Floating crane-free mounting method and recovery method for Spar type fan

Abstract

The invention discloses a floating crane-free mounting method and a floating crane-free recovery method for a Spar type fan, and relates to the field of wind power equipment. The installation method comprises the steps that the Spar type fan complete machine is horizontally fixed to a barge (1), and a ballast tank of a stand column type foundation (31) is located on the outer side of a hinge (12) of the barge (1) and is in a suspended state; after the wind turbine tower (32) is transported to the target sea area, the fixed connection between the wind turbine tower (32) and the barge (1) is removed, and the rocker arm (11) is unlocked; ballasting operation is conducted on the ballast tank, so that the Spar type draught fan rotates with a hinge (12) as a fulcrum and is straightened to be in a vertical state; and finally, the mooring system is connected, and the remaining fixing devices are detached. The recovery method is reverse operation of the installation method, and the draught fan is put down to be in a horizontal state by conducting load arrangement operation on the ballast tank and is transported back to a wharf to be overhauled. Floating-crane-free installation and recovery of the Spar type draught fan are achieved, the operation cost and risk are remarkably reduced, and the method has the beneficial effects of being low in technical threshold, easy and convenient to operate and high in applicability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wind power equipment, specifically to a method for the non-floating crane installation and recovery of an offshore Spar type wind turbine. Background Technology

[0002] Offshore wind energy is a major trend in new energy development. 80% of wind energy is located in waters deeper than 60 meters. Therefore, floating wind turbines are crucial. Compared to semi-submersible and tension leg turbines, the Spar type wind turbine boasts the lowest manufacturing cost, the lowest technological threshold, and the highest safety factor. Especially in the typhoon-prone South China Sea, the Spar type wind turbine, with its simple mechanical structure and excellent mobility, can minimize the damage from giant waves.

[0003] The Spar wind turbine is a relatively niche technology due to the significant challenges in its transportation, installation, and recovery. A Spar wind turbine is a slender cylindrical structure, reaching up to 300 meters in length, with an average diameter of approximately 10 meters and a draft exceeding 80 meters. Therefore, ordinary wharves in shallow waters are insufficient for erecting Spar turbines. They must be installed and transported horizontally and then erected in deep water. Norway's ability to commercially utilize Spar turbines is primarily due to its world-unique deep-water wharf, which allows for the erection and assembly of Spar turbines at the wharf, followed by wet towing to their destination.

[0004] China's ports are located in shallow waters, meaning Spar-type wind turbine components must be transported to deep-sea areas for assembly. However, assembling Spar-type wind turbines in deep-sea areas is high-risk and costly. Both the floating cranes and the Spar-type floating foundations sway with the waves, making it difficult to connect and install turbine components. This also makes returning Spar-type wind turbines to shore for repairs challenging. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a method for installing and recovering Spar-type wind turbines at sea without the need for floating cranes.

[0005] If the installation and recovery costs of Spar-type wind turbines can approach those of semi-submersible wind turbines, then Spar-type wind turbines will no longer have the disadvantage of low engineering costs. Consequently, their advantages in all aspects are expected to surpass those of semi-submersible wind turbines and tension leg wind turbines, making them the most commercially valuable type of floating wind turbine.

[0006] Application No. 2018105240442 describes a process for assisted transport and installation of Spar-type offshore wind turbine floating foundations using a barge, and also develops a method for installing Spar-type wind turbines without a floating crane. The barge used in this technical solution can tilt at a 90-degree angle, while existing barges typically only allow a 10-degree tilt. The barge in this patent is specially customized, which increases operating costs. Currently, no such barge has been built in the world. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a technical solution that can install Spar-type wind turbines using ordinary barges without a floating crane. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The main objective of this invention is to provide a floating-lift-free installation method for Spar type wind turbines, aiming to solve the technical problems of high operating costs and high operating risks in the existing floating installation process of Spar type wind turbines.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this invention provides a non-floating crane installation method for Spar-type wind turbines. The method involves horizontally loading the entire turbine onto a barge and transporting it to the target sea area. Ballast adjustment is then used to allow the Spar-type wind turbine to self-align using the barge's rocker arm as a fulcrum, thus completing the installation. Specifically, the installation method includes the following steps: completing the overall assembly of the wind turbine unit and the column-type foundation to form the complete Spar-type wind turbine; fixing the wind turbine tower to the wind turbine base using a transport fixing device, and fixing the column-type foundation to the foundation base using the same device; locking the barge's rocker arm; transporting the entire Spar-type wind turbine onto the barge, with the wind turbine tower positioned at the bow of the barge and the column-type foundation at the stern, and the ballast tank portion of the column-type foundation suspended outside the barge's hinge. The process involves: securing the foundation base to the rocker arm using a transport securing device; securing the wind turbine base to the barge deck using the same device; transporting the Spar wind turbine to the target sea area via the barge; removing the transport securing device between the wind turbine tower and the wind turbine base, and unlocking the barge's rocker arm; ballasting the ballast tanks of the column foundation to allow the Spar wind turbine to rotate and straighten to a vertical position using the hinge as a fulcrum; connecting the straightened Spar wind turbine to the pre-installed mooring system, and removing the transport securing device between the column foundation and the foundation base.

[0009] Furthermore, the ballast of the barge can be adjusted during the righting step to help the column foundation reach the preset waterline position.

[0010] Furthermore, during the operation of horizontally fixing the Spar wind turbine to the barge, a small barge can be used to assist in supporting the ballast tank of the column foundation, and the small barge can be removed before unlocking the barge's rocker arm.

[0011] Furthermore, the operation of horizontally fixing the Spar wind turbine to the barge can be achieved by connecting the dock transport rail and the barge transport rail, thus moving the Spar wind turbine from the dock to the barge.

[0012] Furthermore, the steps for fixing the column foundation to the foundation base may also include fixing the sling frame to the foundation base; connecting and fixing the top of the sling frame to the wind turbine tower and the column foundation respectively with slings to provide auxiliary support; and removing the sling connections between the wind turbine tower, the column foundation and the sling frame respectively before removing the transport fixing device between the column foundation and the foundation base.

[0013] The present invention also provides a method for recovering Spar type wind turbines without floating cranes, which is used to recover Spar type wind turbines installed by the above installation method. By reversing the operation process of the installation method, the Spar type wind turbines that have been righted at sea are laid down to a horizontal state and loaded onto a barge, and then transported back to the dock for inspection or dismantling. Specifically, the recovery method includes the following steps: securing the foundation base to the rocker arm using a transport securing device, and simultaneously securing the turbine base to the barge deck; moving the barge to the vicinity of the Spar turbine; unlocking the rocker arm to a vertical position, and securing the foundation base to the column foundation using the transport securing device; disconnecting the Spar turbine from the mooring system; unloading the ballast tanks of the column foundation, causing the Spar turbine's center of gravity to gradually shift upwards, slowly rotating it around the hinge as a fulcrum, and lowering it from a vertical position to a horizontal position; locking the rocker arm and securing the turbine tower to the turbine base using the transport securing device; transporting the horizontally positioned Spar turbine back to the dock by the barge; unloading the Spar turbine from the barge at the dock for subsequent maintenance.

[0014] Furthermore, in the step of fixing the Spar type wind turbine base and foundation base to the barge, the sling frame is fixedly connected to the foundation base; the top of the sling frame is connected and fixed to the wind turbine tower and column foundation respectively by slings; after the Spar type wind turbine is transported back to the dock as a whole, the sling connections between the wind turbine tower, column foundation and sling frame are removed respectively.

[0015] Furthermore, in the step of transporting the horizontally positioned Spar wind turbine back to the dock, small barges can be used to assist in supporting the ballast tanks of the column foundation.

[0016] Furthermore, the unloading of the Spar wind turbine from the barge can be achieved by horizontal movement between the dock transport rail and the barge transport rail, or by lifting with a crane.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the technical solution of the present invention are as follows: (1) Low technical threshold, low operational risk, and low operating cost. This invention achieves installation without a floating crane by floating the entire assembly and righting it at sea, effectively avoiding the high risks and high costs associated with offshore floating crane operations. The overall implementation method is simple and has significant technical feasibility and economic advantages. (2) Convenient recycling operation. Existing Spar-type wind turbine installation schemes rarely consider the equipment recycling process. After several years of operation, it is a routine procedure for offshore wind turbines to be brought back to shore for major overhauls. The recycling method provided by this invention has the advantages of low technical threshold, low operational risk, and low operating cost, realizing closed-loop management of the entire life cycle of Spar-type wind turbines from commissioning to recycling. The convenient and low-cost recycling method eliminates concerns about the commercial application of Spar-type wind turbines. Attached Figure Description

[0018] 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 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.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the floating process of the Spar type wind turbine; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the component disassembly during the floating process of the Spar type wind turbine; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the floating process of the Spar type wind turbine; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the straightening process of a Spar type wind turbine; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the Spar type fan after it has been straightened. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the Spar type blower completing independent floating; Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the floating process of a SPAR type wind turbine without slings; Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the straightening process of a Spar type wind turbine without slings; Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a Spar type wind turbine without slings after it has been uprighted. Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a Spar-type wind turbine without slings achieving independent floating.

[0020] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings for the installation method of the Spar type wind turbine of the present invention are: barge 1, small barge 10, rocker arm 11, hinge 12, foundation base 2, wind turbine base 20, sling frame 21, sling 22, column foundation 31, wind turbine tower 32, and transport fixing device 33. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0022] It should be noted that the transport fixing device includes, but is not limited to, structures such as binding components, support frames, or limiting blocks, and its connection method can be welding or high-strength bolt connection. The specific selection and connection method can be formulated according to the existing technology, and will not be elaborated here.

[0023] The technical solution of this invention aims to achieve floating crane-free installation and retrieval of Spar type wind turbines, but this does not mean that the possibility of floating cranes participating in the operation is completely excluded. In some application scenarios, floating cranes can be combined with the solution of this invention as auxiliary equipment to further optimize the operation process. Example 1

[0024] This embodiment provides a method for installing a Spar type wind turbine without floating hoisting, including the following steps: Step S10, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 7 Complete the overall assembly of the wind turbine unit and the column foundation 31 to form the Spar type wind turbine unit; Step S20, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 7 The wind turbine tower 32 is fixedly connected to the wind turbine base 20 by the transport fixing device 33, and the column foundation 31 is fixedly connected to the foundation base 2 by the transport fixing device 33. Step S30, take Figure 1 , Figure 7 Lock the rocker arm 11 of barge 1; transport the Spar type wind turbine as a whole onto barge 1, and position the wind turbine tower 32 at the bow of barge 1 and the column foundation 31 at the stern of barge 1; the ballast tank part of the column foundation 31 is located outside the hinge 12 of barge 1 and is suspended in the air. Step S40, take Figure 1 , Figure 7The base 2 is fixedly connected to the rocker arm 11 by means of a transport fixing device, and the wind turbine base 20 is fixed to the deck of the barge 1 by means of a transport fixing device. Step S50: Barge 1 transports the Spar wind turbine to the predetermined target sea area; Step S60: Remove the transport fixing device 33 between the wind turbine tower 32 and the wind turbine base 20, and unlock the rocker arm 11 of the barge 1; Step S70, refer to Figures 8-9 Ballasting operations are performed on the ballast tank of the column foundation 31, so that the Spar type wind turbine can slowly rotate with hinge 12 as the fulcrum to achieve the self-righting process. Step S80, refer to Figure 10 Connect the Spar type wind turbine to the pre-installed mooring system and remove the transport fixing device 33 between the column foundation 31 and the foundation base 2.

[0025] It should be noted that the self-righting of the Spar-type wind turbine in step S70 is based on the lever principle. Since the ballast tank of the column foundation 31 is located outside the hinge 12 of the barge 1 and is suspended in the air, when ballast operations (such as water injection) are carried out in the ballast tank, the overall center of gravity of the Spar-type wind turbine gradually shifts towards the ballast tank of the column foundation 31, causing the Spar-type wind turbine to slowly rotate around the hinge 12 as a fulcrum, ultimately completing self-righting. During this process, the hinge 12 only bears part of the wind turbine's weight; the remaining weight is balanced by the wind turbine's own buoyancy. Example 2

[0026] This embodiment is basically the same as Embodiment 1, except that: step S70 further includes step A11: Step A11: Refer to Figure 4 Adjust the ballast of barge 1 to assist the column foundation 31 in reaching the preset waterline position.

[0027] It should be noted that the preset waterline position is determined by simulation based on the structural parameters and weight distribution of the Spar type wind turbine, using existing calculation methods, to ensure that the wind turbine can float stably on the sea surface.

[0028] It should be noted that during the self-righting process in step S70, the column-type foundation 31 and the foundation base 2 remain fixedly connected. When the column-type foundation 31 descends below the sea surface, the foundation base 2 located on the barge 1 may restrict its further descent. By adjusting the ballast of the barge 1, the foundation base 2 can be raised or lowered accordingly, thereby coordinating with the launching action of the column-type foundation 31 and reaching the preset waterline position. Step A11 is not a necessary step. If the connection position of the column-type foundation 31 on the foundation base 2 is determined by precise calculation, the preset waterline position can be achieved directly through step S70 without adjusting the barge ballast. Example 3

[0029] This embodiment is basically the same as embodiment 1 or 2, except that: step S40 further includes step B11, and step S60 further includes step B12. Step B11: Reference Figure 3 A small barge 10 is used to assist in carrying the ballast tank of the column foundation 31. The ballast tank is fixedly connected to the deck of the small barge 10 by a transport fixing device 33. Step B12: Remove the transport anchorage 33 between the ballast tank of the column foundation 31 and the small barge 10, and remove the small barge 10.

[0030] It should be noted that by adding small barges 10 to provide additional support for ballast tanks, the wind turbine's attitude can be better controlled during transportation, reducing the bending moment and shear stress of the column foundation 31, and further improving transportation stability. Example 4

[0031] This embodiment is basically the same as embodiments 1, 2 or 3, except that the operation of transporting the Spar type wind turbine to the barge 1 in step S30 further includes steps C11 and C12: Step C11: Connect the dock transport rail and the barge transport rail; Step C12: Move the Spar type wind turbine onto barge 1 via the dock transport rail and barge transport rail. Example 5

[0032] This embodiment is basically the same as Embodiments 1, 2, 3 or 4, except that: the operation of fixing the Spar type fan in step S20 further includes steps D11 to D12, and the operation of removing the transport fixing device in step S80 further includes steps E11 and E12. Step D11: Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 The sling frame 21 is fixedly connected to the foundation base 2; Step D12: Reference Figures 1-5 Use slings 22 to connect and fix the top of the sling frame 21 to the wind turbine tower 32; use slings 22 to connect and fix the top of the sling frame 21 to the column foundation 31; Step E11: Reference Figure 6 Remove the sling connection between the sling frame 21 and the wind turbine tower 32; Step E12: Reference Figure 6 Remove the sling connection between the sling frame 21 and the column foundation 31.

[0033] It should be noted that by setting up the sling frame 21 and sling 22, auxiliary support can be provided for the column foundation 31 and the wind turbine tower 32 during the straightening process, further improving the safety of the operation. Example 6

[0034] This embodiment provides a method for the non-floating hoist recovery of a Spar type wind turbine. This method is the reverse operation of the installation method described in Embodiment 1, and includes the following steps: Step F10, refer to Figure 10 The foundation base 2 is fixedly connected to the rocker arm 11 by the transport fixing device 33, and the wind turbine base 20 is fixedly connected to the deck of the barge 1, and the barge 1 is moved to the vicinity of the Spar type wind turbine. Step F20, refer to Figure 9 Unlock the rocker arm 11 to make it vertical; fix the base base 2 to the column base 31 using the transport fixing device 33; Step F30: Disconnect the Spar type blower from the mooring system; Step F40, refer to Figure 8 The ballast tank of the Spar type wind turbine is unloaded, so that the center of gravity of the Spar type wind turbine gradually shifts upward and slowly rotates with hinge 12 as the fulcrum, from the vertical upright state to the horizontal state. Step F50, refer to Figure 7 Lock the rocker arm 11 and fix the wind turbine tower 32 to the wind turbine base 20 by means of transport fixing device 33; Step F60: Barge 1 will transport the horizontally positioned Spar wind turbine back to the dock. Step F70: Unload the Spar type wind turbine from barge 1 at the dock for subsequent maintenance or dismantling operations. Example 7

[0035] This embodiment is basically the same as embodiment 6, except that: the operation of fixing the Spar type fan in step F10 further includes steps G11 to G12, and the operation of removing the transport fixing device in step F70 further includes steps H11 to H12. Step G11: Refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 The sling frame 21 is fixedly connected to the foundation base 2; Step G12: Reference Figures 1-5 Use slings 22 to connect and fix the top of the sling frame 21 to the wind turbine tower 32; use slings 22 to connect and fix the top of the sling frame 21 to the column foundation 31; Step H11: Reference Figure 6Remove the cable connection between the cable support frame 21 and the wind turbine tower 32; remove the cable connection between the cable support frame 21 and the column foundation 31; Step H12: Remove the transport fixing device 33 between the wind turbine tower 32 and the wind turbine base 20, and remove the transport fixing device 33 between the foundation base 2 and the column foundation 31. Example 8

[0036] This embodiment is basically the same as embodiment 6 or 7, except that step F60 further includes step P11: Step P11: Reference Figure 3 A small barge 10 is used to assist in supporting the ballast tank of the column foundation 31. The ballast tank is fixedly connected to the deck of the small barge 10 by a transport fixing device 33. Example 9

[0037] This embodiment is basically the same as embodiments 6, 7, or 8, except that the operation of unloading the Spar type wind turbine from barge 1 in step F70 further includes steps J11 and J12: Step J11: Connect the dock transport rail and the barge transport rail; Step J12: Move the Spar type wind turbine from barge 1 to the dock via the dock transport rail and barge transport rail. Example 10

[0038] This embodiment is basically the same as embodiments 6, 7, or 8, except that the operation of unloading the Spar type wind turbine from barge 1 in step F70 further includes step K11: Step K11: Use a crane to lift the components of the Spar type wind turbine one by one from barge 1 to the dock for maintenance.

Claims

1. A method for non-floating installation of a Spar type fan, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Complete the overall assembly of the wind turbine unit and the column foundation (31) to form the Spar type wind turbine unit; The wind turbine tower (32) is fixedly connected to the wind turbine base (20) by the transport fixing device (33), and the column foundation (31) is fixedly connected to the foundation base (2) by the transport fixing device (33). Lock the rocker arm (11) of the barge (1); transport the Spar wind turbine as a whole to the barge (1), and position the wind turbine tower (32) at the bow of the barge (1), the column foundation (31) at the stern of the barge (1), and the ballast tank of the column foundation (31) is located outside the hinge (12) of the barge (1) in a suspended state; The base base (2) is fixedly connected to the rocker arm (11) by means of a transport fixing device, and the wind turbine base (20) is fixed to the deck of the barge (1) by means of a transport fixing device; The Spar wind turbines were transported to the target sea area by barge (1); Remove the transport fixing device (33) between the wind turbine tower (32) and the wind turbine base (20), and unlock the rocker arm (11) of the barge (1). Ballasting operations were performed on the ballast tank of the column foundation (31) to rotate the Spar type wind turbine to a vertical position with the hinge (12) as the fulcrum. Connect the upright Spar type wind turbine to the pre-installed mooring system; remove the transport fixing device (33) between the column foundation (31) and the foundation base (2).

2. The non-floating installation method for the Spar type fan according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of rotating the Spar type wind turbine to a vertical position with the hinge (12) as the fulcrum further includes: adjusting the ballast of the barge (1) to assist the column foundation (31) to reach the preset waterline position.

3. The non-floating installation method for the Spar type fan according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operation steps for securing the Spar type wind turbine to the barge (1) further include: using a small barge (10) to assist in carrying the ballast tank of the column foundation (31), the ballast tank being fixedly connected to the deck of the small barge (10) by a transport fixing device (33); before unlocking the rocker arm (11) of the barge (1), removing the transport fixing device (33) between the ballast tank and the small barge (10) and removing the small barge (10).

4. The non-floating installation method for the Spar type fan according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steps for horizontally fixing the Spar type wind turbine to the barge (1) include: moving the Spar type wind turbine from the dock to the barge (1) by connecting the dock transport track and the barge transport track.

5. The non-floating installation method for the Spar type fan according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The operation steps of fixing the column foundation (31) to the foundation base (2) further include: fixing the sling frame (21) to the foundation base (2); connecting and fixing the top of the sling frame (21) to the wind turbine tower (32) and the column foundation (31) respectively by slings (22); and removing the sling connection between the wind turbine tower (32), the column foundation (31) and the sling frame (21) before removing the transport fixing device (33) between the column foundation (31) and the foundation base (2).

6. A method for recovering a Spar type wind turbine without floating crane, used for recovering a Spar type wind turbine installed according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The base base (2) is fixedly connected to the rocker arm (11) by the transport fixing device (33), and the wind turbine base (20) is fixedly connected to the deck of the barge (1); the barge (1) is moved to the vicinity of the Spar wind turbine; Unlock the rocker arm (11) so that the rocker arm (11) is in a vertical position, and fix the base base (2) to the column base (31) through the transport fixing device (33). Disconnect the Spar type blower from the mooring system; The ballast tank of the column foundation (31) is unloaded, so that the center of gravity of the Spar wind turbine gradually shifts upward and slowly rotates with the hinge (12) as the fulcrum, from the vertical upright state to the horizontal state. Lock the rocker arm (11) and fix the wind turbine tower (32) to the wind turbine base (20) by means of the transport fixing device (33); The barge (1) transported the Spar wind turbine back to the dock as a whole; The Spar type wind turbine was unloaded from the barge (1) at the dock for subsequent maintenance work.

7. The method for non-floating crane recovery of the Spar type wind turbine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The operation of fixing the Spar type wind turbine to the barge (1) further includes: using a small barge (10) to assist in carrying the ballast tank of the column foundation (31), the ballast tank being fixedly connected to the deck of the small barge (10) by a transport fixing device (33).

8. The method for non-floating crane recovery of the Spar type wind turbine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The operation of unloading the Spar wind turbine from the barge (1) includes: moving the Spar wind turbine from the barge (1) to the dock by connecting the dock transport rail and the barge transport rail.

9. The method for non-floating crane recovery of the Spar type wind turbine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The operation of unloading the Spar type wind turbine from the barge (1) includes: using a crane to lift the components of the Spar type wind turbine from the barge (1) to the dock for maintenance work.

10. The method for non-floating crane recovery of the Spar type wind turbine according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that, In the step of fixing the wind turbine base (20) and the foundation base (2) to the barge (1), the following further includes: fixing the sling frame (21) to the foundation base (2); fixing the top of the sling frame (21) to the wind turbine tower (32) and the column foundation (31) respectively by slings (22); and after the Spar wind turbine is transported back to the dock, removing the sling connections between the wind turbine tower (32), the column foundation (31) and the sling frame (21).

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