Wind-wave-resistant liftable floating type photovoltaic system and use method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses an anti-storm liftable floating type photovoltaic system which comprises a floating body structure, a photovoltaic panel is installed above the floating body structure, and the lower portion of the floating body structure is connected with a gravity anchor located on the seabed through an anchor chain; the winch is connected with the floating body structure through a steel wire rope and can drive the floating body structure to descend to the position below the sea level. The device can adapt to the deep sea environment and can well cope with severe environments such as strong wind, and the winch can be used for driving the floating body structure to sink to the seabed so as to avoid sea surface storm waves; a traditional floating photovoltaic device depends on a weighted base or rigid anchoring, the wind resistance is limited, and the application sea area range (such as a typhoon high-incidence area) is remarkably expanded by dynamically adjusting the position of a floating body; by sinking to a safe depth, the floating body avoids a typhoon strong wind area, the wind load is reduced, and the photovoltaic panel is prevented from being turned over, torn or collided with the fan tower drum.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of solar photovoltaic power generation, and in particular to a wind and wave resistant liftable floating photovoltaic system and a method of using the same. Background Art

[0002] As the global energy transition continues to accelerate and demand for clean energy continues to soar, available land resources are gradually decreasing. The development of offshore photovoltaics has become a key path to expanding clean energy resources. COSCO's waters boast unique natural advantages, including abundant sunlight and unobstructed sea areas, which fully absorb sunlight and enhance the efficiency of photovoltaic power generation. Furthermore, offshore photovoltaic projects can be integrated with other industries such as offshore wind power and marine aquaculture to build a comprehensive energy system with complementary multi-energy sources, significantly improving the utilization efficiency of marine space.

[0003] The marine photovoltaic industry is currently entering a critical period of rapid development, with numerous large-scale offshore photovoltaic projects underway, demonstrating enormous potential. However, it's important to note that the industry is still in its infancy, facing practical challenges such as a lack of industry standards for construction and operation, and a lack of mature regulatory experience to draw upon.

[0004] Even more challenging is the complex, ever-changing, and extremely harsh marine environment. Extreme weather, such as typhoons, in particular, can often devastate floating photovoltaic installations. Typhoon-induced strong winds and high waves can tear apart photovoltaic modules, damage the floating structure, and cause anchoring systems to fail, leading to equipment sinking to the seabed and causing severe economic losses. Therefore, research on typhoon-resistant technologies for COSCO's floating photovoltaic systems and improving their ability to withstand typhoons have become crucial for ensuring the safe and stable operation of these projects and promoting the healthy and sustainable development of the marine photovoltaic industry.

[0005] At present, the offshore floating photovoltaic industry is still in its early stages, and there is limited understanding of the structural mechanism of action under extreme disasters such as typhoons, huge waves, and strong storm surges. The existing offshore floating photovoltaic structures are not effective in responding to strong typhoons. In strong wind environments, high strength requirements are placed on the floating structure. The connection points between the floating system and the anchoring system are easily deformed or even broken, resulting in failure of the floating anchoring and damage to the platform, making it unsuitable for operation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is: how to solve the problem of insufficient wind resistance of existing offshore floating photovoltaic structures.

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0008] A wind and wave resistant floating photovoltaic system that can be raised and lowered comprises a floating structure with photovoltaic panels mounted on top of the floating structure, and a lower portion of the floating structure connected to a gravity anchor located on the seabed via an anchor chain;

[0009] It also includes a winch, which is connected to the floating structure through a wire rope and can drive the floating structure down to a safe position below the sea level.

[0010] This application uses a winch to drive the floating structure to sink to a safe position below the sea level to avoid sea waves; traditional floating photovoltaics rely on weighted bases or rigid anchors, and have limited wind resistance. The present invention significantly expands the applicable sea area (such as typhoon-prone areas) by dynamically adjusting the position of the floating body; by sinking to a safe depth, the floating body avoids the typhoon strong wind area, reduces wind loads, and prevents photovoltaic panels from being overturned, torn or hitting the wind turbine tower.

[0011] As a further solution of the present invention: the hoist is installed inside the wind turbine tower to reduce the impact of salt spray corrosion.

[0012] As a further solution of the present invention: a pulley is provided on the top of the gravity anchor, and the steel wire rope can pass through the pulley and be connected to the floating structure.

[0013] As a further solution of the present invention: the steel wire rope is selected to be a corrosion-resistant steel cable.

[0014] As a further solution of the present invention: the winch is equipped with a controller and an emergency power supply, and is matched with a wind speed sensor installed in the wind farm. The controller can receive meteorological data to automatically trigger or manually remotely control the start and stop.

[0015] As a further solution of the present invention: when the wind speed sensor detects that the real-time wind speed is greater than or equal to a set threshold, or when the meteorological warning system issues a typhoon warning, the controller can automatically start the winch.

[0016] As a further solution of the present invention: when the wind speed sensor detects that the real-time wind speed is less than a set threshold, or receives a manual reset instruction, the controller starts the winch to rotate in the reverse direction.

[0017] The present invention also discloses an operating method of a wind and wave resistant floating photovoltaic system, comprising the following steps:

[0018] The floating structure first suspends on the sea surface;

[0019] When the real-time wind speed on the sea surface is greater than or equal to the set threshold, the winch starts to slowly tighten the wire rope, and the floating structure gradually tilts under the tension and sinks below the sea surface;

[0020] When the float sinks to a safe depth, the winch locks the wire rope to maintain the float's position;

[0021] When the wind speed on the sea surface drops below the safety threshold, the winch starts to release the wire rope, and the floating structure gradually rises to the sea surface due to its own buoyancy. After the float is in place, the steel cable maintains a slight tension to ensure that the photovoltaic panels are in a horizontal floating state and resume normal power generation.

[0022] As a further solution of the present invention: when the controller receives a typhoon warning from a meteorological warning system or a manual instruction, the winch starts to slowly tighten the wire rope.

[0023] As a further solution of the present invention: when the controller receives a manual reset instruction, the winch starts to release the wire rope.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0025] (1) The floating structure of the present application can adapt to deep-sea environments and can cope well with harsh marine environments such as strong winds. The winch can be used to drive the floating structure to sink below the sea level to avoid sea waves. Traditional floating photovoltaics rely on weighted bases or rigid anchors, and have limited wind resistance. The present invention significantly expands the scope of applicable sea areas (such as typhoon-prone areas) by dynamically adjusting the position of the floating body. By sinking to a safe depth (such as 5 to 10 meters below sea level), the floating body avoids typhoon strong wind areas (the wind speed near the sea surface decreases with height), reduces wind loads, and prevents photovoltaic panels from being overturned, torn, or hitting wind turbine towers.

[0026] (2) This application does not require the addition of additional floating weight, complex anchoring structures, or wave-breaking walls for wind-resistant design, thus reducing the amount of materials used (such as steel and concrete) and lowering the initial investment. After a typhoon, no large-scale overhaul is required, and operation can be resumed by simply resetting the winch. The operation and maintenance costs are significantly lower than those of traditional solutions.

[0027] (3) This application avoids the structural fatigue of photovoltaic modules caused by long-term exposure to strong winds and waves, and extends the life of key components (such as floats and steel cables); the winch is integrated into the wind turbine tower, utilizing existing infrastructure (such as power and communication systems) to reduce the cost of building an independent equipment cabin;

[0028] (4) The present application adopts an integrated design of a lifting float and a winch. The float is connected to the winch inside the wind turbine tower via a steel cable, forming a "float-steel cable-winch" linkage system, which enables the float to be raised and lowered between the sea surface and a safe depth. The winch is installed in the internal space of the wind turbine tower, avoiding the occupation of additional offshore space, while relying on the tower structure to enhance the stability of the system.

[0029] (5) This application is based on simulation calculation of the safe depth of the floating body sinking. The safe depth of the floating body sinking is determined by CFD simulation calculation (such as 5 to 10 meters below sea level), balancing the wind resistance effect and buoyancy requirements, rather than simply fixing the depth. The triggering conditions are intelligent: combined with the wind speed threshold (such as ≥ level 12 wind) or meteorological warning, the sinking is automatically started, replacing manual intervention and improving the timeliness of emergency response. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a wind and wave resistant, liftable floating photovoltaic system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of

[0032] Description of reference numerals:

[0033] 1. Wind turbine tower; 2. Winch; 3. Floating structure; 4. Wire rope; 5. Anchor chain; 6. Gravity anchor; 7. Pulley fixing foundation; 8. Pulley. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] The present invention designs a liftable floating photovoltaic floating structure. Before the arrival of extreme weather such as typhoons, the floating photovoltaic floating platform is actively sunk to a specified depth below the water surface. The water layer buffers the impact of wind and waves, reducing direct confrontation with the typhoon. This solves the problem of insufficient wind resistance of the structure in the existing technology, improves the safety and reliability of the system in extreme environments, and can be applied in the deep sea.

[0036] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 A wind and wave resistant floating photovoltaic system that can be raised and lowered includes a wind turbine tower 1, a winch 2, a floating structure 3 (such as a semi-submersible steel frame platform), a steel wire rope 4, an anchor chain 5, a gravity anchor 6, a pulley fixing base 7, and a pulley 8. Photovoltaic panels are installed above the floating structure 3, and the lower part of the floating structure 3 is connected to a gravity anchor 6 on the seabed via the anchor chain 5.

[0037] A pulley 8 is provided on the top of the gravity anchor 6, and another pulley 8 is provided on the seabed and between the gravity anchor 6 and the wind turbine tower 1. The pulley here is fixed to the seabed through a pulley fixing base 7, and the output end of the winch 2 is connected to the wire rope 4. The wire rope 4 can pass through the two pulleys and connect to the floating structure 3, and can drive the floating structure 3 to rise and fall and descend to the seabed.

[0038] Furthermore, the winch 2 is installed on the wind turbine tower 1, and the wind turbine tower 1 is generally located at a position that does not affect photovoltaic power generation. Its specific position depends on the actual situation of the on-site installation. This application does not limit it and only gives one implementation method; however, the installation position of the wind turbine tower 1 needs to meet the following conditions: the shadow of the wind turbine tower 1 will not illuminate the photovoltaic panels above the floating structure 3, and the offset trajectory of the floating structure caused by the tidal difference will not hit the wind turbine tower 1.

[0039] It should be noted that the steel wire rope 4 is a corrosion-resistant steel cable, and the length of the steel cable must meet the requirement of sinking the floating structure 3 to a specified depth. The corrosion-resistant steel cable also has high safety.

[0040] Reference Figure 1 The winch 2 is equipped with a controller and an emergency power supply. The controller can receive meteorological data to automatically trigger or manually remotely control the start and stop.

[0041] Furthermore, when the wind speed sensor of the wind farm detects that the real-time wind speed is ≥ the set threshold, or the meteorological warning system issues a typhoon warning, the controller automatically starts the winch 2; the winch 2 rotates forward, slowly tightening the steel cable, and the floating structure 3 is gradually tilted by the tension and immersed below the sea surface. When the floating structure 3 sinks to the safe depth calculated by simulation (such as 5 to 10 meters below sea level, the hydrodynamic characteristics of the floating body under different wind speeds and wave heights are simulated by CFD (computational fluid dynamics) to determine the optimal sinking depth), the winch 2 locks the steel cable to maintain the position of the floating body.

[0042] Furthermore, when the wind speed sensor detects that the real-time wind speed is less than the set threshold (such as ≤ level 6 wind, wind speed ≤10.8m / s), or receives a manual reset command, the controller starts the winch 2 to rotate in the opposite direction, and the winch 2 releases the steel cable. The floating structure 3 gradually rises to the sea surface due to its own buoyancy. After the floating structure is in place, the steel cable maintains a slight tension to ensure that the photovoltaic panel is in a horizontal floating state and resumes normal power generation.

[0043] The setting conditions of the threshold are adjusted according to actual needs and are not limited in this application.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 The winch 2 is integrated into the interior of the offshore wind turbine tower 1 (such as the maintenance platform in the middle of the tower or the equipment compartment at the bottom), and the waterproof and sealing design ensures long-term stable operation.

[0045] This system features an innovative structural design. The floating structure 3 is connected to the winch 2 inside the wind turbine tower 1 via an adjustable steel cable to raise and lower the floating structure (unlike traditional fixed floating structures). The winch 2 is integrated into the wind turbine tower 1 (not an independent floating structure or submarine equipment compartment), using the tower structure for support and protection. This overall structure is different from traditional semi-submersible floating structures and can better cope with strong wind and wave environments.

[0046] The sinking trigger mechanism is innovative. Based on the wind speed threshold (such as ≥ set wind speed) or meteorological warning signals, the winch 2 is automatically controlled to tighten the steel cable to sink the floating body (different from the passive wind-resistant design). The safe depth of the floating body sinking is determined by simulation calculation (such as CFD simulation). This depth is related to the wind speed and wave height parameters (not an empirical value or a fixed value); based on the simulation calculation of the safe depth of the floating body sinking, the safe depth of the floating body sinking is determined by CFD simulation calculation (such as 5-10 meters below sea level), balancing the wind resistance effect and buoyancy requirements, rather than a simple fixed depth. Intelligent triggering conditions: Combined with the wind speed threshold (such as ≥ level 12 wind) or meteorological warning, the sinking is automatically initiated, replacing manual intervention and improving the timeliness of emergency response.

[0047] The specific operating principles of this application are as follows:

[0048] When there is no wind or the wind speed is below the safety threshold, the floating structure 3 is suspended on the sea surface;

[0049] When the real-time wind speed on the sea surface is greater than or equal to the set threshold, or the meteorological warning system issues a typhoon warning, the winch 2 starts to slowly tighten the wire rope, and the floating structure 3 gradually tilts under the tension and sinks below the sea surface;

[0050] When the floating structure 3 sinks to a safe depth, the winch 2 locks the wire rope to maintain the floating structure position;

[0051] When the wind speed on the sea surface drops below the safety threshold, or a manual reset command is received, the winch 2 starts to release the wire rope 4, and the floating structure 3 gradually rises to the sea surface due to its own buoyancy. After the floating structure is in place, the wire rope 4 maintains a slight tension to ensure that the photovoltaic panel is in a horizontal floating state and resumes normal power generation.

[0052] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit the same. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A wind and wave resistant floating photovoltaic system, comprising a floating structure (3), a photovoltaic panel installed above the floating structure (3), characterized in that: The lower part of the floating structure (3) is connected to a gravity anchor (6) located on the seabed via an anchor chain (5); The invention also includes a winch (2), which is connected to the floating structure (3) via a steel wire rope (4) and can drive the floating structure (3) to descend below the sea level.

2. The wind and wave resistant floating photovoltaic system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hoist (2) is installed on the wind turbine tower (1), and the deflection trajectory of the floating structure (3) caused by the tidal difference will not collide with the wind turbine tower (1).

3. The wind and wave resistant floating photovoltaic system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A pulley is provided on the top of the gravity anchor (6), and the steel wire rope (4) can pass through the pulley and be connected to the floating structure (3).

4. The wind and wave resistant floating photovoltaic system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steel wire rope (4) is a corrosion-resistant steel cable.

5. The wind and wave resistant floating photovoltaic system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hoist (2) is equipped with a wind speed sensor, a controller and an emergency power supply. The controller can receive meteorological data to automatically trigger or manually remotely control the start and stop.

6. The wind and wave resistant floating photovoltaic system according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the wind speed sensor detects that the real-time wind speed is greater than or equal to a set threshold, the controller can automatically start the winch (2).

7. The wind and wave resistant floating photovoltaic system according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the wind speed sensor detects that the real-time wind speed is less than a set threshold value, the controller starts the winch (2) to rotate in the reverse direction.

8. An operating method for a wind and wave resistant floating photovoltaic system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The steps include: The floating structure first suspends on the sea surface; When the real-time wind speed on the sea surface is greater than or equal to the set threshold, the winch starts to slowly tighten the wire rope, and the floating structure gradually tilts under the tension and sinks below the sea surface; When the floating structure sinks to a safe depth, the winch locks the wire rope to maintain the floating structure's position; When the wind speed on the sea surface drops below the safety threshold, or a manual reset command is received, the winch starts to release the wire rope, and the floating structure gradually rises to the sea surface due to its own buoyancy. After the float is in place, the wire rope maintains a slight tension to ensure that the photovoltaic panels are in a horizontal floating state and resume normal power generation.

9. The method for operating a wind and wave resistant floating photovoltaic system according to claim 8, characterized in that: When the controller receives a typhoon warning from the meteorological warning system or a manual instruction, the winch starts to slowly tighten the wire rope.

10. The method for operating a wind and wave resistant floating photovoltaic system according to claim 8, characterized in that: When the controller receives a manual reset command, the winch starts to release the wire rope.

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