A buoyancy adjustment system and method for a tension leg platform

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of offshore wind power generation, in particular to a buoyancy adjusting system and method suitable for a tension leg platform. The system comprises a tension leg platform and a plurality of buoyancy adjusting components. The buoyancy adjusting component comprises a rigid outer wall, a flexible inner wall, a plurality of bionic contraction units, a flow guide unit, a central control unit and an inclination measuring unit. The flexible inner wall is nested on the inner side of the rigid outer wall, and a water cabin is formed inside. The inclination measuring unit is used for detecting the inclination angle of the water cabin corresponding direction. The plurality of bionic contraction units are arranged inside the water cabin and are used for being contracted or expanded under the control of the central control unit. The central control unit is used for controlling the water filling state or the water discharging state of the flow guide unit and the contraction state or the expansion state of the bionic contraction unit according to the inclination angle. The above technical scheme can improve the response speed and the adjusting precision of the tension leg platform buoyancy adjustment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of offshore wind power technology, and in particular to a buoyancy adjustment system and method suitable for tension leg platforms. Background Technology

[0002] Tension leg platforms are crucial equipment in the offshore wind power sector. In complex marine environments, they are prone to rolling, pitching, and other tilting behaviors under the influence of wind, waves, and currents, affecting the platform's operational stability and safety. Therefore, timely adjustments to the buoyancy and attitude of the tension leg platform are essential for its safety and operational stability.

[0003] In existing technologies, a ballast water tank structure is set below the tension leg platform, and the buoyancy of the tension leg platform is adjusted by filling and draining water using a water pump. However, conventional buoyancy adjustment devices have a relatively rigid structure, making it difficult to adapt to the multi-directional and dynamic attitude compensation requirements of the platform, and they also suffer from problems such as slow adjustment response, low accuracy, and poor attitude correction effect.

[0004] Therefore, those skilled in the art urgently need to develop a new technical solution to address the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a buoyancy adjustment system and method suitable for tension leg platforms, which can improve the response speed and adjustment accuracy of buoyancy adjustment of tension leg platforms.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a buoyancy adjustment system suitable for a tension leg platform, comprising: a tension leg platform and a plurality of buoyancy adjustment components respectively disposed at different positions of the tension leg platform, wherein the buoyancy adjustment components are used to provide adjustable buoyancy to the tension leg platform at corresponding positions; The buoyancy adjustment assembly includes a rigid outer wall, a flexible inner wall, multiple biomimetic contraction units, a flow guiding unit, a central control unit, and an inclination measurement unit; The flexible inner wall is nested inside the rigid outer wall, and the interior of the flexible inner wall forms a water tank. The flow guiding unit is installed inside the water tank, and the water tank is connected to the outside through the flow guiding unit. The flow guiding unit is electrically connected to the central control unit and is used to fill the water tank with water or drain water to the outside under the control of the central control unit. The tilt angle measuring unit is installed inside the water tank and is electrically connected to the central control unit. It is used to detect the tilt angle in the corresponding direction and transmit the tilt angle to the central control unit. The plurality of biomimetic contraction units are disposed inside the water tank and are attached to the flexible inner wall, and are electrically connected to the central control unit, for contraction or expansion under the control of the central control unit; The central control unit is used to determine the buoyancy that needs to be adjusted according to the tilt angle, and to control the water filling or drainage state of the flow guiding unit and the contraction or expansion state of the bionic contraction unit according to the buoyancy that needs to be adjusted.

[0007] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a buoyancy adjustment method suitable for a tension leg platform, applied to the system described in the first aspect, the method comprising: The tilt angle is detected by the tilt angle measurement unit and transmitted to the central control unit. The central control unit determines the buoyancy that needs to be adjusted according to the tilt angle, and controls the water filling or drainage state of the flow guiding unit and the contraction or expansion state of the bionic contraction unit according to the buoyancy that needs to be adjusted. The flow guiding unit is used to fill the water tank with water or drain water to the outside under the control of the central control unit. The multiple biomimetic contraction units contract or expand under the control of the central control unit.

[0008] The buoyancy adjustment system and method for tension leg platforms provided by this invention can precisely adjust the water volume inside the ballast tank by acquiring the tilt angle of the tension leg platform in different orientations in real time and controlling the contraction and expansion of the biomimetic contraction unit and the filling and draining of the flow guiding unit according to the tilt angle. This improves the buoyancy adjustment response speed and adjustment accuracy. Buoyancy adjustment components positioned in different orientations can achieve buoyancy adjustment in different orientations, achieving the purpose of attitude compensation. The inner wall of the buoyancy adjustment component is a flexible structure that can actively deform under the drive of the biomimetic contraction unit to adjust the ballast tank volume, uniformly distributing the force and overcoming the defects of stress concentration in rigid tank walls in the prior art. Using a biomimetic contraction unit to drive the deformation of the flexible inner wall to achieve volume adjustment breaks the conventional understanding that ballast tanks must use rigid structures to resist external water pressure and that buoyancy adjustment must rely on forced injection and drainage by water pumps. Attached Figure Description

[0009] 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.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a buoyancy adjustment system suitable for a tension leg platform according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 2 It is based on Figure 1 A front cross-sectional view of a buoyancy adjustment component is shown. Figure 3 It is based on Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of a buoyancy adjustment assembly is shown. Figure 4 It is based on Figure 1 A top view of a buoyancy adjustment component is shown; Figure 5 It is based on Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a buoyancy adjustment component is shown. Figure 6 It is based on Figure 1 The diagram shows an overall schematic of a biomimetic contraction unit; Figure 7 It is based on Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a biomimetic contraction unit in an expanded state is shown; Figure 8 It is based on Figure 1 The diagram shows a biomimetic contraction unit in a contracted state.

[0011] Figure label: 10-Tension Leg Platform; 20 - Buoyancy adjustment component; 21-Water tank; 22- Rigid outer wall; 23- Flexible inner wall; 24-Bionic contraction unit; 241 - Flexible outer shell; 242 - Drive motor; 243 - First telescopic boom; 244 - Second telescopic arm; 245 - First Bionic Forceps; 246-Second Bionic Pliers 251-Guiding cavity 252-Water Pump 253-interface 254 - Microporous channels; 26 - Inclination measurement unit. Detailed Implementation

[0012] The solution provided by the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] See Figures 1-7 The present invention provides a buoyancy adjustment system suitable for a tension leg platform 10, comprising: Tension leg platform 10 and multiple buoyancy adjustment components 20 respectively disposed at different positions of tension leg platform 10, the buoyancy adjustment components 20 are used to provide adjustable buoyancy to tension leg platform 10 at corresponding positions; The buoyancy adjustment component 20 includes a rigid outer wall 22, a flexible inner wall 23, multiple biomimetic contraction units 24, a flow guiding unit, a central control unit, and an inclination measurement unit 26; The flexible inner wall 23 is nested inside the rigid outer wall 22, and the interior of the flexible inner wall 23 forms a water tank 21; The flow guiding unit is located inside the water tank 21. The water tank 21 is connected to the outside through the flow guiding unit. The flow guiding unit is electrically connected to the central control unit and is used to fill the water tank 21 with water or drain water to the outside under the control of the central control unit. The tilt angle measurement unit 26 is installed inside the water tank 21 and is electrically connected to the central control unit. It is used to detect the tilt angle in the corresponding direction and transmit the tilt angle to the central control unit. Multiple biomimetic contraction units 24 are disposed inside the water tank 21 and are attached to the flexible inner wall 23, and are electrically connected to the central control unit for contraction or expansion under the control of the central control unit. The central control unit is used to determine the buoyancy that needs to be adjusted according to the tilt angle, and to control the water filling or drainage state of the flow guiding unit and the contraction or expansion state of the bionic contraction unit 24 as needed.

[0014] In this embodiment, there are multiple buoyancy adjustment components 20, preferably three, which are respectively installed below the three buoyancy bases of the tension leg platform 10 to adjust the buoyancy of the tension leg platform 10. Each buoyancy adjustment component 20 consists of a rigid outer wall 22, a flexible inner wall 23, multiple biomimetic contraction units 24, a flow guiding unit, a central control unit, and an inclination measurement unit 26. The flexible inner wall 23 is nested inside the rigid outer wall 22, forming a water tank 21 inside. There can also be multiple water tanks 21, preferably four, with a flow guiding unit at the center of each of the four water tanks 21, and the water tanks 21 are connected to the outside through the flow guiding unit. The water tanks 21 and the flow guiding unit are sealed and connected through a microporous channel 254. A water pump 252 is installed at the bottom of the flow guiding unit to control the water flow in and out. The flexible inner wall 23 is equipped with biomimetic contraction units 24. When the tension leg platform 10 needs to achieve buoyancy or leveling through the ballast system, the flow guiding unit pre-absorbs and stores water. The biomimetic contraction unit 24 corresponding to the water tank 21 performs a specific, asymmetric pre-contraction, generating an initial, gentle negative pressure zone in the flow guiding unit area. At the same time, the direction of the contraction wave is a pre-set "path guide" for the fluid to enter from the outside, allowing water to enter the water tank 21 through the microporous channel 254 to achieve buoyancy or leveling. A gyroscope is also installed at the bottom of the platform to assist the ballast system. When drainage is required, the biomimetic contraction unit 24 of the flexible wall compresses the flexible wall, discharging water into the flow guiding unit.

[0015] When the platform encounters danger or extreme sea conditions, it can be quickly stabilized by the buoyancy adjustment system, and the gyroscope assists in leveling and stabilizing the platform, thereby ensuring the safe and stable operation of the wind turbine. Inside each flexible intelligent water tank 21, a core flow-guiding cavity 251 is designed for fluid distribution. This flow-guiding cavity 251 serves as a "buffer center" and "flow-guiding chamber" for fluid entry and exit. Numerous small, evenly distributed microporous channels 254 radiate outward from the flow-guiding cavity 251, connecting to the perimeter and various sections of the water tank 21. The use of composite material bulkheads (rigid outer wall 22 and flexible inner wall 23) results in a structure that is flexible inside and rigid outside, combining the advantages of a flexible inner layer and a rigid outer layer. This ensures pressure resistance while allowing for significant deformation, breaking through the traditional perception that most bulkheads are rigid. Multiple independently adjustable water tank units (21 units) are set up at the location of each buoyancy foundation, supporting precise zoned control and improving system response flexibility and redundancy safety. Compared with traditional ballast systems, the ballast system has a faster response time, reaching the second level, and higher adjustment precision, allowing for precise fine-tuning. The system can continue to operate normally even if a single water tank unit (21 unit) fails, improving overall reliability. Built-in sensors can monitor the system status in real time, enabling fault warnings and intelligent maintenance. In extreme operating conditions, the sensor monitoring results determine the directional force state, allowing for the re-optimization and distribution of tension within the mooring system, ensuring reliable mooring performance even after changes in wind, wave, or current direction.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bionic contraction unit 24 includes a flexible shell 241, a drive motor 242, a first telescopic arm 243, a second telescopic arm 244, a first bionic clamp 245, and a second bionic clamp 246. The drive motor 242 is disposed inside the flexible shell 241. One end of the first telescopic arm 243 is disposed on the drive motor 242, and the other end is hinged to one end of the second telescopic arm 244. A first bionic clamp 245 is disposed at the hinge. The first bionic clamp 245 is in contact with the flexible shell 241. A second bionic clamp 246 is disposed at the other end of the second telescopic arm 244. The second bionic clamp 246 is in contact with the flexible inner wall 23. The drive motor 242 is electrically connected to the central control unit and is used to drive the first telescopic arm 243 and the second telescopic arm 244 to move under the control of the central control unit, thereby changing the volume of the bionic contraction unit 24.

[0017] In this embodiment, the biomimetic contraction unit 24 includes a flexible shell 241, a drive motor 242, a first telescopic arm 243, a second telescopic arm 244, a first biomimetic clamp 245, and a second biomimetic clamp 246. The drive motor 242 is arranged in the internal cavity of the flexible shell 241, providing power output for the entire telescopic mechanism. One end of the first telescopic arm 243 is fixedly mounted to the output end of the drive motor 242, and the other end is hinged to one end of the second telescopic arm 244, with the first biomimetic clamp 245 provided at the hinge position. The outer side of the first biomimetic clamp 245 is tightly fitted to the inner wall of the flexible shell 241, and can push the flexible shell 241 to deform as the telescopic arm moves. The other end of the second telescopic arm 244 is fixed with the second biomimetic clamp 246, which fits against the flexible inner wall 23 of the water tank 21 to ensure the support stability of the telescopic movement. During operation, the drive motor 242 is electrically connected to the central control unit, receiving control signals from the central control unit to drive the first telescopic arm 243 and the second telescopic arm 244 to extend or retract, changing the angle between the two telescopic arms and their extension length. During the deformation and angle change of the first and second telescopic arms 243 and 244, the first and second bionic clamps 245 and 246 also cause the flexible outer shell 241 and flexible inner wall 23 to expand and contract, causing the overall volume of the bionic contraction unit 24 to increase or decrease accordingly. This, combined with the filling and draining action of the flow guiding unit, achieves dynamic adjustment of buoyancy. The contraction and expansion mode of this bionic contraction unit 24 is not an instantaneous, violent compression, but rather simulates the gradual contraction and relaxation of muscles, achieving smooth and efficient power output.

[0018] Furthermore, both the flexible inner wall 23 and the flexible outer shell 241 can be made of highly elastic, high-pressure resistant composite materials, preferably thermoplastic polyurethane or carbon fiber reinforced components. This ensures that the flexible outer shell 241 has sufficient structural strength to prevent crushing when subjected to deep-sea hydrostatic pressure; at the same time, it gives the flexible inner wall 23 excellent tensile resilience, ensuring that it can quickly return to its original shape and maintain good fluid sealing during the contraction / expansion of the biomimetic contraction unit 24, thereby ensuring precise response and long-term durability of buoyancy adjustment.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, both the first bionic clamp 245 and the second bionic clamp 246 are arc-shaped clamping structures.

[0020] In this embodiment, both the first bionic clamp 245 and the second bionic clamp 246 adopt an arc-shaped clamping structure. The curvature of the clamping structure matches the curvature of the flexible inner wall 23 of the water tank 21 and the flexible outer shell 241 of the bionic contraction unit 24, conforming to their curved contours. This increases the contact area between the clamping structure and the flexible inner wall 23 and the flexible outer shell 241, improving clamping stability and transmission efficiency, while also preventing sharp structures from scratching the flexible components. In line with the bionic design concept in this embodiment, it can achieve a conforming extension and retraction synchronously with the movement of the telescopic arm, further ensuring the stability of buoyancy adjustment.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the flow guiding unit includes a flow guiding cavity 251 and a water pump 252; The flow guide cavity 251 is located inside the water tank 21, and the water tank 21 is connected to the outside through the flow guide cavity 251; The water pump 252 is located at the interface 253 connecting the flow guide cavity 251 to the outside world, and is electrically connected to the central control unit. It is used to fill the flow guide cavity 251 with water or drain water to the outside world under the control of the central control unit.

[0022] In this embodiment, the flow guiding unit mainly consists of a flow guiding cavity 251 and a water pump 252. The flow guiding cavity 251 is embedded inside the water tank 21, forming an independent fluid channel at the center of the water tank 21, and can communicate with the outside to ensure stable water flow. One end of the flow guiding cavity 251 communicates with the outside, and the other end communicates with the internal space of the water tank 21. The water pump 252 is located at the interface 253 where the flow guiding cavity 251 communicates with the outside, and is electrically connected to the central control unit. It can adjust its working state (filling or draining water) according to the control signal of the central control unit. When buoyancy needs to be increased, the water pump 252 fills the flow guiding cavity 251 with water under the control of the central control unit. The water flows into the water tank 21 after being distributed through the flow guiding cavity 251, achieving rapid water replenishment. When buoyancy needs to be reduced, the water pump 252 reverses its rotation, discharging the water in the water tank 21 through the flow guiding cavity 251. The flow guiding unit has a compact structure, which allows for smooth fluid flow and precisely matches the needs of attitude adjustment, enabling rapid regulation of the water volume in water tank 21 and ensuring the stability of the platform's attitude.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, a microporous channel 254 is provided on the flow guiding cavity 251, and a microporous membrane is provided inside the microporous channel 254. The flow guiding cavity 251 is connected to the water tank 21 through the microporous channel 254.

[0024] In this embodiment, the flow guiding cavity 251 and the water tank 21 are connected by a microporous channel 254. The pore size of the microporous channel 254 is adapted to the fluid flow requirements of the water tank 21, ensuring that the water flows slowly and evenly into the interior of the water tank 21. A microporous membrane is fixedly installed inside the microporous channel 254. This microporous membrane has a porous structure and combines filtration and throttling functions. It can intercept impurities in the water and prevent foreign objects from entering the water tank 21, while allowing clean water to slowly permeate, achieving a smooth transition of water flow. Driven by the water pump 252, the water in the flow guiding cavity 251 first flows through the microporous channel 254, passes through the pores of the microporous membrane, and then slowly permeates into the water tank 21. This ensures a stable replenishment of water in the water tank 21, avoids the water flow from impacting the inner wall of the water tank 21 too quickly, and prevents the flexible inner wall 23 from deforming and being damaged by the water flow impact. At the same time, it achieves precise control of the water flow speed.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tilt measurement unit 26 includes a gyroscope and an accelerometer.

[0026] In this embodiment, the tilt angle measurement unit 26 consists of a gyroscope and an accelerometer (accelerometer sensor). Specifically, the gyroscope is used to collect the angular velocity signal of the tension leg platform 10 in the corresponding orientation, capturing the rotational motion state of the platform in real time and filtering out angle deviations caused by instantaneous disturbances. The accelerometer (accelerometer sensor) is used to collect the linear acceleration signal of the platform, capturing the acceleration changes caused by the translation and tilt of the platform. The signals collected by both are synchronously transmitted to the signal processing module. After filtering and calibration, the tilt angle in the corresponding orientation is accurately calculated, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the angle data and providing reliable basic data support for subsequent attitude adjustment and buoyancy control.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, the volumetric flow rate of the flow guiding unit filling the water tank 21 with water or draining water to the outside is expressed by the following formula: This represents the volumetric flow rate. A positive volumetric flow rate indicates the inflow state, while a negative volumetric flow rate indicates the outflow state. The density of seawater, It is the acceleration due to gravity. The effective buoyancy stiffness coefficient of water tank 21 This is the rated volumetric flow rate of water pump 252. The efficiency coefficient of water pump 252. This represents the actual flow resistance coefficient of the microporous channel 254 for water flow. The tilt angle of the tension leg platform 10 relative to the vertical reference of sea level.

[0028] In this embodiment, the volumetric flow rate of the flow guiding unit filling or draining water into the water tank 21 is mainly calculated based on the real-time tilt angle of the tension leg platform 10 at the corresponding orientation. Parameters such as the structural characteristics of the water tank 21, the rated flow rate of the water pump 252, the actual working efficiency of the water pump 252, and the water flow resistance characteristics of the microporous channel 254 are used as relevant quantities to comprehensively calculate the target volumetric flow rate adapted to the current attitude. The above formula includes a proportional control part and an integral part. The proportional control part is used to quickly respond to the real-time tilt attitude of the platform, achieving rapid coarse adjustment of buoyancy, quickly offsetting the platform's attitude deviation, and preventing further expansion of the tilt amplitude. The integral control part is used to accumulate the platform's attitude deviation, eliminate long-term steady-state errors, achieve precise fine-tuning of buoyancy, and ensure that the platform's attitude remains stable within a safe range over a long period. The effective buoyancy stiffness coefficient of the water tank 21 is a known preset value, determined by the structure of the water tank 21, the material of the flexible inner wall 23, and the constraint characteristics of the rigid outer wall 22. The actual flow resistance coefficient of the microporous channel 254 to water flow is determined by the flow area of ​​the guide cavity 251, the structure of the microporous channel 254, and the permeability characteristics of the microporous membrane. The effective buoyancy stiffness coefficient of the water tank 21, the rated volumetric flow rate of the water pump 252, the efficiency coefficient of the water pump 252, and the actual flow resistance coefficient of the microporous channel 254 to water flow are all known values.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, the total volume change of the biomimetic contraction unit 24 is expressed by the following formula: This represents the total volume change of the biomimetic contraction unit 24. A positive total volume change indicates an expansion state, while a negative total volume change indicates a contraction state. The density of seawater, It is the acceleration due to gravity. The tilt angle of the tension leg platform 10 relative to the vertical reference point of sea level is given. The effective buoyancy stiffness coefficient of the biomimetic contraction unit 24. The volume-buoyancy adjustment coefficient of the biomimetic contraction unit 24. For volumetric flow rate, This refers to the duration of the buoyancy adjustment effect.

[0030] In this embodiment, during buoyancy adjustment, the total volume change of the bionic contraction unit 24 can be calculated based on the tilt angle. This allows for rapid response to the platform's real-time tilt attitude, driving the bionic contraction unit 24 to expand or contract rapidly, achieving rapid coarse adjustment of buoyancy and offsetting platform attitude deviations. The integral control part in the above formula is used to accumulate the platform's attitude deviation, eliminate steady-state errors, achieve precise fine-tuning of buoyancy, and ensure long-term stability of the platform's attitude. Furthermore, the formula also incorporates the volumetric flow velocity and adjustment time parameters of the flow guiding unit, binding the volume adjustment of the bionic contraction unit 24 with the filling and draining adjustment depth of the flow guiding unit. This achieves synergistic complementarity between the two buoyancy adjustment methods, avoiding mutual interference between the two adjustment actions and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the overall buoyancy adjustment. It can be understood that the buoyancy to be adjusted is... .

[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, the volume-buoyancy adjustment coefficient is expressed by the following formula: This is the extension / reduction displacement coefficient corresponding to a unit rotation angle of the drive motor 242. This is the effective telescopic length of the first telescopic arm 243. This is the effective telescopic length of the second telescopic arm 244. This refers to the change in the included angle caused by the movement between the first telescopic arm 243 and the second telescopic arm 244. The number of telescopic arm groups in a single biomimetic contraction unit 24, each telescopic arm group including a hinged first telescopic arm 243 and a second telescopic arm 244.

[0032] In this embodiment, the volume-buoyancy adjustment coefficient of the bionic contraction unit 24 is calculated based on the core mechanical structural parameters of the bionic contraction unit 24 using a formula. This formula comprehensively considers parameters such as the power output characteristics of the drive motor 242, the effective lengths of the first telescopic arm 243 and the second telescopic arm 244, the change in the included angle caused by the movement of the two arms, and the number of telescopic arm groups within a single bionic contraction unit 24. By introducing the telescopic displacement coefficient of the drive motor 242, the power output of the motor is directly related to the structural deformation. Combined with the effective lengths and the change in the included angle of the two telescopic arms, the volume change amplitude caused by the movement of the telescopic arms is accurately quantified. By superimposing the number of telescopic arm groups in a bionic contraction unit 24, a unified characterization of the overall volume adjustment capability under the coordinated action of multiple telescopic arms is achieved. This volume-buoyancy adjustment coefficient can be used to characterize the actual structure and motion conditions of the bionic contraction unit 24, providing a reliable structural basis for the accurate calculation of volume change and ensuring the coordinated matching of bionic adjustment and the filling and draining adjustment of the flow guiding unit.

[0033] One embodiment of the present invention also provides a buoyancy adjustment method suitable for a tension leg platform, applied to a buoyancy adjustment system suitable for a tension leg platform, the method comprising: The tilt angle is detected by the tilt angle measurement unit and transmitted to the central control unit. The central control unit determines the buoyancy that needs to be adjusted according to the tilt angle, and controls the water filling or drainage state of the flow guiding unit and the contraction or expansion state of the bionic contraction unit according to the buoyancy that needs to be adjusted. The flow guiding unit is used to fill the water tank with water or drain water to the outside under the control of the central control unit. The multiple biomimetic contraction units contract or expand under the control of the central control unit.

[0034] It is understood that the method embodiments and apparatus embodiments provided by the present invention are based on the same inventive concept and have the same beneficial effects. The beneficial effects of the method embodiments will not be elaborated here.

[0035] It should be noted that, in this invention, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0036] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is only used to illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A buoyancy adjustment system suitable for tension leg platforms, characterized in that, include: The tension leg platform and multiple buoyancy adjustment components respectively disposed at different positions of the tension leg platform, the buoyancy adjustment components being used to provide adjustable buoyancy to the tension leg platform at the corresponding positions; The buoyancy adjustment assembly includes a rigid outer wall, a flexible inner wall, multiple biomimetic contraction units, a flow guiding unit, a central control unit, and an inclination measurement unit; The flexible inner wall is nested inside the rigid outer wall, and the interior of the flexible inner wall forms a water tank. The flow guiding unit is installed inside the water tank, and the water tank is connected to the outside through the flow guiding unit. The flow guiding unit is electrically connected to the central control unit and is used to fill the water tank with water or drain water to the outside under the control of the central control unit. The tilt angle measuring unit is installed inside the water tank and is electrically connected to the central control unit. It is used to detect the tilt angle in the corresponding direction and transmit the tilt angle to the central control unit. The plurality of biomimetic contraction units are disposed inside the water tank and are attached to the flexible inner wall, and are electrically connected to the central control unit, for contraction or expansion under the control of the central control unit; The central control unit is used to determine the buoyancy that needs to be adjusted according to the tilt angle, and to control the water filling or drainage state of the flow guiding unit and the contraction or expansion state of the bionic contraction unit according to the buoyancy that needs to be adjusted.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bionic contraction unit includes a flexible shell, a drive motor, a first telescopic arm, a second telescopic arm, a first bionic clamp, and a second bionic clamp. The drive motor is disposed inside the flexible shell. One end of the first telescopic arm is disposed on the drive motor, and the other end is hinged to one end of the second telescopic arm. A first bionic clamp is disposed at the hinge. The first bionic clamp is in contact with the flexible shell. A second bionic clamp is disposed at the other end of the second telescopic arm. The second bionic clamp is in contact with the flexible inner wall. The drive motor is electrically connected to the central control unit and is used to drive the first telescopic arm and the second telescopic arm to move under the control of the central control unit, thereby changing the volume of the bionic contraction unit.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both the first and second bionic clamps have an arc-shaped clamping structure.

4. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flow guiding unit includes a flow guiding cavity and a water pump; The flow guide cavity is located inside the water tank, and the water tank is connected to the outside through the flow guide cavity; The water pump is located at the interface between the flow chamber and the outside world and is electrically connected to the central control unit. It is used to fill the flow chamber with water or drain water to the outside world under the control of the central control unit.

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flow guiding cavity is provided with a microporous channel, and a microporous membrane is disposed inside the microporous channel. The flow guiding cavity is connected to the water tank through the microporous channel.

6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tilt measurement unit includes a gyroscope and an accelerometer.

7. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The volumetric flow rate of the flow guiding unit when filling the water tank with water or draining water to the outside is expressed by the following formula: This represents the volumetric flow rate. A positive volumetric flow rate indicates the inflow state, while a negative volumetric flow rate indicates the outflow state. The density of seawater, It is the acceleration due to gravity. The effective buoyancy stiffness coefficient of the water tank. This refers to the rated volumetric flow rate of the water pump. This is the efficiency coefficient of the water pump. This represents the actual flow resistance coefficient of the microporous channel to water flow. The tilt angle of the tension leg platform relative to the vertical reference point of sea level.

8. The system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The total volume change of the biomimetic shrinkage unit is expressed by the following formula: This represents the total volume change of the biomimetic contraction unit. A positive total volume change indicates an expansion state, while a negative total volume change indicates a contraction state. The density of seawater, It is the acceleration due to gravity. The angle of inclination of the tension leg platform relative to the vertical reference point of sea level. The effective buoyancy stiffness coefficient of the biomimetic contraction unit. The volume-buoyancy adjustment coefficient of the biomimetic contraction unit. For volumetric flow rate, This refers to the duration of the buoyancy adjustment effect.

9. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The volume-buoyancy adjustment coefficient is expressed by the following formula: This is the expansion / contraction displacement coefficient corresponding to a unit rotation angle of the drive motor. This is the effective telescopic length of the first telescopic arm. This is the effective telescopic length of the second telescopic arm. This represents the change in the angle between the first and second telescopic arms due to their movement. The number of telescopic arm assemblies in a single biomimetic contraction unit, each telescopic arm assembly including a hinged first telescopic arm and a second telescopic arm.

10. A buoyancy adjustment method suitable for tension leg platforms, characterized in that, Applied to the system according to any one of claims 1-9, the method comprises: The tilt angle is detected by the tilt angle measurement unit and transmitted to the central control unit. The central control unit determines the buoyancy that needs to be adjusted according to the tilt angle, and controls the water filling or drainage state of the flow guiding unit and the contraction or expansion state of the bionic contraction unit according to the buoyancy that needs to be adjusted. The flow guiding unit is used to fill the water tank with water or drain water to the outside under the control of the central control unit. The multiple biomimetic contraction units contract or expand under the control of the central control unit.

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