Offshore wind turbine generator unit sea water cooling system incorporating a jacket foundation

Abstract

The present application relates to offshore wind power technology field, disclose a kind of offshore wind turbine unit sea water cooling system combined with jacket foundation.Sea water cooling system includes: jacket, transition connection structure and heat exchange component;There is first heat exchange medium in jacket;Transition connection structure is set to the top of jacket;Heat exchange component includes: heat exchanger, heat exchanger is set to transition connection structure, it has two liquid passages, first liquid passage is connected with jacket by first liquid inlet pipe and first liquid outlet pipe, and first heat exchange medium is circulated in first liquid passage, second liquid passage is connected with heating equipment by second liquid inlet pipe and second liquid outlet pipe, and second heat exchange medium is circulated in second liquid passage.The present application is cooled to heating equipment by second heat exchange medium, and first heat exchange medium is exchanged with second heat exchange medium in heat exchanger and then enters jacket and exchanges heat with seawater to reduce temperature.Heat exchanger transfers heat to seawater by jacket, with larger heat exchange area, better heat dissipation effect, higher heat dissipation efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of offshore wind power technology, specifically to a seawater cooling system for offshore wind turbine generators combined with jacket foundations. Background Technology

[0002] As one of the most abundant renewable energy sources, wind energy resource development has become a key focus of renewable energy development in recent years. Compared to onshore wind energy resources, my country's offshore wind energy resources are even more abundant. Statistics show that the total wind energy reserves within 50 meters of the shore in my country are 883 million kilowatts, with a technically exploitable capacity of 570 million kilowatts. Compared to onshore wind power, offshore wind power development has advantages such as saving land resources, higher wind speeds, and proximity to electricity load centers, making it an important direction for the development of my country's wind energy industry. With the continuous improvement of nearshore wind energy resource development, offshore wind energy resources are gradually shifting from shallow nearshore waters to transitional water depths (30-60 meters).

[0003] Offshore wind turbines contain numerous heat-generating components, such as generators, converters, and transformers. These components continuously generate heat during operation, and if heat cannot be dissipated in time, it can lead to overheating, shutdown, or even malfunction. Currently, heat exchangers located outside the nacelle are typically used to dissipate heat from these components. These heat exchangers employ an air-to-water heat exchange method, where coolant absorbs the heat emitted by the components and then enters the heat exchanger to be cooled by air, creating a cyclical cooling process. However, due to the large size and significant heat output of these components, air cooling alone is ineffective and inefficient. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a seawater cooling system for offshore wind turbine generators combined with a jacket foundation to solve the problem of poor heat dissipation effect and low heat dissipation efficiency when cooling and dissipating heat-generating equipment in offshore wind turbine generators using air-water heat exchangers.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a seawater cooling system for an offshore wind turbine generator combined with a jacket foundation, comprising:

[0006] A jacket, which is installed at sea and contains a first heat exchange medium;

[0007] A transition connection structure is provided at the top of the guide frame;

[0008] A heat exchange assembly, comprising: a heat exchanger disposed on the transition connection structure, having two liquid channels; two connection ports of the first liquid channel being connected to the interior of the guide frame via a first inlet pipe and a first outlet pipe, respectively; the first heat exchange medium flowing in the first liquid channel; and two connection ports of the second liquid channel being connected to a heating device via a second inlet pipe and a second outlet pipe, respectively; the second liquid channel flowing with a second heat exchange medium.

[0009] Beneficial effects

[0010] The second heat exchange medium absorbs heat as it flows through the heating device, thus cooling the device. When the second heat exchange medium enters the second liquid channel of the heat exchanger, it exchanges heat with the first heat exchange medium in the first liquid channel. After cooling, the second heat exchange medium circulates to cool the heating device, while the first cooling medium enters the guide tube frame and exchanges heat with the seawater for cooling. This heat exchanger ultimately transfers the heat from the heating device to the seawater through the guide tube frame. The guide tube frame has a large heat exchange area, resulting in better heat dissipation and higher heat dissipation efficiency.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the guide frame includes four chords, which are arranged in pairs in a mirror image. Adjacent chords are connected by multiple sets of diagonal bracing mechanisms arranged sequentially from top to bottom. Each diagonal bracing mechanism includes two intersecting diagonal bracing rods, which are internally connected to the chords.

[0012] Beneficial effects

[0013] The chord members are connected by diagonal braces, which improves the stability of the jacket structure and allows the first heat exchange medium to flow between the chord members and diagonal braces, thus accelerating heat dissipation and achieving higher heat dissipation efficiency.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, a seal is provided inside the chord, the seal being located at sea level.

[0015] Beneficial effects

[0016] Because the jacket structure is partially located in the sea and partially above the sea surface, only the portion in the sea can contact the seawater for heat exchange. Therefore, a seal is installed inside the chord to ensure that the primary heat exchange medium is located in the space below the seal, allowing for better heat exchange with the seawater and achieving heat dissipation.

[0017] In an optional embodiment, the space below the seal of the chord is provided with the first heat exchange medium, which is fresh water.

[0018] Beneficial effects

[0019] Fresh water has higher purity and fewer impurities, and its flow between the chord and the brace is less likely to cause corrosion to the chord and the brace.

[0020] In an optional embodiment, one end of the first inlet pipe extends below the seal in one of the chords, and one end of the first outlet pipe extends below the seal in the other chord, with the two chords arranged opposite to each other.

[0021] Beneficial effects

[0022] By drawing the first heat exchange medium into the heat exchanger from one of the two opposing chords, and then sending the first heat exchange medium that has completed heat exchange in the heat exchanger to the other chord, the first heat exchange medium can have a larger flow space between the two chords, and the area for heat exchange with the heat exchanger is larger, thereby cooling the first heat exchange medium.

[0023] In an optional embodiment, a first pumping component is also provided on the first liquid inlet pipe.

[0024] Beneficial effects

[0025] Setting up a first pumping element makes it easier to draw the first heat exchange medium into the heat exchanger.

[0026] In an optional embodiment, a tower is provided at the top of the transition connection structure.

[0027] Beneficial effects

[0028] In an optional embodiment, the second inlet pipe and the second outlet pipe are laid along the inner wall of the tower.

[0029] Beneficial effects

[0030] The second inlet pipe and the second outlet pipe are installed inside the tower, which makes them easy to fix and results in a neater layout.

[0031] In an optional embodiment, the second outlet pipe is provided with a second pumping component.

[0032] Beneficial effects

[0033] The second pumping unit facilitates the smooth delivery of the second heat exchange medium to the heating equipment.

[0034] In an optional embodiment, the transition connection structure is provided with an outer platform, the outer platform is provided with a cooling chamber, and the heat exchanger is provided inside the cooling chamber.

[0035] Beneficial effects

[0036] Setting up a cooling chamber can protect the heat exchanger from adverse environmental factors such as sea waves and sea winds. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a seawater cooling system for an offshore wind turbine generator combined with a jacket foundation, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 2 This is an operational diagram of the seawater cooling system for an offshore wind turbine generator set integrated with a jacket foundation.

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0041] 1. Jacket support; 11. Chord member; 12. Diagonal brace; 13. Seal;

[0042] 2. Transition connection structure;

[0043] 31. Heat exchanger; 32. First liquid inlet pipe; 33. First liquid outlet pipe; 34. Second liquid inlet pipe; 35. Second liquid outlet pipe; 36. First pumping unit; 37. Second pumping unit.

[0044] 4. Sea level;

[0045] 5. Tower. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. 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.

[0047] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0048] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0049] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0050] The following is combined with Figure 1 , Figure 2 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in one aspect, a seawater cooling system for offshore wind turbine generators, integrated with a jacket foundation, is provided for cooling and dissipating heat from heat-generating equipment on the offshore wind turbine generator. The offshore wind turbine generator seawater cooling system includes: a jacket foundation 1, a transition connection structure 2, and a heat exchange assembly. The jacket foundation 1 is installed at sea, and a first heat exchange medium is disposed inside the jacket foundation 1. The transition connection structure 2 is disposed at the top of the jacket foundation 1. The heat exchange assembly includes: a heat exchanger 31, which is disposed on the transition connection structure 2 and has two liquid channels. The two connection ports of the first liquid channel are respectively connected to the interior of the jacket foundation 1 through a first inlet pipe 32 and a first outlet pipe 33, and the first heat exchange medium flows through the first liquid channel. The two connection ports of the second liquid channel are respectively connected to heat-generating equipment through a second inlet pipe 34 and a second outlet pipe 35, and the second liquid channel flows through a second heat exchange medium.

[0052] The jacket structure 1 serves as the foundation support for the offshore wind turbine generator. It is characterized by its robust structure and high load-bearing capacity, enabling it to withstand complex marine environments such as storms, waves, currents, marine organism erosion, ice, and earthquakes. The transition connection structure 2 serves as the transition connection between the jacket structure 1 and the tower 5; that is, the tower 5, the transition connection mechanism, and the jacket structure 1 are connected sequentially. The tower 5 houses various equipment, such as generators, converters, transformers, and other heat-generating devices.

[0053] In the seawater cooling system of an offshore wind turbine, the first heat exchange medium flows through a first heat exchange loop, and the second heat exchange medium flows through a second heat exchange loop. In the second heat exchange loop, the second heat exchange medium flows sequentially from the second outlet pipe 35 through each heat-generating device. The initial temperature of the second heat exchange medium in the second outlet pipe 35 is relatively low; upon flowing through the heat-generating devices, it absorbs the heat emitted by the devices, thus cooling them. The temperature of the second heat exchange medium itself increases due to heat absorption. After passing through the heat-generating devices, the second heat exchange medium returns to the second liquid flow channel in the heat exchanger 31 through the second inlet pipe 34. In the first heat exchange loop, the first heat exchange medium enters the first liquid flow channel in the heat exchanger 31 from the guide frame 1 through the first inlet pipe 32. The high-temperature second heat exchange medium exchanges heat with the low-temperature first heat exchange medium, causing the second heat exchange medium to cool down and then again through the second outlet pipe 35 to cool the heat-generating devices. The heated first heat exchange medium then enters the guide frame 1 through the first outlet pipe 33. The first heat exchange medium exchanges heat with seawater through the pipe wall of the guide frame 1 to cool down. After cooling, it re-enters the first liquid flow channel of the heat exchanger 31 through the first liquid inlet pipe 32 to exchange heat with the second heat exchange medium in the second liquid flow channel. The first and second heat exchange loops operate continuously to form a circulating cooling system that can continuously dissipate heat from the heat-generating equipment.

[0054] The jacket foundation 1 is located in the sea, allowing the first heat exchange medium to exchange heat with seawater and cool down within it. The jacket foundation 1 has a large volume and a larger heat exchange area, improving heat exchange efficiency and thus enhancing the heat dissipation performance of the heating equipment. Furthermore, the placement of the first heat exchange medium within the jacket foundation 1 makes efficient use of its internal space and minimizes impact on the existing offshore wind turbine structure. Both the first and second heat exchange loops are closed-loop systems, preventing interference and pollution from marine organisms and ensuring no pollution or damage to the marine environment.

[0055] In one embodiment, the guide frame 1 includes four chords 11, which are arranged in pairs in a mirror image. Adjacent chords 11 are connected by multiple sets of diagonal bracing mechanisms arranged from top to bottom. The diagonal bracing mechanism includes two diagonal bracing rods 12 arranged in a cross configuration, and the diagonal bracing rods 12 are connected to the interior of the chords 11.

[0056] This embodiment uses a four-legged jacket 1, which has four chords 11. Each chord 11 is inclined and arranged in pairs opposite each other, resulting in a jacket 1 that approximates a frustum shape with a small top and a large bottom. Each chord 11 is a variable-diameter member, meaning its lower diameter is larger than its upper diameter. Each chord 11 is fixed to leg piles driven into the seabed, allowing the jacket 1 to stand stably in the sea.

[0057] Adjacent chord members 11 are connected by a diagonal bracing mechanism to improve the connection strength of the jacket 1. The two diagonal bracing members 12 in the diagonal bracing mechanism are arranged in an approximately "X" shape. Since the chord members 11 are all inclined, the dimensions of the corresponding diagonal bracing mechanism gradually increase from top to bottom.

[0058] Both the chord 11 and the diagonal brace 12 are steel components, and the interior of each chord 11 is hollow, as is the interior of each diagonal brace 12. The two adjacent chords 11 at both ends of the diagonal brace 12 are connected, thus achieving internal communication between the chord 11 and the diagonal brace 12, allowing the first heat exchange medium to circulate within the chord 11 and the diagonal brace 12.

[0059] Typically, the wall thickness of the chord 11 is greater than that of the diagonal brace 12. Therefore, the thermal conductivity and heat exchange efficiency of the diagonal brace 12 are higher than those of the chord 11. Connecting the chord 11 and the diagonal brace 12 internally allows the first heat exchange medium to flow more freely and has a larger heat exchange area.

[0060] In other embodiments, the catheter holder 1 may also be a three-legged catheter holder 1 or a catheter holder 1 with other structures.

[0061] In one embodiment, a seal 13 is provided inside the chord 11, and the seal 13 is located at a height of sea level 4.

[0062] The jacket 1 is installed in the sea, with its lower part submerged in seawater and its upper part above the sea surface. This means that the first heat exchange medium can only exchange heat with the seawater through the part of the jacket 1 below the sea surface. Therefore, a seal 13 is installed in each chord 11 at a height of 4 above sea level. The seal 13 can be water-sealed to prevent seawater from communicating between the upper and lower sides of the seal 13.

[0063] Setting the seal 13 can maximize the heat exchange between the jacket 1 and the seawater to reduce the temperature of the first heat exchange medium, resulting in higher heat exchange efficiency.

[0064] In one embodiment, a first heat exchange medium, which is fresh water, is disposed in the space below the seal 13 on the chord 11.

[0065] The space below the seal 13 inside the chord 11 is the storage space for the first heat exchange medium, while the space above the seal 13 does not allow the first heat exchange medium to enter. Correspondingly, the first heat exchange medium flows through the diagonal brace 12 located below sea level 4, meaning that the first heat exchange medium flows throughout the entire space of the jacket 1 located below sea level 4. Due to the presence of the first heat exchange medium, the temperature of the jacket 1 structure located below sea level 4 will be 20-30 degrees Celsius higher than the ambient temperature. The surrounding area naturally has a marine organism-inhibiting effect, which can reduce the problem of marine organisms contaminating the jacket 1 itself.

[0066] Although seawater is the most common and readily available medium in the ocean, it contains a high amount of marine life and other impurities, which can cause corrosion to the pipes and heat exchanger 31 over time. Therefore, fresh water is preferred as the primary heat exchange medium to reduce the impact on the pipes and heat exchanger 31 and make the cooling system more durable.

[0067] In one embodiment, one end of the first inlet pipe 32 extends below the seal 13 in one chord 11, and one end of the first outlet pipe 33 extends below the seal 13 in another chord 11, with the two chords 11 arranged opposite to each other.

[0068] Although the jacket 1 is a four-legged jacket 1 with four chords 11, and each chord 11 is equipped with a seal 13, in this embodiment, only one first inlet pipe 32 and one first outlet pipe 33 are provided. One end of the first inlet pipe 32 is connected to the first liquid channel of the heat exchanger 31, and the other end extends into the lower part of the seal 13 inside the chord 11 to extract the first heat exchange medium inside the chord 11. One end of the first outlet pipe 33 is connected to another connection port of the first liquid channel of the heat exchanger 31, and the other end extends into the lower part of the seal 13 inside another chord 11 to discharge the first heat exchange medium into the chord 11. Furthermore, the chord 11 where the first inlet pipe 32 is located and the chord 11 where the first outlet pipe 33 is located are two chords 11 arranged opposite each other. In this way, the first heat exchange medium has the maximum flow space between the two chords 11, thereby utilizing the maximum heat exchange area of ​​the jacket 1, enabling sufficient heat exchange with seawater, and improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0069] In another embodiment, two adjacent chords 11 can be selected, i.e., one is provided with a first liquid inlet pipe 32 and the other is provided with a first liquid outlet pipe 33.

[0070] In another embodiment, a first inlet pipe 32 may be provided on two of the chords 11 of the four-legged guide frame 1, and a first outlet pipe 33 may be provided on the other two chords 11.

[0071] In one embodiment, a first pumping component 36 is also provided on the first liquid inlet pipe 32.

[0072] The first pumping component 36 is preferably a water pump, which can extract the first heat exchange medium in the chord 11 into the first liquid inlet pipe 32.

[0073] In one embodiment, the transition connection structure 2 is provided with an outer platform, the outer platform is provided with a cooling chamber, and a heat exchanger 31 is provided inside the cooling chamber.

[0074] An external platform is typically installed at the transition connection structure 2 to house equipment or serve as a construction platform. The external platform is equipped with a cooling chamber for use with the heat exchanger 31. The cooling chamber protects the heat exchanger 31 from the effects of waves and sea winds, ensuring its safe operation and extending its service life.

[0075] In one embodiment, a tower 5 is provided at the top of the transition connection structure 2, and a second liquid inlet pipe 34 and a second liquid outlet pipe 35 are laid along the inner wall of the tower 5.

[0076] The second inlet pipe 34 and the second outlet pipe 35 are led out from the heat exchanger 31 and need to be connected to the heating equipment. The heating equipment is generally set on the tower 5. Therefore, the second inlet pipe 34 and the second outlet pipe 35 can be set along the inner wall of the tower 5. The second inlet pipe 34 and the second outlet pipe 35 are fixed to the inner wall of the tower 5 with fasteners, so that the second inlet pipe 34 and the second outlet pipe 35 are connected to the heat exchange equipment along the extension direction of the tower 5.

[0077] In one embodiment, the second outlet pipe 35 is provided with a second pumping component 37.

[0078] The second pumping component 37 is also preferably a water pump, which is used to pump the second heat exchange medium to the heat-generating equipment.

[0079] The working process of the seawater cooling system for offshore wind turbine generators provided in this embodiment is described below:

[0080] The second pumping unit 37 pumps the second heat exchange medium to the heating device. The second heat exchange medium absorbs the heat emitted by the heating device to reduce its temperature, thus achieving cooling. The second heat exchange medium itself absorbs heat and heats up before entering the second liquid channel in the heat exchanger 31 through the second inlet pipe 34. The first pumping unit 36 ​​draws the first heat exchange medium from one of the chord rods 11 in the guide frame 1 into the first liquid channel in the heat exchanger 31. The temperature of the first heat exchange medium in the first liquid channel is low, while the temperature of the second heat exchange medium in the second liquid channel is high. A temperature difference exists between the first and second heat exchange media, resulting in heat exchange. The second heat exchange medium cools down, while the first heat exchange medium heats up. The heated first heat exchange medium returns to another chord rod 11 in the guide frame 1 through the first outlet pipe 33. The first heat exchange medium flows from the chord rod 11 with the first outlet pipe 33 to the chord rod 11 with the first inlet pipe 32. While flowing through the chord rod 11 and each of the diagonal support rods 12, it exchanges heat with seawater through the pipe walls, reducing the temperature of the first heat exchange medium. The circulation of the first and second heat exchange media ensures the continuous operation of the entire cooling system.

[0081] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A seawater cooling system for an offshore wind turbine generator combined with a jacket foundation, characterized in that, include: The jacket (1) is installed at sea and contains a first heat exchange medium. A transition connection structure (2) is provided at the top of the guide frame (1); The heat exchange assembly includes a heat exchanger (31) disposed on the transition connection structure (2) and having two liquid channels. The two connection ports of the first liquid channel are respectively connected to the inside of the guide frame (1) through a first liquid inlet pipe (32) and a first liquid outlet pipe (33). The first heat exchange medium flows in the first liquid channel. The two connection ports of the second liquid channel are respectively connected to the heating device through a second liquid inlet pipe (34) and a second liquid outlet pipe (35). The second liquid channel flows with a second heat exchange medium.

2. The seawater cooling system for offshore wind turbine generators combined with jacket foundations according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide frame (1) includes four chords (11), which are arranged in pairs in a mirror image. Adjacent chords (11) are connected by multiple sets of diagonal bracing mechanisms arranged from top to bottom. The diagonal bracing mechanism includes two diagonal bracing rods (12) arranged in a cross configuration. The diagonal bracing rods (12) are connected to the interior of the chords (11).

3. The seawater cooling system for offshore wind turbine generators combined with jacket foundations according to claim 2, characterized in that, The chord (11) is provided with a seal (13) located at the height of sea level (4).

4. The seawater cooling system for offshore wind turbine generators combined with jacket foundations according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first heat exchange medium, which is fresh water, is disposed in the space below the seal (13) of the chord (11).

5. The seawater cooling system for offshore wind turbine generators combined with jacket foundations according to claim 3, characterized in that, One end of the first inlet pipe (32) extends below the seal (13) in one of the chords (11), and one end of the first outlet pipe (33) extends below the seal (13) in the other chord (11), with the two chords (11) arranged opposite to each other.

6. The seawater cooling system for offshore wind turbine generators combined with jacket foundations according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first liquid inlet pipe (32) is also equipped with a first pumping component (36).

7. The seawater cooling system for offshore wind turbine generators combined with jacket foundations according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the transition connection structure (2) is provided with a tower (5).

8. The seawater cooling system for offshore wind turbine generators combined with jacket foundations according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second liquid inlet pipe (34) and the second liquid outlet pipe (35) are laid along the inner wall of the tower (5).

9. The seawater cooling system for offshore wind turbine generators combined with jacket foundations according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second liquid outlet pipe (35) is equipped with a second pumping component (37).

10. The seawater cooling system for offshore wind turbine generators combined with jacket foundations according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The transition connection structure (2) is provided with an outer platform, the outer platform is provided with a cooling chamber, and the heat exchanger (31) is provided in the cooling chamber.

Images