Adjustable flap-based offshore wind power anode block protection system

Abstract

Based on adjustable flap offshore wind power anode block protection system, fixedly connected on the mounting rod of the pile, the mounting rod is detachably connected with the anode block, including the support column arranged in front of the anode block, the support column is detachably connected with the mounting rod through the connecting rod, two support frames are fixedly connected on the support column, the anode block is located in the included angle formed by the two support frames, a plurality of flaps are assembled on the support frame, one end of each flap is fixedly connected with the curved rod, each curved rod is hinged on the connecting rod, a support is fixedly connected on one side of the support frame, an electric cylinder is installed on the support, and the piston rod of the electric cylinder is hinged on the connecting rod through the shaft rod. The utility model solves the problems that the existing offshore wind power anode block lacks protection, is easy to be invalid due to external factors and has high maintenance cost, realizes active and intelligent protection of the anode block, prolongs the protection period, and considers the subsequent maintenance convenience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of corrosion protection technology for offshore wind power equipment, and in particular to a system for protecting offshore wind power anode blocks based on an adjustable flap. Background Technology

[0002] In the complex corrosive environment of the sea, corrosion protection of offshore wind turbines is crucial. Currently, the above-water portion of offshore wind turbines mainly adopts coating protection technology, which has the advantage of being easily repairable. The underwater portion, on the other hand, mainly uses electrochemical protection combined with coating protection technology, with sacrificial anode electrochemical protection technology being one of the core methods.

[0003] The quality and real-time condition of the sacrificial anode block directly determine the effectiveness and duration of underwater protection, making its protection crucial. However, anode blocks are prone to failure due to factors beyond their control, such as prolonged and continuous seawater erosion accelerating surface wear and foreign object impacts during pile foundation maintenance directly damaging the anode block structure. Once an anode block fails, underwater maintenance is required, which is not only technically challenging but also incurs high maintenance costs.

[0004] Currently, there are few specific protective measures for offshore wind turbine anode blocks in the industry. This means that once anode blocks fail, only reactive repair measures can be taken, and the risk of damage cannot be avoided in advance. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an intelligent system that can actively protect anode blocks, reduce external damage and impact, and extend the protection period to address the shortcomings of existing technologies. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to provide an intelligent protection system for offshore wind turbine anode blocks based on adjustable grating plates, which solves the problems of existing offshore wind turbine anode blocks lacking protection, being prone to failure due to external factors, and having high maintenance costs. It achieves active and intelligent protection of anode blocks, extends their protection cycle, and takes into account the convenience of subsequent maintenance.

[0006] To solve the above problems, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows: The offshore wind turbine anode block protection system based on adjustable flaps consists of an installation rod fixedly connected to the foundation pile, with an anode block detachably connected to the installation rod. A support column is positioned in front of the anode block, with both ends of the support column detachably connected to the installation rod via connecting rods. Two support frames are fixedly connected to the support column, and the anode block is located within the angle formed by the two support frames. Multiple flaps are mounted on the support frames, with a curved rod fixedly connected to one end of each flap. Each curved rod is hinged to a connecting rod. A bracket is fixedly connected to one side of the support frame, and an electric cylinder is mounted on the bracket. The piston rod of the electric cylinder is hinged to the connecting rod via a shaft.

[0007] Furthermore, a waterproof box is provided on the anode block, and the waterproof box is fixedly connected to the core tube of the anode block through a connecting rod. A vibration sensor is provided inside the waterproof box, and the vibration sensor is connected to the input terminal of the controller through a cable. Each electric cylinder is connected to the output terminal of the controller.

[0008] Furthermore, a displacement sensor is installed inside the waterproof box. The displacement sensor is connected to the anode block core tube and is connected to the controller input terminal via a cable.

[0009] Furthermore, the two ends of the anode block are connected to the mounting rod via rubber shock absorbers.

[0010] Furthermore, the connecting rod includes a sleeve and an insert, with one end of the insert inserted into one end of the sleeve, and the other ends of the insert and the sleeve respectively fixedly connected to the mounting rod and the support column, and a screw connecting the insert and the sleeve.

[0011] Furthermore, the flap is made of fiberglass, while the support columns, support frames, connecting rods, and brackets are all made of stainless steel.

[0012] Furthermore, the surfaces of the flaps, support columns, support frames, connecting rods, and brackets are all coated with a coating that resists marine organism adhesion.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: 1. By leveraging the combined sensing of vibration and displacement sensors, the system accurately captures the real-time status of the anode block under seawater scouring and foreign object impact. The controller drives the electric cylinder to adjust the flap angle according to preset logic. When encountering strong water flow, the flap can quickly adjust to the appropriate angle, guiding the water flow away from the anode block surface and reducing the wear and tear on the anode block. When facing foreign object impact, the flap forms a physical barrier to buffer the impact force, avoid structural damage to the anode block, significantly extend the failure cycle of the anode block caused by factors other than its own, and reduce the need for underwater maintenance.

[0014] 2. Unlike traditional enclosed shielding systems that easily obstruct seawater flow and affect the electrochemical corrosion protection function of the anode block, this system dynamically controls the flap state through sensor data. Under low-risk conditions, the flap maintains a reasonable angle to ensure full contact between seawater and the anode block surface, without interfering with the electrochemical reaction of the sacrificial anode; under high-risk conditions, enhanced protection is activated, avoiding functional loss due to over-protection and preventing anode block damage caused by insufficient protection, thus achieving a synergistic unity of "protection" and "corrosion prevention".

[0015] 3. The support column is detachably connected to the mounting rod via an adjustable connecting rod. The anode block adopts a separable installation structure, and the flap can be independently installed and removed using a crank rod and connecting rod. When the anode block needs to be replaced or repaired due to corrosion, it is not necessary to remove the entire protective frame; only the corresponding connecting parts need to be disassembled to carry out the operation, simplifying the underwater operation process and shortening maintenance time. At the same time, the flap can be replaced individually, avoiding the overall scrapping caused by local damage and reducing material waste and maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship of the various electrical components of this utility model.

[0017] In the diagram: 1. Support column; 2. Flip plate; 3. Support frame; 4. Insert tube; 5. Waterproof box; 6. Sleeve; 7. Mounting rod; 8. Rubber shock absorber; 9. Anode block; 10. Shaft; 11. Electric cylinder; 12. Bracket; 13. Curved rod; 14. Connecting rod; 15. Vibration sensor; 16. Displacement sensor; 17. Anode block core tube; 18. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0019] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, an adjustable flap protection system for offshore wind turbine anode blocks includes an installation rod 7 fixedly connected to a foundation pile. An anode block 9 is detachably connected to the installation rod 7. The system includes a support column 1 positioned in front of the anode block 9. Both ends of the support column 1 are detachably connected to the installation rod 7 via connecting rods. Two support frames 3 are fixedly connected to the support column 1. The anode block 9 is located within the angle formed by the two support frames 3. Multiple flaps 2 are mounted on the support frames 3. One end of each flap 2 is fixedly connected to a curved rod 13. Each curved rod 13 is hinged to a connecting rod 15. A bracket 12 is fixedly connected to one side of the support frame 3. An electric cylinder 11 (e.g., SER-2021 underwater servo electric cylinder 11) is mounted on the bracket 12. The piston rod of the electric cylinder 11 is hinged to the connecting rod 15 via a shaft 10.

[0020] The flap 2 is positioned in front of the anode block 9 to form a physical barrier. When the electric cylinder 11 is activated, the piston rod pushes the shaft to move the connecting rod 15, which in turn drives all the flaps 2 to rotate synchronously (around the hinge point of the support frame 3) via the crank 13, thus adjusting the angle of the flaps 2. After the angle is adjusted, the direction of seawater scouring is changed, reducing the intensity of scouring, and foreign objects are prevented from directly impacting the anode block 9. At the same time, it does not affect the continuous contact of the anode block 9 surface with seawater, ensuring that the electrolyte on the anode surface can be renewed in a timely manner, avoiding "anode passivation" (the formation of an inert film on the surface, stopping the release of current, and losing the anti-corrosion function). The detachable connecting rod design for connection with the anode block 9 provides operating space for subsequent maintenance and forms the basic protective framework of the system.

[0021] Furthermore, a waterproof box 5 is provided on the anode block 9. The waterproof box 5 is fixedly connected to the anode block core tube 18 via a connecting rod 14. A vibration sensor 16 is provided inside the waterproof box 5. The vibration sensor 16 is connected to the input terminal of the controller via a cable, and each electric cylinder 11 is connected to the output terminal of the controller. The vibration sensor 16 collects the vibration data of the anode block 9 in real time (such as low-frequency vibration generated by seawater scouring and high-frequency vibration generated by foreign object impact), and converts the data into electrical signals and transmits them to the controller. The controller has a built-in preset threshold (such as vibration acceleration > 0.5g is judged as high risk). It compares the real-time data with the threshold: when the vibration intensity exceeds the standard, the controller outputs an adjustment command to the electric cylinder 11, and the electric cylinder 11 drives the flap 2 to adjust to the preset protection angle (such as 45°~60°) to weaken the impact or scouring force; when the vibration intensity returns to normal, the controller commands the electric cylinder 11 to reset the flap 2 to ensure seawater circulation and maintain the electrochemical anti-corrosion function of the anode block 9, realizing the intelligent response of "vibration sensing → automatic protection".

[0022] Furthermore, a displacement sensor 17 is installed inside the waterproof box 5. The displacement sensor 17 is connected to the input terminal of the controller (e.g., Siemens S7-200) via a cable. The displacement sensor 17 captures minute displacements of the anode block 9 (such as instantaneous displacement caused by foreign object impact or gradual displacement caused by loose connections), forming a "dual sensing" with the data from the vibration sensor 16. The controller combines the two types of data to make a comprehensive judgment: if the vibration is strong but the displacement is small (e.g., water flows quickly but does not cause substantial impact), only the flap 2 is slightly adjusted; if the vibration is strong and the displacement exceeds the threshold (e.g., displacement > 5mm, indicating that the impact has caused deformation or loosening of the anode block 9), the flap 2 is significantly adjusted and an early warning is triggered; if the vibration is weak but the displacement continues to increase (e.g., loose connection), an early warning is issued directly and the flap 2 is slightly adjusted to prevent the risk from escalating, thus solving the blind spot of single vibration sensing and improving the accuracy of protection decisions.

[0023] Furthermore, the anode block 9 is connected to the mounting rod 7 at both ends via rubber shock absorbers. This reduces "invalid interference" (such as high-frequency small-amplitude vibrations) in the vibration and displacement signals, allowing the sensor to more accurately capture risk data, while also protecting the connection structure between the anode block 9 and the mounting rod 7 and extending the overall system's service life.

[0024] Furthermore, the connecting rod includes a sleeve 6 and an insert 4. One end of the insert 4 is inserted into one end of the sleeve 6. The other ends of the insert 4 and the sleeve 6 are respectively fixedly connected to the mounting rod 7 and the support column 1. A screw connects the insert 4 and the sleeve 6. During maintenance, the screw can be loosened to disassemble the connecting rod, quickly separating the support frame 3 from the mounting rod 7, providing operating space for the inspection and replacement of the anode block 9, and adapting to the installation and maintenance needs of different working conditions.

[0025] Furthermore, the flap 2 is made of fiberglass, while the support column 1, support frame 3, connecting rod 15, and bracket 12 are all made of stainless steel. The use of fiberglass (a non-metallic insulating material) for the flap 2 avoids consuming the protective current of the anode block 9 through conductivity, thus not interfering with its electrochemical corrosion protection function. Fiberglass is also resistant to seawater corrosion and lightweight, reducing the load on the foundation pile. Stainless steel is used for structural components such as the support column 1, utilizing its high strength and salt spray corrosion resistance to withstand the impact and corrosion of the marine environment, ensuring the stability of the frame. This combination of materials satisfies the core requirement of "not interfering with corrosion protection" while also considering structural strength and environmental resistance, making it suitable for long-term marine use.

[0026] Furthermore, the surfaces of the flap 2, support column 1, support frame 3, connecting rod 15, and bracket 12 are all coated with anti-marine biofouling coatings. These anti-marine biofouling coatings (such as copper-ion-containing silicone coatings) inhibit the attachment of shellfish, algae, and other marine organisms to the structural surface. This prevents marine organisms from causing the flap 2 to become stuck (unable to adjust its angle properly), clogging the grid gaps (affecting seawater flow and weakening the anti-corrosion effect of the anode block 9), or increasing the structural weight (increasing the load on the foundation piles). It also reduces the corrosion of materials by marine organisms (such as preventing stainless steel corrosion caused by biofouling), ensuring long-term stable operation of the system and extending maintenance cycles.

[0027] The working process of this utility model is as follows: S1, Initial Deployment and Standby State S11. System Installation and Commissioning: The anode block 9 is fixed to the wind turbine foundation pile via the mounting rod 7. Both ends of the anode block 9 are connected to the mounting rod 7 via rubber shock absorbers to buffer subsequent impact interference. The support column 1 is detachably connected to the mounting rod 7 via a connecting rod structure of "sleeve 6 + insert 4 + screw". The spacing of the support columns 1 is adjusted according to the size of the anode block 9 so that the included angle formed by the two support frames 3 completely covers the anode block 9. The flap 2 is initially kept at a small angle of 15°~30° to ensure that the seawater is in full contact with the surface of the anode block 9.

[0028] S12. Equipment ready for startup: The waterproof box 5 is fixed to the core tube of the anode block 9 via the connecting rod. The internal vibration sensor 16 and displacement sensor 17 are powered on and initialized. The controller (such as Siemens S7-200) loads the preset logic (including vibration / displacement threshold and the mapping relationship of the adjustment angle of the flap 2). The electric cylinder 11 (such as SER-2021 underwater servo electric cylinder 11) is in standby mode. The anti-biofouling coating on all exposed structural surfaces begins to work, inhibiting biofouling.

[0029] S2, Risk Perception: Sensors collect status data in real time. S21. Vibration sensor 16 monitors dynamic interference: Vibration sensor 16 continuously captures the vibration signal of anode block 9, including low-frequency vibration (10~100Hz) generated by seawater scouring and high-frequency vibration (100~1000Hz) generated by foreign objects (such as maintenance tools, floating objects), and converts the vibration intensity into an electrical signal, which is transmitted to the controller in real time through a cable.

[0030] S22. Displacement sensor 17 captures structural changes: Displacement sensor 17 is connected to the core tube of anode block 9 and synchronously monitors the minute displacement of anode block 9, including instantaneous micro-displacement caused by foreign object impact and gradual displacement caused by loosening of connection parts. It also converts displacement data into electrical signals and transmits them to the controller, forming a "dual sensing" with vibration data.

[0031] S23. Shock absorber optimizes data quality: The rubber shock absorbers at both ends of the anode block 9 absorb part of the high-frequency small-amplitude vibration and impact energy, reduce invalid interference in the sensor data, and ensure that the signal received by the controller can reflect the risk.

[0032] S3, Intelligent Decision-Making: The controller analyzes data and issues commands. After receiving real-time data from the two types of sensors, the controller performs a comprehensive judgment based on its built-in preset logic to generate targeted control commands: S31. Low-risk scenario (all data are below the threshold): If the vibration intensity is weak and the displacement is small, it is determined that the seawater is flowing normally and there is no obvious impact risk. The controller maintains the electric cylinder 11 in standby state, and the flap 2 maintains the initial small angle to ensure that the anode block 9 is in full contact with the seawater and does not interfere with the electrochemical anti-corrosion reaction.

[0033] S32. Medium-risk scenario (single data exceeding the standard): If the vibration intensity exceeds the standard but the displacement is small (such as strong water flow scouring not causing structural impact), the controller instructs the electric cylinder 11 to drive the flap 2 to be finely adjusted to 30°~45°, guiding the water flow away from the anode block 9 and weakening the scouring intensity; if the vibration is weak but the displacement continues to increase (such as slight loosening of the connection part), the controller triggers a mild warning and at the same time finely adjusts the angle of the flap 2 to avoid the risk from expanding.

[0034] S33. High-risk scenario (both types of data exceed the standard): If both vibration intensity and displacement exceed the threshold (such as foreign object impact causing the instantaneous displacement of anode block 9 to exceed the set value), it is determined that anode block 9 is at risk of structural damage. The controller immediately outputs a strong protection command to electric cylinder 11, driving the flip plate 2 to quickly rotate to 45°~60° to form a rigid physical barrier, and at the same time triggers a clear warning to remind maintenance personnel to pay attention.

[0035] S4. Execution of protection: Electric cylinder 11 drives flap 2 to complete angle adjustment. S41. Power transmission process: After receiving the controller command, the piston rod of the electric cylinder 11 extends and retracts to push the shaft, which drives the connecting rod 15 to move parallel to the support frame 3. The connecting rod 15 drives all the flaps 2 to rotate around the hinge point of the support frame 3 through the hinged crank 13, so as to achieve uniform angle adjustment (adjustment range 0°~180°).

[0036] S42. Protection Achieved: After the angle of the flap 2 is adjusted, protection is achieved in two ways: first, by changing the direction of seawater flow to prevent water from directly scouring the surface of the anode block 9 and reducing scouring loss; second, by forming a physical barrier to prevent foreign objects from directly impacting the anode block 9 and buffering the impact force. At the same time, even at the maximum protection angle, the grid-type flap 2 structure can still ensure seawater circulation through the gaps, preventing the anode block 9 from becoming passivated and failing due to lack of electrolyte contact.

[0037] S5, Status Feedback and Maintenance Adaptation S51. Real-time feedback and dynamic adjustment: After the flap 2 is adjusted, the sensor continuously collects the vibration and displacement data of the anode block 9 and feeds it back to the controller. If the data drops below the threshold, the controller instructs the electric cylinder 11 to drive the flap 2 to reset to the initial angle and restore normal seawater flow. If the data still exceeds the standard, the protection angle of the flap 2 can be further increased until the risk is eliminated.

[0038] S52. Structural adaptation for maintenance scenarios: When the anode block 9 needs to be replaced due to its own corrosion, the maintenance personnel can loosen the screw of the connecting rod, disassemble the connection between the support column 1 and the mounting rod 7, or disassemble the hinge structure of the flap 2 separately. Underwater maintenance can be carried out without removing the overall protective frame. After the maintenance is completed, the connecting rod and flap 2 are reassembled, and the system can quickly restore its protective function.

[0039] S53. Long-term stability guarantee: The anti-marine organism adhesion coating on the surface of the flap 2, support column 1 and other structures inhibits the adhesion of shellfish and algae, and avoids the flap 2 getting stuck or the gaps being blocked; the fiberglass flap 2 does not consume the protection current of the anode block 9, and the stainless steel structural parts are resistant to salt spray corrosion, ensuring the long-term stable operation of the system and matching the design life of the anode block 9.

[0040] The embodiments described in this specification are merely examples of implementations of the inventive concept. The scope of protection of this utility model should not be considered as limited to the specific forms described in the embodiments. The scope of protection of this utility model also extends to equivalent technical means that can be conceived by those skilled in the art based on the inventive concept.

Claims

1. An adjustable flap-type offshore wind turbine anode block protection system, comprising an installation rod fixedly connected to a foundation pile, wherein an anode block is detachably connected to the installation rod, characterized in that: It includes a support column set in front of the anode block, with both ends of the support column being detachably connected to the mounting rod via connecting rods. Two support frames are fixedly connected to the support column, and the anode block is located within the angle formed by the two support frames. Multiple flaps are mounted on the support frames, and a curved rod is fixedly connected to one end of each flap. Each curved rod is hinged to a connecting rod. A bracket is fixedly connected to one side of the support frame, and an electric cylinder is mounted on the bracket. The piston rod of the electric cylinder is hinged to the connecting rod via a shaft.

2. The offshore wind turbine anode block protection system based on adjustable flaps according to claim 1, characterized in that: A waterproof box is installed on the anode block. The waterproof box is fixedly connected to the anode block core tube through a connecting rod. A vibration sensor is installed inside the waterproof box. The vibration sensor is connected to the controller input terminal through a cable. Each electric cylinder is connected to the controller output terminal.

3. The offshore wind turbine anode block protection system based on adjustable flaps according to claim 2, characterized in that: A displacement sensor is installed inside the waterproof box. The displacement sensor is connected to the anode block core tube and is connected to the controller input terminal via a cable.

4. The offshore wind turbine anode block protection system based on adjustable flaps according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The two ends of the anode block are connected to the mounting rod via rubber shock absorbers.

5. The offshore wind turbine anode block protection system based on adjustable flaps according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The connecting rod includes a sleeve and an insert. One end of the insert is inserted into one end of the sleeve. The other ends of the insert and the sleeve are fixedly connected to the mounting rod and the support column, respectively. A screw connects the insert and the sleeve.

6. The offshore wind turbine anode block protection system based on adjustable flaps according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The flap is made of fiberglass, while the support columns, support frames, connecting rods, and brackets are all made of stainless steel.

7. The offshore wind turbine anode block protection system based on adjustable flaps according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The surfaces of the flaps, support columns, support frames, connecting rods, and brackets are all coated with a coating that resists marine organism adhesion.

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