A transition section structure

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of wind power equipment, and proposes a transition section structure, which comprises a lower structure, the outer surface of the lower structure is provided with a plurality of support rods, and the lower structure and the support rods are fixedly connected with the ground; the upper end surface of the lower structure is provided with a lower structure flange, the lower structure flange is fixedly connected with a wind power tower drum, or the upper surface of the lower structure flange of the transition section structure is provided with a conical cylinder, the end of the conical cylinder away from the lower structure is provided with a connecting flange, the diameter of the connecting flange is smaller than that of the lower structure flange, and the connecting flange is fixedly connected with the wind power tower drum; the lower structure is connected with the wind power tower drum or the lower structure is connected with the wind power tower drum through the conical cylinder, thereby realizing the connection of different models of wind power tower drums, and the application range is improved, and different models are compatible through the conical cylinder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of wind power equipment technology, and specifically relates to a transition section structure. Background Technology

[0002] Offshore wind power, as a core area of ​​global clean energy transformation, continues to expand its installed capacity towards larger capacities and deeper, more remote locations. 3-15MW wind turbines have become the mainstream models. Jacket foundations, due to their strong structural stability and adaptability to deep water and complex sea conditions, are widely used in offshore wind power projects. The transition section, as a key load-bearing component connecting the turbine tower and the jacket foundation, not only bears the axial force, bending moment, shear force, and cyclic fatigue loads coupled by wind, waves, and ocean currents throughout the turbine's entire life cycle, but also needs to achieve geometric interface matching and dynamic characteristic coordination between the tower and the jacket. It is a core structural component ensuring the safe and stable operation of offshore wind turbines.

[0003] Currently, the design and application of transition sections in the offshore wind power sector generally adopts a "one-turbine-one-customization" model, meaning that a dedicated transition section is designed and manufactured separately for a specific megawatt-class wind turbine and a specific jacket structure. As wind power technology iterates, wind farms generally face the need for turbine upgrades in the later stages. However, existing transition sections are deeply bound to the original turbine model in terms of interfaces, loads, and rigidity, making them unsuitable for upgraded large-megawatt wind turbines, and thus they can only be completely dismantled and discarded.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a transition section structure to adapt to wind turbines of different megawatt levels and promote the efficient, economical and sustainable development of the offshore wind power industry. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, this application proposes a transition section structure, including a lower structure, with several support rods mounted on the outer surface of the lower structure, and both the lower structure and the support rods being fixedly connected to the ground. The support rod includes an upright, a diagonal, and a horizontal. The upright is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the substructure via the horizontal. One end of the diagonal is connected to the outer surface of the substructure, and the other end is fixedly connected to the upright. The diagonal is located on the side of the horizontal that is away from the ground. The diagonal, the horizontal, and the outer surface of the substructure form a triangle. A flange for the lower structure is provided on the upper end face of the lower structure. The lower structure flange is fixedly connected to the wind turbine tower, or a tapered cylinder is provided on the upper surface of the lower structure flange, and a connecting flange is provided at the end of the tapered cylinder away from the lower structure. The diameter of the connecting flange is smaller than the diameter of the lower structure flange, and the connecting flange is fixedly connected to the wind turbine tower.

[0006] Furthermore, several ribs are provided on the outer side of the lower structure. One end of the rib is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the flange of the lower structure, and the other end is fixedly connected to the lower part of the outer surface of the lower structure.

[0007] Furthermore, the conical cylinder includes a conical bottom cylinder, one end of which is fixedly connected to the lower structural flange, and the other end is provided with a second bottom cylinder flange, which is fixedly connected to the wind turbine tower; the diameter of the second bottom cylinder flange is smaller than the diameter of the lower structural flange.

[0008] Furthermore, the conical bottom tube is fixedly connected to the substructure and the wind turbine tower via anchor bolts.

[0009] Furthermore, several ribs are provided on the outer side of the conical bottom cylinder. One end of the rib is fixedly connected to the second bottom cylinder flange, and the other end is fixedly connected to the first bottom cylinder flange of the conical bottom cylinder.

[0010] Furthermore, the conical cylinder also includes a conical top cylinder, one end of which is fixedly connected to the second bottom cylinder flange, and the other end is provided with a first top cylinder flange, which is fixedly connected to the wind turbine tower; the diameter of the first top cylinder flange is smaller than the diameter of the second bottom cylinder flange.

[0011] Furthermore, the conical top cylinder, conical bottom cylinder, and wind turbine tower are all connected by anchor bolts.

[0012] Furthermore, several ribs are provided on the outer side of the conical top cylinder. One end of the rib is fixedly connected to the second top cylinder flange, and the other end is fixedly connected to the first top cylinder flange of the conical top cylinder.

[0013] Furthermore, connecting rods are installed between adjacent uprights.

[0014] Furthermore, the surface of the lower structural flange is provided with several arrays of threaded holes, which are arranged concentrically.

[0015] Beneficial effects: 1. The upper surface of the lower structure flange of the transition section structure of the present invention is provided with a tapered cylinder, and a connecting flange is provided at the end of the tapered cylinder away from the lower structure. The diameter of the connecting flange is smaller than the diameter of the lower structure flange, and the connecting flange is fixedly connected to the wind turbine tower. By connecting the lower structure and the wind turbine tower or by connecting the lower structure to the wind turbine tower through the tapered cylinder, it is possible to connect wind turbine towers of different models, thereby improving the scope of application and realizing compatibility with different models through the tapered cylinder.

[0016] 2. The transition section structure of this invention can be directly adapted to wind turbines of different megawatt levels through the conical cylinder and the lower structure, meeting the needs of wind farms for later turbine upgrades. It does not require the complete dismantling of the transition section, realizing modular design, reducing the R&D and manufacturing costs of custom-designed products, and improving asset utilization. It also enhances the compatibility and adaptability of the transition section. This invention aims to fully leverage the compatibility function of the transition section and significantly improve overall economic efficiency.

[0017] 3. The components of the transition section structure of this invention are connected by standardized flanges, making the installation process clear. Later upgrades only require adjusting the conical cylinder to adapt to the new model, without modifying the lower structure and support rods, resulting in high construction efficiency and low maintenance costs. The support rod system composed of vertical rods, diagonal rods, and horizontal rods can stably withstand external loads, ensuring the safety of the wind turbine throughout its entire life cycle.

[0018] Other features and advantages of this application will be set forth in the following description and will be apparent in part from the description or may be learned by practicing the application. The objectives and other advantages of this application may be realized and obtained by means of the structures pointed out in the description and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the transition section structure in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0021] Figure 2 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the transition section structure in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0022] Figure 3 A top view of the lower structure in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0023] Figure 4 A top view schematic diagram of an alternative lower structure in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0024] Figure 5 A front view schematic diagram of the connection between the support rod and the lower structure in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0025] Figure 6 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the lower structure in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Upright pole; 11. First upright pole flange; 12. Second upright pole flange; 13. Third upright pole flange; 2. Diagonal bar; 21. First diagonal bar flange; 22. Second diagonal bar flange; 3. Horizontal bar; 31. First horizontal bar flange; 32. Second horizontal bar flange; 4. Connecting rod; 41. Connecting rod flange; 5. Substructure; 51. Substructure flange; 52. First side flange; 53. Second side flange; 6. Conical bottom cylinder; 61. First bottom cylinder flange; 62. Second bottom cylinder flange; 7. Conical top cylinder; 71. First top cylinder flange; 72. Second top cylinder flange; 8. Wind turbine tower; 81. Wind turbine tower flange; 9. Anchor bolt; 101. Rib plate. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0028] This invention relates to a transition section structure, the core innovation of which lies in achieving compatibility between large and small megawatt wind turbines through a conical cylinder and a lower structure 5. The structural composition, component connections, and working principle of this invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] refer to Figure 1 The tapered bottom cylinder 6 has a first bottom cylinder flange 61 and a second bottom cylinder flange 62 at its two ends, which are fixedly connected to the two ends of the tapered bottom cylinder 6 by welding. The lower structure flange 51 is welded to the upper end of the lower structure 5 to form an integral whole. Both the first bottom cylinder flange 61 and the lower structure flange 51 have corresponding reserved channels and are tightly connected by anchor bolts 9, thereby making the tapered bottom cylinder 6 and the lower structure 5 tightly connected.

[0030] Furthermore, a first top tube flange 71 and a second top tube flange 72 are respectively provided at both ends of the conical top tube 7. The first top tube flange 71 and the second top tube flange 72 are integrated with the conical top tube 7 by welding technology. The second bottom tube flange 62 and the second top tube flange 72 are both reserved with corresponding channels and are tightly connected by anchor bolts 9, thereby making the conical top tube 7 and the conical bottom tube 6 tightly connected.

[0031] Furthermore, a wind turbine tower flange 81 is provided at the lower end of the wind turbine tower 8. Both the wind turbine tower flange 81 and the first top tube flange 71 are reserved with corresponding channels and are tightly connected by anchor bolts 9, thereby making the wind turbine tower 8 and the conical top tube 7 tightly connected.

[0032] Another embodiment: Reference Figure 5 The wind turbine tower 8 is equipped with a wind turbine tower flange 81 at one end, and the lower structure flange 51 is welded to the lower structure 5 to form an integral whole. The wind turbine tower flange 81 and the lower structure flange 51 have corresponding reserved channels, and are tightly connected by anchor bolts 9, thereby making the wind turbine tower 8 and the lower structure 5 tightly connected.

[0033] Furthermore, a first side flange 52 is provided on the side of the lower structure 5, and a first crossbar flange 31 and a second crossbar flange 32 are respectively provided at both ends of the crossbar 3. The crossbar 3 is connected to the first side flange 52 through the second crossbar flange 32, thereby connecting the crossbar 3 to the lower structure 5. The crossbar 3 is connected to the second upright flange 12 through the first crossbar flange 31, thereby connecting the crossbar 3 to the upright 1.

[0034] refer to Figure 5 The lower structure 5 has a second side flange 53 located above the first side flange 52. The two ends of the diagonal rod 2 are respectively provided with a first diagonal rod flange 21 and a second diagonal rod flange 22. The diagonal rod 2 is connected to the second side flange 53 via the second diagonal rod flange 22, thus connecting the diagonal rod 2 to the lower structure 5. The diagonal rod 2 is connected to the first upright flange 11 via the first diagonal rod flange 21, thus connecting the diagonal rod 2 to the upright 1.

[0035] Furthermore, the connecting rod 4 is connected to the third upright flange 13 of the two adjacent uprights 1 through the connecting rod flange 41 at both ends, thereby realizing the connection between the connecting rod 4 and the upright 1.

[0036] refer to Figure 2 The first implementation plan: Initial operation: A conical top cylinder 7 adapted to the wind turbine tower 8 is adopted and connected to the wind turbine tower flange 81 through the first top cylinder flange 71.

[0037] First capacity increase: Remove anchor bolts 9, and remove wind turbine tower 8 and conical top cylinder 7. Connect to the wind turbine tower flange 81 of the larger diameter wind turbine tower 8 via the second bottom cylinder flange 62.

[0038] Second capacity increase: Remove anchor bolts 9, and remove wind turbine tower 8 and conical base 6. Connect the lower structural flange 51 to the wind turbine tower flange 81 of the larger diameter wind turbine tower 8.

[0039] refer to Figure 3 The second implementation plan: The lower structure flange 51 of the lower structure 5 is reserved with a compatible matching channel.

[0040] Initial operation: Connect the wind turbine tower flange 81 to the lower structure flange 51 to achieve compatibility with small megawatt wind turbines.

[0041] First capacity increase: Remove anchor bolts 9, remove wind turbine tower 8, and connect the new wind turbine tower flange 81 with a larger diameter flange 51 with a larger spacing hole to achieve the first capacity increase of the wind turbine.

[0042] Second capacity increase: Remove anchor bolts 9, remove the upper wind turbine tower 8, and connect the new wind turbine tower flange 81 with a larger diameter and a larger spacing channel reserved in the lower structure flange 51 to realize the second capacity increase of the wind turbine.

[0043] The beneficial effects of this technical solution This invention, through its innovative conical cylinder and lower structure 5, is compatible with the connection of wind turbine towers 8 of different capacities, bringing the following beneficial effects: Example 2 refer to Figure 1 A transition section structure includes a wind turbine tower 8 and a lower structure 5. Several support rods are installed on the outer surface of the lower structure 5, and both the lower structure 5 and the support rods are fixedly connected to the ground. Each support rod includes an upright 1, a diagonal brace 2, and a horizontal brace 3. The upright 1 is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the lower structure 5 via the horizontal brace 3. One end of the diagonal brace 2 is connected to the outer surface of the lower structure 5, and the other end is fixedly connected to the upright 1. The diagonal brace 2 is located on the side of the horizontal brace 3 furthest from the ground. The diagonal brace 2, the horizontal brace 3, and the outer surface of the lower structure 5 form a triangle. By setting the upright 1, the diagonal brace 2, and the horizontal brace 3, the lower structure 5 is fixed and supported, thus improving the connection strength.

[0044] Further, refer to Figure 6 The upper end face of the lower structure 5 is provided with a lower structure flange 51; the lower structure flange 51 is fixedly connected to the wind turbine tower 8.

[0045] Another embodiment, refer to Figure 2 A tapered cylinder is provided on the upper surface of the lower structure flange 51. A connecting flange is provided at the end of the tapered cylinder away from the lower structure 5. The diameter of the connecting flange is smaller than the diameter of the lower structure flange 51. The connecting flange is fixedly connected to the wind turbine tower 8. By connecting the lower structure 5 and the wind turbine tower 8, or by connecting the lower structure 5 and the wind turbine tower 8 through the tapered cylinder, it is possible to connect wind turbine towers 8 of different models, thereby improving the applicability and making it compatible with different turbine models through the tapered cylinder.

[0046] This invention, through its conical cylinder and lower structure 5, can directly adapt to wind turbine units of different megawatt levels, meeting the upgrade needs of wind farms in later stages. It eliminates the need for complete dismantling of the transfer section, achieving modular design, reducing the R&D and manufacturing costs of custom-designed units, and improving asset utilization; it also enhances the compatibility and adaptability of the transfer section. The aim is to fully leverage the compatibility function of the transfer section and significantly improve overall economic efficiency. The components of this invention are connected by standardized flanges, making the installation process clear. Later upgrades only require adjusting the conical cylinder to adapt to the new model, without modifying the lower structure 5 and the support rods. This results in high construction efficiency and low maintenance costs. The support rod system, consisting of the upright 1, diagonal brace 2, and horizontal brace 3, can stably withstand external loads, ensuring the safety of the wind turbine throughout its entire life cycle.

[0047] refer to Figure 4 The lower structure 5 has several ribs 101 on its outer side. One end of each rib 101 is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the lower structure flange 51, and the other end is fixedly connected to the lower part of the outer surface of the lower structure 5. By setting the ribs 101, the strength of the connection between the lower structure 5 and the wind turbine tower 8 is improved, thereby enhancing the robustness.

[0048] refer to Figure 2 The conical cylinder includes a conical bottom cylinder 6, one end of which is fixedly connected to the lower structural flange 51, and the other end is provided with a second bottom cylinder flange 62, which is fixedly connected to the wind turbine tower 8; the diameter of the second bottom cylinder flange 62 is smaller than the diameter of the lower structural flange 51. By setting the conical bottom cylinder 6, wind turbine towers 8 of different models can be connected.

[0049] Furthermore, the conical bottom cylinder 6 is fixedly connected to both the lower structure 5 and the wind turbine tower 8 via anchor bolts 9. The connection between the conical bottom cylinder 6 and the lower structure 5 and the wind turbine tower 8 is enhanced by using several anchor bolts 9.

[0050] Furthermore, several ribs 101 are provided on the outer side of the conical bottom cylinder 6. One end of the rib 101 is fixedly connected to the second bottom cylinder flange 62, and the other end is fixedly connected to the first bottom cylinder flange 61 of the conical bottom cylinder 6. By providing the ribs 101, the strength of the connection between the conical bottom cylinder 6 and the wind turbine tower 8 is improved, thereby enhancing the robustness.

[0051] refer to Figure 2 The conical cylinder also includes a conical top cylinder 7, one end of which is fixedly connected to the second bottom cylinder flange 62, and the other end is provided with a first top cylinder flange 71, which is fixedly connected to the wind turbine tower 8; the diameter of the first top cylinder flange 71 is smaller than the diameter of the second bottom cylinder flange 62. By setting the conical top cylinder 7, wind turbine towers 8 of different models can be connected.

[0052] Furthermore, the conical top cylinder 7 is connected to the conical bottom cylinder 6 and the wind turbine tower 8 via anchor bolts 9. The connection strength is improved by using several anchor bolts 9 to link the conical top cylinder 7 to the conical bottom cylinder 6 and the wind turbine tower 8.

[0053] Furthermore, the outer side of the conical top cylinder 7 is provided with several ribs 101. One end of the rib 101 is fixedly connected to the second top cylinder flange 72, and the other end is fixedly connected to the first top cylinder flange 71 of the conical top cylinder 7. By providing the ribs 101, the strength of the connection between the conical top cylinder 7 and the wind turbine tower 8 is improved, thereby enhancing the robustness.

[0054] refer to Figure 1 The support rod includes a connecting rod 4, which is installed between adjacent uprights 1. By installing the connecting rod 4 between adjacent uprights 1, the strength between adjacent uprights 1 is improved, thus enhancing the overall robustness.

[0055] refer to Figure 3 The lower structural flange (51) has several arrays of threaded holes on its surface, with the arrays of threaded holes arranged concentrically. By providing multiple threaded holes, it is possible to connect wind turbine towers 8 of different diameters.

[0056] Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A transition section structure, characterized in that, Includes a lower structure (5), on the outer surface of which a plurality of support rods are installed, and both the lower structure (5) and the support rods are fixedly connected to the ground; The support rod includes an upright (1), a diagonal (2), and a horizontal (3). The upright (1) is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the lower structure (5) through the horizontal (3). One end of the diagonal (2) is connected to the outer surface of the lower structure (5), and the other end is fixedly connected to the upright (1). The diagonal (2) is located on the side of the horizontal (3) away from the ground. The diagonal (2), the horizontal (3), and the outer surface of the lower structure (5) form a triangle. The upper end face of the lower structure (5) is provided with a lower structure flange (51). The lower structural flange (51) is fixedly connected to the wind turbine tower (8); Alternatively, a tapered cylinder may be provided on the upper surface of the lower structure flange (51), and a connecting flange may be provided at the end of the tapered cylinder away from the lower structure (5). The diameter of the connecting flange is smaller than the diameter of the lower structure flange (51), and the connecting flange is fixedly connected to the wind turbine tower (8).

2. The transition section structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower structure (5) is provided with several ribs (101) on its outer side. One end of the rib (101) is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the lower structure flange (51), and the other end is fixedly connected to the lower part of the outer surface of the lower structure (5).

3. The transition section structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conical cylinder includes a conical bottom cylinder (6), one end of which is fixedly connected to the lower structural flange (51), and the other end is provided with a second bottom cylinder flange (62), which is fixedly connected to the wind turbine tower (8); the diameter of the second bottom cylinder flange (62) is smaller than the diameter of the lower structural flange (51).

4. The transition section structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The conical bottom tube (6) is fixedly connected to the lower structure (5) and the wind turbine tower (8) by anchor bolts (9).

5. The transition section structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer side of the conical bottom cylinder (6) is provided with several ribs (101). One end of the rib (101) is fixedly connected to the second bottom cylinder flange (62), and the other end is fixedly connected to the first bottom cylinder flange (61) of the conical bottom cylinder (6).

6. A transition section structure according to any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that, The conical cylinder also includes a conical top cylinder (7), one end of which is fixedly connected to the second bottom cylinder flange (62), and the other end is provided with a first top cylinder flange (71), which is fixedly connected to the wind turbine tower (8); the diameter of the first top cylinder flange (71) is smaller than the diameter of the second bottom cylinder flange (62).

7. A transition section structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The conical top cylinder (7), conical bottom cylinder (6), and wind turbine tower cylinder (8) are all connected by anchor bolts (9).

8. A transition section structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The outer side of the conical top cylinder (7) is provided with several ribs (101). One end of the rib (101) is fixedly connected to the second top cylinder flange (72), and the other end is fixedly connected to the first top cylinder flange (71) of the conical top cylinder (7).

9. The transition section structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, A connecting rod (4) is installed between adjacent uprights (1).

10. A transition section structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the lower structure flange (51) is provided with a number of threaded holes arranged in an array, with the number of threaded holes arranged concentrically.

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