An adaptive airbag ballast damping device for a floating wind turbine platform

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of floating wind turbine platforms, in particular to a self-adaptive air bag ballast damping device for a floating wind turbine platform, which comprises a semi-submersible platform base, the semi-submersible platform base comprising a plurality of vertical columns distributed in the circumferential direction of the wind turbine platform; a damping module, the damping module being a flexible air bag in a column shape, arranged at the center of the area surrounded by the plurality of vertical columns; and folding devices, uniformly arranged on the circumferential side wall of the flexible air bag, the folding devices being used for retracting or unfolding the flexible air bag from a guide cover. The application can adjust the ballast quality inside the air bag in real time to change the inertia moment of the whole platform, thereby improving the motion performance of the platform; the volume of the air bag will change with the volume of the internal ballast water and the filled gas, thereby providing hydrostatic restoring force and additional stiffness for the platform. Through the liquid shaking inside the air bag and the extrusion change outside the air bag, damping is generated, incident wave energy is dissipated, and part of the environmental load borne by the platform is offset.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of floating wind turbine platforms, and in particular to an adaptive airbag ballast damping device for floating wind turbine platforms. Background Technology

[0002] As offshore wind power expands into deeper waters, floating wind turbine technology has become the mainstream solution. Compared to fixed foundations, floating wind turbine platforms experience six degrees of freedom of rigid body motion under the combined effects of waves, currents, and wind loads; among these, roll, pitch, and heave motions have a significant impact on the floating wind turbine. Excessive platform motion can lead to additional velocity and acceleration at the turbine hub center, significantly increasing the dynamic bending moment and shear force at the base of the tower, exacerbating structural fatigue, and affecting the rotor's angle to the wind, thus reducing aerodynamic efficiency and power generation. In extreme sea conditions, severe motion can trigger mooring system overload, structural resonance, and even jeopardize the overall stability of the platform.

[0003] Currently, existing technologies mainly employ the following methods to suppress platform motion: 1. By optimizing the platform's geometry, appendage dimensions, and arrangement, the platform's inherent period is altered using its own hydrodynamic characteristics to avoid resonance with waves; 2. Tuned dampers or movable weights are installed inside the platform or in the tower area, using the damping force and inertia generated by the damper's swaying or the weight's movement to offset part of the platform's motion; 3. Active or semi-active ballast is used, with ballast water pumped into different compartments to adjust the platform's buoyancy.

[0004] However, as with method 1 above, current technologies mostly employ passive methods, and the platform's damping characteristics cannot be altered. They can only be effective against a specific wave frequency, which is inadequate given the complex and variable wave spectrum in marine environments, making them unsuitable for different regional operational needs. While active methods like methods 2 and 3 can adjust the platform's buoyancy, they primarily address the "static equilibrium" problem, and their response speed lags far behind the rapid excitation of high-frequency waves. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to improve upon the prior art, this application provides an adaptive airbag ballast damping device for a floating wind turbine platform.

[0006] The adaptive airbag ballast damping device for floating wind turbine platforms provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: An adaptive airbag ballast damping device for a floating wind turbine platform, comprising The semi-submersible platform foundation includes several vertical columns evenly distributed around the circumference of the wind turbine platform. The main body of the vertical column is a hollow pontoon structure. Adjacent vertical columns and the main body of the vertical column are rigidly connected by steel structures to the central pontoon that carries the wind turbine. The damping module is a cylindrical flexible airbag, which is set in the center of the area surrounded by several vertical columns. The flexible airbag consists of a protective layer, an airtight layer and a watertight layer from the outside to the inside. A hole is opened in the center of the bottom of the wind turbine platform, and a guide cover for housing the damping module is set in the hole. The folding device is provided in multiple sets and is evenly arranged on the circumferential sidewall of the flexible airbag. The folding device is used to retract or unfold the flexible airbag from the guide cover. An integrated ballast and gas replacement system includes a ballast device and a gas replacement device. The ballast device includes a ballast pump, a flange, a butterfly valve, and a flexible hose. The ballast pump is located in a compartment below the central pontoon of the wind turbine platform. One end of the flexible hose is connected to the output end of the ballast pump via a flange and a butterfly valve, and the other end is connected to the watertight layer of the flexible airbag. Ballast water is injected into the watertight layer through the flexible hose. The gas replacement device includes a high-pressure blower, an integrated inflation valve seat, a metal hose, and a spherical sealing joint. The high-pressure blower is located in a compartment below the central pontoon, and its output end is connected to the integrated inflation valve seat via a metal hose. The metal hoses are connected by a spherical sealing joint and extend into the airtight layer of the flexible airbag, connecting to the top of the flexible airbag. Control system, the control system includes A folding device detection module is used to detect the tension at the front end of the main towing cable; A pressure detection module is used to detect the dynamic and static pressure of the fluid at different depths, the water pressure of the watertight layer, and the air pressure of the airtight layer. Ballast detection module, which is laid circumferentially along the inner wall of the watertight layer of the flexible airbag, is used to measure the ballast water depth; A data detection and processing module, which is used to collect and preliminarily process the data signals emitted by the above-mentioned detection modules; The central control unit is connected to the data detection and processing module via a cable and is used for data reception, processing, storage, display, and early warning control. The ballast device and gas replacement device are connected to the data detection and processing module and the central control unit.

[0007] Preferably, the steel structure includes a V-shaped horizontal beam set at the top of the vertical column, a horizontal brace set at the bottom of the vertical column, and an inclined brace set between the top and bottom of the vertical column; the diameter of the lower part of the vertical column is larger than the diameter of the upper part.

[0008] Preferably, the protective layer is made of neoprene rubber and reinforcing fibers, and the airtight layer is made of thick-walled halogenated butyl rubber.

[0009] Preferably, a plurality of flexible lateral reinforcing skeletons are provided between the partitions of the flexible airbag; a plurality of top reinforcing skeletons are provided on the top of the flexible airbag, and the inner sidewall of the guide cover is provided with a groove that matches the top reinforcing skeleton.

[0010] Preferably, the sidewalls of the hole are uniformly provided with multiple sets of retractable radial constraint frames around the outer periphery of the guide cover, and the radial constraint frames are used to support the flexible airbag housed in the guide cover.

[0011] Preferably, the radial constraint frame includes a telescopic motor, a coupling, a telescopic rod, a sealing bushing, and a constraint plate. The telescopic motor is fixed to the inner wall of the hole. One end of the telescopic rod is connected to the output end of the telescopic motor through the coupling, and the other end passes through the sealing bushing and is connected to the constraint plate. The sealing bushing is installed on the guide cover. The constraint plate can be pressed against the outer wall of the flexible airbag under the drive of the telescopic motor.

[0012] Preferably, the folding device includes a top main frame unit and a sub-frame unit. One side of the top main frame unit is hinged to the bottom of the central float via a hinged support. The other side of the top main frame unit is connected to the sub-frame unit via an active scissor hinge. The end of the sub-frame unit away from the top main frame unit is connected to the bottom main frame unit via a driven scissor hinge. An auxiliary scissor hinge is provided at the hinge point between the bottom main frame unit and the sub-frame unit. The end of the bottom main frame unit away from the sub-frame unit is hinged to a shackle pre-installed on the flexible airbag via a hinged support. A connecting support is fixed on the top main frame unit. One end of the main towing cable is fixedly connected to the main connecting support, and the other end passes around the fixed pulley group set on the side wall of the central pontoon and extends into the compartment in the central pontoon of the platform. After being redirected by the cable guide device, it is connected to the auxiliary winch. A secondary connecting support is fixedly connected on the secondary frame unit. One end of the secondary towing cable is fixedly connected to the secondary connecting support, and the other end passes around the fixed pulley group and is fixedly connected to the auxiliary scissor hinge. The auxiliary scissor hinge is connected to the shackle on the flexible airbag through several steel cables, so that the secondary towing cable forms a linkage cable, connecting multiple auxiliary scissor hinges in series. An auxiliary towing cable is provided on the top of the flexible airbag. The end of the auxiliary towing cable away from the flexible airbag is changed direction by a cable guide device and then connected to the main winch.

[0013] Preferably, the folding detection module is a tension sensor, which is installed at the front end of the main towing steel cable, and the folding detection module is connected to the data detection and processing module via a wired signal. The ballast detection module is a fiber optic pressure sensor array, which is laid circumferentially along the inner wall of the watertight layer of the flexible airbag.

[0014] Preferably, the pressure detection module includes a distributed external pressure sensor module and an internal pressure sensor module. The distributed external pressure sensor module is an array of flexible thin-film pressure sensors laid at different heights on the sidewall of the outer layer of the flexible airbag. The internal pressure sensor includes an internal liquid pressure sensor and an internal gas pressure sensor. The internal liquid pressure sensor is threaded, penetrates the airtight layer and is sealed and fixed to the watertight layer. Its pressure-sensing end is located in the liquid chamber inside the watertight layer. The internal gas pressure sensor is a miniature low-pressure type, integrated on the inflation valve or special sealing flange of the airtight layer. Its pressure-sensing end is exposed in the gas chamber of the airtight layer.

[0015] Preferably, at least three flexible thin-film pressure sensor arrays are arranged at equal intervals along the axial direction of the flexible airbag. They need to be rolled and bonded point by point using a flexible silicone adhesive with high bonding strength and resistance to seawater aging. After bonding, a flexible waterproof sealing tape is covered on the outer edge of the sensor. The flexible waterproof sealing tape has a wedge-shaped or streamlined cross section. The threaded internal liquid pressure sensor is arranged with coaxial holes drilled sequentially on the watertight layer, and high-performance fiber-reinforced composite material is used to reinforce the area around the holes in a ring-like layer. After curing, it forms a locally reinforcing boss. After the sensor is installed, it is potted with a filling polyurethane sealant. The miniature low-pressure gas pressure sensor is a modular component, which is fixed to the pre-set mounting holes on the airtight layer via a base. The sensor is inserted from the outside of the airtight layer to the inside, and is clamped and secured on both the inside and outside of the airtight layer with locking nuts with sealing gaskets, so that the internal air pressure generates a clamping force on the component. The electrical interface of the sensor is led out through the miniature waterproof connector on the component.

[0016] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. This application, by adjusting the ballast mass and gas volume inside the airbag in real time, changes the platform's moment of inertia, hydrostatic restoring force, and additional stiffness, which can adapt to the complex marine environment of different working areas and solve the problem that traditional passive devices can only adapt to a single frequency. 2. This application, relying on an integrated ballast and gas replacement system, can quickly adjust the water-to-air ratio, with a response speed much faster than traditional compartment ballast systems, effectively counteracting high-frequency wave excitation and suppressing platform roll, pitch, and heave movements; 3. This application generates nonlinear damping through internal liquid sloshing and external compression deformation of the airbag, which efficiently dissipates incident wave energy, offsets environmental loads, and reduces structural fatigue and mooring system overload risks; 4. In this application, the folding device, in conjunction with the radial constraint frame, can quickly retract the airbag into the guide cover, reducing the stress area under extreme sea conditions, improving the platform's survivability, and balancing operational efficiency and safety. 5. In this application, the airbag adopts a multi-layer composite structure and reinforced skeleton design, which is resistant to seawater corrosion and high pressure; the sensors and actuators are all waterproof and sealed to meet the needs of long-term deep-sea operations. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an adaptive airbag ballast damping device for a floating wind turbine platform according to an embodiment of this application.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the stowage state of an adaptive airbag ballast damping device for a floating wind turbine platform, as described in an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the deployment operation state of an adaptive airbag ballast damping device for a floating wind turbine platform, as described in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the damping module in an adaptive airbag ballast damping device for a floating wind turbine platform, as described in an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Semi-submersible wind turbine platform foundation; 2. Flexible airbag; 21. Protective layer; 22. Airtight layer; 23. Watertight layer; 24. Lateral reinforcement frame; 25. Top reinforcement frame; 3. Folding device; 31. Top main frame unit; 311. Main connecting support; 3111. Main towing cable; 3112. Auxiliary winch; 32. Subsidiary frame unit; 321. Subsidiary connecting support; 3211. Subsidiary towing cable; 33. Bottom main frame unit; 34. Active scissor hinge; 35. Driven scissor hinge; 36. Auxiliary scissor hinge; 4. Integrated pressure... 41. Ballast device; 42. Gas replacement device; 5. Control system; 51. Folding device detection module; 52. Pressure detection module; 521. Distributed external pressure sensor module; 522. Internal pressure sensor module; 5221. Internal liquid pressure sensor; 5222. Internal gas pressure sensor; 53. Ballast detection module; 54. Data detection and processing module; 55. Central control unit; 6. Guide cover; 61. Slide chute; 7. Fixed pulley block; 8. Auxiliary towing cable; 81. Main winch; 9. Radial constraint frame. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-3 This application will be described in further detail.

[0023] This application discloses an adaptive airbag ballast damping device for a floating wind turbine platform, referring to... Figure 1-3 The above-mentioned device includes The semi-submersible platform foundation 1 includes several vertical columns evenly distributed around the central pontoon of the wind turbine platform. Adjacent vertical columns are connected by steel structures and welded to the main body of the central pontoon by steel structures. The steel structures include V-shaped horizontal beams set at the top of the vertical columns, horizontal braces set at the bottom of the vertical columns, and inclined braces set between the top and bottom of the vertical columns. The diameter of the lower part of the vertical column is larger than the diameter of the upper part, which increases the buoyancy of the structure and lowers the overall center of gravity.

[0024] The damping module is a cylindrical flexible airbag 2, which is set at the center of the area surrounded by several vertical columns. The flexible airbag 2 is located at the bottom of the central buoy of the wind turbine platform. The bottom of the central buoy has a hole, and a guide cover 6 for housing the damping module is installed in the hole. The flexible airbag 2 consists of a protective layer 21, an airtight layer 22, and a watertight layer 23 from the outside to the inside. The protective layer 21 is made of neoprene rubber and reinforcing fibers, which can effectively prevent deep-sea corrosion and biological adhesion. The airtight layer 22 is made of thick-walled halogenated butyl rubber, which can ensure that the high-pressure gas remains sealed for a long time.

[0025] Several flexible lateral reinforcement skeletons 24 are provided between the partitions of the flexible airbag 2. The lateral reinforcement skeletons 24 can withstand the hydrostatic pressure of the internal filling gas, the internal ballast water and the fluid pressure of the external seawater, and transfer and distribute the load to the overall structure of the damping module. Several top reinforcement skeletons 25 are provided on the top of the flexible airbag 2, and the inner sidewall of the guide cover 6 is provided with a groove 61 that matches the top reinforcement skeleton 25.

[0026] Folding devices 3, in multiple sets, are evenly distributed on the circumferential sidewalls of the flexible airbag 2. Folding devices 3 are used to retract or deploy the flexible airbag 2 from the guide cover 6. Folding devices 3 include a top main frame unit 31 and a sub-frame unit 32. One side of the top main frame unit 31 is hinged to the bottom of the central float via a hinged support. The other side of the top main frame unit 31 is connected to the sub-frame unit 32 via an active scissor hinge 34. One end of the sub-frame unit 32, away from the top main frame unit 31, is connected to a bottom main frame unit 33 via a driven scissor hinge 35. An auxiliary scissor hinge 36 is provided at the hinge point between the bottom main frame unit 33 and the sub-frame unit 32. One end of the bottom main frame unit 33, away from the sub-frame unit 32, is hinged to a shackle pre-installed on the flexible airbag 2 via a hinged support. A connecting support is fixed on the top main frame unit 31. One end of the main towing cable 3111 is fixedly connected to the main connecting support 311, and the other end passes around the fixed pulley group 7 set on the side wall of the central float and extends into the compartment in the central float of the platform. After changing direction through the cable guide device, it is connected to the auxiliary winch 3112. The auxiliary frame unit 32 is fixedly connected to the auxiliary connecting support 321. One end of the auxiliary towing cable 3211 is fixedly connected to the auxiliary connecting support 321, and the other end passes around the fixed pulley group 7 and is fixedly connected to the auxiliary scissor hinge 36. The auxiliary scissor hinge 36 is fixedly connected to the shackle on the flexible airbag 2 through three steel cables, so that the auxiliary towing cable 3211 forms a linkage cable, connecting multiple auxiliary scissor hinges 36 in series. When the main towing cable 3111 pulls the uppermost active hinge, the auxiliary towing cable 3211 will transmit the motion to other driven hinges, so that multiple sets of scissor mechanisms can be opened or closed synchronously, thereby supporting or releasing the flexible airbag 2.

[0027] The flexible airbag 2 is equipped with an auxiliary towing cable 8 at its top. The end of the auxiliary towing cable 8 away from the flexible airbag 2 is redirected by a cable guide device and connected to the main winch 81. When the main winch 81 is working, the auxiliary towing cable 8 pulls the top of the flexible airbag 2 toward the orifice. Guided by the conical guide cover 6 at the bottom of the central pontoon of the platform, the top of the flexible airbag 2 enters the orifice first, allowing the top reinforcing frame 25 to enter the groove 61. With the continuous traction of the auxiliary towing cable 8, the flexible airbag 2 body with the guide cover 6 of the groove 61 is gradually folded into a predetermined compact shape and enters the orifice space in an orderly manner. After the flexible airbag 2 is completely inside the guide cover 6, the folding device 3 is located at the bottom of the central pontoon to prevent the flexible airbag 2 from falling.

[0028] Multiple sets of retractable radial constraint frames 9 are evenly arranged around the outer periphery of the guide cover 6 on the sidewall of the opening. The radial constraint frames 9 are used to support the flexible airbag 2 housed inside the guide cover 6. The radial constraint frame 9 includes a telescopic motor, a coupling, a telescopic rod, a sealing bushing, and a petal-shaped constraint plate. The telescopic motor is fixed to the inner sidewall of the opening. One end of the telescopic rod is connected to the output end of the telescopic motor through the coupling, and the other end passes through the sealing bushing and is connected to the constraint plate. The sealing bushing passes through the guide cover 6. The constraint plate can be pressed against the outer sidewall of the flexible airbag 2 under the drive of the telescopic motor. During the process of the flexible airbag 2 entering the guide cover 6, the flexible airbag 2 is further compressed and neatly stacked under the pressure of the constraint plate.

[0029] The integrated ballast and gas replacement system 4 includes a ballast device 41 and a gas replacement device 42. The ballast device 41 includes a ballast pump, a flange, a butterfly valve, and a flexible hose. The ballast pump is located in the compartment below the central pontoon of the wind turbine platform. One end of the flexible hose is connected to the output end of the ballast pump through the flange and the butterfly valve, and the other end of the flexible hose is connected to the watertight layer 23 of the flexible airbag 2. Ballast water is injected into the watertight layer 23 through the flexible hose. The gas replacement device 42 includes a high-pressure blower, an integrated inflation valve seat, a metal hose, and a spherical sealing joint. The high-pressure blower is located in the compartment below the central pontoon. Its output end is connected to the integrated inflation valve seat through a metal hose. The metal hoses are connected by a spherical sealing joint and extend into the airtight layer 22 of the flexible airbag 2, connecting to the top of the flexible airbag 2.

[0030] Control system 5, control system 5 includes Folding device detection module 51, which is a tension sensor, is located at the front end of the main towing steel cable 3111 and is connected to the data detection and processing module 54 via wired signal. The pressure detection module 52 is used to detect the dynamic and static pressure of the fluid at different depths, the water pressure of the watertight layer 23, and the air pressure of the airtight layer 22. It is connected to the data detection and processing module 54 via signals. The pressure detection module 52 includes a distributed external pressure sensor module 521 and an internal pressure sensor module 522. The distributed external pressure sensor module 521 is a flexible thin-film pressure sensor array laid at different heights on the side wall of the outer layer of the flexible airbag 2. It is used to simultaneously measure the static and dynamic pressure of the fluid at different depths. The flexible thin-film pressure sensor array is arranged at least three at equal intervals along the axial direction of the flexible airbag 2. They are rolled and bonded point by point using a flexible silicone adhesive (preferably room temperature vulcanizing silicone rubber) with high bonding strength and resistance to seawater aging. After bonding, a flexible waterproof sealing tape is covered on the outer edge of the sensor. The flexible waterproof sealing tape has a wedge-shaped or streamlined cross-section. The flexible waterproof sealing tape allows the flowing seawater to smoothly transition between the sensor surface and the outer surface of the flexible airbag 2. The internal pressure sensor includes an internal liquid pressure sensor 5221 and an internal gas pressure sensor. 5222, the internal liquid pressure sensor 5221 is threaded, penetrating the airtight layer 22 and sealed and fixed to the watertight layer 23. Its pressure-sensing end is located in the liquid chamber inside the watertight layer 23. The internal gas pressure sensor 5222 is a miniature low-pressure type, integrated on the inflation valve or special sealing flange of the airtight layer 22, and its pressure-sensing end is exposed in the gas chamber of the airtight layer 22. When arranging the threaded internal liquid pressure sensor 5221, coaxial holes are made sequentially on the watertight layer 23, and high-performance fiber-reinforced composite is used around the holes. The material (preferably carbon fiber) is used for annular layered reinforcement, which forms a local reinforcing boss after curing. After the sensor is installed, it is potted with a filling polyurethane sealant. The miniature low-pressure gas pressure sensor is a modular component, which is fixed to the pre-set mounting holes on the airtight layer 22 through the base. The sensor is inserted from the outside of the airtight layer 22 into the inside, and is clamped and secured on both the inside and outside of the airtight layer 22 with locking nuts with sealing gaskets, so that the internal air pressure generates a clamping force on the component. The electrical interface of the sensor is led out through the miniature waterproof connector on the component. Ballast detection module 53 is a fiber optic pressure sensor array that is laid circumferentially along the inner wall of the watertight layer 23 of the flexible airbag 2. Utilizing the characteristic that the reflected light of the fiber optic sensor at a specific wavelength changes linearly with the applied water pressure, it can continuously measure the strain change along the entire fiber optic cable. The liquid level can be inferred from the strain change to achieve the function of measuring the ballast water depth. Ballast detection module 53 is connected to the data processing module via a wired signal. The data detection and processing module 54 is used to collect and preliminarily process the data signals emitted by the above detection modules. The data detection and processing module 54 is selected from an industrial-grade distributed data acquisition module, an embedded data processing gateway, or a fiber optic grating dedicated demodulation module. This module has multi-channel signal acquisition, hardware filtering, signal amplification, analog-to-digital conversion, data calibration, and preliminary calculation functions. It can convert the raw signals output by the tension sensor, pressure sensor, and ballast detection module into standard engineering data and upload them to the central control unit through the industrial communication bus. The central control unit 55 is an industrial programmable logic controller, which is connected to the data detection and processing module 54 via a cable. It is used for data reception, calculation, storage, display and early warning control. Meanwhile, the ballast device 41 and the gas replacement device 42 are connected to the data detection and processing module 54 and the central control unit 55 via wired signals.

[0031] The implementation principle of an adaptive airbag ballast damping device for a floating wind turbine platform according to an embodiment of this application is as follows: 1. Towing / Self-Saving Mode Status (Initial State) In the initial towing or self-storage mode, the entire device is in a safe, retracted state. Ballast water and compressed air within the flexible airbag 2 have been completely emptied, leaving the airbag soft and collapsed. The folding mechanism 3 is fully folded, with the active scissor hinge 34 and the driven scissor hinge 35 folded together and tightly fitted to the lower surface of the central float. The flexible airbag 2 is neatly housed within the guide cover 6; the top frame of the flexible airbag 2 is precisely positioned and locked into the groove 61 of the guide cover 6. The main and auxiliary towing cables are tensioned by the winch reel, the telescopic motor in the radial constraint frame 9 is at its maximum stroke, and the petal-shaped constraint plate extends, simultaneously securing the flexible airbag 2 firmly. In the integrated ballast and gas replacement system 4, the inlet / outlet valves of the ballast pump and the dedicated airtight valve body of the flexible airbag 2 are both in the closed position. The control system 5 operates in energy-saving monitoring mode, only performing signal acquisition from the basic sensors of the pressure detection module 52 and the ballast detection module 53.

[0032] 2. Deployment Procedure When the platform reaches the designated working position and the damping module needs to be deployed, the central control unit 55 inside the central pontoon issues a deployment command. The system first performs a self-check to verify that the ballast device 41, gas replacement device 42, folding device detection module 51, and each actuator are functioning normally. After the self-check passes, the central control unit 55 issues a control command, and the auxiliary winch 3112 receives the command and rotates, controllably releasing the main towing cable 3111. After being reversed by the cable guide mechanism, the main towing cable 3111 passes through the fixed pulley block 7 and drives the top main frame unit 31 connected to it. Since the bottom hinge support of the central pontoon on one side of the top main frame unit 31 is hinged, and the other side is connected to the active scissor hinge 34, the lowering of the main towing cable 3111 will drive the active scissor hinge 34 to move. This movement is transmitted to other driven scissor hinges 35 through the linkage cable composed of the auxiliary towing cables 3211, realizing the synchronous deployment of multiple scissor mechanisms. Driven by the combined forces of gravity of the unfolded scissor mechanism and the hydrodynamic effect of the water flow, the flexible airbag 2 begins to slide out of the storage cavity. Its front-end top reinforcing frame 25 moves along the groove 61 of the conical guide cover 6, ensuring precise alignment. Simultaneously, another auxiliary towing cable 8, connected to the top of the flexible airbag 2, is lowered synchronously under the coordinated control of the main winch 81. When the sensor detects that the flexible airbag 2 has completely left the guide cover 6 and the tension of the main towing cable 3111 reaches a preset value, it indicates that the overall structure has reached the predetermined deployment angle. The winch stops, and the control system 5 applies a low pretension to the cable, stably maintaining the flexible airbag 2 in a pre-working position directly below the platform.

[0033] 3. Operating Mode and Adaptive Adjustment After switching to operating mode, the adaptive adjustment function is activated; the entire adjustment process is based on closed-loop control. First, various sensors continuously collect data: a flexible thin-film pressure sensor array arranged at different heights on the outer wall of the flexible airbag 2 simultaneously measures the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic pressures at different water depths; a fiber optic grating pressure sensor array continuously laid inside the watertight layer 23 of the airbag indirectly and continuously infers the ballast water level by monitoring the deformation of the airbag wall; a liquid pressure sensor embedded in the watertight layer 23 and a miniature low-pressure gas sensor integrated in the airtight valve body monitor the internal liquid and gas pressures, respectively; a tension sensor installed at the end of the main towing cable 3111 monitors the cable's mechanical tension. All measurement signals are transmitted via watertight cables to a pressure-protected local signal junction box outside the airbag, pre-processed by the signal collection and processing unit, and then uploaded to the central control unit 55 inside the central pontoon chamber. At the same time, the platform's motion data is also transmitted to the central control unit 55 via cable signals.

[0034] The data detection and processing module 54 inside the central control unit 55 integrates the aforementioned diverse information and performs calculations based on a preset control algorithm. The core control objective is to decouple the platform's motion response from the main control wave excitation frequency and increase system damping; based on this, coordinated control commands are generated. For mass and inertia adjustment, control commands are sent to the ballast device 41: the central control unit 55 controls the start and stop of the ballast pump and the opening of the pipeline butterfly valve, precisely injecting or discharging ballast water into the watertight layer 23 of the airbag through a flexible hose, thereby rapidly changing the overall mass distribution and system rotational inertia. For stiffness and damping adjustment, control commands are sent to the gas replacement device 42: the central control unit 55 controls the start and stop of the high-pressure blower, injecting or discharging gas into the airtight layer 22 of the flexible airbag 2 through a metal hose, spherical sealing joint, and integrated inflation valve seat. During inflation, the volume of the flexible airbag 2 increases, and the internal pressure rises; the airbag membrane and the internal flexible reinforcing skeleton form a highly pre-tensioned spatial cable net structure under pressure, providing strong restoring stiffness. Meanwhile, the elastic deformation of the airbag sidewall material, the sloshing of the internal liquid, and the micro-adaptive deformation of the airbag with the waves dissipate energy and provide significant nonlinear damping. The exhaust process operates in reverse to reduce system stiffness and damping. Throughout the entire operation, the ballast device 41 and the gas replacement device 42 work together under the control of the central control unit 55, achieving dual optimization of the platform's motion state through dynamic adjustment of the water-to-air ratio.

[0035] 4. Safety protection mode and emergency recovery If the pressure detection module 52 or the platform monitoring system determines that the platform is about to encounter or has already encountered extreme sea conditions exceeding the predetermined operational limits, the device will automatically enter the safety protection mode, and the central control unit 55 will immediately issue a high-priority command. The gas replacement device 42 responds first: the dedicated airtight valve body opens rapidly, and the high-pressure blower can switch to suction mode, allowing the high-pressure gas in the airtight layer 22 to be rapidly released through the inflation valve seat and metal hose. The airbag collapses rapidly due to depressurization, significantly reducing the flow area and wave load of the device. At the same time, the ballast device 41 can be controlled to partially or completely discharge the ballast water in the watertight layer 23 through the flexible hose and butterfly valve to further reduce the load. After depressurization and drainage, the flexible airbag 2 becomes a low-stiffness, low-flow-resistance flexible body, entering a passive compliant state that drifts with the waves, avoiding rigid confrontation with extreme sea conditions.

[0036] If the central control unit 55 determines that the sea conditions continue to deteriorate, it initiates an emergency recovery procedure. At this time, the winch rotates in the reverse direction, winding up the main towing cable 3111 and the auxiliary towing cable 3211. The auxiliary towing cable 3211 first pulls the softened and collapsed airbag head towards the cavity opening, and the groove 61 of the guide cover 6 centers the flexible airbag 2. After the airbag head enters the cavity, the pre-set radial constraint frame 9 (such as a petal-shaped inner constraint plate) inside the cavity gently holds the side of the airbag and guides it to fold orderly along a predetermined path. At the same time, the winding of the main towing cable 3111 gathers the folding device 3, causing the main and auxiliary frame units 32 to fold synchronously around the scissor hinges, assisting in pushing the flexible airbag 2 into the guide cover 6. When all sensors confirm that the flexible airbag 2 has been fully retracted and the folding system is completely retracted and fits the platform, the winch brakes and stops, the pressure-sealed hatch cover closes and locks, and the device returns to the safe initial retracted state, providing maximum protection for the platform's survival in extreme sea conditions.

[0037] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An adaptive airbag ballast damping device for a floating wind turbine platform, characterized in that: include The semi-submersible platform foundation (1) includes several vertical columns evenly distributed around the wind turbine platform. The main body of the vertical columns is a hollow pontoon structure. The adjacent vertical columns and the vertical columns are rigidly connected by steel structures to the central pontoon that carries the wind turbine. The damping module is a cylindrical flexible airbag (2) set in the center of the area surrounded by several vertical columns. The flexible airbag (2) consists of a protective layer (21), an airtight layer (22) and a watertight layer (23) from the outside to the inside. A hole is opened in the center of the bottom of the fan platform, and a guide cover (6) for storing the damping module is set in the hole. Folding device (3), wherein multiple sets of folding device (3) are provided and are evenly arranged on the circumferential sidewall of flexible airbag (2). Folding device (3) is used to retract or unfold flexible airbag (2) from guide cover (6). An integrated ballast and gas replacement system (4) includes a ballast device (41) and a gas replacement device (42). The ballast device (41) includes a ballast pump, a flange, a butterfly valve, and a flexible hose. The ballast pump is located in the compartment below the central pontoon of the wind turbine platform. One end of the flexible hose is connected to the output end of the ballast pump through the flange and the butterfly valve. The other end of the flexible hose is connected to the watertight layer (23) of the flexible airbag (2). Ballast water is injected into the watertight layer (23) through the flexible hose. The gas replacement device (42) includes a high-pressure blower, an integrated inflation valve seat, a metal hose, and a spherical sealing joint. The high-pressure blower is located in the compartment below the central pontoon. The output end is connected to the integrated inflation valve seat through the metal hose. The metal hoses are connected by a spherical sealing joint and extend into the airtight layer (22) of the flexible airbag (2) and are connected to the top of the flexible airbag (2). Control system (5), the control system (5) includes Folding device detection module (51), the folding device detection module (51) is used to detect the tension at the front end of the main towing cable (3111); Pressure detection module (52), the pressure detection module (52) is used to detect the dynamic and static pressure of the fluid at different depths, the water pressure of the watertight layer (23) and the air pressure of the airtight layer (22); Ballast detection module (53), which is laid circumferentially along the inner wall of the watertight layer (23) of the flexible airbag (2) and is used to measure the ballast water depth; The data detection and processing module (54) is used to collect and preliminarily process the data signals sent by the above detection modules; The central control unit (55) is connected to the data detection and processing module (54) via a cable and is used for data reception, calculation, storage, display and early warning control. The ballast device (41) and the gas replacement device (42) are signal-connected to the data detection and processing module (54) and the central control unit (55).

2. The adaptive airbag ballast damping device for a floating wind turbine platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steel structure includes a V-shaped horizontal beam set at the top of the vertical column, a horizontal brace set at the bottom of the vertical column, and an inclined brace set between the top and bottom of the vertical column; the diameter of the lower part of the vertical column is larger than the diameter of the upper part.

3. The adaptive airbag ballast damping device for a floating wind turbine platform according to claim 2, characterized in that: The protective layer (21) is made of chloroprene rubber and reinforcing fibers, and the airtight layer (22) is made of thick-walled halogenated butyl rubber.

4. The adaptive airbag ballast damping device for a floating wind turbine platform according to claim 3, characterized in that: The flexible airbag (2) has several flexible lateral reinforcement skeletons (24) between its layers; the top of the flexible airbag (2) has several top reinforcement skeletons (25), and the inner sidewall of the guide cover (6) has a groove (61) that matches the top reinforcement skeleton (25).

5. The adaptive airbag ballast damping device for a floating wind turbine platform according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sidewalls of the hole are uniformly provided with multiple sets of retractable radial constraint frames (9) around the outer periphery of the guide cover (6). The radial constraint frames (9) are used to support the flexible airbag (2) housed in the guide cover (6).

6. The adaptive airbag ballast damping device for a floating wind turbine platform according to claim 5, characterized in that: The radial constraint frame (9) includes a telescopic motor, a coupling, a telescopic rod, a sealing bushing, and a constraint plate. The telescopic motor is fixed on the inner wall of the hole. One end of the telescopic rod is connected to the output end of the telescopic motor through the coupling, and the other end passes through the sealing bushing and is connected to the constraint plate. The sealing bushing is installed on the guide cover (6). The constraint plate can be pressed against the outer wall of the flexible airbag (2) under the drive of the telescopic motor.

7. The adaptive airbag ballast damping device for a floating wind turbine platform according to claim 6, characterized in that: The folding device (3) includes a top main frame unit (31) and a sub-frame unit (32). One side of the top main frame unit (31) is hinged to the bottom of the central float via a hinge support. The other side of the top main frame unit (31) is connected to the sub-frame unit (32) via an active scissor hinge (34). The end of the sub-frame unit (32) away from the top main frame unit (31) is connected to the bottom main frame unit (33) via a driven scissor hinge (35). An auxiliary scissor hinge (36) is provided at the hinge point between the bottom main frame unit (33) and the sub-frame unit (32). The end of the bottom main frame unit (33) away from the sub-frame unit (32) is hinged to a shackle pre-installed on the flexible airbag (2) via a hinge support. A connecting support is fixed on the main frame unit (31). One end of the main towing cable (3111) is fixedly connected to the main connecting support (311), and the other end passes around the fixed pulley group (7) set on the side wall of the central float and extends into the compartment in the central float of the platform. After changing direction through the cable guide device, it is connected to the auxiliary winch (3112). A secondary connecting support (321) is fixedly connected on the secondary frame unit (32). One end of the secondary towing cable (3211) is fixedly connected to the secondary connecting support (321), and the other end passes around the fixed pulley group (7) and is fixedly connected to the auxiliary scissor hinge (36). The auxiliary scissor hinge (36) is connected to the shackle on the flexible airbag (2) through several steel cables, so that the secondary towing cable (3211) forms a linkage cable, connecting multiple auxiliary scissor hinges (36) in series. The top of the flexible airbag (2) is provided with an auxiliary towing cable (8). The end of the auxiliary towing cable (8) away from the flexible airbag (2) is connected to the main winch (81) after being changed in direction by a cable guide device.

8. The adaptive airbag ballast damping device for a floating wind turbine platform according to claim 7, characterized in that: The folding device detection module (51) is a tension sensor, which is set at the front end of the main towing steel cable (3111). The folding device detection module (51) is connected to the data detection and processing module (54) via a wired signal. The ballast detection module (53) is a fiber optic pressure sensor array, which is laid circumferentially along the inner wall of the watertight layer (23) of the flexible airbag (2).

9. The adaptive airbag ballast damping device for a floating wind turbine platform according to claim 8, characterized in that: The pressure detection module (52) includes a distributed external pressure sensor module (521) and an internal pressure sensor module (522). The distributed external pressure sensor module (521) is a flexible thin film pressure sensor array laid at different heights on the side wall of the outer layer of the flexible airbag (2). The internal pressure sensor includes an internal liquid pressure sensor (5221) and an internal gas pressure sensor (5222). The internal liquid pressure sensor (5221) is threaded, penetrates the airtight layer (22) and is sealed and fixed to the watertight layer (23). Its pressure sensing end is located in the liquid chamber inside the watertight layer (23). The internal gas pressure sensor (5222) is a miniature low-pressure type, integrated on the inflation valve or special sealing flange of the airtight layer (22). Its pressure sensing end is exposed in the gas chamber of the airtight layer (22).

10. The adaptive airbag ballast damping device for a floating wind turbine platform according to claim 9, characterized in that: The flexible thin film pressure sensor array is arranged at least three at equal intervals along the axial direction of the flexible airbag (2). They are rolled and bonded point by point with a flexible silicone adhesive with high bonding strength and resistance to seawater aging. After bonding, a flexible waterproof sealing tape is covered on the outer edge of the sensor. The flexible waterproof sealing tape has a wedge-shaped or streamlined cross section. The threaded internal liquid pressure sensor (5221) is arranged with coaxial holes made in the watertight layer (23) and reinforced with high-performance fiber-reinforced composite material in a ring around the holes. After curing, it forms a local reinforcing boss. After the sensor is installed, it is potted with a filling polyurethane sealant. The miniature low-pressure gas pressure sensor is a modular component. It is fixed to the preset mounting hole on the airtight layer (22) by the base. The sensor is inserted from the outside of the airtight layer (22) to the inside. It is clamped and secured with locking nuts with sealing gaskets on both the inside and outside of the airtight layer (22) so that the internal air pressure generates a clamping force on the component. The electrical interface of the sensor is led out through the miniature waterproof connector on the component.

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