Cold water pipe, lowering damping device and method for ocean temperature difference energy power generation

Abstract

The application discloses a cold water pipe for ocean temperature difference energy power generation, a lowering anti-swing device and a method, and relates to the technical field of ocean temperature difference energy power generation. The cold water pipe comprises an inner layer sleeve and an outer layer sleeve coaxially arranged, and has an accommodating cavity between the inner layer sleeve and the outer layer sleeve. The two ends of the accommodating cavity are blocked, and the accommodating cavity is filled with thermal insulation material. The top end and the bottom end of the cold water pipe are respectively connected with an upper joint and a lower joint. The top end of the upper joint is provided with an upper annular protrusion, and the bottom end of the lower joint is provided with a lower annular protrusion. The upper annular protrusion and the lower annular protrusion are connected by a clamp. The two ends of the cold water pipe are connected by the clamp, which not only has a simple connection mode, but also has higher connection strength and can improve the connection efficiency. The lowering anti-swing device can obviously reduce the shaking amplitude of the cold water pipe to be connected, and make the shaking direction and the shaking frequency of the cold water pipe to be connected and the cold water pipe at the wellhead of the ship body consistent, thereby reducing the connection difficulty of the two cold water pipes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ocean thermal energy conversion technology, and in particular to a cold water pipe, a sway-stopping device, and a method for ocean thermal energy conversion. Background Technology

[0002] Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) is a renewable marine energy resource with vast reserves. my country's sea areas also possess abundant OTEC resources, which have enormous development value and potential. The basic principle of OTEC power generation is to utilize the temperature difference between the low-temperature deep seawater and the surface seawater to achieve the gasification and condensation cycle of a low-boiling-point working fluid, thereby driving a turbine to generate electricity.

[0003] OTEC devices require the extraction of large quantities of deep, cold seawater as a cooling source, typically at depths of 600m-1000m. The method for extracting this cold seawater usually involves placing an electric submersible pump on the seabed and transporting it to the surface via cooling pipes. To achieve efficient and stable power generation from OTEC, the extracted cold seawater must be kept at a consistently low temperature during extraction. This ensures a sufficient temperature difference during cooling to meet the threshold for thermoelectric power generation.

[0004] Currently, cold water pipes are made of glass fiber or carbon fiber, and are generally composed of three layers. The middle layer is hollow and can be manufactured into an arc shape as required, and can be spliced ​​into a cylindrical shape. The inner and outer layers are thin sheets, which are bonded together using vinyl ester resin. In engineering, to achieve a seamless installation, multiple cylindrical sections are bonded together on-site, and the outer layer is wrapped with a thin sheet to create the required cold water pipe.

[0005] However, fiberglass chilled water pipes have poor pressure resistance and are brittle, easily breaking when impacted. Carbon fiber chilled water pipes are expensive. The connection and lowering processes for both types of pipes are overly complex and difficult to implement. Furthermore, during the lowering process, the chilled water pipes will sway under the impact of waves, further increasing the difficulty of connecting them. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cold water pipe, a sway-stopping device, and a method for generating electricity from ocean thermal energy differentials, in order to solve the problems existing in the prior art, improve the connection strength of adjacent cold water pipes, and reduce the connection difficulty.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution: The present invention provides a cold water pipe for ocean thermal energy conversion, comprising an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve arranged coaxially, wherein a receiving cavity is provided between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve, the two ends of the receiving cavity are sealed, and the receiving cavity is filled with thermal insulation material; an upper connector and a lower connector are respectively connected to the top and bottom ends of the cold water pipe, the top end of the upper connector is provided with an upper annular protrusion, the bottom end of the lower connector is provided with a lower annular protrusion, and the upper annular protrusion and the lower annular protrusion are connected by a clamp.

[0008] Preferably, the upper annular protrusion has an annular groove on its end face, and the lower annular protrusion has an annular protrusion on its end face, the annular protrusion being able to be inserted into the annular groove.

[0009] Preferably, an O-ring is provided in the annular groove.

[0010] Preferably, the inner sleeve is a steel pipe or a stainless steel pipe, the insulation material is polyurethane, and the outer sleeve is made of polyethylene.

[0011] The present invention also provides a sway-stopping device for lowering a cold water pipe used in ocean thermal energy conversion, comprising a base frame, a placement frame, and a first hydraulic cylinder. One end of the placement frame is hinged to the base frame, and the other end can be placed horizontally on the base frame. The telescopic rod of the first hydraulic cylinder is hinged to the bottom of the placement frame, and the cylinder barrel of the first hydraulic cylinder is hinged to the base frame. The placement frame is further provided with a first support frame and a second support frame. The first support frame is located near the hinge point between the placement frame and the base frame and is used to support the bottom of the cold water pipe. The second support frame is provided with a hanging clamp and a hook for vertically suspending the hanging clamp, and the top of the cold water pipe is placed in the hanging clamp.

[0012] Preferably, it also includes a second hydraulic cylinder, the cylinder barrel of the second hydraulic cylinder being connected to the placement frame, the telescopic rod of the second cylinder barrel being connected to the second support frame, and the second support frame being slidably mounted on the placement frame.

[0013] Preferably, the first support frame includes a bracket and two support plates hinged to the end of the bracket. The end of the support plate is a semi-circular arc structure, and the bottom of the cold water pipe is placed in the arc structure formed by the two semi-circular arc structures. The support plate and the bracket are also provided with a first through hole and a second through hole, respectively. After the first through hole and the second through hole are aligned, they are fixed by a pin.

[0014] The present invention also discloses a method for lowering a cold water pipe using the above-mentioned anti-sloshing device, comprising the following steps:

[0015] 1) Install a clamp at the top of a cold water pipe, use a crane to lower the cold water pipe into the well, and clamp the clamp at the well opening;

[0016] 2) Place another hanging clamp on the second support frame of the placement rack, and use a crane to place another cold water pipe horizontally into the first support frame and the hanging clamp, and lock the hanging clamp.

[0017] 3) The first hydraulic cylinder extends and lifts the placement frame, so that the placement frame and cold water pipe are in a vertical position, the hanging clamp is in the hook, and after it is vertical, the bottom end of the cold water pipe on the placement frame is directly opposite the top end of the cold water pipe in the well.

[0018] 4) Connect the two cold water pipes with clamps and install an insulation layer on the outer surface of the joint. The top and bottom of the insulation layer are connected to the receiving cavities on the two cold water pipes, respectively.

[0019] 5) Remove the clamps at the wellhead, use a crane to lift the clamps from the placement frame, and lower the cold water pipe so that the clamps are secured at the wellhead;

[0020] 6) Repeat steps 2) to 5) to complete the connection and lowering of the cold water pipe.

[0021] Preferably, in step 3), the telescopic rod of the second cylinder extends and retracts, so that the ends of the two cold water pipes are directly opposite each other.

[0022] The present invention achieves the following technical effects compared to the prior art:

[0023] 1. This invention reduces the loss of cold energy during the upward transport of seawater by setting insulation material on the outside of the cold water pipe, ensuring the temperature difference between deep seawater and surface seawater, which can improve power generation efficiency; and the upper and lower joints at both ends of the cold water pipe are connected by clamps, which not only simplifies the connection method but also increases the connection strength and improves the connection efficiency.

[0024] 2. The anti-sway device of the present invention is provided with a placement frame that can be placed horizontally or vertically, and a hook is provided on the placement frame. With the help of the hanging clamp, the cold water pipe to be connected can be vertically suspended. The cold water pipe to be connected on the placement frame sways with the hull. Compared with the suspension by the crane, the swaying amplitude of the cold water pipe to be connected can be significantly reduced, and the swaying direction and swaying frequency of the cold water pipe to be connected are consistent with those of the cold water pipe at the wellhead of the hull, which reduces the difficulty of connecting the two cold water pipes. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cold water pipe structure;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the cold water pipe;

[0028] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A sectional view;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the lowered anti-sway device;

[0030] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the cold water pipe in a vertical position during the lowering of the anti-sloshing device;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation structure between the second support frame and the cold water pipe;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation structure between the first support frame and the cold water pipe;

[0033] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first cold water pipe placed in the well;

[0034] Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing the alignment of the first and second cold water pipes;

[0035] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the first cold water pipe and the second cold water pipe.

[0036] Figure 11 A structural diagram for removing the first lifting clamp;

[0037] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure after insulation layer is installed at the clamp location and the reserved section;

[0038] Among them, 1. Cold water pipe; 1a. First cold water pipe; 1b. Second cold water pipe; 2. Inner sleeve; 3. Outer sleeve; 4. Insulation material; 5. Upper connector; 6. Lower connector; 7. Upper annular protrusion; 8. Lower annular protrusion; 9. Annular groove; 10. Annular protrusion; 11. O-ring seal; 12. Base frame; 13. Placement frame; 14. First hydraulic cylinder; 15. Second hydraulic cylinder; 16. Hanging clamp; 16a. First hanging clamp; 16b. Second hanging clamp; 17. Bracket; 18. Support plate; 19. Pin; 20. Clamp; 21. Insulation layer; 22. Hook; 23. First support frame; 24. Second support frame. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cold water pipe, a sway-stopping device, and a method for generating electricity from ocean thermal energy differentials, in order to solve the problems existing in the prior art, improve the connection strength of adjacent cold water pipes, and reduce the connection difficulty.

[0041] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0042] Example 1:

[0043] like Figures 1-3 As shown, this embodiment provides a cold water pipe for ocean thermal energy conversion, including an inner sleeve 2 and an outer sleeve 3 arranged coaxially. There is a receiving cavity between the inner sleeve 2 and the outer sleeve 3. The two ends of the receiving cavity are sealed, and the receiving cavity is filled with insulation material 4. The top and bottom ends of the cold water pipe 1 are respectively provided with a reserved section without insulation material 4. The ends of the two reserved sections are respectively connected to an upper connector 5 and a lower connector 6. The top end of the upper connector 5 is provided with an upper annular protrusion 7, and the bottom end of the lower connector 6 is provided with a lower annular protrusion 8. The diameter and height of the upper annular protrusion 7 and the lower annular protrusion 8 are the same.

[0044] To distinguish between the two connected cold water pipes 1, the lower cold water pipe 1 is referred to as the first cold water pipe 1a, and the upper cold water pipe 1 is referred to as the second cold water pipe 1b.

[0045] When connecting the first cold water pipe 1a and the second cold water pipe 1b, the upper annular protrusion 7 on the first cold water pipe 1a abuts against the lower annular protrusion 8 on the second cold water pipe 1b. The inner wall of the clamp 20 is provided with a semi-circular groove. After the two clamps 20 are fastened, the shape and size of the resulting annular groove match the shape of the protrusion structure formed by the upper annular protrusion 7 and the lower annular protrusion 8 after they abut against each other. After the two clamps 20 are fastened, bolts are used to tighten the two clamps 20, and the annular groove clamps the upper annular protrusion 7 and the lower annular protrusion 8, completing the connection of the first cold water pipe 1a and the second cold water pipe 1b. Finally, an insulation layer 21 is installed in the two reserved sections and the joint area.

[0046] Therefore, this embodiment reduces the loss of cold energy during the upward transport of seawater by installing insulation material 4 on the outside of the cold water pipe 1, ensuring the temperature difference between deep seawater and surface seawater, and thus improving power generation efficiency. Furthermore, the upper connector 5 and lower connector 6 at both ends of the cold water pipe 1 are connected using clamps 20, which not only simplifies the connection method but also provides higher connection strength, thereby improving connection efficiency.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an annular groove 9 is provided on the end face of the upper annular protrusion 7, and an annular protrusion 10 is provided on the end face of the lower annular protrusion 8. The annular protrusion 10 can be inserted and engaged with the annular groove 9, facilitating the alignment and contact of the upper annular protrusion 7 and the lower annular protrusion 8. An O-ring 11 is provided inside the annular groove 9 to improve the sealing performance.

[0048] In order to reduce the manufacturing cost of cold water pipe 1 while ensuring its pressure resistance, the inner sleeve 2 in this embodiment is a steel pipe or stainless steel pipe, with steel pipe being suitable for short-term use; the insulation material 4 is polyurethane, and the outer sleeve 3 is made of polyethylene.

[0049] Example 2:

[0050] like Figures 4-7 As shown, this embodiment provides a sway-stopping device for lowering a cold water pipe used in ocean thermal energy conversion, including a base frame 12, a placement frame 13, and a first hydraulic cylinder 14. One end of the placement frame 13 is hinged to the base frame 12, and the other end can be placed horizontally on the base frame 12. The telescopic rod of the first hydraulic cylinder 14 is hinged to the bottom of the placement frame 13, and the cylinder barrel of the first hydraulic cylinder 14 is hinged to the base frame 12. The placement frame 13 is also provided with a first support frame 23 and a second support frame 24. The first support frame 23 is located near the hinge point between the placement frame 13 and the base frame 12 and is used to support the bottom of the cold water pipe 1. The second support frame 24 is provided with a hanging clamp 16 and a hook 22 for vertically suspending the hanging clamp 16. The top of the cold water pipe 1 is placed inside the hanging clamp 16. The hanging clamp 16 is a commonly used device during the lifting of the cold water pipe 1, which can open or lock the cold water pipe 1. The structure of the hanging clamp 16 is well known to those skilled in the art, and will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0051] The lowering anti-sway frame also includes a second hydraulic cylinder 15. The cylinder barrel of the second hydraulic cylinder 15 is connected to the placement frame 13, and the telescopic rod of the second cylinder barrel is connected to the second support frame 24. The second support frame 24 is slidably mounted on the placement frame 13. By extending and retracting the telescopic rod in the second hydraulic cylinder 15, the position of the second support frame 24 on the placement frame 13 is changed to accommodate cold water pipes 1 of different lengths.

[0052] The first support frame 23 includes a bracket 17 and two support plates 18 hinged to the ends of the bracket 17. The ends of the support plates 18 are semi-circular arc structures, and the bottom of the cold water pipe 1 is placed in the arc structure formed by the two semi-circular arc structures. The support plates 18 and the bracket 17 are also provided with a first through hole and a second through hole, respectively. After the first through hole and the second through hole are aligned, they are fixed by a pin 19. When the pin 19 is pulled out, the two support plates 18 can be rotated to both sides of the cold water pipe 1.

[0053] This embodiment uses a placement rack 13 that can be placed horizontally or vertically, and a hook 22 on the placement rack 13. With the help of the hanging clamp 16, the cold water pipe 1 to be connected can be vertically suspended. The cold water pipe 1 to be connected on the placement rack 13 sways with the hull. Compared with the suspension by a crane, the swaying amplitude of the cold water pipe 1 to be connected can be significantly reduced, and the swaying direction and swaying frequency of the cold water pipe 1 to be connected are consistent with those of the cold water pipe 1 at the wellhead of the hull, which reduces the difficulty of connecting the two cold water pipes 1.

[0054] The specific usage of the anti-sway bracket and the lowering process of the cold water pipe 1 are explained in detail in Example 3.

[0055] Example 3:

[0056] like Figures 8-12 As shown, this embodiment discloses a method for lowering a cold water pipe 1 using the aforementioned anti-sloshing device, comprising the following steps:

[0057] 1) Install the first hanger 16a at the top of the first cold water pipe 1a, and use a crane to lower the first cold water pipe 1a into the well. A clamping mechanism is provided at the well opening to hold the first hanger 16a in place. The clamping mechanism is a common device in the field, and its structure will not be described in detail in this embodiment. The position of the first hanger 16a should avoid the connection position of the upper connector 5.

[0058] 2) Place the second hanging clamp 16b on the second support frame 24 of the placement frame 13, and use a crane to place the second cold water pipe 1b horizontally inside the first support frame 23 and the second hanging clamp 16b, and lock the second hanging clamp 16b. The second hanging clamp 16b will clamp the top of the second cold water pipe 1b; the first support frame 23 and the second hanging clamp 16b should have reserved connection positions.

[0059] 3) The first hydraulic cylinder 14 extends and lifts the placement frame 13, so that the placement frame 13 and the second cold water pipe 1b are in a vertical position, and the second lifting clamp 16b is located in the hook 22. The hook 22 is used to hold the second lifting clamp 16b and the second cold water pipe 1b in place. The lower connector 6 of the second cold water pipe 1b on the placement frame 13 is aligned with the upper connector 5 of the first cold water pipe 1a in the well. If the lower connector 6 of the second cold water pipe 1b and the upper connector 5 of the first cold water pipe 1a cannot be connected, the telescopic rod of the second hydraulic cylinder 15 shortens until the two are connected.

[0060] 4) Use clamp 20 to connect the upper connector 5 of the first cold water pipe 1a and the lower connector 6 of the second cold water pipe 1b, and set the insulation layer 21 on the outer surface of the connector. The clamp 20 and the reserved section are first wrapped with a polyurethane sheet, and then sealed with heat-shrinkable polyethylene tubing. The top and bottom of the insulation layer 21 are connected to the receiving cavity on the two cold water pipes 1 respectively to avoid the exposed part causing heat exchange between the seawater inside the pipe and the outside seawater.

[0061] 5) Remove the first clamp 16a at the wellhead, lift the second clamp 16b on the placement frame 13 with the crane, and lower the second cold water pipe 1b so that the second clamp 16b is locked at the wellhead. The connection and lowering process of the second cold water pipe 1b is completed.

[0062] 6) Repeat steps 2) to 5) to complete the connection and lowering of several cold water pipes 1.

[0063] Any adaptive changes made according to actual needs are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0064] It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, it is obvious that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for lowering a cold water pipe, comprising a device for preventing sloshing during lowering of the cold water pipe, characterized in that, The cold water pipe includes an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve arranged coaxially, with a receiving cavity between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve. The two ends of the receiving cavity are sealed, and the receiving cavity is filled with insulation material. The top and bottom ends of the cold water pipe are respectively connected to an upper connector and a lower connector. The top end of the upper connector is provided with an upper annular protrusion, and the bottom end of the lower connector is provided with a lower annular protrusion. The upper annular protrusion and the lower annular protrusion are connected by a clamp. The lowering anti-sway device includes a base frame, a placement frame, and a first hydraulic cylinder. One end of the placement frame is hinged to the base frame, and the other end can be placed horizontally on the base frame. The telescopic rod of the first hydraulic cylinder is hinged to the bottom of the placement frame, and the cylinder barrel of the first hydraulic cylinder is hinged to the base frame. The placement frame is also provided with a first support frame and a second support frame. The first support frame is located near the hinge point between the placement frame and the base frame and is used to support the bottom of the cold water pipe. The second support frame is provided with a hanging clamp and a hook for vertically suspending the hanging clamp, and the top of the cold water pipe is placed inside the hanging clamp. The first support frame includes a bracket and two support plates hinged to the end of the bracket. The end of the support plate is a semi-circular arc structure. The bottom of the cold water pipe is placed in the arc structure formed by the two semi-circular arc structures. The support plate and the bracket are also provided with a first through hole and a second through hole, respectively. After the first through hole and the second through hole are aligned, they are fixed by a pin. It also includes a second hydraulic cylinder, the cylinder barrel of the second hydraulic cylinder is connected to the placement frame, the telescopic rod of the cylinder barrel of the second hydraulic cylinder is connected to the second support frame, and the second support frame is slidably mounted on the placement frame; Includes the following steps: 1) Install a clamp at the top of a cold water pipe, use a crane to lower the cold water pipe into the well, and clamp the pipe at the well opening; 2) Place another hanging clamp on the second support frame of the placement rack, and use a crane to place another cold water pipe horizontally into the first support frame and the hanging clamp, and lock the hanging clamp. 3) The first hydraulic cylinder extends and lifts the placement frame, so that the placement frame and cold water pipe are in a vertical position, and the hanging clamp is located in the hook. After it is vertical, the telescopic rod of the second hydraulic cylinder extends and retracts, and the bottom end of the cold water pipe on the placement frame is directly connected to the top end of the cold water pipe in the well. 4) Connect the two cold water pipes with clamps and install an insulation layer on the outer surface of the joint. The top and bottom of the insulation layer are connected to the receiving cavities on the two cold water pipes, respectively. 5) Remove the clamps at the wellhead, use a crane to lift the clamps from the placement frame, and lower the cold water pipe so that the clamps are secured at the wellhead; 6) Repeat steps 2) to 5) to complete the connection and lowering of the cold water pipe.

2. The method for lowering a cold water pipe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper annular protrusion has an annular groove on its end face, and the lower annular protrusion has an annular protrusion on its end face. The annular protrusion can be inserted into the annular groove.

3. The method for lowering a cold water pipe according to claim 2, characterized in that, An O-ring is provided inside the annular groove.

4. The method for lowering a cold water pipe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner sleeve is made of steel or stainless steel, the insulation material is polyurethane, and the outer sleeve is made of polyethylene.

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