CORPO FLUTUANTE MARINHO, MATRIZ DE CORPO FLUTUANTE MARINHO COM DEFLETOR DE QUEBRA DE ONDAS E MÉTODO DE RESISTÊNCIA A ONDAS DE VENTO QUE USA OS MESMOS
Patent Information
- Application Number
- BR112025019742
- Authority / Receiving Office
- BR · BR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-03-17
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-04
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
1 / 24 Marine Floating Body, Marine Floating Body Matrix with Wave Breaking Deflector and Wind Wave Resistance Method Using the Same Cross-Reference to Related Applications
[001] This application claims the benefit of priority from Patent Application No. CN 202310262978,4, filed on March 17, 2023, entitled “Marine floating body, a marine floating body array with a wave-breaking baffle, and a wind-wave resisting method using the same”, and from Patent Application No. CN 202320529171,8, filed on March 17, 2023, entitled “Marine floating body and a marine floating body array with a wave-breaking baffle”. The content of the aforementioned application, including any intervening amendments, is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. FIELD OF TECHNIQUE
[002] This application relates to offshore photovoltaic energy and, more particularly, to a marine floating body, an array of marine floating bodies with a wave-breaking deflector and a wind and wave resistant method using the same. BACKGROUND
[003] In recent years, photovoltaic technology has developed rapidly and photovoltaic systems have been widely deployed in various fields. At the same time, as environmental issues associated with the oil and petrochemical industries become increasingly prominent, there is a growing demand for clean and sustainable energy.
[004] With the global development of the photovoltaic industry, photovoltaic energy has attracted increasing attention due to its low cost and environmentally friendly characteristics. One of the main challenges for photovoltaic energy generation is the large land area required, and the increasing cost of land may limit the future development of the industry. In this context, allocating photovoltaic systems in vast ocean areas for generation Petition 870250083314, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 9 / 122 2 / 24 of energy presents a new opportunity for growth in the photovoltaic sector. Compared to floating photovoltaics already applied in reservoirs, lakes, and fish tanks, large-scale offshore photovoltaic deployment needs to address the practical challenges posed by strong winds and rough waves at sea, and ensure that photovoltaic products can withstand harsh offshore conditions without being damaged.
[005] The ocean covers a vast area, far exceeding the total land area, thus providing abundant space for development. Recent studies on offshore photovoltaic systems have been conducted, which have yielded preliminary results. However, current systems can only withstand limited levels of wind and waves. Although these systems are capable of withstanding typical offshore conditions, they remain at risk of being damaged by rare and extreme waves. Based on this, the present disclosure further investigates marine floating bodies and corresponding methods of wind and wave resistance, with the aim of designing a floating offshore photovoltaic system capable of overcoming the above challenges and safely withstanding rare and large offshore waves. SUMMARY
[006] One objective of the present disclosure is to provide a marine floating body, a marine floating body array with a wave-breaking deflector, and a wind-wave resistance method using the same. The marine floating body is equipped with a photovoltaic array and is configured to float on the sea surface. Inspired by the survival mechanisms of jellyfish, the marine floating body can submerge into the sea during strong winds and waves to avoid impact and automatically resurface after the storm subsides to resume photovoltaic energy generation. By controlling a redundant buoyancy force of the marine floating body array, the wind pressure caused by severe storms becomes greater than the redundant buoyancy, thus enabling the marine floating body array to submerge into the sea for protection under adverse weather conditions. Petition 870250083314, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 10 / 122 3 / 24 extremes and return to the surface after the wind and waves subside. Furthermore, an air chamber is equipped with an inlet check valve to increase the stability of the floating marine body and the impact resistance of the photovoltaic assembly, thus fulfilling the objectives of this disclosure.
[007] The technical solutions of the present disclosure are described below.
[008] In a first aspect, this application provides a floating marine body, which comprises:
[009] an inner tube;
[010] wherein a wall structure enclosing the air chamber comprises a top wall and a side wall; the top wall is fixedly fitted with a photovoltaic array; and the side wall is fitted with an inlet check valve.
[011] In some embodiments, the number of inlet check valves is 2 to 4, and 2 to 4 inlet check valves are provided uniformly in an upper portion of the side wall.
[012] In some embodiments, the number of the 2-4 inlet check valves is two.
[013] In some embodiments, an outer side of a lower portion of the side wall is fitted with a floating plate; and the floating plate is integrally formed with the wall structure;
[014] the marine floating body is configured to offer redundant buoyancy; and in response to a case where the marine floating body is submerged in the sea, and the air chamber is filled with seawater, a buoyant force acting on the marine floating body is greater than the weight of the marine floating body; and
[015] a horizontal profile of the floating marine body is rectangular, triangular or hexagonal.
[016] In some forms, the horizontal profile of the floating marine body is square. Petition 870250083314, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 11 / 122 4 / 24
[017] In a second aspect, this application provides an array of floating marine bodies with a wave-breaking deflector, comprising:
[018] a plurality of floating marine bodies, each of which is the floating marine body described above;
[019] in which transversely adjacent marine floating bodies are connected to each other, and longitudinally adjacent marine floating bodies are connected to each other, so that the matrix of marine floating bodies is formed integrally.
[020] In some forms, the wave-breaking deflector is provided around the marine floating body array.
[021] In some embodiments, the wave-breaking deflector comprises a plurality of hydrofoils connected in sequence;
[022] each of the plurality of hydrofoils has an airfoil-shaped cross-section; a first end of a longitudinal section of each of the plurality of hydrofoils has a first curvature, and a second end of the longitudinal section of each of the plurality of hydrofoils has a second curvature, wherein the first curvature is greater than the second curvature;
[023] the first end is configured as a start end and the second end is configured as a tail end;
[024] the front end is oriented towards an exterior of the marine floating body matrix, and the tail end is oriented towards an interior of the marine floating body matrix; and
[025] a lower surface of each of the pluralities of hydrofoils is flat; an upper surface of each of the pluralities of hydrofoils is aerodynamic; and for each of the pluralities of hydrofoils, the lower surface is connected to the upper surface.
[026] In some embodiments, an intermediate portion of each of the first ends and of the second end of each of the pluralities of hydrofoils is provided with a first connecting ring; and the first ring of Petition 870250083314, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 12 / 122 5 / 24 connection is circular in shape;
[027] two adjacent hydrofoils of the plurality of hydrofoils are rigidly connected to each other through the first connecting ring; and
[028] the plurality of hydrofoils is connected to the floating marine body through the first connecting ring.
[029] In some forms, the marine floating body matrix also includes an anchoring device;
[030] wherein the anchoring device is connected to the plurality of hydrofoils by means of three steel wire cables supplied below the plurality of hydrofoils;
[031] a second connecting ring is provided below the plurality of hydrofoils and is connected to the plurality of hydrofoils; and
[032] the lower ends of the three steel wire cables are connected to the second connecting ring.
[033] In some embodiments, a connection point is provided in an intermediate portion of the reject end of each of the pluralities of hydrofoils;
[034] an upper end of a first steel wire cable among the three steel wire cables is connected to the first connecting ring at one end of each of the pluralities of hydrofoils, an upper end of a second steel wire cable among the three steel wire cables is connected to the first connecting ring at the other end of each of the pluralities of hydrofoils, and a third steel wire cable among the three steel wire cables is connected to the connecting point; and
[035] the third steel wire cable among the three steel wire cables is adjustable in length to adjust an angle of attack of the wave-breaking deflector in relation to the incoming waves.
[036] In a third aspect, this application provides a wind-resistant method, implemented by the marine floating body described above, comprising: Petition 870250083314, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 13 / 122 6 / 24
[037] place the floating marine body in a sea and arrange a wave-breaking deflector around the floating marine body, in which air is retained in the air chamber;
[038] when the wind and waves on the surface of the sea intensify to cause the floating marine body to oscillate in order to expel air from the air chamber, so as to fill the air chamber with seawater;
[039] as the air in the air chamber decreases and the amount of seawater on an upper surface of the marine floating body increases, submerging the marine floating body in the sea under the combined action of oscillating waves and wind pressure; and
[040] when the wind and waves on the sea surface, a wave oscillation frequency and wind pressure weaken, which forces the floating marine body to rise under the action of redundant buoyancy; and when the inlet check valve is exposed above the sea surface, which forces outside air to enter and fill the air chamber under the action of atmospheric pressure.
[041] In a third aspect, this application provides a method of wind and wave resistance, carried out by the array of marine floating bodies described above, comprising:
[042] place the marine floating body array in a sea and arrange a wave-breaking deflector around the marine floating body array, in which air is retained in the air chamber;
[043] when the wind and waves on the sea surface intensify to cause the plurality of floating marine bodies to oscillate to expel air from the air chamber, so as to fill the air chamber with seawater, wherein the seawater is forced to move to an upper surface of the array of floating marine bodies through gaps in the same;
[044] as the air in the air chamber decreases and the amount of seawater on the upper surface of the marine floating body matrix increases, submerging the marine floating body matrix in the sea under the combined action of Petition 870250083314, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 14 / 122 7 / 24 oscillating waves and wind pressure; and
[045] when the wind and waves on the sea surface, a wave oscillation frequency and wind pressure weaken, which forces the array of floating marine bodies to rise under the action of redundant buoyancy; and when the inlet check valve is exposed above the sea surface, which forces outside air to enter and fill the air chamber under the action of atmospheric pressure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[046] Figure 1 is a top view of a marine floating body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[047] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the marine floating body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[048] Figure 3 schematically shows a connection structure between two adjacent marine floating bodies in a matrix of marine floating bodies according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[049] Figure 4 is a top view of the array of marine floating bodies according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[050] Figure 5 is a side view of a hydrofoil, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[051] Figure 6 is a side view of the hydrofoil, a steel wire cable disposed below the hydrofoil and an anchoring device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[052] In the figures: 1-air chamber; 11-upper wall; 12-side wall; 2-inlet check valve; 13-floating plate; 3-hydrofoil; 4-connecting ring; 5-connecting structure; 51-stainless steel sleeve; 52-connecting plate; 6-groove; and 7-connecting point. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE MODALITIES
[053] In order to make the objectives, solutions of the technique and advantages of the present disclosure clearer, the present disclosure will be described clearly and completely below together with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Petition 870250083314, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 15 / 122 8 / 24 Obviously, the embodiments described in this document are only some of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and not all embodiments.
[054] Extensive research has been carried out in the field of offshore photovoltaics, leading to the development and design of photovoltaic equipment, marine floating bodies and breakwater structures capable of operating on the sea surface, for which corresponding patent applications have been filed. The previous equipment is capable of withstanding a certain degree of offshore wind and waves. However, practical application has shown that in some maritime areas, higher-level winds and waves may occasionally occur. Although such events are relatively rare, they can nevertheless cause damage to the photovoltaic equipment once they occur. In view of these circumstances, further in-depth research has been carried out on photovoltaic equipment and marine floating bodies, resulting in the present application.
[055] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a marine floating body. As shown in Figure 1, the marine floating body includes an air chamber 1. When the marine floating body is placed on the sea surface, the air chamber 1 is inverted onto the sea surface, and an upper wall and the surrounding side walls of the air chamber 1 are sealed.
[056] A wall structure enclosing the air chamber 1 includes a top wall 11 and a side wall 12. The top wall 11 is fixed with a photovoltaic array. The top wall 11 is sealed or semi-open. When the top wall 11 is semi-open, the photovoltaic array is provided to seal the top wall 11, so that one end of the air chamber 1 is sealed, thus preventing internal air from escaping through the top wall 11.
[057] Side wall 12 is fitted with an inlet check valve 2.
[058] The number of inlet check valves 2 is 2-4, and 2-4 inlet check valves 2 are evenly distributed in an upper portion of side wall 12. In some embodiments, the number of 2-4 valves Petition 870250083314, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 16 / 122 9 / 24 entry hold 2 is two.
[059] Inlet check valve 2 is configured to introduce air into air chamber 1. Since it is a check valve, it only allows air to enter and prevents air from being discharged. The thickness of inlet check valve 2 is similar to that of a pencil, i.e., inlet check valve 2 has a diameter of about 1 cm. In practical applications, the specific size of inlet check valve 2 should also be determined by considering factors such as the size of the marine float body, the buoyancy force of the marine float body, and the volume of air chamber 1, in order to obtain an ideal effect.
[060] In some embodiments, an outer side of a lower portion of the sidewall 12 is provided with a floating plate 13. The floating plate 13 is integrally formed with the wall structure. The marine floating body is integrally formed, including a central shell surrounding the air chamber 1 and a plurality of floating planks around the shell. The marine floating body is made of a polymeric material, for example, but not limited to, polyethylene (PE) and polyurethane (PU). The polymeric material primarily provides buoyancy and strength. In addition, a stronger structure is arranged within the marine floating body to further increase its structural strength and improve its resistance to wind and waves.
[061] In some embodiments, a horizontal profile of the marine floating body is rectangular, triangular, or hexagonal. In some embodiments, the horizontal profile of the marine floating body is square and an overall structure of the marine floating body is planar. The air chamber 1 is located directly below a central portion of the marine floating body, i.e., the floating plate 13 is uniformly distributed around the side wall 12.
[062] In some embodiments, the marine floating body is configured to offer redundant buoyancy. When the marine floating body is submerged in the sea and the air chamber 1 is filled with seawater, a buoyant force acting on the marine floating body is greater than the weight of the body. Petition 870250083314, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 17 / 122 10 / 24 floating marine body. The floating marine body described in this document includes the photovoltaic array. In some embodiments, the magnitude of the redundant buoyancy determines the ascent speed of the floating marine body. When the redundant buoyancy is large, the ascent speed is fast and the ascent occurs sooner; when the redundant buoyancy is small, the ascent speed is slow and the ascent occurs later.
[063] In some embodiments, the air chamber 1 provided in this document forms part of a suction cup-like structure of the marine floating body. When the photovoltaic array is installed horizontally on the marine floating body, a central portion of a lower surface of the marine floating body is configured as the air chamber 1, so that the air in the air chamber 1 is enveloped by the water surface. Under the combined action of the buoyancy of the marine floating body and atmospheric pressure, the marine floating body adheres to the water surface like a suction cup.When the marine floating body encounters wind and waves of general intensity, for example, when the wave height is less than 2 meters, the buoyancy of the marine floating body and the buoyant force provided by air chamber 1 prevent the marine floating body from sinking into the sea, and atmospheric pressure maintains general contact with the water surface, thus achieving adherence to the sea surface and effectively increasing resistance to wind and waves. When the intensity of the wind and waves exceeds a predetermined level, for example, when the wave height is greater than 2 meters and between 2 and 3 meters, the marine floating body oscillates more violently, which causes partial separation of air chamber 1 from the sea surface. The air in air chamber 1 is gradually expelled and replaced by seawater.Under such severe wind and wave conditions, air chamber 1 is gradually completely filled with seawater, so that the entire floating marine body is gradually submerged in the sea under the action of wind pressure. By providing adequate redundant buoyancy and gaps for seawater to flow upwards, the floating marine body can substantially complete its function. Petition 870250083314, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 18 / 122 11 / 24 submersion operation before the wave height reaches 3 meters, thus avoiding threats to the floating marine body from waves of 3 meters or more.
[064] In some embodiments, the width of the floating plate is 100 to 300 mm. In some embodiments, the width of the floating plate is 150-200 mm.
[065] The overall size of the marine floating body in the present disclosure is generally not more than 6 m χ 3 m. In some embodiments, the overall size of the marine floating body is 3 m χ 1.5 m. When the floating body is square, its size is 2 m χ 2 m. That is, in some embodiments, the horizontal profile of the marine floating body has a square cross-sectional shape.
[066] When the sizes of the marine floating body in the present disclosure are within the above ranges, the air chamber 1, the wall structure forming the air chamber 1, and the floating plate 13 together constitute a floating body structure, which can provide sufficient redundant buoyancy. For example, the floating body structure allows the marine floating body to float stably on the sea surface with wave heights of 2 meters or less.
[067] In one embodiment, a space within the air chamber 1 is cylindrical, conical, or parallelepiped. In some embodiments, the space within the air chamber 1 is parallelepiped. In some embodiments, a cross-section of the air chamber 1 is square, with a side length of 1.4–1.6 m.
[068] If the sizes of air chamber 1 are too large, a buoyant force provided by the marine floating body may be insufficient to support the photovoltaic array. If the size of a hollow portion of the marine floating body is too small, the suction provided by the hollow portion is insufficient, resulting in poor adhesion of the photovoltaic array to the water surface. When the hollow portion of the marine floating body has the sizes mentioned above, it can provide sufficient suction to allow the marine floating body to adhere to the water surface, while the buoyant force provided by the marine floating body is relatively large. The action Petition 870250083314, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 19 / 122 The 12 / 24 cooperative air chamber 1 and marine floating body effectively increases the wind and wave resistance of the marine floating body.
[069] In one embodiment, an upper surface of the floating plate 13 has striped or wavy textures, as shown in Figure 1, which serve as a non-slip structure for personnel walking on it and also function as a drainage structure.
[070] A cross-section of the edge of the marine floating body is arched, which can reduce the impact of water flow, prevent damage caused by collisions between marine floating bodies, and facilitate the relative opening and closing movement between marine floating bodies.
[071] The present disclosure also provides a marine floating body array with a wave-breaking deflector, as shown in Figure 3. The marine floating body array includes a plurality of marine floating bodies, each of which is a marine floating body described above.
[072] In some embodiments, transversely adjacent marine floating bodies are connected to each other, and longitudinally adjacent marine floating bodies are connected to each other, so that the matrix of marine floating bodies is integrally formed. The overall structure of the matrix of connected marine floating bodies is square, which means that the number of marine floating bodies in the horizontal and vertical directions is the same.
[073] The plurality of floating marine bodies is connected in a detachable manner. In some embodiments, the plurality of floating marine bodies is connected by a snap-fit connection, a sleeve connection, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the plurality of floating marine bodies is connected by a sleeve connection.
[074] In the present disclosure, the floating marine bodies are not directly fixed to one another. The adjacent floating marine bodies are connected by means of a steel wire cable. The floating bodies Petition 870250083314, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 20 / 122 13 / 24 marine floats are fitted with a sleeve onto the steel wire cable via a connecting structure 5 located around the floating plate 13, so as to connect the marine floats to form the array of marine floats. The adjacent marine floats are configured to rotate along a vertical direction of the steel wire cable.
[075] This method of connection allows the floating marine bodies and photovoltaic arrays to rotate within a certain range around the steel wire cable when impacted by the water flow, thus reducing damage to the floating marine bodies, photovoltaic arrays and their connection portions caused by the impact of the water flow.
[076] In one embodiment, a peripheral portion of the floating plate 13 of the marine floating body is provided with a plurality of grooves 6. Each groove 6 is provided with the connecting structure 5. The connecting structure 5 is fitted with a sleeve onto the steel wire cable for mutual connection between the marine floating bodies. The connecting structure 5 is integrally connected with the floating plate 13 of the marine floating body, as shown in Figure 1.
[077] The integral connection allows the connection structure 5 to withstand forces more effectively, which prevents breakage of the connection structure 5 and improves the tolerance and resistance to waves of marine floating bodies.
[078] In some embodiments, the number of grooves 6 on each edge of the floating plate 13 is from 1 to 10. In some embodiments, the number of grooves 6 on each edge of the floating plate 13 is 2-5.
[079] The distance between the adjacent slots 6 on the floating plate 13 is equal. The distance between the adjacent slots 6 is 400-700 mm. In some embodiments, the distance between the adjacent slots 6 is 500-600 mm. In some embodiments, the distance between the adjacent slots 6 is 550 mm.
[080] In one embodiment, the connection structure 5 includes a stainless steel sleeve 51 and a connection plate 52. A first side of the connection plate 52 is connected to the floating plate 13, and a second side of the connection plate 52 is connected to the stainless steel sleeve 51. A photovoltaic carrier is Petition 870250083314, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 21 / 122 14 / 24 fitted with a sleeve onto the steel wire cable through the 51 stainless steel sleeve, as shown in Figure 3.
[081] Installation through the stainless steel sleeve can prevent wear on the connecting structure caused by the steel wire cable, thus extending its service life.
[082] In some embodiments, each connecting structure 5 includes one or two stainless steel sleeves 51. When including two stainless steel sleeves 51, the two stainless steel sleeves 51 are located at two ends of the connecting plate 52, and the connecting structure 5 has a concave shape. When including one stainless steel sleeve 51, the stainless steel sleeve 51 is located in the middle of the connecting plate 52, and the connecting structure 5 has a convex shape. The convex connecting structure can be nested within the concave connecting structure, as shown in Figures 1 and 3.
[083] More preferably, any two adjacent sides of the floating plate 13 are provided with concave-shaped connecting structures, while the other two sides of the floating plate 13 are provided with convex-shaped connecting structures. This arrangement ensures that the concave-shaped and convex-shaped connecting structures of the adjacent floating plates 13 are engaged, so as to form a hinge-like structure when sleeved onto the wire ropes, as shown in Figure 3. When encountering wind and waves, the marine floating bodies may rotate along the vertical direction of the wire rope. At the same time, the engaged arrangement prevents relative displacement between adjacent marine floating bodies along an axial direction of the wire rope during wave-induced sway.
[084] By adopting the above connection method, the array of floating marine bodies can rotate within a certain range along the vertical direction of the steel wire cable when subjected to the impact of the water flow, thus reducing damage to the array of floating marine bodies and its connection components caused by the impact of the water flow. Petition 870250083314, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 22 / 122 15 / 24
[085] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the wave-breaking deflector is arranged around the marine floating body array.
[086] The wave-breaking deflector includes a plurality of hydrofoils 3 connected in sequence. Each hydrofoil 3 has an airfoil-shaped cross-section. As shown in Figure 5, a first end of a longitudinal section of each hydrofoil 3 has a first curvature, and a second end of a longitudinal section of each hydrofoil 3 has a second curvature. The first curvature is greater than the second curvature. The first end is configured as a leading end and the second end is configured as a tail end. The leading end is oriented towards an exterior of the marine floating body matrix, and the tail end is oriented towards an interior of the marine floating body matrix.
[087] In some embodiments, a lower surface of each hydrofoil 3 is flat. An upper surface of each hydrofoil 3 is aerodynamic. For each hydrofoil 3, the lower surface is connected to the upper surface.
[088] In the present disclosure, the shape of hydrofoil 3 is similar to an airplane wing. Hydrofoil 3 is configured to provide a certain amount of buoyancy and functions primarily as a flow guide. According to the principle of Bernoulli's theorem, which applies to the lift of an airplane, a lower surface of the wing is relatively flat, while an upper surface of the wing is curved. The air flowing along the upper surface of the wing moves faster than along the lower surface, resulting in lower pressure on the upper surface than on the lower surface, which generates upward lift that allows the airplane to take off. Similarly, both air and water are fluids. When waves impact the hydrofoil, the pressure on the lower surface of the hydrofoil is greater than the pressure on the upper surface, which generates upward lift that causes the hydrofoil to rise.Anchors are positioned below the hydrofoils to firmly secure the wave-breaking deflector to the seabed. Wave energy is then transmitted. Petition 870250083314, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 23 / 122 16 / 24 towards the seabed, and the strong downward force counteracts the upward lift of the hydrofoils, thus producing a wave-breaking effect.
[089] In some embodiments, the ratio of each hydrofoil 3 is 5-8:4. In some embodiments, the ratio of each hydrofoil 3 is 6:4. Each hydrofoil 3 has a length of 1-8 m. Each hydrofoil 3 has a length of 2-3 m. The length of each hydrofoil 3 corresponds to a lateral length of the marine floating body with floating plate 3.
[090] The width of each hydrofoil 3 is selected based on the hydrological conditions of the marine area where the marine floating body array is allocated. In some embodiments, the width of each hydrofoil 3 is 0.75 to 1.5 m. The hydrofoils 3 are made of PE, PU or resin.
[091] In one embodiment, an intermediate portion of each of the left and right ends of each hydrofoil 3 is provided with a first connecting ring 4. The left and right ends of each hydrofoil 3 correspond to the first and second ends of each hydrofoil 3. The first connecting ring 4 is circular in shape. Two adjacent hydrofoils 3 are fixedly connected to each other through the first connecting ring 4. In the present embodiment, in a horizontal direction, for each hydrofoil 3, one end of the hydrofoil 3 adjacent to the array of marine floating bodies is defined as the leading end, i.e., a front end; one end of the hydrofoil 3 distant from the array of marine floating bodies is defined as the trailing end, i.e., a rear end; and two sides of the hydrofoil 3 are defined as the left and right ends.
[092] The plurality of hydrofoils 3 is connected to the marine floating body via the first connecting ring 4. The connection via the first connecting ring 4 allows the adjacent hydrofoils 3 and the marine floating body to oscillate slightly relative to each other, so as to facilitate the smooth release of air into the air chamber 1 under rough sea conditions.
[093] In some forms, the left and right ends of each Petition 870250083314, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 24 / 122 17 / 24 hydrofoil 3 are each provided with the first connecting ring 4 to connect the marine floating body with the hydrofoils 3. The first connecting ring 4 allows a balanced distribution of tensile forces between the steel wire cables and between the hydrofoils 3, thus relieving metal fatigue and overall photovoltaic array wear caused by long-term oscillations under wind and wave conditions, which increases the degree of flexibility, prolongs the service life of the overall photovoltaic array and reduces maintenance and replacement costs. The steel wire cables are connected with the first connecting ring 4, and the metal arches are gripped by a hydraulic clamp to obtain a secure fixation. Similarly, in the positions where the steel wire cables are connected to the first connecting ring 4, the metal arches are also gripped by a hydraulic clamp, so as to ensure a firm fixation and prevent detachment.
[094] In some embodiments, the marine floating body array also includes an anchoring device. The anchoring device includes an anchor rope, an anchor chain and an anchor.
[095] The anchoring device is connected to the hydrofoils 3 by means of three steel wire cables provided below the hydrofoils 3. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, a second connecting ring is provided below the hydrofoils 3 and is connected to the plurality of hydrofoils. The lower ends of the three steel wire cables are connected to the second connecting ring.
[096] A connection point 7 is provided in an intermediate portion of the reject end of each hydrofoil 3. An upper end of a first steel wire cable among the three steel wire cables is connected to the first connection ring 4 at the left end of each of the pluralities of hydrofoils 3, an upper end of a second steel wire cable among the three steel wire cables is connected to the second connection ring 4 at the right end of each of the pluralities of hydrofoils 3, and a third steel wire cable among the three steel wire cables is connected Petition 870250083314, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 25 / 122 18 / 24 to connection point 7. The three steel wire cables form a linear triangular pyramid-shaped structure, similar to the triangular line structure of a kite. The triangular fastening arrangement above, inspired by the triangular fastening of kites, serves as a triangular stabilizing device.
[097] In some embodiments, the third steel wire cable among the three steel wire cables is adjustable in length to adjust the angle of attack of the wave-breaking deflector relative to the incoming waves. When the third steel wire cable is longer, the angle of attack of the wave-breaking deflector against the waves is smaller; conversely, when the steel wire cable is shorter, the angle of attack is larger.
[098] In the present disclosure, the angle of attack of the wave-breaking deflector is determined based on the hydrological conditions of the local waters and the wave intensity where the marine floating body is located. Generally, in waters with large waves, the angle of attack is adjusted to a smaller angle, for example, 25-30°; in waters with smaller waves, the angle of attack is adjusted to a larger angle, for example, 30-35°. This configuration better stabilizes the photovoltaic array and adapts it to the hydrological conditions of the location. In this embodiment, the angle of attack of the wave-breaking deflector is defined as 30°.
[099] The two steel wire cables provided at either end of the hydrofoil are configured to transmit the tensile force generated between the marine floating body array and the wave-breaking deflector to the seabed via the mooring cable, anchor chain, and anchor of the mooring device. When particularly large waves occur or under extreme weather conditions, the wave-breaking deflector acts as a front end portion of the marine floating body array, so as to cause the marine floating body array to submerge into the sea and, after the waves subside, allow the marine floating body array to resurface. The water flow below the hydrofoils has a lower velocity than the water flow above. Due to the hydrofoil profile, the currents Petition 870250083314, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 26 / 122 19 / 24 ocean waves are guided downwards beneath the array of floating marine bodies, which reduces or eliminates resonance. This configuration achieves wave dissipation and anti-collision effects and causes the array of floating marine bodies to submerge underwater.
[100] The present disclosure also provides a method of resisting wind waves, carried out by the marine floating body described above, which includes the following steps.
[101] The floating marine body is placed in a sea, and a wave-breaking deflector is arranged around the floating marine body, in which air is retained in air chamber 1. The floating marine body is placed substantially horizontally on the sea surface, so that, even if a portion of seawater enters air chamber 1, the seawater is gradually expelled below the sea surface under the action of atmospheric pressure.
[102] When the wind and waves on the sea surface intensify to cause the floating marine body to rock in order to expel the air from air chamber 1, air chamber 1 is filled with seawater.
[103] As the air in air chamber 1 decreases and the amount of seawater on the upper surface of the marine floating body increases, the marine floating body is submerged in the sea under the combined action of oscillating waves and wind pressure. At this moment, the waves are made to oscillate violently in the vertical direction and continuously impact the marine floating body, whereby a downward force is applied to the marine floating body. In combination with the wind pressure and the weight of the seawater, the marine floating body is subjected to a continuous downward vertical force, so that a downward acceleration and velocity are obtained, which causes the marine floating body to become completely submerged in the sea. Due to the continuous vertical oscillation of the waves, the marine floating body is subjected to repeated vertical forces, which results in reciprocal motion in the vertical direction.Through redundant buoyancy, the floating marine body is maintained substantially in a shallow position below the sea surface, whereby... Petition 870250083314, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 27 / 122 20 / 24 self-protection is achieved without excessive submersion.
[104] When wind and waves on the sea surface weaken, the wave oscillation frequency and wind pressure weaken, forcing the marine floating body upward under the action of redundant buoyancy. At this moment, the wave oscillation frequency is weakened and the downward vertical forces applied to the marine floating body during each wave oscillation are weakened and become smaller than the redundant buoyancy. When the inlet check valve 2 is exposed above the sea surface, outside air is forced in and fills the air chamber 1 under the action of atmospheric pressure. The filling of the air chamber, together with the redundant buoyancy of the marine floating body, increases the stability and overall impact resistance of the marine floating body, thus protecting the photovoltaic array from damage.
[105] The present disclosure also provides a method of wind and wave resistance, carried out by the array of marine floating bodies described above, which includes the following steps.
[106] The marine floating body array is placed in a sea, and a wave-breaking deflector is arranged around the marine floating body array, in which air is retained in air chamber 1. Each marine floating body is placed substantially horizontally on the sea surface, so that even if a portion of seawater enters air chamber 1, the seawater is gradually expelled below the sea surface under the action of atmospheric pressure.
[107] When the wind and waves on the sea surface intensify to cause the plurality of floating marine bodies to oscillate to expel air from air chamber 1, air chamber 1 is filled with seawater, where the seawater is forced to move to an upper surface of the array of floating marine bodies through gaps in the same. The gaps are located between adjacent floating marine bodies and include gaps provided in the floating plate 13. Petition 870250083314, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 28 / 122 21 / 24
[108] As the air in air chamber 1 decreases and the amount of seawater on the upper surface of the marine floating body matrix increases, the marine floating body matrix is submerged in the sea under the combined action of oscillating waves and wind pressure. At this moment, the waves are induced to oscillate violently in the vertical direction and to continuously impact the marine floating body matrix, so that a downward force is applied to the marine floating body matrix. In combination with the wind pressure and the weight of the seawater, the marine floating body matrix is subjected to continuous downward vertical force, so that downward acceleration and velocity are obtained, which causes the marine floating body matrix to become completely submerged in the sea.Due to the continuous vertical oscillation of the waves, the array of floating marine bodies is subjected to repeated vertical forces, resulting in reciprocal motion in the vertical direction. Through redundant buoyancy, the array of floating marine bodies is maintained substantially in a shallow position below the sea surface, where self-protection is achieved without excessive submersion.
[109] When wind and waves on the sea surface weaken, the wave oscillation frequency and wind pressure weaken, forcing the marine floating body array upward under the action of redundant buoyancy. At this point, the wave oscillation frequency weakens and the downward vertical forces applied to the marine floating body array during each wave oscillation weaken and become less than the redundant buoyancy. When the inlet check valve 2 is exposed above the sea surface, outside air is forced in and fills the air chamber 1 under the action of atmospheric pressure. The filling of the air chamber, together with the redundant buoyancy of each of the marine floating bodies, increases the overall stability and impact resistance of the marine floating body array, thus protecting the photovoltaic array from damage.
[110] Compared with the previous technique, the present disclosure has the Petition 870250083314, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 29 / 122 22 / 24 following beneficial effects.
[111] (1) The marine floating body provided in this document includes the air chamber and, under the combined action of the buoyancy of the marine floating body and atmospheric pressure, an integral structure similar to a suction cup is formed, so that the marine floating body adheres to the water surface like a suction cup. The marine floating body is further configured to offer redundant buoyancy, so that when the photovoltaic array and the marine floating body are subjected to relatively weak winds and waves, the redundant buoyancy prevents the marine floating body from sinking into the sea, and the action of atmospheric pressure prevents the marine floating body from detaching from the water surface. Thus, the marine floating body maintains adhesion to the water surface, which thereby increases its ability to withstand wind and waves.
[112] (2) The air chamber of the marine floating body is equipped with an inlet check valve, through which air is gradually allowed to enter the air chamber when seawater enters, thus ensuring that the air chamber continuously maintains a strong suction capacity.
[113] (3) The marine floating body is configured to offer predetermined redundant buoyancy, and the air chamber has predetermined stability and wave resistance performance. When wind and wave intensity exceeds a predetermined level, the air in the air chamber can be expelled from the air chamber and replaced by seawater, which further reduces the buoyancy of the marine floating body. Under sufficiently high wind pressure, the marine floating body is forced to submerge in the sea, which thus prevents damage to the marine floating body and the photovoltaic array caused by strong winds and waves.
[114] (4) The marine floating body array is equipped with a wave-breaking deflector, which functions as the main element of the array, causing the marine floating body array to move up and down along the sea surface. This increases the submersion speed during evasion. Petition 870250083314, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 30 / 122 23 / 24 of large waves and also accelerates the resurgence speed. The wave-breaking deflector also serves to eliminate resonance, thus providing wave dissipation and anti-collision effects.
[115] (5) The wave-breaking deflector hydrofoils of the marine floating body array are connected to the anchoring device by three steel wire cables arranged in a triangular configuration, so as to form a triangular stabilizing structure to increase the stability of the hydrofoils. The first connecting ring and the second connecting ring are provided to ensure a balanced distribution of the tensile force between the steel wire cables and alleviate metal fatigue and overall photovoltaic array wear caused by prolonged oscillation due to wind and waves.
[116] As used in this document, the orientation or positional relationships indicated by the terms up, down, left, right, inside, outside, front, and back are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are for convenience of describing the present disclosure only and are not intended to indicate or imply that devices or components must have specific orientations or be constructed and operated in specific orientations. Therefore, these terms should not be understood as limitations of the present disclosure.
[117] It should also be noted that, unless specifically defined otherwise as used in this document, the terms arranged, assembled, coupled, and connected should be understood broadly. For example, these terms may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections, electrical connections, direct connections, or indirect connections via intermediate means; or internal communication between two components. For those with common skill in the art, the specific meaning of these terms in the present disclosure can be understood based on the particular context.
[118] The modalities described are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that various Petition 870250083314, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 31 / 122 24 / 24 modifications, alterations and substitutions made by persons skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the disclosure, must fall within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Petition 870250083314, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 32 / 122
Claims
1 / 4 CLAIMS 1. MARINE FLOATING BODY comprising: an air chamber (1); characterized by a wall structure enclosing the air chamber (1) comprising an upper wall (11) and a side wall (12); the upper wall (11) is fitted with a fixed photovoltaic assembly; and the side wall (12) is fitted with an inlet check valve (2).
2. MARINE FLOATING BODY, according to claim 1, characterized in that the number of inlet check valves (2) is 2-4, and 24 inlet check valves (2) are uniformly provided in an upper portion of the side wall (12); and preferably, the number of 2-4 inlet check valves (2) is two.
3. MARINE FLOATING BODY, according to claim 1, characterized in that an outer side of a lower portion of the side wall (12) is provided with a floating plate (13); and the floating plate (13) is integrally formed with the wall structure; the marine floating body is configured to offer redundant buoyancy; and in response to a case where the marine floating body is submerged in the sea and the air chamber (1) is filled with seawater, a buoyant force acting on the marine floating body is greater than the weight of the marine floating body; and a horizontal profile of the marine floating body is rectangular, triangular or hexagonal, preferably square.
4. MARINE FLOATING BODY MATRIX WITH A WAVE-BREAKING DEFLECTOR comprising: a plurality of marine floating bodies, each of which is the marine floating body as defined in any one of claims 1-3; characterized in that transversely adjacent marine floating bodies are connected to each other, and longitudinally adjacent marine floating bodies are connected to each other, so that the marine floating body matrix is integrally formed.
5. MARINE FLOATING BODY MATRIX, according to claim 4, characterized in that the wave-breaking deflector is arranged around the marine floating body matrix.
6. MARINE FLOATING BODY MATRIX, according to claim 5, characterized in that the wave-breaking deflector comprises a plurality of hydrofoils (3) connected in sequence; each of the plurality of hydrofoils (3) has an airfoil-shaped cross-section; a first end of a longitudinal section of each of the plurality of hydrofoils (3) has a first curvature, and a second end of the longitudinal section of each of the plurality of hydrofoils (3) has a second curvature, wherein the first curvature is greater than the second curvature; the first end is configured as a leading end and the second end is configured as a tail end; the leading end is oriented towards an exterior of the marine floating body matrix, and the tail end is oriented towards an interior of the marine floating body matrix; and a lower surface of each of the pluralities of hydrofoils (3) is flat;an upper surface of each of the pluralities of hydrofoils (3) is aerodynamic; and for each of the pluralities of hydrofoils (3), the lower surface is connected to the upper surface.; 7. MARINE FLOATING BODY MATRIX, according to claim 6, characterized in that an intermediate portion of each of the first ends and of the second end of each of the pluralities of hydrofoils (3) is provided with a first connecting ring (4); and the first connecting ring (4) is circular in shape; two adjacent hydrofoils (3) of the plurality of hydrofoils (3) are fixed to each other by means of the first connecting ring (4); and the plurality of hydrofoils (3) is connected to the marine floating body by means of the first connecting ring (4).
8. MARINE FLOATING BODY MATRIX, according to claim 7, characterized by further comprising: an anchoring device; wherein the anchoring device is connected to the plurality of hydrofoils (3) by means of three steel wire cables provided below the plurality of hydrofoils (3); a second connecting ring is provided below the plurality of hydrofoils (3) and is connected to the plurality of hydrofoils (3); and the lower ends of the three steel wire cables are connected to the second connecting ring.
9. MARINE FLOATING BODY MATRIX, according to claim 8, characterized in that a connection point (7) is provided in an intermediate portion of the reject end of each of the pluralities of hydrofoils (3); an upper end of a first steel wire cable among the three steel wire cables is connected to the first connection ring (4) at one end of each of the pluralities of hydrofoils (3), an upper end of a second steel wire cable among the three steel wire cables is connected to the first connection ring (4) at the other end of each of the pluralities of hydrofoils (3), and a third steel wire cable among the three steel wire cables is connected to the connection point (7); and the third steel wire cable among the three steel wire cables is adjustable in length to adjust an angle of attack of the wave-breaking deflector relative to the incoming waves.
10. WIND WAVE RESISTANCE METHOD characterized by being carried out by the marine floating body, as defined in any of claims 1-3, or by the array of marine floating bodies, as defined in any of claims 4-9, and wherein the wind wave resistance method comprises: placing the marine floating body or the array of marine floating bodies in the sea, and disposing of a wave-breaking deflector around the marine floating body or the array of marine floating bodies, wherein air is retained in the air chamber (1); when the wind and waves on the sea surface intensify to cause the floating marine body to oscillate to expel air from the air chamber (1), so as to fill the air chamber (1) with seawater, wherein the seawater is forced to move to an upper surface of the floating marine body array through gaps in the same;as the air in the air chamber (1) decreases and the amount of seawater on an upper surface of the marine floating body array increases, submerging the marine floating body array in the sea under the combined action of oscillating waves and wind pressure; and when the wind and waves on the sea surface, the wave oscillation frequency and wind pressure weaken, forcing the marine floating body array to rise under the action of redundant buoyancy; and when the inlet check valve (2) is exposed above the sea surface, forcing outside air to enter and fill the air chamber (1) under the action of atmospheric pressure. Petition 870250083314, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 36 / 122;