A mooring damping device suitable for offshore floating structures

Abstract

The present invention provides a mooring damping device suitable for offshore floating structures, relating to the field of offshore floating photovoltaic power generation technology. The device comprises a cylindrical cavity structure, a hollow cylindrical foam float, a water baffle, a pull rod, a pulley, a stainless steel weight, a pulley bracket, a steel cable, a one-way check water inlet valve, and a water outlet. A one-way check water inlet valve and a water outlet are provided on the cavity surface of the cylindrical cavity structure, and a circular water baffle, a pull rod connecting the water baffle, and a steel cable are provided inside. The hollow cylindrical foam float is nested in the surface of the cavity structure, and the pulley bracket together with the pulley is provided on the top surface of the cavity structure. The steel cable passes around the pulley, one end of which passes through the cylindrical cavity structure and connects to the water baffle, and the other end is connected to the stainless steel weight, forming a transmission system, thereby enabling the water baffle to move back and forth within the cavity structure, generating water damping. This effectively buffers external energy and significantly reduces the mooring force borne by the entire mooring system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of offshore floating photovoltaic power generation, and is a damping device capable of effectively reducing the mooring force of a large floating structure. Background Art

[0002] With the growing global demand for clean energy and marine resources, the development of floating offshore energy facilities is gaining increasing attention. Mooring systems are crucial for floating photovoltaic systems. Using cables, anchor chains, and other connecting devices, mooring systems secure floating photovoltaic installations in the water, preventing them from drifting or capsizing due to external forces such as wind and waves. This securement ensures stable operation of the photovoltaic system, preventing power generation efficiency losses or equipment damage caused by displacement.

[0003] Traditional mooring systems often use rigid connections. These connections are prone to generating large mooring forces when exposed to external loads, making it more likely that the mooring forces will reach their load limits, increasing the risk of breakage. Furthermore, their shock absorption performance is poor. When dealing with complex sea conditions such as waves, tides, and currents, they are unable to effectively absorb and mitigate vibration and shock. This can cause moored structures (such as floats and platforms) to experience greater dynamic loads and accelerate fatigue damage.

[0004] Based on this, the present invention proposes a mooring damping device suitable for offshore floating structures, which can buffer large mooring forces and vibrations, thereby reducing the impact of severe sea conditions on floating structural facilities and ensuring the stable operation of offshore power generation structures. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a mooring damping device suitable for offshore floating structures. The damping device comprises a cylindrical cavity structure with an inlet valve and an outlet, a hollow cylindrical foam float, a water baffle, a pull rod, a stainless steel weight (or counterweight), a steel cable, a pulley, and a pulley bracket. The hollow cylindrical foam float is nested within the surface of the cylindrical cavity structure, allowing the entire damping device to float on the water surface. The circular water baffle is disposed within the cylindrical cavity structure and connected to the pull rod extending through the bottom surface of the cylindrical cavity structure. The pulley bracket, along with the pulley, is disposed on the top surface of the cylindrical cavity structure. The steel cable passes around the pulley, one end of which passes through the cylindrical cavity structure and connects to the water baffle, and the other end of which connects to the stainless steel weight (or counterweight), forming a transmission system that enables the water baffle to move back and forth within the cylindrical cavity structure. The inlet valve on the cylindrical cavity structure is configured as a one-way check valve, and a water outlet is provided opposite the one-way check inlet valve. A perforated cover with six small holes is installed on the top surface of the cylindrical cavity structure. This allows the steel cable to pass through the cylindrical cavity structure and connect to the water retaining plate. It also prevents a vacuum from forming in the cavity above the water retaining plate, which could prevent the water retaining plate from returning to its initial position under the weight of the stainless steel weights. The length of the steel cable and pulley bracket is controlled to prevent the stainless steel weights connected to the steel cable from colliding with the cylindrical cavity structure and the hollow cylindrical foam float due to the influence of waves and currents at sea, causing irreversible damage to the damping device.

[0006] Finally, the pull rod passing through the bottom surface of the cylindrical cavity structure is connected to the anchor chain in the mooring system. Further, the pulley is connected to a rib plate, which is connected to the floating power generation structure, thereby achieving the connection between the entire damping device and the floating power generation structure.

[0007] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0008] The core of this device lies in its unique cavity structure and movable water baffle design. When an offshore floating structure is subjected to external factors such as wind, waves, and tides, it can generate severe swaying and mooring forces. In response, the water baffle moves within the cavity, squeezing the water within. This squeezing generates a damping force that opposes the external force, effectively absorbing the external impact energy and reducing the direct impact on the mooring system. This design not only significantly reduces the burden on the mooring system but also significantly extends its service life.

[0009] Furthermore, the water damping device exhibits exceptional durability over long-term use. Because it primarily generates damping force through the squeezing of water, it avoids the wear and fatigue associated with long-term tension and compression of traditional spring cables, reducing both operational and maintenance costs.

[0010] From an environmental and sustainability perspective, water damping devices also offer significant advantages. They require no additional energy to produce their damping effect, relying entirely on natural physical principles. Therefore, they are a greener and more sustainable option in promoting the development and application of clean energy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 A mooring damping device suitable for offshore floating structures - front view of the damping device;

[0012] Figure 2 A mooring damping device suitable for offshore floating structures - front cross-sectional view of the damping device;

[0013] Figure 3 A mooring damping device suitable for use on offshore floating structures - top view of the damping device;

[0014] Figure 4 Front view of a one-way check water inlet valve, a mooring damping device suitable for offshore floating structures;

[0015] Figure 5 A mooring damping device suitable for offshore floating structures - front view of a cylindrical cavity structure with a hole cover;

[0016] In the figure, 1. cylindrical cavity structure; 2. hollow cylindrical foam float; 3. water baffle; 4. pull rod; 5. pulley; 6. stainless steel weight; 7. pulley bracket; 8. steel wire cable; 9. one-way check water inlet valve; 10. water outlet; 11. cover with holes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the drawings used in the implementation of the present invention; it is obvious that the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0018] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "top / bottom" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0019] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installed," "provided with," "mounted / connected," and "connected" should be understood broadly. For example, "connected" may refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention in specific contexts.

[0020] Refer to the attached Figure 1-2 , which is a mooring damping device suitable for offshore floating structures proposed by the present invention. The damping device consists of a cylindrical cavity structure 1, a hollow cylindrical foam float 2, a water baffle 3, a pull rod 4, a pulley 5, a stainless steel weight 6, a pulley bracket 7, a steel cable 8, a one-way check water inlet valve 9, a water outlet 10, and a cover with holes 11. The cylindrical cavity structure 1 serves as the main frame part of the damping device, and a circular water baffle 3 and a pull rod 4 and a steel cable 8 connecting the water baffle 3 are arranged inside. Referring to Figure 4, in order to ensure that an appropriate amount of water is always maintained inside the cavity of the cylindrical cavity structure 1, a one-way check water inlet valve 9 is installed on the lower surface of the cylindrical cavity structure 1. This valve only allows seawater to flow in one direction, effectively preventing the water from being lost when not needed, and ensuring that the damping device can perform at its best at any time. On the upper surface of the cylindrical cavity structure 1, a water outlet 10 is opened, see the attached Figure 3 The pore size directly affects the water damping effect of the entire damping device and is one of the important parameters for adjusting damping performance. A hollow cylindrical foam float 2 is nested outside the cylindrical cavity structure 1. This hollow cylindrical foam float 2 is made of lightweight and durable polystyrene foam. It not only provides sufficient buoyancy to enable the entire damping device to float stably on the water surface, but also resists seawater erosion to a certain extent, extending the service life of the device. Of course, the material of the hollow cylindrical foam float 2 of the present invention is not limited to polystyrene foam. The present invention is not limited to any other material with sufficient buoyancy that can achieve the purpose of the present invention.

[0021] In order to achieve the reciprocating movement of the water retaining plate 3, the damping device is equipped with a transmission system consisting of a wire rope 8, a pulley 5, and a pulley bracket 7. The pulley bracket 7 is installed on the top surface of the cylindrical cavity structure 1. One end of the wire rope 8 passes through the cylindrical cavity structure 1 and is connected to the water retaining plate 3. The other end passes around the pulley 5 and is connected to a stainless steel weight 6 with a certain weight. A perforated cover 11 is provided on the top surface of the cylindrical cavity structure 1. See the attached figure. Figure 5Six small holes are evenly distributed on the perforated cover 11 to prevent a vacuum from forming in the upper cavity of the water retaining plate 3, thereby preventing the water retaining plate 3 from being restricted in its movement within the cylindrical cavity structure 1 and being unable to return to its initial position. In the present invention, the lengths of the pulley bracket 7 and the steel cable 8 can be controlled as needed to prevent the stainless steel weight 6 from colliding with the cylindrical cavity structure 1 and the hollow cylindrical foam float 2 due to waves and currents at sea, thereby causing irreversible damage to the damping device.

[0022] When the sea conditions are stable, the water baffle 3 in the cavity moves to the upper part of the cavity due to the gravity of the stainless steel weight 6. At this time, the water baffle 3 is in its initial position. At the same time, the one-way check valve 9 is kept open to allow seawater to fill the entire cavity. When the floating structure at sea is affected by external factors such as wind, waves, and tides, a large motion response will be generated, causing the pull rod 4, the water baffle 3, and the cylindrical cavity structure 1 to move relative to each other. The water baffle 3 moves toward the lower part of the cavity, squeezing the water in the cavity, and the water slowly discharges outward through the outlet 10. The water baffle 3 continues to move back and forth, constantly squeezing and releasing the water, generating a damping force opposite to the external force, thereby effectively absorbing external energy and significantly reducing the mooring force borne by the entire mooring system. In addition, the diameter of the cylindrical cavity structure 1, the weight of the stainless steel weight 6 (or counterweight), the one-way check valve 9, and the aperture size of the outlet 10 can be adjusted to adapt to different sea conditions.

[0023] As one embodiment of the present invention, the cylindrical cavity structure 1 can be made of stainless steel, with a length of 3 meters, an outer diameter of 600 mm, and a thin wall thickness of 40 mm. The one-way check valve 9 on the cylindrical cavity structure 1 has a diameter of 200 mm, the water outlet 10 has a diameter of 100 mm, and the aperture of the perforated cover 11 has a diameter of 60 mm. The hollow cylindrical foam float 2 can be made of polystyrene foam material, with a length of 1.8 meters, an outer diameter of 1200 mm, and a thin wall thickness of 100 mm. The water retaining plate 3 and the pull rod 4 can be made of stainless steel. The water retaining plate 3 has a diameter of 520 mm and a thickness of 50 mm. The pull rod 4 has a length of 3 meters and a diameter of 100 mm. The steel cable 8 has a length of 5 meters and a wire diameter of 30 mm. The pulley 5 has a diameter of 460 mm, and the pulley bracket 7 has a length of 600 mm.

[0024] The above embodiments of the present invention are intended to serve as a guide. Based on the above description, relevant personnel can make various changes and modifications without departing from the scope of the present invention. The technical scope of this invention is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined according to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A mooring damping device suitable for offshore floating structures, characterized in that: The invention comprises a cylindrical cavity structure (1), a hollow cylindrical foam float (2), a water baffle (3), a pull rod (4), a steel cable (8), a one-way check water inlet valve (9), and a water outlet (10). The hollow cylindrical foam float (2) is nested on the surface of the cylindrical cavity structure (1). A hole cover (11) is provided on the top of the cylindrical cavity structure (1). The cylindrical cavity structure (1) serves as the main frame of the damping device. A circular water baffle (3) is provided inside the cylindrical cavity structure. A pull rod (4) connecting the water baffle is provided from the bottom of the cylindrical cavity structure (1). The water baffle (3) is extended, and includes a transmission system for realizing the reciprocating movement of the water baffle (3). The steel cable (8) is connected to the water baffle (3). Driven by the transmission system, the water baffle (3) moves back and forth in the cavity of the cylindrical cavity structure (1). A one-way check water inlet valve (9) and a water outlet (10) are provided on the surface of the cavity. When the water baffle (3) continues to move back and forth, water continuously enters the one-way check water inlet valve (9) and is discharged from the water outlet (10). By continuously squeezing and releasing the water, a damping force is generated; The transmission system consists of a steel cable (8), a pulley (5) and a pulley bracket (7). The pulley bracket (7) and the pulley (5) are arranged on the top surface of the cylindrical cavity structure (1). The steel cable (8) passes around the pulley (5), one end of which passes through the cavity structure (1) and is connected to the water baffle (3), and the other end is connected to the stainless steel weight (6).

2. The mooring damping device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The one-way check water inlet valve (9) is arranged on the lower surface of the cylindrical cavity structure (1), and only allows seawater to flow from outside the cavity into the cavity, ensuring that an appropriate amount of water is always maintained inside the cavity.

3. The mooring damping device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water outlet (10) is arranged on the upper surface of the cylindrical cavity structure (1) and is a through structure capable of allowing water to flow in and out.

4. The mooring damping device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hollow cylindrical foam float (2) nested outside the cylindrical cavity structure (1) is made of a lightweight material capable of providing sufficient buoyancy, including but not limited to polystyrene foam material.

5. The mooring damping device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The perforated cover (11) is provided with six small holes for the steel cable (8) to pass through the cavity and connect to the water baffle (3), while preventing the upper cavity of the water baffle (3) from generating a vacuum and avoiding the movement of the water baffle (3) in the cylindrical cavity structure (1).

6. The mooring damping device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The damping effect of the mooring damping device is achieved by adjusting the parameters of the diameter of the cylindrical cavity structure (1), the weight of the stainless steel weight (6), the one-way check water inlet valve (9) and the aperture size of the water outlet (10) to adapt to different sea conditions.

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