Floating platform for offshore wind power generation and method for designing the same

Abstract

This invention discloses a design method for a floating platform for offshore wind power generation, within the technical field of offshore wind power generation and floating platform design. The method includes the following steps: S1 theoretical numerical simulation analysis; S2 scaled-down model manufacturing; S3 experimental system construction; S4 system safety check and debugging; S5 setting experimental environment parameters and sampling parameters; S6 starting the experiment and controlling the control device to simulate target sea conditions; S7 measuring platform performance and adjusting platform control parameters to obtain optimal performance; S8 collecting platform response data under different combinations of environmental parameters; S9 planning and executing multiple sets of experiments using orthogonal experimental design methods and optimizing platform design parameters; S10 analyzing and processing the experimental data and optimizing the numerical model and platform design based on the analysis results. This invention starts with platform structural design, with simple optimization steps and easy operation, applicable to the design and optimization of floating platforms under different sea conditions, providing reliable verification for offshore wind power generation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of offshore wind power generation and floating platform design technology, and particularly to a floating platform for offshore wind power generation and its design method. Background Technology

[0002] With the growth of global energy demand, the development and utilization of offshore wind energy has become an important trend. Traditional fixed offshore wind power platforms are limited in deep water areas, while floating platforms can generate wind power in deeper waters and have broad application prospects. However, the stability and wind resistance of floating platforms under different sea conditions are key issues in the design. Therefore, it is particularly important to propose an optimized design method for floating platforms.

[0003] Offshore wind power, as a clean and renewable energy source, has received increasing attention in recent years. Compared to onshore wind power, offshore wind resources are more abundant and stable, which can effectively improve the efficiency of wind power generation. However, offshore wind power also faces more severe challenges, especially in deep-sea areas. Traditional fixed wind power platforms are difficult to deploy on a large scale in deep-sea areas due to limitations in their basic structure.

[0004] The emergence of floating wind power platforms has provided a new solution for offshore wind power generation. Floating platforms can adapt to sea depths, exhibiting strong flexibility and adaptability. By using buoyancy devices to float on the water's surface and then securing the platform to the seabed with anchor chains and other fixing devices, this structural design allows floating platforms to generate wind power in deeper waters, greatly expanding the application scope of offshore wind power.

[0005] However, floating wind power platforms also face numerous technical challenges in practical applications. First, the complex and ever-changing marine environment, with factors such as wind, waves, and tides, places high demands on the stability of floating platforms. Second, the wind resistance and durability of floating platforms are key design issues, requiring optimization through precise numerical simulations and experimental testing. Finally, the manufacturing and installation costs of floating platforms are high, necessitating cost reduction and improved economic efficiency through optimized design and the application of new technologies.

[0006] Currently, many research institutions and enterprises are actively exploring design and optimization methods for floating wind power platforms. By combining numerical simulation, experimental testing, and field applications, they are gradually improving the performance and reliability of floating platforms. However, due to the complexity and variability of the marine environment, the design and optimization of floating platforms still face many technical challenges, urgently requiring new technologies and methods to solve these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a floating platform for offshore wind power generation and its design method. By combining theoretical numerical simulation and experimental testing, a floating platform model is established, the platform structural design is optimized, and the platform's stability and wind resistance are improved. This invention is applicable to the design and optimization of floating platforms under different sea conditions, providing reliable technical support and verification for offshore wind power generation.

[0008] The objective of this invention is achieved as follows: 1. A design method for a floating platform for offshore wind power generation, comprising the following steps:

[0009] S1. Theoretical numerical simulation analysis: Based on fluid mechanics and structural mechanics theory, a parameterized numerical model of the floating platform is established, and the dynamic response and structural strength of the model under various sea conditions are simulated and analyzed.

[0010] S2. Scaled-down model manufacturing: Based on the numerical simulation results of step S1, a physical scaled-down model of the floating platform is manufactured using 3D printing technology.

[0011] S3. Experimental System Setup: Install a physical scale model of the floating platform in the experimental pool, and configure control devices and data acquisition devices for simulating wind, waves, and current environments to simulate real sea conditions.

[0012] S4. System safety check and debugging: Conduct a safety check and functional debugging of the completed experimental system to ensure that the fastening bolts are not loose, the circuit connections are correct and operating normally, and the platform is stable.

[0013] S5. Set the experimental environment parameters and sampling parameters;

[0014] S6. Start the experiment and control the control device to simulate the target sea state conditions;

[0015] S7. Conduct platform performance measurements and adjust platform control parameters based on preliminary measurement results to obtain the optimal state. Collect data on platform stability, wind resistance, and other parameters under different states in sequence.

[0016] S8. Collect platform response data under different combinations of environmental parameters and record platform performance indicators under various sea conditions;

[0017] S9. Using orthogonal experimental design, plan and execute multiple sets of experiments to analyze the impact of various design variables and environmental variables on platform performance and optimize platform design parameters.

[0018] S10. Analyze and process the experimental data, and optimize the numerical model and platform design based on the analysis results.

[0019] As a further limitation of the present invention, in step S1, the simulation analysis includes stress analysis of the platform structure using the finite element method (FEM), and analysis of the dynamic response of the platform under different wind speeds, waves, and tidal currents using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods. The basic equations include:

[0020]

[0021] In the formula, For the velocity field, For pressure field, For fluid density, Kinematic viscosity, It is an external force.

[0022] As a further limitation of the present invention, in step S4, the debugging includes adjusting the angle of the solar panel on the platform, the angle of attack adjustment mechanism of the wind turbine, and the attitude of the floating movement mechanism.

[0023] Another aspect of the object of the present invention is achieved as follows: a floating platform for offshore wind power generation, comprising:

[0024] Base;

[0025] A support structure is mounted on the base;

[0026] A solar panel is installed on top of the supporting structure, and a pivot is provided between the solar panel and the supporting structure for adjusting its angle;

[0027] Energy storage batteries are mounted on the base or support structure;

[0028] The wind turbine is mounted on a base via a wind turbine tower.

[0029] A floating movement mechanism is installed at the bottom of the base;

[0030] Both the solar panel and the wind turbine are electrically connected to the energy storage battery.

[0031] As a further limitation of the present invention, the wind turbine includes a generator, an airfoil support arm, an angle-of-attack adjustment mechanism, and an airfoil with a vertical axis; the airfoil with a vertical axis includes a rotor and two blades; the rotor has an annular inner wall composed of four independent streamlined curved surface segments distributed circumferentially, the four curved surface segments being spaced apart by four connection points, and the width of the curved surface segments gradually increasing counterclockwise along the circumference of the rotor; the top of the airfoil support arm is fixedly connected to the bottom of the generator housing, and its bottom is fixedly connected to the lowest point of the rotor inner wall; the two blades are mirror-symmetrically distributed, and the root of each blade is rotatably connected to the corresponding mounting part of the airfoil support arm via a rotating shaft; the tip of each blade is rotatably connected to the corresponding connection point of the rotor inner wall via a hinge point; the angle-of-attack adjustment mechanism is mounted on the airfoil support arm, and its output end is drivenly connected to the root rotating shaft of the corresponding blade for independently adjusting the angle of attack of each blade; the input shaft of the generator is fixedly connected to the highest point of the rotor inner wall.

[0032] As a further limitation of the present invention, the support structure includes a vertical column and a plurality of support rods connected to the vertical column to form a triangular stable frame; the vertical column and three pontoons form a rectangular base; the number of wind turbines is three and they are installed on the corresponding pontoons through their respective wind turbine towers; adjacent pontoons and pontoons are connected as a whole by a plurality of connectors.

[0033] As a further limitation of the present invention, the floating movement mechanism includes three propulsion devices and a pressure sensor for sensing water flow information; the propulsion devices are arranged one-to-one with the floats and fixed on the lower side of the floats.

[0034] As a further limitation of the present invention, the propulsion device includes a duct, an impeller, and a rudder blade; the propeller impeller is rotatably disposed at the center of the duct for generating thrust; the rudder blade is rotatably disposed on the outside of the duct for changing the direction of thrust; the signal output terminal of the pressure sensor is connected to the platform's control system, and the control output terminal of the control system is respectively connected to the impeller's drive motor and the rudder blade's rotation drive mechanism.

[0035] As a further limitation of the present invention, the outer periphery of the duct is provided with a toothed ring, and the internal flow channel is an aerodynamic airfoil profile, which is used to guide and accelerate the water flow passing through the impeller.

[0036] As a further limitation of the present invention, the energy storage battery includes a battery body, and the battery body is provided with a battery connection port for connecting a solar panel and a wind turbine.

[0037] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0038] (1) A vertical axis airfoil with active angle of attack adjustment function is adopted. The blade root can rotate and is driven by an independent angle of attack adjustment mechanism. The blade angle of attack can be dynamically optimized according to the real-time wind speed, so that the wind turbine can work in the high-efficiency range under various wind speeds, thus expanding the high-efficiency power generation wind speed range;

[0039] (2) The inner wall of the wind turbine is designed as four sections of streamlined curved surface with gradually increasing width, forming a unique gradually expanding aerodynamic flow channel, which can guide and accelerate the airflow, increase the airflow speed through the blades, and thus further improve the power generation.

[0040] (3) The vertical axis design of the wind turbine is sensitive to wind from all directions, and the adjustable angle of attack makes it better able to adapt to complex inflow conditions caused by platform sway.

[0041] (4) The platform adopts a triangular distributed layout of three pontoons and three wind turbines. The three pontoons are connected to the vertical support to form a stable foundation, which can effectively resist the overturning moment in all directions and make the platform more resistant to wind and waves.

[0042] (5) By continuously calibrating and correcting the initial numerical model through physical experimental data, the model prediction becomes more and more accurate, which greatly improves the credibility of design optimization based on the model. This closed-loop process can fully discover and solve design defects before expensive real-scale manufacturing and sea trials, and is a more reliable and economical modern engineering design method. Attached Figure Description

[0043] 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 embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a front view of the floating platform in this invention.

[0045] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the floating platform in this invention.

[0046] Figure 3 This is a front view of the pontoon in this invention.

[0047] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the solar panel in this invention.

[0048] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the energy storage battery in this invention.

[0049] Figure 6This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the wind turbine generator in this invention.

[0050] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the propulsion device in this invention.

[0051] The components include: 1. Base, 1-1 Float, 1-2 Connector, 2. Support Structure, 2-1 Vertical Column, 2-2 Support Rod, 3. Solar Panel, 3-1 Rotating Shaft, 4. Energy Storage Battery, 4-1 Battery Connection Port, 4-2 Battery Body, 5. Wind Turbine, 5-1 Generator Motor, 5-2 Airfoil Support Arm, 5-3 Angle of Attack Adjustment Mechanism, 5-4 Wind Wheel, 5-5 Blade, 5-6 Curved Section, 6. Wind Turbine Tower, 7. Floating and Moving Mechanism, 7-1 Duct, 7-2 Impeller, and 7-3 Rudder Blade. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0053] A design method for a floating platform for offshore wind power generation includes the following steps:

[0054] S1. Theoretical Numerical Simulation Analysis: Based on fluid mechanics and structural mechanics theories, a parametric numerical model of the floating platform is established, and the dynamic response and structural strength of the model under various sea conditions are simulated and analyzed. The simulation analysis includes stress analysis of the platform structure using the finite element method (FEM), and analysis of the platform's dynamic response under different wind speeds, waves, and tidal currents using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The basic equations include:

[0055]

[0056] In the formula, For the velocity field, For pressure field, For fluid density, Kinematic viscosity, It is an external force.

[0057] S2. Scaled-down model manufacturing: Based on the numerical simulation results of step S1, a physical scaled-down model of the floating platform is manufactured using 3D printing technology.

[0058] S3. Experimental System Setup: Install a physical scale model of a floating platform in the experimental pool, and configure control devices and data acquisition devices to simulate wind, wave, and current environments, simulating real sea conditions. Specific steps are as follows:

[0059] a) Base installation: Transport the base to the experimental site, install the floats, connectors and vertical supports, and ensure that the floats are connected to the vertical supports to form a solid rectangular base;

[0060] b) Support structure installation: The support rods are installed by welding to form a stable triangular frame with the vertical columns;

[0061] c) Solar panel installation: Install the solar panels on top of the supporting structure and adjust the tilt angle of the solar panels;

[0062] d) Wind turbine installation: Install the wind turbine on top of the wind turbine tower using fasteners, and then install the vertical axis airfoil in the air to ensure the wind turbine is operating normally;

[0063] e) Energy storage battery installation: Install the energy storage battery on the base and connect it to the power generation system through the battery connection port.

[0064] S4. System Safety Inspection and Debugging: Conduct safety inspections and functional debugging of the completed experimental system, including adjusting the angle of the solar panels on the platform, the angle of attack adjustment mechanism of the wind turbine, and the attitude of the floating and moving mechanism to ensure that the fastening bolts are not loose, the circuit connections are correct and operating normally, and the platform is stable.

[0065] S5. Set the experimental environment parameters and sampling parameters.

[0066] S6. Start the experiment and control the control device to simulate the target sea conditions.

[0067] S7. Perform platform performance measurements and adjust platform control parameters based on preliminary measurement results to obtain the optimal state. Collect data on platform stability, wind resistance, and other parameters under different states in sequence.

[0068] S8. Collect platform response data under different combinations of environmental parameters and record platform performance indicators under various sea conditions.

[0069] S9. Using orthogonal experimental design, plan and execute multiple sets of experiments to analyze the impact of various design variables and environmental variables on platform performance and optimize platform design parameters.

[0070] S10. Analyze and process the experimental data, and optimize the numerical model and platform design based on the analysis results.

[0071] like Figure 1-2The floating platform shown includes a base 1, a support structure 2, a solar panel 3, an energy storage battery 4, a wind turbine 5, and a floating and moving mechanism 7. The support structure 2 is mounted on the base 1. The solar panel 3 is mounted on the top of the support structure 2, and a pivot 3-1 for adjusting the angle of the solar panel 3 and the support structure 2 is provided. The energy storage battery 4 is mounted on the base 1 or the support structure 2. The wind turbine 5 is mounted on the base 1 via a wind turbine tower 6. The floating and moving mechanism 7 is mounted on the bottom of the base 1. Both the solar panel 3 and the wind turbine 5 are electrically connected to the energy storage battery 4.

[0072] Support structure 2 includes vertical support columns 2-1 and multiple support rods 2-2 connected to the vertical support columns 2-1 to form a triangular stable frame; the vertical support columns 2-1 and three floats 1-1 form a rectangular base 1; the number of wind turbine generators 5 is three, and they are installed on the corresponding floats 1-1 through their respective wind turbine towers 6; adjacent floats 1-1 and floats 1-1 are connected as a whole by two connectors 1-2, such as... Figure 3 and 4 As shown.

[0073] like Figure 5 As shown, the energy storage battery 4 includes a battery body 4-2, and the battery body 4-2 is provided with a battery connection port 4-1 for connecting the solar panel 3 and the wind turbine 5.

[0074] like Figure 6 As shown, the wind turbine 5 includes a generator 5-1, an airfoil support arm 5-2, an angle-of-attack adjustment mechanism 5-3, and an airborne vertical axis airfoil. The airborne vertical axis airfoil includes a rotor 5-4 and two blades 5-5. The rotor 5-4 has an annular inner wall composed of four independent streamlined curved surface segments 5-6 distributed circumferentially, spaced at four connection points. The width of the curved surface segments 5-6 gradually increases counterclockwise along the circumference of the rotor 5-4. The top of the airfoil support arm 5-2 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the generator 5-1 housing, and its bottom is connected to the inner wall of the rotor 5-4. The lowest point of the wall is fixedly connected; two blades 5-5 are distributed in a mirror symmetrical manner, and the root of each blade 5-5 is rotatably connected to the corresponding mounting part of the airfoil support arm 5-2 through a rotating shaft 3-1; the tip of each blade 5-5 is rotatably connected to the corresponding connection point on the inner wall of the wind turbine 5-4 through a hinge point; the angle of attack adjustment mechanism 5-3 is installed on the airfoil support arm 5-2, and its output end is drivenly connected to the rotating shaft 3-1 at the root of the corresponding blade 5-5, for independently adjusting the angle of attack of each blade 5-5; the input shaft of the generator motor 5-1 is fixedly connected to the highest point of the inner wall of the wind turbine 5-4 through the main shaft.

[0075] like Figure 7As shown, the floating movement mechanism 7 includes three propulsion devices and a pressure sensor for sensing water flow information; the propulsion devices are arranged one-to-one with the floats 1-1 and fixed on the lower side of the floats 1-1.

[0076] Specifically, the propulsion device includes a duct 7-1, an impeller 7-2, and a rudder blade 7-3; the propeller impeller 7-2 is rotatably mounted at the center of the duct 7-1 to generate thrust; the rudder blade 7-3 is rotatably mounted on the outside of the duct 7-1 to change the direction of thrust; the signal output of the pressure sensor is connected to the platform's control system, and the control output of the control system is connected to the drive motor of the impeller 7-2 and the rotation drive mechanism of the rudder blade 7-3 respectively; the outer periphery of the duct 7-1 is provided with a toothed ring, and the internal flow channel is an aerodynamic airfoil profile, used to guide and accelerate the water flow passing through the impeller 7-2.

[0077] In operation, the wind turbine captures wind energy through its unique vertical axis airfoil. The airflow is accelerated and drives the blades to rotate as it passes through its gradually expanding flow channel. Simultaneously, the angle-of-attack adjustment mechanism dynamically optimizes the blade angle according to the wind speed to maintain maximum aerodynamic efficiency. The kinetic energy of the rotation is ultimately transferred to the generator through the main shaft, converted into electrical energy, and transmitted to the energy storage battery via cable. The tilt angle of the solar panel is adjusted by the rotating shaft to maximize the utilization of solar energy. The solar panel converts solar energy into electrical energy, which is then transmitted to the energy storage battery via cable. At the same time, the propulsion device installed at the bottom of the platform is activated. Its impeller rotates at high speed to generate water flow thrust, while the rudder blades deflect according to the water flow information fed back by the pressure sensor to precisely adjust the thrust direction. This actively counteracts the interference of wind, waves, and currents on the platform, stabilizes the platform's attitude, and maintains the wind turbine in the best windward working condition. Both work together through the central controller to achieve the core goal of efficient and stable power generation of the platform.

[0078] The above description of the embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to the present invention without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A design method for a floating platform for offshore wind power generation, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Theoretical numerical simulation analysis: Based on fluid mechanics and structural mechanics theory, a parameterized numerical model of the floating platform is established, and the dynamic response and structural strength of the model under various sea conditions are simulated and analyzed. S2. Scaled-down model manufacturing: Based on the numerical simulation results of step S1, a physical scaled-down model of the floating platform is manufactured using 3D printing technology. S3. Experimental System Setup: Install a physical scale model of the floating platform in the experimental pool, and configure control devices and data acquisition devices for simulating wind, waves, and current environments to simulate real sea conditions. S4. System safety check and debugging: Conduct a safety check and functional debugging of the completed experimental system to ensure that the fastening bolts are not loose, the circuit connections are correct and operating normally, and the platform is stable. S5. Set the experimental environment parameters and sampling parameters; S6. Start the experiment and control the control device to simulate the target sea state conditions; S7. Conduct platform performance measurements and adjust platform control parameters based on preliminary measurement results to obtain the optimal state. Collect data on platform stability, wind resistance, and other parameters under different states in sequence. S8. Collect platform response data under different combinations of environmental parameters and record platform performance indicators under various sea conditions; S9. Using orthogonal experimental design, plan and execute multiple sets of experiments to analyze the impact of various design variables and environmental variables on platform performance and optimize platform design parameters. S10. Analyze and process the experimental data, and optimize the numerical model and platform design based on the analysis results.

2. The design method for a floating platform for offshore wind power generation according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, the simulation analysis includes stress analysis of the platform structure using the finite element method (FEM), and analysis of the platform's dynamic response under different wind speeds, waves, and tidal currents using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The basic equations include: In the formula, For the velocity field, For pressure field, For fluid density, Kinematic viscosity, It is an external force.

3. The design method for a floating platform for offshore wind power generation according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S4, the debugging includes adjusting the angle of the solar panels on the platform, the angle of attack adjustment mechanism of the wind turbine, and the attitude of the floating and moving mechanism.

4. A floating platform for offshore wind power generation, characterized in that, include: Base; A support structure is mounted on the base; A solar panel is installed on top of the supporting structure, and a pivot is provided between the solar panel and the supporting structure for adjusting its angle; Energy storage batteries are mounted on the base or support structure; The wind turbine is mounted on a base via a wind turbine tower. A floating movement mechanism is installed at the bottom of the base; Both the solar panel and the wind turbine are electrically connected to the energy storage battery.

5. A floating platform for offshore wind power generation according to claim 4, characterized in that, The wind turbine includes a generator, an airfoil support arm, an angle-of-attack adjustment mechanism, and an aerial vertical axis airfoil. The aerial vertical axis airfoil includes a rotor and two blades. The rotor has an annular inner wall composed of four independent streamlined curved surface segments distributed circumferentially, spaced at four connection points. The width of each curved surface segment gradually increases counterclockwise along the rotor's circumference. The top of the airfoil support arm is fixedly connected to the bottom of the generator housing, and its bottom is fixedly connected to the lowest point of the rotor's inner wall. The two blades are mirror-symmetrically distributed, with the root of each blade rotatably connected to a corresponding mounting part of the airfoil support arm via a pivot. The tip of each blade is rotatably connected to a corresponding connection point on the rotor's inner wall via a hinge. The angle-of-attack adjustment mechanism is mounted on the airfoil support arm, and its output end is driven by a pivot at the root of the corresponding blade, used to independently adjust the angle of attack of each blade. The input shaft of the generator is fixedly connected to the highest point of the rotor's inner wall.

6. A floating platform for offshore wind power generation according to claim 4, characterized in that, The support structure includes vertical columns and several support rods connected to the vertical columns to form a triangular stable frame; the vertical columns and three pontoons form a rectangular base; the number of wind turbines is three, and they are installed on the corresponding pontoons through their respective wind turbine towers; adjacent pontoons are connected as a whole by several connectors.

7. A floating platform for offshore wind power generation according to claim 4, characterized in that, The floating movement mechanism includes three propulsion devices and a pressure sensor for sensing water flow information; the propulsion devices are arranged one-to-one with the floats and fixed to the underside of the floats.

8. A floating platform for offshore wind power generation according to claim 7, characterized in that, The propulsion device includes a duct, an impeller, and a rudder blade; the propeller impeller is rotatably disposed at the center of the duct to generate thrust; the rudder blade is rotatably disposed on the outside of the duct to change the direction of thrust; the signal output terminal of the pressure sensor is connected to the platform's control system, and the control output terminal of the control system is connected to the impeller's drive motor and the rudder blade's rotation drive mechanism, respectively.

9. A floating platform for offshore wind power generation according to claim 8, characterized in that, The outer periphery of the duct is provided with a toothed ring, and the internal flow channel is an aerodynamic airfoil profile, which is used to guide and accelerate the water flow passing through the impeller.

10. A floating platform for offshore wind power generation according to claim 4, characterized in that, The energy storage battery includes a battery body, which has a battery connection port for connecting a solar panel and a wind turbine.

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