Self-driven water-cooled pneumatic stable offshore photovoltaic support platform and control method

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of offshore photovoltaic support platforms, and specifically provides a self-driven water-cooled pneumatic stable offshore photovoltaic support platform and a control method. The platform utilizes a pneumatic group column structure composed of an oscillating water column cavity, effectively dissipates wave energy through the dynamic coupling effect of compressed air in the cavity and external waves, significantly reduces the motion response of the platform under complex sea conditions, and thus realizes self-adaptive stability. Meanwhile, the same air cavity pressure fluctuation drives the circulation of seawater to form a self-driven water-cooling system without external energy consumption, which is used for driving seawater to be taken, circulating and photovoltaic component heat dissipation to improve the power generation efficiency of the photovoltaic component. The platform realizes collaborative optimization in structural stability and energy utilization, and has excellent wave resistance performance and energy self-sustaining capacity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention pertains to offshore photovoltaic support platforms, specifically relating to a self-driven water-cooled aerodynamically stabilized offshore photovoltaic support platform and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Offshore photovoltaics, an important branch of the solar energy industry, is a new field of renewable energy development with great potential, high comprehensive benefits, and environmental friendliness. It will play a significant role in establishing a sustainable energy system and promoting national economic development and environmental protection.

[0003] The most common form of offshore photovoltaic (PV) is the floating PV structure. Traditional floating PV support platforms generally adopt a basic design concept of "passive buoyancy + mooring system." For example, Chinese invention patent CN114852273A discloses a steel-framed floating pontoon type offshore PV platform. This platform provides buoyancy through a combination of a steel frame structure and pontoons, supplemented by an anchor chain mooring system. Based on the principle of passively adapting to the marine environment, it achieves stable floating and structural response under wave action. Another example is Chinese invention patent application CN114644088A. One example is a double-buoy thin-film floating photovoltaic power generation platform. This platform provides buoyancy and shape maintenance through the synergy of inner and outer double floats and a flexible membrane, and enhances structural rigidity and deformation resistance with the help of drainage fences and stress ropes. Another example is a floating pontoon type offshore photovoltaic platform disclosed in Chinese invention patent application CN117104425A. This platform provides buoyancy by using a combination of cuboid structure pontoons and high-density buoyancy filling materials, and is supplemented by a flexible connection system with bearing movable connectors and cables to achieve rotational stress relief and structural buffering of the offshore photovoltaic platform under wave action.

[0004] The floating offshore photovoltaic support platforms mentioned above mostly employ lightweight floating body structures. These structures have shallow drafts and small waterline areas, making them highly sensitive to changes in the mass of the superstructure and external loads. They are prone to significant attitude responses under the influence of wind, waves, and currents, all exhibiting stability issues in marine environments. These structures rely on the buoyancy of the floating body itself and the passive restoring force of the mooring system to maintain steady state, lacking effective active or passive damping mechanisms to suppress dynamic responses. When encountering long-period waves or extreme sea states, the platform is prone to excessive heave, roll, and other motion responses, which not only affect the performance of the photovoltaic modules but may also lead to stress concentration, fatigue damage, or even failure of the mooring system, resulting in insufficient overall stability.

[0005] Furthermore, in existing floating offshore photovoltaic (PV) structures, the increased temperature of the PV modules during operation leads to a decrease in power generation efficiency (on average, energy output increases by 1% for every 2.5°C decrease in temperature). Although seawater is a natural cooling medium, most current technical solutions still rely on electrically driven cooling systems. For example, Chinese utility model patent CN218549863U discloses a cooling device for offshore PV panels using semiconductor water cooling, and Chinese invention patent CN113437937A discloses an automatic cooling system and its operating method for a floating PV power station, using spray cooling. The active circulating water cooling systems in these two technologies are powered entirely by external electricity or the platform's own power generation to maintain the circulation of the cooling medium. This mode increases the system's energy consumption and operating costs, reducing net energy gains, which contradicts the green and self-sufficient principles of offshore PV. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the stability issues of floating photovoltaic platforms in marine environments and the high energy consumption and operating costs of photovoltaic modules, this invention proposes a self-driven water-cooled aerodynamically stabilized offshore photovoltaic support platform and its control method, achieving synergistic optimization of structural stability and energy utilization.

[0007] Working principle:

[0008] The platform of this invention utilizes an aerodynamic column structure mainly composed of an inverted open cylinder and a bidirectional airflow duct equipped with an electric shut-off valve. Through the dynamic coupling between compressed air inside the cavity and external waves, wave energy is effectively dissipated, significantly reducing the platform's motion response under complex sea conditions, thereby achieving adaptive stability. At the same time, relying on the pressure fluctuations of the same air cavity system to drive the circulation of seawater, a self-driving water-cooling system that requires no external energy consumption is formed to reduce the operating temperature of photovoltaic modules and improve power generation efficiency. This platform achieves synergistic optimization in terms of structural stability and energy utilization, and has excellent wave resistance and energy self-sufficiency.

[0009] The technical solution of this invention is as follows: This invention proposes a self-driven, water-cooled, aerodynamically stabilized offshore photovoltaic support platform, comprising a platform and photovoltaic modules mounted thereon, wherein the platform is composed of several platform units connected together; each platform unit includes:

[0010] The pneumatic column structure consists of multiple oscillating water column cavities located at the bottom of the platform unit. Each cavity contains seawater at the bottom and forms a closed air chamber at the top, with a pressure sensor installed in the closed air chamber. Adjacent cavities are connected by bidirectional airflow pipes equipped with electric shut-off valves, and at least one cavity has a water inlet on its side wall.

[0011] The self-driven water cooling system includes a collection and rectification box and a collection and drainage buffer box mounted on the platform unit, as well as a heat dissipation pipe connected between the two; the collection and rectification box is connected to the water inlet through a water guide pipe.

[0012] The controller is used to adjust the electric shut-off valve based on data from each pressure sensor;

[0013] When the platform is in service, the wave action drives seawater through the inlet and water pipe into the collection and rectification box, and flows through the heat dissipation pipe to cool the photovoltaic modules. At the same time, it causes changes in the pressure of the air chamber inside the cavity, which is coordinated and regulated by the controller through each electric shut-off valve.

[0014] Furthermore, the pneumatic column structure also includes an air supply port equipped with a one-way check valve. The air supply port is connected to one of the closed air chambers and is also connected to an air pump, which delivers air into the chamber. The controller is electrically connected to the air pump to control the opening and closing of the air pump.

[0015] Furthermore, the heat dissipation pipe is attached to the back of the photovoltaic panel of the photovoltaic module; a liquid level sensor is installed in the collection and drainage buffer tank to monitor the water level in the collection and drainage buffer tank in real time; and an overflow port or discharge pipe is provided on the collection and drainage buffer tank.

[0016] Furthermore, the collection and drainage buffer tank is also connected to a water pump, which is used to provide auxiliary pumping when the wave driving force is insufficient, and the controller is electrically connected to the water pump to control the opening and closing of the water pump.

[0017] Furthermore, the oscillating water column cavity is a vertically penetrating cavity; the multiple cavities of each platform unit are arranged in a matrix.

[0018] Furthermore, the platform unit has a modular structure, and adjacent platform units can be detachably connected through connecting components.

[0019] This invention also proposes a control method for a self-driven water-cooled aerodynamically stabilized offshore photovoltaic support platform, applied to the aforementioned self-driven water-cooled aerodynamically stabilized offshore photovoltaic support platform, implemented for each platform unit (1), including the following steps:

[0020] S1. Real-time acquisition of instantaneous air pressure in each enclosed air chamber;

[0021] S2. Calculate the absolute value of the pressure difference between adjacent closed air chambers; sort the closed air chambers according to the pressure difference, and set the electric shut-off valve corresponding to the largest pressure difference as the main control valve, the electric shut-off valve corresponding to the second largest pressure difference as the auxiliary control valve, and the electric shut-off valves corresponding to the remaining pressure differences as holding valves.

[0022] S3. The main control valve, auxiliary control valve, and holding valve are adjusted using a segmented opening adjustment function, wherein the segmented opening adjustment function is:

[0023] ;

[0024] In the formula, This is the threshold for small dynamic differential pressure.

[0025] The threshold for large dynamic differential pressure;

[0026] Minimum opening;

[0027] This is the maximum opening.

[0028] k is a coefficient that controls the rate of change of the opening degree;

[0029] ij represents the corresponding number combination of a pair of adjacent closed air chambers. For example, when the four closed air chambers in the platform unit are numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4 in sequence, ij ∈ {(1,2),(2,3),(3,4),(4,1)}.

[0030] t represents the current time.

[0031] The absolute value of the pressure difference between adjacent air chambers at time t;

[0032] S4. Repeat the above steps periodically to achieve continuous adaptive aerodynamic balance control.

[0033] Furthermore, step S3 further includes solving... and The calculation formula is as follows:

[0034] ; ;

[0035] in, This is the upper limit coefficient for the small pressure difference zone. ;

[0036] This is the lower limit coefficient for the large pressure difference zone. ;

[0037] To control the number of cycles;

[0038] Record the maximum differential pressure of the platform unit (1) in the current cycle for each control cycle;

[0039] This is the time index corresponding to the k-th control cycle, used to represent the maximum differential pressure statistical interval within that cycle;

[0040] t represents the current time.

[0041] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0042] The self-driven water-cooling system of this invention works in conjunction with the aerodynamic column structure to ensure more efficient cooling water circulation as waves become stronger and air pressure fluctuations become more significant. This creates a positive feedback mechanism between energy utilization and structural response, simultaneously enhancing platform stability and improving the efficient heat dissipation of photovoltaic modules, thereby significantly improving overall power generation efficiency and operational reliability. The platform achieves synergistic optimization in structural stability and energy utilization, possessing excellent wave resistance and energy self-sufficiency.

[0043] The aerodynamic column structure proposed in this invention, through the dynamic coupling of compressed air within the cavity and external waves, combined with the air pressure linkage and controllable damping adjustment mechanism between the columns, can effectively convert incident wave energy into the internal and kinetic energy of the gas for dissipation, thus realizing the transformation of the platform from "passive response" to "active suppression". This structure significantly reduces the platform's motion amplitude in multi-field coupled environments such as wind, waves, and currents, improving attitude stability and wave resistance survivability.

[0044] The self-driven water cooling system of this invention utilizes the air pressure fluctuations generated by the aerodynamically stabilized column group under the action of waves as the main driving force to realize the automatic water intake and circulation cooling of seawater. The system is mainly driven by wave energy and supplemented by photovoltaic power, which reduces external energy consumption and ensures the continuity and reliability of the cooling process. This design effectively suppresses the thermal decay effect during the operation of photovoltaic modules, significantly improves power generation efficiency, and takes into account energy saving and sustainability, solving the problems of high energy consumption and low efficiency of traditional water cooling systems. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall multi-module platform unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the inter-module hinged component structure according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the inter-module hinged component structure according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0048] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the platform unit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the platform unit structure according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the layout of the self-driven water cooling system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0051] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the layout of the self-driven water cooling system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0052] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the pneumatic column structure and self-driven water cooling system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the numbering of the oscillating water column cavity, channel, and controllable valves in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the segmented adjustment rate of the valve opening coefficient in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0055] In the above figures: 1. Platform unit; 100. Pneumatic column structure; 110. Oscillating water column cavity; 111. Seawater containment; 112. Enclosed air chamber; 1121. Air chamber 1; 1122. Air chamber 2; 1123. Air chamber 3; 1124. Air chamber 4; 113. Water inlet; 120. Pressure sensor; 130. Bidirectional airflow duct; 131. Channel 1; 132. Channel 2; 133. Channel 3; 134. Channel 4; 140. Electric shut-off. Valves; 141, Valve No. 1; 142, Valve No. 2; 143, Valve No. 3; 144, Valve No. 4; 150, Air inlet; 200, Self-driven water cooling system; 210, Water pipe; 220, Collection and rectifier box; 230, Heat dissipation pipe; 240, Collection and drainage buffer box; 250, Water pump; 300, Deck; 400, Photovoltaic module; 410, Photovoltaic panel; 500, Mooring; 2, Connecting assembly; 21, Fixing plate; 22, Female lock; 23, Male lock. Detailed Implementation

[0056] To facilitate understanding of the present invention by those skilled in the art, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] Example 1

[0058] This invention proposes a self-driven water-cooled aerodynamically stabilized offshore photovoltaic support platform, which includes several modular platform units 1. Adjacent platform units 1 can be detachably connected, which facilitates modular array expansion. The connected platform units 1 are positioned by moorings 500 around the platform.

[0059] like Figure 1As shown, the single-module platform unit 1 can be horizontally arrayed and spliced ​​together via connecting components 2 to form a multi-module joint working system. The connecting components 2 between platform units 1 enable rapid assembly and disassembly. This modular design facilitates large-scale platform expansion and transportation deployment, offering flexibility and wide applicability. It can be flexibly combined according to the sea area and power generation needs, while maintaining or replacing individual modules without affecting overall operational stability, significantly improving the system's engineering adaptability and operation and maintenance efficiency.

[0060] Specifically, the connecting assembly 2 includes a fixed plate 21 fixedly connected to the deck 300 on the upper part of the platform, and male / female latches hinged to the fixed plate 21. Adjacent platform units 1 are connected by locking with male latch 23 and female latch 22. See [reference needed] Figure 2 , 3 .

[0061] like Figure 4 , 5 As shown, platform unit 1 includes a deck 300, on the top surface of which multiple photovoltaic modules 400 are fixedly connected. A self-driven water cooling system 200 is connected to the photovoltaic modules 400 to cool them down. A pneumatic column structure 100 is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the deck 300 and is connected to the self-driven water cooling system 200. The dynamic change of air pressure inside the cavity generated by wave action is used as the driving force for the self-driven water cooling system 200.

[0062] The pneumatic column structure 100 includes multiple oscillating water column cavities 110. Each oscillating water column cavity 110 is an inverted open hollow cylinder, hereinafter referred to as a cavity. The lower part of the cavity contains seawater 111, and the upper part forms a closed air chamber 112 containing compressed air. A pressure sensor 120 is provided at the top or side wall near the upper part of the closed air chamber 112. A bidirectional airflow pipe 130 is provided between two adjacent cavities and at the location of the closed air chamber 112. An electric shut-off valve 140 is provided in the bidirectional airflow pipe 130. The controller adjusts the electric shut-off valve 140 according to the data of each pressure sensor 120. At least one cavity has a water inlet 113 on its side wall, and a one-way check valve (not shown in the figure) is provided in the water inlet 113. In this embodiment, each cavity has a water inlet 113 to increase the water inflow. The photovoltaic module 400 supplies power to the controller, the electric shut-off valve 140, and the pressure sensor 120.

[0063] Considering that compressed air will gradually dissolve in seawater during long-term operation, but the amount dissolved is limited, only one air inlet 150 with a one-way check valve (not shown in the figure) needs to be installed on the top deck 300. The air inlet 150 is connected to one of the closed air chambers 112, and the supplemented air is transferred to the other air chambers through the bidirectional airflow pipe 130 to maintain the overall air pressure stability. The air inlet 150 is connected to an air pump (not shown in the figure), which delivers air into the chamber. The controller is electrically connected to the air pump to control its opening and closing. When the air pressure in a closed air chamber 112 is consistently lower than the preset lower limit, the controller triggers the air pump to start based on the monitoring signal from the pressure sensor 120, supplementing air to the closed air chamber 112 through the air inlet 150; it automatically shuts off when the air pressure rises back to the working range.

[0064] Deck 300 serves as the upper load-bearing structure of the platform. It can be made of high-strength composite materials or corrosion-resistant metal and is used to install photovoltaic modules 400 and provide walking and maintenance access for operation and maintenance personnel. Deck 300 has sufficient rigidity and strength to effectively distribute the upper load (such as photovoltaic panels, wind load, personnel and equipment) and the wave load transmitted by the lower cavity.

[0065] Deck 300 is securely connected to the top of the cavity via embedded parts, high-strength bolts, or welding, forming a rigid, integrated structure. This allows the aerodynamic restoring force generated by the cavity in waves to be effectively transferred to the upper platform, enhancing overall stability. The surface of Deck 300 is treated with an anti-slip coating and can be equipped with pre-installed maintenance access and anchoring points to meet the requirements for offshore maintenance and safe operation.

[0066] The photovoltaic modules 400 are fixed to the top deck 300 of the platform using specialized mounting clamps or pressure blocks. The electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic modules 400 is collected and output through a waterproof and sealed wiring system, ensuring the safety and reliability of the system operation.

[0067] The cavity is the basic buoyancy unit of the pneumatic column structure 100. Through the dynamic coupling between the compressed air inside the cavity and the external waves, the wave energy is effectively dissipated, significantly reducing the motion response of the platform under complex sea conditions, thereby achieving adaptive stability.

[0068] Specifically, in this embodiment, the cavity material can be concrete or corrosion-resistant metal. The cavity is vertically continuous, allowing for the free rise and fall of the seawater 111 inside. The multiple cavities of the pneumatic column structure 100 are arranged in a matrix. In this embodiment, four cavities are used for illustration, but other numbers can be used as needed, and there is no limitation here.

[0069] Under still water conditions, a closed air cavity is formed between the cavity and the internal free water surface. When platform unit 1 is deployed in a marine environment, the air inside the cavity is compressed due to the structural gravity, filling the cavity with compressed air at a pressure slightly higher than atmospheric pressure. This compressed air exerts pressure on the column walls, thereby providing the main buoyancy, and the magnitude of the buoyancy is directly related to the air pressure inside the cavity.

[0070] Under the influence of waves, the free water level within the multiple chambers dynamically rises and falls with the platform's undulations, causing dynamic compression and expansion of the air within the chambers. When the free water level rises, the air within the sealed chambers is compressed, increasing the chamber pressure and buoyancy. This causes the platform to move upwards, preventing seawater splashing or submersion and also counteracting the rising free water level, thus reducing wave height. When the free water level falls, the volume of the sealed chambers increases, the air pressure decreases, and buoyancy decreases. The platform then moves downwards under its own weight, preventing the structure from leaving the water surface.

[0071] The alternating motion of the gas-liquid interface described above continuously cycles, enabling the platform to maintain a relatively stable vertical response amidst waves.

[0072] To further balance the air pressure distribution, a bidirectional airflow duct 130, higher than the free water surface, is installed between the cavities. When the air pressure in each cavity differs, air can flow through the bidirectional airflow duct 130 to achieve adaptive pressure equalization, significantly reducing the instantaneous peak value of wave loading. Simultaneously, an electrically operated shut-off valve 140 is installed within the bidirectional airflow duct 130 to regulate the airflow rate. When the air pressure difference exceeds a set threshold, the electrically operated shut-off valve 140 automatically limits or opens, creating a controllable aerodynamic damping effect, thereby effectively improving the platform's motion performance and stability under wave action.

[0073] Unlike traditional floating photovoltaic modules, which are typically lightweight, shallow-draft, and have a small waterline, making them extremely sensitive to changes in the mass of the superstructure and prone to significant attitude responses under wave action, this invention innovatively incorporates an aerodynamic column structure 100, which significantly increases the overall draft of the platform, enhances the stability recovery torque, and significantly reduces the sensitivity to the mass of the superstructure.

[0074] In summary, the pneumatic column structure 100 of the present invention can effectively weaken the incident wave energy and reduce the intensity of the wave's effect on the platform through the dynamic coupling between the compressed air inside the cavity and the waves; at the same time, it can realize adaptive air pressure adjustment and aerodynamic damping control, thereby significantly improving the overall stability of the marine photovoltaic system and improving the distribution characteristics of wave loads on the structure.

[0075] like Figure 6 , 7As shown, the self-driven water cooling system 200 includes a collection and rectification box 220 and a collection and drainage buffer box 240 installed on the platform unit 1, and a heat dissipation pipe 230 connected between the two; the collection and rectification box 220 is connected to the water inlet 113 through a water guide pipe 210.

[0076] When the platform is in service, the wave action drives seawater through the inlet 113 and the water guide pipe 210 into the collection and rectification box 220, and flows through the heat dissipation pipe 230 to cool the photovoltaic module 400. At the same time, it causes changes in the pressure of the air chamber inside the cavity, which is coordinated and regulated by the controller through each electric shut-off valve 140.

[0077] Specifically, the inlet 113 is located on the side wall of the cavity and below the free water surface of the seawater 111. The inlet 113 is connected to the water guide pipe 210, which is connected to the collection and rectification box 220, which is fixedly connected to the deck 300. The collection and rectification box 220 is designed with a large capacity to ensure a larger water storage capacity, thereby extending the cooling cycle and improving the system's self-sufficiency under continuous heat load.

[0078] When the platform undergoes heave motion under the influence of waves, the enclosed gas within the cavity is compressed and expanded, causing periodic changes in air pressure and creating pressure fluctuations. These pressure fluctuations act as a driving force, propelling seawater through the inlet 113 equipped with a one-way check valve into the water guide pipe 210, preventing backflow. The water guide pipe 210 employs a large diameter to allow more seawater to enter simultaneously with each pressure fluctuation, thereby improving the water replenishment efficiency of the collection and rectification box 220. Multiple water guide pipes 210 converge into the collection and rectification box 220, achieving unified storage and distribution of seawater.

[0079] The heat dissipation pipe 230 is connected to the collection and rectifier box 220. The heat dissipation pipe 230 employs a smaller diameter design to increase the heat exchange area ratio of the water within the pipe and extend the residence time of the water at the back plate, allowing the limited water volume to fully absorb heat and improving the utilization efficiency of seawater within the collection and rectifier box 220. To achieve efficient heat dissipation, the back of the photovoltaic panel 410 is tightly fitted to the heat dissipation pipe 230, with the contact surface filled with thermally conductive silicone grease or a thermally conductive pad to reduce thermal resistance and allow the working heat to be rapidly conducted to the circulating seawater. The heat dissipation pipe 230 is connected to the collection and drainage buffer box 240 to achieve seawater circulation cooling within the heat dissipation components. The heat dissipation pipe 230 can adopt a serpentine layout or other existing structures to extend the flow path and improve cooling efficiency.

[0080] A level sensor is installed inside the collection and drainage buffer tank 240 to monitor the water level in real time. The collection and drainage buffer tank 240 is equipped with an overflow port or discharge pipe for discharging water when it becomes excessive. A water pump 250 is also connected to the collection and drainage buffer tank 240 and serves as an auxiliary backup device to provide auxiliary pumping when the wave driving force is insufficient. In this embodiment, the water pump 250 is a DC electric water pump, which can be powered by the photovoltaic module 400.

[0081] Once the water level in the collection and rectifier tank 220 reaches the set height, further changes in the internal air pressure will force seawater into the connected heat dissipation pipe 230. After absorbing heat through the heat dissipation pipe 230, the seawater flows into the collection and discharge buffer tank 240, achieving circulating cooling. A liquid level sensor monitors the water level in real time, enabling automatic start / stop and safety control.

[0082] Thanks to the introduction of the aforementioned aerodynamic column structure 100, the platform's draft is increased and its stability is significantly enhanced, reducing its overall sensitivity to additional loads from above. Therefore, a larger capacity collection and rectifier box 220 can be installed to store and circulate cooling water. This design not only extends the cycle time of the water cooling system but also improves the platform's energy self-sufficiency under continuous cooling conditions.

[0083] This invention utilizes a pneumatic column structure 100 and a self-driven water cooling system 200 to achieve a pneumatic-driven and water-circulation mechanism. The system relies on wave-induced air pressure fluctuations to achieve self-driven water cooling of the photovoltaic panel 410. Only under conditions of insufficient driving force or special operating circumstances does a DC water pump 250 powered by the photovoltaic module 400 itself provide auxiliary water pumping. This mechanism significantly reduces external energy consumption and effectively controls the temperature rise of the photovoltaic module 400, thereby improving overall power generation efficiency and platform operational stability.

[0084] Unlike existing cooling systems that rely on external energy to maintain the circulation of the cooling medium, this invention utilizes pressure fluctuations within the same air chamber system to drive seawater circulation, forming a self-driving water-cooling system 200 that requires no external energy consumption. This system reduces the operating temperature of the photovoltaic modules 400 and improves power generation efficiency. As a result, the platform achieves synergistic optimization in structural stability and energy utilization, exhibiting excellent wave resistance and energy self-sufficiency.

[0085] This invention innovatively integrates the pneumatic column structure 100 with the self-driven water cooling system 200, utilizing the dynamic interaction between compressed air and waves within the inverted open cavity matrix to achieve both platform steady-state control and photovoltaic module cooling functions within the same structure.

[0086] Figure 8 This demonstrates how the platform works:

[0087] On one hand, under the action of waves, the free water surface inside each inverted open cavity rises and falls alternately with the platform's undulations, causing dynamic compression and expansion of the air inside the cavity. The gas flows between the column cavities through the bidirectional airflow pipe 130 and is regulated by the electric shut-off valve 140 to achieve dynamic balance of air pressure. The resulting aerodynamic coupling system can automatically adjust the buoyancy distribution and aerodynamic damping when wave peaks and troughs change, enabling the platform to maintain excellent stability and wave resistance performance even in complex sea conditions. At the same time, the air pressure change process is accompanied by the dissipation and conversion of wave energy, effectively weakening the amplitude of the waves on the platform and creating a relatively stable water environment below the platform.

[0088] On the other hand, the pressure fluctuations within the cavity are used as the driving force for the self-driven water cooling system 200, propelling seawater through a water pipe equipped with a one-way check valve into the collection and rectification tank 220 for storage. Subsequently, further changes in pressure force the seawater into the heat dissipation pipes 230 attached to the back of the photovoltaic panel 410, allowing it to circulate within the pipes and absorb the heat generated by the module's operation. After passing through the heat dissipation pipes 230, the seawater is guided into the collection and discharge buffer tank 240, where it is discharged once full, thus achieving efficient cooling without external energy consumption.

[0089] This process establishes a positive coupling between the platform's aerodynamic column structure 100 and the self-driven water cooling system 200: the stronger the waves, the more significant the air pressure fluctuations, the more active the stabilization function, the stronger the cooling power, and the more complete the cooling water circulation, achieving a synergistic enhancement of vibration suppression and cooling effects. The two form a positive feedback mechanism between energy utilization and structural response, simultaneously improving platform stability and efficient heat dissipation of photovoltaic modules, thereby significantly improving overall power generation efficiency and operational reliability.

[0090] This invention significantly improves the stability, energy utilization, and power generation efficiency of offshore photovoltaic support platforms through its innovatively designed aerodynamic column structure 100 and self-driven water cooling system 200.

[0091] 1. Platform stability has been significantly enhanced.

[0092] The aerodynamic column structure 100 proposed in this invention, through the dynamic coupling between compressed air within the cavity and external waves, combined with the air pressure linkage and controllable damping adjustment mechanism between the columns, can effectively convert incident wave energy into the internal and kinetic energy of the gas for dissipation, realizing the transformation of the platform from "passive response" to "active suppression". This structure significantly reduces the platform's motion amplitude in multi-field coupled environments such as wind, waves, and currents, improving attitude stability and wave resistance survivability.

[0093] 2. Improved energy utilization and power generation efficiency

[0094] The self-driven water cooling system 200 of this invention utilizes the air pressure fluctuations generated by the aerodynamic column structure 100 under wave action as the main driving force to achieve automatic seawater intake and circulating cooling. The system is primarily driven by wave energy and secondarily by photovoltaic power, which reduces external energy consumption while ensuring the continuity and reliability of the cooling process. This design effectively suppresses the thermal degradation effect during photovoltaic module operation, significantly improves power generation efficiency, and simultaneously considers energy saving and sustainability, solving the problems of high energy consumption and low efficiency in traditional water cooling systems.

[0095] Example 2

[0096] Due to the randomness of waves and the large scale of the platform, the gas compression and expansion processes in different cavities have significant spatial differences. To prevent the formation of transient pressure bias, this invention proposes a control method for a self-driven water-cooled aerodynamically stabilized offshore photovoltaic support platform. This method is applied to the aforementioned offshore photovoltaic support platform and implemented for each platform unit 1. A graded opening adjustment strategy based on pressure difference sensing is adopted to control the electric shut-off valve 140 arranged in the bidirectional airflow duct 130. The valve opening can be adjusted within a continuous range to dynamically match the pressure difference between each air cavity.

[0097] When the pressure in a certain air chamber is significantly higher than that in the adjacent air chambers, the corresponding valve automatically increases its opening to quickly release pressure; conversely, it decreases its opening to delay pressure equalization. The opening adjustment range of each valve in the module is coordinated to achieve differentiated airflow distribution control and construct a finite rate pressure equalization process with damping characteristics.

[0098] The control method includes the following steps:

[0099] S1. Real-time acquisition of instantaneous air pressure in each enclosed air chamber 112.

[0100] In this embodiment, a platform unit 1 includes four inverted open cavity cylinders arranged in a rectangular shape, with adjacent air chambers connected only by independent bidirectional airflow channels, such as... Figure 9 As shown, if the closed air chambers 112 of the multiple cavities are numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4 clockwise, the following connection relationship is formed:

[0101] Channel 131, Valve 141: Air chamber 1121 and air chamber 1122;

[0102] 2 channels 132, 2 valves 142: No. 2 air chamber 1122 and No. 3 air chamber 1123;

[0103] 3 channels 133, 3 valves 143: No. 3 air chamber 1123 and No. 4 air chamber 1124;

[0104] 4 channels 134, 4 valves 144: No. 4 air chamber 1124 and No. 1 air chamber 1121.

[0105] Therefore, the module has a total of 4 airflow channels and 4 controllable shut-off valves. Let the instantaneous air pressure in the i-th air chamber be:

[0106] ;

[0107] S2. Calculate the absolute value of the pressure difference between adjacent closed air chambers 112; sort the closed air chambers 112 according to the pressure difference, and set the electric shut-off valve 140 corresponding to the largest pressure difference as the main control valve, the electric shut-off valve 140 corresponding to the second largest pressure difference as the auxiliary control valve, and the electric shut-off valve 140 corresponding to the remaining pressure differences as the holding valve.

[0108] Specifically, the absolute value of the pressure difference between adjacent air chambers is defined as:

[0109] ;

[0110] Therefore, the four pressure differences, ordered by magnitude, are as follows:

[0111] ;

[0112] Among them, the cavity corresponding to the largest pressure difference is the adjacent air cavity with the most severe current pressure imbalance, and its corresponding valve is denoted as "main control valve". The electric shut-off valve 140 corresponding to the second largest pressure difference is denoted as "auxiliary control valve", and the electric shut-off valve 140 corresponding to the other two pressure differences is denoted as "holding valve".

[0113] S3. The main control valve, auxiliary control valve, and holding valve are regulated through a segmented opening adjustment function. For the valve corresponding to the maximum pressure difference, rapid pressure relief and reduction of transient peak values ​​on both sides of the channel can be achieved; for the valve corresponding to the second largest pressure difference, gentle pressure equalization regulation can be achieved; and for the holding valve corresponding to a smaller pressure difference, the valve maintains a near-normal opening. The low opening zone is designed to maintain the necessary overall support stiffness and operational stability of the module under external wave loads.

[0114] Valve opening coefficient .

[0115] in, Indicates complete shutdown. Indicates fully open.

[0116] The segmented opening adjustment function forms a controlled pressure equalization process with damping characteristics. See the schematic diagram below. Figure 10 The segmented opening adjustment function is:

[0117] ;

[0118] In the formula, This is the threshold for small dynamic differential pressure.

[0119] The threshold for large dynamic differential pressure;

[0120] Minimum opening;

[0121] This is the maximum opening.

[0122] k is the slope coefficient, which controls the rate of change of the opening.

[0123] ij represents the corresponding number combination of a pair of adjacent closed air chambers. In this embodiment, when the four closed air chambers in the platform unit are numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4 in sequence, ij ∈ {(1,2),(2,3),(3,4),(4,1)}.

[0124] t represents the current time.

[0125] Let t be the absolute value of the pressure difference between adjacent air chambers at time t.

[0126] Among them, solving the dynamic pressure difference threshold and The algorithm steps are as follows:

[0127] S31. Estimated initial equilibrium air pressure: Before the platform enters the water, the initial air pressure in the four air chambers is approximately atmospheric pressure. To ensure the platform remains upright and achieves the target draft during the descent process (conducted in still water where waves are negligible), based on the platform's total weight... , number of air cavities equivalent cross-sectional area The estimated depth of the target gas-liquid interface is:

[0128] ;

[0129] The corresponding equilibrium pressure can be calculated as follows:

[0130] ;

[0131] Balance pressure with air chamber As a benchmark, select the initial and .

[0132] Recommended selection: ; ; It should be noted that, , , , The specific values ​​of and k can be calibrated through numerical simulation or scale-down tests based on the target sea state, platform size and allowable range of motion. The above range of values ​​is a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] S32. Subsequently, during operation, the maximum differential pressure of this module in the current control cycle is recorded:

[0134] ;

[0135] Then recently A moving average is calculated over each control cycle (approximately covering 3-5 dominant wave cycles). The average maximum pressure difference over each cycle is as follows:

[0136] ;

[0137] this This can be understood as: under the current sea conditions, this platform unit 1 represents a "typical maximum pressure differential." Based on this, a threshold value can be set... and Instead of being a fixed value, the two dynamic differential pressure thresholds change as follows:

[0138] ; ;

[0139] in:

[0140] : Represents the upper limit coefficient of the small pressure difference zone;

[0141] : Represents the lower limit coefficient of the large pressure difference zone;

[0142] Reference Figure 10 ,Exceed You need to adjust to the medium setting; above that... It is necessary to quickly reduce the peak size, and open the switch to near α. max .

[0143] In summary, the piecewise function adjustment in step S3 is not only the design of the opening change rule, but also a key step in making the pressure equalization process targeted and directional. Specifically:

[0144] when Smaller ( When ), keep the valve in place. This can maintain the necessary air chamber stiffness and prevent the overall anti-overturning performance of the platform from decreasing due to excessively open channels;

[0145] when In When the pressure is in the middle range, the opening can be adjusted proportionally to achieve smooth pressure equalization, avoid rapid alternation of gas cavity pressure, and reduce the reciprocating oscillation of the gas-liquid interface and additional disturbances.

[0146] when Larger ( When ), the valve is quickly opened to near This enables transient peak pressure reduction and rapid depressurization, preventing excessively high local cavity pressure from causing a shock response to the platform.

[0147] Therefore, step S3 is no longer a discrete triggering of the valve's opening and closing state, but rather models the pressure equalization behavior as a three-stage continuous adjustment process consisting of "stiffness maintenance—controlled pressure equalization—rapid peak reduction," enabling the system to adaptively switch between different response stages. This method endows the gas chamber pressure regulation process with designable damping characteristics and energy dissipation mechanisms, fundamentally avoiding the disordered flow and hysteresis characteristics of traditional natural pressure equalization methods, and ensuring that pressure regulation is directional and controllable.

[0148] S4. Repeat the above steps periodically to achieve continuous adaptive aerodynamic balance control.

[0149] This control method, through the specific implementation process of "adjacent air chambers—valve—priority adjustment," achieves refined control of air chamber pressure and a directional energy attenuation mechanism within the platform unit. It no longer relies on natural pressure equalization but reduces the transient impact of wave peaks entering the air chambers by limiting the pressure gradient and adjusting the pressure equalization rate, thereby effectively reducing the platform's heave, roll, and pitch responses. This invention can actively introduce designable aerodynamic damping during pressure regulation, transforming pressure fluctuations from undamped transmission to controlled dissipation. Furthermore, it can limit the impact of extreme pressure in local air chambers to adjacent chambers, preventing pressure anomalies from spreading along the channels and causing overall module instability, thus improving the structure's safety margin and disturbance resistance. In addition, dynamic threshold... and It can automatically adjust to changes in sea state and adapt to different wave conditions without recalibration, further enhancing the system's robustness. Compared to valveless structures, which are prone to pressure differential reversal and secondary backflow, this invention can avoid reciprocating oscillations at the gas-liquid interface and shorten pressure recovery time, enabling the platform to maintain higher stability and wave resistance even under harsh operating conditions.

[0150] The embodiments of the present invention described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A self-driven, water-cooled, aerodynamically stabilized offshore photovoltaic support platform, comprising a platform and photovoltaic modules (400) mounted thereon, wherein the platform is composed of several platform units (1) connected together; characterized in that, Each platform unit (1) includes: The pneumatic column structure (100) consists of multiple oscillating water column cavities (110) located at the bottom of the platform unit (1). Each cavity contains seawater at the bottom and forms a closed air chamber (112) at the top. A pressure sensor (120) is installed in the closed air chamber (112). Adjacent cavities are connected by a bidirectional airflow pipe (130) equipped with an electric shut-off valve (140). At least one cavity has a water inlet (113) on its side wall. The self-driven water cooling system (200) includes a collection and rectifier box (220) and a collection and discharge buffer box (240) mounted on the platform unit (1), and a heat dissipation pipe (230) connecting the two. The heat dissipation pipe (230) is attached to the back of the photovoltaic panel (410) of the photovoltaic module (400). The collection and rectifier box (220) is connected to the water inlet (113) through a water guide pipe (210). A liquid level sensor is installed in the collection and discharge buffer box (240) to monitor the water level of the collection and discharge buffer box (240) in real time. An overflow port or discharge pipe is provided on the collection and discharge buffer box (240). A controller is used to adjust the electric shut-off valve (140) based on data from each pressure sensor (120). When the platform is in service, the wave action drives seawater through the inlet (113) and the water guide pipe (210) into the collection and rectification box (220), and flows through the heat dissipation pipe (230) to cool the photovoltaic module (400). At the same time, it causes changes in the pressure of the air chamber in the cavity, which is coordinated by the controller controlling each electric shut-off valve (140). The pneumatic column structure (100) also includes an air supply port (150) equipped with a one-way check valve. The air supply port (150) is connected to one of the closed air chambers (112). The air supply port (150) is connected to an air pump, which delivers air into the chamber. The controller is electrically connected to the air pump to control the opening and closing of the air pump. The collection and drainage buffer tank (240) is also connected to a water pump (250), which is used to provide auxiliary pumping when the wave driving force is insufficient. The controller is electrically connected to the water pump (250) to control the operation of the water pump (250).

2. The self-driven water-cooled aerodynamically stabilized offshore photovoltaic support platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The oscillating water column cavity (110) is a vertical through cavity; the multiple cavities of each platform unit (1) are arranged in a matrix.

3. The self-driven water-cooled aerodynamically stabilized offshore photovoltaic support platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The platform unit (1) is a modular structure, and adjacent platform units (1) can be detachably connected through connecting components (2).

4. A control method for a self-driven water-cooled aerodynamically stabilized offshore photovoltaic support platform, applied to the self-driven water-cooled aerodynamically stabilized offshore photovoltaic support platform as described in claim 1, characterized in that, For each platform unit (1), the following control is performed, including the following steps: S1. Real-time acquisition of instantaneous air pressure in each closed air chamber (112); S2. Calculate the absolute value of the pressure difference between adjacent closed air chambers (112); sort the closed air chambers (112) according to the pressure difference, set the electric shut-off valve (140) corresponding to the largest pressure difference as the main control valve, the electric shut-off valve (140) corresponding to the second largest pressure difference as the auxiliary control valve, and the electric shut-off valve (140) corresponding to the remaining pressure differences as the holding valve. S3. The main control valve, auxiliary control valve, and holding valve are adjusted using a segmented opening adjustment function, wherein the segmented opening adjustment function is: ； In the formula, This is the threshold for small dynamic differential pressure. The threshold for large dynamic differential pressure; Minimum opening; is the maximum opening; k is a coefficient that controls the rate of change of the opening; ij represents the corresponding number combination of a pair of adjacent closed air chambers (112); t is the current time. The absolute value of the pressure difference between adjacent air chambers at time t; S4. Repeat the above steps periodically to achieve continuous adaptive aerodynamic balance control.

5. The control method for a self-driven water-cooled aerodynamically stabilized offshore photovoltaic support platform according to claim 4, characterized in that, Step S3 further includes solving and The calculation formula is as follows: ； ； in, This is the upper limit coefficient for the small pressure differential zone. ; This is the lower limit coefficient for the large pressure difference zone. ; To control the number of cycles; Record the maximum differential pressure of the platform unit (1) in the current cycle for each control cycle; t is the time index corresponding to the k-th control cycle, used to represent the maximum differential pressure statistical interval within that cycle; t is the current time.

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