Offshore wind power reinforcement device and method

Abstract

The application provides an offshore wind power reinforcement device and method, aiming at solving the problems of insufficient stability and weak overturning resistance of the existing offshore wind power single pile foundation in soft soil seabed. The device comprises a pile body, and a stabilizing assembly, an inserting assembly and a positioning assembly integrated in the pile body. The core innovation is an integrated linkage reinforcement mechanism: through the single action of pressing down the wind power column, three independent reinforcement mechanisms are triggered simultaneously: the stabilizing plate is driven to extend transversely out of the pile body, the bottom bearing area is expanded, and the overturning resistance is improved; the drill bit is pushed to drill into the seabed deep, deep anchoring is achieved, and the pullout and sliding resistance is enhanced; the embedded rod is lifted to make the positioning plate tightly hold the wind power column, and the upper connection rigidity is improved. The application realizes the cooperative reinforcement of "expansion-anchoring-locking" through mechanical linkage, greatly simplifies the offshore construction process, and significantly improves the overall stability, safety and economy of the foundation structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of offshore wind power engineering technology, and in particular to a reinforcement device and its construction method for enhancing the stability of offshore wind turbine monopile foundations. Background Technology

[0002] Offshore wind turbine foundations, especially monopile foundations, are subjected to complex cyclic loads from wind, waves, and currents over long periods. On common silty, soft seabeds, traditional monopiles rely primarily on side friction and end bearing capacity, which presents limitations in bearing capacity and susceptibility to horizontal displacement and rotation. To improve stability, existing technologies typically employ auxiliary measures such as adding skirts, driving inclined piles, or grouting the seabed. These methods often require additional offshore construction equipment and complex processes, leading to high costs, extended construction periods, and significant susceptibility to sea conditions.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an offshore wind power foundation reinforcement solution that can be integrated inside the pile body, automatically complete multiple reinforcements during the main structure installation process, and does not rely on complex external equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to overcome the shortcomings of existing offshore wind power monopile foundation reinforcement methods, such as complex procedures, reliance on external equipment, and high costs, and provides a device and method with a compact structure, simple construction, and the ability to automatically achieve multiple coordinated reinforcements through a single installation action.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: On one hand, the present invention provides an offshore wind power reinforcement device, including a hollow pile body and a positioning cylinder fixed to the upper end of the pile body. The positioning cylinder is used to accommodate the wind turbine column. It also includes an integrated linkage reinforcement mechanism disposed inside the pile body. The integrated linkage reinforcement mechanism includes a stable expansion module that synchronously performs the function of expanding the bottom support area of ​​the pile body driven by the axial pressing action of the wind turbine column, a deep anchoring module that performs the anchoring function to the depth of the seabed, and an upper locking module that clamps and fixes the wind turbine column.

[0006] Preferably, the stabilizing extension module includes a movable plate disposed inside the pile body and capable of sliding up and down, a first threaded rod threadedly engaged with the movable plate, a transmission gear driven by the rotation of the first threaded rod, and a stabilizing plate meshing with the transmission gear and capable of sliding laterally out of the side wall of the pile body.

[0007] Preferably, the deep anchoring module includes a fixed cylinder that moves down synchronously with the movable plate, a threaded cylinder that is rotatable inside the fixed cylinder, and an anchoring drill rod that is threaded into the threaded cylinder and extends downward out of the bottom of the pile.

[0008] Preferably, the upper locking module includes a second threaded rod that is coaxially fixed with the first threaded rod and has the opposite thread direction, a lifting plate that is threadedly connected to the second threaded rod, an embedded rod installed on the lifting plate, and an elastic positioning unit disposed in the positioning cylinder that can be pushed and clamped by the embedded rod to the wind turbine column.

[0009] Preferably, the deep anchoring module further includes a threaded sleeve threaded to the outside of the threaded cylinder, a limiting plate is installed on the side peripheral wall of the threaded sleeve, and an axial sliding groove is provided on the cylinder wall of the fixed cylinder for the limiting plate to pass through. The lower end of the anchoring drill rod is equipped with a drill bit, and the top end is slidably connected with a limiting rod that restricts its movement to only axial direction. The top end of the limiting rod is fixed to the fixed cylinder. When the fixed cylinder moves downward, the limiting plate is blocked by the bottom wall of the pile body, which forces the threaded cylinder to rotate relative to the fixed cylinder, thereby driving the anchoring drill rod to move downward in a straight line with the cooperation of the limiting rod.

[0010] Preferably, the movable plate is connected to the inner top wall of the pile body via a connecting spring.

[0011] Preferably, the elastic positioning unit includes a telescopic spring fixed to the inner wall of the positioning cylinder and an arc-shaped positioning plate connected to the end of the telescopic spring. When the embedding rod rises, it is inserted between the positioning plate and the inner wall of the positioning cylinder, forcing the positioning plate to retract toward the center and clamp the wind turbine column.

[0012] Preferably, two stabilizing plates are symmetrically arranged, and each stabilizing plate is equipped with a fixed rack that meshes with the transmission gear. Each stabilizing plate also has an embedding hole on its facing surface for accommodating the fixed rack on the other stabilizing plate.

[0013] Preferably, multiple support columns connected to the pile body are fixed on the side wall of the positioning cylinder, and the multiple support columns are evenly distributed around the circumference of the positioning cylinder.

[0014] On the other hand, the present invention provides a method for reinforcing an offshore wind power reinforcement device, comprising the following steps: Step 1: Installation preparation: Insert the wind turbine pole into the positioning cylinder and lower the entire device to the seabed surface; Step 2, Linkage Trigger: Continuously press down on the wind turbine pole to drive the integrated linkage reinforcement mechanism to start working in tandem; Step 3, Synchronous Reinforcement: Under the linkage of the aforementioned mechanism, the following three sub-steps are completed synchronously: Bottom area expansion: The downward movement of the movable plate drives the stabilizing plate to extend from the side of the pile, increasing the bottom contact area; Deep anchoring implementation: The movable plate moves down, causing the anchoring drill rod to drill deeper into the seabed; Upper column locking: The linkage drive rises the embedded rod, causing the positioning plate to grip the wind turbine column tightly; Step 4: Reinforcement Completed: When the wind turbine column is pressed down to the design elevation, all reinforcement actions are carried out simultaneously to form a stable composite reinforced foundation.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial technical effects of the present invention are as follows: Highly efficient integration and convenient construction: All reinforcement functions are built into the pile body, and all reinforcement can be completed in one step by pressing down the column, which greatly simplifies the offshore operation process and reduces construction risks and costs.

[0016] Active adaptive reinforcement: The reinforcement depth and expansion range are automatically adjusted according to the amount of pressure applied to the column, which can better adapt to different seabed geological conditions.

[0017] High structural reliability: Purely mechanical linkage, no hydraulic or electric system required, strong environmental adaptability, and low maintenance requirements.

[0018] Significant economic benefits: Without significantly increasing the pile size and steel consumption, it greatly improves the bearing capacity of the foundation, resulting in high cost-effectiveness. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the offshore wind power reinforcement device of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the offshore wind power reinforcement device of the present invention; Figure 3 This is an enlarged structural schematic diagram of point A in the offshore wind power reinforcement device of the present invention; Figure 4 This is an exploded structural diagram of the deep anchoring module in the offshore wind power reinforcement device of the present invention. Figure 5 This is an enlarged structural schematic diagram of point B in the offshore wind power reinforcement device of the present invention; Figure 6 This is an exploded structural diagram of the pile body and stabilization plate in the offshore wind power reinforcement device of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a partial three-dimensional structural diagram of the upper locking module in the offshore wind power reinforcement device of the present invention.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Pile body; 2. Positioning cylinder; 3. Support column; 4. Stabilizing extension module; 41. Movable plate; 42. Connecting spring; 43. First threaded rod; 44. Transmission gear; 45. Stabilizing plate; 46. Fixed rack; 47. Embedded hole; 5. Upper locking module; 51. Second threaded rod; 52. Lifting plate; 521. Through hole; 53. Embedded rod; 54. Telescopic spring; 55. Positioning plate; 6. Deep anchoring module; 61. Fixed cylinder; 62. Slide groove; 63. Threaded cylinder; 64. Threaded sleeve; 65. Limiting plate; 66. Anchoring drill rod; 67. Drill bit; 68. Limiting rod. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0023] Example 1, as Figure 1-7 As shown, this embodiment provides an offshore wind power reinforcement device, including a hollow pile body 1 and a positioning cylinder 2 fixed to the upper end of the pile body 1. The positioning cylinder 2 is used to accommodate the wind turbine column. It also includes an integrated linkage reinforcement mechanism disposed inside the pile body 1. The integrated linkage reinforcement mechanism includes a stable expansion module 4 that synchronously performs the function of expanding the bottom support area of ​​the pile body driven by the axial pressing action of the wind turbine column, a depth anchoring module 6 that performs the anchoring function to the depth of the seabed, and an upper locking module 5 that clamps and fixes the wind turbine column.

[0024] Specifically, the stabilizing extension module 4 includes a movable plate 41 that is disposed inside the pile body 1 and can slide up and down, a first threaded rod 43 that is threadedly engaged with the movable plate 41, a transmission gear 44 that is driven by the rotation of the first threaded rod 43, and a stabilizing plate 45 that meshes with the transmission gear 44 and can slide laterally out of the side wall of the pile body 1.

[0025] Specifically, the deep anchoring module 6 includes a fixed cylinder 61 that moves down synchronously with the movable plate 41, a threaded cylinder 63 that is rotatable and disposed inside the fixed cylinder 61, and an anchoring drill rod 66 that is threadedly engaged with the threaded cylinder 63 and extends downward out of the bottom of the pile body 1.

[0026] Specifically, the upper locking module 5 includes a second threaded rod 51 that is coaxially fixed with the first threaded rod 43 and has the opposite thread direction, a lifting plate 52 that is threadedly connected to the second threaded rod 51, an embedded rod 53 installed on the lifting plate 52, and an elastic positioning unit that can be pushed and clamped by the embedded rod 53 in the positioning cylinder 2.

[0027] The lifting plate 52 has a through hole 521, and the bottom end of the wind turbine column is equipped with an insertion rod that matches the through hole 521. When the wind turbine column is inserted into the positioning cylinder 2, the insertion rod at its bottom end passes through the through hole 521 and abuts against the movable plate 41.

[0028] There are two symmetrically arranged through holes 521. It should be noted that in specific implementation, the operator can modify the number and opening position of the through holes 521 in order to improve the stability of the device, such as setting the number of through holes 521 to at least two.

[0029] Specifically, the deep anchoring module 6 also includes a threaded sleeve 64 threaded to the outside of the threaded cylinder 63, a limiting plate 65 installed on the side wall of the threaded sleeve 64, and an axial sliding groove 62 for the limiting plate 65 to pass through on the cylinder wall of the fixed cylinder 61. The lower end of the anchoring drill rod 66 is equipped with a drill bit 67, and the top end is slidably connected with a limiting rod 68 that restricts its movement to only axial direction. The top end of the limiting rod 68 is fixed to the fixing cylinder 61. When the fixed cylinder 61 moves downward, the limiting plate 65 is blocked by the inner bottom wall of the pile body 1, which forces the threaded cylinder 63 to rotate relative to the fixed cylinder 61, thereby driving the anchoring drill rod 66 to move downward in a straight line with the cooperation of the limiting rod 68.

[0030] Specifically, the movable plate 41 is connected to the inner top wall of the pile body 1 via a connecting spring 42.

[0031] Specifically, the elastic positioning unit includes a telescopic spring 54 fixed to the inner wall of the positioning cylinder 2 and an arc-shaped positioning plate 55 connected to the end of the telescopic spring 54. When the embedded rod 53 rises, it is inserted between the positioning plate 55 and the inner wall of the positioning cylinder 2, forcing the positioning plate 55 to retract toward the center and clamp the wind turbine column.

[0032] Specifically, there are two symmetrically arranged stabilizing plates 45. Each stabilizing plate 45 is equipped with a fixed rack 46 that meshes with the transmission gear 44. Each stabilizing plate 45 also has an embedding hole 47 on its facing surface for accommodating the fixed rack 46 on the other stabilizing plate 45.

[0033] Specifically, multiple support columns 3 connected to the pile body 1 are fixed on the side wall of the positioning cylinder 2, and the multiple support columns 3 are evenly distributed around the circumference of the positioning cylinder 2.

[0034] Detailed structure and working principle of the linkage mechanism: When the wind turbine pole (not shown in the figure) is inserted into the positioning cylinder 2 and continuously pressed down, its bottom end first contacts the movable plate 41. Under pressure, the movable plate 41 overcomes the elastic force of the connecting spring 42 and slides downward along the inner wall of the pile body 1. This axial sliding is the starting point of the entire linkage process.

[0035] The working process of the stable expansion module: The movable plate 41 has a threaded hole at its center, which mates with the first threaded rod 43. The lower end of the first threaded rod 43 is connected to the bottom plate of the pile body 1 via a bearing, allowing it to rotate freely but remaining axially fixed. Therefore, the downward movement of the movable plate 41 forces the first threaded rod 43 to rotate. The transmission gear 44, fixed to the middle section of the first threaded rod 43, rotates accordingly. The transmission gear 44 meshes with a fixed rack 46 fixed to the side of the stabilizing plate 45. The stabilizing plate 45 is slidably embedded in a guide groove on the side wall of the pile body 1. Thus, the rotation of the transmission gear 44 drives the rack 46, causing the stabilizing plate 45 to extend horizontally outward from the pile body 1, like outstretched wings, rapidly increasing the contact area between the pile bottom and the seabed.

[0036] The working process of the deep anchoring module: The lower surface of the movable plate 41 is fixedly connected to the top of the fixed cylinder 61. Therefore, when the movable plate 41 moves downward, it drives the entire fixed cylinder 61 to move downward synchronously. A threaded cylinder 63 is installed inside the fixed cylinder 61. A threaded sleeve 64 is threadedly connected to the outside of the threaded cylinder 63. A limiting plate 65 is welded to the outside of the threaded sleeve 64. The limiting plate 65 extends out of the cylinder through a groove 62 in the wall of the fixed cylinder 61.

[0037] As the fixed cylinder 61 moves downward, the limiting plate 65 extending out of the cylinder quickly contacts the inner bottom wall of the pile body 1 and is blocked. Since the threaded sleeve 64 and the threaded cylinder 63 are connected by threads, and the limiting plate 65 is restricted from rotating, the continuing downward movement of the fixed cylinder 61 forces the threaded cylinder 63 to begin rotating relative to the fixed threaded sleeve 64.

[0038] The inner wall of the threaded cylinder 63 is provided with internal threads, which mate with the external threads of the anchoring drill rod 66. A limiting rod 68 passes through the inside of the anchoring drill rod 66, and the top of the limiting rod 68 is fixed to the top cover of the fixing cylinder 61, restricting the anchoring drill rod 66 to axial movement only and preventing rotation. Therefore, when the threaded cylinder 63 rotates, the anchoring drill rod 66, guided by the limiting rod 68, is forced to move downwards in a straight line, driving the drill bit 67 at its bottom end to cut into the seabed, and continuously drilling into deeper and more solid soil layers as the downward pressure process continues.

[0039] The working process of the upper locking module: The top end of the first threaded rod 43 is coaxially and fixedly connected to the second threaded rod 51. Crucially, the thread direction of the second threaded rod 51 is opposite to that of the first threaded rod 43. The upper end of the second threaded rod 51 is connected to the inner top wall of the pile body 1 via a bearing.

[0040] When the first threaded rod 43 rotates due to the downward pressure of the movable plate 41, the second threaded rod 51 rotates synchronously in the opposite direction. A lifting plate 52 is fitted onto the second threaded rod 51, and the two are connected by threads. Since the rotation of the second threaded rod 51 is constrained by the embedded rod 53, the rotational motion is converted into axial movement of the lifting plate 52. According to the thread direction design, the lifting plate 52 moves upward. The embedded rod 53, fixed to the lifting plate 52, rises accordingly.

[0041] The tip of the embedding rod 53 is wedge-shaped and extends into the gap between the inner wall of the positioning cylinder 2 and the positioning plate 55. The positioning plate 55 is an arc-shaped plate, elastically connected to the inner wall of the positioning cylinder 2 by a telescopic spring 54. When the wedge-shaped embedding rod 53 rises, its gradually thickening part opens the gap between the positioning plate 55 and the cylinder wall, forcing the two (or more) arc-shaped positioning plates 55 to overcome the spring force and converge towards the center, thereby tightly holding the wind turbine column inserted therein from all sides, achieving rigid locking.

[0042] Example 2: This example provides a reinforcement method for offshore wind power reinforcement using the device provided in Example 1, including the following steps: Step 1, Installation Preparation: Insert the wind turbine column into the positioning cylinder 2 and lower the entire device to the seabed surface; Step 2, Linkage Trigger: Continuously press down on the wind turbine pole to drive the integrated linkage reinforcement mechanism to start working in tandem; Step 3, Synchronous Reinforcement: Under the linkage of the aforementioned mechanism, the following three sub-steps are completed synchronously: Bottom area expansion: The movable plate 41 moves down to drive the stabilizing plate 45 to extend from the side of the pile body 1, increasing the bottom contact area; Deep anchoring implementation: The movable plate 41 moves down, driving the anchoring drill rod 66 to drill deeper into the seabed; Upper column locking: The linkage drive insert rod 53 rises, causing the positioning plate 55 to grip the wind turbine column; Step 4: Reinforcement Completed: When the wind turbine column is pressed down to the design elevation, all reinforcement actions are carried out simultaneously to form a stable composite reinforced foundation.

[0043] The entire device, through a sophisticated mechanical linkage system, efficiently and synchronously transforms the vertical downward pressure during wind turbine installation into horizontal spreading force, deep drilling force, and radial clamping force. Without requiring any external power, it completes the three-dimensional, multi-layered reinforcement of offshore wind turbine foundations in one go. Construction personnel only need to perform the simple action of "insertion-pressing," greatly improving the safety and efficiency of offshore operations.

[0044] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only 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 process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0045] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention should fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A wind turbine reinforcement device for offshore wind power, comprising a hollow pile (1) and a positioning cylinder (2) fixed to the upper end of the pile (1), wherein the positioning cylinder (2) is used to accommodate the wind turbine column, characterized in that, Also includes: An integrated linkage reinforcement mechanism is installed inside the pile body (1). The integrated linkage reinforcement mechanism includes a stable expansion module (4) that synchronously performs the function of expanding the bottom support area of ​​the pile body driven by the axial pressing action of the wind turbine column, a deep anchoring module (6) that performs the anchoring function to the depth of the seabed, and an upper locking module (5) that clamps and fixes the wind turbine column. The stabilizing extension module (4) includes a movable plate (41) that is located inside the pile body (1) and can slide up and down, a first threaded rod (43) that is threadedly engaged with the movable plate (41), a transmission gear (44) that is driven by the rotation of the first threaded rod (43), and a stabilizing plate (45) that meshes with the transmission gear (44) and can slide laterally out of the side wall of the pile body (1). The deep anchoring module (6) includes a fixed cylinder (61) that moves down synchronously with the movable plate (41), a threaded cylinder (63) that is rotatable and located inside the fixed cylinder (61), and an anchoring drill rod (66) that is threadedly engaged with the threaded cylinder (63) and extends downward out of the bottom of the pile body (1). The upper locking module (5) includes a second threaded rod (51) that is coaxially fixed with the first threaded rod (43) and has the opposite thread direction, a lifting plate (52) that is threadedly connected to the second threaded rod (51), an embedded rod (53) installed on the lifting plate (52), and an elastic positioning unit that can be pushed and clamped by the embedded rod (53) in the positioning cylinder (2); The deep anchoring module (6) also includes a threaded sleeve (64) threaded to the outside of the threaded cylinder (63), a limiting plate (65) is installed on the side wall of the threaded sleeve (64), and an axial groove (62) is provided on the cylinder wall of the fixed cylinder (61) for the limiting plate (65) to pass through. The lower end of the anchoring drill rod (66) is equipped with a drill bit (67), and the top end is slidably connected with a limiting rod (68) that restricts its movement only axially. The top end of the limiting rod (68) is fixed on the fixed cylinder (61). When the fixed cylinder (61) moves down, the limiting plate (65) is blocked by the inner bottom wall of the pile body (1), which forces the threaded cylinder (63) to rotate relative to the fixed cylinder (61), thereby driving the anchoring drill rod (66) to move downward in a straight line with the cooperation of the limiting rod (68). The elastic positioning unit includes a telescopic spring (54) fixed to the inner wall of the positioning cylinder (2) and an arc-shaped positioning plate (55) connected to the end of the telescopic spring (54). When the embedded rod (53) rises, it is inserted between the positioning plate (55) and the inner wall of the positioning cylinder (2), forcing the positioning plate (55) to retract toward the center and clamp the wind turbine column. The lifting plate (52) has a through hole (521), and the bottom end of the wind turbine column is equipped with an insertion rod that matches the through hole (521). When the wind turbine column is inserted into the positioning cylinder (2), the insertion rod at its bottom end passes through the through hole (521) and abuts against the movable plate (41).

2. The offshore wind power reinforcement device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The movable plate (41) is connected to the inner top wall of the pile body (1) via a connecting spring (42).

3. The offshore wind power reinforcement device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two symmetrically arranged stabilizing plates (45) are provided. Each stabilizing plate (45) is equipped with a fixed rack (46) that meshes with the transmission gear (44). Each stabilizing plate (45) also has an embedding hole (47) on its facing surface for accommodating the fixed rack (46) on the other stabilizing plate (45).

4. The offshore wind power reinforcement device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple support columns (3) connected to the pile body (1) are fixed on the side wall of the positioning cylinder (2), and the multiple support columns (3) are evenly distributed around the circumference of the positioning cylinder (2).

5. A reinforcement method based on the offshore wind power reinforcement device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1, Installation Preparation: Insert the wind turbine column into the positioning cylinder (2) and lower the entire device to the seabed surface; Step 2, Linkage Trigger: Continuously press down on the wind turbine pole to drive the integrated linkage reinforcement mechanism to start working in tandem; Step 3, Synchronous Reinforcement: Under the linkage of the aforementioned mechanism, the following three sub-steps are completed synchronously: Bottom area expansion: The movable plate (41) moves down to drive the stabilizing plate (45) to extend from the side of the pile body (1), increasing the bottom contact area; Deep anchoring implementation: The movable plate (41) moves down, driving the anchoring drill rod (66) to drill into the depth of the seabed; Upper column locking: The linkage drive insert rod (53) rises, causing the positioning plate (55) to grip the wind turbine column; Step 4: Reinforcement Completed: When the wind turbine column is pressed down to the design elevation, all reinforcement actions are carried out simultaneously to form a stable composite reinforced foundation.

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