Self-powered offshore converter station cooling water self-adaptive discharge management device

Abstract

The invention provides a self-powered offshore converter station cooling water self-adaptive discharge management device which comprises a module valve body, a water level pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an electromagnetic regulating valve, a water turbine power generation unit and a programmable logic controller. The module valve body is in sealed connection with the tail end of a cooling water main discharge pipeline of an offshore converter station and is in direct contact with the marine environment; the water level pressure sensor is arranged outside the module valve body and is electrically connected with the programmable logic controller; the electromagnetic regulating valve, the water turbine power generation unit and the temperature sensor are arranged in an internal water flow channel of the module valve body and are electrically connected with the programmable logic controller; and electric energy output by the water turbine power generation unit provides a working power supply for the programmable logic controller, the water level pressure sensor and the electromagnetic regulating valve. The invention provides a self-powered offshore converter station cooling water self-adaptive discharge management device so as to improve the environmental protection property, economical efficiency and safety of offshore converter station operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine engineering and automation control technology, specifically to a self-powered adaptive discharge management device for cooling water in an offshore converter station. Background Technology

[0002] As offshore wind power expands into deeper waters and with larger capacities, offshore converter stations have become crucial hubs. Core equipment such as converter valves within these stations generate enormous amounts of heat during operation, requiring seawater cooling systems for heat dissipation. Current methods typically involve directly returning the heat-absorbing seawater to the ocean through fixed pipelines. This simple approach is insufficient for addressing the complex marine environment and achieving sophisticated management.

[0003] The shortcomings of existing technologies are mainly reflected in two aspects. First, the discharge system lacks adaptability to dynamic marine environments such as tides. Fixed discharge outlets tend to be too close to the sea surface at low tide, causing the warming cooling water to form a "thermal plume," directly affecting the surface marine ecosystem and posing a risk of thermal pollution. Second, the discharge process lacks intelligent control. The system cannot adjust the discharge flow rate and velocity according to the actual operating load and heat generation of the converter station. The management method is crude, which may not only cause unnecessary physical erosion of marine life but also makes it difficult to achieve optimal discharge efficiency and environmental friendliness.

[0004] Furthermore, in current technologies, if monitoring or control components are configured at the emission outlet, their energy supply relies entirely on the converter station's main power system. This not only increases the overall energy consumption of the platform but also reduces the independence and reliability of this functional module. In summary, the industry urgently needs a new cooling water emission management system capable of intelligently sensing the environment, adaptively adjusting emission behavior, and achieving zero-energy self-sufficiency to address the environmental risks and energy consumption issues inherent in existing technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the problems of existing offshore converter station cooling water discharge methods, such as poor adaptability to the dynamic marine environment, easy generation of marine thermal pollution, lack of intelligent control methods, and reliance on the station's main power supply, which consumes additional energy. The invention provides a self-powered adaptive discharge management device for offshore converter station cooling water, thereby improving the environmental friendliness, economy, and safety of offshore converter station operation.

[0006] This invention provides a self-powered adaptive discharge management device for cooling water in an offshore converter station, comprising a modular valve body, a water level and pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an electromagnetic regulating valve, a turbine generator unit, and a programmable logic controller (PLC). The modular valve body is sealed to the end of the main cooling water discharge pipeline of the offshore converter station and is in direct contact with the marine environment. The water level and pressure sensor is located outside the modular valve body and is electrically connected to the PLC. The electromagnetic regulating valve, the turbine generator unit, and the temperature sensor are all located in the internal water flow channel of the modular valve body and are electrically connected to the PLC. The electrical energy output by the turbine generator unit provides operating power for the PLC, the water level and pressure sensor, and the electromagnetic regulating valve.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the turbine power generation unit is located in the upstream water flow channel of the electromagnetic regulating valve.

[0008] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention: the water level pressure sensor is configured as a hydrostatic liquid level sensor, and the position of the water level pressure sensor on the module valve body ensures that it can be submerged in seawater at any normal tide level.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electromagnetic regulating valve is configured as an electric butterfly valve or a proportional electromagnetic valve.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electric actuator of the electromagnetic regulating valve is electrically connected to the digital or analog output module of the programmable logic controller.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention: the turbine power generation unit is connected to the power management module; the electrical energy output by the turbine power generation unit is processed by the power management module and then provides DC power to the programmable logic controller, water level and pressure sensor and electromagnetic regulating valve, thereby forming an internally self-consistent micro energy system.

[0012] The beneficial effects provided by this invention are as follows:

[0013] This invention can adaptively adjust the discharge flow rate and velocity by monitoring the seawater level in real time. For example, it can reduce the valve opening at low tide to increase the outlet flow rate and jet depth, effectively preventing the formation of a "thermal plume" of high-temperature cooling water on the sea surface, significantly reducing the risk of thermal pollution, and making it more friendly to the marine ecosystem.

[0014] This invention incorporates a water turbine power generation unit, utilizing the kinetic energy inherent in the discharged water flow to generate electricity, providing all the power for the sensing, control, and execution units of the entire device without consuming the valuable grid resources of the converter station. This not only reduces the platform's overall energy consumption but also enables the system to operate independently, ensuring that the management function of the discharge outlet remains effective even in extreme situations such as main power failure within the station.

[0015] This invention employs an industrial-grade, high-reliability programmable logic controller (PLC) as its control core, achieving fully automatic closed-loop control without manual intervention, ensuring stable and reliable operation. The integrated modular design simplifies installation and maintenance processes, reducing overall lifecycle operation and maintenance costs. This system highly integrates environmental sensing, intelligent control, and energy supply, providing innovative technical support for the safe and green operation of offshore converter stations. Attached Figure Description

[0016] 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.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the adaptive discharge management device for cooling water in an offshore converter station provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1-Module valve body; 2-Temperature sensor; 3-Water turbine generator unit; 4-Permanent magnet generator; 5-Power management module; 6-Water level and pressure sensor; 7-Solenoid regulating valve; 8-Programmable logic controller. Detailed Implementation

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] like Figure 1As shown, the present invention provides a self-powered adaptive discharge management device for cooling water in an offshore converter station, which is installed at the end of the main discharge pipeline of the converter station's cooling water. It includes an integrated modular valve body 1, a water level and pressure sensor 6, a temperature sensor 2, an electromagnetic regulating valve 7, a turbine generator unit 3, and a programmable logic controller 8. The modular valve body 1 is sealed to the end of the main discharge pipeline of the offshore converter station's cooling water and is in direct contact with the marine environment. Specifically, the modular valve body 1 has an inlet connected to the main discharge pipeline of the cooling water and an outlet facing the ocean, and a water flow channel is formed inside. The water level and pressure sensor 6 is installed on the outer wall of the modular valve body 1. The detection end of the water level and pressure sensor 6 is used to monitor the seawater level outside the valve body in real time, and its signal output end is electrically connected to the input end of the programmable logic controller 8. The electromagnetic regulating valve 7, the turbine generator unit 3, and the temperature sensor 2 are all installed in the internal water flow channel of the modular valve body 1 and are electrically connected to the programmable logic controller 8. The electromagnetic regulating valve 7 is used to adjust the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the water flow channel, and its control end is electrically connected to the output end of the programmable logic controller 8. The programmable logic controller 8 outputs a control signal to precisely adjust its valve opening. The turbine generator unit 3 is installed in the upstream water flow channel of the electromagnetic regulating valve 7. Its impeller rotates under the impact of the discharged cooling water flow, converting the kinetic energy of the water flow into electrical energy. The electrical energy output by the turbine generator unit 3 provides working power for the programmable logic controller 8, the water level and pressure sensor 6, and the electromagnetic regulating valve 7.

[0022] Specifically, temperature sensor 2 is used to monitor the temperature of the cooling water flowing through the module valve body 1 and transmits the temperature data to programmable logic controller 8. This temperature data directly reflects the current operating load and heat generation level of the converter station. In addition to serving as a power source, the turbine generator unit 3 also connects its generator voltage or frequency signal to programmable logic controller 8 as reference data to help determine the current flow rate in the pipeline (i.e., the operating frequency of the converter station cooling pump).

[0023] In this embodiment, the turbine power generation unit 3 consists of a miniature axial flow turbine and a permanent magnet generator 4, which is installed in the upstream water flow channel of the electromagnetic regulating valve 7. Its design aims to efficiently convert the kinetic energy of the water flow while minimizing the resistance to the water flow.

[0024] In this embodiment, the module valve body 1 is preferably made of 316L stainless steel or high-strength composite material that is resistant to seawater corrosion, and its inlet end is provided with a standard flange for sealing connection with the main discharge pipeline of the converter station.

[0025] The water level pressure sensor 6 is a hydrostatic level sensor, and its installation position on the module valve body 1 ensures that it can be submerged in seawater at any normal tide level. This sensor accurately measures the water pressure at the depth of its probe and transmits this water pressure signal (e.g., converted into a 4-20mA standard current signal) in real time to the analog input module of the programmable logic controller 8. The programmable logic controller 8 can then calculate the real-time seawater level based on this signal.

[0026] The electromagnetic regulating valve 7 is configured as a waterproof, low-power electric butterfly valve or a proportional electromagnetic valve.

[0027] The electric actuator of the electromagnetic regulating valve 7 is electrically connected to the digital or analog output module of the programmable logic controller 8. The programmable logic controller 8 can steplessly or in multiple stages control the valve opening by outputting PWM signals or standard voltage / current signals, thereby precisely regulating the discharge flow rate and outlet velocity of the cooling water.

[0028] The power output terminal of the turbine generator unit 3 is connected to the power management module 5; the AC power generated by the turbine generator unit 3 is rectified, filtered and stabilized by the power management module 5 to provide a stable DC power supply for the programmable logic controller 8, the water level and pressure sensor 6 and the electromagnetic regulating valve 7, thereby forming an internally self-consistent micro energy system.

[0029] In this embodiment, to cope with water flow fluctuations, the power management module 5 can also integrate a supercapacitor for instantaneous energy storage and power buffering.

[0030] The programmable logic controller 8 (PLC) serves as the control core of the device. It can calculate the optimal valve opening command under the current operating conditions based on the real-time liquid level data received from the water level and pressure sensor 6, and send it to the electromagnetic regulating valve 7 for execution, thereby realizing closed-loop adaptive control of the discharged heat flow.

[0031] A self-powered adaptive discharge management method for cooling water in an offshore converter station, employing any of the self-powered adaptive discharge management devices for cooling water in offshore converter stations described above, the method comprising the following steps:

[0032] S1. The converter station continuously draws high-temperature cooling water that has absorbed the heat of the equipment into the module valve body 1 via the main cooling water discharge pipe.

[0033] S2. When the high-temperature cooling water passes through the water flow channel inside the module valve body 1, its kinetic energy impacts the impeller of the turbine power generation unit 3, causing it to rotate and generate electricity. The electrical energy generated by the turbine power generation unit 3 is processed by the power management module 5 and then provides DC power to the programmable logic controller 8, water level and pressure sensor 6 and electromagnetic regulating valve 7. The device starts up and enters a continuous working state.

[0034] S3. The water level and pressure sensor 6, which is installed outside the module valve body 1, continuously monitors the seawater pressure, and the temperature sensor 2 continuously monitors the discharge water temperature of the cooling water and transmits the real-time data to the programmable logic controller 8. The programmable logic controller 8 reads the turbine speed signal at the same time.

[0035] S4. Based on the received water level data, cooling water temperature data, and the rotational speed signal of the turbine generator unit 3, the programmable logic controller 8 makes a comprehensive judgment on the current operating condition and executes the following hierarchical control strategy:

[0036] At low tide, when the seawater level detected by the water level pressure sensor 6 is below the preset low tide safety threshold, the system will prioritize the implementation of environmentally friendly strategies. To effectively prevent high-temperature cooling water from accumulating on the sea surface and forming a "heat plume," the programmable logic controller 8 will output a control signal to reduce the valve opening of the electromagnetic regulating valve 7. Although this adjustment may slightly increase the back pressure in the pipeline, it can significantly improve the jet velocity and jet depth of the cooling water outlet, thereby promoting the rapid diffusion and mixing of heat in the deep seawater for cooling.

[0037] At normal tide levels, when the seawater level is within the normal operating range (i.e., between the low tide safety threshold and the high tide threshold), the system enters a load adaptive mode. The programmable logic controller (PLC) 8 finely adjusts the discharge behavior based on the real-time cooling water temperature and turbine speed signals: 1. When under high load heat generation (high water temperature or large flow rate): To ensure efficient operation of the converter station's heat dissipation system, the PLC 8 controls the electromagnetic regulating valve 7 to a larger opening to minimize discharge resistance. This aims to quickly dissipate heat and prevent heat accumulation within the station. 2. When under low load operation (low water temperature and small flow rate): While meeting basic heat dissipation requirements, the PLC 8 controls the electromagnetic regulating valve 7 to a medium opening, implementing moderate throttling. Adjusting the valve opening has two benefits: firstly, it maintains a certain pressure upstream of the valve, ensuring that the turbine generator unit 3 operates within its efficient power generation speed range, guaranteeing the system's self-powered power supply; secondly, it avoids excessively high discharge velocity at low heat loads, preventing unnecessary physical erosion of the marine biological community near the discharge outlet.

[0038] At extremely high tide, when the seawater level is detected to reach or exceed the preset high tide threshold, the system executes a minimum back pressure strategy. The programmable logic controller 8 controls the electromagnetic regulating valve 7 to fully open, so as to minimize the flow resistance of the discharge pipe and ensure smooth drainage and safe operation of the converter station cooling system.

[0039] Based on the description and accompanying drawings of this invention, those skilled in the art can easily manufacture or use the self-powered adaptive discharge management device for cooling water in offshore converter stations according to this invention, and can achieve the positive effects described in this invention.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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 self-powered adaptive discharge management device for cooling water in an offshore converter station, characterized in that: The system includes a modular valve body, a water level and pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an electromagnetic regulating valve, a turbine generator unit, and a programmable logic controller (PLC). The modular valve body is sealed to the end of the main cooling water discharge pipe of the offshore converter station and is in direct contact with the marine environment. The water level and pressure sensor is located outside the modular valve body and is electrically connected to the PLC. The electromagnetic regulating valve, the turbine generator unit, and the temperature sensor are all located in the internal water flow channel of the modular valve body and are electrically connected to the PLC. The electrical energy output by the turbine generator unit provides power to the PLC, the water level and pressure sensor, and the electromagnetic regulating valve.

2. The self-powered offshore converter station cooling water adaptive discharge management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The turbine power generation unit is located in the upstream water flow channel of the electromagnetic regulating valve.

3. The self-powered offshore converter station cooling water adaptive discharge management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water level pressure sensor is configured as a hydrostatic liquid level sensor, and the position of the water level pressure sensor on the module valve body ensures that it can be submerged in seawater at any normal tide level.

4. The self-powered offshore converter station cooling water adaptive discharge management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electromagnetic regulating valve is configured as an electric butterfly valve or a proportional solenoid valve.

5. The self-powered offshore converter station cooling water adaptive discharge management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electric actuator of the electromagnetic regulating valve is electrically connected to the digital or analog output module of the programmable logic controller.

6. The self-powered offshore converter station cooling water adaptive discharge management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The turbine power generation unit is connected to the power management module; the electrical energy output by the turbine power generation unit is processed by the power management module and then provides DC power to the programmable logic controller, water level and pressure sensor and electromagnetic regulating valve, thereby forming an internally self-consistent micro energy system.

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