Integral offshore wind turbine foundation and method of floating and installing the same

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of offshore wind power foundation wind turbine integral telescopic integrated floatation installation system, including cylindrical foundation, U-shaped ship, K-shaped ship, cylindrical foundation limiting device, tower hoop device, tower jacking device, tower sinking device and truss structure;Tower structure is telescopic tower structure;Tower hoop device is used for providing vertical support for the connecting structure between tower and wind turbine head;Tower sinking device is used to keep stable when cylindrical foundation sinks;Tower jacking device is used to unfold telescopic tower structure from shrinkage state;U-shaped ship opening end is connected with the both ends of K-shaped ship, and constitutes quadrilateral frame body ship body;Cylindrical foundation limiting device is used to limit cylindrical foundation relative to ship body longitudinal heave;Truss structure is built on ship body, tower jacking device and tower hoop device are installed on its upper part, and tower sinking device is installed on its lower part.The application solves the problems of low installation efficiency, high cost and poor deep water adaptability of integral installation of split structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of offshore wind power, and in particular to an integrated, retractable floating installation system and method for offshore wind turbine foundations. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, with the acceleration of the global energy transition, offshore wind power has become an important direction for renewable energy development due to its abundant resources and high power generation efficiency. In recent years, offshore wind power projects have gradually expanded to deeper waters to obtain higher-quality wind energy resources and reduce the impact on nearshore ecosystems. However, with the increase in water depth (from 30 meters in shallow waters to over 50 meters or even hundreds of meters), the construction difficulty and cost of traditional fixed foundations (such as monopiles and jacket foundations) have increased significantly. Against this backdrop, cylindrical foundations (such as negative pressure barrel foundations and gravity foundations) have become one of the important solutions for deep-water areas due to their high load-bearing capacity, adaptability to complex seabed conditions, and reusability.

[0003] Currently, offshore wind turbine installation generally adopts a modular construction method. This method suffers from low efficiency, long cycle time, and high cost. Furthermore, in deep water areas, the operational capabilities of traditional crane vessels are limited, further restricting construction feasibility. To improve efficiency, in recent years, an integrated wind turbine installation technology has been proposed. This involves pre-assembling the wind turbine (including foundation, tower, nacelle, and blades) on land in a port, and then transporting it to the site for installation. This method can reduce offshore operation time and reduce costs through large-scale production. However, it also presents many problems for ultra-large foundations. Deep-sea cylindrical foundations can have a diameter of over 40 meters, and the overall height after combining with the tower and wind turbine exceeds 100 meters. This results in a high center of gravity and poor stability during the transportation of the entire wind turbine, requiring ultra-large transport vessels, leading to high transportation costs and high installation costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a retractable integrated floating installation system and method for offshore wind turbine foundations to solve the technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve the technical problems existing in the prior art is as follows:

[0006] An integrated, retractable floating installation system for offshore wind turbine foundations includes wind turbine equipment and a cylindrical foundation supporting the equipment. The cylindrical foundation is equipped with a negative pressure load adjustment system. The wind turbine equipment includes a tower structure, a wind turbine, and blades connected in sequence. The system also includes a U-shaped vessel, a K-shaped vessel, a cylindrical foundation limiting device, a tower clamping device, a tower lifting device, a tower lowering device, and a truss structure. The tower structure is a retractable tower structure, comprising N layers of towers connected in sequence, where N≥2. In the retracted state, the N layers of towers are sequentially nested, with the top of each inner tower layer higher than the top of its adjacent outer tower layer. The innermost tower layer is the Nth layer, which is connected to the base of the wind turbine.

[0007] Tower clamps are used to provide vertical support for the connection structure between the tower and the wind turbine head;

[0008] The tower sinking device is used to maintain uniform speed and verticality when the cylindrical foundation is sinking.

[0009] The tower lifting device is used to unfold the telescopic tower structure from the retracted state; it includes first to M-th lifting platforms connected sequentially from bottom to top, each lifting platform including multiple lifting hydraulic cylinders with piston rods extending upward; the bottom of the upper lifting platform is fixedly connected to the top of the piston rod of the lifting hydraulic cylinder of the adjacent lower lifting platform; during the unfolding of the telescopic tower structure from the retracted state, the M-th lifting platform is detachably connected to the top of the N-th to the second-th floor tower in sequence;

[0010] The opening end of the U-shaped vessel is connected to both ends of the K-shaped vessel, forming a quadrilateral frame hull with arc-shaped corners. During floating and installation, the cylindrical foundation is located in the quadrilateral frame hull.

[0011] The cylindrical foundation limiting device is used to limit the longitudinal heave of the cylindrical foundation relative to the quadrilateral frame hull; it is installed on the quadrilateral frame hull.

[0012] The truss structure is built on a quadrilateral frame hull, with a tower lifting device installed on the upper part and a tower sinking device installed on the lower part.

[0013] Furthermore, the cylindrical foundation limiting device includes several limiting blocks and buckles; the limiting blocks are installed on the quadrilateral frame hull and extend into the quadrilateral frame, and the top of the cylindrical foundation is provided with a limiting groove to cooperate with the limiting blocks, with the limiting blocks partially extending into the limiting groove to restrict the cylindrical foundation from moving upward and rotating relative to the quadrilateral frame hull; the buckles are installed on the quadrilateral frame hull, and the cylindrical foundation is provided with a pull ring to cooperate with the buckles, with the buckles connected to the pull rings to restrict the movement of the cylindrical foundation relative to the quadrilateral frame hull.

[0014] Furthermore, the cylindrical foundation limiting device includes a positioning pin. The quadrilateral frame hull and the top of the cylindrical foundation are respectively provided with positioning pin holes. The positioning pin is inserted into the positioning pin holes of both the quadrilateral frame hull and the top of the cylindrical foundation, so that their relative positions remain unchanged.

[0015] Furthermore, the tower clamp device includes a pair of semi-circular clamps and a clamp locking assembly; the clamp locking assembly secures the clamps to the connection between the tower and the wind turbine head.

[0016] Furthermore, the tower jacking device also includes guide columns, and each jacking platform is equipped with guide sleeves that slide in conjunction with the guide columns.

[0017] Furthermore, the tower lowering device includes multiple lowering hydraulic cylinders with piston rods extending downwards. The top of the piston rod of the lowering hydraulic cylinder is connected to the top of the cylindrical foundation, and the piston rod extends downwards to lower the cylindrical foundation.

[0018] Furthermore, corresponding to the piston rod of each lowering hydraulic cylinder, the top of the cylindrical foundation is provided with double lifting lugs on both sides of the piston rod tip. Both the piston rod tip and the double lifting lugs are provided with pin holes. By inserting a pin into the pin holes of the piston rod tip and the double lifting lugs, the piston rod of the lowering hydraulic cylinder is connected to the top of the cylindrical foundation.

[0019] Furthermore, the cylindrical foundation is a five-tube cylindrical foundation, which includes a central tube and four planetary tubes evenly distributed around the central tube. The four planetary tubes are partially embedded in the central tube.

[0020] Furthermore, the four corner arc surfaces of the inner frame of the quadrilateral frame hull are connected to the outer perimeter of the planetary cylinders; the radius of the four corner arc surfaces of the inner frame of the quadrilateral frame hull is greater than the radius of the four planetary cylinders.

[0021] The present invention also provides a method for the overall retractable and integrated floating installation of offshore wind turbine foundations using the above-mentioned offshore wind turbine foundation retractable and integrated floating installation system, the method comprising the following steps:

[0022] Step 1: Install the retractable tower structure on the cylindrical foundation in the dock, so that the retractable tower structure is in a retracted state. Install the wind turbine and blades on the Nth layer of the tower. After assembly, rely on the buoyancy of the cylindrical foundation to float the cylindrical foundation and the wind turbine as a whole into the U-shaped vessel.

[0023] Step 2: Connect the two ends of the K-shaped boat to the open ends of the U-shaped boat, so that the cylindrical foundation is located inside the quadrilateral frame formed by the connection of the U-shaped boat and the K-shaped boat;

[0024] Step 3: Install the cylindrical foundation limiting device to limit the longitudinal heave of the cylindrical foundation relative to the quadrilateral frame hull;

[0025] Step 4: Construct a truss structure on the quadrilateral frame hull, install tower clamping devices on the truss structure to secure the connection between the tower and the wind turbine head; install a tower lifting device and a tower lowering device on the truss structure.

[0026] Step 5: Float the cylindrical foundation and the quadrilateral frame hull together to the installation site and anchor them;

[0027] Step 6: Use the tower sinking device to sink the cylindrical foundation. At the same time, the negative pressure load adjustment system of the cylindrical foundation continuously extracts the gas inside the cylindrical foundation, so that the cylindrical foundation sinks steadily until the cylindrical foundation is sunk to the target position on the seabed. After confirming that the cylindrical foundation is in place, separate the tower sinking device from the cylindrical foundation and move it upward to return to the initial state.

[0028] Step 7: Connect the M-level lifting platform to the top of the N-level tower, and separate the tower clamp device from the truss structure; connect the tower clamp device to the M-level lifting platform;

[0029] Each lifting platform is lifted sequentially from bottom to top, raising the Nth tower to its position, and then fixing the bottom of the Nth tower to the top of the (N-1)th tower.

[0030] Separate the M-th floor lifting platform from the top of the N-th floor tower; separate the tower clamp device from the M-th floor lifting platform; lower each floor lifting platform sequentially from top to bottom;

[0031] After descending to the designated position, connect the M-th floor lifting platform to the top of the N-1-th floor tower.

[0032] Then, lift each layer of the jacking platform sequentially from bottom to top until the N-1 layer of the tower reaches its position, and then fix the bottom of the N-1 layer of the tower to the top of the N-2 layer of the tower.

[0033] Repeat the above operation until the second tower is raised into place, and then fix the bottom of the second tower to the top of the first tower.

[0034] Step 8: Remove the tower clamps; lower and reset each floor's lifting platform sequentially from top to bottom.

[0035] The advantages and positive effects of this invention are as follows: This invention proposes an integrated, retractable floating installation system and method for offshore wind turbine foundations. The combination of U-shaped and K-shaped vessels facilitates the connection and fixation of the cylindrical foundation to the floating vessel. A cylindrical foundation limiting device prevents longitudinal movement of the foundation from exceeding safe limits during transport. A tower clamp device prevents the turbine and blades from tilting or swaying relative to the vessel, facilitating overall turbine fixation during transport. Through a multi-stage tower lifting device and a retractable tower structure, it overcomes the size limitations of traditional fixed towers. For large-capacity, large-scale wind turbines in deep-sea areas, it reduces the overall height and center of gravity during integrated floating transport, ensuring stability. Simultaneously, it reduces the size requirements of the transport vessel, shortens the construction and installation cycle, reduces offshore lifting operations, and lowers floating construction costs. By setting up a tower sinking device that works in conjunction with the negative pressure load adjustment system of the cylindrical foundation, the tower sinking is achieved more smoothly and the sinking efficiency is improved.

[0036] This invention utilizes a retractable cylindrical foundation design and an integrated floating installation process, employing auxiliary hydraulic cylinders and auxiliary limiting devices to achieve onshore pre-assembly, integrated transportation, and precise placement of offshore wind power foundations, towers, and turbines. This solves the problems of low efficiency, high cost, and poor deep-water adaptability of traditional split-type installations. This technology is particularly suitable for deep-water areas. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of two interconnected sets of an integrated, retractable, floating installation system for offshore wind turbine foundations according to the present invention.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a right view of two sets of an integrated, retractable, floating installation system for offshore wind turbine foundations, as described in this invention, connected together.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a bottom view of two sets of an integrated, retractable, floating installation system for offshore wind turbine foundations connected together, according to the present invention.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of two sets of retractable integrated floating installation systems for offshore wind power foundations and turbines being loaded back-to-back onto a ship, according to the present invention.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a combination of two U-shaped and K-shaped boats according to the present invention;

[0042] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the sinking process of a cylindrical foundation of an integrated retractable floating installation system for offshore wind turbine foundations according to the present invention.

[0043] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the completed sinking of a cylindrical foundation for an integrated, retractable, floating installation system for offshore wind turbine foundations, according to the present invention.

[0044] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the completed tower lifting and unfolding of an integrated retractable floating installation system for offshore wind turbine foundations according to the present invention.

[0045] In the diagram: 1. Innermost tower; 2. Tower lifting device; 3. Truss structure; 4. Blade; 5. Lowering hydraulic cylinder; 6. Planetary cylinder; 7. Wind turbine; 8. Telescopic tower structure; 9. First-level tower; 10. Cylindrical foundation support frame; 11. Central cylinder; 12. U-shaped boat; 13. K-shaped boat; 14. Cylindrical foundation limiting device; 15. Dock; 16. Tower clamp device; 17. Lowering hydraulic cylinder piston rod. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0047] In the description of this invention, the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," and "bottom," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and do not require the invention to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. The terms "connected" and "linked" used in this invention should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection or a detachable connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through intermediate components; or an electrical connection or signal transmission. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances.

[0048] Please see Figures 1 to 8 An integrated, retractable floating installation system for an offshore wind turbine foundation 7 includes wind turbine equipment and a cylindrical foundation supporting the wind turbine equipment. The cylindrical foundation is equipped with a negative pressure load adjustment system. The wind turbine equipment includes a tower structure, a wind turbine 7, and blades connected in sequence. It also includes a U-shaped vessel 12, a K-shaped vessel 13, a cylindrical foundation limiting device 14, a tower clamping device 16, a tower lifting device 2, a tower sinking device, and a truss structure 3. The tower structure is a retractable tower structure 8, which includes N layers of towers connected in sequence, where N≥2. The N layers of towers are nested together in the retracted state, with the top of each inner tower layer higher than the top of its adjacent outer tower layer. The innermost tower layer 1 is the Nth tower layer, which is connected to the base of the wind turbine 7.

[0049] The tower clamp device 16 is used to provide vertical support for the connection structure between the tower and the turbine head 7.

[0050] The tower sinking device is used to maintain uniform speed and verticality when the cylindrical foundation sinks.

[0051] The tower lifting device 2 is used to unfold the telescopic tower structure 8 from the retracted state; it includes first to M-th layer lifting platforms connected sequentially from bottom to top, each lifting platform including multiple lifting hydraulic cylinders with piston rods extending upward; the bottom of the upper lifting platform is fixedly connected to the top of the piston rod of the lifting hydraulic cylinder of the adjacent lower lifting platform; during the unfolding process of the telescopic tower structure 8 from the retracted state, the M-th layer lifting platform is detachably connected to the top of the N-th to the second layer of the tower.

[0052] The open end of the U-shaped vessel 12 is connected to both ends of the K-shaped vessel 13, forming a quadrilateral frame hull with arc-shaped inner corners. During floating installation, the cylindrical foundation is located in the quadrilateral frame hull.

[0053] The U-shaped boat 12 has an opening at one end, forming a U-shaped groove, and the two corners inside the U-shaped groove are arc-shaped.

[0054] The top view of the K-shaped ship 13 resembles the letter K, which is equivalent to a cuboid with protrusions at both ends of its long side. The two protrusions are located on the same side, and the inner surfaces of the two protrusions facing each other are arc-shaped.

[0055] The open end of the U-shaped boat 12 is connected to the protruding end of the K-shaped boat 13 to form a quadrilateral frame hull. The two corners inside the U-shaped groove are arc-shaped, and together with the two protruding arc-shaped inner sides of the K-shaped boat 13, the four corners of the inner frame of the quadrilateral frame hull are arc-shaped. The cylindrical foundation is located inside the U-shaped groove and is connected to the outer perimeter of the cylindrical foundation.

[0056] Two sets of U-shaped boats 12, with their openings facing outwards and connected back-to-back, can be assembled into an H-shaped boat. The H-shaped boats have openings at both ends, and each opening end connects to both ends of a K-shaped boat 13. The H-shaped boats and K-shaped boats 13 are connected to form two quadrilateral frame hulls. During floating installation, two cylindrical foundations are located in the quadrilateral frame hulls on both sides.

[0057] The cylindrical foundation limiting device 14 is used to limit the longitudinal heave of the cylindrical foundation relative to the quadrilateral frame hull; it is installed on the quadrilateral frame hull.

[0058] The truss structure 3 is built on the quadrilateral frame hull, with the tower lifting device 2 installed on the upper part and the tower sinking device installed on the lower part.

[0059] A cylindrical foundation support frame 10 is provided on the cylindrical foundation, and the telescopic tower structure 8 is fixed to the cylindrical foundation through the cylindrical foundation support frame.

[0060] The retractable tower structure 8 comprises N tower layers connected in sequence, referred to as the first to the Nth tower layers, where N≥2. The first tower layer 9 is the base tower. The upper ends of the first to N-1th tower layers are provided with inwardly extending top flanges, and the lower ends of the second to Nth tower layers are provided with outwardly extending bottom flanges. The upper top flange of the R-1th tower layer mates with the lower bottom flange of the Rth tower layer, and both have multiple bolt holes evenly distributed along the circumference. Before being lifted, the Rth tower layer is nested inside the R-1th tower layer. After the Rth tower layer is lifted, the lower bottom flange of the Rth tower layer is fixed to the upper top flange of the R-1th tower layer by bolts, where 2≤R≤N. The innermost tower layer, i.e., the Nth tower layer, is connected to the wind turbine base. The outermost tower layer, i.e., the first tower layer 9, has its base fixed to the cylindrical foundation by a wind turbine support frame.

[0061] Preferably, the cylindrical foundation limiting device 14 may include several limiting blocks and buckles; the limiting blocks may be installed on the quadrilateral frame hull and extend into the quadrilateral frame, and the top of the cylindrical foundation may be provided with a limiting groove in conjunction with the limiting blocks, with the limiting blocks partially extending into the limiting groove to restrict the cylindrical foundation from moving upward and rotating relative to the quadrilateral frame hull; the buckles may be installed on the quadrilateral frame hull, and the cylindrical foundation may be provided with a pull ring in conjunction with the buckles, with the buckles connected to the pull rings to restrict the movement of the cylindrical foundation relative to the quadrilateral frame hull.

[0062] Preferably, the cylindrical foundation limiting device 14 may include a positioning pin, and the quadrilateral frame hull and the top of the cylindrical foundation may be provided with corresponding positioning pin holes. The positioning pin is inserted into the positioning pin holes of both the quadrilateral frame hull and the top of the cylindrical foundation to keep their relative positions unchanged.

[0063] Preferably, the tower clamp device 16 may include a pair of semi-circular clamps and a clamp locking assembly; the clamp locking assembly is used to clamp the connection between the tower and the turbine head of the wind turbine 7.

[0064] Preferably, the tower lifting device 2 may further include guide columns, and each lifting platform may be provided with guide sleeves that slide in cooperation with the guide columns.

[0065] Preferably, the tower sinking device may include multiple lowering hydraulic cylinders 5 with piston rods extending downwards. The top of the piston rod of the lowering hydraulic cylinder 5 is connected to the top of the cylindrical foundation. The piston rod 17 of the lowering hydraulic cylinder extends downwards, causing the cylindrical foundation to sink.

[0066] Preferably, for each piston rod of the lowering hydraulic cylinder 5, the top of the cylindrical foundation may be provided with double lifting lugs located on both sides of the top of the piston rod. Both the top of the piston rod and the double lifting lugs are provided with pin holes. By inserting a pin into the pin holes of the top of the piston rod and the double lifting lugs, the piston rod of the lowering hydraulic cylinder 5 is connected to the top of the cylindrical foundation.

[0067] Preferably, the cylindrical foundation can be a five-tube cylindrical foundation, which may include a central tube 11 and four planetary tubes 6 evenly distributed around the central tube 11, with the four planetary tubes 6 partially embedded in the central tube 11.

[0068] Preferably, the four corner arc surfaces of the inner frame of the quadrilateral frame hull are connected to the outer periphery of the planetary cylinders 6; the radius of the four corner arc surfaces of the inner frame of the quadrilateral frame hull is greater than the radius of the four planetary cylinders 6.

[0069] The present invention also provides a method for the overall retractable and integrated floating installation of the offshore wind turbine foundation 7 using the above-mentioned offshore wind turbine foundation 7 integrated floating installation system, the method comprising the following steps:

[0070] Step 1: Install the retractable tower structure 8 on the cylindrical foundation in the dock 15, so that the retractable tower structure 8 is in a retracted state, and install the wind turbine 7 and blades on the Nth layer of the tower; after assembly, rely on the buoyancy of the cylindrical foundation to float the cylindrical foundation and the wind turbine 7 as a whole into the U-shaped boat 12.

[0071] Step 2: Connect the two ends of the K-shaped boat to the open ends of the U-shaped boat 12, so that the cylindrical foundation is located inside the quadrilateral frame boat formed by the connection of the U-shaped boat 12 and the K-shaped boat 13.

[0072] Step 3: Install the cylindrical foundation limiting device 14 to limit the longitudinal heave of the cylindrical foundation relative to the quadrilateral frame hull;

[0073] Step 4: Construct truss structure 3 on the quadrilateral frame hull, install tower clamp device 16 on truss structure 3 so that the connection between the tower and the turbine head of the wind turbine 7 is clamped by tower clamp device 16; install tower lifting device 2 and tower sinking device on truss structure 3.

[0074] Step 5: Float the cylindrical foundation and the quadrilateral frame hull together to the installation site and anchor them;

[0075] Step 6: Use the tower sinking device to sink the cylindrical foundation. At the same time, the negative pressure load adjustment system of the cylindrical foundation continuously extracts the gas inside the cylindrical foundation, so that the cylindrical foundation sinks steadily until the cylindrical foundation is sunk to the target position on the seabed. After confirming that the cylindrical foundation is in place, separate the tower sinking device from the cylindrical foundation and move it upward to return to the initial state.

[0076] Step 7: Connect the M-level lifting platform to the top of the N-level tower, and separate the tower clamp device 16 from the truss structure 3; connect the tower clamp device 16 to the M-level lifting platform.

[0077] Each lifting platform is lifted sequentially from bottom to top, raising the Nth tower to its position, and then fixing the bottom of the Nth tower to the top of the (N-1)th tower.

[0078] Separate the Mth-level lifting platform from the top of the Nth-level tower; separate the tower clamp device 16 from the Mth-level lifting platform; lower each lifting platform sequentially from top to bottom.

[0079] After descending to the designated position, connect the M-th floor lifting platform to the top of the N-1-th floor tower.

[0080] Then, lift each layer of the jacking platform sequentially from bottom to top until the N-1 layer of the tower reaches its position, and then fix the bottom of the N-1 layer of the tower to the top of the N-2 layer of the tower.

[0081] Repeat the above operation until the second tower is raised into place, and then fix the bottom of the second tower to the top of the first tower 9.

[0082] Step 8: Remove the tower clamp device 16; lower and reset each floor's lifting platform sequentially from top to bottom.

[0083] The structure, working principle, and workflow of the present invention will be further described below with reference to preferred embodiments:

[0084] An integrated, retractable floating installation system for an offshore wind turbine foundation 7 includes wind power equipment and a cylindrical foundation supporting the wind power equipment. The cylindrical foundation is equipped with a negative pressure load adjustment system. The wind power equipment includes a tower structure, a wind turbine 7, and blades connected in sequence. It also includes a U-shaped vessel 12, a K-shaped vessel 13, a cylindrical foundation limiting device 14, a tower clamping device 16, a tower lifting device 2, a tower lowering device, and a truss structure 3. The tower structure is a retractable tower structure 8, which includes three layers of towers connected in sequence. The three layers of towers are nested together in the retracted state, with the top of each inner tower layer higher than the top of its adjacent outer tower layer. The innermost tower layer 1 is the third tower layer, which is connected to the base of the wind turbine 7.

[0085] The tower clamp device 16 radially clamps the connection structure between the tower and the turbine head 7, providing vertical support for this connection. The tower clamp device 16 primarily provides support for the connection structure between the foundation top flange and the turbine head 7.

[0086] The tower sinking device is used to maintain uniform speed and verticality during the sinking of the cylindrical foundation. The device includes multiple downward-extending hydraulic cylinders 5 with piston rods. The top of the piston rod of each hydraulic cylinder 5 is connected to the top of the cylindrical foundation. The downward extension of the piston rods controls the sinking speed of the cylindrical foundation, ensuring a consistent top height and thus maintaining uniform speed and verticality during sinking.

[0087] For each piston rod of the lowering hydraulic cylinder 5, the top of the cylindrical foundation is provided with double lifting lugs on both sides of the top of the piston rod. Both the top of the piston rod and the double lifting lugs are provided with pin holes. By inserting a pin into the pin holes of the top of the piston rod and the double lifting lugs, the piston rod of the lowering hydraulic cylinder 5 is connected to the top of the cylindrical foundation.

[0088] The tower lifting device 2 is used to unfold the retractable tower structure 8 from its retracted state. It includes first to third lifting platforms connected sequentially from bottom to top. Each lifting platform includes multiple lifting hydraulic cylinders with upwardly extending piston rods. The bottom of the upper lifting platform is fixedly connected to the top of the piston rod of the lifting hydraulic cylinder of the adjacent lower lifting platform. During the unfolding process of the retractable tower structure 8 from its retracted state, the third lifting platform is detachably connected to the top of the third to second layers of the tower. The lifting hydraulic cylinders provide power for the unfolding of the retractable tower. The tower lifting device 2 also includes guide columns, and each lifting platform is equipped with a guide sleeve that slides in cooperation with the guide column.

[0089] During the jacking operation, the jacking hydraulic device can be clamped to the telescopic tower through the clamping device to maintain the limit position.

[0090] The open end of the U-shaped vessel 12 is connected to both ends of the K-shaped vessel 13, forming a quadrilateral frame hull with arc-shaped inner corners. During floating installation, the cylindrical foundation is located in the quadrilateral frame hull.

[0091] The inner frame of the quadrilateral frame hull has rounded corners that connect to the outer perimeter of the cylindrical foundation. The U-shaped vessel 12 has a U-shaped trough for accommodating, securing, and transporting the entire wind turbine 7, while the K-shaped vessel assists the U-shaped vessel 12 in securing the wind turbine 7 foundation. The radius of the rounded corners of the inner frame of the quadrilateral frame hull is greater than the radius of the four planetary cylinders 6.

[0092] The cylindrical foundation limiting device 14 is used to limit the longitudinal heave of the cylindrical foundation relative to the quadrilateral frame hull; it is installed on the quadrilateral frame hull; the cylindrical foundation can be a five-tube cylindrical foundation, which may include a central tube 11 and four planetary tubes 6 evenly distributed around the central tube 11, with the four planetary tubes 6 partially embedded in the central tube 11. The cylindrical foundation limiting device 14 includes a pin structure at the connection between the top of the cylindrical foundation and the hydraulic sinking device, and limiting blocks and limiting rings set inside the U-shaped hull 12, mainly providing the function of limiting the longitudinal heave of the wind turbine 7 foundation.

[0093] The cylindrical foundation limiting device 14 includes several limiting blocks and buckles; the limiting blocks are installed on the quadrilateral frame hull and extend into the quadrilateral frame, and the top of the cylindrical foundation is provided with a limiting groove to cooperate with the limiting blocks. The limiting blocks partially extend into the limiting groove to restrict the cylindrical foundation from moving upward and rotating relative to the quadrilateral frame hull; the buckles are installed on the quadrilateral frame hull, and the cylindrical foundation is provided with a pull ring to cooperate with the buckles. The buckles are connected to the pull rings to restrict the movement of the cylindrical foundation relative to the quadrilateral frame hull.

[0094] The length of the limiting block should be greater than the distance between the outer side of the cylindrical foundation and the U-shaped 12-slot of the boat, and at the same time, it should be able to limit the entire machine from floating due to excessive buoyancy generated by the internal cavity of the foundation.

[0095] Truss structure 3 is built on a quadrilateral frame hull. A tower lifting device 2 is installed on its upper part, and a tower lowering device is installed on its lower part. Truss structure 3, along with the hull jacket, is mainly fixed above the deck of the U-shaped vessel 12. Its upper part is equipped with a retractable tower clamp device 16 and a hydraulic lifting device, while its lower part is equipped with a hydraulic lowering device. It primarily provides lateral support for the wind turbine 7 foundation and the entire turbine structure. The height of the tower clamp device 16 installed on truss structure 3 should be located between the top of the overlapping portion of the wind turbine 7 and blade structure and the retractable tower structure 8.

[0096] The retractable tower structure 8 is in a compressed state during floating and transportation. During installation, it can be unfolded in sequence by the tower lifting device 2 and the tower sinking device. After reaching the preset height, the tower can be locked and fixed by the internal connection structure to achieve the expected position.

[0097] The tower clamp device 16 is connected to the truss structure 3 and can also provide an upward force based on the difference between the gravity and buoyancy of the entire structure of foundation-tower-wind turbine 7.

[0098] Hydraulic cylinders are capable of providing the pulling or pressing force required for sinking and lifting operations, and are also capable of returning to their initial state after the operation is completed.

[0099] Once the cylindrical foundation has been laid and the wind turbine 7 and blade structure have been lifted and installed, the truss structure 3 can be removed using the tower lifting device 2 and the tower laying device.

[0100] This invention provides a method for the integrated, retractable, and floating installation of an offshore wind turbine foundation 7 using the aforementioned integrated, retractable, and floating installation system. The method includes the following steps:

[0101] Step 1: Assemble the entire foundation-tower-wind turbine 7 unit and transport it out of the dock 15. After the cylindrical foundation is prefabricated in the dock 15, the retractable tower structure 8, wind turbine 7 and blade structure are hoisted. After the foundation-tower-wind turbine 7 unit is assembled, it is transported to the U-shaped vessel 12. At this time, the cylindrical foundation has a certain self-floating ability.

[0102] Step 2: The K-shaped vessel is moved into position and secured to the U-shaped vessel 12. After the entire structure of the cylindrical foundation-tower-wind turbine 7 is transported into the U-shaped vessel 12, the K-shaped vessel is moved to the target position and connected and secured to the U-shaped vessel 12.

[0103] Step 3: Fixing the cylindrical foundation limiting device 14. After the K-shaped vessel and the U-shaped vessel 12 are connected and fixed, the quadrilateral frame hull is connected to the outer limiting ring of the cylindrical foundation to limit the lateral displacement of the cylindrical foundation. At the same time, the upper part of the cylindrical foundation top cover is limited by the limiting blocks at the inner and outer corners of the U-shaped vessel 12 groove to limit the longitudinal heaving movement of the cylindrical foundation. Finally, the top of the downwardly extending piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder of the tower placement device is fixed to the lifting lug at the top cover of the cylindrical foundation by a pin structure.

[0104] Step 4: Secure the upper tower clamp device 16. After the lower foundation structure is fixed, the clamp rings of the upper tower clamp device 16 clamp the upper part of the telescopic tower to ensure the stability of the entire foundation-tower-wind turbine 7 during the floating process.

[0105] Step 5: The quadrilateral frame hull is floated to the installation site and anchored. After the foundation-tower-wind turbine 7 unit is fixed to the quadrilateral frame hull, the quadrilateral frame hull is floated to the target installation site and anchored, in preparation for the sinking and lifting operation of the foundation-tower-wind turbine 7 unit.

[0106] Step 6: Lowering the Cylindrical Foundation. After confirming the arrival at the installation site, the lowering hydraulic cylinder of the tower lowering device pushes the cylindrical foundation downwards. Simultaneously, the negative pressure load adjustment system inside the cylindrical foundation continuously extracts the gas inside, allowing the cylindrical foundation to sink stably until it reaches the target position on the seabed. This connects and secures the first and second tower layers, and disengages the pin connecting the top of the cylindrical foundation to the piston rod of the lowering hydraulic cylinder. Once the cylindrical foundation is confirmed to be in place, the piston rod of the lowering hydraulic cylinder moves upwards to return to its initial state.

[0107] Step 7: Lifting the third layer of the retractable tower structure 8. After the cylindrical foundation is lowered into place, the third layer of the tower is lifted to the target height using the upper hydraulic cylinder lifting device, thus connecting and fixing the third layer of the tower in the retractable tower structure 8 to the second layer. After confirming that the third layer of the tower, the wind turbine 7, and the blade structure in the retractable tower structure 8 are lifted into place, the upper tower clamp device 16 is unlocked.

[0108] Step 8: After confirming that the cylindrical foundation, the retractable tower structure 8, and the wind turbine 7 are in a working state, the K-type boat with the quadrilateral frame hull and the U-shaped boat 12 are disconnected and leave the cylindrical foundation. Then they are reassembled and sailed together away from the installation site to the next installation location.

[0109] The aforementioned U-shaped boat 12, K-shaped boat 13, cylindrical foundation limiting device 14, tower clamp device 16, tower jacking device 2, tower sinking device, truss structure 3, guide column, guide sleeve, jacking hydraulic cylinder, lowering hydraulic cylinder 5, semi-circular clamp, clamp locking assembly, limiting block, buckle, jacking platform, etc. can all adopt existing structures and devices, or adopt existing structures and devices and construct them using conventional technical means.

[0110] The embodiments described above are only used to illustrate the technical ideas and features of the present invention. Their purpose is to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. The patent scope of the present invention should not be limited by these embodiments. That is, any equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit disclosed in the present invention still fall within the patent scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A retractable integrated floating installation system for an offshore wind turbine foundation, comprising wind turbine equipment and a cylindrical foundation supporting the wind turbine equipment, the cylindrical foundation being equipped with a negative pressure load adjustment system, and the wind turbine equipment comprising a tower structure, a wind turbine, and blades connected in sequence, characterized in that... It also includes U-shaped boats, K-shaped boats, cylindrical foundation limiting devices, tower clamping devices, tower lifting devices, tower sinking devices, and truss structures; the tower structure is a telescopic tower structure, which includes N layers of towers connected in sequence, where N≥2; the N layers of towers are nested together in the retracted state, with the top of each inner tower layer higher than the top of its adjacent outer tower layer; the innermost tower layer is the Nth tower layer, which is connected to the base of the wind turbine; Tower clamps are used to provide vertical support for the connection structure between the tower and the wind turbine head; The tower sinking device is used to maintain uniform speed and verticality when the cylindrical foundation is sinking. The tower lifting device is used to unfold the telescopic tower structure from the retracted state; it includes first to M-th lifting platforms connected sequentially from bottom to top, each lifting platform including multiple lifting hydraulic cylinders with piston rods extending upward; the bottom of the upper lifting platform is fixedly connected to the top of the piston rod of the lifting hydraulic cylinder of the adjacent lower lifting platform; during the unfolding of the telescopic tower structure from the retracted state, the M-th lifting platform is detachably connected to the top of the N-th to the second-th floor tower in sequence; The opening end of the U-shaped vessel is connected to both ends of the K-shaped vessel, forming a quadrilateral frame hull with arc-shaped corners. During floating and installation, the cylindrical foundation is located in the quadrilateral frame hull. The cylindrical foundation limiting device is used to limit the longitudinal heave of the cylindrical foundation relative to the quadrilateral frame hull; it is installed on the quadrilateral frame hull. The truss structure is built on a quadrilateral frame hull, with a tower lifting device installed on the upper part and a tower sinking device installed on the lower part.

2. The integrated, retractable, floating installation system for offshore wind turbine foundations as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cylindrical foundation limiting device includes several limiting blocks and buckles; the limiting blocks are installed on the quadrilateral frame hull and extend into the quadrilateral frame; the top of the cylindrical foundation is provided with a limiting groove to cooperate with the limiting blocks; the limiting blocks partially extend into the limiting groove to restrict the cylindrical foundation from moving upward and rotating relative to the quadrilateral frame hull; the buckles are installed on the quadrilateral frame hull; the cylindrical foundation is provided with a pull ring to cooperate with the buckles; the buckles are connected to the pull rings to restrict the movement of the cylindrical foundation relative to the quadrilateral frame hull.

3. The integrated, retractable, floating installation system for offshore wind turbine foundations as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cylindrical foundation limiting device includes a positioning pin. The quadrilateral frame hull and the top of the cylindrical foundation are respectively provided with positioning pin holes. The positioning pin is inserted into the positioning pin holes of both the quadrilateral frame hull and the top of the cylindrical foundation to keep their relative positions unchanged.

4. The integrated, retractable, floating installation system for offshore wind turbine foundations as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The tower clamp device includes a pair of semi-circular clamps and a clamp locking assembly; the clamp locking assembly secures the clamps to the connection between the tower and the wind turbine head.

5. The integrated, retractable, floating installation system for offshore wind turbine foundations as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The tower jacking device also includes guide columns, and each jacking platform is equipped with a guide sleeve that slides with the guide columns.

6. The integrated, retractable, floating installation system for offshore wind turbine foundations as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The tower sinking device includes multiple lowering hydraulic cylinders with piston rods extending downwards. The top of the piston rod of the lowering hydraulic cylinder is connected to the top of the cylindrical foundation. The piston rods extend downwards, causing the cylindrical foundation to sink.

7. The integrated, retractable, floating installation system for offshore wind turbine foundations as described in claim 6, characterized in that, For each piston rod of the lowering hydraulic cylinder, the top of the cylindrical foundation is provided with double lifting lugs on both sides of the piston rod tip. Both the piston rod tip and the double lifting lugs are provided with pin holes. By inserting a pin into the pin holes of the piston rod tip and the double lifting lugs, the piston rod of the lowering hydraulic cylinder is connected to the top of the cylindrical foundation.

8. The integrated, retractable, floating installation system for offshore wind turbine foundations as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cylindrical foundation is a five-tube cylindrical foundation, which includes a central tube and four planetary tubes evenly distributed around the central tube. The four planetary tubes are partially embedded in the central tube.

9. The integrated, retractable, floating installation system for offshore wind turbine foundations as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The inner frame of the quadrilateral frame hull has four curved corner surfaces that connect to the outer perimeter of the planetary cylinders; the radius of the curved corner surfaces of the inner frame of the quadrilateral frame hull is greater than the radius of the four planetary cylinders.

10. A method for the integrated retractable floating installation of an offshore wind turbine foundation using the integrated floating installation system for offshore wind turbine foundations according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: Step 1: Install the retractable tower structure on the cylindrical foundation in the dock, so that the retractable tower structure is in a retracted state. Install the wind turbine and blades on the Nth layer of the tower. After assembly, rely on the buoyancy of the cylindrical foundation to float the cylindrical foundation and the wind turbine as a whole into the U-shaped vessel. Step 2: Connect the two ends of the K-shaped boat to the open ends of the U-shaped boat, so that the cylindrical foundation is located inside the quadrilateral frame formed by the connection of the U-shaped boat and the K-shaped boat; Step 3: Install the cylindrical foundation limiting device to limit the longitudinal heave of the cylindrical foundation relative to the quadrilateral frame hull; Step 4: Construct a truss structure on the quadrilateral frame hull, install tower clamping devices on the truss structure to secure the connection between the tower and the wind turbine head; install a tower lifting device and a tower lowering device on the truss structure. Step 5: Float the cylindrical foundation and the quadrilateral frame hull together to the installation site and anchor them; Step 6: Use the tower sinking device to sink the cylindrical foundation. At the same time, the negative pressure load adjustment system of the cylindrical foundation continuously extracts the gas inside the cylindrical foundation, so that the cylindrical foundation sinks steadily until the cylindrical foundation is sunk to the target position on the seabed. After confirming that the cylindrical foundation is in place, separate the tower sinking device from the cylindrical foundation and move it upward to return to the initial state. Step 7: Connect the M-level lifting platform to the top of the N-level tower, and separate the tower clamp device from the truss structure; connect the tower clamp device to the M-level lifting platform; Each lifting platform is lifted sequentially from bottom to top, raising the Nth tower to its position, and then fixing the bottom of the Nth tower to the top of the (N-1)th tower. Separate the M-th floor lifting platform from the top of the N-th floor tower; separate the tower clamp device from the M-th floor lifting platform; lower each floor lifting platform sequentially from top to bottom; After descending to the designated position, connect the M-th floor lifting platform to the top of the N-1-th floor tower. Then, lift each layer of the jacking platform sequentially from bottom to top until the N-1 layer of the tower reaches its position, and then fix the bottom of the N-1 layer of the tower to the top of the N-2 layer of the tower. Repeat the above operation until the second tower is raised into place, and then fix the bottom of the second tower to the top of the first tower. Step 8: Remove the tower clamps; lower and reset each floor's lifting platform sequentially from top to bottom.

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