Parameterization design and quality analysis integration method and device for offshore floating type fan platform

Abstract

The invention discloses a parameterization design and quality analysis integration method for an offshore floating type fan platform. Establishing a parameterized assembly in SolidWorks, and binding key dimensions such as column spacing, inclination angle and draft depth to an external text configuration file through global variables; constructing a parameter matrix of a plurality of columns of design schemes in Excel; a Python central control platform reads parameters column by column and overwrites a configuration file, an API drives SolidWorks to automatically reconstruct a model, mass, volume, gravity center and rotational inertia are extracted, and the mass, the volume, the gravity center and the rotational inertia are written back to Excel according to an original column sequence to form a'design parameter-quality characteristic 'associated database. Manual intervention is not needed in the whole process, a design-analysis closed loop is achieved, evaluation of nearly hundreds of schemes is completed within a few minutes, and the design efficiency, data accuracy and optimization depth of the floating type platform are remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine engineering technology and is applicable to the rapid optimization design of floating foundation structures such as semi-submersible and column-type structures. Specifically, it relates to an integrated method and apparatus for parametric design and quality analysis of offshore floating wind turbine platforms. Background Technology

[0002] Offshore floating wind power is an important direction for the development of clean energy and a key technological path to achieving the "dual carbon" target. The floating platform, as the supporting foundation for the wind turbine, has a complex design involving multi-parameter coupling, requiring repeated adjustments and verifications of numerous design parameters during the design process. Mass characteristics, including total mass, center of gravity position, moment of inertia, and product of inertia, are key indicators for evaluating the platform's stability, motion response, and structural strength.

[0003] Currently, the mainstream design process has significant bottlenecks: Highly reliant on manual operation: Designers need to manually adjust design parameters, such as column spacing, cross-sectional dimensions, and draft, in 3D modeling software like SolidWorks and CATIA based on experience or preliminary calculations. They then rebuild the model and manually query and record quality attribute data through the software interface. This process is not only highly repetitive and tiring, but also makes it difficult to ensure the consistency of data recording.

[0004] Inefficient iteration: A complete design iteration cycle, including parameter modification, model reconstruction, data extraction, and result recording, typically takes tens of minutes. When exploring hundreds of parameter combinations to find the optimal solution, the time cost of manual methods is prohibitive, severely limiting the design optimization space.

[0005] It is prone to human error: During the switching between software and data transcription, human errors such as incorrect parameter input, misrecording or omission of data can easily occur, leading to unreliable analysis results and even potentially misleading design decisions.

[0006] Lack of process integration and data traceability: There is a lack of automated correlation and traceability mechanisms between design parameters, geometric models, and performance data. When it is necessary to review or compare different solutions, it is difficult to quickly locate the original input parameters corresponding to a specific result.

[0007] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a highly efficient and automated method that can connect parametric design with batch quality analysis to achieve a qualitative leap in design efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address the technical problems of existing design evaluation methods, such as reliance on manual operation and low iteration efficiency, this invention provides an integrated method and apparatus for parametric design and quality analysis of offshore floating wind turbine platforms. This invention enables a closed-loop process from design parameter input, automatic 3D model updating, batch extraction of quality data, to result analysis output, significantly improving the design efficiency and optimization capabilities of offshore floating wind turbine platforms.

[0009] The technical means employed in this invention are as follows: An integrated method for parametric design and quality analysis of offshore floating wind turbine platforms includes the following steps: S1. In 3D modeling software, a parametric assembly model of the floating wind turbine platform is established. The key design parameters that control the main dimensions, component dimensions and layout of the platform are bound to an external text configuration file that is independent of the parametric assembly model file through global variables, so that the geometry of the model is completely driven by the configuration file. S2. Create a structured design parameter matrix in spreadsheet software, with columns representing design schemes and rows representing key design parameters, and predefine multiple sets of design parameter combinations to be evaluated; S3. By calling the spreadsheet interface through the Python central control platform, each group of parameters in the design parameter matrix is ​​read column by column, and the corresponding parameter values ​​in the external text configuration file are overwritten in real time. S4. The Python central control platform automatically starts the 3D modeling software via the API interface, opens the parametric assembly model, forces a reload of the updated configuration file, drives model reconstruction, and generates a new geometric entity corresponding to the current parameter group. S5. After the model reconstruction is completed, the Python central control platform calls the mass attribute calculation module of the 3D modeling software through the same API interface to automatically extract the mass attribute data of the current model. The mass attribute data includes mass, volume, center of gravity coordinates and moment of inertia. The S6 and Python central control platform automatically writes the extracted quality attribute data back to the output area of ​​the spreadsheet software according to the column order that strictly corresponds to the input parameter matrix, forming complete design parameter-quality characteristic correlation data, realizing closed-loop integration of parametric design and quality analysis of floating wind turbine platform.

[0010] Furthermore, the key design parameters for the main dimensions, component dimensions, and layout of the control platform include the platform column spacing, column inclination angle, side column cross-sectional dimensions, and draft.

[0011] Furthermore, the external text configuration file is stored in a line-by-line format of "parameter name=value" and establishes a one-way reference relationship with the equations or global variable manager of the 3D modeling software to achieve parameter-driven operation.

[0012] Furthermore, the Python central control platform establishes a connection with the 3D modeling software process through the win32com library, and completes model opening, reconstruction, and quality attribute extraction operations through open APIs.

[0013] Furthermore, the spreadsheet software is Microsoft Excel, and the Python central control platform uses openpyxl to read and write the design parameter matrix and output area, while maintaining a one-to-one correspondence between the input columns and the output columns.

[0014] This invention also discloses an integrated device for parametric design and quality analysis of offshore floating wind turbine platforms, used to implement the method described in any one of the above, comprising: The parametric model module is used to create a parametric assembly model of a floating wind turbine platform in 3D modeling software. It binds key design parameters that control the platform's main dimensions, component dimensions, and layout to an external text configuration file that is independent of the model file through global variables, so that the model's geometry is completely driven by the configuration file. The parameter management module is used to create a structured design parameter matrix in spreadsheet software, with columns representing design schemes and rows representing key design parameters, and predefined multiple sets of parameter combinations to be evaluated; The central control and scheduling module, built using Python, is used for: On one hand, the spreadsheet interface is called to read each group of parameters in the design parameter matrix column by column, and the corresponding parameter values ​​in the external text configuration file are overwritten in real time. On one hand, the 3D modeling software is automatically launched via the API interface, the parametric assembly is opened, the updated configuration file is forcibly reloaded, the model is rebuilt, and a new geometric entity corresponding to the current parameter set is generated. On the one hand, after the model reconstruction is completed, the mass attribute calculation module of the 3D modeling software is called through the same API interface to automatically extract the current model's mass, volume, center of gravity coordinates, and moment of inertia dataset. On the other hand, the extracted quality attribute data is automatically written back to the output area of ​​the spreadsheet software in a column order that strictly corresponds to the input parameter matrix, forming a complete design parameter-quality characteristic association database. The results output and analysis module is used to receive and display the associated database, realizing a closed-loop integration of parametric design and quality analysis of the floating wind turbine platform.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: 1. This application seamlessly integrates Excel's parameter management capabilities with SolidWorks' modeling and analysis capabilities using Python scripts, achieving full-chain automation of "parameter input → model update → data extraction → result output," compressing manual work that previously took hours or even days to complete in minutes. This results in an order-of-magnitude improvement in design iteration efficiency, making it possible to rapidly explore a vast design space.

[0016] 2. The entire process of this application is precisely controlled by the program, completely eliminating any errors that may be introduced by manual operation in software switching, data input, and result transcription. This ensures a strict, reliable, and traceable correspondence between the original design parameters and the final quality characteristic results, greatly improving the credibility of the design data.

[0017] 3. This application supports the automatic generation and evaluation of a large number of design schemes, which greatly expands the exploration space of design parameters, provides strong data support for rapid optimization, and significantly improves the design quality and efficiency of floating platforms.

[0018] 4. This application adopts a modular system architecture design. The central control platform, Python, serves as the bus, which can relatively easily connect to other professional software or expand new functional modules. In the future, it can be developed into an integrated platform covering the entire life cycle design of floating wind turbines. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the execution of an integrated parametric design and quality analysis method for an offshore floating wind turbine platform, as described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a parametric assembly model created in SolidWorks in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, this invention provides an integrated method for parametric design and quality analysis of offshore floating wind turbine platforms. The core of this method is to automate the parametric design and quality analysis of the wind turbine platform by using Python to drive SolidWorks and Excel. The implementation of the Python control platform specifically includes the following steps: S0. System Initialization and Operating Environment Configuration. Before implementing this invention, the necessary software and operating environment must be configured to ensure normal communication and collaboration between modules. This includes: using Microsoft Windows 7 or later operating system; installing and ensuring the application programming interface (API) functionality of SolidWorks 3D design software (version 2023) is available; installing Microsoft Excel office software; and installing the Python interpreter and its necessary third-party extension libraries, especially the communication interface library for controlling Windows applications and the library for manipulating Excel files.

[0025] Taking a typical IHP semi-submersible floating wind turbine platform as an example, the process of constructing a parametric model mainly includes: S1. In 3D modeling software, a parametric assembly model of the floating wind turbine platform is created. The key design parameters that control the main dimensions, component dimensions and layout of the platform are bound to an external text configuration file that is independent of the parametric assembly model file through global variables, so that the geometry of the model is completely driven by the configuration file.

[0026] First, complete the model creation and key parameter definition. Create a new assembly file in SolidWorks, and sequentially create or insert sub-components representing the central column, three side columns, and the horizontal and diagonal braces connecting the columns. Identify and define design parameters that have a decisive impact on the platform's quality characteristics, stability, and structural strength; these parameters will serve as variables for subsequent automated process optimization. In this embodiment, the defined key design parameters include: the distance from the center of the side columns to the center of the platform (column spacing), the outward tilt angle of the side columns relative to the vertical direction, the platform's draft, and the cross-sectional dimensions of the side columns.

[0027] In SolidWorks, use the "Equations" or "Global Variables" feature. Set the parameters defined above as global variables. Then, in the sketch dimensions and feature dimensions (such as extrusion depth and rotation angle) of all relevant sub-parts, directly reference these global variables instead of specific numerical values. In this way, the geometry of the model is completely controlled by this series of global variables.

[0028] Organize and save all the aforementioned global variables and their initial or baseline values ​​into a separate plain text configuration file. This file serves as the data interface between the SolidWorks model and the external control program. To achieve automated updates, a reference relationship must be established between this file and the Equation Manager in SolidWorks. Subsequently, the Python control program reads and parses the contents of this file, and, in conjunction with the new parameters, dynamically updates the global variable values ​​within the model through the SolidWorks application programming interface.

[0029] S2. Create a structured design parameter matrix in spreadsheet software, with columns representing design schemes and rows representing key design parameters, and predefine multiple sets of design parameter combinations to be evaluated.

[0030] S3. By calling the spreadsheet interface through the Python central control platform, each set of parameters in the design parameter matrix is ​​read column by column, and the corresponding parameter values ​​in the external text configuration file are overwritten in real time.

[0031] This step reads multiple sets of design parameter combinations in batches from a pre-set Excel spreadsheet. The workflow is as follows: locate the starting position of the parameter input area in the Excel worksheet; traverse and read each independent parameter value in row or column order; establish a dynamic mapping relationship between the read values ​​(such as column spacing, inclination angle, etc.) and the corresponding parameter names in the parametric model driver file, forming a data structure that can be directly called by the subsequent model update module. This Excel file serves as the parameter input source for the entire automated process.

[0032] The Python central control platform, implemented in Python, is the core of the logic control of this automation system. Its main program logic is a process that cyclically processes each set of design parameters.

[0033] S4. The Python central control platform automatically starts the 3D modeling software via the API interface, opens the parametric assembly model, forces a reload of the updated configuration file, drives model reconstruction, and generates a new geometric entity corresponding to the current parameter group.

[0034] This step automatically locates and opens the specified Excel workbook and worksheet. By calling the spreadsheet operation interface, it extracts multiple sets of parameter values ​​representing different working conditions in sequence according to preset rules (e.g., from specified columns or consecutive rows), and temporarily stores these values ​​in data structures such as lists or dictionaries to provide input for subsequent model updates.

[0035] After acquiring a new set of parameters, this function opens the text configuration file that serves as the model driver source, based on the preset parameter name mapping relationship. It locates the configuration line in the file that matches the parameter name and replaces the original value with the new one, thus updating the model driver source and ensuring that the driving parameters of the 3D model can change synchronously with the input in Excel.

[0036] This step is responsible for establishing a connection with the SolidWorks application and exchanging commands. It first starts or connects to the SolidWorks process through the system-level application programming interface (API) and makes its interface controllable.

[0037] After successfully connecting to SolidWorks and opening the target assembly model, this function accesses its Equation Manager via the SolidWorks application programming interface (API). It first sends a command to the manager to clear existing equations, then reads and parses the updated configuration file. For each valid parameter assignment statement in the configuration file, it adds it back to the manager as a new equation through the API. Once all parameters are updated, it sends a command to SolidWorks to force a model rebuild, driving the software to regenerate the platform's geometry based on the new parameters.

[0038] S5. After the model reconstruction is completed, the Python central control platform calls the mass attribute calculation module of the 3D modeling software through the same API interface to automatically extract the mass attribute data of the current model. The mass attribute data includes mass, volume, center of gravity coordinates and moment of inertia.

[0039] After successful model reconstruction, this function immediately invokes the SolidWorks application programming interface (API) to call its built-in mass property calculation engine. This engine automatically calculates key properties of the current model instance, including volume, mass, center of gravity coordinates in the X, Y, and Z directions, and moments of inertia about the three coordinate axes. This function extracts the raw data from SolidWorks and temporarily stores it in memory variables, preparing for subsequent data output steps.

[0040] The S6 and Python central control platform automatically writes the extracted quality attribute data back to the output area of ​​the spreadsheet software according to the column order that strictly corresponds to the input parameter matrix, forming complete design parameter-quality characteristic correlation data, realizing closed-loop integration of parametric design and quality analysis of floating wind turbine platform.

[0041] It receives raw quality data extracted from SolidWorks and is responsible for its formatting and final output.

[0042] Furthermore, the method includes data preparation and verification steps to ensure that the Excel result file containing the formulas has completed all calculations. To avoid accidentally triggering formula recalculation or changing the original data due to opening the file, this module loads the result file in read-only mode, specifically for reading the final calculated values.

[0043] Locate the preset output area in the specified Excel worksheet. It will write the packaged mass attribute data (including volume, mass, center of gravity coordinates, moment of inertia, etc.) into the corresponding cells of the output area according to the predetermined data structure, ensuring that each set of output data is strictly aligned with the input parameter set in rows or columns, thereby automatically generating a complete "design parameters-mass characteristics" lookup table.

[0044] By encapsulating all the above steps within a specific control function and using a loop control structure (such as a for loop), this method enables automated batch processing of predefined operating conditions. The main control function sequentially iterates through each operating condition number, performing a complete set of operations—parameter reading, file updating, model reconstruction, data extraction, and result writing back—for each number, until all specified operating conditions have been processed. This design allows the system to automatically generate and evaluate hundreds or even thousands of design schemes without manual intervention.

[0045] The following specific application example will further illustrate the solution and effects of the present invention.

[0046] This embodiment is used to perform sensitivity analysis on various parameters of the platform to assess their combined impact on the platform's overall mass and center of gravity. This can be achieved through the modular design and automated process described above.

[0047] First, in the "Parameter Input" worksheet, the designer evenly sets multiple value levels for the four key parameters. Through permutations and combinations, a total of 108 different design schemes are formed.

[0048] Next, run the central control program. The program will automatically connect to SolidWorks and process these 108 sets of parameters in sequence. The console will display the currently processed set number, parameters, and status in real time.

[0049] Finally, after the program finishes running, open the results Excel file. You can see the complete result matrix in the specified worksheet. This table contains 108 columns of data, each column fully recording a set of input parameters and all corresponding output quality attributes.

[0050] Through the modular design and automated processes described above, this invention constructs an automated analysis system, ultimately achieving full automation from parameter modification and model updates to data extraction and analysis. This system frees designers from tedious, repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on higher-level design decisions and optimization, significantly improving design iteration speed and data analysis depth. It provides a powerful tool for the rapid optimization design of complex marine engineering structures, demonstrating significant engineering application value and economic benefits.

[0051] This invention also discloses an integrated device for parametric design and quality analysis of offshore floating wind turbine platforms, used to implement the method described above, including: The parametric model module is used to create a parametric assembly model of a floating wind turbine platform in 3D modeling software. It binds key design parameters that control the platform's main dimensions, component dimensions, and layout to an external text configuration file that is independent of the model file through global variables, so that the model's geometry is completely driven by the configuration file. The parameter management module is used to create a structured design parameter matrix in spreadsheet software, with columns representing design schemes and rows representing key design parameters, and predefined multiple sets of parameter combinations to be evaluated; The central control and scheduling module, built using Python, is used for: On one hand, the spreadsheet interface is called to read each group of parameters in the design parameter matrix column by column, and the corresponding parameter values ​​in the external text configuration file are overwritten in real time. On one hand, the 3D modeling software is automatically launched via the API interface, the parametric assembly is opened, the updated configuration file is forcibly reloaded, the model is rebuilt, and a new geometric entity corresponding to the current parameter set is generated. On the one hand, after the model reconstruction is completed, the mass attribute calculation module of the 3D modeling software is called through the same API interface to automatically extract the current model's mass, volume, center of gravity coordinates, and moment of inertia dataset. On the other hand, the extracted quality attribute data is automatically written back to the output area of ​​the spreadsheet software in a column order that strictly corresponds to the input parameter matrix, forming a complete design parameter-quality characteristic association database. The results output and analysis module is used to receive and display the associated database, realizing a closed-loop integration of parametric design and quality analysis of the floating wind turbine platform.

[0052] Specific examples in this embodiment can be found in the examples described in the above embodiments and optional implementations, and will not be repeated here.

[0053] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A parametric design and quality analysis integrated method for offshore floating wind turbine platforms, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. In 3D modeling software, a parametric assembly model of the floating wind turbine platform is established. The key design parameters that control the main dimensions, component dimensions and layout of the platform are bound to an external text configuration file that is independent of the parametric assembly model file through global variables, so that the geometry of the model is completely driven by the configuration file. S2. Create a structured design parameter matrix in spreadsheet software, with columns representing design schemes and rows representing key design parameters, and predefine multiple sets of design parameter combinations to be evaluated; S3. By calling the spreadsheet interface through the Python central control platform, each group of parameters in the design parameter matrix is ​​read column by column, and the corresponding parameter values ​​in the external text configuration file are overwritten in real time. S4. The Python central control platform automatically starts the 3D modeling software via the API interface, opens the parametric assembly model, forces a reload of the updated configuration file, drives model reconstruction, and generates a new geometric entity corresponding to the current parameter group. S5. After the model reconstruction is completed, the Python central control platform calls the mass attribute calculation module of the 3D modeling software through the same API interface to automatically extract the mass attribute data of the current model. The mass attribute data includes mass, volume, center of gravity coordinates and moment of inertia. The S6 and Python central control platform automatically writes the extracted quality attribute data back to the output area of ​​the spreadsheet software according to the column order that strictly corresponds to the input parameter matrix, forming complete design parameter-quality characteristic correlation data, realizing closed-loop integration of parametric design and quality analysis of floating wind turbine platform.

2. The integrated method for parametric design and quality analysis of a floating offshore wind turbine platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The key design parameters for the main dimensions, component dimensions, and layout of the control platform include the spacing between platform columns, column inclination angle, side column cross-sectional dimensions, and draft.

3. The integrated method for parametric design and quality analysis of a floating offshore wind turbine platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The external text configuration file is stored in a line-by-line format of "parameter name=value" and establishes a one-way reference relationship with the equations or global variable manager of the 3D modeling software to achieve parameter-driven operation.

4. The integrated method for parametric design and quality analysis of a floating offshore wind turbine platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The Python central control platform establishes a connection with the 3D modeling software process through the win32com library and completes model opening, reconstruction, and quality attribute extraction operations through open APIs.

5. The integrated method for parametric design and quality analysis of an offshore floating wind turbine platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spreadsheet software used is Microsoft Excel. The Python central control platform uses openpyxl to read and write the design parameter matrix and output area, and maintains a one-to-one correspondence between the input columns and the output columns.

6. A device integrating parametric design and quality analysis of an offshore floating wind turbine platform, used to implement the method described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, include: The parametric model module is used to create a parametric assembly model of a floating wind turbine platform in 3D modeling software. It binds key design parameters that control the platform's main dimensions, component dimensions, and layout to an external text configuration file that is independent of the model file through global variables, so that the model's geometry is completely driven by the configuration file. The parameter management module is used to create a structured design parameter matrix in spreadsheet software, with columns representing design schemes and rows representing key design parameters, and predefined multiple sets of parameter combinations to be evaluated; The central control and scheduling module, built using Python, is used for: On one hand, the spreadsheet interface is called to read each group of parameters in the design parameter matrix column by column, and the corresponding parameter values ​​in the external text configuration file are overwritten in real time. On one hand, the 3D modeling software is automatically launched via the API interface, the parametric assembly is opened, the updated configuration file is forcibly reloaded, the model is rebuilt, and a new geometric entity corresponding to the current parameter set is generated. On the one hand, after the model reconstruction is completed, the mass attribute calculation module of the 3D modeling software is called through the same API interface to automatically extract the current model's mass, volume, center of gravity coordinates, and moment of inertia dataset. On the other hand, the extracted quality attribute data is automatically written back to the output area of ​​the spreadsheet software in a column order that strictly corresponds to the input parameter matrix, forming a complete design parameter-quality characteristic association database. The results output and analysis module is used to receive and display the associated database, realizing a closed-loop integration of parametric design and quality analysis of the floating wind turbine platform.

Images