A semi-submersible floating platform structure for wind-ocean current combined power generation

Abstract

The application discloses a wind-ocean current combined power generation semi-submersible floating platform structure, and belongs to the technical field of offshore semi-submersible platforms. The structure comprises a floating platform, a main wind power generation device vertically arranged in the middle of the platform, and at least one set of wind-ocean current dual-purpose power generation components arranged on the platform. The component comprises a float mounting seat, a dual-purpose generator and a connecting rod assembly. The float mounting seat is connected with the dual-purpose generator through the connecting rod assembly, and the dual-purpose generator blades can be extended into the ocean current or placed on the platform. The structure can realize wind-ocean current dual-purpose power generation. In severe weather, the generator is placed in the ocean current, so that the impact of strong wind on the upper structure can be avoided, the ocean current energy can be continuously collected, the wind resistance of the platform is improved, the energy utilization efficiency is improved, and the continuity of power generation is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of offshore semi-submersible platform technology, specifically relating to a semi-submersible floating platform structure that combines wind and ocean current power generation. Background Technology

[0002] Semi-submersible platforms are important floating operation equipment in marine engineering. To cope with harsh sea conditions, variable center of gravity semi-submersible platforms have become a key focus of industry research and development. These platforms add a center of gravity adjustment system to the traditional platform structure, which can actively adjust the position and height of the center of gravity according to changes in sea conditions and operational needs. This optimizes platform stability, avoids tilting and capsizing accidents under extreme loads, broadens the range of applicable sea conditions, and improves operational safety and reliability.

[0003] The existing variable center of gravity semi-submersible platforms adjust their center of gravity primarily by changing their draft, with the ballast water system being the core component. Multiple independent ballast tanks are located within the platform's lower buoys and pillars. The injection, discharge, and inter-tank transfer of seawater are controlled by pump and valve devices to alter the platform's total weight and weight distribution, thereby adjusting the draft: when the center of gravity needs to be lowered, seawater is injected to deepen the draft and shift the center of gravity downwards; when the operational posture needs to be restored, seawater is discharged to allow the platform to rise and the center of gravity to recover.

[0004] This adjustment method still has obvious limitations: 1. By changing the overall draft of the platform to adjust the center of gravity, it will cause a significant change in the overall buoyancy of the platform, which will place higher demands on the anchoring system and structural strength; 2. The upper-level equipment (such as wind turbine units) is always exposed to the wind field, and the wind load is still large under extreme weather conditions, making it difficult to achieve efficient wind resistance control; 3. The slow response speed of ballast water injection and discharge makes it difficult to quickly adapt to sudden severe sea conditions, which limits the platform's survivability and adaptability in extreme sea conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention discloses a semi-submersible floating platform structure for wind-ocean current combined power generation, which can place the blades of the dual-purpose generator in either air or ocean current to achieve dual-purpose power generation. At the same time, under severe wind loads, by placing the dual-purpose generator in ocean current, the direct impact of strong winds on the superstructure can be effectively avoided, and ocean current energy can be continuously collected, thereby improving the platform's wind resistance and energy utilization efficiency and ensuring continuous power generation.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes the following technical content: A semi-submersible floating platform structure for wind-ocean current combined power generation includes a floating platform and a main wind power generation device vertically arranged in the middle of the floating platform. At least one set of wind-ocean current dual-purpose power generation components is installed on the floating platform. The wind-ocean current dual-purpose power generation components include a float mounting base, a dual-purpose generator and a connecting rod assembly. The float mounting base is connected to the dual-purpose generator through the connecting rod assembly. Driven by the connecting rod assembly, the blades of the dual-purpose generator can extend into the ocean current or be on the floating platform.

[0007] Furthermore, the linkage assembly includes two first linkages, a U-shaped linkage, and a hydraulic telescopic rod; the float mounting base is fixedly installed on the surface of the floating platform; one end of the first linkage is rotatably connected to the float mounting base via shaft A, and the other end is rotatably connected to the housing of the dual-purpose generator via shaft B; the non-telescopic end of the hydraulic telescopic rod is rotatably connected to the main wind power generation equipment via shaft C, and the telescopic end is fixedly connected to the U-shaped linkage, which is rotatably connected to the housing of the dual-purpose generator via shaft D. Along the projection directions of shafts B and D, shafts B and D do not coincide.

[0008] With only one drive source for the hydraulic telescopic boom, control is simplified and maintenance costs are reduced.

[0009] Furthermore, there are two first connecting rods, which are simultaneously distributed on the radial sides of the float mounting base and the dual-purpose generator; there are two shafts A and two shafts B, with two shafts A fixedly mounted on the float mounting base and two shafts B fixedly mounted on the dual-purpose generator housing, and the first connecting rod on one side simultaneously sleeved on the corresponding shafts A and B; there are two shafts D on the dual-purpose generator housing, and the two ends of the U-shaped connecting rod are rotatably connected to the dual-purpose generator housing through shafts D.

[0010] The symmetrical arrangement on both sides ensures even stress distribution, preventing component deformation and shaft wear caused by unilateral overload, thus improving structural stability and durability; the dual shafts combined with dual connecting rods provide smoother transmission and effectively buffer the impact loads of sea waves and ocean currents. Furthermore, the wind-ocean current dual-use power generation component is provided in multiple sets and arranged in a circumferential array along the support tower axis of the main wind power generation equipment.

[0011] The circular array arrangement ensures symmetrical and balanced force distribution on the platform, avoiding localized uneven loading, improving stability during sea navigation, and preventing tilting. Simultaneous operation of multiple components significantly enhances wind / ocean current energy capture efficiency, increasing overall power generation. Furthermore, in ocean current power generation mode, the multiple components of the circular array not only reduce the exposed structure of the upper platform and significantly decrease the wind-exposed area, effectively weakening the impact of strong winds at sea, but also create uniform water flow resistance during the underwater components' capture of ocean current energy, offsetting the impact load of the ocean current and further stabilizing the platform's attitude. This achieves stable floating under the combined effects of wind and current, significantly improving the platform's overall resistance to wind and current.

[0012] Furthermore, when the dual-purpose generator operates in wind power generation mode, it is positioned above the float mounting base, with the lower surface of the generator in contact with the upper surface of the float mounting base. When the dual-purpose generator switches to ocean current power generation mode, the hydraulic telescopic rod extends actively. With the overall cooperation of the linkage assembly, it drives the dual-purpose generator to swing downward around axis A while simultaneously rotating around axis B to complete its own attitude flip. The generator blades, which were originally facing upward, turn downward and are completely immersed in the seawater.

[0013] The beneficial effects that can be achieved by adopting the above technologies are: 1. Equipped with a dual-purpose generator, it can simultaneously or on demand capture high-altitude wind energy, near-field wind energy, and ocean current energy to achieve wind-ocean current energy combined power generation; the dual-purpose generator can seamlessly switch between wind and ocean current power generation modes without replacing core components, adapting to the dynamic changes in offshore wind and current energy, and maximizing the utilization of clean marine energy.

[0014] 2. The connecting rod assembly features a symmetrical arrangement of double connecting rods and double shafts, with a U-shaped connecting rod and a double-axis D-connection, ensuring uniform force transmission, avoiding local overload and stress concentration, buffering the impact loads of sea waves and ocean currents, and extending the service life of the equipment. 3. In ocean current power generation mode, the dual-purpose generator is fully immersed in seawater, which not only significantly reduces the wind-exposed area of ​​the upper platform, weakens the impact of strong winds and reduces wind load, effectively coping with severe wind conditions at sea; but also enables simultaneous ocean current power generation. Compared with traditional wind turbines that need to be shut down in extreme weather, this mode enables continuous energy collection under harsh operating conditions, improving the efficiency of marine clean energy utilization and the continuity of platform power generation. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the device generating wind power. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the device generating electricity using ocean currents.

[0016] 1. Floating platform; 2. First connecting rod; 3. Hydraulic telescopic rod; 4. Float mounting base; 5. Dual-purpose generator; 6. Support tower; 7. U-shaped connecting rod. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions 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, 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.

[0018] Example: A semi-submersible floating platform structure for wind-ocean current combined power generation includes a floating platform 1 and a main wind power generation device vertically arranged in the middle of the floating platform 1. The floating platform 1 is equipped with multiple sets of wind-ocean current dual-purpose power generation components. From a top-down perspective, each set of wind-ocean current dual-purpose power generation components is arranged in a circular array with the axis of the support tower 6 of the main wind power generation device as the center, ensuring stress balance and floating stability during platform operation.

[0019] To clearly illustrate the positional relationship and connection method between the wind-ocean current dual-purpose power generation unit and the main wind power generation equipment support tower 6, a single wind-ocean current dual-purpose power generation unit is used as an example: This unit includes a float mounting base 4, a dual-purpose generator 5, and a matching connecting rod assembly. The dual-purpose generator 5 adopts an openable vertical shaft fluid turbine power generation device disclosed in application number 2022112477980, which is compatible with wind energy and ocean current energy capture, enabling bidirectional power generation mode switching without the need for additional replacement of the core power generation components; the float mounting base 4 is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the floating platform 1 via a truss.

[0020] The linkage assembly includes two first connecting rods 2, a U-shaped connecting rod 7, and a hydraulic telescopic rod 3. One end of each first connecting rod 2 is rotatably connected to the side wall of the float mounting base 4 located at the edge of the floating platform 1 via shaft A, and the other end is rotatably connected to the housing of the dual-purpose generator 5 via shaft B. The two first connecting rods 2 are synchronously distributed on both radial sides of the float mounting base 4 and the dual-purpose generator 5 to ensure symmetrical force distribution and smooth transmission. There are two shafts A and two shafts B. The two shafts A are fixedly installed on the float mounting base 4, and the two shafts B are fixed on the housing of the dual-purpose generator 5. The first connecting rod 2 on one side is simultaneously sleeved on the corresponding shaft A and shaft B, and is rotatably connected to the shaft A and shaft B respectively via bearings. One end of the hydraulic telescopic rod 3 is rotatably connected to the side wall of the support tower 6 of the main wind power generation equipment via shaft C, and the other end is fixedly connected to the U-shaped connecting rod 7. The two ends of the U-shaped connecting rod 7 are rotatably connected to the housing of the dual-purpose generator 5 via shaft D, and are used to transmit the thrust and tension of the hydraulic telescopic rod 3. The housing of the dual-purpose generator 5 is provided with two shafts D, and the two ends of the U-shaped connecting rod 7 are respectively sleeved on the corresponding shafts D. The U-shaped connecting rod 7 rotates with the shafts D through bearings.

[0021] The axes of shafts A, B, C, and D are parallel to each other, and each shaft is arranged horizontally. All rotational movements are confined to the same vertical plane, with no spatial misalignment or interference. Projected along the axial direction, shafts B and D are arranged at intervals and do not overlap on the outer casing of the dual-purpose generator 5. This arrangement is set radially along the float mounting base 4 and the dual-purpose generator 5, leaving sufficient clearance to ensure that the dual-purpose generator 5 can smoothly complete the flipping action and prevent problems such as component jamming or collision interference during movement.

[0022] When the dual-purpose generator 5 operates in wind power generation mode, it is positioned above the float mounting base 4 (e.g., Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the lower surface of the generator is attached to the upper surface of the float mounting base 4 to achieve stable support. At this time, the generator blades are located at the upper end of the generator and exposed above the sea surface, which can efficiently capture wind energy to complete wind power generation operations and is suitable for conventional sea surface wind conditions.

[0023] When the dual-purpose generator 5 switches to ocean current power generation mode, the hydraulic telescopic rod 3 actively extends. With the overall cooperation of the linkage assembly, it drives the dual-purpose generator 5 to swing downward around axis A, while simultaneously completing its own attitude flip around axis B. The two sets of rotation actions are synchronized and coordinated without interfering with each other. Under the combined motion, the dual-purpose generator 5 smoothly detaches from the contact state of the upper surface of the float mounting base 4. The generator blades, which were originally facing upward, can accurately rotate to face downward and be completely immersed in the seawater, accurately capturing ocean current energy and realizing the efficient conversion of ocean current energy into electrical energy, thus completing the seamless switching between the two power generation modes.

[0024] The extension stroke of the hydraulic telescopic rod 3 is adapted to the flip angle and water depth of the dual-purpose generator 5, which can avoid the problem of component overload caused by excessive stroke and insufficient water entry of blades caused by insufficient stroke, thus ensuring stable and reliable mode switching.

[0025] Usage process: The platform floats on the sea surface and maintains a stable attitude. The main wind power generation equipment in the middle continues to operate to capture high-altitude wind energy, and all sets of wind-ocean current dual-purpose power generation components are in a static position for wind power generation. At this time, the hydraulic telescopic rod 3 is in the retracted position. Under the pulling action of the connecting rod assembly, the dual-purpose generator 5 is smoothly moored directly above the float mounting base 4. The lower surface of the generator is completely in contact with the upper surface of the float mounting base 4, and it is stably supported by the float mounting base 4 without swaying or deviation.

[0026] The dual-purpose generator 5 has its blades facing upwards, fully exposed above the sea surface, in a fully extended, ready-to-work state. It can efficiently capture near-field wind energy from the sea surface, forming a double-layer wind capture structure in conjunction with the main wind power generation equipment in the middle, adapting to the combined power generation needs under conventional wind conditions. The platform as a whole floats with a stable center of gravity, eliminating the risk of localized overload.

[0027] When the wind force on the sea surface is insufficient and the ocean current energy is sufficient, the control system of the semi-submersible floating platform synchronously drives the hydraulic telescopic rods 3 of multiple sets of wind-ocean current dual-use power generation components to start the extension action. Each set of components, with the main wind power generation equipment support tower 6 as the center, synchronously completes the symmetrical action conversion, ensuring that the overall force of the platform is balanced and the floating attitude does not tilt. The specific subdivided actions of a single set of components are as follows: The hydraulic telescopic rod 3 slowly extends horizontally, with one end rotating slightly relative to the main support tower 6 around axis C, while the other end continuously pushes the U-shaped connecting rod 7. Under the thrust of the U-shaped connecting rod 7, the dual-purpose generator 5 simultaneously completes two sets of synchronous rotation movements, all confined within the same vertical plane without spatial misalignment interference: The first set of rotation is a downward swing motion, with the generator rotating around axis A as the center, driving the two first connecting rods 2 to swing downward around axis A synchronously, while the other end of the first connecting rod 2 rotates synchronously around axis B, causing the generator to move downwards towards the sea surface; The second set of rotation is a self-reversing motion, with the generator simultaneously completing an axial reversal around axis B, and the U-shaped connecting rod 7 rotating synchronously around axis D, coordinating with the generator's reversing posture to prevent the movement from jamming.

[0028] As the hydraulic telescopic rod 3 extends to the preset stroke, the two sets of compound movements finish synchronously. The dual-purpose generator 5 completely detaches from the contact surface of the pontoon mounting base 4, and the originally upward-facing generator blades precisely flip to the downward-facing state. The entire generator is fully immersed in the seawater to the preset depth, without any issues of exposed blades or insufficient water immersion. Furthermore, sufficient safety gaps are reserved between the generator and the pontoon mounting base 4 and the edge of the platform to prevent collisions and interference.

[0029] The hydraulic telescopic rod 3 locks the current extension stroke, the linkage assembly maintains a fixed posture, the generator blades of the dual-purpose generator 5 are stably suspended inside the seawater, and the downward-facing generator blades are completely submerged in the ocean current. Relying on the open and close vertical shaft fluid wheel structure, it efficiently captures the ocean current energy on the seabed and automatically switches to the ocean current power generation mode without replacing the core components.

[0030] In this state, the first link 2, the U-shaped link 7, and the hydraulic telescopic rod 3 counteract the swaying load caused by the ocean current impact, ensuring that the generator remains stable in the water flow and does not shift, overturn, or misalign; the platform as a whole still maintains symmetrical force, and the semi-submersible floating state is not affected by the underwater generator. The main wind power generation equipment can choose to stop or continue operating according to the actual wind force, realizing flexible power generation adaptation of single / dual energy sources.

[0031] When the ocean current weakens and it is necessary to resume wind power generation (this is determined by the control system of the semi-submersible floating platform based on corresponding sensors; it is not an innovation of this solution and will not be elaborated further), the control system drives the hydraulic telescopic rod 3 to slowly retract and reset, causing the linkage assembly to perform a reverse coordinated movement. The entire movement is smooth and without impact loads. The specific subdivided actions of each component are as follows: The hydraulic telescopic rod 3 retracts, generating tension. One end rotates in the opposite direction around axis C, while the other end pulls the U-shaped connecting rod 7 back to its original position. This, in turn, causes the dual-purpose generator 5 to swing upward around axis A, while simultaneously flipping in the opposite direction around axis B, gradually returning to its initial posture. As the hydraulic telescopic rod 3 retracts to its original position, the dual-purpose generator 5 slowly rises until its lower surface re-fits with the upper surface of the float mounting base 4. The generator blades then flip upward again, fully exposing themselves above the sea surface, precisely resetting to the stationary state of wind power generation mode.

[0032] The entire reset process is completely reversible with the forward switching action. The rotation trajectory and movement gap are consistent throughout the process. There are no issues such as component jamming or incomplete reset. After the reset is completed, the wind power generation can be restarted immediately, realizing the cyclic switching between the two modes and long-term stable operation.

[0033] Based on the above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention, and through the foregoing description, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the inventive concept. The technical scope of this invention is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined according to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A semi-submersible floating platform structure for wind-ocean current combined power generation, comprising a floating platform (1) and a main wind power generation device vertically arranged in the middle of the floating platform (1), characterized in that, The floating platform (1) is equipped with at least one set of wind-ocean current dual-purpose power generation components. The wind-ocean current dual-purpose power generation components include a float mounting base (4), a dual-purpose generator (5), and a connecting rod assembly. The float mounting base is connected to the dual-purpose generator (5) through the connecting rod assembly. Under the drive of the connecting rod assembly, the blades of the dual-purpose generator (5) can extend into the ocean current or be on the floating platform (1).

2. The semi-submersible floating platform structure for combined wind and ocean current power generation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The linkage assembly includes a first linkage (2), a U-shaped linkage (7), and a hydraulic telescopic rod (3); The float mounting base (4) is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the floating platform (1); one end of the first connecting rod (2) is rotatably connected to the float mounting base (4) via shaft A, and the other end is rotatably connected to the outer shell of the dual-purpose generator (5) via shaft B; the non-telescopic end of the hydraulic telescopic rod (3) is rotatably connected to the main wind power generation equipment via shaft C, and the telescopic end is fixedly connected to the U-shaped connecting rod (7). The U-shaped connecting rod (7) is rotatably connected to the outer shell of the dual-purpose generator (5) via shaft D. Along the projection direction of shaft B and shaft D, shaft B and shaft D do not coincide; the axes of shaft A, shaft B, shaft C and shaft D are parallel and in the horizontal direction.

3. The semi-submersible floating platform structure for combined wind and ocean current power generation according to claim 1, characterized in that, Two first connecting rods (2) are provided, and the two first connecting rods (2) are synchronously distributed on the radial sides of the float mounting base (4) and the dual-purpose generator (5); two shafts A and two shafts B are provided, the two shafts A are fixedly installed on the float mounting base (4), and the two shafts B are fixed on the housing of the dual-purpose generator (5). The first connecting rod (2) on one side is simultaneously sleeved on the corresponding shafts A and B; two shafts D are provided on the housing of the dual-purpose generator (5), and the two ends of the U-shaped connecting rod (7) are rotatably connected to the housing of the dual-purpose generator (5) through the shafts D.

4. The semi-submersible floating platform structure for combined wind and ocean current power generation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wind-ocean current dual-use power generation components are provided in multiple sets and are arranged in a circular array along the axis of the support tower (6) of the main wind power generation equipment.

5. The semi-submersible floating platform structure for combined wind and ocean current power generation according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the dual-purpose generator (5) is working in wind power generation mode, it is located above the float mounting base (4), and the lower surface of the generator is in contact with the upper surface of the float mounting base (4). When the dual-purpose generator (5) switches to ocean current power generation mode, the hydraulic telescopic rod (3) actively extends. With the overall cooperation of the linkage assembly, it drives the dual-purpose generator (5) to swing downward around axis A, while completing its own attitude flip around axis B. The generator blades that were originally facing upward turn downward and are completely immersed in the seawater.

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