An anti-scouring stability device for offshore wind turbine monopile foundations

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of foundation or underground or underwater structures, in particular to a scour-resistant stabilizing device for a single-pile foundation of an offshore wind turbine, which comprises a single-pile body, a buffer assembly and a stabilizing assembly, the buffer assembly is sleeved on the single-pile body; the stabilizing assembly is internally provided with a settlement hemisphere, the spherical surface of the settlement hemisphere is located on one side of a seabed, the bottom of the buffer assembly is coaxially connected with the upper surface of the settlement hemisphere, the bottom of the single-pile body is inserted into the seabed after penetrating through the settlement hemisphere, the outer upper surface of the settlement hemisphere is movably connected with an adjusting disc, a plurality of drainage plates are uniformly and externally connected with the adjusting disc, and the drainage plates are inserted into the seabed. The application solves the problem that the single-pile body cannot be effectively and stably supported for a long time in the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of foundation, underground or underwater structure technology, and more specifically, to a scour stabilization device for a monopile foundation of an offshore wind turbine. Background Technology

[0002] Scouring is a potential problem for monopile foundations of offshore wind turbines. The interaction between the foundation and waves and currents amplifies the stress applied to the seabed around the monopile, causing the scour hole to gradually enlarge and thus reducing the foundation's bearing capacity. The downtime and maintenance losses due to scouring of a single wind turbine can reach tens of millions of yuan annually. Therefore, scour protection for offshore wind turbine monopiles is crucial. A published Chinese patent, titled "A Solidified Pile Structure for Scour Protection of Offshore Wind Turbine Foundations" (application number 202210455522.5), addresses this issue. Seawater scouring creates scour pits at the contact point between the monopile and the seabed surface. As the seawater continues to flow, these pits gradually enlarge, and this structure cannot effectively reduce the impact of the enlarging scour pits on the stability of the monopile, thus accelerating the shortening of the wind turbine monopile's lifespan. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide an anti-scour stabilization device for offshore wind turbine monopile foundations, which solves the problem that existing technologies cannot effectively guarantee the long-term stable support of the monopile body.

[0004] The technical solution of this application:

[0005] This application provides a scour-resistant stabilization device for a monopile foundation of an offshore wind turbine, comprising:

[0006] Single pile body;

[0007] A buffer assembly, which is sleeved on the monopile body;

[0008] A stabilizing component includes a settling hemisphere with its surface located on one side of the seabed. The bottom of a buffer component is coaxially connected to the upper surface of the settling hemisphere. The bottom of a monopile passes through the settling hemisphere and is inserted into the seabed. An adjusting plate is movably connected to the upper outer surface of the settling hemisphere. Several diversion plates are evenly spaced outside the adjusting plate and inserted into the seabed.

[0009] In some embodiments, the buffer assembly includes a buffer cylinder and a protective cylinder. The buffer cylinder is fitted outside the protective cylinder, and the protective cylinder is fitted outside the monopile body. A plurality of buffer hemispheres are evenly embedded on the buffer cylinder, and each buffer hemisphere has a displacement sensor for detecting the movement state of the seawater at the set location.

[0010] In some embodiments, the settling hemisphere is covered by a sedimentation ball sleeve, the interior of which is a sediment storage cavity. The sedimentation ball sleeve is hemispherical and located between the outer surface of the settling hemisphere and the inner side of the drainage plate.

[0011] In some embodiments, the sedimentation sphere includes an inner sphere, an outer sphere, and a connecting ring connecting the inner sphere and the outer sphere. The inner sphere, the outer sphere, and the connecting ring enclose the sediment storage cavity. The connecting ring is connected to the outer circle of the upper end of the sedimentation hemisphere. An arc-shaped operating hole coaxial with the adjusting plate is provided on the adjusting plate. The arc-shaped operating hole is disposed opposite to the connecting ring.

[0012] In some embodiments, the sediment storage cavity is filled with sediment blocks.

[0013] In some embodiments, the number of sedimentation spheres is multiple and they are concentrically fitted around the sedimentation hemisphere in sequence.

[0014] In some embodiments, the buffer cylinder has a plurality of movable through holes, and the buffer hemisphere is connected to the movable through holes.

[0015] In some embodiments, the spherical surface of the buffer hemisphere is located on the side away from the monopile body, an elastic detection layer is attached to the inner side of the buffer cylinder, and a plurality of pressure sensors are provided in front of the elastic detection layer, the pressure sensors being arranged opposite to the buffer hemisphere.

[0016] In some embodiments, a flow guide is connected to the top of the buffer cylinder. The flow guide includes a flow guide tube, and a reinforcing cylinder is coaxially connected inside the flow guide tube. The buffer cylinder is connected inside the reinforcing cylinder, and a flow guide cavity is formed between the outer wall of the reinforcing cylinder and the inner wall of the flow guide tube.

[0017] In some embodiments, the outer wall of the guide tube is provided with a plurality of guide inlets and outlets, and the plurality of guide inlets and outlets are all connected to the guide cavity.

[0018] The technical solution of this application has at least the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0019] This application provides a scour stabilization device for offshore wind turbine monopile foundations, comprising a monopile body, a buffer component, and a stabilizing component. The buffer component decomposes the scouring effect of seawater on the monopile body, weakening the scouring force and continuously reducing the scouring force transmitted to the point where the monopile body contacts the seabed, minimizing the rate of scour pit growth and ensuring the stability of the monopile body. The stabilizing component supports the bottom of the monopile body at the point where it contacts the seabed, extending its stable support time. Simultaneously, as the contact area between the monopile body and the seabed decreases, it moves downwards, ensuring sufficient contact area between the monopile body and the seabed, thereby extending its service life. This solves the problem in existing technologies that cannot effectively guarantee the long-term stable support of the monopile body. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the stabilizing device of this application;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the stabilizing device of this application;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the flow guide in the stabilization device of this application;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the regulating disc in the stabilizing device of this application.

[0024] In the diagram: 100-Buffer assembly; 101-Buffer cylinder; 102-Protective cylinder; 103-Buffer hemisphere; 104-Displacement sensor; 105-Modible through hole; 106-Elastic detection layer; 107-Pressure sensor; 108-Flow guide; 109-Flow guide pipe; 110-Reinforcing cylinder; 111-Flow guide cavity; 112-Flow guide inlet and outlet; 113-Flow guide rod; 200-Stabilizing assembly; 201-Settlement hemisphere; 202-Adjusting disc; 203-Drainage plate; 204-Arc-shaped operating hole; 205-Inner spherical sleeve; 206-Outer spherical sleeve; 207-Connecting ring; 208-Sediment storage cavity; 209-Sediment block; 210-Mounting hole; 211-Adjusting column; 300-Monopile body. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the figures. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0026] Example 1

[0027] Please refer to the above as well. Figures 1-4 This application provides an anti-scour stabilization device for a monopile foundation of an offshore wind turbine. The device includes a monopile body 300, a buffer component 100, and a stabilization component 200. The buffer component 100 is sleeved outside the monopile body 300. The stabilization component 200 has a settlement hemisphere 201 inside, with the spherical surface of the settlement hemisphere 201 located on one side of the seabed. The bottom of the buffer component 100 is coaxially connected to the upper surface of the settlement hemisphere 201. The bottom of the monopile body 300 passes through the settlement hemisphere 201 and is inserted into the seabed. An adjusting plate 202 is movably connected to the upper surface of the settlement hemisphere 201. A plurality of diversion plates 203 are evenly connected to the outside of the adjusting plate 202, and the diversion plates 203 are inserted into the seabed.

[0028] It should be noted that during the process of the seawater scouring the monopile 300, a certain force is exerted on the monopile 300. The force is transmitted downward along the monopile 300 to the seabed, resulting in the formation of scour pits. Under the continuous scouring action of the seawater, the scour pits continue to grow, which reduces the contact area between the monopile 300 and the seabed, ultimately leading to a decrease in the stability of the monopile 300. This application includes a monopile body 300, a buffer component 100, and a stabilizing component 200. The buffer component 100 decomposes the scouring effect of seawater on the monopile body 300, weakening the scouring force and continuously reducing the scouring force transmitted to the contact point between the monopile body 300 and the seabed, minimizing the rate of scouring pit growth and ensuring the stability of the monopile body 300. The stabilizing component 200 supports the bottom of the monopile body 300 at the contact point between the seabed and seawater, extending its stable support time. Simultaneously, as the contact area between the monopile body 300 and the seabed decreases, it moves downwards, ensuring sufficient contact area between the monopile body 300 and the seabed, thereby extending its service life. This solves the problem in existing technologies where the long-term stable support of the monopile body 300 cannot be effectively guaranteed.

[0029] In detail, this embodiment includes a settlement hemisphere 201, an adjusting plate 202, and a diversion plate 203. When a scour pit forms, the original sand in the pit moves to both sides. The diversion plate 203 blocks the outward flow of the original sand, reducing the distance the sand moves from its original position and effectively suppressing the expansion rate of the scour pit. The section where the monopile body 300 contacts the seabed and seawater simultaneously is designated as the reinforcement section. The diversion plate 203 diverts and guides the seawater around the reinforcement section in 360 degrees, effectively suppressing or weakening the formation of surface vortices, main vortices, secondary vortices, and wake eddies, thereby further suppressing the expansion rate of the scour pit. During the formation of the scour pit, the contact area between the monopile 300 and the seabed decreases, weakening the stability of the monopile 300. This embodiment addresses this by using an adjusting plate 202, which applies force to increase the distance the diversion plate 203 extends into the seabed. This ensures the monopile 300 maintains stability even after the scour pit forms. Furthermore, this embodiment utilizes a settling hemisphere 201, applying a downward force to embed the lower spherical surface of the hemisphere into the seabed. This ensures that even with a reduced contact area between the reinforced section of the monopile 300 and the seabed, the entire device maintains sufficient contact area between the offshore wind turbine and the monopile 300. This allows the offshore wind turbine to maintain long-term stability even after a scour pit forms, solving the problem of insufficient long-term stable support for the monopile 300 in existing technologies.

[0030] Example 2

[0031] Please refer to the above as well. Figures 1-4 Based on Embodiment 1, the buffer assembly 100 includes a buffer cylinder 101 and a protective cylinder 102. The buffer cylinder 101 is sleeved outside the protective cylinder 102, and the protective cylinder 102 is sleeved outside the monopile body 300. A plurality of buffer hemispheres 103 are evenly embedded on the buffer cylinder 101 at intervals. Each buffer hemisphere 103 has a displacement sensor 104 inside, which is used to detect the movement state of the seawater at the set position.

[0032] It should be noted that this embodiment includes a buffer cylinder 101, a protective cylinder 102, a buffer hemisphere 103, and a displacement sensor 104. The protective cylinder 102 is connected to the outer surface of the monopile body 300 for primary protection, while the buffer cylinder 101 provides secondary protection for the outer surface of the monopile body 300. The multiple buffer hemispheres 103 can decompose the scouring effect of seawater. This spherical design can decompose the scouring force in more directions, achieving the maximum decomposition effect. On the other hand, offshore wind turbines require regular inspection and maintenance during operation. Generally, they need to be replaced every 25 years. While existing technology enables disassembly and installation, the high manufacturing precision and cost of offshore wind turbines make it difficult to accurately determine the critical locations requiring replacement and maintenance, significantly increasing replacement and repair costs. This embodiment addresses this by installing displacement sensors 104 within the buffer hemisphere 103. These sensors record the force of seawater impacting the buffer hemisphere 103 at that location. The displacement sensors detect the movement of seawater at the location indicated by the sensors. By installing displacement sensors 104 in each buffer hemisphere 103, the system can... This technology enables the detection of seawater movement in both the radial and axial directions around the outer circumference of the monopile body 300. This allows for focused maintenance and inspection, ensuring timely repair of damaged or impending locations. Furthermore, it provides a basis for future improvements based on changes in the marine environment, extending the service life of the wind turbine and reducing manufacturing and operating costs. It also addresses the problem of shortened service life due to delayed repairs of impending damage areas in existing technologies, the inability to effectively identify vulnerable locations on the monopile body 300, and the inability to effectively determine the movement patterns of seawater around the monopile body 300.

[0033] In some embodiments, the settling hemisphere 201 is fitted with a sedimentation sphere sleeve, the interior of which is a sediment storage cavity 208. The sedimentation sphere sleeve is hemispherical and located between the outer surface of the settling hemisphere 201 and the inner side of the drainage plate 203. The sediment storage cavity 208 is filled with sediment blocks 209. By setting up a sedimentation ball sleeve with a sediment storage cavity 208, and filling the sediment storage cavity 208 with sediment blocks 209, when the scour pit is formed and the contact area between the monopile body 300 and the seabed decreases, the sedimentation ball sleeve is opened, allowing the sediment blocks 209 in the sediment storage cavity 208 to fall into the scour pit, thus filling the scour pit. On the other hand, since the sedimentation ball sleeve is located between the outer surface of the subsidence hemisphere 201 and the inner side of the diversion plate 203, the area where the sediment blocks 209 fall is inside the scour pit, and the external obstruction by the diversion plate 203 can minimize the probability of the sediment blocks 209 moving to the outside of the diversion plate 203. The support of the sediment blocks 209 in the reinforced section area of ​​the monopile body 300 improves the stability and service life of the entire monopile body 300 and the support device.

[0034] In some embodiments, the sedimentation sphere includes an inner sphere 205, an outer sphere 206, and a connecting ring 207 connecting the inner sphere 205 and the outer sphere 206. The inner sphere 205, the outer sphere 206, and the connecting ring 207 enclose the sediment storage cavity 208. The connecting ring 207 is connected to the outer circle of the upper end of the settling hemisphere 201. An arc-shaped operating hole 204 coaxial with the adjusting disk 202 is provided, and the arc-shaped operating hole 204 is disposed opposite to the connecting ring 207. Specifically, after the cutting device extends into the arc-shaped operating hole 204, it contacts the connecting ring 207. The cutting device is controlled to cut the connecting ring 207. Under the gravity of the sediment block 209, the outer sphere 206 is pulled downward, making the cut of the connecting ring 207 larger. Finally, the sediment block 209 falls from the sediment storage cavity 208 into the flushing pit. If the sedimentation hemisphere 201 comes into contact with the sediment block 209 that has fallen below it, then the sedimentation hemisphere 201 does not need to be pressed down. If the sedimentation hemisphere 201 does not come into contact with the sediment block 209 that has fallen below it, then the sedimentation hemisphere 201 can be pressed down.

[0035] In some embodiments, the number of sedimentation ball sleeves is multiple, and they are concentrically fitted around the settlement hemisphere 201 in sequence. By setting multiple sedimentation ball sleeves, firstly, the mass of the entire stabilization device can be increased, making its supporting effect on the monopile body 300 more stable; secondly, it can be filled in a timely manner after the scour pit is formed and enlarged.

[0036] In some embodiments, the buffer cylinder 101 has a plurality of movable through holes 105, and the buffer hemisphere 103 is connected to the movable through holes 105. The buffer hemisphere 103 is movably connected to the movable through holes 105 so that the displacement sensor 104 can monitor changes in seawater movement.

[0037] In some embodiments, the spherical surface of the buffer hemisphere 103 is located on the side away from the monopile body 300. An elastic detection layer 106 is attached to the inner side of the buffer cylinder 101. A plurality of pressure sensors 107 are provided in front of the elastic detection layer 106, and the pressure sensors 107 are arranged opposite to the buffer hemisphere 103. By setting a trigger threshold through the pressure sensors 107, when the scouring force of seawater on the monopile body 300 is too large, and the scouring force is still transmitted to the pressure sensor 107 after being decomposed by the buffer hemisphere 103, the pressure sensor 107 is triggered to record the movement of seawater at that location and send it to the terminal, so that the staff can carry out timely inspection and recording.

[0038] In some embodiments, a flow guide 108 is connected to the top of the buffer cylinder 101. The flow guide 108 includes a flow guide tube 109, and a reinforcing cylinder 110 is coaxially connected inside the flow guide tube 109. The buffer cylinder 101 is connected inside the reinforcing cylinder 110, and a flow guide cavity 111 is formed between the outer wall of the reinforcing cylinder 110 and the inner wall of the flow guide tube 109. The outer wall of the flow guide tube 109 has multiple flow guide inlets and outlets 112, all of which communicate with the flow guide cavity 111. The flow guide 108 is connected to the buffer cylinder 101 via the reinforcing cylinder 110. It should be noted that a filler is added between the reinforcing cylinder 110 and the buffer cylinder 101 to ensure a tight connection. The flow guide cavity 111 is configured with multiple flow guide inlets and outlets 112 on its outer wall. To illustrate one working process, for example, three flow guide inlets and outlets 112 are configured, namely the first inlet, the second inlet, and the third inlet. When seawater scours the flow guide 108, seawater enters from the first inlet. A portion of the seawater flows in the same direction as the seawater from the second inlet and flows out together from the third inlet. Another portion of the seawater flows back from the first inlet, which is in a different direction from the seawater from the second inlet. The multiple flow guide inlets and outlets 112 allow some seawater to enter and some to be decomposed along the outer surface of the flow guide 108. Some of the seawater entering is diverted and some of the forces cancel each other out, which can effectively cancel and decompose the scouring force of seawater, thereby effectively achieving anti-scouring effect and extending the service life of the entire device and the wind turbine monopile.

[0039] Example 3

[0040] Please refer to the above as well. Figures 1-4Based on Example 2, the lower width of the diversion plate 203 is smaller than the upper width, making it easier to insert into the seabed. Both the inner spherical sleeve 205 and the outer spherical sleeve 206 are mesh-like, facilitating the removal of the internal sediment blocks 209.

[0041] In some embodiments, both the pressure sensor 107 and the displacement sensor 104 are connected to the generator of the wind turbine via transmission lines, facilitating charging and enabling long-term effective detection. On the other hand, if a sensor fails to function, it can be determined that the force of the seawater at that location is significant, thereby enabling maintenance or repair of the device and the monopile body 300 at that location.

[0042] In some embodiments, a plurality of guide rods 113 are provided inside the flow inlet / outlet 112.

[0043] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 The regulating plate 202 has a coaxial mounting hole 210. The mounting hole 210 is connected to the buffer cylinder 101 and the monopile body 300. The bottom of the regulating plate 202 is connected to the regulating column 211. The upper surface of the settling hemisphere 201 is provided with an adjustment groove. The adjustment column 211 is connected to the adjustment groove. The bottom of the adjustment groove is provided with a puller, which is used to pull the regulating plate 202 down to the seabed side, thereby increasing the depth of the diversion plate 203 inserted into the seabed.

[0044] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A scour-resistant stabilizing device for a monopile foundation of an offshore wind turbine, characterized in that, include: Single pile body (300); A buffer assembly (100) is sleeved outside the monopile body (300); A stabilizing component (200) is provided with a settling hemisphere (201) inside the stabilizing component (200). The spherical surface of the settling hemisphere (201) is located on one side of the seabed. The bottom of the buffer component (100) is coaxially connected to the upper surface of the settling hemisphere (201). The bottom of the monopile body (300) passes through the settling hemisphere (201) and is inserted into the seabed. An adjusting plate (202) is movably connected to the upper surface of the settling hemisphere (201). Several diversion plates (203) are evenly connected to the outside of the adjusting plate (202). The diversion plates (203) are inserted into the seabed. The settling hemisphere (201) is covered by a sedimentation ball sleeve, the sedimentation ball sleeve has a sediment storage cavity (208) inside, the sedimentation ball sleeve is hemispherical, and the sedimentation ball sleeve is located between the outer surface of the settling hemisphere (201) and the inner side of the drainage plate (203); The sedimentation sphere includes an inner sphere (205), an outer sphere (206), and a connecting ring (207) connecting the inner sphere (205) and the outer sphere (206). The inner sphere (205), the outer sphere (206), and the connecting ring (207) enclose the sediment storage cavity (208). The connecting ring (207) is connected to the outer circle of the upper end of the sedimentation hemisphere (201). The adjusting plate (202) has an arc-shaped operating hole (204) coaxial with it. The arc-shaped operating hole (204) is arranged opposite to the connecting ring (207).

2. The stabilizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The buffer assembly (100) includes a buffer cylinder (101) and a protective cylinder (102). The buffer cylinder (101) is fitted over the protective cylinder (102), and the protective cylinder (102) is fitted over the monopile body (300). A plurality of buffer hemispheres (103) are evenly embedded on the buffer cylinder (101). Each buffer hemisphere (103) has a displacement sensor (104) inside it. The displacement sensor (104) is used to detect the movement state of the seawater at the set position.

3. The stabilizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sediment storage cavity (208) is filled with sediment blocks (209).

4. The stabilizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of sedimentation spheres is multiple, and they are concentrically nested outside the sedimentation hemisphere (201) in sequence.

5. The stabilizing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The buffer cylinder (101) has several movable through holes (105), and the buffer hemisphere (103) is connected inside the movable through holes (105).

6. The stabilizing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The spherical surface of the buffer hemisphere (103) is located on the side away from the monopile body (300). An elastic detection layer (106) is attached to the inner side of the buffer cylinder (101). Several pressure sensors (107) are provided in front of the elastic detection layer (106). The pressure sensors (107) are arranged opposite to the buffer hemisphere (103).

7. The stabilizing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The buffer cylinder (101) is connected to a flow guide (108) at the top. The flow guide (108) includes a flow guide tube (109). A reinforcing cylinder (110) is coaxially connected inside the flow guide tube (109). The buffer cylinder (101) is connected inside the reinforcing cylinder (110). A flow guide cavity (111) is formed between the outer wall of the reinforcing cylinder (110) and the inner wall of the flow guide tube (109).

8. The stabilizing device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The outer wall of the guide tube (109) is provided with a plurality of guide inlets and outlets (112), and the plurality of guide inlets and outlets (112) are all connected to the guide cavity (111).

Images