Modularized self-stabilizing floating fan foundation

Abstract

The invention provides a modularized self-stabilizing floating fan foundation which comprises a central stand column, the upper portion of the central stand column is connected with a tower of a wind turbine generator, a floating platform is arranged on the lower portion of the central stand column and provided with an installation platform with the central stand column as the center, and a plurality of sliding rails are arranged on the installation platform. A plurality of buoys detachably connected with the sliding rails are arranged on the periphery of the central stand column, the buoys can be installed on the sliding rails in a stacked mode, and the lower portion of the floating platform is vertically connected with a balancing weight through a balancing weight cable. The wave-induced movement can be effectively reduced, operation of wind turbine generator equipment can be better served, meanwhile, the manufacturing cost is reduced, the manufacturing period is shortened, installation and maintenance are easy and convenient, and the reliability and economical efficiency of the floating type foundation in actual engineering application are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of offshore wind power technology, specifically to a modular self-stabilizing floating wind turbine foundation. Background Technology

[0002] The development of offshore green energy is a strategic choice for my country to achieve energy structure transformation, ensure energy security, and address climate change. With the continuous development of wind resources in nearshore waters, my country's offshore wind power industry is increasingly expanding into deep-sea areas. In the field of deep-sea wind power, floating offshore wind turbine foundations offer significant advantages. However, compared to nearshore areas, the wind, wave, and current conditions in deep-sea areas are more complex and variable. Floating foundations must withstand enormous dynamic loads. Furthermore, as tall structures, and with large-capacity turbines often having larger swept areas, they experience greater wind-induced bending moments. The upper wind turbine equipment also places high demands on the motion performance of the floating foundation to achieve stable power output, requiring a larger foundation size. Currently, the floating foundations used in offshore wind power are mainly semi-submersible platforms, a technology with significant drawbacks:

[0003] Semi-submersible foundations have large wave-induced motion amplitudes, long mooring lines, large and complex structural dimensions, large steel consumption, are not easy to construct and maintain, and the movement of the floating body has a significant impact on wind turbine units.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to propose a better and more widely applicable floating foundation for deep-sea applications, which can achieve better stability, simple and efficient installation and maintenance, and good economic efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention aims to provide a modular, self-stabilizing floating wind turbine foundation. This invention effectively reduces wave-induced motion, better serves the operation of wind turbine equipment, while simultaneously reducing manufacturing costs, shortening the manufacturing cycle, simplifying installation and maintenance, and improving the reliability and economy of floating foundations in practical engineering applications.

[0006] This invention provides a modular self-stabilizing floating wind turbine foundation, including a central column. The upper part of the central column is connected to the tower of the wind turbine. A floating platform is set at the lower part of the central column. The floating platform has an installation platform centered on the central column. The installation platform has multiple slide rails. Multiple pontoons that are detachably connected to the slide rails are arranged around the central column. The multiple pontoons can be stacked and installed on the slide rails. A counterweight block is vertically connected to the bottom of the floating platform through a counterweight cable.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention: the floating platform includes a frame structure disposed around the installation platform, the frame structure being composed of closed hollow tubular components, and the frame structure being fixedly connected to the periphery of the installation platform.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention: the frame structure includes two layers of tubular square frames, which are connected by support columns. The lower tubular square frame is connected to the installation platform, and the upper tubular square frame is fixedly connected to the central column by an upper diagonal brace.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention: the installation platform includes a base plate and the slide rails. Multiple slide rails are spaced apart above the base plate along the longitudinal direction of the base plate. A lower connecting structure is correspondingly provided at the bottom of the float. The lower connecting structure can simultaneously and slidably engage with two adjacent slide rails and can be selectively locked in a specific position.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention: the lower connecting structure includes a bottom side plate correspondingly arranged at the bottom of the pontoon and bolts on the bottom side plate, and the bottom side plate and the slide rail are detachably connected by the bolts.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention: the top of the pontoon is provided with a top side plate that matches the lower connecting structure; multiple pontoons are fixed to each other by the top side plate of the lower pontoon and the lower connecting structure of the upper pontoon, thereby stacking layer by layer above the slide rail to form a stable whole.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention: the counterweight is quadrilateral and has a through cavity inside; the mounting platform is correspondingly square; the four corners of the counterweight are respectively connected to the middle of the four sides of the mounting platform via a counterweight cable.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the center of the breeding block is arranged in a vertical direction corresponding to the axis of the central column.

[0014] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention: the installation platform includes a base plate frame, which is composed of multiple T-shaped steel structures arranged in a crisscross pattern on the bottom surface of the base plate.

[0015] The beneficial effects provided by this invention are as follows:

[0016] 1) The floating platform of this invention uses a hollow tubular component combined frame, an installation platform, and a central column as the main support. Its waterline surface is small, resulting in less wave-induced motion and reducing the amplitude of the platform's motion response. Additionally, the bottom plate frame, supported below the pontoons, acts as a damping plate, reducing the platform's roll and pitch, and improving platform stability. The pontoons can be loaded in different types and quantities according to buoyancy requirements. Counterweights are suspended below the frame structure and can adjust the center of gravity.

[0017] 2) This invention simplifies the design process of floating foundations by productizing and modularizing the frame structure, installation platform, pontoons and concrete counterweights. Different pontoon combinations, frame structures, installation platforms and counterweights can be selected according to the application site and wind turbine requirements, resulting in better foundation adaptability. The replacement and combination of each part can be applied to different sites and different wind turbines.

[0018] 3) The main body of this invention is composed of hollow tubular components and a base plate structure, and is small in size and has a low dry weight, making it easy to hoist, transport and assemble. It also uses less steel, resulting in good economic efficiency.

[0019] 4) The use of counterweights in this invention can lower the overall center of gravity, making the foundation's center of gravity lower than the center of buoyancy, thus generating self-stability and making it less prone to capsizing under extreme sea conditions, thereby improving the self-sustaining ability of the floating foundation. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the modular self-stabilizing floating wind turbine foundation provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 An axial view of the modular self-stabilizing floating wind turbine foundation provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 A side view of the modular self-stabilizing floating wind turbine foundation provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 A top view of the modular self-stabilizing floating wind turbine foundation provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 A plan view of the pontoons provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the pontoon and the installation platform provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Attached reference numerals: 1-Central column; 2-Base plate; 3-Slide rail; 4-Floating cylinder; 5-Counterweight cable; 6-Counterweight block; 7-Upper tubular frame; 8-Lower tubular frame; 9-Upper diagonal brace; 10-Support column; 11-Floating platform; 12-Bottom side plate; 13-Bolt; 14-Top side plate; 15-T-shaped steel frame. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below in conjunction with specific examples. However, it should be understood that the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. For better illustration of this embodiment, some components in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual dimensions of the product. It is understandable that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings for those skilled in the art. The positional relationships described in the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0029] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, but this should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0030] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a modular self-stabilizing floating wind turbine foundation includes a central column 1. The upper part of the central column 1 is connected to the tower of the wind turbine. A floating platform 11 is set at the lower part of the central column 1. The floating platform 11 has an installation platform centered on the central column 1. The installation platform has multiple slide rails 3. Multiple pontoons 4 are arranged around the central column 1 and are detachably connected to the slide rails 3. The multiple pontoons 4 can be stacked and installed on the slide rails 3 to provide buoyancy for the foundation as a whole. A counterweight block 6 is vertically connected to the bottom of the floating platform 11 through a counterweight cable 5.

[0031] In this embodiment, different pontoons 4 are selected and matched according to the wind turbine unit being carried and the ballast requirements. The pontoons 4 include adjustable water ballast tanks and empty tanks. At the same time, the staff can also adjust the position of the pontoons 4 on the installation platform and the number of pontoons 4 stacked as needed, thereby adjusting the center of gravity position.

[0032] Offshore wind turbines include components such as blades, hubs, and nacelles. The wind turbine is connected to the tower via flanges, and the tower is connected to the central support column 1 via flanges. The central support column 1 not only supports the tower but also houses some electrical equipment. The buoys 4 and counterweights 6 of this invention are assembled at the dock, and the tower and wind turbine are also installed at the dock. During the installation process, the position or number of buoys 4 is adjusted to regulate the draft, and the counterweight cables 5 are adjusted to regulate the center of gravity. After installation, the turbine is towed to the target sea area.

[0033] The floating platform 11 includes a frame structure disposed around the periphery of the installation platform. The frame structure is composed of closed hollow tubular components and is fixedly connected to the periphery of the installation platform.

[0034] The frame structure includes two layers of tubular square frames, which are connected by a support column 10. The lower tubular square frame 8 is connected to the installation platform, and the upper tubular square frame 7 is fixedly connected to the central column 1 by an upper diagonal brace 9.

[0035] In this embodiment, the lower counterweight 6 is fixed to the lower tubular frame 8 by the counterweight cable 5. Different sizes of the lower counterweight are selected according to the marine construction conditions and sea conditions. High-density concrete counterweight 6 is used, which has a higher density and lower cost compared to steel. The counterweight 6 can effectively lower the overall center of gravity, making the center of gravity lower than the center of buoyancy, achieving a self-stabilizing advantage similar to that of the Spar foundation. The counterweight cable 5 can be stretched or tightened according to different ballast requirements to change the position of the overall center of gravity and meet the stability requirements at different drafts.

[0036] like Figure 5 As shown, the installation platform includes a base plate 2 and slide rails 3. Multiple slide rails 3 are spaced apart on the upper part of the base plate 2 along the longitudinal direction of the base plate 2. The bottom of the float 4 is provided with a corresponding lower connecting structure. The lower connecting structure can simultaneously and slidably engage with two adjacent slide rails 3 and can be selectively locked in a specific position.

[0037] like Figure 6 As shown, the lower connection structure includes a bottom side plate 12 correspondingly arranged at the bottom of the float 4 and bolts 13 on the bottom side plate 12. The bottom side plate 12 and the slide rail 3 are detachably connected by the bolts 13.

[0038] When the float 4 is placed on the slide rail 3, the side of its bottom side plate 12 is in contact with the slide rail 3. Before final fixing, the float 4 is configured to move along the slide rail 3, thereby allowing for flexible adjustment of its installation position. Through holes are provided on the slide rail 3 and the bottom side plate 12, and bolts 13 pass through the through holes to fix the bottom side plate 12 to the slide rail 3.

[0039] The top of the pontoon 4 is provided with a top side plate 14 that matches the lower connecting structure; multiple pontoons 4 are fixed to each other by the top side plate 14 of the lower pontoon 4 and the lower connecting structure of the upper pontoon 4, thereby stacking layer by layer above the slide rail 3 to form a stable whole. Specifically, the top side plate 14 has through holes, and the bolts 13 pass through the through holes to fix the bottom side plate 12 and the top side plate 14.

[0040] The counterweight 6 is quadrilateral and has a through cavity inside. In this embodiment, the counterweight 6 is a rhomboid structure. The mounting platform is a square structure. The four corners of the counterweight 6 are connected to the middle of the four sides of the mounting platform by a counterweight cable 5.

[0041] The center of the breeding block is arranged vertically in correspondence with the axis of the central column 1.

[0042] The installation platform includes a base plate frame, which is composed of multiple T-shaped steel frames 15 arranged in a crisscross pattern on the bottom surface of the base plate 2.

[0043] This invention employs a frame structure composed of hollow tubular components and a base plate frame made of T-shaped steel frames 15, which uses less steel and can be directly assembled at the dock. Furthermore, by using hollow tubular components and base plate frames of different specifications, it can be adapted to pontoons 4 of different sizes, ensuring that the overall strength of the invention meets the requirements. Due to the relatively low overall dry weight of the foundation, it can be transported as a whole to the target location for installation by a floating vessel.

[0044] This invention can be productized based on the general design conditions of the sea area and the requirements of the wind turbine. Modular manufacturing and production can be achieved according to demand. The entire floating wind turbine foundation consists of several parts: a frame structure, an installation platform, floats 4, counterweights 6, and counterweight cables 5. Each part can be processed separately using productized and modular methods, and then assembled according to the usage requirements.

[0045] The frame structure, mounting platform, pontoon 4, and counterweight 6 of this invention can be assembled in a modular manner. Different specifications of frame structures, mounting platforms, pontoons 4, and ballasts allow the floating wind turbine foundation to be matched with wind turbine units of different specifications while possessing different floating performance.

[0046] The frame structure supporting the wind turbine tower is selected based on the size and weight of the wind turbine and the wind and wave conditions of the site. The required buoyancy and center of gravity are calculated based on the sea state and stability requirements of the target sea area to configure the pontoons 4. The specifications and location of the counterweights 6 are selected based on the required ballast, and the counterweights 6 are assembled. Counterweight cables 5 are provided based on the weight and location of the counterweights 6. Assembly can be carried out at an onshore dock, and after assembly, the turbines are transported to the wind turbine installation dock by a semi-submersible vessel. No large lifting vessels are required, resulting in high construction efficiency and significantly reducing the cost and risk of offshore construction operations. Furthermore, due to the relatively small overall structure, mainly composed of pipes and a base plate frame, the amount of steel used is small, reducing manufacturing costs.

[0047] Based on the description and accompanying drawings of this invention, those skilled in the art can easily manufacture or use a modular self-stabilizing floating wind turbine foundation of this invention, and can achieve the positive effects described in this invention.

[0048] Unless otherwise specified, in this invention, terms such as "length," "width," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" 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 this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe orientation or positional relationships in this invention are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting this invention. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and according to the specific circumstances.

[0049] Unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "connected," and "linked" in this invention should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0050] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Any simple modifications or equivalent changes made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A modular self-stabilizing floating wind turbine foundation, characterized in that: The system includes a central column, the upper part of which is connected to the tower of the wind turbine, and a floating platform at the lower part of the central column. The floating platform has an installation platform centered on the central column, and the installation platform has multiple slide rails. Multiple pontoons that are detachably connected to the slide rails are arranged around the central column. The multiple pontoons can be stacked and installed on the slide rails. The floating platform is vertically connected to a counterweight block at the bottom via a counterweight cable.

2. The modular self-stabilizing floating wind turbine foundation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The floating platform includes a frame structure disposed around the periphery of the installation platform. The frame structure is composed of closed hollow tubular components and is fixedly connected to the periphery of the installation platform.

3. The modular self-stabilizing floating wind turbine foundation according to claim 2, characterized in that: The frame structure includes two layers of tubular square frames, which are connected by support columns. The lower tubular square frame is connected to the installation platform, and the upper tubular square frame is fixedly connected to the central column by upper diagonal bracing.

4. The modular self-stabilizing floating wind turbine foundation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The installation platform includes a base plate and the slide rails. Multiple slide rails are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the base plate. A lower connecting structure is correspondingly provided at the bottom of the pontoon. The lower connecting structure can simultaneously and slidably engage with two adjacent slide rails and can be selectively locked in a specific position.

5. The modular self-stabilizing floating wind turbine foundation according to claim 4, characterized in that: The lower connection structure includes a bottom side plate correspondingly arranged at the bottom of the pontoon and bolts on the bottom side plate. The bottom side plate and the slide rail are detachably connected by the bolts.

6. The modular self-stabilizing floating wind turbine foundation according to claim 4, characterized in that: The top of the pontoon is provided with a top side plate that matches the lower connecting structure; multiple pontoons are fixed to each other by the top side plate of the lower pontoon and the lower connecting structure of the upper pontoon, so as to be stacked layer by layer above the slide rail to form a stable whole.

7. The modular self-stabilizing floating wind turbine foundation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The counterweight is quadrilateral with a through cavity inside; the mounting platform is square; the four corners of the counterweight are connected to the middle of the four sides of the mounting platform via a counterweight cable.

8. The modular self-stabilizing floating wind turbine foundation according to claim 7, characterized in that: The center of the breeding block is arranged vertically in correspondence with the axis of the central column.

9. The modular self-stabilizing floating wind turbine foundation according to claim 4, characterized in that: The installation platform includes a base plate frame, which is composed of multiple T-shaped steel structures arranged in a crisscross pattern on the bottom surface of the base plate.

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