A floating photovoltaic float module inter-flexible connection device

Through the composite rods with rigid inner and flexible outer parts and elastic connection structure, the structural fatigue and mooring cost problems between photovoltaic float modules in offshore photovoltaic power stations are solved, thereby improving safety and stability and reducing costs.

CN119527484BActive Publication Date: 2025-10-10TIANJIN UNIV
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411818293.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-11
Publication Date
2025-10-10
Estimated Expiration
2044-12-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In offshore photovoltaic power stations, the connection method between photovoltaic float modules has problems such as structural fatigue damage and increased mooring costs.

Method used

The composite rod with a rigid inner and flexible outer structure and an elastic connection structure are used. The rotatable connection between the connecting rod and the photovoltaic float module is combined with the design of an extended clamp and an elastic sleeve to achieve a flexible connection and reduce the relative motion load and rotational bending moment between the float modules.

Benefits of technology

It improves the structural safety and overall stability of offshore photovoltaic power stations, reduces the cost of connection devices, and improves hydrodynamic performance.

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Abstract

The application relates to a flexible connecting device between floating photovoltaic float modules, which comprises a connecting rod, the head end of the connecting rod is connected with the tail end of one photovoltaic float module in a relatively rotatable mode in the up-down direction, the tail end of the connecting rod is connected with an external connecting rod fixed to the head end of another photovoltaic float module through an extension clamp, the connecting rod adopts a composite rod piece with internal rigidity and external flexibility, and or the elastic connecting structure between the tail end of the connecting rod and the head end of the external connecting rod can realize axial and radial deformation. Through the rotation of the head end single hinge, the bending moment load caused by the relative rotation between the float modules is reduced, so that the structural safety of the floating photovoltaic is improved; through the stretching, compression and bending of the elastic connecting structure at the tail end, the load generated by the relative movement between the float modules in the horizontal plane is reduced; the inherent rigidity of the connecting device can reduce the relative rotation angle between the float modules to a certain extent, and the overall stability of the floating photovoltaic can be improved.
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Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The application belongs to the technical field of offshore photovoltaic technology, and particularly relates to a flexible connecting device between floating photovoltaic float modules. BACKGROUND

[0002] Compared with traditional ground photovoltaic power stations, offshore photovoltaic power stations have many significant advantages. First, the illumination conditions on the sea are usually more superior because the water surface reflection increases the light intensity received by photovoltaic components. Second, offshore photovoltaic power stations are not limited by land resources and can realize large-scale photovoltaic power generation without occupying land. In addition, offshore photovoltaic power stations can be combined with wind power, aquaculture and other marine industries to realize comprehensive utilization of resources and maximize economic benefits.

[0003] An offshore photovoltaic power station is composed of multiple photovoltaic float modules, and the modules are connected to each other through cables and connectors. In the related art, the modules are connected by metal connectors such as hinges. This connection mode causes structural fatigue damage of the metal connectors due to photovoltaic movement caused by waves. When flexible ropes are used to connect the modules, a large pre-tension needs to be provided, which is provided by the mooring system of the photovoltaic power station, resulting in an increase in mooring costs. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application aims at the deficiencies of the prior art and provides a flexible connecting device between floating photovoltaic float modules, which can improve the structural safety and overall stability of the floating photovoltaic power station, is simple in structure and low in cost.

[0005] The above object of the present application is achieved by the following technical solutions.

[0006] The flexible connecting device between floating photovoltaic float modules comprises a connecting rod, a first end of the connecting rod is rotatably connected to a tail end of one photovoltaic float module in the up-down direction, a tail end of the connecting rod is connected to an external connecting rod fixed to a head end of another photovoltaic float module through an extension clamp, and the connecting rod is a composite rod with a rigid inner part and a flexible outer part, or an elastic connecting structure capable of realizing axial and radial deformation is arranged between the tail end of the connecting rod and the head end of the external connecting rod.

[0007] Furthermore, the first end of the connecting rod is provided with a radial through hole in the horizontal direction, a hinge seat is fixedly installed at the tail end of the photovoltaic module, the hinge seat is provided with a mounting groove for embedding the arc end of the connecting rod, pin shaft holes are arranged on both sides of the mounting groove, the pin shafts on both sides are aligned with the radial through hole of the first end of the connecting rod, and the first end of the connecting rod is rotatably connected to the tail end of the corresponding photovoltaic module in the up-down direction by installing the pin shafts.

[0008] Moreover, the composite rod is composed of an inner steel cable or a synthetic fiber cable and an outer nylon tube wrapped and fixed on the outside.

[0009] Moreover, two elastic sleeves are respectively provided at both ends of the extended clamp; the extended clamp is respectively clamped and fixedly connected to the tail end of the connecting rod and the head end of the external rod through the two elastic sleeves; a compression spring is installed between the two elastic sleeves in the extended clamp; the two elastic sleeves and the compression spring constitute the elastic connection structure.

[0010] Moreover, a full-length elastic sleeve is provided in the extended clamp; it also includes a cylindrical joint composed of two halves, the outer diameter of the cylindrical joint is consistent with the outer diameter of the tail end of the connecting rod, and an accommodating cavity is provided in the cylindrical joint, and the tail end of the accommodating cavity is connected to the tail end of the cylindrical joint through a neck hole of a small diameter; the extended clamp is fixedly connected to the tail end of the connecting rod and the cylindrical joint through the full-length elastic sleeve, and a spacing is left between the tail end face of the connecting rod and the head end face of the cylindrical joint; the head end of the external connecting rod adopts a T-shaped head structure, the small diameter section of the T-shaped head is fitted with the neck hole on the cylindrical joint in a clearance fit manner, and the large diameter section of the T-shaped head extends into the accommodating cavity on the cylindrical joint, and a compression spring is installed at the head end of the large diameter section of the T-shaped head in the accommodating cavity, so that the external connecting rod and the cylindrical joint form an axial limit fit, and the full-length elastic sleeve, cylindrical joint, and compression spring constitute the elastic connection structure.

[0011] The advantages and positive effects of the present invention are:

[0012] The connection device of the present invention differs from the traditional fully rigid or fully flexible connection between float modules. Compared to a fully rigid connection, this connection device reduces the load generated by the relative movement between float modules in the horizontal plane through the stretching, compression, and bending of the elastic connection structure between the connecting rod body or the tail end of the connecting rod and the external rod of the photovoltaic float module. The rotation of the head end single hinge reduces the bending moment load caused by the relative rotation between the float modules, thereby improving the structural safety of the floating photovoltaic system. Compared to a fully flexible connection, the inherent rigidity of this connection device can reduce the relative rotation angle between the float modules to a certain extent, improving the overall stability of the floating photovoltaic system. This connection device balances the safety and stability of the floating photovoltaic system and has good overall hydrodynamic performance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the hinged connection between the photovoltaic float module and the head end of the connecting rod of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a first embodiment of a flexible connection device between floating photovoltaic modules of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 3 yesFigure 2 A partial enlarged view of

[0016] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of a second embodiment of a flexible connection device between floating photovoltaic modules of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A partial enlarged view of

[0018] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of a third embodiment of a flexible connection device between floating photovoltaic modules of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A partial enlarged view of . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The structure of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and through examples. It should be noted that the present examples are descriptive rather than restrictive.

[0021] A flexible connection device between floating photovoltaic modules, see Figures 1-7 The invention point is: including a connecting rod 4, the head end of the connecting rod is connected to the tail end of a photovoltaic float module 1 in a relatively rotatable manner along the vertical direction, see Figure 1 Specifically, the connecting rod has an arc-shaped end with a horizontal radial through-hole. A hinged seat 2 is fixedly mounted on the rear end of a photovoltaic sub-module. The hinged seat has a mounting groove for the arc-shaped end of the connecting rod. Pin holes are provided on either side of the mounting groove. The pins on both sides align with the radial through-holes at the connecting rod's head end. By installing pins 3, the connecting rod's head end and the corresponding photovoltaic sub-module's rear end are connected in a vertically rotatable manner.

[0022] The tail end of the connecting rod is connected to the external connecting rod 7 fixed to the head end of another photovoltaic float module 6 via an extended clamp 5. To achieve a flexible connection effect, in the present invention, a flexible buffering feature is provided on the connecting rod body or at the connection point between the connecting rod and the external connecting rod. Specifically, this can be achieved through the following three implementations:

[0023] Implementation method one:

[0024] See also Figure 2The connecting rod is a composite member consisting of an inner steel cable or synthetic fiber rope 4.2 and an outer nylon tube 4.1. The outer nylon tube provides elastic support, while the steel cable or rope bears the tensile force. The steel cable or rope has high tensile strength and can withstand extreme tension. Galvanized or otherwise treated for corrosion resistance, the steel cable or rope has a long service life and can bend and twist to accommodate relative rotation and displacement between floating photovoltaic modules.

[0025] Embodiment 2: Two elastic sleeves 8 are positioned at either end of the extended clamp. These sleeves can be made of nylon or rubber. The extended clamp is securely connected to the rear end of the connecting rod and the front end of the external connecting rod via the two elastic sleeves. A compression spring 9 is installed between the two elastic sleeves within the extended clamp. Through the axial and radial deformation of the elastic sleeves and the deformation of the compression spring, relative rotation and displacement between the floating photovoltaic modules can be accommodated within certain limits. For example, when two photovoltaic modules approach, the two spring sleeves undergo axial deformation, and the compression spring undergoes compression deformation, forming an elastic buffer. When the two modules move apart, the elastic buffer is primarily formed by the axial deformation of the spring sleeves. When the two modules deviate, the elastic buffer is primarily formed by the radial deformation of the elastic sleeves at both ends.

[0026] When this embodiment is adopted, the connecting rod can be a rigid rod with anti-corrosion properties, a nylon rod, or a composite rod.

[0027] Embodiment 3: A full-length elastic sleeve 10, which can be made of nylon or rubber, is positioned within the extended clamp. A two-part cylindrical joint 11 is also provided. The outer diameter of the cylindrical joint matches that of the connecting rod's rear end. A accommodating cavity is defined within the cylindrical joint, the rear end of which communicates with the rear end of the cylindrical joint via a small-diameter neck hole. The extended clamp is securely connected to the rear end of the connecting rod and the cylindrical joint via the full-length elastic sleeve. Sufficient clearance is maintained between the rear end of the connecting rod and the front end of the cylindrical joint to accommodate the relative displacement of the two photovoltaic float modules. The front end of the external connecting rod utilizes a T-shaped head 6.1. The smaller diameter section of the T-shaped head engages the neck hole of the cylindrical joint with a clearance fit, while the larger diameter section of the T-shaped head extends into the accommodating cavity of the cylindrical joint. A compression spring 12 is installed in the accommodating cavity at the front end of the larger diameter section of the T-shaped head, providing axial restraint between the external connecting rod and the cylindrical joint. In this embodiment, two sets of internal and external buffer mechanisms are provided between the tail end of the connecting rod and the head end of the external connecting rod. Through the radial and axial deformation of the full-length elastic sleeve and the axial deformation of the compression spring, a good buffering effect can be achieved when the floating photovoltaic float modules rotate and move relative to each other.

[0028] When this embodiment is adopted, the connecting rod can be a rigid rod with anti-corrosion performance, a nylon rod or a composite rod.

[0029] The hinged seat installed at the tail end of the photovoltaic float module, the pin connecting the photovoltaic float module and the connecting rod, the pipe clamp and the external connecting rod fixed to the head end of the photovoltaic float module are all made of corrosion-resistant metal parts. Specifically, they are all made of stainless steel or ordinary steel with anti-corrosion treatment on the surface.

[0030] Although the embodiments and drawings of the present invention are disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will understand that various replacements, changes and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention and the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the contents disclosed in the embodiments and drawings.

Claims

1. A flexible connection device between floating photovoltaic modules, characterized by: The invention comprises a connecting rod, the head end of which is connected to the tail end of one photovoltaic float module in a relatively rotatable manner in the vertical direction; the tail end of the connecting rod is connected to an external connecting rod fixed to the head end of another photovoltaic float module via an extended clamp; an elastic connection structure capable of axial and radial deformation is provided between the tail end of the connecting rod and the head end of the external connecting rod; A full-length elastic sleeve is arranged in the extended clamp; it also includes a cylindrical joint composed of two halves, the outer diameter of the cylindrical joint is consistent with the outer diameter of the tail end of the connecting rod, and an accommodating cavity is arranged in the cylindrical joint, and the tail end of the accommodating cavity is connected to the tail end of the cylindrical joint through a neck hole of a small diameter; the extended clamp is fixedly connected to the tail end of the connecting rod and the cylindrical joint through the full-length elastic sleeve, and a spacing is left between the tail end face of the connecting rod and the head end face of the cylindrical joint; the head end of the external connecting rod adopts a T-shaped head structure, the small diameter section of the T-shaped head is fitted with the neck hole on the cylindrical joint in a clearance fit manner, and the large diameter section of the T-shaped head extends into the accommodating cavity on the cylindrical joint, and a compression spring is installed at the head end of the large diameter section of the T-shaped head in the accommodating cavity, so that the external connecting rod and the cylindrical joint form an axial limit fit; the full-length elastic sleeve, cylindrical joint, and compression spring constitute the elastic connection structure.

2. The flexible connection device between floating photovoltaic modules according to claim 1, characterized in that: The head end of the connecting rod adopts an arc end, and a radial through hole along the horizontal direction is provided on the arc end; a hinge seat is fixedly installed at the tail end of a photovoltaic sub-module, and the hinge seat is provided with a mounting groove for the arc end of the connecting rod to be embedded, and pin shaft holes are provided on both sides of the mounting groove. The pin shafts on both sides are aligned with the radial through holes at the head end of the connecting rod. By installing the pin shaft, the head end of the connecting rod and the tail end of the corresponding photovoltaic sub-module can be relatively rotatably connected in the up and down directions.

3. The flexible connection device between floating photovoltaic modules according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting rod is a composite rod that is rigid inside and flexible outside. The composite rod is composed of an inner steel cable or a synthetic fiber cable and an outer nylon tube wrapped and fixed on the outside.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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  • Flexible connection device of modular photovoltaic platform and offshore photovoltaic power station

    CN118157565A

  • Inter-multi-body multi-step motion compensation connection method for offshore floating photovoltaic system

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