Floating photovoltaic PV arrangement for fastening photovoltaic modules

Abstract

A floating photovoltaic (PV) fastening arrangement for fastening a plurality of floating photovoltaic modules (2) generating electrical power, comprising: a main buoyancy assembly (3) for providing a housing for the plurality of PV modules and means for anchoring the plurality of PV modules; a plurality of longitudinal lines (4); a plurality of transverse lines (5) wherein each end of the lines is fastened and tensioned to a predetermined fastening point (50) on the primary buoyancy component (3), thereby forming a grid (10) within the component; a plurality of fastening units (6) for locking the points of intersection between the longitudinal and transverse lines (4, 5) of the grid wherein the plurality of fastening units (6) also serve as means for anchoring the plurality of PV modules (2); a plurality of mooring lines (7) and a plurality of anchors (8) wherein one end of the mooring line is connected to a predetermined fastening point and the other end of the mooring line (7) is connected to the anchor (8) at the sea floor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to floating and mooring installations for securing photovoltaic modules for generating photovoltaic (PV) energy in a predetermined area. Background Art

[0002] Floating photovoltaic facilities are preferably located in ocean locations that receive the most sunshine each year, and in remote locations away from known shipping lanes. However, the region is also warm seawater, which is usually close to the equator. Waters at or near the equator are also considered hotspots for frequent tropical cyclones (such as hurricanes and typhoons). Therefore, such facilities must be well built to withstand the powerful forces of Mother Nature.

[0003] WO2021035259A1 describes a floating grid system used as a floating solar panel support structure. The system does not disclose anything that can withstand harsh marine conditions and protect the structural integrity of the solar panels from said conditions.

[0004] WO2017023536A1 is prior art, which discloses a similar floating support grid for photovoltaic panels, wherein the grid is made of a combination of polymer tubes and metal frames. The tubes provide buoyancy to the structure, and the solar panels are attached to rigid metal rods, which in turn are attached to the tubes. The frame-like structure is moored by mooring lines attached to two or more corners of the frame.

[0005] The prior art creates a rather rigid structure where all forces must be borne by the frame. Both the tubes and the metal rods must resist relative movement, which would otherwise be transmitted to the panels. If any part of the structure is damaged, the panels and the structure in the vicinity of the damage will be subject to significantly higher strains. Therefore, the prior art does not describe a sufficiently robust technical solution that can withstand severe marine conditions.

[0006] WO2007081221 discloses an alternative prior art to a floating grid system, which describes a floating grid system for mooring mobile offshore units (such as drilling rigs and FPSOs (Floating Production Storage and Offloading)) located in a predetermined operating area. However, this solution is mainly used for mooring and accommodating large ships. The grid is arranged as a "false seabed" at a certain distance below the water surface. The large ship can withstand harsh marine conditions alone, and the floating grid system is arranged below the water affected by waves. In addition to mooring, it does not provide any protection against large sea waves and storms. Summary of the invention

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide an arrangement for securing photovoltaic modules in a floating grid housing which can withstand harsh marine conditions.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a floating photovoltaic (PV) fastening arrangement for fastening a plurality of floating PV modules for generating electricity, comprising: a main buoyancy assembly for providing a housing for the plurality of PV modules and a means for anchoring the plurality of PV modules; a plurality of longitudinal flexible lines; a plurality of transverse flexible lines, wherein each end of the lines is fastened and tensioned to a predetermined fastening point on the main buoyancy assembly, thereby forming a grid within the assembly; a plurality of fastening units for locking the intersection points between the longitudinal and transverse lines of the grid, wherein the plurality of fastening units also serve as a means for anchoring the plurality of PV modules; a plurality of mooring lines and a plurality of anchors, wherein one end of each mooring line is connected to the main buoyancy assembly and the other end of the mooring line is connected to an anchor on the seabed.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the primary buoyancy assembly comprises first, second, third and fourth rectangular buoyancy elements forming a rectangular frame.

[0010] In another preferred embodiment, the rectangular buoyancy elements are not directly fastened to each other, but are connected to each other by longitudinal and transverse flexible lines.

[0011] According to another embodiment, each oblong buoyancy element has a predetermined number of predetermined fastening points.

[0012] In an alternative embodiment, the first, second, third and fourth rectangular buoyancy elements form one part.

[0013] In another alternative embodiment, the primary buoyancy assembly forms a buoyant circular frame.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, each fastening unit comprises a first inner coupler unit, a second coupler unit, a base having a threaded portion for holding the first and second coupler units, and a cover to be threaded onto the base for locking the fastening unit.

[0015] In another embodiment, the plurality of mooring lines comprises mooring bridles, wherein each of the mooring bridles is fastened to at least two or more predetermined fastening points and an anchor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 A perspective overview of an embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0017] Figure 2 An embodiment of the invention is shown without a photovoltaic (PV) module.

[0018] Figure 3 An embodiment of the invention is shown without photovoltaic modules and mooring.

[0019] Figure 4 A detailed view showing an embodiment of securing tension lines to a buoyancy module.

[0020] Figure 5 Another embodiment of the invention utilizing a mooring bridle is shown.

[0021] Figure 6 Another embodiment of the present invention utilizing mooring bridles and additional buoyancy units is shown.

[0022] Figure 7 Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in which the buoyancy modules are circular.

[0023] Figure 8 Another embodiment of the circular buoyancy module of the present invention utilizing mooring bridles is shown.

[0024] Fig. 9 A detailed view of an embodiment of a fastening unit is shown.

[0025] Fig.10 Shown is a detailed view of a PV module connected to a fastening point in a floating mooring grid. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Figures 1 to 3 A floating photovoltaic (PV) securing arrangement 1, or hereafter a floating mooring grid 1, is shown, which serves as a strong and stable anchoring area at predetermined locations of a plurality of floating PV modules 2. The floating mooring grid 1 includes a main buoyancy assembly 3, which may include first, second, third and fourth rectangular buoyancy elements 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, forming a buoyant rectangular frame around the plurality of floating photovoltaic modules 2. In an embodiment of the arrangement, the rectangular buoyancy elements 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d may be tubes made of a polymer material or metal. Figure 1-Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the rectangular buoyancy elements are not directly coupled to each other at the corners of the frame, but are held at a small distance from each other. Thus, the tubes constituting the buoyancy elements are somewhat free to move relative to each other.

[0027] The floating mooring grid 1 further comprises a plurality of flexible longitudinal lines 4 and a plurality of flexible transverse lines 5, wherein the first end of each longitudinal line 4 is fastened to the first rectangular buoyancy element 3a, and the opposite second end of each longitudinal line 4 is fastened to the third rectangular buoyancy element 3c. The first end of each transverse line 5 is fastened to the second rectangular buoyancy element 3b, and the opposite second end of each transverse line 5 is fastened to the fourth rectangular buoyancy element 3d. The plurality of longitudinal lines 4 and the plurality of transverse lines 5 are provided with tension to maintain the shape and structural integrity of the floating mooring grid 1, which will be explained below. The lines are preferably fastened equidistantly along the tube. The flexible lines are preferably made of ropes, such as synthetic fiber ropes, for example nylon, polypropylene, polyester, Kevlar, high molecular weight high density polyethylene (HMPE) or other materials known to have long-term durability in the marine environment.

[0028] As will be described in detail below, the tubes 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d are moored to provide tension to the flexible lines 4, 5 so that the flexible lines 4, 5 are pulled taut between the tubes.

[0029] Figure 4 A preferred embodiment is shown, wherein the plurality of longitudinal and transverse lines 4, 5 are tied to predetermined fastening points 50 on the rectangular buoyancy elements 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, providing tension to the plurality of longitudinal and transverse lines 4, 5. Figure 4 As shown, the tying of the wire can be achieved by laying the wire around the tube once or more times and attaching the end of the wire to the portion extending between the tubes. The fastening point 50 can be just a uniform surface of the tube, but it can also include grooves or ridges around the tube, with the wire placed between them.

[0030] like Fig.10 As shown, at each intersection 10' between the longitudinal lines 4 and the transverse lines 5, the longitudinal lines 4 and the transverse lines 5 are locked to each other by means of a fastening unit 6. The fastening unit 6 prevents the longitudinal and transverse movement of the longitudinal lines 4 and the transverse lines 5. The combination of the plurality of longitudinal lines 4 and the transverse lines 5 and the fastening units 6 forms a plurality of rectangular enclosures or spaces 40 (see FIG. Figure 3 ), in fact forming a grid 10 of the floating mooring grid 1. Each rectangular housing 40 comprises two sections of longitudinal wires 4, two sections of transverse wires 5 and four fastening units 6. Each rectangular housing 40 is intended to accommodate a floating photovoltaic module 2, wherein said floating photovoltaic module 2 can be moored or fastened to four adjacent fastening units 6 of the rectangular housing 40 by at least tethering lines 2a, preferably four tethering lines 2a.

[0031] like Fig. 9 As shown, the embodiment of the fastening unit 6 comprises the following components: a first internal coupling unit 6a, a second coupling unit 6b, a base 6c and a cover 6d, the base 6c having a threaded portion for holding the first coupling unit 6a and the second coupling unit 6b, the cover 6d to be screwed on the base 6c to lock itself and the components 6a, 6b, 6c at the intersection 10' of the longitudinal line 4 and the transverse line 5. The first coupling unit 6a and the second coupling unit 6b and the base 6c are adapted to provide cooperation for the intersection 10' of the longitudinal line 4 and the transverse line 5.

[0032] The parts 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d of the fastening unit 6 may be made of buoyant material which may be used for installation or maintenance on site in open water. The fastening unit 6 is intended to provide a simple and direct means of locking the intersection 10' of the longitudinal 4 and transverse 5 lines.

[0033] Although the fastening unit 6 is designed to limit the longitudinal movement of the wires at their intersection, the fastening unit can be designed to allow longitudinal movement when the tension of the wires exceeds a predetermined value. The predetermined value is lower than the breaking strength of the wires. In this way, the structure can withstand greater forces without breaking apart.

[0034] If the structure has been subjected to forces which have caused any of the lines to slide relative to the fastening units, the units can later be detached, the cords moved to the correct position and the fastening units attached again at the correct position.

[0035] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An embodiment of a mooring arrangement is shown, wherein each mooring line 7 is fastened to the floating mooring grid 1 at a predetermined fastening point 50, which may be located at the same or different position as the fastening point of the flexible lines 4, 5, and the other end of the mooring line 7 is connected to an anchor 8 located on the seabed, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown.

[0036] like Figure 5 As shown, an alternative embodiment of the mooring arrangement comprises a mooring bridle 7a, wherein the mooring bridle 7a is connected to at least two or more predetermined fastening points 50 and an anchor 8. Figure 6 As shown, the mooring bridle 7a may also comprise additional buoyancy elements 30 in order to provide additional buoyancy to the floating mooring grid 1 and the mooring line 7 or mooring bridle 7a.

[0037] The mooring tension from the mooring line 7 is selected to provide the tension of the flexible lines 4, 5 within a predetermined range. The tension can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the mooring line 7 or repositioning the anchor 8.

[0038] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the main buoyancy assembly 3 may be a buoyant circular frame 3f, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown. The circular frame 3f can be a tube or multiple composite tubes made of polymer material or metal. The multiple longitudinal lines 4 and transverse lines 5 are also tied to predetermined fastening points 50 on the circular frame 3f to provide tension for the multiple longitudinal lines 4 and transverse lines 5.

[0039] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the embodiment of the invention, the lines 4, 5 may be pre-tensioned when the flexible lines 4, 5 are attached to the circular frame 3f. The mooring line 7 may influence the tension of the lines 4, 5 by deforming the circular frame 3f, but in this case, for example, the lines 4, 5 extending in the longitudinal direction may obtain an increased tension, while the lines 4, 5 extending transversely to the longitudinal lines 4, 5 may obtain a reduced tension. Therefore, it is conceivable to have a device for transmitting the mooring tension from the mooring line 7, 7a to each flexible line 4, 5. This may be achieved by providing a direct coupling 50a between the mooring line 7, 7a and the flexible line 4, 5, such as providing a mechanism 50a in the circular frame 3f, allowing the flexible lines 4, 5 and the mooring line 7, 7a to move transversely to the circular frame 3f. This may be a pulley 50a, over which the continuous line may extend, or a coupling 50a, to which the mooring line and the flexible line are attached, and the coupling 50a is allowed to move relative to the circular frame.

[0040] Another alternative is to provide the circular frame 3f with a joint 300 (eg Figure 8 , Fig.11 and Fig.12 ), such as one or more expansion joints 300, which may allow the circumference of the circular frame 3f to be increased or decreased.

[0041] The rectangular buoyancy elements 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d may also have at least one or more expansion joints 300 which will allow them to increase or decrease their respective lengths to achieve a preferred tension in the mooring lines 7, 7a and flexible lines 4,5.

Claims

1. A floating photovoltaic (PV) fastening arrangement (1) for fastening a plurality of floating photovoltaic modules (2) for generating electrical power, comprising: a primary buoyancy assembly (3) for providing housing for the plurality of PV modules (2) and means for anchoring the plurality of PV modules (2); a plurality of flexible longitudinal threads (4); a plurality of flexible transverse threads (5); wherein each end of the flexible wire (4, 5) is fastened to a predetermined fastening point (50) on the main buoyancy component (3) and forms a grid (10) within the component (3), the grid forming a plurality of spaces (40) to accommodate at least one floating photovoltaic module (2); A plurality of fastening units (6) for locking the intersection points (10') between the longitudinal and transverse lines (4, 5) of the grid (10); wherein the plurality of fastening units (6) are also used as means for anchoring the floating photovoltaic module (2); a plurality of mooring lines (7) and a plurality of anchors (8); One end of a mooring line (7) is connected to the main buoyancy assembly (3), while the other end of the mooring line is connected to an anchor (8) on the seabed.

2. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein The main buoyancy assembly (3) further comprises: first, second, third and fourth rectangular buoyancy elements (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) forming a rectangular frame.

3. The arrangement according to claim 2, wherein: The rectangular buoyancy elements (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) are not directly fastened to each other, but are connected by the longitudinal flexible lines (4, 5).

4. An arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each rectangular buoyancy element (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) has a predetermined number of predetermined fastening points (50).

5. An arrangement according to claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein: The first, second, third and fourth rectangular buoyancy elements (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) are formed as one part.

6. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein: The main buoyancy assembly (3) forms a buoyant circular frame (3f).

7. An arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The fastening unit (6) further comprises a first internal coupler unit (6a), a second coupler unit (6b), a base (6c) and a cover (6d), wherein the base (6c) holds the first coupler unit and the second coupler unit (6a, 6b) by means of a threaded portion, and the cover (6d) is threadedly connected to the base (6c) for locking the fastening unit (6).

8. An arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The PV module (2) is anchored to the fastening unit (6) via at least one tether line (2a).

9. An arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The plurality of mooring lines (7) further comprises a mooring bridle (7a), Therein, the mooring bridle (7a) is fastened to at least two or more predetermined fastening points (50) and an anchor (8).

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