Concrete tower for wind turbine with waterproof structure

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of tower technology, specifically to a concrete tower for wind turbines with a waterproof structure. It includes tower sections, each with an inner concrete layer on its inner side and a steel plate layer on the outer side. A connecting flange is mounted on the steel plate layer. A first sealing gasket is mounted at the top of the top connecting flange, and a second sealing gasket is mounted at the bottom of the bottom connecting flange. A sealing block is positioned between the first and second sealing gaskets, and a sealing sleeve is mounted on the outer side of the sealing block. The sealing sleeve is U-shaped with its opening facing outwards. A water-absorbing and expanding sealing strip is installed inside the sealing sleeve. Bolt locking elements are installed between the two mating connecting flanges. This utility model can effectively enhance the sealing effect at the connection between the upper and lower tower sections and improve the waterproof performance of the connection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tower technology, specifically to a concrete tower for wind turbines with a waterproof structure. Background Technology

[0002] As the core supporting structure of a wind power generation system, the wind turbine tower stands in an open outdoor area for a long time. It must withstand the erosion of multiple complex natural factors such as strong wind loads, rain and snow, alternating day and night temperature differences, and freeze-thaw cycles. Its waterproof performance directly determines the long-term stability and overall service life of the tower structure, and is also a key prerequisite for ensuring the safe operation of the power generation equipment inside the tower.

[0003] Traditional wind turbine concrete towers often employ a simple structure with a single concrete layer and flange connections for waterproofing, resulting in weak waterproofing capabilities. At the tower section connections, traditional designs rely solely on a single gasket or direct sealing of the flange end face, lacking multiple protective mechanisms. The sealing surface is prone to developing tiny gaps due to minor errors during installation, thermal expansion and contraction deformation after long-term use, or structural displacement caused by strong wind vibrations. Rainwater and moisture can easily seep into the tower interior through these gaps. Meanwhile, the concrete layers of traditional wind turbine towers are mostly single-layer cast-in-place structures with low impermeability. Under long-term environmental stress, they are prone to developing micro-cracks, which gradually become channels for rainwater infiltration. Once rainwater seeps in, it not only causes corrosion of the internal steel reinforcement and reduction in concrete strength, but also damages internal electrical equipment and transmission components due to moisture, leading to short circuits, shutdowns, and other problems. This severely affects the operational stability and power generation efficiency of the wind turbine, significantly increasing operation and maintenance costs. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a concrete tower for wind turbines with a waterproof structure to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a waterproof concrete tower for a wind turbine, comprising tower sections, each tower section having an inner concrete layer on its inner side, a steel plate layer on the outer side of the inner concrete layer, a connecting flange on the steel plate layer, a first sealing gasket at the top of the top connecting flange, a second sealing gasket at the bottom of the bottom connecting flange, a sealing block between the first and second sealing gaskets, a sealing sleeve on the outer side of the sealing block, the sealing sleeve being U-shaped with its opening facing outwards, a water-absorbing and expanding sealing strip inside the sealing sleeve, and bolt locking components between the two mating connecting flanges.

[0006] The present invention is further configured such that the bolt locking component includes a stud, the stud is inserted between two sets of connecting flanges connected vertically, the top end of the stud is integrally provided with a nut, and the bottom end is threaded with a locking nut.

[0007] The present invention is further provided that a sealing gasket is provided between the bottom end of the nut and the connecting flange. The sealing gasket can improve the sealing effect at the connection port between the nut and the connecting flange, prevent water from seeping into the tower from the connection gap of the stud, and further improve the waterproof sealing effect of the tower.

[0008] The present invention is further configured such that the top of the first sealing gasket is provided with a first sealing tooth, the bottom of the second sealing gasket is provided with a second sealing tooth, and both the sealing gasket block and the sealing sleeve are provided with third sealing teeth at the top and bottom. The third sealing teeth mesh with the first and second sealing teeth. Through the cooperation between the third sealing teeth and the first and second sealing teeth, the sealing performance between the sealing sleeve and the first and second sealing gaskets can be strengthened, and the connection sealing performance between the sealing gasket block and the first and second sealing gaskets can be strengthened, further improving the waterproof effect at the connection gap. At the same time, the setting of the sealing gasket block can assist the sealing sleeve and the water-absorbing and expanding water-stop strip in achieving leveling, improving the connection stability between the upper and lower tower sections. In rainy weather, the water-absorbing and expanding water-stop strip will expand due to water absorption, thereby further squeezing the sealing sleeve, making the compression effect between the sealing sleeve and the first and second sealing gaskets better, thereby further strengthening the protective effect. At the same time, it shields and protects the internal sealing gasket block, reducing the aging and deformation of the sealing gasket block.

[0009] The present invention is further provided that the top and bottom of the concrete inner layer are provided with connecting grooves, and connecting steel bars are provided in the connecting grooves. The connecting steel bars are interference-fitted into the connecting grooves. The radial connection load-bearing performance between the upper and lower concrete inner layers can be improved by the cooperation of the connecting steel bars and the connecting grooves.

[0010] The present invention is further configured such that a connecting strip is provided on the inner side of the sealing sleeve, and a connecting groove is provided on the outer side of the sealing gasket. The connecting strip is engaged and installed in the connecting groove. The mechanical engagement between the connecting strip and the connecting groove can improve the connection stability between the sealing sleeve and the sealing gasket, thereby improving the sealing effect and sealing stability at the connection between the upper and lower tower sections, and preventing the sealing gasket and the sealing sleeve from separating due to aging or cold shrinkage.

[0011] The present invention is further configured such that the inner concrete layer comprises an inner load-bearing concrete layer and an outer waterproof concrete layer, with a polymer waterproof membrane layer disposed between the inner load-bearing concrete layer and the outer waterproof concrete layer. The connecting groove is formed on the inner load-bearing concrete layer. The polymer waterproof membrane layer can be made of HDPE waterproof membrane. The inner load-bearing concrete layer is preferably C50-C60 high-strength, high-performance concrete to ensure the load-bearing capacity of the tower structure. The thickness of the inner load-bearing concrete layer preferably accounts for 60%-70% of the total wall thickness of the tower. The outer waterproof concrete layer is preferably C40P12 impermeable and waterproof concrete to protect the intermediate polymer waterproof membrane layer from external environmental erosion, such as ultraviolet radiation, wind and sand abrasion, freeze-thaw damage, etc., and at the same time, it serves as an auxiliary waterproof barrier to further block the seepage path.

[0012] The present invention is further configured such that a first interlocking tooth is provided on the outer side of the inner load-bearing concrete layer, and a second interlocking tooth is provided on the inner side of the outer waterproof concrete layer. The first and second interlocking teeth are mechanically interlocked, and the polymer waterproof membrane layer is located between the first and second interlocking teeth. The cooperation of the first and second interlocking teeth can improve the connection stability between the inner load-bearing concrete layer and the outer waterproof concrete layer, avoid the situation of splitting at the interface, and improve the overall load-bearing capacity of the concrete.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: 1. Synergistic sealing structure significantly improves waterproof performance. Through the combination of a first sealing gasket, a second sealing gasket, a sealing block, and a U-shaped sealing sleeve, multiple sealing barriers are formed. The outer sealing sleeve protects the inner sealing gasket from aging and corrosion, while its built-in water-absorbing and expanding sealing strip expands and compresses the sealing sleeve upon contact with water, further enhancing the fit with the sealing gasket. Combined with the interlocking of the sealing teeth, the possibility of rainwater seeping into the connection gaps is greatly reduced, significantly improving the waterproof sealing performance of the tower connection.

[0014] 2. The structural design balances stability and protection, extending service life. The sealing gasket not only assists the sealing sleeve and waterstop strip in leveling, ensuring the stability of the connection between the upper and lower tower sections, but also, through the interlocking structure of the connecting strip and the sealing sleeve, prevents separation due to aging or cold shrinkage, thus improving sealing stability. Simultaneously, the inner concrete layer employs a double-layer structure combined with a polymer waterproof membrane layer. The mechanical interlocking of the interlocking teeth enhances the interlayer connection, ensuring load-bearing capacity while blocking seepage paths, balancing structural strength and waterproof durability.

[0015] 3. Comprehensive and detailed protection, blocking multiple seepage paths. Sealing gaskets are added to the bolt locking parts to prevent water from seeping in through the bolt gaps; the connecting steel bars in the inner concrete layer are interference-fitted with the connecting grooves, improving the radial connection's load-bearing capacity while reducing the risk of water seepage through gaps. From flange connections and bolt interfaces to the concrete interlayer, a comprehensive and multi-dimensional waterproof protection system is formed, completely solving the problem of weak waterproofing at traditional tower connections, making it suitable for complex outdoor environments. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the concrete tower of the wind turbine with a waterproof structure in this utility model. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 3 This is an exploded cross-sectional view of the connection structure between the upper and lower tower sections in this utility model. Figure 4 This is a detailed anatomical view of the connection structure between the sealing gasket and the sealing sleeve in this utility model. Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the connection structure between the inner load-bearing concrete layer, the outer waterproof concrete layer, and the polymer waterproof membrane layer in this utility model. Figure 6 This utility model Figure 2 Enlarged view of the local structure of A in the diagram.

[0017] The components represented by each number in the attached diagram are listed below: 1. Tower section; 2. Inner concrete layer; 3. Steel plate layer; 4. Connecting flange; 5. First sealing gasket; 6. Second sealing gasket; 7. Sealing block; 8. Sealing sleeve; 9. Water-absorbing and expanding sealing strip; 10. Bolt locking element; 11. Stud; 12. Nut; 13. Locking nut; 14. Sealing gasket; 15. First sealing tooth; 16. Second sealing tooth; 17. Third sealing tooth; 18. Connecting groove; 19. Connecting reinforcing bar; 20. Connecting clip; 21. Connecting groove; 22. Inner load-bearing concrete layer; 23. Outer waterproof concrete layer; 24. Polymer waterproof membrane layer; 25. First interlocking tooth; 26. Second interlocking tooth. 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] This utility model provides a technical solution: Please refer to Figures 1-6 A waterproof concrete tower for a wind turbine includes a tower section 1. Each tower section 1 has an inner concrete layer 2 on its inner side and a steel plate layer 3 on its outer side. A connecting flange 4 is installed on the steel plate layer 3. A first sealing gasket 5 is installed at the top of the top connecting flange 4, and a second sealing gasket 6 is installed at the bottom of the bottom connecting flange 4. A sealing block 7 is installed between the first sealing gasket 5 and the second sealing gasket 6. A sealing sleeve 8 is installed on the outer side of the sealing block 7. The sealing sleeve 8 is U-shaped and has an opening facing outward. A water-absorbing and expanding water-stop strip 9 is installed inside the sealing sleeve 8. A bolt locking element 10 is installed between the two mating connecting flanges 4.

[0020] Please see Figures 1-6 As one embodiment of the present invention: the bolt locking component 10 of the present invention includes a stud 11, which is inserted between two sets of connecting flanges 4 connected vertically. The top end of the stud 11 is integrally provided with a nut 12, and the bottom end is threaded with a locking nut 13.

[0021] Please see Figures 1-6 As one embodiment of the present invention: a sealing gasket 14 is provided between the bottom end of the nut 12 and the connecting flange 4. The sealing gasket 14 can improve the sealing effect at the connection port of the nut 12 and the connecting flange 4, prevent water from seeping into the tower from the connection gap of the stud 11, and further improve the waterproof sealing effect of the tower.

[0022] Please see Figures 1-6 As one embodiment of the present invention: the first sealing gasket 5 is provided with a first sealing tooth 15 at its top, the second sealing gasket 6 is provided with a second sealing tooth 16 at its bottom, and the sealing gasket block 7 and the sealing sleeve 8 are both provided with a third sealing tooth 17 at their top and bottom. The third sealing tooth 17 meshes with the first sealing tooth 15 and the second sealing tooth 16. Through the cooperation between the third sealing tooth 17 and the first sealing tooth 15 and the second sealing tooth 16, the sealing performance between the sealing sleeve 8 and the first sealing gasket 5 and the second sealing gasket 6 can be strengthened, and the connection sealing performance between the sealing gasket block 7 and the first sealing gasket 5 and the second sealing gasket 6 can be strengthened, further improving the waterproof effect at the connection gap. Meanwhile, the setting of the sealing gasket 7 can help the sealing sleeve 8 and the water-absorbing expansion sealing strip 9 to achieve leveling, and improve the connection stability between the upper and lower tower sections 1. Furthermore, during rainy weather, the water-absorbing and expanding sealing strip 9 will expand due to water absorption, thereby further compressing the sealing sleeve 8, making the sealing sleeve 8 more tightly pressed against the first sealing gasket 5 and the second sealing gasket 6, thus further enhancing the protective effect. At the same time, the sealing sleeve 8 can shield and protect the internal sealing gasket 7, reducing the aging and deformation of the sealing gasket 7.

[0023] Please see Figures 1-6 As one embodiment of the present invention: In the present invention, the top and bottom of the concrete inner layer 2 are provided with connecting grooves 18, and connecting steel bars 19 are provided in the connecting grooves 18. The connecting steel bars 19 are interference-fitted into the connecting grooves 18. The radial connection load-bearing performance between the upper and lower concrete inner layers 2 can be improved by the cooperation of the connecting steel bars 19 and the connecting grooves 18.

[0024] Please see Figures 1-6 As one embodiment of the present utility model: the inner side of the sealing sleeve 8 is provided with a connecting strip 20, and the outer side of the sealing pad 7 is provided with a connecting groove 21, and the connecting strip 20 is engaged and installed in the connecting groove 21. The mechanical engagement between the connecting strip 20 and the connecting groove 21 can improve the connection stability between the sealing sleeve 8 and the sealing pad 7, thereby improving the sealing effect and sealing stability at the connection between the upper and lower tower sections, and preventing the sealing pad 7 and the sealing sleeve 8 from separating due to aging or cold shrinkage.

[0025] Please see Figures 1-6 As one embodiment of the present invention: the inner concrete layer 2 of the present invention includes an inner load-bearing concrete layer 22 and an outer waterproof concrete layer 23, and a polymer waterproof membrane layer 24 is provided between the inner load-bearing concrete layer 22 and the outer waterproof concrete layer 23. The connecting groove 18 is formed on the inner load-bearing concrete layer 22. In this invention, the high-polymer waterproof membrane layer 24 can be made of HDPE waterproof membrane, and the inner load-bearing concrete layer 22 is preferably C50-C60 high-strength and high-performance concrete to ensure the load-bearing capacity of the tower structure. The inner load-bearing concrete layer 22 preferably accounts for 60% to 70% of the total tower wall thickness; The outer waterproof concrete layer 23 is preferably C40P12 impermeable waterproof concrete, which protects the middle polymer waterproof membrane layer 24 from external environmental erosion, such as ultraviolet radiation, wind and sand abrasion, freeze-thaw damage, etc., and at the same time serves as an auxiliary waterproof barrier to further block the seepage path.

[0026] Please see Figures 1-6 As one embodiment of the present invention: the outer side of the inner load-bearing concrete layer 22 is provided with a first biting tooth 25, the inner side of the outer waterproof concrete layer 23 is provided with a second biting tooth 26, the first biting tooth 25 and the second biting tooth 26 are mechanically interlocked, and the polymer waterproof membrane layer 24 is located between the first biting tooth 25 and the second biting tooth 26. This invention improves the connection stability between the inner load-bearing concrete layer 22 and the outer waterproof concrete layer 23 through the cooperation of the first occlusive tooth 25 and the second occlusive tooth 26, avoids splitting at the interface, and improves the overall load-bearing capacity of the concrete.

[0027] In summary: This invention features a first sealing gasket 5 and a second sealing gasket 6, with a sealing block 7 and a sealing sleeve 8 positioned between them. The sealing sleeve 8 is shaped like a "U" and located outside the sealing gasket 7 to protect it. A water-absorbing and expanding sealing strip 9 is installed inside the sealing sleeve 8. During rainy weather, the water-absorbing and expanding sealing strip 9 expands due to water absorption, further compressing the sealing sleeve 8 and improving the sealing effect between the sealing sleeve 8 and the first and second sealing gaskets 5 and 6, thus enhancing the protective effect. Simultaneously, it shields and protects the internal sealing gasket 7, reducing the likelihood of aging and deformation.

[0028] Meanwhile, by setting a first sealing tooth 15, a second sealing tooth 16 and a third sealing tooth 17, the present invention can enhance the sealing performance between the sealing sleeve 8 and the first sealing gasket 5 and the second sealing gasket 6 through the meshing between the third sealing tooth 17 and the first sealing tooth 15 and the second sealing tooth 16, and at the same time enhance the connection sealing performance between the sealing gasket block 7 and the first sealing gasket 5 and the second sealing gasket 6. When the water-absorbing and expanding sealing strip 9 absorbs water and expands, the third sealing tooth 17 on the sealing sleeve 8 will be pressed more tightly with the first sealing tooth 15 and the second sealing tooth 16, thereby further improving the sealing and waterproofing effect at the tower connection gap. Meanwhile, the sealing gasket 7 can assist the sealing sleeve 8 and the water-absorbing expansion sealing strip 9 in achieving leveling, improving the connection stability between the upper and lower tower sections 1, and further strengthening the connection sealing between the upper and lower tower sections 1.

[0029] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0030] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A waterproof concrete tower for a wind turbine, comprising tower sections (1), each tower section (1) having an inner concrete layer (2) on its inner side, and a steel plate layer (3) on the outer side of the inner concrete layer (2), wherein a connecting flange (4) is provided on the steel plate layer (3), characterized in that: The top of the top connecting flange (4) is provided with a first sealing gasket (5), and the bottom of the bottom connecting flange (4) is provided with a second sealing gasket (6). A sealing block (7) is provided between the first sealing gasket (5) and the second sealing gasket (6). A sealing sleeve (8) is provided on the outside of the sealing block (7). The sealing sleeve (8) is U-shaped and the opening faces outward. A water-absorbing and expanding water-stop strip (9) is provided inside the sealing sleeve (8). A bolt locking member (10) is provided between the two connecting flanges (4) that cooperate with each other.

2. The wind turbine generator concrete tower with a waterproof structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bolt locking component (10) includes a stud (11), which is inserted between two sets of connecting flanges (4) connected vertically. The top end of the stud (11) is integrally provided with a nut (12), and the bottom end is threaded with a locking nut (13).

3. The wind turbine generator concrete tower with a waterproof structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: A sealing gasket (14) is provided between the bottom end of the nut (12) and the connecting flange (4).

4. The concrete tower of a wind turbine with a waterproof structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first sealing gasket (5) is provided with a first sealing tooth (15) at its top, and the second sealing gasket (6) is provided with a second sealing tooth (16) at its bottom. The sealing gasket block (7) and the sealing sleeve (8) are both provided with a third sealing tooth (17) at their top and bottom. The third sealing tooth (17) meshes with the first sealing tooth (15) and the second sealing tooth (16).

5. The wind turbine generator concrete tower with a waterproof structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top and bottom of the inner concrete layer (2) are provided with connecting grooves (18), and connecting steel bars (19) are provided in the connecting grooves (18). The connecting steel bars (19) are interference-fitted into the connecting grooves (18).

6. The wind turbine generator concrete tower with a waterproof structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner side of the sealing sleeve (8) is provided with a connecting strip (20), and the outer side of the sealing pad (7) is provided with a connecting groove (21). The connecting strip (20) is engaged and installed in the connecting groove (21).

7. The wind turbine generator concrete tower with a waterproof structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The inner concrete layer (2) includes an inner load-bearing concrete layer (22) and an outer waterproof concrete layer (23). A polymer waterproof membrane layer (24) is provided between the inner load-bearing concrete layer (22) and the outer waterproof concrete layer (23). The connecting groove (18) is opened on the inner load-bearing concrete layer (22).

8. The wind turbine generator concrete tower with a waterproof structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The inner load-bearing concrete layer (22) is provided with a first occlusive tooth (25) on the outside, and the outer waterproof concrete layer (23) is provided with a second occlusive tooth (26) on the inside. The first occlusive tooth (25) and the second occlusive tooth (26) are mechanically engaged, and the polymer waterproof membrane layer (24) is located between the first occlusive tooth (25) and the second occlusive tooth (26).

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