Offshore wind turbine foundations

Abstract

To provide an offshore wind turbine foundation that can effectively utilize an internal space.SOLUTION: An offshore wind turbine foundation 100 supporting a tower 200T for an offshore wind turbine 200 comprises a plurality of floors provided inside the offshore wind turbine foundation 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an offshore wind foundation.

Background Art

[0002] An offshore wind foundation may be used to support an offshore wind turbine on the sea. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an offshore wind power generation facility including a hollow structural element, a cable inlet provided in the hollow structural element, a first platform, and a through-flow opening. In this offshore wind power generation facility, at least one active control element is flow-connected to the through-flow opening in order to affect the medium exchange between the inside and the outside of the hollow structural element.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an offshore wind foundation, it is required to effectively utilize the space inside the offshore wind foundation.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an offshore wind foundation capable of effectively utilizing the internal space.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] <1> An offshore wind foundation according to Aspect 1 of the present invention is an offshore wind foundation that supports a tower of an offshore wind turbine, and is characterized by including a plurality of floors provided inside the offshore wind foundation.

[0007] According to the invention of Embodiment 1, multiple floors are provided inside the offshore wind turbine foundation. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the space inside the offshore wind turbine foundation.

[0008] <2> An offshore wind power foundation according to aspect 2 of the present invention is characterized in that, in an offshore wind power foundation according to aspect 1, it comprises a first submarine cable for transmitting power from the offshore wind turbine and a first suspension unit for suspending the first submarine cable, wherein the first suspension unit is provided on one of the plurality of floors.

[0009] According to the invention of embodiment 2, the first submarine cable for transmitting power from the offshore wind turbine is suspended by a first suspension unit. The first suspension unit is installed on one of several floors of the offshore wind power foundation. This allows workers to perform work on the first submarine cable and the first suspension unit while positioned above the floor. Thus, work on the first submarine cable and the first suspension unit can be made easier.

[0010] <3> The offshore wind power foundation according to aspect 3 of the present invention is characterized in that, in the offshore wind power foundation according to aspect 2, the first suspension unit is provided on the lowest floor of the plurality of floors.

[0011] According to the invention of embodiment 3, the first suspension unit is installed on the lowest floor of the multiple floors provided by the offshore wind turbine foundation. This makes it possible to prevent the first submarine cable and the first suspension unit from occupying the interior of the lowest floor by installing the first suspension unit on a floor other than the lowest floor. Thus, the interior space of the offshore wind turbine foundation can be effectively utilized.

[0012] <4> The offshore wind power foundation according to aspect 4 of the present invention is characterized in that, in the offshore wind power foundation according to aspect 3, the first suspension unit is provided on the floor of the lowest floor.

[0013] According to the invention of embodiment 4, the first suspension unit is installed on the floor of the lowest level. This makes it possible to easily and safely carry out, for example, the work of pulling the first submarine cable into the interior of the offshore wind turbine foundation.

[0014] <5> An offshore wind power foundation according to aspect 5 of the present invention is an offshore wind power foundation according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, further comprising a second submarine cable for transmitting power from offshore wind turbines other than the offshore wind turbine, and a second suspension unit for suspending the second submarine cable, wherein the second suspension unit is provided on one of the plurality of floors.

[0015] According to the invention of Embodiment 5, the offshore wind power foundation further comprises a second submarine cable for transmitting power from offshore wind turbines other than the offshore wind turbine supported by the offshore wind power foundation. The second submarine cable is suspended by a second suspension unit. The second suspension unit is installed on one of several floors of the offshore wind power foundation. This allows workers to perform work on the second submarine cable and the second suspension unit while positioned above the floor. Thus, work on the second submarine cable and the second suspension unit can be made easier.

[0016] <6> An offshore wind power foundation according to aspect 6 of the present invention further comprises a first junction box to which the first submarine cable is connected, in addition to an offshore wind power foundation according to any one of aspects 2 to 5, wherein the first junction box is provided on the same floor as the floor on which the first suspension unit is provided.

[0017] According to the invention of embodiment 6, in the offshore wind turbine foundation, the first junction box to which the first submarine cable is connected is provided on the same floor as the floor on which the first suspension unit is provided. This allows the tip of the first submarine cable suspended by the first suspension unit to be positioned close to the first junction box. Therefore, the work of connecting the first submarine cable to the first junction box can be made easier.

[0018] <7> An offshore wind power foundation according to aspect 7 of the present invention further comprises a first junction box to which the first submarine cable is connected, in addition to an offshore wind power foundation according to any one of aspects 2 to 5, wherein the first junction box is provided on a different floor from the floor on which the first suspension unit is provided.

[0019] Here, for example, in the case of an offshore wind turbine foundation where the first submarine cable and the first junction box are located on the same floor, it may be necessary to bend the end of the first submarine cable toward the first junction box when connecting the first submarine cable and the first junction box. According to the invention of embodiment 7, in the offshore wind turbine foundation, the first junction box is installed on a different floor from the floor on which the first suspension unit is installed. This allows, for example, the first submarine cable to be connected from below the first junction box. Therefore, for example, bending of the first submarine cable can be suppressed. In addition, for example, the size of the floor can be reduced compared to the case in which the first submarine cable and the first junction box are installed on the same floor in the offshore wind turbine foundation.

[0020] <8>The off - shore wind power foundation according to aspect 8 of the present invention is the off - shore wind power foundation according to any one of aspects 2 to 7, further comprising a first junction box to which the first submarine cable is connected and a second junction box, and the first junction box and the second junction box are provided on any one of the plurality of floors, which is characterized in that.

[0021] According to the invention according to aspect 8, the first junction box and the second junction box are provided on any one of the plurality of floors provided in the off - shore wind power foundation. Thereby, an operator can perform work on the first junction box and the second junction box while being located on the floor. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate the work on the first junction box and the second junction box.

[0022] <9>The off - shore wind power foundation according to aspect 9 of the present invention is the off - shore wind power foundation according to aspect 8, wherein the first junction box and the second junction box are provided on separate ones of the plurality of floors, which is characterized in that.

[0023] According to the invention according to aspect 9, the first junction box and the second junction box are provided on separate ones of the plurality of floors. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the congestion inside the floor as compared with the case where the first junction box and the second junction box are provided on the same floor.

[0024] <9>The off - shore wind power foundation according to aspect 9 of the present invention is the off - shore wind power foundation according to any one of aspects 2 to 8, further comprising a first junction box to which the first submarine cable is connected, the first junction box is provided on any one of the plurality of floors, and the floor of the floor one above the floor on which the first junction box is provided has an opening provided, and the position of the opening corresponds to the position of the first junction box, which is characterized in that.

[0025] According to the invention related to aspect 9, an opening is provided in the floor of the floor one above the floor where the first junction box is provided. The position of the opening corresponds to the position of the first junction box. Thereby, for example, when the cable connected to the first junction box is arranged to extend upward, the cable connected to the first junction box can easily pass through the floor of the floor one above the floor where the first junction box is provided. Thus, for example, the accommodation of the cable inside the offshore wind power foundation can be improved. Also, for example, bending of the first submarine cable can be suppressed.

[0026] <10>The offshore wind power foundation according to aspect 10 of the present invention is the offshore wind power foundation according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, and includes a first submarine cable for transmitting the power from the offshore wind turbine, and a first hanging unit for hanging the first submarine cable. The first hanging unit is provided on any one of the plurality of floors, and an opening is provided in the floor of the floor one above the floor where the first hanging unit is provided. The position of the opening corresponds to the position of the first hanging unit.

[0027] According to the invention related to aspect 10, an opening is provided in the floor of the floor one above the floor where the first hanging unit is provided. The position of the opening corresponds to the position of the first hanging unit. Thereby, for example, when the first submarine cable suspended by the first hanging unit is arranged to extend upward, the first submarine cable can easily pass through the floor of the floor one above the floor where the first hanging unit is provided. Thus, for example, the accommodation of the first submarine cable inside the offshore wind power foundation can be improved. Also, for example, bending of the first submarine cable can be suppressed.

[0028] <11> An offshore wind power foundation according to aspect 11 of the present invention is an offshore wind power foundation according to any one of aspects 1 to 10, comprising: a first submarine cable for transmitting power from the offshore wind turbine; a first suspension unit for suspending the first submarine cable; and a first junction box to which the first submarine cable is connected, wherein the first suspension unit is provided on one of the plurality of floors, the first junction box is provided on the floor one floor above the floor on which the first suspension unit is provided, and the positions of the first suspension unit and the first junction box correspond to each other.

[0029] According to the invention of embodiment 11, the first suspension unit for suspending the first submarine cable is provided on one of a plurality of floors of the offshore wind power foundation. A first junction box is provided on the floor one level above the floor on which the first suspension unit is provided. The position of the first suspension unit and the position of the first junction box correspond to each other. This allows, for example, the first submarine cable to be connected from below the first junction box. Therefore, for example, bending of the first submarine cable can be suppressed. Also, for example, the size of the floor can be reduced compared to the case where the first submarine cable and the first junction box are provided on the same floor.

[0030] <12> An offshore wind power foundation according to aspect 12 of the present invention is an offshore wind power foundation according to any one of aspects 1 to 11, comprising: a first submarine cable for transmitting power from the offshore wind turbine; a J-tube into which the first submarine cable is inserted; and a first suspension unit for suspending the first submarine cable by suspending the J-tube, wherein the first suspension unit is provided on any of the plurality of floors.

[0031] According to the invention of embodiment 12, the first suspension unit that suspends the first submarine cable by suspending the J-tube is installed on one of several floors. This allows workers to perform work on the first suspension unit that suspends the J-tube while positioned above the floor. Thus, it is possible to perform work on the first suspension unit that suspends the J-tube more easily.

[0032] <13> An offshore wind power foundation according to aspect 13 of the present invention further comprises a transition piece for supporting the tower, in addition to an offshore wind power foundation according to any one of aspects 1 to 12, wherein the plurality of floors are provided inside the transition piece.

[0033] According to the invention of embodiment 13, in an offshore wind power foundation, multiple floors are provided inside a transition piece that supports the tower of the offshore wind turbine. This makes effective use of the space inside the transition piece.

[0034] <14> An offshore wind power foundation according to aspect 14 of the present invention is an offshore wind power foundation according to aspect 13, characterized in that the offshore wind power foundation is a jacket structure, the transition piece includes a center pipe that supports the tower, and the plurality of floors are provided inside the center pipe.

[0035] According to the invention of embodiment 14, the transition piece includes a center pipe that supports the tower. In the offshore wind turbine foundation, multiple floors are provided inside the center pipe. This makes effective use of the space inside the center pipe in the transition piece.

[0036] <15> An offshore wind turbine foundation according to aspect 15 of the present invention is characterized in that, in an offshore wind turbine foundation according to any one of aspects 1 to 14, the uppermost floor of the plurality of floors is a floor for performing the work of fastening the tower and the offshore wind turbine foundation with bolts.

[0037] According to the invention of embodiment 15, the uppermost of the multiple floors is a floor for fastening the tower and the offshore wind turbine foundation with bolts. This makes it easy to connect the offshore wind turbine tower and the offshore wind turbine foundation.

[0038] <16> An offshore wind power foundation according to aspect 16 of the present invention is an offshore wind power foundation according to any one of aspects 1 to 15, characterized in that the lowest floor of the plurality of floors is a floor for performing work to suspend the submarine cable for transmitting power from the offshore wind turbine.

[0039] According to the invention of embodiment 16, the lowest floor among the multiple floors is a floor for suspending the submarine cable for transmitting power from the offshore wind turbine. This makes it possible to prevent, for example, objects that would hinder the work of suspending the submarine cable from the offshore wind power foundation from being located around the submarine cable. Therefore, the work of suspending the submarine cable from the offshore wind power foundation can be carried out easily.

[0040] <17> The offshore wind power foundation according to aspect 17 of the present invention is an offshore wind power foundation according to any one of aspects 1 to 16, characterized in that, among the plurality of floors, the floors other than the lowest floor and the highest floor are floors for performing work to connect the submarine cable for transmitting power from the offshore wind turbine to the equipment.

[0041] According to the invention of embodiment 17, among the multiple floors, the floors other than the lowest and highest floors are floors for connecting the submarine cable for transmitting power from the offshore wind turbine to the equipment. This makes it easy to connect the submarine cable suspended from the offshore wind turbine foundation to the equipment installed inside the offshore wind turbine foundation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0042] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an offshore wind turbine foundation that can effectively utilize the internal space. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0043] [Figure 1] This is a front view of the offshore wind turbine foundation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an enlarged view of the multiple floors provided by the transition piece according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged view of the area around the suspension unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a floor plan of the first floor according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a first example of a floor plan of the second floor according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a second example of a floor plan of the second floor according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a floor plan of the third floor according to the first embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0044] (First Embodiment) The following describes an offshore wind turbine foundation 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a front view of the offshore wind turbine foundation 100 according to this embodiment. The offshore wind turbine foundation 100 is, for example, located on the sea. In this embodiment, the offshore wind turbine foundation 100 supports the tower 200T of the offshore wind turbine 200. Multiple offshore wind turbine foundations 100 are provided, for example, in the same wind farm or sea area. In this case, it is preferable that the design of the multiple offshore wind turbine foundations 100 is common.

[0045] As shown in Figure 1, the offshore wind turbine foundation 100 according to this embodiment is a jacket structure. Specifically, the offshore wind turbine foundation 100 comprises a transition piece 10 including a center pipe 11 that supports the tower 200T, a plurality of legs 20 connected to piles P driven into the seabed and supporting the transition piece 10, and braces 30 that connect the plurality of legs 20 to each other and reinforce the structure of the offshore wind turbine foundation 100. In this embodiment, the upper end of the center pipe 11 and the lower end of the tower 200T are connected by bolting flanges TF, which are provided on each of them, as shown in Figure 2. Therefore, the connection point between the center pipe 11 and the tower 200T can be visually confirmed. The flanges TF are formed to extend inward from the edges of the upper end of the center pipe 11 and the lower end of the tower 200T, for example, as shown in Figure 2. This allows the worker to bolt the flanges TF together while standing inside the center pipe 11. If a stronger connection between the flanges TF is desired, the flanges TF may be formed to extend inward and outward from the edges of the upper end of the center pipe 11 and the lower end of the tower 200T, respectively. Furthermore, the offshore wind power foundation 100 includes a submarine cable 40 in addition to the above components for transmitting power from the offshore wind turbine 200. The offshore wind power foundation 100 includes a J-tube 50, a suspension unit 60, and a junction box 70 to support the submarine cable 40 (details will be described later).

[0046] (Regarding multiple floors) Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the multiple floors provided by the transition piece 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the offshore wind turbine foundation 100 has multiple floors inside. These floors are provided, for example, to house equipment for transmitting power from the offshore wind turbine 200. They are also used, for example, to connect the offshore wind turbine foundation 100 to the tower 200T of the offshore wind turbine 200.

[0047] As shown in Figure 2, the multiple floors are provided inside the transition piece 10. More specifically, the multiple floors are provided inside the center pipe 11 included in the transition piece 10. Multiple floors are provided, at least three. That is, in this embodiment, the offshore wind turbine foundation 100 comprises a first floor F1, a second floor F2, and a third floor F3.

[0048] Figure 4 is a floor plan of the first floor, F1. The first floor F1 is the lowest of several floors. The first floor F1 is, for example, the floor where work is carried out to suspend the submarine cable 40 for transmitting power from the offshore wind turbine 200. A relatively large number of various cables, including the submarine cable 40, are arranged on the first floor F1. For this reason, it is preferable that no components other than cables are placed on the first floor F1.

[0049] Figure 5 is a first example of a floor plan of the second floor F2 according to this embodiment. Figure 6 is a second example of a plan view of the second floor F2 according to this embodiment. The second floor F2 is located one floor above the first floor F1. As mentioned above, the offshore wind turbine foundation 100 has at least three floors. Therefore, the second floor F2 is one of the floors other than the lowest and highest floors. The second floor F2 is, for example, the floor where work is done to connect the submarine cable 40 for transmitting power from the offshore wind turbine 200 to equipment. The equipment to which the submarine cable 40 is connected is, for example, the junction box 70, which will be described later. In other words, the junction box 70 is located on the second floor F2.

[0050] Figure 7 is a plan view of the third floor F3 according to this embodiment. The third floor F3 is the uppermost of the multiple floors. In this embodiment, the third floor F3 includes the upper end of the center pipe 11 of the transition piece 10. The third floor F3 is the floor where the work of fastening the tower 200T of the offshore wind turbine 200 to the offshore wind power foundation 100 with bolts is performed. That is, the third floor F3 is the floor on which workers stand when connecting the lower end of the tower 200T of the offshore wind turbine 200 to the upper end of the center pipe 11 by bolting. In order to facilitate the bolting of the lower end of the tower 200T of the offshore wind turbine 200 to the upper end of the center pipe 11 by workers, the distance from the floor of the third floor F3 to the upper end of the center pipe 11 is preferably about waist height for the workers, for example, about 1.2m. This allows workers to fasten the bolts from the upper side of the flange TF while standing on the floor of the third floor F3 without having to use a stepladder or anything similar.

[0051] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, openings FO may be provided on the second floor F2 and the third floor F3. Openings FO are provided only when, for example, work is being done to run cables between multiple floors. By not providing openings FO when cable running work is not being done, it is possible to allow workers to move safely across the floors. Alternatively, openings FO may be provided at all times while the offshore wind turbine foundation 100 is in operation, so that cables can pass between the floors.

[0052] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the bolt fastening work on the third floor F3 as described above, it is preferable that no opening FO is provided in the third floor F3 in an area of ​​at least 0.8 m from the inner wall of the center pipe 11. Further details regarding the opening FO provided in the floor will be described later.

[0053] (Regarding the configuration for transmitting electricity from 200 offshore wind turbines) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the offshore wind power foundation 100 includes a submarine cable 40 for transmitting power from the offshore wind turbine 200. The offshore wind power foundation 100 includes a J-tube 50, a suspension unit 60, and a junction box 70 to support the submarine cable 40.

[0054] The submarine cable 40 is laid on the seabed. The submarine cable 40 extends upward from the seabed to connect to equipment installed inside the offshore wind turbine foundation 100. The submarine cable 40 includes, for example, a first submarine cable 41 and a second submarine cable 42. That is, the offshore wind turbine foundation 100 is connected to the first submarine cable 41 and the second submarine cable 42. Hereinafter, when the first submarine cable 41 and the second submarine cable 42 are not distinguished, they will be referred to as the submarine cable 40.

[0055] The first submarine cable 41 is installed to transmit electricity from the offshore wind turbine 200 supported by the offshore wind power foundation 100. That is, the first submarine cable 41 connects, for example, the offshore wind turbine 200 supported by the offshore wind power foundation 100 to a substation facility (not shown). The second submarine cable 42 is installed to transmit power from offshore wind turbines 200 other than the offshore wind turbine 200 supported by the offshore wind power foundation 100 shown in Figure 1. Here, as described above, multiple offshore wind power foundations 100 supporting the tower 200T of the offshore wind turbine 200 are installed in the same wind farm or sea area. That is, multiple offshore wind turbines 200 are installed in the same wind farm or sea area. The second submarine cable 42 connects the multiple offshore wind turbines 200 installed as described above.

[0056] As shown in Figure 2, the J-tube 50 has a submarine cable 40 inserted inside it. In other words, the J-tube 50 houses the submarine cable 40 inside. The J-tube 50 is installed vertically along the offshore wind turbine foundation 100. That is, in the offshore wind turbine foundation 100, which is a jacket structure, the J-tube 50 is installed, for example, along the leg 20. In this way, the J-tube 50 protects the submarine cable 40 that extends upward from the seabed. The J-tube 50 comprises, for example, a first J-tube 51 and a second J-tube 52. Hereinafter, when the first J-tube 51 and the second J-tube 52 are not distinguished, they will be referred to as the J-tube 50.

[0057] The first submarine cable 41 is inserted into the first J-tube 51. In this way, the first J-tube 51 protects the first submarine cable 41. The first J-tube 51 is installed, for example, in one of the multiple legs 20 of the offshore wind turbine foundation 100, which is a jacket structure. In this case, the first J-tube 51 is installed, for example, in a position on the leg 20 that does not face the outside of the offshore wind turbine foundation 100. This makes it less likely for floating debris approaching from the outside of the jacket structure to collide with the first J-tube 51.

[0058] The second submarine cable 42 is inserted into the second J-tube 52. In this way, the second J-tube 52 protects the second submarine cable 42. The second J-tube 52 is installed, for example, in one of the legs 20 of the offshore wind turbine foundation 100, which is a jacket structure, other than the leg 20 in which the first J-tube 51 is installed. In this case, the second J-tube 52 is installed, for example, in a position on the leg 20 that does not face the outside of the offshore wind turbine foundation 100. This makes it less likely for floating debris approaching from the outside of the jacket structure to collide with the second J-tube 52.

[0059] The suspension unit 60 is used to suspend the submarine cable 40. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the suspension unit 60 is attached, for example, to the end of the J-tube 50 and installed on one of the multiple floors of the offshore wind turbine foundation 100. In this way, the suspension unit 60 suspends the J-tube 50, thereby suspending the submarine cable 40 that extends upward from the seabed. The suspension unit 60 includes, for example, a first suspension unit 61 and a second suspension unit 62. Hereinafter, when the first suspension unit 61 and the second suspension unit 62 are not distinguished, they will be referred to as the suspension unit 60.

[0060] As shown in Figure 2, the first suspension unit 61 suspends the first submarine cable 41. The first suspension unit 61 is installed on one of several floors. In this embodiment, the first suspension unit 61 is installed on the first floor F1, which is the lowest floor among the several floors. Specifically, the first suspension unit 61 is installed on the floor of the first floor F1. This allows workers to easily and safely perform tasks on the first submarine cable 41 and the first suspension unit 61, that is, for example, pulling the first submarine cable 41, which is suspended by the first suspension unit 61, into the offshore wind turbine foundation 100.

[0061] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, an opening FO is provided in the floor of the floor directly above the floor on which the first suspension unit 61 is installed. That is, an opening FO is provided in the second floor F2, which is the floor directly above the first floor F1 on which the first suspension unit 61 is installed. In this case, the position of the opening FO on the second floor F2 corresponds to the position of the first suspension unit 61. Specifically, for example, the opening FO on the second floor F2 is located directly above the first suspension unit 61. In other words, when viewed along the vertical direction, the opening FO on the second floor F2 coincides with the first suspension unit 61. This makes it easier for the first submarine cable 41, which is suspended from the first suspension unit 61, to pass through the floor of the second floor F2 when it is arranged to extend upward through the interior of the first floor F1.

[0062] As shown in Figure 2, the second suspension unit 62 suspends the second submarine cable 42. The second suspension unit 62 is installed on one of several floors. In this embodiment, the second suspension unit 62 is installed on the first floor F1, which is the lowest floor among the several floors. Specifically, the second suspension unit 62 is installed on the floor of the first floor F1. This allows workers to easily and safely perform tasks on the second submarine cable 42 and the second suspension unit 62, that is, for example, pulling the second submarine cable 42, which is suspended by the second suspension unit 62, into the offshore wind turbine foundation 100.

[0063] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, an opening FO is provided in the floor of the floor directly above the floor on which the second suspension unit 62 is installed. That is, an opening FO is provided in the second floor F2, which is the floor directly above the first floor F1 on which the second suspension unit 62 is installed. In this case, the position of the opening FO on the second floor F2 corresponds to the position of the second suspension unit 62. Specifically, for example, the opening FO on the second floor F2 is located directly above the second suspension unit 62. In other words, when viewed along the vertical direction, the opening FO on the second floor F2 coincides with the second suspension unit 62. This makes it easier for the second submarine cable 42, which is suspended from the second suspension unit 62, to pass through the floor of the second floor F2 when it is arranged to extend upward through the interior of the first floor F1.

[0064] As shown in Figure 4, the first suspension unit 61 and the second suspension unit 62 are preferably positioned near the center of the first floor F1, for example. In this case, either the first suspension unit 61 or the second suspension unit 62 may be positioned so as to overlap the central axis of the center pipe 11. This makes it easier for workers to perform tasks near the inner surface of the center pipe 11, for example.

[0065] As shown in Figure 2, the junction box 70 is equipment installed inside the offshore wind turbine foundation 100. Various cables (e.g., HV cables), including the submarine cable 40, are connected to the junction box 70. The junction box 70 is used to relay various cables, including the submarine cable 40, inside the offshore wind turbine foundation 100. That is, for example, the electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine 200 is transmitted from the cable connected to the offshore wind turbine 200 to the junction box 70, and then transmitted to the submarine cable 40 via the junction box 70. The junction box 70 includes, for example, a first junction box 71 and a second junction box 72. Hereinafter, when the first junction box 71 and the second junction box 72 are not distinguished, the junction box 70 will be referred to as the junction box 70.

[0066] As shown in Figure 2, the first submarine cable 41 is connected to the first junction box 71. The first junction box 71 is located on one of several floors. In this embodiment, the first junction box 71 is located on a different floor from the floor where the first suspension unit 61 is located. Specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first junction box 71 is located on the floor above the floor where the first suspension unit 61 is installed. In other words, in this embodiment, the first junction box 71 is located on the second floor F2, which is the floor above the first floor F1 where the first suspension unit 61 is installed. Furthermore, the position of the first suspension unit 61 and the position of the first junction box 71 correspond to each other. Specifically, for example, the first junction box 71 is located near the opening FO of the second floor F2, which is located in a position corresponding to the first suspension unit 61 as described above. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6, the first junction box 71 may be provided so as to cover the opening FO of the second floor F2, which is provided in accordance with the position of the first suspension unit 61 as described above. In other words, the first junction box 71 may be positioned so as to overlap with the first suspension unit 61 when viewed along the vertical direction. This arrangement improves the fit of the first submarine cable 41 inside the center pipe 11 of the transition piece 10.

[0067] In this embodiment, an opening FO is provided in the floor of the floor above the floor where the first junction box 71 is located. That is, an opening FO is provided in the third floor F3, which is the floor above the second floor F2 where the first junction box 71 is located. In this case, the position of the opening FO provided in the third floor F3 corresponds to the position of the first junction box 71. Specifically, for example, the opening FO in the third floor F3 is provided directly above the first junction box 71. This makes it easier for the cable connected to the first junction box 71 to pass through the floor of the third floor F3 when the cable is arranged to extend upward inside the second floor F2.

[0068] As shown in Figure 2, the second submarine cable 42 is connected to the second junction box 72. The second junction box 72 is located on one of several floors. In this embodiment, the second junction box 72 is located on a different floor from the floor where the second suspension unit 62 is located. Specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the second junction box 72 is located on the floor above the floor where the second suspension unit 62 is installed. In other words, in this embodiment, the second junction box 72 is located on the second floor F2, which is the floor above the first floor F1 where the second suspension unit 62 is installed. Furthermore, the position of the second suspension unit 62 and the position of the second junction box 72 correspond to each other. Specifically, for example, the second junction box 72 is located near the opening FO of the second floor F2, which is located in a position corresponding to the second suspension unit 62 as described above. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6, the second junction box 72 may be positioned to cover the opening FO of the second floor F2, which is located in a position corresponding to the second suspension unit 62 as described above. In other words, the second junction box 72 may be positioned to overlap with the second suspension unit 62 when viewed along the vertical direction. This arrangement improves the fit of the second submarine cable 42 inside the center pipe 11 of the transition piece 10.

[0069] In this embodiment, an opening FO is provided in the floor of the floor above the floor where the second junction box 72 is located. That is, an opening FO is provided in the third floor F3, which is the floor above the second floor F2 where the second junction box 72 is located. In this case, the position of the opening FO provided in the third floor F3 corresponds to the position of the second junction box 72. Specifically, for example, the opening FO in the third floor F3 is provided directly above the second junction box 72. This makes it easier for the cable connected to the second junction box 72 to pass through the floor of the third floor F3 when the cable is arranged to extend upward inside the second floor F2. Furthermore, the first junction box 71 and the second junction box 72 may be located on different floors. As shown in Figure 2, a switch cable C extending upwards is connected to each of the first junction box 71 and the second junction box 72. The switch cable C connects the first junction box 71 and the second junction box 72 to a switch gear (not shown) installed on the offshore wind turbine 200. The switch gear is installed on the same floor as the first junction box 71 and the second junction box 72, or on a floor higher than them. That is, the switch gear is installed, for example, on a floor inside the tower 200T of the offshore wind turbine 200.

[0070] As described above, the offshore wind turbine foundation 100 according to this embodiment has multiple floors inside. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the space inside the offshore wind turbine foundation 100.

[0071] Furthermore, the first submarine cable 41 for transmitting power from the offshore wind turbine 200 is suspended by a first suspension unit 61. The first suspension unit 61 is installed on one of several floors of the offshore wind power foundation 100. This allows workers to perform work on the first submarine cable 41 and the first suspension unit 61 while positioned above the floor. Thus, work on the first submarine cable 41 and the first suspension unit 61 can be made easier.

[0072] Furthermore, the first suspension unit 61 is installed on the lowest floor of the multiple floors provided by the offshore wind turbine foundation 100. This makes it possible, for example, to install the first suspension unit 61 on a floor other than the lowest floor, thereby reducing the amount of space occupied by the first submarine cable 41 and the first suspension unit 61 inside the lowest floor. Thus, the space inside the offshore wind turbine foundation 100 can be used effectively.

[0073] Furthermore, the first suspension unit 61 is installed on the floor of the lowest level. This makes it easy and safe to perform tasks such as pulling the first submarine cable 41 into the offshore wind turbine foundation 100.

[0074] Furthermore, the offshore wind turbine foundation 100 is further equipped with a second submarine cable 42 for transmitting power from offshore wind turbines 200 other than the one supported by the offshore wind turbine foundation 100. The second submarine cable 42 is suspended by a second suspension unit 62. The second suspension unit 62 is installed on one of the multiple floors of the offshore wind turbine foundation 100. This allows workers to perform work on the second submarine cable 42 and the second suspension unit 62 while positioned above the floor. Thus, work on the second submarine cable 42 and the second suspension unit 62 can be made easier.

[0075] Here, for example, if the first submarine cable 41 and the first junction box 71 are installed on the same floor in the offshore wind turbine foundation 100, it may be necessary to bend the tip of the first submarine cable 41 toward the first junction box 71 when connecting the first submarine cable 41 and the first junction box 71. Therefore, in the offshore wind turbine foundation 100, the first junction box 71 is installed on a different floor from the floor where the first suspension unit 61 is installed. This allows, for example, the first submarine cable 41 to be connected from below the first junction box 71. Thus, for example, bending of the first submarine cable 41 can be suppressed. Also, for example, the size of the floor can be reduced compared to the case where the first submarine cable 41 and the first junction box 71 are installed on the same floor in the offshore wind turbine foundation 100.

[0076] Furthermore, the first junction box 71 and the second junction box 72 are installed on one of the multiple floors of the offshore wind turbine foundation 100. This allows workers to perform tasks on the first junction box 71 and the second junction box 72 while positioned above the floor. Thus, it is possible to perform tasks on the first junction box 71 and the second junction box 72 more easily.

[0077] Furthermore, the first junction box 71 and the second junction box 72 are located on different floors among multiple floors. This helps to reduce congestion on the floor compared to when the first junction box 71 and the second junction box 72 are located on the same floor.

[0078] Furthermore, an opening FO is provided in the floor of the floor above the floor in which the first junction box 71 is located. The position of the opening FO corresponds to the position of the first junction box 71. This makes it easier for the cables connected to the first junction box 71 to pass through the floor of the floor above the floor in which the first junction box 71 is located, for example, when the cables connected to the first junction box 71 are arranged to extend upward. Thus, for example, the arrangement of cables inside the offshore wind turbine foundation 100 can be improved. Also, for example, bending of the first submarine cable 41 can be suppressed.

[0079] Furthermore, an opening FO is provided in the floor of the floor above the floor on which the first suspension unit 61 is installed. The position of the opening FO corresponds to the position of the first suspension unit 61. This makes it easier for the first submarine cable 41 to pass through the floor of the floor above the floor on which the first suspension unit 61 is installed, for example, when the first submarine cable 41 suspended by the first suspension unit 61 is positioned to extend upward. Thus, for example, the arrangement of the first submarine cable 41 inside the offshore wind turbine foundation 100 can be improved. Also, for example, bending of the first submarine cable 41 can be suppressed.

[0080] Furthermore, the first suspension unit 61 for suspending the first submarine cable 41 is installed on one of several floors of the offshore wind turbine foundation 100. The first junction box 71 is installed on the floor above the floor where the first suspension unit 61 is installed. The positions of the first suspension unit 61 and the first junction box 71 correspond to each other. This allows, for example, the first submarine cable 41 to be connected from below the first junction box 71. Therefore, for example, bending of the first submarine cable 41 can be suppressed. Also, for example, the size of the floor can be reduced compared to the case where the first submarine cable 41 and the first junction box 71 are installed on the same floor.

[0081] Furthermore, the first suspension unit 61, which suspends the first submarine cable 41 by suspending the J-tube 50, is installed on one of several floors. This allows workers to perform tasks on the first suspension unit 61 that suspends the J-tube 50 while positioned above the floor. Thus, it becomes easier to perform tasks on the first suspension unit 61 that suspends the J-tube 50.

[0082] Furthermore, in the offshore wind turbine foundation 100, multiple floors are provided inside the transition piece 10 that supports the tower 200T of the offshore wind turbine 200. This allows for effective use of the space inside the transition piece 10.

[0083] Furthermore, the transition piece 10 includes a center pipe 11 that supports the tower 200T. In the offshore wind turbine foundation 100, multiple floors are provided inside the center pipe 11. This allows for effective use of the space inside the center pipe 11 in the transition piece 10.

[0084] Furthermore, of the multiple floors, the top floor is dedicated to the work of bolting the Tower 200T and the offshore wind turbine foundation 100 together. This facilitates the connection work between the Tower 200T of the offshore wind turbine 200 and the offshore wind turbine foundation 100.

[0085] Furthermore, of the multiple floors, the lowest floor is used for the work of suspending the submarine cable 40 for transmitting power from the offshore wind turbine 200. This prevents, for example, objects that would hinder the work of suspending the submarine cable 40 from the offshore wind turbine foundation 100 from being located around the submarine cable 40. Therefore, the work of suspending the submarine cable 40 from the offshore wind turbine foundation 100 can be carried out easily.

[0086] Furthermore, of the multiple floors, all floors except the lowest and highest floors are used for connecting the submarine cable 40, which transmits power from the offshore wind turbine 200, to the equipment. This makes it easy to connect the submarine cable 40 suspended from the offshore wind turbine foundation 100 to the equipment installed inside the offshore wind turbine foundation 100.

[0087] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the offshore wind turbine foundation 100 according to the present invention will be described. In this second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same as those in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted. Only the differences will be described. In the offshore wind turbine foundation 100 according to the second embodiment, the junction box 70 is installed on the same floor as the floor on which the suspension unit 60 is installed.

[0088] For example, the first junction box 71 is located on the same floor as the first suspension unit 61. That is, the first junction box 71 is located on the first floor F1 together with the first suspension unit 61. In this case, the opening FO of the second floor F2, which was described in the first embodiment as being located directly above the first suspension unit 61, does not need to be provided.

[0089] Alternatively, the second junction box 72 is provided on the same floor as the second suspension unit 62. That is, the second junction box 72 is provided on the first floor F1 together with the second suspension unit 62. In this case, the opening FO of the second floor F2, which was described in the first embodiment as being provided directly above the second suspension unit 62, does not need to be provided. In the above respects, the offshore wind turbine foundation 100 according to the second embodiment differs from the offshore wind turbine foundation 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0090] As described above, according to the offshore wind power foundation 100 of the second embodiment, the first junction box 71 to which the first submarine cable 41 is connected is located on the same floor as the first suspension unit 61. This allows the tip of the first submarine cable 41, suspended by the first suspension unit 61, to be positioned close to the first junction box 71. Therefore, the work of connecting the first submarine cable 41 to the first junction box 71 can be made easier.

[0091] It should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, although the offshore wind turbine foundation 100 was described as a jacket structure, it may also be a monopile structure. That is, the transition piece 10 of the monopile structure may be provided with the multiple floors described above, or it may be provided with the various components for connecting the submarine cable 40. Furthermore, while it was explained that the offshore wind turbine foundation 100 has at least three floors, it may also have four or more floors.

[0092] Furthermore, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, the components in the above embodiments may be replaced with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described modifications may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 10 Transition Pieces 11 Center Pipe 20 Legs 30 Brace 40 Submarine Cables 41. The First Submarine Cable 42. Second Submarine Cable 50 J-Tube 51 1st J Tube 52 Second J Tube 60 Hanging Units 61. First suspension unit 62 Second suspension unit 70 Junction Box 71 Junction Box 1 72 Second Junction Box 100 Offshore wind turbine foundations 200 offshore wind turbines 200T Tower F1 1st Floor F2 2nd Floor F3 3rd Floor FO opening P pile

Claims

1. Offshore wind turbine foundations, excluding spar-type floating foundations, that support the towers of offshore wind turbines. Multiple floors located on the sea and inside the offshore wind turbine foundation, Equipped with, The aforementioned multiple floors include, when the offshore wind turbine foundation is installed in the sea, a first floor into which workers enter to perform the work of fastening the tower and the offshore wind turbine foundation with bolts, and a second floor below the first floor into which workers enter to perform the work of suspending the submarine cable for transmitting power from the offshore wind turbine. A flange is formed on the first floor, which is bolted to the tower. An offshore wind power foundation characterized in that a suspension unit for suspending the submarine cable is provided on the second floor.

2. The submarine cable includes a first submarine cable for transmitting power from the offshore wind turbine, The suspension unit includes a first suspension unit for suspending the first submarine cable, The first suspension unit is provided on the second floor, The offshore wind power foundation according to feature 1.

3. The first suspension unit is installed on the lowest floor among the multiple floors, The offshore wind turbine foundation according to feature 2.

4. The first suspension unit is installed on the floor of the lowest floor, The offshore wind turbine foundation according to feature 3.

5. The submarine cable includes a second submarine cable for transmitting power from offshore wind turbines other than the offshore wind turbine, The suspension unit includes a second suspension unit for suspending the second submarine cable, The second suspension unit is provided on the second floor, The offshore wind turbine foundation according to feature 2.

6. The first junction box to which the first submarine cable is connected, Furthermore, The first junction box is located on the same floor as the first suspension unit, The offshore wind turbine foundation according to feature 2.

7. The first junction box to which the first submarine cable is connected, Furthermore, The first junction box is installed on a different floor from the floor on which the first suspension unit is installed. The offshore wind turbine foundation according to feature 2.

8. The first junction box to which the first submarine cable is connected, The second junction box and Furthermore, The first junction box and the second junction box are located on any of the multiple floors. The offshore wind turbine foundation according to feature 2.

9. The first junction box and the second junction box are located on separate floors among the multiple floors, The offshore wind power foundation according to feature 8.

10. The first junction box to which the first submarine cable is connected, Furthermore, The first junction box is located on one of the multiple floors, The floor of the floor above the floor in which the first junction box is installed has an opening. The position of the opening corresponds to the position of the first junction box, The offshore wind turbine foundation according to feature 2.

11. The submarine cable includes a first submarine cable for transmitting power from the offshore wind turbine, The suspension unit includes a first suspension unit for suspending the first submarine cable, The first suspension unit is provided on the second floor, The floor of the floor above the floor on which the first suspension unit is installed has an opening. The position of the opening corresponds to the position of the first suspension unit. The offshore wind power foundation according to feature 1.

12. The submarine cable includes a first submarine cable for transmitting power from the offshore wind turbine, The suspension unit includes a first suspension unit for suspending the first submarine cable, The system includes a first junction box to which the first submarine cable is connected, The first suspension unit is provided on the second floor, The first junction box is located on the floor one level above the floor where the first suspension unit is installed. The position of the first suspension unit and the position of the first junction box are corresponding to, The offshore wind power foundation according to feature 1.

13. The submarine cable includes a first submarine cable for transmitting power from the offshore wind turbine, The J-tube into which the first submarine cable is inserted is provided. The suspension unit includes a first suspension unit that suspends the first submarine cable by suspending the J-tube, The first suspension unit is provided on the second floor, The offshore wind power foundation according to feature 1.

14. Of the aforementioned multiple floors, the uppermost floor is a floor for performing the work of fastening the tower and the offshore wind turbine foundation with bolts. An offshore wind power foundation according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

15. Of the aforementioned multiple floors, the lowest floor is the floor used for the work of suspending the submarine cable. An offshore wind power foundation according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

16. Of the aforementioned multiple floors, all floors except the lowest and highest floors are used for the work of connecting the submarine cable to the equipment. The offshore wind power foundation according to feature 1.

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