Leg-fixing system for jacking-type offshore wind power generation platform

Abstract

The present invention relates to a leg-fixing system for a jacking-type offshore wind power generation platform, which enables legs to be smoothly fixed inside a platform after the operation of a portable jacking system in a floating offshore wind power generation platform constructed using a jacking method, and which improves maintenance-related performance even through various environmental changes.

Description

Jacking-type offshore wind power platform leg fixing system

[0001] The present invention relates to an offshore wind power generation platform, and more specifically, to a jacking-type offshore wind power generation platform leg fixing system that enables the legs to be smoothly fixed inside the platform after the operation of a portable jacking system in a floating offshore wind power generation platform constructed by a jacking method, and improves maintenance performance even under various environmental changes.

[0002] Recently, due to environmental pollution problems caused by fossil fuels, much research and development is being conducted on eco-friendly renewable energy, and wind power generation, which produces electricity using large blades that rotate via wind on vertically installed towers, is attracting significant attention.

[0003] Since such wind power generation requires a relatively large installation space due to the large blades being exposed to the outside, and multiple wind turbines must be installed at a certain distance from each other to produce a sufficient amount of electricity, it is important to secure a large installation site.

[0004] In particular, noise generated during the high-speed rotation of large blades and noise from the operation of generators are sources of complaints from neighbors, so wind power complexes must be established in areas away from urban centers. However, this problem can be solved by installing wind power structures offshore.

[0005] Offshore wind power structures must fundamentally be firmly anchored against wind, waves, and tidal movements. To achieve this, methods such as pouring concrete to create supports for the upper towers or piling—which involves excavating the seabed bedrock and driving piles—are used. However, these methods not only pose difficulties in installing large turbines in deep seabeds to secure high power output but also result in reduced economic feasibility due to adverse effects on the ground structure and excessive installation costs.

[0006] The applicant has presented a technology through Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2521885 (April 11, 2023) in which a power generation turbine and tower are pre-assembled at a dock and moved to the sea via a tugboat on top of a floating, movable main body, and installation and leveling work can be performed on the seabed bedrock layer by lowering the legs using a temporarily installed jack-up device.

[0007] In the aforementioned registered patent, expensive hydraulic equipment for jacking can be used in a portable type; to this end, a fixing means had to be installed on the leg support to secure the leg so that it does not move when the jacking means is removed. As such a fixing means is an essential component of a jacking-type floating offshore wind power platform, more efficient management can be achieved by configuring it as an integrated unit tailored to the platform's structure.

[0008] The present invention was created in response to the aforementioned needs, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a jacking-type offshore wind power platform leg fixing system that can improve the smooth operation and maintenance performance of a portable jacking system on a floating offshore wind power platform constructed by a jacking method, by enabling the legs to be smoothly fixed inside the platform.

[0009] For the above purpose, the present invention relates to a jacking-type offshore wind power generation platform leg fixing system comprising: a main body configured as a floating structure on water, wherein a plurality of leg support members penetrate in the vertical direction at intervals set on the edge side and a compartment-shaped driving space in contact with said leg support members; a plurality of legs inserted into said leg support members and capable of sliding in the vertical direction, wherein pinholes are formed in the vertical direction at intervals set on the leg support members; and a jacking means for lowering or raising said legs. The system is characterized by comprising: a cylinder block installed in the driving space to be in contact with said leg support members, wherein a through hole in the front-rear direction is formed corresponding to the position of said pinhole; a support structure that surrounds said cylinder block and supports it according to the height of said driving space; a pin block inserted into said through hole and moving back-and-forth, wherein a front end is inserted into said pinhole and a fastening part is formed at a rear end; and a first actuator connected to said fastening part to move said pin block back-and-forth.

[0010] At this time, it is preferable that the leg is in the shape of a cylinder and has pinholes formed in three rows in the vertical direction at intervals of 120 degrees based on the horizontal cross-section, and that the cylinder block is provided to face the leg from three directions corresponding to the positions of the pinholes.

[0011] In addition, the cylinder block is preferably formed in the shape of a rectangular prism, with horizontal bottom surfaces facing downward on both sides and side support members protruding upwardly to be connected to the cylinder block through a plurality of reinforcing plates, and the support structure is preferably composed of a vertical frame that wraps around each side corner of the cylinder block, and an upper frame and a lower frame that are connected to the upper and lower sides of the vertical frame, respectively.

[0012] In addition, it is preferable to further include a second actuator whose upper end contacts the horizontal floor surface and raises and lowers the cylinder block through length adjustment, and a spacer that is inserted into the upper frame and lower frame and supports the cylinder block.

[0013] Additionally, the cylinder block preferably comprises an outer frame in the shape of a rectangular box, a tubular inner frame that is perforated in the front-rear direction and has a rear cylinder section having a first diameter in the rear section and a front cylinder section having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter in the front section, a vertical support member that supports the inner frame vertically, and a horizontal support member that supports the inner frame horizontally, and the pin block preferably comprises a rear block having an outer diameter corresponding to the first diameter in the rear section and a front block having an outer diameter corresponding to the second diameter in the front section.

[0014] In addition, it is preferable that a horizontal surface portion is formed horizontally in the upper and lower directions on the rear block, and a vertical surface portion is formed vertically in the left and right directions on the front block.

[0015] Through the present invention, a separate installation vessel is not required as the legs are installed on the seabed bedrock layer using a temporarily installed jack-up device after moving the vessel with the power generation turbine and tower pre-installed on the main body. In particular, since the expensive hydraulic equipment for jack-up is used in a portable type, multiple installation and leveling operations can be performed with just one set.

[0016] In addition, after the jacking operation is completed, the fixing system installed inside the platform secures the leg, preventing exposure to moisture and salt, thereby preventing breakdowns and damage, and ensuring maintenance performance and operational reliability even under various marine environmental changes.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view showing the installation of a leg fixing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the installation of a leg fixing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a first perspective view showing the external shape of a leg fixing system according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0020] FIG. 4 is a second perspective view showing the external shape of a leg fixing system according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0021] FIG. 5 is a structural diagram of a cylinder block according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0022] FIG. 6 is a pin block structure diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0023] FIG. 7 is a diagram of a cylinder block height adjustment structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] The jacking type offshore wind power generation platform leg fixing system of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0025] The present invention comprises a main body (1) having a plurality of leg support members (13) that are perforated vertically at intervals set on the rim side and a compartment-shaped driving space (131) in contact with the leg support members (13), as a structure capable of floating on water. Additionally, the invention comprises a plurality of legs (2) that are inserted into the leg support members (13) and capable of sliding vertically, with pinholes (21) formed vertically at intervals set on the leg support members (13), and a jacking means (3) for lowering or raising the legs (2).

[0026] The main body (1) has a flat shape in which a tower and a wind power turbine (11) are installed on the upper central side, and is structured to be movable while floating on the sea. Accordingly, since the tower (12) and the wind power turbine (11) are pre-assembled and commissioned on the main body on land and then moved to the sea, a large offshore crane for assembling heavy components at sea and a fleet for moving and operating them are not required as in the past.

[0027] To this end, the main body (1) is designed to have an appropriate surface area so that it maintains buoyancy even when a tower (12) and a wind power turbine (11) are installed on the upper side, and does not easily overturn even when wind or waves are applied from the front, rear, left, and right sides, while maintaining appropriate stability and may be equipped with ballast to adjust the draft and trim. In particular, when the leg (2) is lowered, seawater ballast is filled inside the main body and pressed down by its weight, helping the spud (22) at the bottom of the leg (2) to penetrate the sediment layer and smoothly reach the bedrock layer. At this time, a separate driving space (131) is installed to be distinct from the ballast tank, and the leg (2) passing through it is exposed to the driving space (131).

[0028] The above main body (1) can be manufactured in various forms, but in the embodiment of the present invention, the main body (1) is configured to have a triangular shape in plan view, considering mobility from land to sea, as well as stability and economic efficiency for offshore installation, and accordingly, three leg support parts (13) and legs (2) are provided.

[0029] Specific details regarding the main body (1), leg (2), and jacking means (3) are specifically described in the applicant's registered patent No. 10-2521885 (April 11, 2023). Therefore, to prevent the intent of the invention from being obscured, a detailed description is omitted in this invention.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view showing the installation of a leg fixing system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the installation of a leg fixing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] The leg fixing system according to the present invention is configured to literally fix the main body (1) and the leg (2), and is characterized by being installed inside the main body (1) rather than being installed outside the main body (1) together with the jacking means (3) as in the previously registered patent of the present application. Through this, smooth fixing of the leg (2) can be achieved even after the portable jacking means (3) is removed, and maintainability can be further improved without damage or malfunction even in a marine environment.

[0032] The leg fixing system according to the present invention comprises, as main components, a cylinder block (4), a support structure (5), a pin block (6), a first actuator (7), and a second actuator (8).

[0033] FIG. 3 is a first perspective view showing the external shape of a leg fixing system according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a second perspective view showing the external shape of a leg fixing system according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a structural diagram of a cylinder block according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a structural diagram of a pin block according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] The above cylinder block (4) is installed in the driving space (131) so as to be in contact with the leg support (13), and a through hole (43) in the front and rear direction is formed corresponding to the position of the pin hole (21).

[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the cylinder block (4) is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, and two through holes (43) are formed on the upper and lower sides. The through holes (43) are configured to allow the pin block (6), which will be described later, to be inserted so that it can slide in the front and rear directions, and consequently, in an embodiment of the present invention, the leg (2) is supported through the two pin blocks (6). Since the pin block (6) supports the leg (2) and a force is applied substantially according to the load of the main body (1), the through holes (43) and pin blocks (6) are provided in a sufficient number to withstand this force. At this time, the size of the cylinder block (4) and the number of through holes (43) provided may change depending on the size and weight of the main body (1) and the size of the leg (2).

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the leg (2) is formed in a cylindrical shape with three rows of pinholes (21) formed at intervals of 120 degrees in the vertical direction relative to the horizontal cross-section, and correspondingly, the cylinder block (4), i.e., the leg fixing system, is arranged to face the leg (2) from three directions corresponding to the positions of the pinholes (21).

[0037] Through this structure, two pin blocks (6) are inserted per cylinder block (4), so each leg (2) is supported by a total of six pin blocks in three directions, and a total of three sets of three leg fixing systems can distribute the load of the main body (1) and enable smooth fixing and support.

[0038] The support structure (5) surrounds the cylinder block (4) and supports it at the height of the driving space (131). In the present invention, the support structure (5) specifically consists of a vertical frame (51) that surrounds the side corners of the cylinder block (4) in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, and an upper frame (52) and a lower frame (53) that are respectively connected to the upper and lower sides of the vertical frame (51). The vertical frame (51) is configured such that four angle structures, each having a cross-section in the shape of an 'L', surround and support the side corners of the cylinder block (4) and allow the cylinder block (4) to move in the vertical direction.

[0039] The upper frame (52) and lower frame (53) are respectively connected to the upper and lower parts of the vertical frame (51) and are fixed in close contact with the floor and ceiling of the driving space (131), and are configured to support the load of the cylinder block (4) from the upper and lower parts, respectively.

[0040] The pin block (6) is inserted into the through hole (43) and moves back and forth, and the front end is inserted into the pin hole (21), and the rear end has a fastening part (63) formed therein that is coupled with the first actuator (7) described later.

[0041] The first actuator (7) is configured such that one end is connected to the connecting part (63) and the other end is fixed to the driving space (131) to move the pin block (6) back and forth. It is configured as a cylinder whose length changes according to the driving. In particular, it can be configured using a hydraulic cylinder to smoothly move the pin block (6) with a relatively large weight back and forth, and it is particularly desirable that it be controlled to operate in conjunction with the jacking means (3) during the raising and lowering of the leg (2) so that the leg (2) can be smoothly fixed.

[0042] As the length of the first actuator (7) changes, it is necessary to hinge-connect it within the pin block (6) and the driving space (131), and accordingly, the connecting part (63) can be configured in the form of a pad eye.

[0043] In the present invention, since the cylinder block (4) receives a significant load together with the pin block (6), the outer frame (41) is a rectangular box shape that can properly distribute this load and maintain its shape, and the inner frame (42) is tubular and forms the through hole (43), with a rear cylinder section (431) that penetrates in the front and rear directions and has a first diameter in the rear section and a front cylinder section (432) that has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter in the front section, and a vertical support (44) that supports the inner frame (42) vertically and a horizontal support (45) that supports the inner frame (42) horizontally.

[0044] As shown in the attached Fig. 5, two inner frames (42) are formed in the vertical direction, and each inner frame (42) is connected to an outer frame (41) via a horizontal support member (45) on the side. In addition, the upper side of the upper inner frame, the lower side of the lower inner frame, and the inner frames are each interconnected via a vertical support member (44) to support the load and prevent deformation.

[0045] Corresponding to the shape of the cylinder block (4), the pin block (6) is integrally formed with a rear block (61) having an outer diameter corresponding to the first diameter on the rear side and a front block (62) having an outer diameter corresponding to the second diameter on the front side.

[0046] In addition, a horizontal surface (611) is partially formed horizontally in the upper and lower directions on the rear block (61), and a vertical surface (621) is partially formed vertically in the left and right directions on the front block (62), thereby preventing deformation of the shape and load-bearing capacity compared to a perfect circle.

[0047] In addition, lubricating oil is injected and maintained through the space between the horizontal surface (611) and vertical surface (621) and the inner walls of the front cylinder part (432) and rear cylinder part (431), thereby preventing sticking even when maintaining a fixed state for a long time.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a diagram of a cylinder block height adjustment structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] The above-mentioned main body (1) and leg (2) are structures having a significant load and size, and there is a high risk that shape deformation may occur due to their own weight and various marine environments. In particular, when the leg (2) is supported by the above-mentioned cylinder block (4) and pin block (6), even very small shape deformation or twisting of the main body (1) and leg (2) may cause the movement of the pin block (6) to be hindered. In this case, an external impact applied to move the pin block (6) may cause damage or deformation to the pin block (6) and cylinder block (4) and worsen the situation.

[0050] In response to this, the present invention adjusts the height of the cylinder block (4) to facilitate smooth movement of the pin block (6).

[0051] To this end, horizontal bottom surfaces (461) facing downward and upward are formed on both sides of the cylinder block (4), and a side support member (46) that is coupled to the cylinder block (4) through a plurality of reinforcing plates is formed protruding between them.

[0052] In the embodiments of the present invention, ' The side support member (46) is configured such that three reinforcing plates (462) of the shape are welded at equal intervals, and then horizontal bottom surfaces (461) are attached to the upper and lower sides, respectively.

[0053] Inside the above driving space (131), a second actuator (8) is provided that is in contact with the horizontal floor surface (461) and raises and lowers the cylinder block (4) by adjusting its length. The second actuator (8) is a hydraulic cylinder capable of supporting a large load, and as substantially mentioned, since the horizontal floor surface (461) is installed equally on the upper and lower sides of the side support member (46), the second actuator (8) can be selectively installed between the lower horizontal floor surface (461) and the floor surface of the driving space (131) or between the upper horizontal floor surface (461) and the ceiling surface of the driving space (131).

[0054] Typically, the cylinder block (4) applies a force that presses the bottom surface of the driving space (131) downward due to its load, but when the pin block (6) is inserted into the pin hole (21), the cylinder block (4) applies a force that presses the ceiling surface of the driving space (131) upward due to the load of the main body (1), so a structure is required in which the second actuator (8) can be installed on both the upper and lower sides of the side support member (46).

[0055] Along with this, a spacer (54) is provided that is inserted into the upper frame (52) and lower frame (53) and supports the cylinder block (4). That is, as shown in the attached drawing, an insertion part (55) is provided in the upper frame (52) and lower frame (53) to insert and remove the spacer (54). In addition, the spacer inserted into the upper frame (52) receives a load between the cylinder block (4) and the ceiling surface of the driving space (131), and the spacer inserted into the lower frame (53) receives a load between the cylinder block (4) and the floor surface of the driving space (131).

[0056] The above spacer (54) is a metal plate with a set thickness capable of withstanding a strong load, and by increasing or decreasing the number of spacers (54) inserted, the upper and lower positions of the cylinder block (4) are moved, and the aforementioned problem situation can be effectively addressed.

Claims

1. A jacking type offshore wind power generation platform leg fixing system comprising: a main body configured as a floating structure on water, wherein a plurality of leg support portions are penetrated vertically at intervals set on the periphery and a compartment-shaped driving space in contact with said leg support portions; a plurality of legs inserted into said leg support portions and capable of sliding vertically, wherein pinholes are formed vertically at intervals set on the periphery; and a jacking means for lowering or raising said legs. A cylinder block installed in a driving space so as to be in contact with the leg support portion, having a through hole formed in the front-rear direction corresponding to the position of the pinhole; A support structure (5) that surrounds the cylinder block and supports it according to the height of the driving space; A pin block inserted into the above-mentioned through hole and moving back and forth, with a front end inserted into the above-mentioned pin hole and a fastening portion formed at the rear end; A jacking-type offshore wind power platform leg fixing system characterized by comprising: a first actuator connected to the above-mentioned fastening part to move the pin block back and forth.

2. In Paragraph 1, A jacking-type offshore wind power generation platform leg fixing system characterized in that the above-described leg is in the shape of a cylinder and has pinholes formed in three rows in the vertical direction at intervals of 120 degrees based on the horizontal cross-section, and the above-described cylinder blocks are provided as a set of three so as to face the leg from three directions corresponding to the positions of the pinholes.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above cylinder block is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, with horizontal bottom surfaces facing downward on both sides, and side support members protruding upwardly to be connected to the cylinder block through a plurality of reinforcing plates. A jacking-type offshore wind power platform leg fixing system characterized in that the support structure comprises a vertical frame that wraps around the side corners of the cylinder block, and an upper frame and a lower frame that are respectively connected to the upper and lower sides of the vertical frame.

4. In Paragraph 3, A jacking-type offshore wind power generation platform leg fixing system characterized by further including a second actuator, the upper end of which contacts the horizontal bottom surface and raises and lowers the cylinder block through length adjustment, and a spacer that is inserted into the upper frame and lower frame and supports the cylinder block.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above cylinder block comprises an outer frame in the shape of a rectangular box, a tubular inner frame that is penetrated in the front-rear direction and has a rear cylinder section having a first diameter in the rear section and a front cylinder section having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter in the front section, a vertical support member that supports the inner frame vertically, and a horizontal support member that supports the inner frame horizontally. A jacking-type offshore wind power generation platform leg fixing system characterized in that the pin block is composed of a rear block having an outer diameter corresponding to the first diameter on the rear side and a front block having an outer diameter corresponding to the second diameter on the front side.

6. In Paragraph 5, A jacking-type offshore wind power generation platform leg fixing system characterized by having a horizontal surface formed horizontally in the upper and lower directions on the rear block and a vertical surface formed vertically in the left and right directions on the front block.

Images