A model test device for simulating offshore floating thin-film photovoltaic platform in different water accumulations

Abstract

This invention discloses a test device for simulating different water accumulation levels on a floating thin-film photovoltaic platform model, relating to the field of offshore photovoltaic power generation technology. It includes a fluid diverter, a jet head array, and a thin-film photovoltaic platform model. The thin-film photovoltaic platform model is fixed in a water tank, and the jet head array is installed above the model. The fluid diverter is connected to the jet head array and can adjust the water flow distribution of the jet head array. This invention, through the coordinated operation of a wave generator and a rainfall system, can simulate complex dynamic responses under extreme environments, such as floating state, motion characteristics, and mooring forces. It provides high-precision test data for platform design, not only enabling timely identification of potential design problems and optimization of structural performance, but also improving the safety and reliability of floating photovoltaic power generation platforms in extreme environments, and further promoting the development of photovoltaic power generation technology.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine photovoltaic power generation technology, and in particular to a model test device for a marine floating thin-film photovoltaic platform simulating different water accumulation levels. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid advancement of photovoltaic power generation technology and the continuous reduction in economic costs, offshore floating photovoltaic platforms, as a new type of photovoltaic power generation solution, are gradually becoming an important means of addressing the problem of scarce land resources. One emerging design solution is the offshore floating thin-film photovoltaic platform. Compared with land-based photovoltaic systems, offshore floating thin-film photovoltaic platforms have significant advantages such as light weight, low wind resistance, convenient installation, and low cost, making them particularly suitable for deployment in open sea areas and large bodies of water, demonstrating enormous application potential. However, because offshore floating thin-film photovoltaic platforms are close to the water surface, they are susceptible to water accumulation problems caused by natural environmental factors such as waves and rainfall. Water accumulation can lead to platform instability and, in severe cases, even sinking, posing safety hazards. Therefore, how to verify the drainage performance and buoyancy maintenance capability of the thin-film photovoltaic platform design under water accumulation conditions has become a significant technical challenge affecting design and practical application.

[0003] There are two main sources of water accumulation: general water accumulation caused by rainfall and localized water accumulation caused by wave overtopping. In severe sea conditions, these two types of water accumulation often occur simultaneously, placing higher demands on platform design. However, existing experimental devices can only simulate wave overtopping, but cannot effectively simulate rainfall or the combined effect of rainfall and waves. Furthermore, to address the water accumulation problem, permeable membrane platforms have emerged, but existing experimental devices lack high-precision measurement methods for key elements such as the permeability of the permeable membrane platform and the buoyancy distribution between the float and the membrane.

[0004] Therefore, those skilled in the art are dedicated to developing a model test device for offshore floating thin-film photovoltaic platforms that simulates different water accumulation levels. This device can simulate complex dynamic responses under extreme environments, such as floating state, motion characteristics, and mooring forces, providing high-precision test data for platform design. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned deficiencies of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is how to provide different water accumulation characteristics for the model test device of offshore floating thin-film photovoltaic platform.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a test device for a floating thin-film photovoltaic platform model simulating different water accumulation levels at sea. The device comprises a fluid distributor, a spray head array, and a thin-film photovoltaic platform model. The thin-film photovoltaic platform model is fixed within a water tank, the spray head array is installed above the thin-film photovoltaic platform model, and the fluid distributor is connected to the spray head array, enabling the fluid distributor to adjust the water flow distribution of the spray head array.

[0007] Furthermore, it also includes a support frame and a horizontal mooring device, wherein the thin-film photovoltaic platform model is fixed in the pool by the horizontal mooring device, and the fluid distributor and the water jet array are fixedly installed on the support frame.

[0008] Furthermore, it also includes a laser displacement sensor, which is mounted on the bracket.

[0009] Furthermore, the thin-film photovoltaic platform model includes a floating ring, and the laser displacement sensor is vertically aligned with a reflector mounted on the surface of the floating ring.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes a centrifugal water pump, which is connected to the fluid distributor via a first flexible hose.

[0011] Furthermore, the centrifugal water pump is also equipped with a flow meter.

[0012] Furthermore, the spray head array is divided into multiple regions, each region is equipped with a spray head, and the multiple regions of the spray head array are respectively connected to the fluid distributor through multiple second flexible hoses.

[0013] Furthermore, each of the second flexible hoses is provided with an independent valve within the fluid distributor.

[0014] Furthermore, the water spray head array is divided into 9 regions, and the number of the second flexible hoses is 9.

[0015] Furthermore, the pool is also equipped with a wave generator, which can simulate different wave conditions within the pool.

[0016] This invention proposes a model test device for a floating thin-film photovoltaic platform at sea to simulate different water accumulation characteristics. The device includes the following core components: a centrifugal water pump with a flow meter, a profile support frame, a fluid distributor with independently controlled valves, precisely arranged spray heads, flexible water pipes, a wave generator, and a high-precision laser displacement sensor. The device can simulate rainfall of varying intensities while coordinating with waves, thereby achieving dynamic testing and quantitative analysis of the impact of localized and global water accumulation. To simulate rainfall, the device uses a centrifugal water pump to provide a stable water flow, which is precisely adjusted by the fluid distributor with independently controlled valves. Each outlet of the distributor is connected to a spray head, which is fixed above the platform by the profile support frame. By adjusting the distributor valves, different flow rates and affected areas (local or global) of rainfall can be simulated. Precise numerical control of the water pressure via the centrifugal water pump allows for adjustment of the initial impact force of the water flow on the platform, adapting to various experimental requirements. Furthermore, the device integrates a laser displacement sensor for buoyancy data acquisition. Based on the principle of laser triangulation, the sensor measures the vertical displacement of the float by illuminating its surface with a laser and capturing real-time changes in the position of the scattered light. This allows for precise quantification of the platform's dynamic buoyancy changes under conditions of water accumulation and waves. Through the coordinated operation of a wave generator and a rainfall system, this invention can simulate complex dynamic responses in extreme environments, such as buoyancy, motion characteristics, and mooring forces, providing high-precision test data for platform design.

[0017] The beneficial technical effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0018] 1. Existing experimental setups typically cannot precisely control rainfall flow and area, only providing rough rainfall simulations, which is insufficient for detailed performance evaluation of floating photovoltaic platforms under different rainfall conditions. This invention designs a fluid diversion system with adjustable flow rate and area of ​​effect, combined with precisely arranged nozzles, to achieve accurate simulation of rainfall, including uniform rainfall of varying intensities and localized concentrated water accumulation. The invention features a fluid diverter with independently controlled valves. Each outlet of the diverter is connected to nine nozzles, which are precisely arranged above the experimental platform via profile supports. By controlling the on / off state and flow rate adjustment of the fluid diverter, precise control of rainfall flow and flexible adjustment of the area of ​​effect can be achieved, accurately simulating global water accumulation during rainfall and localized water accumulation under wave conditions, providing a reliable testing method for the water drainage performance of thin-film photovoltaic platforms. Furthermore, the controllable rainfall flow rate and regional distribution significantly improve experimental repeatability and data reliability, providing a scientific basis for platform design optimization.

[0019] 2. Existing technologies lack the ability to simulate water accumulation in wave environments, particularly struggling to simultaneously analyze the comprehensive impact of both localized and global water accumulation on the platform's dynamic response (e.g., floatability, motion, mooring forces). This invention combines precipitation simulation and a wave generator to achieve coordinated testing of the dynamic response of a thin-film photovoltaic platform under dynamic wave conditions involving both localized and global water accumulation. The model test device utilizes independently controlled spray nozzles and a wave generator working in tandem. By adjusting the precipitation area, wave height, and frequency, it accurately simulates the platform's complex dynamic response under both water accumulation and wave conditions. Simultaneously, a laser displacement sensor collects real-time vertical displacement data of the float ring, dynamically analyzing the platform's motion and stress conditions. The coordinated wave and precipitation test comprehensively evaluates the platform's stability and reliability under extreme environmental conditions, quantifying the impact of water accumulation on the platform's floatability and motion, and providing crucial technical support for platform structural optimization and design safety.

[0020] The experimental device of this invention possesses significant technical advantages and promising prospects for industrial application, providing crucial support for the design, optimization, and safety assessment of thin-film photovoltaic platforms and other floating platform structures. Through innovative rainfall and wave co-simulation technology, combined with a fluid diverter with independently controlled valves and an adjustable profile support frame, the device achieves precise control over rainfall intensity, regional distribution, and impact force. Simultaneously, it can dynamically simulate the combined effects of rainfall and waves on the platform. A high-precision laser displacement sensor monitors the vertical displacement of the float in real time, providing quantitative data support and filling the technological gap in existing experimental devices for water accumulation testing. The device features a modular structure and ease of production and implementation, allowing for cost reduction and efficiency improvement through standardized component manufacturing. Its high measurement accuracy and strong applicability make it widely applicable to the performance verification and optimization of floating photovoltaic platforms and other floating structures, with clear application scenarios in research institutions and engineering companies. The application of this device not only promptly identifies potential design problems, optimizes structural performance, and improves the safety and reliability of floating photovoltaic power generation platforms in extreme environments, but also contributes to the further development of photovoltaic power generation technology, demonstrating significant market value and social benefits, and exhibiting extremely high industrialization potential.

[0021] The following will further explain the concept, specific structure, and technical effects of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, so as to fully understand the purpose, features, and effects of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a model test device for simulating different water accumulation levels on a floating thin-film photovoltaic platform at sea, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the centrifugal pump structure of a model test device for a floating thin-film photovoltaic platform at sea that simulates different water accumulation levels, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the fluid splitter structure of a model test device for simulating different water accumulation levels on a floating thin-film photovoltaic platform at sea, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the spray head array structure of a model test device for simulating different water accumulation levels on a floating thin-film photovoltaic platform at sea, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Among them, 1-centrifugal water pump, 2-fluid distributor, 3-spray head array, 4-support, 5-horizontal mooring device, 6-spray head, 7-first flexible hose, 8-laser displacement sensor, 9-thin film photovoltaic platform model, 10-water tank, 11-float ring. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrates several preferred embodiments of the present invention to make its technical content clearer and easier to understand. The present invention can be embodied in many different forms, and the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments mentioned herein.

[0028] In the accompanying drawings, components with the same structure are indicated by the same numerical designation, and components with similar structures or functions are indicated by similar numerical designations. The dimensions and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrary, and the present invention does not limit the dimensions and thicknesses of each component. To make the illustrations clearer, the thickness of some components has been appropriately exaggerated in the drawings.

[0029] The floating ring 11 and the thin film together constitute the thin-film photovoltaic platform. The overall structure of the thin-film photovoltaic platform model test device is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the device consists of a fluid transfer and flow control system, a device support and fixing system, and a displacement measurement system. The thin-film photovoltaic platform model 9 is placed in the water tank 10. The bracket 4 of the device support and fixing system is fixedly installed on the water tank 10. The thin-film photovoltaic platform model 9 is fixed to the water tank 10 by a horizontal mooring device 5, on which a force sensor is also installed. The structure of the centrifugal water pump 1 is as follows... Figure 2 As shown, the structure of the fluid splitter 2 is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the structure of the water jet array 3 is as follows: Figure 4As shown. The centrifugal pump 1 is also equipped with a flow meter. The fluid distributor 2 and the spray head array 3 are both mounted on the bracket 4. When the centrifugal pump 1 is started, water flow is provided. The first flexible hose 7 introduces water into the fluid distributor 2. The fluid distributor 2, through nine second flexible hoses connected to the spray head array 3, achieves uniform distribution or local concentration of water flow, thus simulating both global rainfall and localized flooding conditions. An independent valve, a needle valve, is installed at the connection point of each second flexible hose on the fluid distributor 2. In the global rainfall condition, all valves connected to the spray head array 3 on the fluid distributor 2 are opened, generating a uniform water flow covering the entire thin-film photovoltaic platform model 9. In the localized flooding condition, only one or several valves corresponding to the edge of the spray head array 3 on the fluid distributor 2 are opened, while the rest are closed, concentrating all flow at the edge of the thin film to simulate flooding.

[0030] Water flows through the sprinkler array 3, creating simulated rainfall. Uniform simulated rainfall covers the entire platform, while localized simulated rainfall is achieved by opening designated valves on the fluid distributor 2, causing corresponding nozzles 6 on the sprinkler array 3 to generate rainfall in designated areas. During the experiment, a laser displacement sensor 8 is mounted on a bracket 4 and vertically aligned with a reflector mounted on the surface of the float 11. The laser displacement sensor 8 can accurately measure the vertical displacement of the float 11 by emitting a laser and receiving the scattered light spot, thereby quantifying the platform's draft changes. By monitoring the vertical displacement of the float 11 in real time, the platform's buoyancy changes and drainage performance under different rainfall modes are recorded, providing data support for evaluating the impact of rainfall on buoyancy stability and drainage capacity.

[0031] In addition, to simulate the impact of different initial impact forces on platform performance, the initial impact force of the water flow can be changed by altering the water pressure using a centrifugal water pump 1. Combined with the vertical displacement change of the float 11 monitored by a laser displacement sensor 8, the impact of the initial impact force on the platform's floating stability and drainage capacity can be analyzed, providing data for platform design optimization.

[0032] Furthermore, the experimental setup can simulate a wave environment using a wave generator to conduct a combined wave and water accumulation test, exploring its comprehensive impact on platform performance. A wave generator is installed in pool 10, and the thin-film photovoltaic platform model 9 is placed in pool 10. Based on simulating different wave conditions by activating the wave generator, rainfall simulation is completed in conjunction with the water jet array 3. The water flow distribution is adjusted by the fluid diverter 2 to simulate both localized and overall water accumulation. During the experiment, the laser displacement sensor 8 monitors the vertical displacement of the float 11 in real time, and the motion capture system records the platform's buoyancy changes, motion characteristics, and the forces acting on the mooring system. This combined test can comprehensively evaluate the combined impact of waves and water accumulation on the dynamic response of the thin-film photovoltaic platform, providing crucial data support for optimizing the platform's drainage performance, stability, and safety in extreme marine environments.

[0033] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make numerous modifications and variations based on the concept of the present invention without creative effort. Therefore, all technical solutions that can be obtained by those skilled in the art based on the concept of the present invention through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation on the basis of existing technology should be within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A model test device for a floating thin-film photovoltaic platform at sea simulating different water accumulation levels, characterized in that, The system includes a fluid splitter, a water jet array, and a thin-film photovoltaic platform model. The thin-film photovoltaic platform model is fixed inside a water tank, the water jet array is installed above the thin-film photovoltaic platform model, and the fluid splitter is connected to the water jet array. The fluid splitter can adjust the water flow distribution of the water jet array. It also includes a support frame and a horizontal mooring device. The thin-film photovoltaic platform model is fixed to the pool by the horizontal mooring device. The fluid distributor and the water jet array are fixedly installed on the support frame. Force sensors are also installed on the horizontal mooring device. It also includes a laser displacement sensor, which is mounted on the bracket; The thin-film photovoltaic platform model includes a floating ring, and the laser displacement sensor is vertically aligned with a reflector mounted on the surface of the floating ring; It also includes a centrifugal water pump, which is equipped with a flow meter. The centrifugal water pump is connected to the fluid distributor through a first flexible hose. The centrifugal water pump changes the water pressure to change the initial impact force of the water flow. Combined with the laser displacement sensor to monitor the vertical displacement change of the float, the influence of the initial impact force on the platform's floating stability and drainage capacity is analyzed. The spray head array is divided into multiple regions, each region equipped with a spray head. These regions are connected to the fluid distributor via multiple second flexible hoses. Each second flexible hose within the fluid distributor has an independent valve. The spray head array is divided into nine regions, and there are nine second flexible hoses in total. The fluid distributor, through the nine second flexible hoses connected to the spray head array, achieves uniform distribution or localized concentration of water flow, thus simulating both global and localized rainfall conditions. In the global rainfall condition, all valves connected to the spray head array on the fluid distributor are opened. The model generates a uniform water flow covering the entire thin-film photovoltaic platform. It can simulate two types of rainfall conditions: local water accumulation and localized wave impact. The local water accumulation simulation is achieved by opening a specified valve on the fluid distributor, causing the corresponding nozzles on the sprinkler array to generate rainfall in a specified area. The localized wave impact simulation is achieved by opening only one or several valves on the edge of the corresponding sprinkler array on the fluid distributor, while closing the rest, so that all the flow is concentrated at the edge of the thin film, thus simulating wave impact and water accumulation. The pool is also equipped with a wave generator, which can simulate different wave conditions in the pool and conduct wave and water accumulation synergy tests. The wave generator simulates different wave conditions and, in combination with the water jet array, completes rainfall simulation. The laser displacement sensor monitors the vertical displacement of the float in real time, and, in combination with the motion capture system, records the floating state changes, motion characteristics, and force conditions of the mooring system of the thin-film photovoltaic platform model.

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