Scour protection device for offshore wind turbine pile foundation

Abstract

This invention discloses an anti-scouring device for offshore wind turbine pile foundations. The anti-scouring device includes a shroud, a detection mechanism, and a filling mechanism. The shroud has a central through hole for fitting onto the foundation pile, and the lower edge of the shroud is used to insert fixed material around the foundation pile. The detection mechanism is embedded in the fixed material. When the fixed material is scoured to the point of exposing the detection mechanism, the detection mechanism also generates a filling signal. The filling mechanism adds filling material to the periphery of the foundation pile upon receiving the filling signal. By fitting the shroud around the foundation pile and fixing it to the surrounding material, damage to the foundation pile can be avoided and the scouring of the material by seawater can be reduced. The detection mechanism detects the scouring of the material and generates a corresponding filling signal. The filling mechanism fills the periphery of the foundation pile with material, promptly repairing the scourted material to ensure the stability of the foundation pile.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of offshore wind power generation technology, specifically, it relates to an anti-scouring device for the pile foundation of an offshore wind turbine generator. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, my country's offshore wind power industry has entered a stage of large-scale and commercial development. After wind turbine piles are built and put into use, in the marine environment where wind, waves, and currents act together, the area around the pile foundation will experience localized erosion due to the bottom currents. To reduce the erosion of offshore wind turbine pile foundations by ocean currents, commonly used anti-erosion methods both domestically and internationally include: rock dumping, sandbag dumping, sandbag covering, interlocking rafts, and bionic aquatic plants. However, existing anti-erosion measures have many problems and cannot achieve the desired protective effect quickly and effectively. These problems mainly manifest in: easy damage to the pile foundation, short protection period, inability to automatically detect erosion of the pile foundation, and high difficulty in subsequent repair work. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem solved by this invention is: how to avoid damage to the pile foundation caused by the anti-scour device, and how to detect the scour of the pile foundation in a timely manner, thereby reducing the difficulty of later repair construction.

[0004] This application discloses an anti-scouring device for the pile foundation of an offshore wind turbine generator, the anti-scouring device comprising:

[0005] The machine cover has a central through hole for fitting onto the foundation pile, and the lower edge of the machine cover is used to insert fixing materials around the foundation pile.

[0006] The detection mechanism is used to be embedded in the fixed material, and when the fixed material is washed away to expose the detection mechanism, the detection mechanism is also used to generate a filler signal;

[0007] A filling mechanism is used to add filling material to the periphery of the foundation pile when the filling signal is received.

[0008] Optionally, the detection mechanism includes a gear and a speed sensor. The gear is rotatably mounted on the side wall of the shroud. When the fixed material is washed away to expose the detection mechanism, the gear is rotated by seawater. The speed sensor is used to generate a filling signal when the rotation of the gear is detected.

[0009] Optionally, the detection mechanism further includes a drainage pipe installed on the outer side wall of the shroud, and the gear rotatably installed on the inner side wall of the shroud. When the fixed material is washed away to expose the detection mechanism, the drainage pipe is used to guide seawater to the gear to make the gear rotate.

[0010] Optionally, the drainage tube passes through the side wall of the shroud and is aligned with the gear; or, an opening is provided on the side wall at a position opposite to the gear, and the drainage tube communicates with the opening.

[0011] Optionally, the filling mechanism includes a storage tank, a pipe, and an electric pin. The storage tank is used to store materials, and the outlet of the storage tank is connected to the pipe, which passes through the machine cover. The electric pin is used to close or open the outlet.

[0012] Optionally, the storage box includes a box body, an upper pressure plate, an elastic element, and a lower pressure plate. The upper pressure plate is disposed at the top of the box body, the lower pressure plate is disposed below the upper pressure plate, the elastic element is disposed between the upper pressure plate and the lower pressure plate, and the discharge port is located below the box body. When the electric pin opens the discharge port, the lower pressure plate is used to squeeze the filling material in the box body to flow out of the discharge port.

[0013] Optionally, the side wall of the box is provided with a feeding port and a sealing cap provided at the feeding port.

[0014] Optionally, the shroud is a conical shroud, and the diameter of the lower edge of the shroud is larger than the diameter of the upper edge of the shroud.

[0015] Optionally, a water outlet is provided on the side wall of the shroud.

[0016] Optionally, the lower edge of the cover is provided with a serrated structure.

[0017] The anti-scouring device for the pile foundation of offshore wind turbine generator disclosed in this invention has the following technical effects:

[0018] By attaching the shroud to the foundation pile and fixing it to the surrounding material, damage to the foundation pile can be avoided and the erosion of the material by seawater can be reduced. The erosion of the material is detected by the detection mechanism, and a corresponding filling signal is generated. The filling mechanism fills the material to the outside of the foundation pile and repairs the eroded material in a timely manner to ensure the stability of the foundation pile. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an anti-scouring device for the pile foundation of an offshore wind turbine generator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the anti-scouring device for the pile foundation of an offshore wind turbine generator set in accordance with Embodiment 1 of the present invention, showing its cooperation with the foundation pile.

[0021] Figure 3 This is an external schematic diagram of the casing according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the interior of the casing according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the storage box according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the interior of the storage box according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the storage box according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0026] Figure label:

[0027] 10-Machine cover, 101-Central through hole, 102-Serrated structure, 103-Outlet, 104-Lifting lug, 105-Opening, 20-Detection mechanism, 201-Gear, 202-Speed ​​sensor, 203-Drain pipe, 204-Ear plate, 30-Filling mechanism, 31-Storage tank, 32-Pipe, 33-Electric pin, 311-Outlet, 312-Box body, 313-Upper pressure plate, 314-Elastic element, 315-Lower pressure plate, 316-Sealing cover, 40-Foundation pile, 50-Filling material, 60-Outer platform. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0029] Before describing the various embodiments of this application in detail, the technical concept of this application is first briefly described: Current anti-scour measures are prone to damaging pile foundations, have short protection periods, cannot automatically detect scour of the pile foundation, and are difficult to repair later. Therefore, the anti-scour device for offshore wind turbine pile foundations provided in this application includes a shroud, a detection mechanism, and a filling mechanism. The shroud is fitted over the foundation pile and fixed to the surrounding material, which can prevent damage to the foundation pile and reduce seawater scour of the material. The detection mechanism detects the scour of the material and generates a corresponding filling signal. The filling mechanism fills the periphery of the foundation pile with material, promptly repairing the scourted material to ensure the stability of the foundation pile.

[0030] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the anti-scouring device for the offshore wind turbine pile foundation of this embodiment includes a shroud 10, a detection mechanism 20, and a filling mechanism 30. The shroud 10 has a central through hole 101, which is used to fit onto the foundation pile 40. The lower edge of the shroud 10 is used to insert into the fixed material around the foundation pile 40. The detection mechanism 20 is used to be embedded in the fixed material. When the fixed material is scoured to the point that the detection mechanism 20 is exposed, the detection mechanism 20 is used to generate a filling signal. The filling mechanism 30 is used to fill material around the foundation pile 40 when the filling signal is received.

[0031] The foundation pile 40 is the supporting structure for the offshore wind turbine generator set, and it is a steel structure. The fixing material includes seabed sediment; the foundation pile 40 is directly inserted into the sediment for fixation. The fixing material consists of seabed sediment and filler material laid on top of the sediment. After the foundation pile 40 is inserted into the sediment for fixation, filler material is laid for further reinforcement. As the generator set is put into operation, the sediment and filler material surrounding the foundation pile 40 will be eroded, requiring timely replenishment.

[0032] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the shroud 10 is a conical shroud, with the diameter of its lower edge larger than that of its upper edge. This conical structure helps to divert water and reduce the direct impact of seawater on the foundation pile 40. Furthermore, the lower edge of the shroud 10 is provided with a serrated structure 102, which facilitates the insertion of the shroud 10 into the seabed for fixation. Additionally, water outlets 103 are provided on the sidewalls of the shroud 10. When the shroud 10 sinks in the seawater under its own weight, water is drained promptly through the outlets 103, reducing resistance during the sinking process. For example, there are two outlets 103, symmetrically distributed on the sidewalls of the shroud 10.

[0033] Furthermore, the upper edge of the machine cover 10 is also provided with two lifting lugs 104, which are symmetrically distributed along the upper edge of the machine cover 10. When assembling the machine cover 10, the lifting straps of the crane are fastened to the two lifting lugs 104 to lift the machine cover 10, so that the central through hole 101 of the machine cover 10 is fitted onto the foundation pile 40. At the same time, the machine cover 10 can be rotated to adjust its orientation.

[0034] Specifically, such as Figure 4As shown, there are two detection mechanisms 20, symmetrically distributed on the side wall of the housing 10. Each detection mechanism 20 includes a gear 201 and a speed sensor 202. The gear 201 is rotatably mounted on the side wall of the housing 10. When the fixed material is washed away to expose the detection mechanism, the gear rotates due to the seawater flow. The speed sensor 202 generates a filling signal when it detects the rotation of the gear 201. During the assembly of the housing 10, both the lower edge of the housing 10 and the detection mechanisms 20 on the housing 10 are inserted into the fixed material, meaning the gear 201 cannot rotate, and the speed sensor 202 cannot detect gear rotation. As the seawater washes away the fixed material on the gear 201, the gear 201 rotates under the action of the seawater. At this time, the speed sensor 202 detects the gear rotation. The rotation of the gear 201 indicates that all or part of the fixed material has been washed away, and the speed sensor 202 generates a corresponding filling signal based on the detection result.

[0035] Furthermore, the detection mechanism 20 also includes a drainage pipe 203, which is installed on the outer side wall of the housing 10. The gear 201 is rotatably installed on the inner side wall of the housing 10. When the fixed material is washed away to the point of exposing the detection mechanism 20, the drainage pipe 203 is used to guide seawater to the gear 201 to make the gear 201 rotate. When the gear 201 is located inside the housing 10, due to the obstruction of the housing 10 itself, seawater is difficult to drive the gear 201 to rotate. At this time, the drainage pipe 203 can be used to guide the seawater to the gear. The detection mechanism 20 also includes an ear plate 204, which is fixed to the inner side wall of the housing 10. The gear 201 is rotatably installed on the ear plate 204. The speed sensor 202 is installed on the ear plate 204 and aligned with the outer side of the gear 201 to detect the rotation speed and rotation angle of the gear in real time.

[0036] In one embodiment, for example, a portion of the drainage pipe 203 passes through the side wall of the housing 10 and points towards the gear 201, meaning one end of the drainage pipe 203 is aligned with the gear 201, and the other end of the drainage pipe 203 guides seawater into the pipe and then flows towards the gear 201, thereby driving the gear 201. Furthermore, the length direction of the drainage pipe 203 is perpendicular to the rotation axis direction of the gear 201, meaning the exit direction of the drainage pipe 203 is directly opposite the serrated portion of the gear 201, thereby increasing the driving force of the seawater on the gear 201.

[0037] In another embodiment, an opening 105 is provided on the side wall of the shroud 10 at a position opposite to the gear 201. The drainage pipe 203 is connected to the opening 105, so the seawater in the drainage pipe 203 can flow to the gear 201 through the opening 105, thereby driving the gear to rotate.

[0038] During the assembly of the cover 10, the direction of the cover 10 can be adjusted according to the normal flow direction of the sea area so that the rotation direction of the gear 201 is perpendicular to the normal flow direction of the sea area, so as to ensure that the flowing seawater can drive the gear 201 to rotate.

[0039] Specifically, such as Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the filling mechanism 30 includes a storage tank 31, a pipe 32, and an electric pin 33. The storage tank is used to store materials. The discharge port 311 of the storage tank 31 is connected to the pipe 32, which is installed inside the machine cover. The electric pin 33 is used to close or open the discharge port 311. The electric pin 33 and the speed sensor 202 can transmit signals via a PLC mainboard. For example, a PLC mainboard can be installed inside the foundation pile 40. After the speed sensor 202 generates a detection signal, it sends the signal to the PLC mainboard, which then generates a corresponding drive signal to drive the electric pin 33. For example, when the speed sensor 202 detects that the gear 201 is rotating, the PLC mainboard generates a drive signal to drive the electric pin 33 to retract, opening the discharge port 311 and discharging the filling material 50 from the storage tank 31. For example, when the speed sensor 202 does not detect the gear 201 rotating, the PLC mainboard generates another drive signal to drive the electric pin 33 to extend, closing the discharge port 311 and stopping the discharge of the filling material 50 from the storage tank 31.

[0040] Specifically, the storage box 31 includes a box body 312, an upper pressure plate 313, an elastic element 314, and a lower pressure plate 315. The upper pressure plate 313 is located at the top of the box body 312, and the lower pressure plate 315 is located below the upper pressure plate 313. The elastic element 314 is located between the upper pressure plate 313 and the lower pressure plate 315. The discharge port 311 is located below the box body 312. When the electric pin 33 opens the discharge port 311, the lower pressure plate 315 is used to squeeze the filling material in the box body 312 to flow out of the discharge port. The upper pressure plate 313, the elastic element 314, and the lower pressure plate 315 form an elastic compression layer, which can push the filling material out of the discharge port 311, making the discharge process smooth.

[0041] In one embodiment, a feeding port and a sealing cover 316 are provided on the side wall of the box 312. When the filling material 50 in the extrusion box 312 is insufficient, the sealing cover 316 can be opened to add material from the feeding port, and then the sealing cover 316 is closed.

[0042] In this embodiment, there are multiple filling mechanisms 30, which are arranged around the foundation pile 40. The anti-erosion device also includes an outer platform 60, which is an annular platform and is fitted onto the outer wall of the foundation pile 40. The storage box 31 of the filling mechanism 30 is installed on the outer platform 60, and the pipe 32 passes through the outer platform 60 and extends into the inside of the machine cover 10.

[0043] The assembly process and automatic filling process of the anti-erosion device are described below.

[0044] Assembly process: Using shackles and slings connected to the two lifting lugs 104 on the cover 10, slowly lift the cover 10 so that the central through hole passes through the foundation pile 40; adjust the orientation of the cover 10 to ensure that the current direction of the sea is perpendicular to the direction of the gear 201 shaft, so that the seawater flow can drive the gear to rotate; the crane continues to lower the hook so that the cover 10 contacts the seabed. During the sinking process, the seawater inside the cover 10 is discharged to the outside through the outlet 103 by the weight of the cover 10 itself, ensuring that the cover 10 sinks; the serrated structure 102 on the lower edge of the cover 10 helps the cover 10 to be stably inserted into the seabed, and the gear 201 is also inserted into the seabed.

[0045] Automatic filling process: When scouring occurs around the foundation pile 40, the gear 201 is exposed from the fixed material. Seawater flows directly to the gear 201 through the drainage pipe 203 outside the machine cover 10, causing the gear 201 to rotate. After the gear 201 rotates, the speed sensor installed on the gear 201 detects the signal and transmits the signal to the PLC main board. The PLC main board sends a signal to drive the electric pin 33 to retract. After the electric pin 33 retracts, the filling material in the box 312 flows through the pipe 32 to the area around the foundation pile 40 under the compression of the elastic element 314, thus filling the area and ensuring the integrity of the mud and sand around the foundation pile. When the filling material submerges the gear 201, the gear 201 stops rotating. The PLC sends a signal to drive the electric pin 33 to extend, blocking the discharge port 311 of the storage box, and the filling material stops being discharged.

[0046] The anti-scouring device for the pile foundation of the offshore wind turbine disclosed in this embodiment 1 involves attaching the shroud to the outside of the foundation pile and fixing it to the surrounding material. This can prevent damage to the foundation pile and reduce the scouring of the material by seawater. The detection mechanism detects the scouring of the material and generates a corresponding filling signal. The filling mechanism then fills the outside of the foundation pile with material and repairs the scouring material in a timely manner to ensure the stability of the foundation pile.

[0047] The specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. Although some embodiments have been shown and described, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications and improvements can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents, and such modifications and improvements should also be within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A scour prevention device for the pile foundation of an offshore wind turbine generator, characterized in that, The anti-erosion device includes: The machine cover has a central through hole for fitting onto the foundation pile, and the lower edge of the machine cover is used to insert fixing materials around the foundation pile. The detection mechanism is used to be embedded in the fixed material, and when the fixed material is washed away to expose the detection mechanism, the detection mechanism is also used to generate a filler signal; A filling mechanism, which is used to add filling material to the periphery of the foundation pile when the filling signal is received; The detection mechanism includes a gear and a speed sensor. The gear is rotatably mounted on the side wall of the shroud. When the fixed material is washed away to expose the detection mechanism, the gear is rotated by the seawater. The speed sensor generates a filling signal when the rotation of the gear is detected. The detection mechanism also includes a drainage pipe installed on the outer side wall of the shroud. The gear is rotatably mounted on the inner side wall of the shroud. When the fixed material is washed away to expose the detection mechanism, the drainage pipe guides seawater to the gear to make the gear rotate. The filling mechanism includes a storage tank, a pipe, and an electric pin. The storage tank is used to store materials, and the outlet of the storage tank is connected to the pipe, which passes through the machine cover. The electric pin is used to close or open the outlet.

2. The anti-erosion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drainage tube passes through the side wall of the machine cover and is aligned with the gear, or an opening is provided on the side wall at a position opposite to the gear, and the drainage tube communicates with the opening.

3. The anti-erosion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage box includes a box body, an upper pressure plate, an elastic element, and a lower pressure plate. The upper pressure plate is located at the top of the box body, and the lower pressure plate is located below the upper pressure plate. The elastic element is located between the upper pressure plate and the lower pressure plate. The discharge port is located below the box body. When the electric pin opens the discharge port, the lower pressure plate is used to squeeze the filling material inside the box to flow out of the discharge port.

4. The anti-erosion device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The side wall of the box is provided with a feeding port and a sealing cap provided at the feeding port.

5. The anti-erosion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hood is a conical hood, and the diameter of the lower edge of the hood is larger than the diameter of the upper edge of the hood.

6. The anti-erosion device according to claim 5, characterized in that, A water outlet is provided on the side wall of the machine cover.

7. The anti-erosion device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The lower edge of the shroud has a serrated structure.

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