Self-powered floating solar farm system and ecological management method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a self-powered floating solar farm system, and relates to the technical field of solar energy, the self-powered floating solar farm system comprises a floating platform, an intelligent water quality and temperature monitor and oxygenation equipment, the floating platform is fixed in a water body through multi-point anchoring, a solar photovoltaic panel is installed on the floating platform, and a culture area is arranged below the floating platform; the solar photovoltaic panel is connected with the energy storage device and the electric equipment through the waterproof cable and the connector to form a complete power supply network; the intelligent water quality monitor and the oxygenation equipment are arranged in a culture area, and are powered by the energy storage device and the solar photovoltaic panel; the intelligent water quality and water temperature monitor monitors the temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH value of the aquaculture water body in real time; and the oxygenation equipment provides sufficient oxygen for the aquaculture water body. According to the system, the photovoltaic technology and cold water fish culture are combined, efficient utilization and sustainable development of resources are achieved, the culture cost can be remarkably reduced, local economic development can be promoted, and high economic and ecological values are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of solar energy technology, and in particular to a self-powered floating solar farm system and an ecological management method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Due to its unique geographical and climatic conditions, the plateau region has abundant water resources and an environment suitable for cold-water fish farming. However, traditional cold-water fish farming models face many challenges, mainly including changes in water quality, temperature fluctuations, and ecological balance issues. These factors not only affect farming efficiency but also pose a threat to environmental sustainability. In addition, the energy supply in plateau areas usually relies on fossil fuels, which is not only costly but also pollutes the environment. As a clean and renewable energy source, solar energy has broad application potential in plateau areas. However, the application of solar energy also faces challenges in space and resource utilization. Traditional solar photovoltaic panel installation requires a large amount of land, which is particularly prominent in plateau areas with limited land resources. In addition, the efficiency of solar photovoltaic panels is greatly affected by temperature. High temperatures will reduce their power generation efficiency. The large temperature difference between day and night in plateau areas places higher requirements on the performance of solar photovoltaic panels. In summary, there are the following problems with solar energy in cold-water fish farming: Water quality changes and temperature fluctuations: Traditional aquaculture models struggle to effectively control water quality and temperature, impacting fish growth and health. Ecological balance issues: Nutrients produced during the aquaculture process can lead to eutrophication of water bodies, disrupting the ecological balance. High energy supply costs: Plateau regions rely on fossil fuels for energy supply, which are costly and environmentally unfriendly. Spatial limitations on solar energy applications: Traditional solar photovoltaic panel installations require a large amount of land, and land resources are limited in plateau regions. Solar photovoltaic panel efficiency is affected by temperature: High temperatures reduce the power generation efficiency of solar photovoltaic panels. The large temperature difference between day and night in plateau regions affects the performance of solar photovoltaic panels. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address these issues, this paper proposes a self-powered floating solar farm system and its ecological management method. This system combines photovoltaic technology with cold-water fish farming, aiming to achieve efficient resource utilization and sustainable development. The system uses a floating platform to support solar photovoltaic panels, providing not only clean energy for aquaculture but also optimizing the performance of the panels through water cooling, improving the aquaculture environment. The system is equipped with intelligent water quality and temperature monitors and oxygenation equipment to ensure water quality and ecological sustainability.

[0004] The technical solution adopted in the present invention is: A self-powered floating solar farm system includes a floating platform, intelligent water quality and temperature monitors, and oxygenation equipment. The floating platform is anchored in the water through multiple anchor points. Solar photovoltaic panels are installed on the floating platform, with a farming area below. The solar photovoltaic panels are connected to energy storage devices and electrical equipment via waterproof cables and connectors, forming a complete power supply network. The intelligent water quality monitor and oxygenation equipment are arranged in the aquaculture area and are powered by energy storage devices and solar photovoltaic panels; the intelligent water quality and temperature monitor monitors the temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH value of the aquaculture water in real time; and the oxygenation equipment provides sufficient oxygen for the aquaculture water.

[0005] Furthermore, the solar photovoltaic panel is equipped with a water cooling device, which is integrated into the solar photovoltaic panel structure and connected to the aquaculture water body through a pipeline; the self-powered floating solar farm system also includes a circulating water pump for cooperating with the water cooling device, and the circulating water pump is powered by the energy storage device and connected to the water cooling device to form circulating cooling for the solar photovoltaic panel.

[0006] Furthermore, the solar photovoltaic panel adopts a double-sided double-layer solar photovoltaic panel, wherein the upper solar photovoltaic panel generates electricity through direct and scattered sunlight, and the lower solar photovoltaic panel generates electricity through sunlight reflected from the water surface.

[0007] Furthermore, the floating platform and the solar photovoltaic panels are covered with a bio-antifouling coating of a copper-based material.

[0008] An ecological management method for a self-powered floating solar farm is provided. The ecological management method is based on the above-mentioned self-powered floating solar farm system and includes the following steps: Step 1 System Design and Planning: Determine the location and installation area of ​​the floating solar farm; select the type of solar photovoltaic panels suitable for local climate and water conditions; calculate the expected annual power generation and system power demand; Step 2: Solar PV Panel Installation: Deploy the floating platform based on the determined location and installation area of ​​the floating solar farm and secure it in the water using multiple anchor points. Set the solar PV panels at the optimal tilt angle and orientation to ensure maximum sunlight reception. Step 3: Water cooling system integration: Integrate a water cooling device on the surface of the solar photovoltaic panel to reduce the panel surface temperature by water flow; Step 4: Establishment of intelligent water quality monitoring: Install intelligent water quality monitors and their water quality monitoring sensors, as well as oxygenation equipment in the aquaculture area; monitor temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH value in real time; Step 5: Energy Storage System Installation: Install a battery energy storage system to meet electricity demand during cloudy days or at night to ensure continuous power supply. Calculate the energy storage capacity to support electricity demand during consecutive days without sunlight. Step 6 Ecological Environment Monitoring: Regularly test the water quality of aquaculture water bodies and adjust management measures to maintain a good ecological environment; monitor the biofouling of floating platforms and regularly evaluate the performance of copper-based antifouling coatings; Step 7: Aquaculture management: Based on water quality monitoring data, adjust the aquaculture density, feeding strategy, water oxygen content, and water plant volume to optimize the fish growth environment and ensure the sustainability and ecological balance of aquaculture activities.

[0009] Furthermore, in step 1, the estimated annual power generation and system power demand are calculated, including the following steps: Step 1.1, obtain the power demand of the system based on the selection of intelligent water quality monitor and aeration equipment; Step 1.2: Based on the system's electricity demand, combined with the regional solar radiation G, the efficiency of the solar photovoltaic panels η, and the effective working time of the solar photovoltaic panels H, calculate the total installation area A of the solar photovoltaic panels using the following formula; System power demand = A × G × η × H; Step 1.3, based on the total installed area A of solar photovoltaic panels and the area of ​​each solar photovoltaic panel, determine the number of solar photovoltaic panels to be installed; Step 1.4: The excess electricity remaining in the solar photovoltaic panels is stored or transmitted.

[0010] Furthermore, in step 2, the solar photovoltaic panels are calculated and arranged according to the optimal tilt angle and orientation using the following method; Winter: Optimal tilt angle = latitude + 15°; Summer: Optimal tilt angle = latitude -15°.

[0011] Furthermore, in step 5, the battery energy storage system needs to ensure that the system's power demand can be met in the absence of sunlight for three consecutive days.

[0012] The beneficial effects of the present invention are: This self-powered floating solar farm system utilizes precisely calculated solar photovoltaic panels installed on a floating platform at an optimal tilt angle and orientation to maximize sunlight capture. These panels power intelligent water quality monitors and oxygenation equipment, ensuring healthy fish growth. Intelligent water quality monitors monitor key indicators such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH in real time to ensure optimal water quality. Furthermore, the aquaculture area can coexist with aquatic plants, which absorb nutrients from the water and reduce algae growth, creating a virtuous ecological cycle and improving the economic benefits of aquaculture.

[0013] This self-powered floating solar farm system combines solar power generation with plateau cold-water fish farming, which not only significantly reduces farming costs but also promotes local economic development. It has high economic and ecological value and provides an innovative solution for the future aquaculture industry. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for describing the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can also derive other drawings based on these drawings without inventive effort. Among them: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the layout of the self-powered floating solar farm system of the present invention; Figure 2 Flowchart of the ecological management method of the self-powered floating solar farm of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Example 1

[0016] Aiming at providing a more stable and efficient ecological environment for plateau cold-water fish farming, this embodiment provides a self-powered floating solar farm system; Figure 1 As shown, the self-powered floating solar farm system includes a floating platform, an intelligent water quality and temperature monitor, and an oxygenation device.

[0017] Among them, the floating platform uses high-density polyethylene HDPE or polyvinyl alcohol PVC and other materials with strong durability and outstanding UV resistance to ensure that it is not prone to aging and damage during long-term use in the plateau environment. The floating platform is fixed in the water body through multiple anchoring points. Solar photovoltaic panels are installed on the floating platform, and there is a breeding area underneath.

[0018] Solar photovoltaic panels collect solar energy and convert it into electricity, providing clean energy for the system. The panels are connected to energy storage devices and power-consuming equipment via waterproof cables and connectors, forming a complete power supply network. These cables and connectors ensure safety and reliability in aquatic environments. Made of corrosion-resistant materials and featuring excellent insulation, they resist moisture and other environmental factors, ensuring stable operation of the power system. Energy storage devices store excess electricity generated by the panels, ensuring continuous power supply during cloudy days or at night, ensuring stable operation of the aquaculture facilities.

[0019] Furthermore, as a preferred technical solution of this embodiment, the solar photovoltaic panels in this embodiment are equipped with a water cooling device. The water cooling device is integrated into the solar photovoltaic panel structure and connected to the aquaculture water body via a pipeline. The self-powered floating solar farm system also includes a circulating water pump to cooperate with the water cooling device. The circulating water pump is powered by the energy storage device and is connected to the water cooling device to form a circulating cooling system for the solar photovoltaic panels. The flowing cooling water removes heat from the solar photovoltaic panels, reducing the panel surface temperature and improving the photovoltaic conversion efficiency. At the same time, the cooling water provides a cooling effect for the aquaculture water body, optimizing the aquaculture environment.

[0020] Furthermore, as a preferred technical solution for this embodiment, the solar photovoltaic panels in this embodiment utilize double-sided, double-layer panels. The upper panels generate electricity using direct and scattered sunlight, while the lower panels generate electricity by reflecting sunlight off the water surface. Using double-sided, double-layer panels in conjunction with a water cooling system can improve the overall efficiency of the panels by 20%. Using water as a cooling medium effectively reduces heat load and minimizes evaporation losses, providing an ideal ecological environment for plateau cold-water fish farming while also improving overall energy efficiency.

[0021] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the floating platform and solar photovoltaic panels are covered with a copper-based biofouling coating. This coating has excellent anti-fouling properties, effectively reducing the attachment of aquatic organisms and algae, maintaining the power generation efficiency of the photovoltaic panels and extending maintenance cycles.

[0022] Smart water quality monitors and aeration equipment are deployed in the aquaculture area and powered by energy storage devices and solar photovoltaic panels. Smart water quality and temperature monitors use a variety of sensors to monitor the temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH of the aquaculture water in real time. Aeration equipment provides sufficient oxygen for the aquaculture water. Smart water quality monitors provide timely water quality data, providing a scientific basis for aquaculture management and ensuring the healthy growth of cold-water fish.

[0023] This self-powered floating solar farm system optimizes the aquaculture environment for high-altitude cold-water fish by combining photovoltaic power generation with aquaculture needs. The floating platform supports solar photovoltaic panels, providing not only clean energy for aquaculture but also optimizing the performance of the panels through water cooling, improving the aquaculture environment. The system is equipped with intelligent water quality and temperature monitors and oxygenation equipment to ensure water quality and ecological sustainability. This self-powered floating solar farm system offers a comprehensive solution integrating photovoltaic power generation, ecological water quality improvement, and aquaculture, creating a more stable and efficient ecological environment for high-altitude cold-water fish aquaculture. Example 2

[0024] Based on the self-powered floating solar farm system provided in Example 1, this embodiment provides an ecological management method for a self-powered floating solar farm, such as Figure 2 As shown, the ecological management method includes the following steps: Step 1 System Design and Planning: Determine the location and installation area of ​​the floating solar farm; select the type of solar photovoltaic panels suitable for local climate and water conditions; calculate the expected annual power generation and system power demand; Calculating the expected annual power generation and system power demand includes the following steps: Step 1.1, obtain the power demand of the system based on the selection of intelligent water quality monitor and aeration equipment; Step 1.2: Based on the system's electricity demand, combined with the regional solar radiation G, the efficiency of the solar photovoltaic panels η, and the effective working time of the solar photovoltaic panels H, calculate the total installation area A of the solar photovoltaic panels using the following formula; System power demand = A × G × η × H; Step 1.3, based on the total installed area A of solar photovoltaic panels and the area of ​​each solar photovoltaic panel, determine the number of solar photovoltaic panels to be installed; Step 1.4: The excess electricity remaining in the solar photovoltaic panels is stored or transmitted.

[0025] Step 2: Solar PV Panel Installation: Deploy the floating platform based on the determined location and installation area of ​​the floating solar farm and secure it in the water using multiple anchor points. Set the solar PV panels at the optimal tilt angle and orientation to ensure maximum sunlight reception. Calculate and set up solar photovoltaic panels based on the optimal tilt angle and orientation using the following method; Winter: Optimal tilt angle = latitude + 15°; Summer: Optimal tilt angle = latitude -15°.

[0026] Step 3: Water cooling system integration: Integrate a water cooling device on the surface of the solar photovoltaic panel to reduce the panel surface temperature by water flow.

[0027] Step 4: Establishment of intelligent water quality monitoring: Install intelligent water quality monitors and their water quality monitoring sensors, as well as oxygenation equipment in the aquaculture area; monitor temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH value in real time.

[0028] Step 5: Energy Storage System Installation: Install a battery energy storage system to meet electricity demand during cloudy days or at night to ensure continuous power supply. Calculate the energy storage capacity to support electricity demand during consecutive days without sunlight. The battery energy storage system must ensure that the system's power demand can be met in the absence of sunlight for three consecutive days.

[0029] Step 6 Ecological environment monitoring: Regularly test the water quality of aquaculture water bodies and adjust management measures to maintain a good ecological environment; monitor the biological attachment of floating platforms and regularly evaluate the performance of copper-based antifouling coatings.

[0030] Step 7: Aquaculture management: Based on water quality monitoring data, adjust the aquaculture density, feeding strategy, water oxygen content, and water plant volume to optimize the fish growth environment and ensure the sustainability and ecological balance of aquaculture activities.

[0031] Take the example of establishing a self-powered floating solar farm on the Longyangxia Plateau reservoir: The self-powered floating solar farm is located at a latitude of approximately 35°N. Depending on the local solar radiation, climatic conditions and installation area, bifacial double-layer solar photovoltaic panels can be used. Each bifacial double-layer solar photovoltaic panel has an annual power generation capacity of 4,380kWh, which significantly improves power generation efficiency compared to the 3,650kWh of traditional single-sided photovoltaic panels.

[0032] Based on the number and scale of cold-water fish such as rainbow trout and blue trout released, appropriate intelligent water quality monitors and oxygenation equipment are selected and deployed in the breeding area; based on the intelligent water quality monitors and oxygenation equipment, it is estimated that their annual electricity consumption is approximately 10,000kWh.

[0033] Based on the determined location and installation area of ​​the floating solar farm, the floating platform is deployed and anchored in the water using multiple anchor points. To ensure the system's energy supply, 500 solar panels are planned for installation at the platform's location, generating a total annual power generation of 2,070,000 kWh. Annual power generation = A × G × η × H. Each solar photovoltaic panel has an area of ​​2 square meters, for a total of 500 panels installed, covering a total area of ​​1,000 square meters. Given the area's solar radiation G of 5 kWh / m² / day, a solar panel efficiency of 23%, and an effective operating time H of 1,800 hours / year, the annual power generation from the solar photovoltaic panels is calculated as 1,000 × 5 × 0.23 × 1,800 = 2,070,000 kWh / year, far exceeding the system's annual power consumption of 10,000 kWh, which is used to power water quality monitoring, aquaculture facilities, and other related equipment. The remaining 2,060,000 kWh will be used for energy storage or transmission.

[0034] The installation angle of solar photovoltaic panels directly affects the system's power generation efficiency. Based on a latitude of 35°N, the optimal tilt angle for solar panels in winter is 50°, and the optimal tilt angle for solar panels in summer is 20°. The optimal tilt angle allows solar photovoltaic panels to capture the most solar radiation, improving their power generation efficiency. Regarding orientation, solar photovoltaic panels should face due south to receive the maximum amount of sunlight during the day, ensuring stable power output.

[0035] To further improve the power generation efficiency of photovoltaic panels, water cooling devices are integrated into the surface of solar photovoltaic panels to reduce the panel surface temperature through water flow. By integrating the water cooling device into the solar photovoltaic panel structure, water is used to flow through the surface of the solar photovoltaic panel, thereby lowering its temperature and reducing heat loss. The water cooling device can optimize photovoltaic conversion efficiency and reduce overheating. According to the relationship between temperature and efficiency, the efficiency of the solar photovoltaic panel generally increases by approximately 0.5% for every 1°C reduction in temperature. Therefore, the conversion efficiency of the solar photovoltaic panel can be increased from the conventional 18% to 23% through the water cooling device. The calculation formula is: Δη=η0+10×0.5%=18%+5%=23% Where Δη represents the improvement in the conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic panel; η0 represents the original conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic panel.

[0036] In addition, the water cooling device uses the water itself as a cooling medium, avoiding the waste of water resources, while also providing a cooling effect for the aquaculture water, forming a virtuous cycle.

[0037] To ensure the system provides stable power even on cloudy days or at night, an energy storage device is designed. Assuming the system's maximum power demand is 10,000 kWh, and to ensure operation in the absence of sunlight for three consecutive days, the energy storage device needs to store at least 30,000 kWh. Batteries can be used for this energy storage device, ensuring continuous power supply even in the absence of solar energy, ensuring that the aquaculture facilities in the plateau environment can achieve a fully self-sufficient energy supply.

[0038] In addition, the floating platform and solar photovoltaic panels are coated with a copper-based biofouling coating, which effectively prevents aquatic organisms and algae from attaching to the panels. The coating's excellent anti-fouling properties significantly reduce the frequency of annual panel cleanings, reducing cleaning costs and labor. The coating's anti-algae properties help maintain the panels' efficient power generation capacity and extend the system's service life.

[0039] The above calculations and practical verification confirm that this self-powered floating solar farm system can operate stably in plateau environments. It not only provides the necessary electricity for cold-water fish farming in the plateau, but also improves the efficiency of solar panels through water cooling technology, making full use of water resources for cooling. The system design ensures energy self-sufficiency, and the bio-antifouling coating reduces maintenance costs, improving overall efficiency.

[0040] While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, and that the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A self-powered floating solar farm system, characterized by: The self-powered floating solar farm system includes a floating platform, intelligent water quality and temperature monitors, and oxygenation equipment. The floating platform is fixed in the water body through multiple anchors. Solar photovoltaic panels are installed on the floating platform, and the breeding area is below. The solar photovoltaic panels are connected to the energy storage device and electrical equipment through waterproof cables and connectors to form a complete power supply network. The intelligent water quality monitor and oxygenation equipment are arranged in the breeding area and are powered by energy storage devices and solar photovoltaic panels; the intelligent water quality and water temperature monitor monitors the temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH value of the breeding water in real time; the oxygenation equipment provides sufficient oxygen for the breeding water.

2. The self-powered floating solar farm system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The solar photovoltaic panel is equipped with a water cooling device, which is integrated into the solar photovoltaic panel structure and connected to the aquaculture water body through a pipeline; the self-powered floating solar farm system also includes a circulating water pump used to cooperate with the water cooling device, and the circulating water pump is powered by the energy storage device and connected to the water cooling device to form circulating cooling for the solar photovoltaic panel.

3. The self-powered floating solar farm system of claim 1, characterized in that: The solar photovoltaic panel adopts a double-sided double-layer solar photovoltaic panel, wherein the upper solar photovoltaic panel generates electricity through direct and scattered sunlight, and the lower solar photovoltaic panel generates electricity through sunlight reflected from the water surface.

4. The self-powered floating solar farm system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The floating platform and solar photovoltaic panels are covered with a bio-antifouling coating of copper-based material.

5. An ecological management method for a self-powered floating solar farm, the ecological management method being based on the self-powered floating solar farm system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: Step 1 System design and planning: Determine the geographical location and installation area of ​​the floating solar farm; select the type of solar photovoltaic panels suitable for local climate and water conditions; calculate the expected annual power generation and system power demand; Step 2: Solar PV Panel Installation: Deploy the floating platform based on the geographical location and installation area of ​​the floating solar farm, and use multi-point anchoring to fix the floating platform in the water body; set the solar PV panels according to the optimal tilt angle and orientation to ensure maximum light reception; Step 3: Water cooling system integration: Integrate a water cooling device on the surface of the solar photovoltaic panel to reduce the panel surface temperature by water flow; Step 4: Establishment of intelligent water quality monitoring: Install intelligent water quality monitors and water quality monitoring sensors, as well as oxygenation equipment in the aquaculture area; monitor temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH value in real time; Step 5 Energy storage system installation: Install a battery energy storage system to cope with electricity demand on cloudy days or at night to ensure continuous power supply; calculate the energy storage capacity to support electricity demand when there is no sunlight for many consecutive days; Step 6 Ecological environment monitoring: Regularly test the water quality of aquaculture water bodies and adjust management measures to maintain a good ecological environment; monitor the biological attachment of floating platforms and regularly evaluate the performance of copper-based antifouling coatings; Step 7: Aquaculture management: Based on water quality monitoring data, adjust the aquaculture density, feeding strategy, water oxygen content, and water plant volume to optimize the fish growth environment and ensure the sustainability and ecological balance of aquaculture activities.

6. The ecological management method of the self-powered floating solar farm according to claim 5, characterized in that: In step 1, the estimated annual power generation and system power demand are calculated, including the following steps: Step 1.1, obtaining the power demand of the system based on the selection of intelligent water quality monitor and aeration equipment; Step 1.2, based on the power demand of the system, combined with the solar radiation G, the efficiency η of the solar photovoltaic panels, and the effective working time H of the solar photovoltaic panels in the region, the total installation area A of the solar photovoltaic panels is calculated by the following formula; System power demand = A × G × η × H; Step 1.3, based on the total installation area A of solar photovoltaic panels, determine the number of solar photovoltaic panels to be installed according to the area of ​​each solar photovoltaic panel; Step 1.4, the excess electricity remaining in the solar photovoltaic panels is stored or transmitted.

7. The ecological management method of the self-powered floating solar farm according to claim 5, characterized in that: In step 2, the solar photovoltaic panels are calculated and set according to the optimal tilt angle and orientation using the following method: Winter: Optimal tilt angle = latitude + 15°; Summer: Optimum tilt angle = latitude -15°.

8. The ecological management method of the self-powered floating solar farm according to claim 5, characterized in that: In step 5, the battery energy storage system needs to ensure the power required by the system when there is no sunlight for three consecutive days.

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