A wet-tow wave-damping device for a mud-floating offshore wind turbine

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of offshore wind turbine technology, and more particularly to a wet-tow wave-damping device for a mud-floating offshore wind turbine. The device includes: a column with a base for mounting a fully submersible tank; multiple horizontally intersecting crossbars perpendicularly connected to the column, forming multiple horizontal spaces between the crossbars, each horizontal space equipped with a support for supporting one mud-floating offshore wind turbine; multiple pontoons fixed around the crossbars; and wave-damping plates closably disposed between the pontoons. During the towing of the mud-floating offshore wind turbine, the wave-damping plates open if severe sea conditions occur, and close otherwise. This technical solution can adapt to different marine environments and wave conditions, effectively improving the stability and durability of the offshore wind turbine and reducing the impact of waves on it.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of offshore wind turbine technology, and in particular to a wet-dragging wave-prevention device for a mud-floating offshore wind turbine. Background Technology

[0002] With the growing prominence of the energy crisis, offshore wind power, as a renewable energy source, has become an important component of the current energy structure and a crucial energy source for addressing the energy crisis. Wet towing is a common technique for transporting mud-floating offshore wind turbines. By using tugboats to tow the turbine structure, it simplifies offshore operations and reduces costs and risks. However, mud-floating offshore wind turbines are in direct contact with seawater during wet towing, resulting in high towing resistance, slow speed, and difficulties in avoiding strong winds and the risk of swaying in rough sea conditions, threatening transportation safety.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a wet-dragging wave-damping device for mud-floating offshore wind turbines to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a wet-dragging wave-damping device for mud-floating offshore wind turbines, which can adapt to different marine environments and wave conditions, effectively improve the stability and durability of offshore wind turbines, and reduce the impact of waves on offshore wind turbines.

[0005] This invention provides a wet-tow wave-damping device for a mud-floating offshore wind turbine, comprising:

[0006] The column has a base for mounting the full-diving tank.

[0007] Multiple horizontally intersecting crossbars are vertically connected to the column, forming multiple horizontal spaces between the crossbars. Each horizontal space is equipped with a support component for supporting a mud-floating offshore wind turbine, and each horizontal space is used to support one mud-floating offshore wind turbine.

[0008] Multiple pontoons are fixed around the crossbar;

[0009] A wave deflector is detachably and foldably installed between the pontoons;

[0010] During the towing of the mud-floating offshore wind turbine, if severe sea conditions occur, the wave deflector will open; otherwise, the wave deflector will close.

[0011] Beneficial effects:

[0012] The wet-towing wave-damping device for a mud-floating offshore wind turbine provided by the embodiments of the present invention, by setting columns and crossbars, can form multiple horizontal spaces for supporting the mud-floating offshore wind turbine. By setting a fully submersible tank and buoys, buoyancy and stability can be provided during towing, thereby reducing towing resistance. During towing, the wave-damping plates can reduce water flow resistance when closed, and can be opened when the towing device is in place, effectively blocking the impact of wind and waves on the internal structure, thus having both drag reduction and protection functions, suitable for complex offshore operating conditions. Therefore, the above technical solution can adapt to different marine environments and wave conditions, effectively improve the stability and durability of offshore wind turbines, and reduce the impact of waves on offshore wind turbines. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the 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 based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the wet towing wave-damping device for a mud-floating offshore wind turbine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Front view of the wet-drag wave-prevention device shown;

[0016] Figure 3 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the floats in the wet towing wave-damping device shown.

[0017] Figure 4 for Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of the wet towing wave-breaking device in a moored state.

[0018] Figure label:

[0019] 2-Column; 21-Full submersible tank; 22-Photovoltaic panel; 23-Notch; 3-Horizontal bar; 31-Support component; 32-Outer rod; 33-Inner rod; 34-Turbine fan; 4-Float; 41-Cavity; 42-Through hole; 43-Slide rail; 5-Break plate; 6-Anchor chain; 7-Anchor. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are some embodiments of the present invention, but 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.

[0021] Mud-floating offshore wind turbines refer to wind turbine foundations that can switch between a suspended state and a mud-floating state. In the suspended state, the wind turbine foundation is suspended on the sea surface or in seawater. In this state, the upper wind turbine operates at a higher height, which is beneficial to improving power generation efficiency and is suitable for marine environments with good conditions. In the mud-floating state, the wind turbine foundation is fixed in the mud layer on the seabed. In this state, the upper wind turbine operates at a lower height, which is beneficial to improving safety and is suitable for marine environments with harsher conditions.

[0022] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a wet-tow wave-damping device for a mud-floating offshore wind turbine, comprising:

[0023] Column 2, with its base for mounting the full-submersible tank 21;

[0024] Multiple horizontally intersecting crossbars 3 are vertically connected to columns 2, forming multiple horizontal spaces between the crossbars 3. Each horizontal space is equipped with a support component 31 for supporting a mud-floating offshore wind turbine, and each horizontal space is used to support one mud-floating offshore wind turbine.

[0025] Multiple pontoons 4 are fixed around the crossbar 3;

[0026] The wave deflector 5 is detachably installed between the pontoons 4;

[0027] If severe sea conditions occur during the towing of the floating offshore wind turbine, the wave deflector 5 will open; otherwise, the wave deflector 5 will close.

[0028] In this embodiment, by setting up columns 2 and crossbars 3, multiple horizontal spaces can be formed to support the mud-floating offshore wind turbine. The fully submersible tank 21 and buoys 4 provide buoyancy and stability during towing, thereby reducing towing resistance. During towing, the wave deflector 5 closes to reduce water flow resistance, and opens when the towing device is in position, effectively blocking the impact of wind and waves on the internal structure. This dual function of drag reduction and protection is suitable for complex offshore operating conditions. Therefore, the above technical solution can adapt to different marine environments and wave conditions, effectively improving the stability and durability of the offshore wind turbine and reducing the impact of waves on it.

[0029] It is understood that the opening and closing of the wave deflector 5 can be achieved by: the wave deflector 5 being mounted on a rotating shaft (not shown in the figure), and the opening and closing of the wave deflector 5 being achieved by driving the rotating shaft. Here, the present invention does not limit the specific method of its opening and closing.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, the full submersible tank 21 is detachably connected to the column 2. If severe sea conditions occur during transportation, the full submersible tank 21 can be detached from the bottom of the column 2.

[0031] In this embodiment, the detachable full-submersible tank 21 can significantly reduce the buoyancy center of the wet-tow wave-damping device when full of water, improve the overall stability, and make the structure and function similar to a full-submersible suspension device, which is suitable for deep-water scenarios and high sea state areas. When not needed, the full-submersible tank 21 can be quickly disassembled, improving the device's flexibility and adaptability in different operating environments.

[0032] In one embodiment of the invention, the support 31 is made of a flexible material (e.g., a soft nylon strip).

[0033] In this embodiment, the divided small blocks are equipped with soft nylon straps to secure the towed towers. The choice of flexible material can effectively avoid damage to the tower surface caused by rigid fasteners, while also playing a role in preventing tipping. When multiple towers are towed simultaneously, it ensures the stability of each tower's position, prevents swaying or overturning, and improves the safety and reliability of the towing process.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, each pontoon 4 has an inverted conical structure. Its shape is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, which lowers the center of gravity and optimizes the force distribution, enabling the pontoon 4 to maintain higher stability and anti-capsulation capability under the influence of wind and waves. Furthermore, this shape effectively reduces the resistance of the pontoon 4 in the water flow, thereby further improving its anti-capsulation performance and making it suitable for use in complex marine environments.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, each buoy 4 is provided with a cavity 41 in the middle and a through hole 42 at the top. The through hole 42 communicates with the cavity 41. If severe sea conditions occur during transportation, the water in the cavity 41 is pumped out through the through hole 42 so that the buoy 4 is adsorbed onto the seabed mud surface.

[0036] In this embodiment, by controlling the air pressure, the float 4 can function similarly to a suction cylinder. In situations with strong winds and waves at sea, the device can be fixed to the muddy seabed by disassembling the water tank and utilizing the adsorption properties of the float 4, thus saving the time and steps of towing the device to the dock.

[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral position of each buoy 4 is a cylindrical structure, and an angle sensor and a gas-water replacement valve (not shown in the figure) are provided inside the cylindrical structure. The angle sensor is used to detect the inclination change of the buoy 4, and the gas-water replacement valve is used to adjust the gas-water ratio inside the cylindrical structure based on the inclination change to adjust the center of gravity of the buoy 4.

[0038] In this embodiment, an intelligent ballast control system (i.e., an angle sensor and a gas-water replacement valve) is added inside the buoy 4. By real-time monitoring of the wind and wave conditions and the device state, the water and air ratio inside the buoy 4 is dynamically adjusted to optimize the stability and anti-overturning performance of the device; this system can be powered by the photovoltaic panel 22, collect sea condition data and device attitude changes in real time, and automatically control and precisely adjust the distribution and magnitude of the ballast water inside the buoy 4 to achieve dynamic optimization of the center of gravity and buoyancy of the buoy 4; when the wind and waves are large, the system quickly increases the ballast water to lower the center of gravity of the device; when it is necessary to relocate or adjust the position, the system discharges part of the ballast water to reduce the overall weight of the buoy 4 and improve the towing efficiency.

[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the crossbar 3 includes four outer rods 32 connected vertically in sequence and four inner rods 33 respectively perpendicular to the outer rods 32 and the column 2. A buoy 4 is fixed between every two outer rods 32, and a wave baffle 5 is provided on each outer rod 32. Four horizontal spaces are formed between the outer rods 32 and the inner rods 33.

[0040] In this embodiment, the addition of the inner rod 33 divides the square area into a "field" character area, optimizing the internal structure, significantly improving the overall mechanical properties and stability, strengthening the overall rigidity of the device, effectively dispersing the impact force of external wind and waves and water flow, and reducing the risk of structural deformation; the divided area can be used to tow 1-4 mud floating wind turbines at one time, achieving efficient transportation and layout, and saving offshore construction time and resources.

[0041] As Figure 3 and 4 shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, a slide rail 43 for installing the anchor chain 6 is provided on the side wall of each buoy 4. The anchor chain 6 can swing along the slide rail 43. If there are bad sea conditions during transportation, the anchor chain 6 installed with the anchor 7 is installed on the slide rail 43.

[0042] In this embodiment, small slide rails 43 are provided on the side walls of the four-corner buoys 4, allowing the connection of the anchor chain 6 to swing within a certain range. This slide rail 43 design not only enhances the flexibility of the anchor chain 6 but also can buffer the structural晃动 caused by sea waves or wind. In strong wind weather, the slide rail 43 design allows the device structure to generate a certain range of rotational displacement along the Z axis in the plane, effectively reducing the risk of the anchor chain 6 breaking due to excessive stretching, thereby improving the safety and wind resistance of the device. "晃动" is translated as "晃动" because there is no specific word in the original text that can be accurately translated. It is recommended to check the original text for the correct term.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, the height of the outer rod 32 is greater than the height of the inner rod 33, and each outer rod 32 is provided with a turbine fan 34. If severe sea conditions occur during transportation, the turbine fan 34 will be activated.

[0044] In this embodiment, the raised plate (i.e., the height of the outer rod 32 is greater than the height of the inner rod 33) is designed to prevent waves, reduce the impact of wave surges on the internal equipment and the stability of the buoy 4, and enhance the adaptability of the device in harsh sea conditions.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, a photovoltaic panel 22 that can be moved up and down and is detachable is provided on the column 2. If severe sea conditions occur during transportation, the photovoltaic panel 22 can be removed from the column 2. The photovoltaic panel 22 is provided with a notch 23 around its perimeter to avoid the mud-floating offshore wind turbine. The photovoltaic panel 22 is used to provide power to the turbine fan 34.

[0046] In this embodiment, photovoltaic panels 22 are installed around the tower at the top of the column 2. Their layout fully utilizes the space on the outer surface of the tower, giving the device an umbrella-like structure for efficient solar energy collection and conversion, providing a stable power supply to the electrical equipment on the device. Semi-circular grooves (i.e., notches 23) are designed around the photovoltaic panels 22, providing a space for the wind turbine tower to accommodate them, ensuring compatibility between the photovoltaic panels 22 and the wind turbine installation, avoiding mutual interference, enabling the device to supply renewable energy, while retaining the functionality of the wind turbine tower, improving the overall system utilization efficiency and adaptability. The photovoltaic panels 22 are designed with adjustable height, allowing for flexible adjustment of the installation height according to different sized wind turbines, ensuring the photovoltaic panel 22's light-gathering efficiency and the overall compatibility of the device. The photovoltaic panels 22 are detachable, allowing for quick disassembly and storage in windy weather to prevent them from being blown away and damaging the equipment, giving the photovoltaic panels 22 greater adaptability and safety. The outer rod 32 is equipped with a power turbine fan 34, which can be powered by the photovoltaic panel 22 to provide power support for the device, ensuring stable operation under harsh weather conditions and significantly improving the reliability and continuous stability of the device in complex marine environments.

[0047] In summary, the aforementioned wet-towing wave-damping device can adapt to different marine environments and wave conditions, effectively improving the stability and durability of offshore wind turbines and reducing the impact of waves on them. This wet-towing wave-damping device includes four hollow inverted conical floats 4, crossbars 3, and support components 31. Each inverted conical float 4 contains a cylindrical cavity 41, which, through inflation and deflation, simulates the action of a suction cylinder to achieve stable fixation on the silty seabed. Each float 4 is equipped with an air-water replacement valve, which can adjust the water level inside the chamber as needed according to wind and wave conditions, ensuring the balance and stability of the device. The top photovoltaic panel 22 provides energy to the four turbine fans 34 equipped with the device, participating in stabilization when necessary. The overall structure combines photovoltaic power supply, buoyancy adjustment, and dynamic stabilization functions, significantly enhancing the shock resistance of wind power foundations and maintaining long-term stable operation.

[0048] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0049] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is only used to illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A wet tow anti-wave device for a mud floating offshore wind turbine, characterized in that, The utility model relates to a kind of mud floating offshore wind turbine, including: Column, bottom is used to install full submarine box; Multiple horizontal staggered horizontal bars are connected, and the horizontal bar is connected with the column vertically, multiple horizontal spaces are formed between the horizontal bar, each horizontal space is provided with support for supporting mud floating offshore wind turbine, and each horizontal space is used to support a mud floating offshore wind turbine; Multiple pontoons are fixed around the horizontal bar; Wave board is openably arranged between the pontoons; During the process of towing mud floating offshore wind turbine, if severe sea conditions occur, the wave board opens, otherwise the wave board closes.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The full submarine box is detachably connected with the column, and if severe sea conditions occur, the full submarine box is detached from the bottom of the column.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The support is made of flexible material.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The structure of each pontoon is inverted conical.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein, The middle position of each pontoon is provided with a cavity, and the top is provided with a through hole, the through hole is communicated with the cavity, and if severe sea conditions occur, the water in the cavity is pumped out through the through hole to make the pontoon adsorbed to the sea bed mud surface.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The peripheral position of each pontoon is a cylinder structure, the cylinder structure is provided with an angle sensor and a gas-water displacement valve, the angle sensor is used to detect the inclination change of the pontoon, and the gas-water displacement valve is used to adjust the gas-water ratio in the cylinder structure based on the inclination change to adjust the center of gravity of the pontoon.

7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein, The side wall of each pontoon is provided with a slide rail for installing anchor chain, and the anchor chain can swing along the slide rail, and if severe sea conditions occur, the anchor chain with anchor stock is installed on the slide rail.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The horizontal bar includes four outer rods connected vertically in sequence and four inner rods connected vertically with the outer rods and the column respectively, one pontoon is fixed between every two outer rods, each outer rod is provided with one wave board, and four horizontal spaces are formed between the outer rods and the inner rods.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein, The height of the outer rod is greater than the height of the inner rod, each outer rod is provided with a turbine fan, and the turbine fan is started if severe sea conditions occur.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein, The column is provided with a detachable photovoltaic panel that can move up and down, the photovoltaic panel is detached from the column if severe sea conditions occur, the photovoltaic panel is provided with a gap around for avoiding mud floating offshore wind turbine, and the photovoltaic panel is used to provide electric energy for the turbine fan.

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