system status, and effectively assisting the professionals on the floating wind turbine platform in formulating emergency measures for sudden situations. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a device for monitoring the tension of anchor chains in a floating wind turbine mooring system.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of a device used to monitor the tension of anchor chains in a floating wind turbine mooring system;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a force analysis diagram.

[0037] In the diagram: 1-Anchor, 2-Anchor chain, 3-Inclinometer, 4-Tensioner, 5-Chain stopper, 6-Signal acquisition and communication board, 7-Cable, 8-Float, 9-Platform, 10-Fan, 11-Signal processor, 12-Central control room host, 13-Display, 14-Strain sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention is described below with reference to specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that these descriptions are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and technologies are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concept of the invention.

[0039] Specific implementation method one: Combining Figure 1-3This embodiment describes a device for monitoring the anchor chain tension of a floating wind turbine mooring system. It includes an inclinometer 3, a signal acquisition and communication board 6, a signal processor 11, a central control room host 12, a display 13, and a strain sensor 14. The strain sensor 14 and the inclinometer 3 are electrically connected to the signal acquisition and communication board 6 via a microcontroller. The signal acquisition and communication board 6, the signal processor 11, the central control room host 12, and the display 13 are sequentially electrically connected. The signal acquisition and communication board 6 is a multi-functional circuit module integrating signal acquisition and communication, including a signal acquisition module, a signal processing module, a signal transmission module, and a power management module. It can achieve high-precision strain signal measurement, inclinometer signal measurement, and high-reliability remote data transmission. The signal processor 11 has rich interfaces and real-time measurement and adjustment functions, and data transmission... With a frequency reaching 50Hz, it can accept both static and dynamic data, efficiently realizing real-time data acquisition and processing. It also has comprehensive data storage and analysis functions. The signal processor 11 can support a wide range of devices, has strong data receiving and processing capabilities, and strong information transmission capabilities, enabling real-time transmission of monitoring information. This invention is highly reliable, has strong anti-interference capabilities, is easy to install, small in size, and has good anti-electromagnetic interference and anti-corrosion performance, making it suitable for harsh environments. It is easy to operate, with a user-friendly human-machine interface. The host computer software environment receives the anchor chain 2 tension data transmitted by the signal processor 11, thereby generating control strategies and control information, which are displayed in real time on the display 13 and promptly fed back to the staff. The central control room host 12 uses a standard communication interface for serial communication with peripheral devices.

[0040] Specific Implementation Method Two: Combining Figure 1-3 This embodiment describes a device for monitoring the tension of anchor chains in a floating wind turbine mooring system. It includes an anchor 1, an anchor chain 2, a tensioner 4, a chain stopper 5, a buoy 8, and a platform 9. One end of the anchor chain 2 is connected to the anchor 1 on the seabed, where the anchors 1 are evenly distributed. The other end of the anchor chain 2 is connected to the chain stopper 5 via the tensioner 4. The chain stopper 5 is fixedly connected to the platform 9. The pulley of the tensioner 4 presses the anchor chain 2. The tensioner 4 is connected to the platform 9 via a base, on which a strain sensor is installed. A strain sensor 14 is installed near the tensioner 4. An inclinometer 3 is installed below the tensioner 4. Anchor chain 2 is used for connection. Three pontoons 8 are set at the lower part of the platform 9. The pontoons 8 are arranged in an equilateral triangle around the central platform. The pontoons 8 and the platform 9 are connected by a supporting crossbeam. The chain stopper 5 is connected to the anchor chain 2. It can carry a large number of devices, has strong mission system capabilities, and strong information transmission capabilities. It can achieve real-time transmission of monitoring information. The entire system is powered by marine cables with a power supply voltage of 220V and a current of no more than 5A, that is, the total power supply power is no more than 1100W. Marine cables are planned to be used for power supply. In order to avoid corrosion and failure of electronic components, the connectors are planned to be aviation connectors with a waterproof rating of IP67.

[0041] Specific implementation method three: Combining Figure 1-3 This embodiment describes a device for monitoring the anchor chain tension of a floating wind turbine mooring system. A wind turbine 10 is positioned in the center of a platform 9. Three tensioners 4 are arranged in a circumferential array around the wind turbine 10 at the edge of the platform 9. Each tensioner 4 is connected to an anchor chain 2, which is a steel suspension chain. Signal acquisition and communication boards 6 arranged in the three circumferential arrays are connected and fixed to the platform 9. Strain gauges of strain sensors 14 are embedded around the tensioners 4 and then encapsulated, without affecting the appearance of the tensioners 4. This allows for good coupling with the tensioner material and has minimal impact on structural strength. It has a wide frequency response range, meeting the requirements for monitoring dynamic signals such as pressure. It is equipped with a protective sleeve. The encapsulation material of the strain sensor 14 is 304 stainless steel. The several strain gauge sensing elements form a sensing array. The sensing array constitutes a discrete sensing network, which can quickly convert deformation into analog quantities. Thus, it can monitor the stress and strain changes in the area near the tensioner 4. Combined with finite element calibration technology, it can inversely calculate the pressure change of the anchor chain 2 acting on the tensioner 4. The collected data is transmitted to the microcontroller module through the I2C protocol data transmission protocol. The microcontroller converts it into a serial port signal and sends it to the signal acquisition and communication board 6.

[0042] Specific implementation method four: Combination Figure 1-3 This embodiment describes a device for monitoring the tension of anchor chains in a floating wind turbine mooring system. An inclinometer 3 is installed on the anchor chain 2 at the lower end of the chain stopper 5. The inclinometer 3 is a 0.030° MEMS dual-axis inclinometer. The MEMS inclinometer is packaged and connected to a signal acquisition and communication board 6. The acquisition and communication board 6 acquires the signal, converts the measurement result into a signal output, and then the signal processor 11 amplifies, filters, calculates, and corrects the received signal. The inclinometer data of the anchor chain 2 enters the central control room host 12, and is then displayed visually on a display 13.

[0043] Specific Implementation Method Five: Combining Figure 1-3This embodiment describes a device for monitoring the anchor chain tension of a floating wind turbine mooring system. The tensioner 4 is made of seawater corrosion-resistant material, ensuring stable and reliable operation under various temperatures and humidity conditions. The base structure of the tensioner 4 is coated with seawater-resistant paint and fitted with anti-corrosion zinc blocks. For parts with relative rotation, such as the main shaft of the tensioner 4, stainless steel is used to prevent seawater corrosion. Bolts and nuts are fitted with stainless steel protective covers, bolt holes are wrapped with silicone putty, and the mating surfaces are sealed with sealant to effectively reduce the impact of marine environmental corrosion on the equipment, thus ensuring its stability and service life. Marine cables offer advantages such as convenient installation, easy maintenance, and real-time data transmission. To prevent damage to the cable 7 used for electrical connections, a dedicated marine cable is used. During installation, it is avoided to pass through unsafe areas of the floating wind turbine platform 9. To prevent corrosion and malfunction of electronic components, the connectors are designed with... Using an aviation connector with an IP67 waterproof rating, data transmission is conducted via wired transmission at a frequency of 20ms. The data type is floating-point. The strain sensor 14 and inclinometer 3 demodulate the collected data and transmit it to the signal processor 11. The processing circuit is based on a microcontroller and is mainly used to convert analog signals from the detection circuit into digital signals. The inclinometer 3 and strain sensor 14 are equipped with a watertight pressure-bearing protective shell. A flange is installed at the bottom of the watertight pressure-bearing protective shell, and bolt fixing holes are arranged on the surface of the flange. The watertight pressure-bearing protective shell is encapsulated with 304 stainless steel. The data transmission frequency is set to 20ms, and the data type is floating-point. The sensor transmits the collected data to the signal processor 11 via the signal acquisition and communication board 6. The strain sensor 14 includes several strain gauge sensing units, and the strain sensor is connected to the signal acquisition and communication board 6 via a data transmission line.

[0044] Specific Implementation Method Six: Combination Figure 1-3 This embodiment describes a method for monitoring the anchor chain tension of a floating wind turbine mooring system, employing a device for monitoring the anchor chain tension of the floating wind turbine mooring system, and including the following steps:

[0045] Step 1: Establish a local finite element analysis model of tensioner 4 and base;

[0046] Step 2: Construct the response matrix of the measurement points based on the finite element simulation results;

[0047] Step 3: Calculate the pressure at the contact point between anchor chain 2 and the pulley of tensioner 4;

[0048] Step 4: Monitor the inclination angle of the lower anchor chain 2 of the tensioner 4 in real time using the inclinometer 3 to obtain the real-time change of the inclination angle α;

[0049] Step 5: Calculate the tension of anchor chain 2.

[0050] Specific implementation method seven: Combining Figure 1-3 This embodiment describes a method for monitoring the tension of anchor chains in a floating wind turbine mooring system. In step one, a model of the tensioner 4, base, anchor chain, and other structures is established. At the contact point between the pulley of the tensioner 4 and the anchor chain 2, a unit pressure load P is applied to simulate the pressure effect of the anchor chain 2 on the tensioner 4. The load-bearing capacity of the tensioner 4 and the base, as well as the load transmission path characteristics of the tensioner 4, are analyzed using finite element software to obtain the response value X at the measuring point. Then, the load transmission stiffness matrix K is obtained through calibration.

[0051] K = KX, K = PX -1 ;

[0052] In step two, based on the finite element simulation results, areas with high stress are selected on the base of tensioner 4, and the real-time changes in stress and strain are monitored by strain sensor 14, and the response matrix X′ of the measuring point is constructed.

[0053] In step three, the pressure P′ at the contact point between the anchor chain 2 and the tensioner 4 pulley is calculated based on the load transfer stiffness matrix K and the measuring point monitoring response matrix X′.

[0054] P′=LX′;

[0055] In step five, the real-time changes in the tension of anchor chain 2 are calculated based on the physical relationship;

[0056] F = T2sinα, T2cos = T1;

[0057]

[0058] In the formula, a is the angle between anchor chain 2 and the vertical direction, T2 is the tension at the upper end of anchor chain 2, T1 is the tension at the lower end of anchor chain 2, and F is P′.

[0059] It should be noted that in the above embodiments, as long as the technical solutions are not contradictory, they can be permuted and combined. Those skilled in the art can exhaust all possibilities based on the mathematical knowledge of permutation and combination. Therefore, the present invention will not describe the technical solutions after permutation and combination one by one, but it should be understood that the technical solutions after permutation and combination have been disclosed by the present invention.

[0060] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring the anchor chain tension of a floating wind turbine mooring system, characterized in that: A device for monitoring the anchor chain tension of a floating wind turbine mooring system is adopted, including an inclinometer (3), a signal acquisition and communication board (6), a signal processor (11), a central control room host (12), a display (13), and a strain sensor (14). The strain sensor (14), the inclinometer (3), and the signal acquisition and communication board (6) are electrically connected, and the signal acquisition and communication board (6), the signal processor (11), the central control room host (12), and the display (13) are electrically connected in sequence. It also includes an anchor (1), an anchor chain (2), a tensioner (4), a chain stopper (5), a buoy (8), and a platform (9). One end of the anchor chain (2) is connected to the anchor (1), and the other end of the anchor chain (2) is connected to the chain stopper (5) via the tensioner (4). The chain stopper (5) is fixedly connected to the platform (9). The pulley of the tensioner (4) presses the anchor chain (2). A strain sensor (14) is installed near the tensioner (4). An inclinometer (3) is installed below the tensioner (4). The inclinometer (3) is connected to the anchor chain (2). A buoy (8) is installed at the bottom of the platform (9). The method includes the following steps: Step 1: Establish a local finite element analysis model of the tensioner (4) and the base; In step one, a model of tensioner (4), base and anchor chain is established. At the contact position between the pulley of tensioner (4) and anchor chain (2), a unit pressure load P is applied. The load bearing of tensioner (4) and base, the characteristics of tensioner (4) and load transmission path are analyzed, the response value X at the measuring point is obtained, and then the load transmission stiffness matrix K is obtained through calibration. ， ； Step 2: Construct the response matrix of the measurement points based on the finite element simulation results; In step two, based on the finite element simulation results, areas with high stress are selected on the base of the tensioner (4), and the real-time changes in stress and strain are monitored by strain sensors (14), and a response matrix of the measuring points is constructed. ; Step 3: Calculate the pressure at the contact point between the anchor chain (2) and the tensioner (4) pulley; In step three, based on the load transfer stiffness matrix K and the monitoring response matrix at the measuring point... Calculate the pressure at the contact point between the anchor chain (2) and the tensioner (4) pulley. ; ； Step 4: Monitor the inclination angle of the lower anchor chain (2) of the tensioner (4) in real time using an inclinometer (3) to obtain the inclination angle. α Real-time changes; Step 5: Calculate the tension of the anchor chain (2); In step five, the real-time changes in the tension of the anchor chain (2) are calculated based on the physical relationship; ， ； ， ； In the formula, a The angle between the anchor chain (2) and the vertical direction, T 2 represents the tension at the upper end of the anchor chain (2). T 1 represents the tension at the lower end of the anchor chain (2), and F is the tension at the lower end of the anchor chain (2). .

2. The method for monitoring anchor chain tension in a floating wind turbine mooring system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The platform (9) has three tensioners (4) arranged in a circumferential array on its edge. Each tensioner (4) is connected to an anchor chain (2). The anchor chain (2) is a steel suspension chain. Three signal acquisition and communication boards (6) are connected to the platform (9).

3. The method for monitoring anchor chain tension in a floating wind turbine mooring system according to claim 2, characterized in that: Inclinometer (3) is installed on anchor chain (2), and the inclinometer (3) is a 0.030 MEMS dual-axis inclinometer.

4. The method for monitoring anchor chain tension in a floating wind turbine mooring system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tensioner (4) is made of seawater corrosion resistant material, and the cable (7) is a special marine cable. During installation, avoid passing through the unsafe area of ​​the floating wind turbine platform (9). In order to avoid corrosion and failure of electronic components, the socket is an aviation socket with a waterproof rating of IP67. The inclinometer (3) and strain sensor (14) are equipped with a watertight pressure-bearing protective shell.

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