A marine system including a bioaccumulation-resistant light device with polarization equipment.

Abstract

A marine system (1) includes a structure (10) designed for use in a marine environment and including an outer surface (11) that is exposed to water at least intermittently during actual use of the structure (10). The marine system (1) also includes an anti-bioaccumulation light device (20) arranged and configured to emit anti-bioaccumulation light toward the outer surface (11) of the structure (10) to perform anti-bioaccumulation actions on the outer surface (11) of the structure (10), wherein the anti-bioaccumulation light device (20) includes a polarization device (22) arranged in the path of the anti-bioaccumulation light toward the outer surface (11) of the structure (10) and configured to allow only light waves of the anti-bioaccumulation light with a specific polarization to pass through.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a marine system comprising a structure designed for use in a marine environment and an anti-biodeposition light device, the structure comprising an outer surface exposed to water at least intermittently during actual use of the structure, the anti-biodeposition light device being arranged and configured to emit anti-biodeposition light toward the outer surface of the structure in order to perform anti-biodeposition action on the outer surface of the structure.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for performing anti-biodeposition actions on the outer surface of a structure designed for use in a marine environment, the surface being exposed to water at least intermittently during actual use of the structure, the method comprising emitting anti-biodeposition light toward the outer surface of the structure. Background Technology

[0003] This invention is suitable for use in the context of a concept known as "marine solar energy," according to which floating solar panels comprising multiple solar cells are deployed at sea for energy production, which can be large-scale. The marine solar energy concept is based on the insight that vast bodies of water are available and can be very well utilized for solar energy production purposes. In this way, the need for solar panels to occupy land areas that might otherwise be used for agriculture or other valuable purposes can be avoided.

[0004] However, using solar panels in marine environments such as oceans and open seas involves the need for measures designed to prevent biofouling on the solar panels. The fact is, due to waves, the almost uninterrupted flow of fresh water splashes onto the solar panels. Water brings many microorganisms, and without the measures described above, these microorganisms will begin to attach to and grow on the outer surface of the solar panels.

[0005] This invention belongs to the field of performing biofouling actions on the outer surfaces of structures (such as solar panels) designed for use in marine environments by means of anti-biofouling light. A practical example of anti-biofouling light is ultraviolet light, particularly type C. However, it is known that ultraviolet light can be harmful to humans and animals. Furthermore, in some cases, ultraviolet light can have a negative impact on the structure itself. Therefore, the object of this invention is to provide, on the one hand, practical measures that can be applied to increase the safety of humans and animals in the surrounding environment of marine systems including structures and anti-biofouling light devices, and on the other hand, measures that can be applied to prevent damage to the structure caused by anti-biofouling light. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the foregoing, the present invention provides a marine system comprising a structure designed for use in a marine environment and an anti-biodeposition light device, the structure comprising an outer surface that is exposed to water at least intermittently during actual use of the structure, the anti-biodeposition light device being arranged and configured to emit anti-biodeposition light toward the outer surface of the structure to perform anti-biodeposition action on the outer surface of the structure, wherein the anti-biodeposition light device includes a polarization device arranged in the path of the anti-biodeposition light toward the outer surface of the structure and configured to allow only light waves of the anti-biodeposition light with a specific polarization to pass through.

[0007] It is a well-known fact that light is an electromagnetic wave, and the electric field of this wave oscillates perpendicular to the direction of propagation. If the direction of this electric field fluctuates randomly over time, the light is called unpolarized. Conversely, if the direction of the electric field of light is well-defined, the light is called polarized light.

[0008] This invention focuses on the properties of biofouling light and is based on the premise that light is generally unpolarized, i.e., in the absence of a polarizing device in the biofouling light device. According to the invention, the use of a polarizing device in marine systems offers various advantageous possibilities, the exact nature of which depends on the configuration of the polarizing device. Specifically, on one hand, there can be a configuration where the polarizing device is adapted to reduce the amount of biofouling light reaching the surrounding environment of the marine system, and on the other hand, there can be a configuration where the polarizing device is adapted to reduce the amount of biofouling light acting on the structure in a potentially harmful manner through the outer surface of the structure. In both cases, the polarizing device is configured to prevent light waves from passing through: light waves that have such polarization that they would otherwise engage in undesirable effects, i.e., filtering out those light waves. Furthermore, the use of a polarizing device does not involve any need for fundamental design changes, nor does it involve the need for adding complex and / or expensive components.

[0009] Consistent with what has already been explained, it should be noted that the practical example of the structure is a solar energy structure configured to generate electricity under the influence of sunlight, wherein the outer surface of the structure is configured to allow sunlight to enter the solar energy structure. For clarity, it should be noted that the term "marine environment" should be understood to encompass any aquatic environment in which the structure may be present during actual use, including the environment of the ocean, sea, natural or artificial lakes, etc. The fact that the structure is designed for use in a marine environment may, in practical cases, involve the structure's ability to float on the water.

[0010] Under normal circumstances, biofouling light traveling toward a surface undergoing biofouling treatment is at least partially reflected from the surface and continues toward the surrounding environment. In particular, this reflected biofouling light can endanger the safety of humans and animals, as mentioned above. To reduce such danger, a polarization device has been proposed that is configured to allow only the p-polarized light waves of the biofouling light to pass through. In this way, the amount of reflected biofouling light can be reduced.

[0011] In the context of a polarization device configured to allow only p-polarized light waves of anti-bioaccumulation light to pass through, it can be advantageous if the anti-bioaccumulation light device is arranged and configured such that at least a majority of the anti-bioaccumulation light irradiates the outer surface of the structure at an angle of incidence (the angle of incidence being in the range of 5° less than Brewster's angle to 5° greater than Brewster's angle). Applying Brewster's law, it has been found that, depending on the material of the structure at its location on the outer surface, particularly the refractive index of the material, it is possible to achieve zero reflection or near-zero reflection of p-polarized light waves, i.e., when the angle of incidence is in the range described above. Considering the practical possibilities regarding the design of the structure, such as the type of material suitable for use in the structure (especially at its location on the outer surface), it may be advantageous to arrange and configure the anti-bioaccumulation light device such that at least a majority of the anti-bioaccumulation light irradiates the outer surface of the structure at an angle of incidence, for example, in the range of about 50° to 60°.

[0012] On the other hand, to protect the structure, it can be advantageous if the polarization device is configured to allow only the s-polarized light waves of the anti-bioaccumulation light to pass through. The s-polarized light waves will primarily reflect off the outer surface of the structure, so that the anti-bioaccumulation effect remains on the surface without the risk of damaging the structure. In this case, people and animals in the surrounding environment of the marine system can still be protected. For example, the marine system can be equipped with a detector device including at least one sensor configured to detect at least one parameter related to the presence of organisms in the surrounding environment of the marine system, and also including a controller configured to receive sensor data from the at least one sensor and, if the sensor data indicates a positive sensing result, reduce the light output of the anti-bioaccumulation light device to a lower level or to zero. For example, the at least one sensor can be one of: i) an infrared detector configured to detect the heat of objects in the surrounding environment of the marine system, and ii) a motion detector configured to detect the movement of objects in the surrounding environment of the marine system. As long as no object is detected, it is assumed that it is safe to allow the s-polarized light waves to reflect off the outer surface of the structure without causing harm. Only in the case of a positive sensing result (i.e., a result indicating the presence of at least one object near the marine system) is the light output reduced to a lower level or reduced to zero. It should be noted that reducing the light output to zero may involve shutting down the anti-biodeposition light device. Once the sensing result returns to negative, the light output can be reset to the operating level so that the degree to which the anti-biodeposition action of the light is hindered / interrupted is minimal.

[0013] The aforementioned designations of polarized light waves as p-polarized and s-polarized light waves should be understood, for example, implicitly referring to the coordinate system frequently used in the field of polarization theory. Polarized light is classified into three types of polarization based on how the electric field is oriented: i) linear polarization, when the electric field of the light is confined to a single plane along the direction of propagation; ii) circular propagation; and iii) elliptical polarization. The two most important orthogonal linear polarization states for reflection and transmission are called p-polarization and s-polarization, respectively. P-polarized light is light with an electric field polarized parallel to the plane of incidence, while s-polarized light is light with an electric field polarized perpendicular to that plane. Therefore, when it is desired to use a polarization device to reduce the amount of reflected biofouling light (i.e., light that may have harmful effects on the environment surrounding the marine system), this can be accomplished by setting the polarization device so that only p-polarized waves of biofouling light can pass through, and when it is desired to use a polarization device to reduce the amount of refracted biofouling light (i.e., light that may have harmful effects on structures included in the marine system), this can be accomplished by setting the polarization device so that only s-polarized waves of biofouling light can pass through.

[0014] Within the framework of this invention, a polarization device can be used in a marine system, which can be set to one of two possible operating modes. In other words, the polarization device can be configured to allow only p-polarized light waves of the anti-bioaccumulation light to pass through in one operating mode, and only s-polarized light waves of the anti-bioaccumulation light to pass through in another operating mode. The process of controlling this type of polarization device can be carried out in any suitable manner. For example, it may be advantageous if the marine system includes a detector device comprising at least one sensor and a controller configured to receive sensor data from the at least one sensor and set the operating mode of the polarization device based on the sensor data. In this context, it may be practical for at least one sensor to be i) an infrared detector configured to detect the heat of objects in the surrounding environment of the marine system, or ii) a motion detector configured to detect the movement of objects in the surrounding environment of the marine system, and the controller is configured to set the operating mode of the polarization device in which only s-polarized light waves of the anti-bioaccumulation light pass through as the default, and, if the sensor data indicates a positive sensing result, to set only the operating mode of the polarization device in which only p-polarized light waves of the anti-bioaccumulation light pass through. With this configuration, the polarization device is controlled to properly polarize the light so that it is reflected away from the outer surface of the structure, and only when the presence of organisms / mobile organisms near the marine system is determined, the light is polarized so that the amount of reflected light is significantly reduced.

[0015] If the polarizing device is rotatable by at least 90° within the anti-biofouling light device, the change between the two operating modes of the polarizing device can occur in a straightforward manner. This concept is based on the known fact that, depending on the orientation of the polarizing filter relative to the light source, a certain type of polarizing filter can be used to achieve different polarization effects. If an arrangement is obtained in one position where the polarizing filter allows only p-polarized light waves of the anti-biofouling light to pass through, then an arrangement is obtained in another position, rotated a quarter turn relative to said one position, where the polarizing filter allows only s-polarized light waves of the anti-biofouling light to pass through. The polarizing device can rotate back and forth between the two different positions, or can rotate from one position to the subsequent position along a quarter turn in one direction. Alternatively, for example, components of two polarizers, one of each type, can be used, where the polarizers can be arranged adjacent to each other. In this case, the switching between the two operating modes can be achieved by simply shifting the components of the polarizers, where the appropriate polarizer is positioned in front of the light source (and the other polarizer is rendered "inactive" by positioning the other polarizer near the area covered by the anti-biofouling light).

[0016] The polarization device can have any suitable design. For example, it can include one of the following: i) a polarizer and ii) a polarizing beam splitter combined with a half-wave plate. When comparing these two options, it is found that 50% of the light is discarded when using a polarizer, while this is not the case when using a beam splitter combined with a half-wave plate. Therefore, if the highest possible light output is desired, applying the second option is advantageous.

[0017] It can be very practical if the anti-biofouling light device is supported on the outer surface of the structure by a support member. For example, the structure may include panel-shaped elements and can be very well adapted to support the aforementioned support member on its outer surface. The absence of an additional support structure helps simplify the design of the marine system according to the invention. In this respect, it should also be noted that the support member may simply comprise a sheet of silicone, and in this case, the anti-biofouling light device may include at least one light source embedded in the sheet of silicone.

[0018] As already mentioned regarding existing technologies, a practical example of anti-biodegradation light is ultraviolet light, especially type C ultraviolet light.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, the anti-bioaccumulation light device includes a lens arrangement disposed in the path of at least a portion of the anti-bioaccumulation light toward the outer surface of the structure, and configured to focus the anti-bioaccumulation light so that at least a portion of the light illuminates the outer surface of the structure at an incident angle within a defined range. The defined range of the incident angle may include a range including the Brewster angle, as previously described. It may be practical if the polarizing device is arranged on the lens arrangement.

[0020] Consistent with what has already been explained, the present invention also relates to a method for performing anti-biodeposition actions on the outer surface of a structure designed for use in a marine environment, the surface being exposed to water at least intermittently during actual use of the structure, the method comprising emitting anti-biodeposition light toward the outer surface of the structure and allowing the anti-biodeposition light to pass through a polarization device in its path toward the outer surface of the structure, the polarization device being configured to allow only light waves of the anti-biodeposition light with a specific polarization to pass through.

[0021] The above and other aspects of the invention will become apparent and clarified with reference to the following detailed description of an exemplary practical embodiment of a marine system, which includes a structure designed for use in a marine environment and an anti-bioaccumulation light device arranged and configured to emit anti-bioaccumulation light toward the outer surface of the structure. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar parts are indicated by the same reference numerals, and wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 A perspective view of a marine system is illustrated, comprising a structure designed for use in a marine environment and an anti-bioaccumulation light device arranged and configured to emit anti-bioaccumulation light toward the outer surface of the structure, wherein the anti-bioaccumulation light device is supported on the outer surface of the structure by means of a support member.

[0024] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a cross-sectional view of the structure and support components that house the anti-biodeposition light device, and also illustrates a detector device that can be included in a marine system.

[0025] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the structure and support components housing the anti-biofouling light device is illustrated, and options for the anti-biofouling light device including a lens assembly are also shown;

[0026] Figure 4 Another embodiment relates to a marine system, and a cross-sectional view of the structure and support components of the anti-biodeposition light device housing the marine system is illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Figure 1 and 2 The illustrations depict various aspects of a marine system 1 according to a practical embodiment of the invention, which will be mentioned and explained below.

[0028] Marine system 1 includes a structure 10 designed for use in a marine environment, the structure 10 including an outer surface 11 that is at least intermittently exposed to water during actual use, the water being, in particular, water from the marine environment and / or water from rain or other (natural) phenomena. Structure 10 can have any suitable shape and size, and is depicted only schematically as a rectangular plate in the accompanying drawings. A practical example of structure 10 is a solar panel comprising multiple solar cells and designed to float on the water surface; this does not mean that the invention does not cover other examples, such as a ship's deck.

[0029] The marine system 1 also includes an anti-biodeposition light device 20, which is arranged and configured to emit anti-biodeposition light toward the outer surface 11 of the structure 10 to perform an anti-biodeposition action on the outer surface 11 of the structure 10. By using the anti-biodeposition light device 20, the outer surface 11 of the structure 10 is prevented from being covered by microorganisms over time. This is important in the context of the solar panel example, because otherwise the reception of sunlight in the solar cells would be hindered by the presence of microorganisms, which would degrade the energy generation function of the solar cells.

[0030] Regarding the application of the anti-biodeposition light device 20 in marine system 1, it should be noted that it is known that a surface can be kept clean and free from biodeposition when it is continuously or intermittently exposed to an appropriate dose of an appropriate type of light. A practical example of an appropriate type of light is ultraviolet light. The anti-biodeposition light device 20 may include one or more light sources 21, such as multiple UV-C LEDs or one or more tubular fluorescent lamps.

[0031] The anti-bioaccumulation light device 20 includes a polarization device 22, which is arranged in the path of the anti-bioaccumulation light toward the outer surface 11 of the structure 10, and is configured to allow only light waves of a specific polarization of the anti-bioaccumulation light to pass through while preventing light waves of other polarizations from passing through. Figure 2 The diagram illustrates this function of polarization device 22, where a long arrow terminating at the outer surface 11 of structure 10 represents light waves that are allowed to pass through, and two short arrows terminating at polarization device 22 represent light waves that are not allowed to pass through. For example, polarization device 22 may include a polarizer or a polarizing beam splitter combined with a half-wave plate.

[0032] In the embodiment of marine system 1 shown in the figure, the anti-biofouling light device 20 is supported on the outer surface 11 of structure 10 by a support member 12. The support member 12 may include, for example, a sheet of silicone resin, in which case at least one light source 21 of the anti-biofouling light device 20 may be embedded in the sheet of silicone resin, such that at least one light source 21 is not exposed to water during actual use of structure 10. A polarization device 22 may also be embedded in the sheet of silicone resin, but this is not necessary and is practically only useful in embodiments that do not involve the mobility of the polarization device 22.

[0033] Depending on the desired polarization effect, the polarization device 22 can be one of several possible types. First, the polarization device 22 can be of a type configured to allow only p-polarized light waves of the anti-biofouling light to pass through. Second, the polarization device 22 can be of a type configured to allow only s-polarized light waves of the anti-biofouling light to pass through. Third, the polarization device 22 can be of a type operable in one of two possible operating modes: one for allowing only p-polarized light waves of the anti-biofouling light to pass through, and another for allowing only s-polarized light waves of the anti-biofouling light to pass through. In any case, by using the polarization device 22, the amount of anti-biofouling light reaching the surrounding environment of the structure 10 and / or the amount of anti-biofouling light penetrating the structure 10 can be controlled by allowing only light waves of the relevant polarization to pass through.

[0034] Optionally, the marine system 1 includes a detector device 30, which includes at least one sensor 31, such as in Figure 2 The diagram is illustrated in the form of boxes. Such a detector device 30 can be used to turn on and off at least one light source 21 and / or control the operation of the polarization device 22. With the polarization device 22 configured to allow only the s-polarized light waves of the anti-bioaccumulation light to pass through, the safety of organisms potentially present near the marine system 1 can be enhanced by using the detector device 30 to detect at least one parameter related to the presence of organisms and, if the sensor data indicates a positive sensing result, by reducing the light output of the anti-bioaccumulation light device 20 to a lower level or zero. The light output reduction function can be performed by means of a controller 32, as shown in... Figure 2 This is illustrated schematically in another box. Such a controller 32 can be specifically configured to control the energy supply to at least one light source 21 of the anti-bioaccumulation light device 20. Where the polarization device 22 is configured to allow only p-polarized light waves of the anti-bioaccumulation light to pass through in one operating mode and only s-polarized light waves of the anti-bioaccumulation light to pass through in another operating mode, it may be suitable to have a controller 32 configured to set the operating mode of the polarization device 22 based on sensor data received from at least one sensor of the detector device 30. For example, such a controller 32 can be configured to set the operating mode of the polarization device 22, in which the polarization device 22 only allows s-polarized light waves of the anti-bioaccumulation light to pass through, as the polarization device 22 allows only p-polarized light waves of the anti-bioaccumulation light to pass through, as the sensor data indicates the presence of organisms near the marine system 1.

[0035] In the case of using a detector device 30 comprising at least one sensor 31 and a controller 32 in the marine system 1, in practice, the at least one sensor 31 and the controller 32 can have any suitable position relative to the structure 10 and the anti-bioaccumulation light device 20. For example, assuming the marine system 1 includes a support 12 on the outer surface 11 of the structure 10 as shown and described above, at least one sensor 31 and / or controller 32 can be arranged in or on the support 12, or near the support 12. Generally, it is useful if the detector device 30 is positioned such that organisms can be detected in the direction of emission of the anti-bioaccumulation light.

[0036] refer to Figure 3 Note that the anti-bioaccumulation light device 20 may include a lens device 23 for focusing the anti-bioaccumulation light. In the absence of such a lens device 23 or other measures to influence the direction of the anti-bioaccumulation light, the light wave of the anti-bioaccumulation light (in...) is expected to... Figure 3 The anti-bioaccumulation light (illustrated as arrows in the diagram) is oriented in different directions to achieve a wide range of incident angles α on the outer surface 11 of structure 10. Conversely, by means of lens device 23, the anti-bioaccumulation light can be focused so that the light waves are aligned and the incident angle α is more or less the same for each of the light waves. This makes it possible to practically achieve incident angles α within a defined range (such as incident angles α equal to or close to Brewster's angle) to ensure zero reflection of p-polarized light waves or near-zero reflection of p-polarized light. Another advantage of having lens device 23 is that a better distribution of light intensity can be achieved in the path of the anti-bioaccumulation light from at least one light source 21 toward the outer surface 11 of structure 10.

[0037] It is feasible if the lens assembly 23 is used as a carrier for the polarization device 22. If the polarization device 22 is of a type operable in one of two possible operating modes, and the two possible operating modes involve two possible positions of at least a portion of the polarization device 22, the lens assembly 23 can be arranged to be movable between a position for holding at least a portion of the polarization device 22 in one possible position and another position for holding at least a portion of the polarization device 22 in the other possible position. The lens assembly 23 may include any suitable number of lenses, wherein at least one lens is used. As an example, Figure 3 A lens assembly 23 comprising two lenses is shown. In this illustrated example, the anti-biofouling light device 20 includes two light sources 21, wherein one of the lenses is arranged in front of one of the light sources 21, and wherein the other of the lenses is arranged in front of the other of the light sources 21. In a practical embodiment, at least one lens of the lens assembly 23 is a positive lens.

[0038] In practice, the lens device 23 does not need to have perfect quality, because it is not used to achieve perfectly clear images, but rather to focus anti-biological sludge light so that the angle of incidence α of the light on the outer surface 11 of the structure 10 is within acceptable limits. Therefore, a relatively inexpensive lens device 23 may be sufficient in the anti-biological sludge light device 20.

[0039] It should be noted that the lens device 23 can be applied to both the marine system 1 described above (particularly the marine system 1 including the anti-bioaccumulation light device 20 containing the polarization device 22) and an alternative marine system 2 in which the polarization device 22 is emitted from the anti-bioaccumulation light device 20. The alternative marine system 2 in... Figure 4 The diagram is shown in the middle and can be considered equivalent to the ocean system 1 described above, except that the polarization device 22 is not present.

[0040] Typically, in another aspect, the present invention relates to a marine system 2 comprising a structure 10 designed for use in a marine environment and an anti-biodeposition light device 20, the structure 10 comprising an outer surface 11 exposed to water at least intermittently during actual use of the structure 10, the anti-biodeposition light device 20 being arranged and configured to emit anti-biodeposition light toward the outer surface 11 of the structure 10 to perform anti-biodeposition action on the outer surface 11 of the structure 10, wherein the anti-biodeposition light device 20 includes a lens device 23 arranged in the path of at least a portion of the anti-biodeposition light toward the outer surface 11 of the structure 10, and configured to focus the anti-biodeposition light so that at least a portion of the anti-biodeposition light irradiates the outer surface 11 of the structure 10 at an incident angle α within a defined range.

[0041] The characteristics of the marine system 1, including the polarization device 22, also apply to the marine system 2, which does not have the polarization device 22, unless they are inherently associated with the presence of the polarization device 22. Furthermore, this means that in the case of the marine system 2 without the polarization device 22, it is possible that...

[0042] - Structure 10 is a solar energy structure configured to generate electricity under the influence of sunlight, wherein the outer surface 11 of structure 10 is configured to allow sunlight to enter the solar energy structure;

[0043] - The marine system 2 includes a detector device 30, which includes at least one sensor 31 configured to detect at least one parameter related to the presence of organisms in the surrounding environment of the marine system, and the detector device 30 also includes a controller 32 configured to receive sensor data from the at least one sensor 31 and, if the sensor data indicates a positive sensing result, reduce the light output of the anti-bioaccumulation light device 20 to a lower level or to zero.

[0044] - The anti-biological accumulation light device 20 is supported on the outer surface 11 of the structure 10 by the support member 12;

[0045] - Lens assembly 23 includes one or more lenses;

[0046] - In the case where the lens assembly 23 includes two or more lenses, an equal number of light sources 21 are provided, wherein each of the lenses is arranged in front of another of the light sources 21; and

[0047] At least one lens of the lens assembly 23 is a positive lens.

[0048] Those skilled in the art will understand that the scope of this invention is not limited to the examples discussed above, but can be modified and varied without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. This invention is intended to be construed as including all such modifications and variations, provided they fall within the scope of the claims or their equivalents. Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and specification, such illustrations and descriptions are to be considered illustrative or exemplary only, and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The drawings are schematic, in which details unnecessary for understanding the invention may have been omitted, and are not necessarily to scale.

[0049] By studying the accompanying drawings, specification, and claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other steps or elements, and the words "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0050] Unless otherwise expressly stated, elements and aspects discussed in connection with or relating to a particular embodiment may be suitably combined with elements and aspects of other embodiments. Therefore, although specific measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims, this does not imply that combinations of these measures cannot be advantageously used.

[0051] Those skilled in the art will understand the term “comprising” or “including” as used herein to cover the term “consisting of”. Thus, the term “comprising” or “including” may refer to “consisting of” in one embodiment, but may refer to “comprising / having / equipped with at least the defined kinds and optionally one or more other kinds” in another embodiment.

Claims

1. A marine system (1), comprising: A structure (10) designed for use in a marine environment, the structure (10) including an outer surface (11) that is exposed to water at least intermittently during actual use of the structure (10), and An anti-bioaccumulation light device (20) is arranged and configured to emit anti-bioaccumulation light toward the outer surface (11) of the structure (10) to perform an anti-bioaccumulation action on the outer surface (11) of the structure (10). The anti-bioaccumulation light device (20) includes a polarization device (22) arranged in the path of the anti-bioaccumulation light toward the outer surface (11) of the structure (10) and configured to allow only light waves of the anti-bioaccumulation light with a specific polarization to pass through.

2. The marine system (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The structure (10) is a solar energy structure configured to generate electricity under the influence of sunlight, and wherein the outer surface (11) of the structure (10) is configured to allow sunlight to enter the solar energy structure.

3. The marine system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The polarization device (22) is configured to allow only the p-polarized light waves of the anti-bioaccumulation light to pass through.

4. The marine system (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The anti-bioaccumulation light device (20) is arranged and configured such that at least a majority of the anti-bioaccumulation light irradiates the outer surface (11) of the structure (10) at an incident angle (α) in the range of 5° less than Brewster's angle and 5° greater than Brewster's angle.

5. The marine system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The polarization device (22) is configured to allow only the s-polarized light waves of the anti-bioaccumulation light to pass through.

6. The marine system (1) according to claim 5, comprising a detector device (30) including at least one sensor (31) configured to detect at least one parameter relating to the presence of organisms in the surrounding environment of the marine system, and further comprising a controller (32) configured to receive sensor data from the at least one sensor (31) and, if the sensor data indicates a positive sensing result, reduce the light output of the anti-bioaccumulation light device (20) to a lower level or to zero.

7. The marine system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The polarization device (22) is configured to allow only the p-polarized light wave of the anti-bioaccumulation light to pass through in one operating mode and only the s-polarized light wave of the anti-bioaccumulation light to pass through in another operating mode.

8. The marine system (1) according to claim 7, comprising a detector device (30) including at least one sensor (31), and further comprising a controller (32) configured to receive sensor data from the at least one sensor and set an operating mode of the polarization device based on the sensor data.

9. The marine system (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The at least one sensor (31) is configured to detect at least one parameter relating to the presence of organisms in the surrounding environment of the marine system, and wherein the controller (32) is configured to set the operating mode of the polarization device (22) to allow only the s-polarized light waves of the anti-bioaccumulation light to pass through to the default, and, if the sensor data indicates a positive sensing result, to set only the operating mode of the polarization device (22) to allow only the p-polarized light waves of the anti-bioaccumulation light to pass through.

10. The marine system (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The polarization device (22) can rotate at least 90° within the anti-bioaccumulation light device (20).

11. The marine system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The polarization device (22) includes one of the following: i) a polarizer and ii) a polarization beam splitter combined with a half-wave plate.

12. The marine system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The anti-bioaccumulation light device (20) is supported on the outer surface (11) of the structure (10) by a support member (12).

13. The marine system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The anti-bioaccumulation light device (20) includes a lens device (23) arranged in the path of at least a portion of the anti-bioaccumulation light toward the outer surface (11) of the structure (10), and configured to focus the anti-bioaccumulation light so that at least a portion of the anti-bioaccumulation light irradiates the outer surface (11) of the structure (10) at an incident angle (α) within a defined range.

14. The marine system (1) according to claim 13, wherein, The polarization device (22) is arranged on the lens assembly (23).

15. A method for performing anti-biodeposition action on an outer surface (11) of a structure (10) designed for use in a marine environment, the outer surface (11) being exposed to water at least intermittently during actual use of the structure (10), the method comprising emitting anti-biodeposition light toward the outer surface (11) of the structure (10) and allowing the anti-biodeposition light to pass through a polarization device (22) on its way toward the outer surface (11) of the structure (10), the polarization device being configured to allow only light waves of the anti-biodeposition light with a specific polarization to pass through.

Images