Floating offshore wind power foundation platform

Abstract

The application discloses a floating offshore wind power foundation platform, and relates to the technical field of offshore wind power foundations. The floating offshore wind power foundation platform comprises a wind turbine base module, a ballast module, a cross support module and a column support module. The wind turbine base module is used for connecting an offshore wind turbine generator and supporting the weight of the entire offshore wind turbine generator and the bending moment generated by the wind turbine thrust. The ballast module is annular and is arranged at intervals. The ballast module is ballasted by seawater to improve the stability of the floating offshore wind power foundation platform. The cross support module is connected between two adjacent ballast modules. The column support module is arranged in plurality and is connected between each ballast module and the wind turbine base module in one-to-one correspondence. The floating offshore wind power foundation platform is arranged in a modular structure, so that the transportation and construction costs of the existing semi-submersible offshore wind power foundation are effectively reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of offshore wind power foundation technology, and more specifically, to a floating offshore wind power foundation platform. Background Technology

[0002] Floating offshore wind power foundation platforms are key facilities supporting offshore wind turbines and enabling large-scale power generation. They mainly come in four types: semi-submersible, column-mounted, barge-mounted, and tension leg-mounted. As offshore wind power development moves into deeper waters, the foundation type has shifted from fixed to floating. Among the various floating offshore wind power foundation platforms, the barge-mounted structure is the simplest and lowest cost, but it has poor stability and is only suitable for sea areas with relatively small waves. The semi-submersible structure, on the other hand, provides good stability through its underwater pontoons and has become one of the mainstream technologies for deep-sea applications. However, its manufacturing, transportation, and installation costs remain high, which is the core bottleneck restricting its large-scale commercial application.

[0003] Therefore, how to reduce the transportation and construction costs of existing semi-submersible offshore wind power foundations has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide a floating offshore wind power foundation platform to reduce the transportation and construction costs of existing semi-submersible offshore wind power foundations.

[0005] A floating offshore wind power foundation platform, comprising:

[0006] A wind turbine base module, which is used to support offshore wind turbine units;

[0007] Ballast modules, wherein multiple ballast modules are arranged in a ring at intervals;

[0008] A cross brace module, wherein the cross brace module is connected between two adjacent ballast modules;

[0009] The column support module comprises multiple modules, each connected in a corresponding manner between the ballast module and the wind turbine base module.

[0010] In some embodiments, the top of the ballast module has a first connection hole, and the bottom of the column support module is embedded in the first connection hole.

[0011] In some embodiments, a second connection hole is provided on the side wall of the ballast module, and the end of the cross brace module is embedded in the second connection hole.

[0012] In some embodiments, the column support module includes:

[0013] The column part is connected to the bottom of the ballast module, and the extension direction of the column part is parallel to the extension direction of the ballast module.

[0014] The support part has one end connected to the top of the column part and the other end connected to the wind turbine base module, and the column part and the support part are arranged at an angle.

[0015] In some embodiments, the wind turbine base module includes:

[0016] The base portion, the top end face of which is used to support the offshore wind turbine;

[0017] The connecting parts are multiple parts spaced apart on the circumferential sidewall of the base part, and are connected to the column support modules one by one.

[0018] In some embodiments, the column support module is a tubular structure.

[0019] In some embodiments, the base portion is a cylindrical structure, and the radius of the wind turbine base module is at least twice the radius of the column support module.

[0020] In some embodiments, the floating offshore wind power foundation platform further includes multiple heave plates, which are connected one-to-one to the bottom of each of the ballast modules;

[0021] Alternatively, the floating offshore wind power foundation platform may also include multiple porous damping plates, which are connected one-to-one to the bottom of each of the ballast modules.

[0022] In some embodiments, the ballast modules are three that are equally spaced around the axis of the wind turbine base module.

[0023] In some embodiments, the extension direction of the cross brace module is perpendicular to the extension direction of the ballast module.

[0024] The floating offshore wind power foundation platform provided in this application includes a wind turbine base module, a ballast module, a cross brace module, and a column support module. The wind turbine base module connects the offshore wind turbine and supports the weight of the entire offshore wind turbine as well as the bending moment generated by the turbine thrust. Multiple ballast modules are arranged in a ring at intervals. These ballast modules are ballasted with seawater to improve the stability of the floating offshore wind power foundation platform and lower its center of gravity. Cross brace modules connect adjacent ballast modules and act as longitudinal reinforcing members to ensure the structural strength of the entire floating offshore wind power foundation platform and improve its resistance to wave-induced bending moments and still water bending moments. Multiple column support modules are connected one-to-one between each ballast module and the wind turbine base module to transfer the structural stress generated by the wind turbine base module to the ballast modules.

[0025] Compared to related technologies, this application decomposes the floating offshore wind turbine foundation platform into four modules: a turbine base module, a ballast module, a cross bracing module, and a column support module. Each module has a standardized structure, can be mass-produced, and can be efficiently manufactured in a factory, thereby significantly reducing the unit manufacturing cost. By optimizing the dimensions of each module, it can be transported by conventional transport vessels, effectively simplifying logistics and reducing transportation costs. Each module can be quickly assembled at the dock, shortening the offshore installation period. Therefore, by setting the floating offshore wind turbine foundation platform as a modular structure, this application effectively reduces the transportation and construction costs of existing semi-submersible offshore wind turbine foundations. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or related technologies of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the support provided by the floating offshore wind power foundation platform for the offshore wind turbine as disclosed in the embodiments of this application.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the floating offshore wind power foundation platform disclosed in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the floating offshore wind power foundation platform disclosed in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the wind turbine base module disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ballast module disclosed in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ballast module disclosed in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ballast module disclosed in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 ;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the cross brace module disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the column support module disclosed in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0036] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the column support module disclosed in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 .

[0037] Among them, 100 is the wind turbine base module, 110 is the base part, and 120 is the connecting part;

[0038] 200 is the ballast module, 201 is the first connection hole, and 202 is the second connection hole;

[0039] 300 is a cross brace module;

[0040] 400 is the column support module, 410 is the column part, and 420 is the support part;

[0041] 500 is a heave plate;

[0042] 600 refers to offshore wind turbine units. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The core of this application is to disclose a floating offshore wind power foundation platform to reduce the transportation and construction costs of existing semi-submersible offshore wind power foundations.

[0044] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the embodiments shown below do not limit the scope of the utility model as described in the claims. Additionally, the complete contents of the structures represented in the embodiments below are not limited to those necessary for the solution of the utility model as described in the claims. It should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the utility model are shown in the drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0045] Traditional floating wind power platforms suffer from numerous drawbacks due to their highly customized and monolithic construction model: this model makes standardized mass production difficult, resulting in long design cycles, high construction costs, and lengthy construction periods; furthermore, the massive towing and offshore installation of the completed platform requires expensive specialized equipment, involves high risks, and is severely dependent on sea conditions. These factors collectively lead to the dilemma of "high cost, high risk, and difficulty in mass production" for floating wind power platforms, hindering their commercial development. Based on this, this application discloses a floating offshore wind power foundation platform that reduces costs by dividing the platform into multiple standardized modules and implementing segmented construction and modular transportation.

[0046] Combination Figures 1-10 The floating offshore wind power foundation platform disclosed in this application includes a wind turbine base module 100, a ballast module 200, a cross brace module 300, and a column support module 400. The wind turbine base module 100 connects the offshore wind turbine 600 and supports the weight of the entire offshore wind turbine 600 and the bending moment generated by the wind turbine thrust. Multiple ballast modules 200 are arranged in a ring at intervals. The ballast modules 200 are ballasted with seawater to improve the stability of the floating offshore wind power foundation platform and lower its center of gravity. The cross brace module 300 connects two adjacent ballast modules 200. The cross brace module 300 serves as a longitudinal reinforcing member to ensure the structural strength of the entire floating offshore wind power foundation platform and improve its resistance to wave-induced bending moment and still water bending moment. Multiple column support modules 400 are connected one-to-one between each ballast module 200 and the wind turbine base module 100 to transfer the structural stress generated by the wind turbine base module 100 to the ballast module 200.

[0047] Compared to existing technologies, this application's embodiments decompose the floating offshore wind power foundation platform into four modules: a wind turbine base module 100, a ballast module 200, a cross bracing module 300, and a column support module 400. Each module has a standardized structure, allowing for mass production and efficient manufacturing in a factory, thereby significantly reducing unit manufacturing costs. By optimizing the dimensions of each module, it can be transported by conventional transport vessels, effectively simplifying logistics and reducing transportation costs. Each module can be quickly assembled at the dock, shortening the offshore installation period. Therefore, this application, by setting the floating offshore wind power foundation platform as a modular structure, effectively reduces the transportation and construction costs of existing semi-submersible offshore wind power foundations.

[0048] It should be noted that, in terms of manufacturing and assembly, each module can be prefabricated by the shipyard using welding methods. During transportation, the modules can be loaded onto a semi-submersible vessel and transported to a dock near the wind farm for assembly. To ensure rapid positioning and precise docking during final assembly at sea or at the dock, strict precision control must be exercised over the connection positions of each module. Modules can be connected by welding, and the weld joints should avoid critical components. Structural reinforcement can also be applied to the connection areas. Alternatively, bolted connections can be used between modules to facilitate subsequent maintenance and replacement. The specific dimensions of each module can be adjusted according to actual engineering requirements; this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0049] To achieve a rapid and precise connection between the ballast module 200 and the column support module 400, a first connection hole 201 is provided on the top of the ballast module 200, and the bottom of the column support module 400 can be embedded into the first connection hole 201. The fitting of the column support module 400 and the first connection hole 201 enables rapid alignment and positioning between the ballast module 200 and the column support module 400, improving production efficiency. In addition, the embedded structure of the column support module 400 increases the contact area between the ballast module 200 and the column support module 400, forming an effective interlock. This allows the load of the offshore wind turbine 600 and the environmental load borne by the column support module 400 to be evenly and reliably transferred to the ballast module 200 through pressure and shear, ensuring the integrity and stability of the overall structure of the floating offshore wind power foundation platform.

[0050] To achieve efficient connection between the ballast module 200 and the cross brace module 300, a second connection hole 202 is provided on the side wall of the ballast module 200. The end of the cross brace module 300 can be embedded into the second connection hole 202 to achieve rapid positioning and assembly between the ballast module 200 and the cross brace module 300. Furthermore, the embedded structure of the cross brace module 300 forms a stable bearing and shear interface, reliably transferring the large wave bending moment and horizontal force borne by the cross brace module 300 to the ballast module 200. This enhances the overall torsional stiffness and structural integrity of the floating offshore wind power foundation platform, ensuring coordinated force distribution among the modules and guaranteeing the safe and stable operation of the floating offshore wind power foundation platform under harsh sea conditions. The second connection hole 202 may or may not be connected to the aforementioned first connection hole 201; this application does not limit this, but it is exemplarily provided. Figures 5-7 The diagram illustrates a technical solution where the first connecting hole 201 and the second connecting hole 202 are connected.

[0051] The ballast module 200 adopts a float-type structure and supports dynamic optimization and adjustment of the ballast water height (h value). By adjusting the h value in real time, the draft, center of buoyancy, and center of gravity of the floating offshore wind turbine foundation platform can be actively changed, thereby precisely controlling its natural frequency to effectively avoid the main energy frequency of waves and fundamentally prevent resonance. In addition, this dynamic adjustment capability can also quickly adjust the platform attitude according to instantaneous load changes, significantly reducing the amplitude of sway motion, thereby ensuring the safe operation and power generation efficiency of the offshore wind turbine 600, reducing structural fatigue damage, extending the service life of the floating offshore wind turbine foundation platform, and enhancing the adaptability and survivability of the floating offshore wind turbine foundation platform in complex deep-sea environments.

[0052] In some embodiments disclosed in this application, combined with Figure 9 and Figure 10 The column support module 400 includes a column part 410 and a support part 420. One end of the support part 420 is connected to the top of the column part 410, and the other end of the support part 420 is connected to the wind turbine base module 100. The column part 410 and the support part 420 are arranged at an angle. The support parts 420 of the multiple column support modules 400 can effectively decompose and transfer the load of the wind turbine base module 100 to the column part 410. The bottom of the column part 410 is connected to the ballast module 200, and the extension direction of the column part 410 is parallel to the extension direction of the ballast module 200, so as to efficiently transfer the load of the support part 420 to the ballast module 200 and ensure the overall stability of the floating offshore wind power foundation platform. Specifically, the column part 410 and the support part 420 can be connected by welding to ensure the integrity and strength of the connection node, avoid the risk of loosening that may exist in mechanical connection, and thus ensure the long-term reliability and safety of the entire floating offshore wind power foundation platform in harsh marine environments.

[0053] Combination Figure 4 In some embodiments, the wind turbine base module 100 includes a base portion 110 and a connecting portion 120. The top end face of the base portion 110 is used to support the offshore wind turbine 600 and provide a stable and flat installation platform for the offshore wind turbine 600. Multiple connecting portions 120 are spaced apart on the circumferential sidewalls of the base portion 110 and are connected one-to-one with the column support modules 400, thus forming a multi-directional force distribution and transmission network. This evenly distributes the load generated by the wind turbine operation onto each column support module 400, effectively avoiding stress concentration and improving the overall structural load-bearing capacity and fatigue resistance. Furthermore, the base portion 110 has pre-set pipeline channels to provide a safe and orderly wiring path for the wind turbine cables and to protect the cables, ensuring long-term reliability of power transmission.

[0054] The aforementioned column support module 400 can adopt a tubular structure. As a highly efficient load-bearing section, the tubular structure can achieve extremely high bending and torsional stiffness with minimal material. Furthermore, the tubular structure can effectively reduce stress concentration, significantly improving the fatigue life and safety of the column support module 400 in complex marine environments.

[0055] Furthermore, the base portion 110 is a cylindrical structure, and the radius of the base portion 110 is at least twice the radius of the column support module 400. This differentiated design of a large base and a small column can minimize the amount of steel used while ensuring that both the base portion 110 and the column support module 400 have sufficient structural strength, thereby reducing the self-weight and construction cost of the floating offshore wind power foundation platform.

[0056] The cross brace module 300 can be adopted Figure 8 The solid rod-shaped structure shown in the figure mainly serves to connect the various ballast modules 200 to form a stable spatial frame, thereby effectively resisting the lateral thrust and shear deformation caused by complex marine environments such as wind, waves, and currents, and ensuring the structural rigidity and overall strength of the entire floating offshore wind power foundation platform.

[0057] Combination Figures 1-3 In some embodiments, to optimize dynamic response performance, the floating offshore wind power foundation platform also includes multiple heave plates 500, each connected to the bottom of one of the ballast modules 200. The heave plates 500 generate significant added mass and viscous damping by displacing a large amount of water, effectively suppressing heave, pitch, and roll motions caused by waves, thereby improving the stability of the floating offshore wind power foundation platform. In another embodiment, a porous damping plate can be used instead of the heave plates 500. It is also connected to the bottom of each ballast module 200, and its porous structure can promote eddies and energy dissipation as fluid passes through, achieving better damping effect with a lighter weight. Furthermore, both the heave plates 500 and the porous damping plates can be replaced with other equivalent structures; this application does not limit their use.

[0058] As shown in the diagram, the ballast modules 200 are three equally spaced units arranged around the axis of the wind turbine base module 100, forming a stable and symmetrical triangular layout. This symmetrical modular structure ensures the floating wind turbine foundation has excellent stability, resisting external loads such as waves and currents evenly from three directions, effectively preventing platform capsizing. Secondly, the completely symmetrical structure ensures that the center of gravity and center of buoyancy of the floating offshore wind turbine foundation platform are precisely aligned, greatly optimizing hydrodynamic performance, reducing unnecessary swaying and yaw, and improving the operating efficiency and safety of the wind turbine.

[0059] Combination Figure 2The extension direction of the cross brace module 300 can be perpendicular to the extension direction of the ballast module 200. The lateral connection between the cross brace module 300 and the ballast module 200 effectively constrains the relative displacement and deformation of the ballast module 200 under horizontal loads such as ocean current impact and wave horizontal force, significantly enhancing the overall shear and torsional resistance of the floating offshore wind power foundation platform and improving the stability of the entire floating offshore wind power foundation platform.

[0060] The installation method for the floating offshore wind power foundation platform disclosed in this application is used to assemble the aforementioned floating offshore wind power foundation platform, and includes the following steps:

[0061] S10, Support connection;

[0062] Connect each column support module 400 to each ballast module 200 in a corresponding manner.

[0063] By connecting the column support module 400 and the ballast module 200 through step S10, a stable lower composite component is formed, laying the foundation for the subsequent installation of the upper structure.

[0064] S20, base connection;

[0065] Each column support module 400 is connected to the wind turbine base module 100.

[0066] Step S20 integrates and connects the combined components from step S10 to the wind turbine base module 100, thereby constructing the main structural frame that can bear the load of the offshore wind turbine 600.

[0067] S30, cross brace connection;

[0068] Each cross brace module 300 is connected between two adjacent ballast modules 200.

[0069] Step S30 connects the originally dispersed ballast units into a single, integrated spatial truss foundation by installing the cross bracing module 300 in the horizontal direction, forming a highly rigid and cohesive structure.

[0070] The installation method of the floating offshore wind power foundation platform disclosed in this application constructs a modular assembly process from bottom to top and from decentralized to integrated through the installation sequence of "support connection - base connection - cross brace connection". This allows each module to be prefabricated in parallel on shore, which greatly improves production efficiency and ensures the orderliness and safety of the installation process, and can efficiently complete the assembly of the entire floating offshore wind power foundation platform.

[0071] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units may include steps or units not listed, but rather steps or units not listed. Additionally, in the description of embodiments in this application, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0072] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Specific technical means in some embodiments may be incorporated, in whole or in part, into another embodiment unless explicitly excluded by another embodiment. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A floating offshore wind power foundation platform, characterized in that, include: Wind turbine base module (100), the wind turbine base module (100) is used to support offshore wind turbine (600); Ballast modules (200), wherein multiple ballast modules (200) are arranged in a ring at intervals; A cross bracing module (300) is connected between two adjacent ballast modules (200); The column support module (400) is a plurality of such modules, and is connected one to one between each of the ballast module (200) and the wind turbine base module (100).

2. The floating offshore wind power foundation platform as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the ballast module (200) is provided with a first connection hole (201), and the bottom of the column support module (400) is embedded in the first connection hole (201).

3. The floating offshore wind power foundation platform as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ballast module (200) has a second connection hole (202) on its side wall, and the end of the cross brace module (300) is embedded in the second connection hole (202).

4. The floating offshore wind power foundation platform as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The column support module (400) includes: The column part (410) is connected to the bottom of the ballast module (200), and the extension direction of the column part (410) is parallel to the extension direction of the ballast module (200). The support part (420) is connected at one end to the top of the column part (410) and at the other end to the wind turbine base module (100). The column part (410) and the support part (420) are arranged at an angle.

5. The floating offshore wind power foundation platform as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The wind turbine base module (100) includes: The base portion (110) has a top end face for supporting the offshore wind turbine (600). The connecting part (120) is a plurality of such connecting parts (120) arranged at intervals on the circumferential sidewall of the base part (110) and connected to the column support module (400) one by one.

6. The floating offshore wind power foundation platform as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The column support module (400) is a tubular structure.

7. The floating offshore wind power foundation platform as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The base part (110) is a cylindrical structure, and the radius of the wind turbine base module (100) is at least twice the radius of the column support module (400).

8. The floating offshore wind power foundation platform as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The floating offshore wind power foundation platform also includes multiple heave plates (500), which are connected one-to-one to the bottom of each of the ballast modules (200); Alternatively, the floating offshore wind power foundation platform may also include multiple porous damping plates, which are connected one-to-one to the bottom of each of the ballast modules (200).

9. The floating offshore wind power foundation platform as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ballast module (200) consists of three units that are equally spaced around the axis of the wind turbine base module (100).

10. The floating offshore wind power foundation platform as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The extension direction of the cross brace module (300) is perpendicular to the extension direction of the ballast module (200).

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