Offshore wind turbine foundation scour protection devices and methods

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of offshore wind power technology, and discloses an anti-scouring device and method for offshore wind power foundations. The anti-scouring device includes an offshore wind power foundation, a turntable mechanism, speedometers, and an anti-scouring plate. The offshore wind power foundation includes several foundation piles spaced apart; the turntable mechanism includes a turntable assembly and a drive unit. The turntable assembly is installed on the outer periphery of each foundation pile and adjacent to the bottom of the foundation pile. The drive unit is connected to the turntable assembly to drive the turntable assembly to rotate relative to the foundation pile; multiple speedometers are spaced around the outer periphery of each turntable assembly, and all speedometers are evenly distributed; the anti-scouring plate is fixed on the outer periphery of the turntable assembly and spaced apart from the speedometers. This invention can adjust the position of the anti-scouring plate in real time according to changes in ocean current velocity, effectively reducing the impact of ocean current scouring. During rotation, the anti-scouring plate of this invention can sweep and fill previously formed scour pits.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of offshore wind power technology, and in particular to an anti-scour device and method for offshore wind power foundations. Background Technology

[0002] Offshore wind turbine foundations (hereinafter referred to as "foundations") serve as the supporting structure for offshore wind turbines, ensuring their safe and stable operation. Due to the complex and variable marine environment, once the sand and soil around the foundation are disturbed, the foundation is easily eroded into large scour pits under the combined action of waves and currents. Once scour pits form, the soil resistance of the seabed foundation surrounding the foundation will weaken, resulting in a decrease in the foundation's bearing capacity and causing the wind turbine to deform and fail.

[0003] In response to the severe foundation erosion, numerous erosion prevention technologies have emerged in practical engineering. Currently, commonly used methods include rockfill and sand covering, but these methods are prone to causing secondary erosion and often require multiple subsequent maintenance.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a more effective and economical basic scour prevention solution. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an anti-scouring device and method for offshore wind power foundations, which can effectively reduce the impact of scouring.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] On the one hand, an anti-scour device for offshore wind power foundations is provided, comprising:

[0008] Offshore wind turbine foundations consist of several foundation piles spaced at intervals;

[0009] A turntable mechanism, comprising a turntable assembly and a drive unit, wherein the turntable assembly is mounted on the outer periphery of each foundation pile and adjacent to the bottom of the foundation pile, and the drive unit is connected to the turntable assembly to drive the turntable assembly to rotate relative to the foundation pile;

[0010] The speed measuring instrument is provided with multiple speed measuring instruments on the outer periphery of each of the turntable assemblies, and all the speed measuring instruments are evenly distributed.

[0011] An anti-erosion plate is fixed to the outer periphery of the turntable assembly and spaced apart from the speed measuring instrument.

[0012] As a further embodiment of the anti-scour device for offshore wind power foundations, the turntable assembly includes an upper turntable, a lower turntable, and a connecting part. The upper turntable and the lower turntable are respectively mounted on the outer periphery of the foundation pile via bearings, and the upper turntable and the lower turntable are spaced apart vertically and fixedly connected by the connecting part. The driving part is connected to the lower turntable for transmission. The anti-scour plate is fixedly connected to the outer periphery of the upper turntable and the lower turntable respectively. The speedometer is mounted on the lower turntable.

[0013] As a further embodiment of the anti-scour device for offshore wind power foundations, the length of the connecting part extends along the axis of the foundation pile, and the connecting part is fitted with the outer periphery of the foundation pile with clearance.

[0014] As a further embodiment of the anti-scour device for offshore wind power foundations, an intermediate connector is also included. The intermediate connector includes a first connecting seat and a second connecting seat. The first connecting seat is installed on the outer periphery of the upper turntable, and the second connecting seat is installed on the outer periphery of the lower turntable. The drive unit is installed on the second connecting seat and connected to the lower turntable. The anti-scour plate is connected to the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat.

[0015] As a further embodiment of the anti-scour device for offshore wind power foundations, the length of the anti-scour plate extends along the axis of the foundation pile.

[0016] As a further embodiment of the anti-scour device for offshore wind power foundations, the angle between the line connecting the anti-scour plate to the center of the foundation pile and the line connecting the connecting part to the center of the foundation pile is 180°.

[0017] As a further embodiment of the anti-scour device for offshore wind power foundations, the anti-scour plate has a streamlined symmetrical structure.

[0018] As a further embodiment of the anti-scour device for offshore wind power foundations, the anti-scour plate has a first end facing the foundation pile and a second end away from the foundation pile. The width of the anti-scour plate extends along a first direction, i.e., the direction from the first end of the anti-scour plate to the second end. The thickness of the anti-scour plate extends along a second direction. The first direction, the second direction, and the axial direction of the foundation pile are perpendicular to each other. The thickness of the anti-scour plate first increases and then decreases along the direction from the first end to the second end.

[0019] As a further option for the anti-scouring device for offshore wind power foundations, the number of speed measuring instruments shall not be less than nine.

[0020] On the other hand, a method for preventing scour of offshore wind turbine foundations is provided, which applies the aforementioned offshore wind turbine foundation scour prevention device. The method for preventing scour of offshore wind turbine foundations includes the following steps:

[0021] S10. Collect the speeds measured by all speed measuring instruments at set intervals, and collect the speed data of all speed measuring instruments within the specified total time.

[0022] S20. Based on the collected speed data, and using the KMEANS method, divide all speedometers into K regions and calculate the region with the maximum speed, where K≥3;

[0023] S30, the control terminal controls the drive unit to drive the turntable assembly to rotate the anti-scouring plate to the area with the highest speed.

[0024] Beneficial effects:

[0025] In this invention, a velocimeter mounted on the turntable assembly is used to test the ocean current velocity at the corresponding location. After obtaining the ocean current velocity data, the maximum ocean current velocity area can be determined using the KMEANS method. Furthermore, the drive unit can drive the turntable assembly to rotate the anti-scour plate to the location of the maximum ocean current velocity. The position of the anti-scour plate can be adjusted in real time according to changes in the ocean current velocity, effectively reducing the impact of ocean current scouring. In addition, the anti-scour plate of this invention can rotate synchronously with the turntable assembly, and during rotation, it can sweep away and fill previously existing scour pits. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the anti-scouring device for offshore wind power foundations according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a side view schematic diagram of the anti-scouring device for offshore wind power foundations according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a top view schematic diagram of the anti-scouring device for offshore wind power foundations according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] In the picture:

[0031] 100, Foundation pile; 200, Turntable assembly; 210, Upper turntable; 220, Lower turntable; 230, Connecting part; 300, Speed ​​measuring instrument; 400, Anti-erosion plate; 401, First end; 402, Second end; 500, Intermediate connector; 510, First connecting seat; 520, Second connecting seat. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the technical problems solved by the present invention, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0034] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0035] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used solely for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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 present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are merely used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the offshore wind power foundation anti-scour device in this embodiment includes an offshore wind power foundation, a turntable mechanism, a speedometer 300, and an anti-scour plate 400.

[0037] The offshore wind power foundation includes several foundation piles 100 spaced apart.

[0038] The turntable mechanism includes a turntable assembly 200 and a drive unit (not shown in the figure). The turntable assembly 200 is installed on the outer periphery of each foundation pile 100 and adjacent to the bottom of the foundation pile 100. The drive unit is connected to the turntable assembly 200 to drive the turntable assembly 200 to rotate relative to the foundation pile 100.

[0039] Each turntable assembly 200 has multiple speed measuring instruments 300 on its outer peripheral spacer ring, and all speed measuring instruments 300 are evenly distributed.

[0040] The anti-erosion plate 400 is fixed on the outer periphery of the turntable assembly 200 and is spaced apart from the speed measuring instrument 300.

[0041] Understandably, the velocimeter 300 is used to test the ocean current velocity at a corresponding location. After obtaining the ocean current velocity data, it can be combined with the KMEANS method to determine the area of ​​maximum ocean current velocity. Furthermore, the drive unit can drive the turntable assembly 200 to rotate the anti-scour plate 400 to the location of maximum ocean current velocity. The position of the anti-scour plate 400 can be adjusted in real time according to changes in ocean current velocity, effectively reducing the impact of ocean current scouring. In addition, in this embodiment, the anti-scour plate 400 can rotate synchronously with the turntable assembly 200, and during rotation, it can sweep away and fill previously existing scour pits.

[0042] Furthermore, the turntable assembly 200 includes an upper turntable 210, a lower turntable 220, and a connecting part 230. The upper turntable 210 and the lower turntable 220 are respectively mounted on the outer periphery of the foundation pile 100 via bearings (not shown in the figure), and the upper turntable 210 and the lower turntable 220 are spaced apart vertically and fixedly connected by the connecting part 220. The drive part is connected to the lower turntable 220 for transmission. The anti-scouring plate 400 is fixedly connected to the outer periphery of the upper turntable 210 and the lower turntable 220. The speed measuring instrument 300 is mounted on the lower turntable 220.

[0043] In this embodiment, the turntable assembly 200 is designed with an upper turntable 210 and a lower turntable 220 connected by a connecting part 230. This design saves material in the turntable assembly 200 and reduces energy consumption in the drive unit. The upper turntable 210 and the lower turntable 220 are mounted on the outer periphery of the foundation pile 100 via bearings, which improves the smoothness of rotation of the upper turntable 210 and the lower turntable 220. The anti-erosion plate 400 is fixedly connected to the outer periphery of the upper turntable 210 and the lower turntable 220. The anti-erosion plate 400 can also serve as an intermediate connecting structure between the upper turntable 210 and the lower turntable 220, further improving the transmission stability of the upper turntable 210 and the lower turntable 220.

[0044] The length of the connecting part 230 extends along the axis of the foundation pile 100. In this case, the length of the connecting part 230 is the shortest, which saves the most material and is also more conducive to the transmission between the upper turntable 210 and the lower turntable 230. The connecting part 230 is fitted with the outer circumference of the foundation pile 100 to avoid the connecting part 230 contacting the outer wall of the foundation pile 100 and affecting the normal rotation of the turntable assembly 200.

[0045] Furthermore, the offshore wind power foundation anti-scour device also includes an intermediate connector 500, which includes a first connector 510 and a second connector 520. The first connector 510 is installed on the outer periphery of the upper turntable 210, and the second connector 520 is installed on the outer periphery of the lower turntable 220. The drive unit is installed on the second connector 520 and connected to the lower turntable 220. The anti-scour plate 400 is connected to the first connector 510 and the second connector 520.

[0046] In this embodiment, the intermediate connector 500 includes a first connecting seat 510 and a second connecting seat 520, which are respectively installed on the outer periphery of the upper turntable 210 and the lower turntable 220 for connecting the anti-erosion plate 400. The anti-erosion plate 400 can not only play the role of anti-erosion, but also realize the transmission connection between the upper turntable 210 and the lower turntable 220. The anti-erosion plate 400 and the connecting part 230 are spaced apart, which can further improve the transmission stability between the upper turntable 210 and the lower turntable 220.

[0047] Furthermore, the length of the scour protection plate 400 extends along the axis of the foundation pile 100. The scour protection plate 400 extending along the axis of the foundation pile 100 has the shortest length and is perpendicular to the tangent of the foundation pile 100, which can cope with the impact of ocean currents from either side of the scour protection plate 400 along its rotation direction, thereby improving the scour protection effect.

[0048] Furthermore, the angle between the line connecting the center of the scour protection plate 400 and the center of the foundation pile 100 and the line connecting the connecting part 230 and the center of the foundation pile 100 is 180°. This structural layout makes the connection between the upper turntable 210 and the lower turntable 220 more stable.

[0049] Furthermore, the scour protection plate 400 has a streamlined symmetrical structure, which can effectively reduce the scour effect on the offshore wind power foundation.

[0050] For example, the scour protection plate 400 has a first end 401 facing the foundation pile 100 and a second end 402 away from the foundation pile 100. The width of the scour protection plate 400 extends along a first direction, that is, the direction from the first end 401 of the scour protection plate 400 to the second end 402. The thickness of the scour protection plate 400 extends along a second direction. The first direction, the second direction and the axial direction of the foundation pile 100 are perpendicular to each other. The thickness of the scour protection plate 400 first increases and then decreases along the direction from the first end 401 to the second end 402.

[0051] In this embodiment, the thickness of the anti-scour plate 400 first increases and then decreases along the direction from the first end 401 to the second end 402, that is, the anti-scour plate 400 is similar to a water droplet structure. When sand is washed by ocean currents to one side of the anti-scour plate 400 along its thickness direction, it can flow out along its streamlined side through the second end 402. Moreover, during the rotation of the anti-scour plate 400 driven by the drive unit's turntable assembly 200 and during the change of ocean current speed, when sand comes into contact with one side of the anti-scour plate 400 along its thickness direction, it will also flow out along the streamlined side of the anti-scour plate 400 through the second end 402, sweeping and filling the scour pits encountered during its rotation, thereby improving the installation stability of the foundation pile 100.

[0052] In this embodiment, the number of speed measuring instruments 300 is no less than 9, and can be 10, 11, 12, 15, 16 or more. The specific number can be determined based on a comprehensive consideration of cost and speed measuring effect, and will not be elaborated further.

[0053] This embodiment also provides a method for preventing scour of offshore wind turbine foundations, using an offshore wind turbine foundation scour prevention device. The method for preventing scour of offshore wind turbine foundations includes the following steps:

[0054] S10. Collect the speed measured by all speed measuring instruments 300 at set intervals, and collect the speed data of all speed measuring instruments 300 within the specified total time.

[0055] S20. Based on the collected speed data, and using the KMEANS method, divide all the speedometers 300 into K regions and calculate the region with the maximum speed, where K≥3;

[0056] S30, the control terminal control drive unit drives the turntable assembly 200 to rotate the anti-erosion plate 400 to the area with the maximum speed.

[0057] The set time can be 10s, 12s, 15s, etc., and the specified total time can be 8min, 10min, 12min, 15min, etc., depending on the actual situation.

[0058] In this embodiment, the KMEANS method is a conventional technique for obtaining the region of maximum values ​​based on sample data files.

[0059] Next, taking the offshore wind power foundation scour protection device of the above embodiment as an example, let's take the installation of 16 speedometers 300 on the turntable 220 as an example ( Figure 3 The present invention provides a more detailed description of the method for preventing scour of offshore wind power foundations.

[0060] The steps of the offshore wind power foundation scour prevention method in this embodiment are as follows:

[0061] (1) Collection of sample data (speed data): Ocean current velocity data measured by 16 speedometers 300 were collected every 10 seconds, and a total of 960 velocity data were collected within 10 minutes, denoted as: χ i = (χ1, χ2, χ3····χ 960 ), which serves as the sample space.

[0062] (2) Cluster centers are obtained by calculating using the Gaussian function:

[0063]

[0064] Where, ρ i Represents local density; δ i Represents χ i The minimum distance to all samples with higher local density than its local density, i.e., χ i The distance to the nearest high-density sample.

[0065] Samples with relatively large ρ and δ values ​​are used as cluster centers, which can be determined by the fractional function γ. The fractional function γ = ρ × δ. The larger the value of the fractional function γ corresponding to a sample, the more likely it is to be a cluster center. After determining the cluster centers, the samples are sorted into four clusters, corresponding to K = 4, meaning the 16 speedometers are divided into four regions. The cluster with the largest value is the region with the highest speed.

[0066] (3) Based on the measured maximum speed area, the control terminal controls the drive unit to drive the turntable 220 to rotate the anti-scouring plate 400 to the area corresponding to the maximum speed of the ocean current.

[0067] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of this application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any way. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A scour protection device for offshore wind turbine foundations, characterized in that, include: Offshore wind turbine foundations consist of several foundation piles spaced at intervals; A turntable mechanism, comprising a turntable assembly and a drive unit, wherein the turntable assembly is mounted on the outer periphery of each foundation pile and adjacent to the bottom of the foundation pile, and the drive unit is connected to the turntable assembly to drive the turntable assembly to rotate relative to the foundation pile; The speed measuring instrument is provided with multiple speed measuring instruments on the outer periphery of each of the turntable assemblies, and all the speed measuring instruments are evenly distributed. An anti-scouring plate is fixed to the outer periphery of the turntable assembly and spaced apart from the speedometer. The drive unit can drive the turntable assembly to rotate the anti-scouring plate to the maximum ocean current speed. The length of the anti-scour plate extends along the axis of the foundation pile and is perpendicular to the radial tangent of the foundation pile.

2. The anti-scouring device for offshore wind power foundations according to claim 1, characterized in that, The turntable assembly includes an upper turntable, a lower turntable, and a connecting part. The upper turntable and the lower turntable are respectively mounted on the outer periphery of the foundation pile via bearings. The upper turntable and the lower turntable are spaced apart vertically and fixedly connected by the connecting part. The driving part is connected to the lower turntable for transmission. The anti-scouring plate is fixedly connected to the outer periphery of the upper turntable and the lower turntable respectively. The speed measuring instrument is mounted on the lower turntable.

3. The anti-scouring device for offshore wind power foundations according to claim 2, characterized in that, The length of the connecting part extends along the axis of the foundation pile, and the connecting part is fitted with the outer periphery of the foundation pile with clearance.

4. The anti-scouring device for offshore wind power foundations according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes an intermediate connector, which includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector is installed on the outer periphery of the upper turntable, and the second connector is installed on the outer periphery of the lower turntable. The drive unit is installed on the second connector and connected to the lower turntable. The anti-erosion plate is connected to the first connector and the second connector.

5. The anti-scouring device for offshore wind power foundations according to claim 2, characterized in that, The angle between the line connecting the anti-scouring plate to the center of the foundation pile and the line connecting the connecting part to the center of the foundation pile is 180°.

6. The anti-scour device for offshore wind power foundations according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The anti-erosion plate has a streamlined symmetrical structure.

7. The anti-scouring device for offshore wind power foundations according to claim 6, characterized in that, The scour protection plate has a first end facing the foundation pile and a second end away from the foundation pile. The width of the scour protection plate extends along a first direction, that is, the direction from the first end of the scour protection plate to the second end. The thickness of the scour protection plate extends along a second direction. The first direction, the second direction and the axial direction of the foundation pile are perpendicular to each other. The thickness of the scour protection plate first increases and then decreases along the direction from the first end to the second end.

8. The anti-scouring device for offshore wind power foundations according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of speed measuring instruments shall not be less than nine.

9. A method for preventing scour of offshore wind turbine foundations, characterized in that, The method for preventing scour of offshore wind turbine foundations using the scour protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 includes the following steps: S10. Collect the speeds measured by all speed measuring instruments at set intervals, and collect the speed data of all speed measuring instruments within the specified total time. S20. Based on the collected speed data, use the KMEANS method to divide all speedometers into K regions and calculate the region with the maximum speed, where K≥3; S30, the control terminal control drive unit drives the turntable assembly to rotate the anti-scouring plate to the area with the highest speed.

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