Offshore installation and towing system for a mud buoy offshore wind turbine

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of offshore wind turbine technology, and more particularly to a marine installation and towing system for a mud-floating offshore wind turbine. The system includes: multiple liftable support columns fixed to the seabed near the coast; a platform fixed to the support columns, the platform being horizontally connected to the land to allow components of the mud-floating offshore wind turbine to be transported from the land to the platform for installation; a support frame fixed to the land, the platform being movable up and down relative to the support frame under the influence of the support columns; a fixing component disposed on the support frame for fixing the mud-floating offshore wind turbine to be installed; and a towing device cooperating with the platform to tow the installed mud-floating offshore wind turbine. This technical solution can reduce the installation and towing costs of mud-floating offshore wind turbines.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of offshore wind turbines, and particularly relates to a mud floating offshore wind turbine offshore installation and towing system. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the increasingly prominent energy crisis, offshore wind power as a renewable energy has become an important part of the current energy structure and an important energy to solve the energy crisis. In the related art, the offshore wind turbine system is either transported to the designated sea area after the components are installed on land, or the components are transported to the designated sea area and then installed. However, the installation and towing costs of the two methods are relatively high.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a mud floating offshore wind turbine offshore installation and towing system to solve the above problems. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application provides a mud floating offshore wind turbine offshore installation and towing system, which can reduce the installation and towing cost of the mud floating offshore wind turbine.

[0005] The present application provides a mud floating offshore wind turbine offshore installation and towing system, which can reduce the installation and towing cost of the mud floating offshore wind turbine.

[0006] A plurality of liftable support columns are fixed to the seabed near the coast;

[0007] A platform is fixed to the plurality of support columns, and the platform can abut against the land horizontally, so that the components of the mud floating offshore wind turbine are transported from the land to the platform for installation;

[0008] A support frame is fixed to the land, and the platform can move up and down relative to the support frame under the driving of the support columns;

[0009] A fixing assembly is arranged on the support frame and used for fixing the mud floating offshore wind turbine to be installed;

[0010] A towing device cooperates with the platform to tow the mud floating offshore wind turbine after installation.

[0011] Advantages:

[0012] According to the offshore installation and towing system of the mud floating offshore wind turbine provided by the embodiment of the present application, the components of the mud floating offshore wind turbine can be transported from land to the platform for installation by arranging the platform; the stability of the wind turbine during the installation process can be ensured by arranging the fixing component; when the installation of the platform is completed, the platform can be lowered by the plurality of liftable support columns fixed on the seabed near the coast, so that the mud floating offshore wind turbine after installation can be directly towed into the sea by the wet towing device, so that the entering into the sea is more stable, the risk of collision can be avoided, and the wet towing of the wind turbine can be better controlled. Therefore, compared with the mode of directly installing on land and then transporting to the designated sea area or transporting the components to the designated sea area and then installing, the installation and towing cost of the mud floating offshore wind turbine can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments or the prior art description will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can also be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor.

[0014] Figure 1 The structure diagram of the offshore installation and towing system of the mud floating offshore wind turbine of the embodiment of the present application except the towing device;

[0015] Figure 2 The structure diagram of the towing device in the offshore installation and towing system of the mud floating offshore wind turbine of the embodiment of the present application;

[0016] Figure 3 The Figure 2 The front view of the towing device shown in the figure;

[0017] Figure 4 The Figure 2 The exploded view of the float in the towing device shown in the figure;

[0018] Figure 5 The Figure 2 The enlarged schematic view of the towing device in the mooring state.

[0019] Reference signs:

[0020] 11-support column; 12-platform; 13-support frame; 14-fixing component; 141-fixing ring; 142-fixing frame; 143-telescopic rod; 2-stand column; 21-full submersible tank; 22-photovoltaic panel; 23-notch; 3-cross bar; 31-supporting piece; 32-outer rod; 33-inner rod; 34-turbine fan; 4-float; 41-cavity; 42-through hole; 43-slideway; 5-wave protection plate; 6-anchor chain; 7-anchor stock. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] In order to make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some but not all of the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art without creative work fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0022] The mud-floating offshore wind turbine refers to a wind turbine foundation that can be converted between a floating state and a mud-floating state. The floating state refers to that the wind turbine foundation is suspended in the sea surface or seawater. In this state, the working height of the upper wind turbine is high, which is conducive to improving the power generation efficiency and is suitable for the case that the marine environment is good. The mud-floating state refers to that the wind turbine foundation is fixed in the mud layer of the seabed. In this state, the working height of the upper wind turbine is low, which is conducive to improving the safety and is suitable for the case that the marine environment is poor.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 The present embodiment provides an offshore installation and towing system of a mud-floating offshore wind turbine, which comprises:

[0024] A plurality of liftable support columns 11 are fixed on the seabed near the coast.

[0025] A platform 12 is fixed on the plurality of support columns 11. The platform 12 can abut against the land horizontally, so that the components of the mud-floating offshore wind turbine are transported from the land to the platform 12 for installation.

[0026] A support frame 13 is fixed on the land. The platform 12 can move up and down relative to the support frame 13 under the driving of the support columns 11.

[0027] A fixing assembly 14 is arranged on the support frame 13 and is used for fixing the mud-floating offshore wind turbine to be installed.

[0028] A towing device cooperates with the platform 12 to tow the mud-floating offshore wind turbine after the installation is completed.

[0029] In this embodiment, by setting up platform 12, the components of the mud-floating offshore wind turbine can be transported from land to platform 12 for installation. The installation of fixing components 14 helps ensure the stability of the wind turbine during installation. After the platform 12 is installed, multiple liftable support columns 11 fixed to the seabed near the coast can lower the platform 12, allowing the installed mud-floating offshore wind turbine to be directly towed in the sea. This ensures a smoother entry into the sea, avoids potential collision risks, and provides better control during wet towing. Therefore, compared to installing directly on land and then transporting to a designated sea area, or transporting components to a designated sea area before installation, the above technical solution reduces the installation and towing costs of the mud-floating offshore wind turbine.

[0030] Understandably, while platform 12 can be horizontally aligned with the land, it can also move downwards relative to the land to below sea level. For example, this can be achieved by platform 12 not being completely horizontal; that is, the part at sea is horizontal, the part on land is horizontal, and the connection between the part at sea and the part on land can be tilted, which makes it easier to transport components and tow the installed wind turbine.

[0031] Of course, the platform 12 can also perform wind turbine maintenance, which can reduce wind turbine maintenance costs, reduce maintenance difficulty and improve maintenance efficiency.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, the support column 11 is raised and lowered hydraulically. Of course, other driving methods can also be used, such as electric drive, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of support columns 11 are evenly arranged below the platform 12. This arrangement ensures the overall stability of the platform 12.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, each support column 11 is equipped with a pressure sensor (not shown in the figure) for detecting the seabed support force. When the pressure of one support column 11 is abnormal, the height of the current support column 11 remains unchanged while the heights of the other support columns 11 increase, or the height of the current support column 11 decreases while the heights of the other support columns 11 remain unchanged. This configuration can prevent the platform 12 from collapsing and overturning, thus ensuring the safe installation of the wind turbine.

[0035] In some implementations, the edges of platform 12 may be provided with small protrusions to ensure the safety of installation personnel. Directly launching the wind turbine into the sea reduces friction between the turbine and the land compared to other methods, thus minimizing or eliminating turbine wear.

[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, each support is provided with an alarm (not shown in the figure) that is electrically connected to a pressure sensor. When the pressure detected by the pressure sensor is abnormal, the alarm that is electrically connected to the current pressure sensor will sound an alarm.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing component 14 includes a fixing ring 141 and a fixing frame 142 arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The fixing ring 141 is used to fix the top of the tower, and the fixing frame 142 is used to fix the middle part of the tower. Both the fixing ring 141 and the fixing frame 142 can be opened and closed (the specific implementation of the opening and closing is not described here, as long as the opening and closing can be achieved).

[0038] In this embodiment, the installation stability of the fan can be ensured by setting the fixing ring 141 and the fixing frame 142.

[0039] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing ring 141 is connected to the support frame 13 via a telescopic rod 143. This arrangement allows for easy adjustment of the fixing position according to the actual size of the fan, thereby improving the operability of the installation.

[0040] Wet towing is a common technique for transporting mud-floating offshore wind turbines. By using tugboats to tow the turbine structure, it simplifies the offshore operation process 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 wind and the risk of swaying in rough sea conditions, threatening transportation safety.

[0041] In one embodiment of the present invention, the towing device includes an openable and closable wave deflector 5. If severe sea conditions occur during the towing of the mud-floating offshore wind turbine, the wave deflector 5 will be opened; otherwise, the wave deflector 5 will be closed.

[0042] In this embodiment, during towing, the wave deflector 5 can reduce water flow resistance when closed, and can be opened when the towing device is in place, which can effectively block the impact of wind and waves on the internal structure, thus having both drag reduction and protection functions, making it suitable for complex maritime operation conditions.

[0043] 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.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present invention, the towing device further includes a column 2, multiple horizontally intersecting crossbars 3 and multiple pontoons 4. The bottom of the column 2 is used to install a full-submersible tank 21. The crossbars 3 are vertically connected to the column 2, and multiple horizontal spaces are formed between the crossbars 3. Each horizontal space is provided with a support member 31 for supporting a mud-floating offshore wind turbine. Each horizontal space is used to support one mud-floating offshore wind turbine. The pontoons 4 are fixed around the crossbars 3, and the wave deflectors 5 are openably and closably arranged between the pontoons 4.

[0045] 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. By setting up a fully submersible tank 21 and buoys 4, buoyancy and stability can be provided during towing, thereby reducing towing resistance.

[0046] 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.

[0047] In this embodiment, the detachable full-submersible tank 21 can significantly reduce the buoyancy center of the towing device when full of water, improve the overall stability, and make the structure 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 flexibility and adaptability of the device in different operating environments.

[0048] In one embodiment of the invention, the support 31 is made of a flexible material (e.g., a soft nylon strip).

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] like Figure 4 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.

[0052] In this embodiment, by controlling the air pressure, the function of the buoy 4 similar to a suction cylinder can be achieved. In the case of strong sea winds and waves, the device can be fixed to the muddy seabed by removing the water tank and utilizing the adsorption performance of the buoy 4, thus saving the time and steps of towing the device to the dock.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral positions of each buoy 4 are of 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.

[0054] In this embodiment, an intelligent ballast control system (i.e., an angle sensor and a gas-water replacement valve) is added to the buoy 4. By real-time monitoring of the wind and wave conditions and the device state, the ratio of water and air 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, real-time collecting sea condition data and the attitude change of the device, and automatically controlling and precisely adjusting 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 migrate 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.

[0055] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cross bar 3 includes four outer rods 32 connected vertically in sequence and four inner rods 33 respectively connected perpendicularly 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.

[0056] In this embodiment, the addition of the inner rods 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 of external wind, waves and water flow, and reducing the risk of structural deformation; the divided areas can be used for towing 1 - 4 mud floating wind turbines at one time, achieving efficient transportation and layout, and saving sea construction time and resources.

[0057] As Figure 4 and 5 shown, in one 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 is a severe sea condition, the anchor chain 6 equipped with the anchor 7 is installed on the slide rail 43.

[0058] In this embodiment, small slide rails 43 are provided on the side walls of the four corner pontoons 4, allowing the anchor chain 6 connection to swing within a certain range. This slide rail 43 design not only enhances the flexibility of the anchor chain 6, but also buffers structural sway caused by waves or wind. In windy 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 tension, thereby improving the safety and wind resistance of the device.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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, the photovoltaic panel 22 can be removed from the column 2. The photovoltaic panel 22 has notches 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] In summary, the aforementioned towing 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. The towing 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 amount of water filling 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 and participates in stabilization when necessary. The overall structure combines photovoltaic power supply, buoyancy regulation, and dynamic stabilization functions, significantly enhancing the shock resistance of the wind power foundation and maintaining long-term stable operation.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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 marine installation and towing system for a mud-floating offshore wind turbine, characterized in that, include: Multiple retractable support columns are fixed to the seabed near the coast; The platform, fixed to multiple support columns, is horizontally connected to the land to allow components of the mud-floating offshore wind turbine to be transported from the land to the platform for installation. A support frame is fixed on the land, and the platform can move up and down relative to the support frame under the drive of the support column; A fixing component, mounted on the support frame, is used to fix the mud-floating offshore wind turbine to be installed; A towing device, in conjunction with the platform, is used to tow the mud-floating offshore wind turbine after it has been installed. The towing device includes an openable and closable wave deflector. If severe sea conditions occur during the towing of the mud-floating offshore wind turbine, the wave deflector will open; otherwise, the wave deflector will close. The towing device also includes a column, multiple horizontally intersecting crossbars, and multiple pontoons. The bottom of the column is used to install a full-diving tank. The crossbars are vertically connected to the column, and multiple horizontal spaces are formed between the crossbars. Each horizontal space is equipped with a support for supporting a mud-floating offshore wind turbine. Each horizontal space is used to support one mud-floating offshore wind turbine. The pontoons are fixed around the crossbars, and the wave deflectors are detachably installed between the pontoons. The crossbar includes four outer bars connected vertically in sequence and four inner bars connected vertically to the outer bars and the column respectively. A float is fixed between every two outer bars. Each outer bar is provided with a wave deflector. Four horizontal spaces are formed between the outer bars and the inner bars. The fully submersible tank is detachably connected to the column. If severe sea conditions occur during transportation, the fully submersible tank can be detached from the bottom of the column. The support is made of flexible material. Each of the pontoons has an inverted cone shape. Each of the pontoons has a cavity in the middle and a through hole at the top. The through hole communicates with the cavity. If severe sea conditions occur during transportation, the water in the cavity can be pumped out through the through hole so that the pontoon can be adsorbed onto the seabed mud surface. Each of the pontoons is provided with a slide rail for installing an anchor chain on its side wall. The anchor chain can swing along the slide rail. If severe sea conditions occur, the anchor chain with the anchor bar installed can be installed on the slide rail. The height of the outer rod is greater than the height of the inner rod, and each outer rod is equipped with a turbine fan. If severe sea conditions occur during transportation, the turbine fan will be activated. The column is equipped with a movable and detachable photovoltaic panel. In case of severe sea conditions, the photovoltaic panel can be removed from the column. The photovoltaic panel has openings around its perimeter to avoid mud-floating offshore wind turbines. The photovoltaic panel is used to provide power to the turbine fan.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support column is raised and lowered using hydraulic means.

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple support columns are evenly arranged below the platform.

4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each of the support columns is equipped with a pressure sensor for detecting the seabed support force. When the pressure of one of the support columns is abnormal, the height of the current support column remains unchanged while the height of the other support columns increases, or the height of the current support column decreases while the height of the other support columns remains unchanged.

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each of the support columns is equipped with an alarm that is electrically connected to the pressure sensor. When the pressure detected by the pressure sensor is abnormal, the alarm that is electrically connected to the current pressure sensor will sound an alarm.

6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing assembly includes a fixing ring and a fixing frame arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The fixing ring is used to fix the top of the tower, and the fixing frame is used to fix the middle part of the tower. Both the fixing ring and the fixing frame can be opened and closed.

7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The fixing ring is connected to the support frame via a telescopic rod.

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