A detachable anti-icing structure and system for pile-based offshore photovoltaic systems

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of marine photovoltaic anti-icing technology, and provides a detachable anti-icing structure and system for pile-based marine photovoltaic systems. It solves the technical problems existing in current anti-icing cone structures. The technical solution includes two semi-circular hoop assembly structures connected to the pile foundation by clamps. Each semi-circular hoop assembly structure includes an upper semi-circular hoop, a middle semi-circular hoop, and a lower semi-circular hoop. The upper, middle, and lower semi-circular hoops of each assembly structure are sequentially connected from top to bottom and fixed to the pile foundation. Each layer of semi-circular hoop is circumferentially spaced with several support plates. One end of each support plate is fixed to the surface of the semi-circular hoop, and the other end is fixed to an anti-icing vertical plate. All anti-icing vertical plates are fixedly connected by anti-icing horizontal plates. It utilizes the thickness and cross-section of the anti-icing vertical plates to contact the incoming ice, generating contact pressure through a small contact area that exceeds the compressive strength of the sea ice, crushing the sea ice at the contact point and causing brittle splitting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of marine photovoltaic anti-icing technology, and particularly relates to a detachable anti-icing structure and system for pile-based marine photovoltaic systems. Background Technology

[0002] The statements in this section are merely background information related to the present invention and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] Offshore photovoltaics is being mentioned more and more as a new direction for clean energy. The technical solution for nearshore offshore photovoltaics is mainly based on pile foundation. In temperate coastal areas, pile foundations face serious threats from sea ice. Referring to the anti-icing measures of offshore oil platforms, the mainstream solution for anti-icing is the anti-ice cone structure, which is generally two cones inverted together to form a spindle shape. The inclined surface of the cone bends the sea ice to achieve the purpose of breaking the ice.

[0004] The inventors discovered that current anti-icing cone structures have the following technical problems:

[0005] 1. To ensure icebreaking effectiveness, the angle between the inclined plane of the cone and the vertical is about 30°. The cone needs to cover the area of ​​water level fluctuation in winter, so the outer diameter of the cone is large. At the same time, structural ribs need to be set inside the cone, making the structure complex and difficult to process. For the 700-1000mm diameter pile foundation of offshore photovoltaic power plants, the overall engineering workload of the ice-resistant cone is relatively large. The increase in outer diameter also greatly increases the environmental forces of waves and ocean currents, which has a significant impact on the static strength of the structure.

[0006] 2. In addition, as an additional mass point of the pile body, the ice cone will also have a significant impact on the dynamic characteristics of the pile foundation, which will lower the natural frequency of the pile foundation and further amplify the environmental forces.

[0007] 3. The connection between the anti-icing cone and the pile foundation is a permanent fixed connection. During its service life, the position cannot be adjusted and damaged parts cannot be repaired or replaced, resulting in poor maintainability. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In order to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the background art, the first aspect of the present invention provides a detachable anti-icing structure for offshore photovoltaic systems based on pile foundations, which utilizes the thickness section of the anti-icing vertical plate to contact the incoming ice, and generates contact pressure by relying on a small contact area, which exceeds the compressive strength of the sea ice, crushing the sea ice at the contact point and causing it to undergo brittle splitting.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0010] A detachable anti-icing structure for offshore photovoltaic systems based on pile foundations includes two semi-circular hoop assembly structures connected to the pile foundation by clamps. Each semi-circular hoop assembly structure includes an upper semi-circular hoop, a middle semi-circular hoop, and a lower semi-circular hoop. The upper, middle, and lower semi-circular hoops of each semi-circular hoop assembly structure are connected and fixed to the pile foundation from top to bottom. Each layer of semi-circular hoops is provided with several support plates at circumferential intervals. One end of the support plate is fixed to the surface of the semi-circular hoop, and the other end is fixed to the anti-icing vertical plate. All anti-icing vertical plates are fixedly connected by anti-icing horizontal plates.

[0011] In one embodiment, one end of the support plate provided on the upper and middle semicircular hoops is fixed to the surface of the upper and middle semicircular hoops, and the other end is fixed to the corresponding first anti-icing vertical plate. One end of the support plate provided on the middle and lower semicircular hoops is fixed to the surface of the middle and lower semicircular hoops, and the other end is fixed to the corresponding second anti-icing vertical plate. All the first and second anti-icing vertical plates are fixedly connected by anti-icing horizontal plates.

[0012] In one implementation, each semicircular hoop assembly structure has bolt connection holes at both ends of the upper, middle and lower semicircular hoops of the corresponding layer. After being connected by bolts through the bolt connection holes and bolts, it is connected to the pile foundation hoop. The friction force generated by compression fixes the entire structure to the pile foundation.

[0013] In one implementation, the two semicircular hoop combinations are identical in size, shape, and structure.

[0014] In one implementation, the support plates on each layer of semicircular hoop are welded to the semicircular hoop.

[0015] In one implementation, the first and second anti-icing vertical plates are connected to the anti-icing horizontal plate by welding.

[0016] In one implementation, the angle between the first anti-icing vertical plate and the second anti-icing vertical plate and the vertical direction is between 0° and 20°.

[0017] In one implementation, the number of anti-icing vertical plates is 8 to 12.

[0018] In one implementation, the structure is arranged in a perforated manner.

[0019] To address the aforementioned problems, a second aspect of the present invention provides a detachable anti-icing system for pile-based offshore photovoltaic systems. This system utilizes the thickness of the anti-icing vertical plate to contact the incoming ice, generating contact pressure through a small contact area that exceeds the compressive strength of the sea ice, thereby crushing the sea ice at the contact point and causing it to undergo brittle splitting.

[0020] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0021] A detachable anti-icing system for pile-based offshore photovoltaic systems includes the detachable anti-icing structure for pile-based offshore photovoltaic systems described in the first aspect.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0023] 1. This invention proposes a detachable anti-ice structure from the perspectives of lightness, effectiveness, and flexibility. This structure is mainly composed of small-sized slats, resulting in a small overall workload. It relies on the advantage of the slat thickness and small contact area with sea ice to split the sea ice and achieve the purpose of ice breaking. Since the anti-ice vertical plates have low angle requirements and the slat width is fixed, the entire anti-ice system is open, and its workload will not increase significantly due to the large range of high and low water levels in winter. Under the same conditions, compared with traditional anti-ice cones, the workload is reduced by at least 50%.

[0024] 2. This anti-icing structure adopts a post-installation method, that is, it is installed after the pile driving is completed, which ensures the accuracy of the installation position and avoids the problem of the anti-icing system's elevation being affected by the pile not being driven in place due to differences in soil layers.

[0025] 3. The anti-icing slats have a small angle with the vertical, even 0°, i.e., they are arranged vertically. The smaller structural size and open arrangement have less impact on waves and ocean currents, and facilitate the passage of broken sea ice.

[0026] 4. This anti-icing system uses clamp connections, which facilitates offshore construction. During its service life, the anti-icing system components can be disassembled, maintained, or replaced in a timely manner. The anti-icing system can even be recycled during non-winter periods and reinstalled during winter, greatly extending the system's service life.

[0027] Advantages of additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the detachable anti-icing structure for pile-based offshore photovoltaic systems provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is an elevation view of the detachable anti-icing structure for pile-based offshore photovoltaic systems provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a top view of the detachable anti-icing structure for offshore photovoltaic systems based on pile foundations provided in this embodiment of the invention;

[0032] Among them, 1-pile foundation, 2-upper semi-circular hoop, 3-middle semi-circular hoop, 4-lower semi-circular hoop, 5-support plate, 6-first anti-ice vertical plate, 7-second anti-ice vertical plate, 8-anti-ice horizontal plate. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0034] It should be noted that the following detailed description is illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0035] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0036] In this invention, terms such as "upper," "middle," "lower," "vertical," and "horizontal" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are merely relational terms determined for the convenience of describing the structural relationship of the various components or elements of this invention, and do not specifically refer to any component or element in this invention, nor should they be construed as limiting this invention.

[0037] In this invention, terms such as "fixed connection" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, indicating a fixed connection, an integral connection, or a detachable connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can determine the specific meaning of these terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances, and they should not be construed as limitations on the invention.

[0038] To address the poor ice-breaking performance issues mentioned in the background section, this invention proposes a detachable anti-icing system that is lightweight, effective, and flexible. The system comprises two identical semi-circular structures, primarily using small-sized slats, resulting in a minimal overall engineering workload. It leverages the advantage of the thin slats and small contact area with the sea ice to split it, achieving icebreaking. The anti-icing slats have a small angle with the vertical, even potentially 0°, meaning they are arranged vertically. The smaller structural size and open arrangement minimize the impact of waves and currents, and facilitate the passage of broken sea ice.

[0039] This system is connected to the pile foundation using clamps, making installation convenient. After the pile foundation construction is completed, the two semi-circular structures are lifted to the designated elevation of the pile body using hoisting equipment, and the clamp bolts of each layer are tightened to complete the installation. The anti-icing system can also be vertically adjusted and disassembled for maintenance as needed. The clamp bolts of each layer are removed, the pile foundation is disconnected from the anti-icing system, the elevation of the anti-icing system is adjusted using hoisting equipment, and then the bolts are tightened to complete the vertical adjustment. Alternatively, the system can be directly disassembled and transported back to land for maintenance.

[0040] Example 1

[0041] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a detachable anti-icing system for pile-based offshore photovoltaic systems, including two semi-circular hoop assembly structures connected to the pile foundation 1 by clamps. Each semi-circular hoop assembly structure includes an upper semi-circular hoop 2, a middle semi-circular hoop 3, and a lower semi-circular hoop 4. The upper semi-circular hoop 2, middle semi-circular hoop 3, and lower semi-circular hoop 4 of each semi-circular hoop assembly structure are connected and fixed to the pile foundation 1 from top to bottom. Each layer of semi-circular hoop is provided with several support plates 5 at circumferential intervals. The support plates provided on the upper semi-circular hoop 2 and the middle semi-circular hoop 3 are fixed to the corresponding first anti-icing vertical plate 6. The support plates provided on the middle semi-circular hoop 3 and the lower semi-circular hoop 4 are fixed to the corresponding second anti-icing vertical plate 7. All the first anti-icing vertical plates 6 and the second anti-icing vertical plates 7 are fixedly connected by anti-icing horizontal plates 8.

[0042] In this embodiment, in each semicircular hoop assembly structure, the semicircular hoops of the corresponding layers are connected by bolts after being joined together; specifically, bolt connection holes are provided at both ends of the upper semicircular hoop 2, the middle semicircular hoop 3 and the lower semicircular hoop 4. After being connected by bolt connection holes and bolts, they are connected to the pile foundation 1. The friction force generated by compression fixes the entire structural system to the pile foundation.

[0043] The advantages of the above solution are that the anti-icing system uses clamp connections, which makes offshore construction convenient. During its service life, the anti-icing system components can be disassembled, maintained, or replaced in a timely manner. The anti-icing system can even be recycled during non-winter periods and reinstalled during winter, which greatly extends the service life of the system.

[0044] In the above embodiments, the two semicircular hoop combinations are identical in size, shape, and structure.

[0045] In this embodiment, the support plate 5 on each semicircular hoop is welded to the semicircular hoop; the first anti-icing vertical plate 6 and the second anti-icing vertical plate 7 are welded to the anti-icing horizontal plate; the two anti-icing horizontal plates are connected by a half-thickness overlap and bolt fixing, which improves the overall strength and rigidity of the anti-icing system.

[0046] In this embodiment, the angle between the first anti-icing vertical plate 6 and the second anti-icing vertical plate 7 and the vertical direction is between 0° and 20°, and a certain gap is maintained between them and the pile foundation.

[0047] The anti-ice slats have a small angle with the vertical, even 0°, i.e., they are arranged vertically; the smaller structural size and open arrangement have less impact on waves and ocean currents, and facilitate the passage of broken sea ice.

[0048] In this embodiment, the materials used for the components are all high-strength alloy steel or marine steel.

[0049] The number of anti-icing vertical plates is 8 to 12 to ensure that ice from all directions can be taken into account.

[0050] It is understood that in other embodiments, the number of anti-icing vertical plates and support plates can be set by those skilled in the art according to the specific working conditions, and will not be described in detail here.

[0051] In this embodiment, the elevation range of the anti-ice vertical plate is between the design high and low water levels in winter, and the elevation of the anti-ice horizontal plate is the average sea level.

[0052] Because the anti-icing vertical plates have low angle requirements and the width of the plates is fixed, the entire anti-icing system is open, and its workload will not increase significantly due to the large range of high and low water levels in winter. Under the same conditions, the workload is reduced by at least 50% compared with traditional anti-icing cones.

[0053] It should be noted that this anti-icing system adopts a post-installation method, that is, it is installed after the pile driving is completed. This ensures the accuracy of the installation position and avoids the problem of the anti-icing system's elevation being affected by the pile not being driven in place due to differences in soil layers.

[0054] Working principle

[0055] Traditional ice-breaking structures rely on the bending strength of sea ice to break it. Therefore, a large cone surface and cone angle are required to enable the ice floe to climb and break. During the ice floe's climbing process, a large horizontal ice thrust is generated on the pile foundation.

[0056] The anti-icing principle of this system is to use the thickness of the anti-icing vertical plate to contact the incoming ice. The small contact area generates contact pressure that exceeds the compressibility of the sea ice, crushing the sea ice at the contact point and causing brittle splitting. The broken ice passes through the gap between the support plates and into the pile foundation without the need for complex structural components. Furthermore, due to the small contact area, the horizontal ice thrust transmitted to the pile foundation itself is relatively small throughout the ice-breaking process.

[0057] When ice floes drift into the anti-icing system, they first come into contact with the anti-icing vertical plates. Due to the thinness of the plates, contact with the ice floes generates contact pressure that exceeds the compressibility of the sea ice itself, causing localized crushing and even brittle splitting of the ice. The anti-icing vertical plates then cut the sea ice, and the cut ice continues to contact other vertical plates, producing the same ice-breaking effect.

[0058] Example 2

[0059] This embodiment provides a detachable anti-icing system for pile-based offshore photovoltaic systems, including the detachable anti-icing structure for pile-based offshore photovoltaic systems described in Embodiment 1.

[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 detachable anti-icing structure for pile-based offshore photovoltaic systems, characterized in that, It includes two semi-circular hoop combination structures connected to the pile foundation by clamps. Each semi-circular hoop combination structure includes an upper semi-circular hoop, a middle semi-circular hoop, and a lower semi-circular hoop. The upper, middle, and lower semi-circular hoops corresponding to the two semi-circular hoop combination structures are connected and fixed to the pile foundation from top to bottom. Each layer of semi-circular hoop is provided with several support plates at circumferential intervals. One end of the support plate is fixed to the surface of the semi-circular hoop, and the other end is fixed to the anti-icing vertical plate. All anti-icing vertical plates are fixedly connected by anti-icing horizontal plates. One end of the support plate provided on the upper semicircular hoop and the middle semicircular hoop is fixed to the surface of the upper semicircular hoop and the middle semicircular hoop, and the other end is fixed to the corresponding first anti-icing vertical plate. One end of the support plate provided on the middle semicircular hoop and the lower semicircular hoop is fixed to the surface of the middle semicircular hoop and the lower semicircular hoop, and the other end is fixed to the corresponding second anti-icing vertical plate. All the first anti-icing vertical plates and the second anti-icing vertical plates are fixedly connected by anti-icing horizontal plates. In each semi-circular hoop assembly structure, bolt connection holes are provided at both ends of the upper, middle and lower semi-circular hoops; the two anti-icing horizontal plates are connected by a half-thickness overlap and bolt fixing.

2. The detachable anti-icing structure for offshore photovoltaic systems based on pile foundations as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In each semicircular hoop assembly structure, the semicircular hoops of the corresponding layers are connected by bolts after being joined together. After being connected by bolt holes and bolts, they are connected to the pile foundation hoop. Friction is generated by compression to fix the entire structure to the pile foundation.

3. The detachable anti-icing structure for offshore photovoltaic systems based on pile foundations as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The two semicircular hoop combinations are identical in size, shape, and structure.

4. The detachable anti-icing structure for offshore photovoltaic systems based on pile foundations as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The support plates on each layer of semicircular hoop are welded to the semicircular hoop.

5. A detachable anti-icing structure for offshore photovoltaic systems based on pile foundations as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first and second anti-icing vertical plates are connected to the anti-icing horizontal plate by welding.

6. The detachable anti-icing structure for offshore photovoltaic systems based on pile foundations as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the first and second anti-icing vertical plates and the vertical direction is between 0° and 20°.

7. A detachable anti-icing structure for offshore photovoltaic systems based on pile foundations as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The number of anti-icing vertical plates is 8 to 12.

8. A detachable anti-icing structure for offshore photovoltaic systems based on pile foundations as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The structure is generally open and transparent.

9. A detachable anti-icing system for pile-based offshore photovoltaic systems, characterized in that, Including a detachable anti-icing structure for offshore photovoltaic systems based on any one of claims 1-8.

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