Single stand column-net rack composite floating type photovoltaic power generation device based on Spar platform

Abstract

The invention, which belongs to the technical field of development and utilization of ocean renewable energy sources, discloses a Spar platform-based single column-net rack composite floating type photovoltaic power generation device comprising a composite bearing structure, a flexible photovoltaic array module and a mooring system. The composite bearing structure comprises a Spar central stand column used for providing buoyancy and vertical restoring force and a space truss structure fixedly connected to the top of the Spar central stand column, and the space truss structure extends towards the periphery from the central stand column to form a bearing platform. The flexible photovoltaic array module is laid on the space truss structure through the flexible supporting piece; the mooring system is connected to the lower portion of the Spar central stand column, and the composite bearing structure is anchored to the seabed. According to the invention, heaving stability of the Spar type floating body and flexibility and light weight of the grid structure are fully combined, and technical support is provided for wide arrangement and stable and efficient power generation of a photovoltaic array in deep and far seas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine renewable energy development and utilization technology, and in particular to a single-column-grid composite floating photovoltaic power generation device based on the Spar platform. Background Technology

[0002] With the acceleration of the global energy transition, photovoltaic power generation, as an important form of clean and renewable energy, has gradually expanded its application scenarios from land and nearshore shallow waters to the deep sea. The deep sea area has advantages such as open water surface, abundant solar radiation, and no land space restrictions, making it an ideal scenario for the large-scale development of photovoltaic power generation.

[0003] However, existing floating photovoltaic technologies have obvious limitations in adaptability to different scenarios: traditional near-shallow sea floating photovoltaic systems mostly use semi-submersible platforms or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pontoon arrays as carriers. Such structures have problems such as large overall motion response, weak wind and wave resistance, and high material costs, making them unsuitable for the complex marine environment and modular large-scale deployment requirements of deep seas. The Spar platform, which is widely used in deep sea areas, has advantages such as deep draft, low center of gravity, excellent heave performance, and reliable structure. However, as a single centralized floating body, its deck area is limited, making it difficult to meet the deployment requirements of large-area photovoltaic arrays and thus unable to achieve large-scale power generation.

[0004] Furthermore, existing technologies lack solutions that can balance adaptability to deep-sea environments, structural economy, flexibility for large-scale deployment, and power generation stability: either the structure is too complex, resulting in excessively high construction costs, or the stability is insufficient to withstand deep-sea winds and waves, or the effective deployment area is limited, making it impossible to achieve large-scale power generation.

[0005] Therefore, developing a composite floating photovoltaic power generation device that can integrate the stability of the Spar platform with the scalability of a large-area load-bearing structure has become an urgent technical problem to be solved in the field of deep-sea photovoltaic development. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the significant limitations of existing floating photovoltaic technologies in terms of scenario adaptability, this invention provides a single-column-grid composite floating photovoltaic power generation device based on the Spar platform. This device fully combines the heave stability of the Spar-type float with the flexibility and lightweight nature of the grid structure, aiming to provide technical support for the widespread deployment and stable, efficient power generation of photovoltaic arrays in deep-sea environments.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by the present invention for a single-column-grid composite floating photovoltaic power generation device based on the Spar platform is as follows: A single-column-grid composite floating photovoltaic power generation device based on the Spar platform includes a composite load-bearing structure, flexible photovoltaic array modules, and a mooring system. The composite load-bearing structure includes a central Spar column for providing buoyancy and vertical restoring force, and a space grid structure fixedly connected to its top. The space grid structure extends outward from the central column to form a load-bearing platform. The flexible photovoltaic array modules are laid on the space grid structure through flexible support components. The mooring system is connected to the lower part of the central Spar column to anchor the composite load-bearing structure to the seabed.

[0008] A further improvement of the technical solution of the present invention is that: the interior of the Spar central column is divided into a bottom ballast tank, a middle equipment tank and an upper dry tank from bottom to top; wherein, the ballast tank is filled with high-density ballast material to provide system restoring torque, the middle equipment tank is used to install power conversion and energy storage equipment, and the upper dry tank is equipped with maintenance passages and ventilation equipment.

[0009] A further improvement of the technical solution of the present invention is that: the high-density ballast material in the ballast tank is iron ore slurry; the power conversion and energy storage equipment in the central equipment compartment includes a transformer, an inverter and an energy storage battery pack.

[0010] A further improvement to the technical solution of the present invention is that: the planar shape of the space frame structure is a regular octagon, and it is composed of a central horizontal web member, outer edge members, diagonal web members, and lower chord nodes to form a regular square pyramidal space frame structure system; wherein, there are 8 central horizontal web members, which are evenly arranged radially along the central column of Spar, and there are 8 outer edge members, which are connected to the central horizontal web members to form a regular octagonal frame; one end of the diagonal web member is connected to the connection node between the central horizontal web member and the outer edge member, and the other end is connected to the lower chord node, and each lower chord node is connected to the surrounding nodes through at least 6 diagonal web members.

[0011] A further improvement of the technical solution of the present invention is that: each of the lower chord nodes is provided with a node brace at its lower end, and the end of the node brace away from the lower chord node is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the central column of Spar.

[0012] A further improvement of the technical solution of the present invention is that: the flexible support includes flexible cables, which are arranged in a crisscross pattern along the direction of the rods of the space frame structure to form several photovoltaic installation units; the flexible photovoltaic array module includes modular photovoltaic modules, which are fixed to the flexible cables by mechanical connectors.

[0013] A further improvement of the technical solution of the present invention is that: the mooring system includes a mooring guide hole, a catenary mooring chain, and an anchoring foundation; wherein, the mooring guide hole is located in the area below the waterline of the central column of the Spar, one end of the catenary mooring chain is connected to the mooring guide hole, and the other end is fixedly connected to the anchoring foundation buried on the seabed.

[0014] The technological advancements achieved by this invention due to the adoption of the above technical solutions are as follows: This invention uses the Spar central column as the core load-bearing and stability guarantee structure. Its deep draft design and the counterweight effect of the bottom ballast tank can effectively lower the platform's center of gravity, suppress the heave and roll motion response caused by wave excitation, adapt to the complex wind and wave environment in the deep sea, and ensure the stability of the power generation process.

[0015] This invention extends the octagonal space frame structure to the perimeter of the central Spar column, expanding the load-bearing area and overcoming the limitation of the limited deck area of ​​the traditional Spar platform, thus providing ample space for the installation of large-scale photovoltaic arrays.

[0016] The spatial grid structure of this invention adopts a regular square pyramid system with reasonable member arrangement and clear force transmission path. Compared with traditional semi-submersible platforms, it saves more materials and has lower manufacturing costs. Moreover, the members have a high degree of standardization and are easy to process and assemble. The use of flexible cables and mechanical connectors enables rapid installation and adjustment of photovoltaic modules, shortens the construction cycle, and reduces installation costs.

[0017] The lower chord node of the space frame structure of this invention is connected to the central column of Spar through diagonal bracing, which effectively transfers vertical loads and improves the overall load-bearing capacity and deformation resistance of the structure. The flexible support design of the flexible cable can release stress in time when the platform encounters complex movements, avoiding breakage and damage to the connection node. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a single-column-grid composite floating photovoltaic power generation device based on the Spar platform according to the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the spatial grid structure of a single-column-grid composite floating photovoltaic power generation device based on the Spar platform according to the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the lower chord node of a single-column-grid composite floating photovoltaic power generation device based on the Spar platform according to the present invention. Figure 4 This is a plan view of the flexible photovoltaic array module of a single-column-grid composite floating photovoltaic power generation device based on the Spar platform according to the present invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the central column of a single-column-grid composite floating photovoltaic power generation device based on the Spar platform according to the present invention.

[0019] In the attached diagram: 1. Central column; 2. Outer edge members; 3. Central horizontal web member; 4. Diagonal web member; 5. Lower chord node; 6. Node brace; 7. Flexible cable; 8. Photovoltaic module; 9. Upper dry compartment; 10. Middle equipment compartment; 11. Bottom ballast compartment; 12. Iron ore slurry; 13. Mooring guide hole; 14. Catenary mooring chain. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. In the following description, descriptions of well-known structures and technologies are omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concept of this invention.

[0021] like Figures 1-5 As shown, this embodiment discloses a single-column-grid composite floating photovoltaic power generation device based on the Spar platform, including a composite load-bearing structure, a flexible photovoltaic array module, and a mooring system.

[0022] The composite load-bearing structure is the core support component of this embodiment, including the Spar central column 1 and the space grid structure. The two work together to provide buoyancy, ensure stability, and support the photovoltaic array.

[0023] The Spar central pillar 1 adopts a hollow cylindrical structure and is made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant steel. Its main body is located below the water surface, with only the upper dry compartment 9 exposed above the water. The interior of the central pillar 1 is divided into the bottom ballast compartment 11, the middle equipment compartment 10, and the upper dry compartment 9 from bottom to top, and the compartments are separated by sealed bulkheads.

[0024] The bottom ballast tank 11 is located at the bottom of the central column 1, accounting for 40%-50% of the total length of the column. The tank is filled with iron ore slurry 12 as a high-density ballast. The weight of the ballast adjusts the center of gravity of the column, providing the main restoring torque for the entire embodiment and ensuring that the embodiment remains stable in wind and waves.

[0025] The central equipment compartment 10 is located above the bottom ballast compartment 11, accounting for 20%-30% of the total length of the column. The compartment houses power conversion and energy storage equipment such as transformers, inverters, and energy storage battery packs. The equipment is fixed to the inner wall of the compartment by anti-vibration brackets. The anti-vibration brackets adopt a spring damping structure, which can absorb the vibration energy in the marine environment and protect the equipment from damage. The equipment compartment is also equipped with ventilation ducts, fire protection facilities, and cable trays. The ventilation ducts are connected to the ventilation equipment of the upper dry compartment to ensure that the temperature and humidity inside the compartment meet the operating requirements of the equipment.

[0026] The upper dry compartment 9 is located at the top of the central column 1, accounting for 10%-20% of the total length of the column. The compartment is 0.5-1.0m above the water surface and has a maintenance passage inside. The passage is 1.0m wide and has 1.2m high guardrails welded on both sides to ensure the safety of the workers. The top of the upper dry compartment 9 has a door. Two fans are installed inside the dry compartment as ventilation equipment. The fan outlets are equipped with rain covers to prevent rainwater from entering the compartment and to ensure air circulation, providing a good working environment for the workers.

[0027] In this embodiment, the space frame structure is fixedly connected to the top of the central column 1 of Spar. It adopts a regular octagonal design, and its outer circle diameter is set to 20-40m according to the photovoltaic layout requirements, forming a large-area rigid load-bearing platform much larger than the diameter of the central column. The space frame structure consists of a central horizontal web member 3, outer edge members 2, diagonal web members 4, lower chord nodes 5, and node braces 6. All members are made of high-strength steel, and the cross-section of the members is circular or square.

[0028] There are 8 central horizontal web members 3, which are evenly distributed radially along the central column 1 of Spar. One end is fixedly connected to the top flange of the central column 1 by welding, and the other end is connected to the end of the outer edge member 2. There are also 8 outer edge members 2, each of which is adapted to the length of the central horizontal web members 3, and together with the central horizontal web members 3, they form a regular octagonal frame. The diagonal web members 4 are arranged at an angle, with one end welded to the connection node between the central horizontal web members 3 and the outer edge member 2, and the other end welded to the lower chord node 5. Each lower chord node 5 is evenly connected to 6 diagonal web members 4, forming a regular square pyramidal grid structure system to ensure that the structure is subjected to uniform stress.

[0029] The lower chord node 5 is a cast steel node with a connection hole inside that matches the diagonal web member 4. After the diagonal web member 4 is inserted into the connection hole, it is fixed by welding. A reinforcing rib is welded at the connection node to improve the load-bearing capacity of the node. Each lower chord node 5 has a node brace 6 welded to its lower end. The end of the node brace 6 away from the lower chord node 5 is fixed to the outer wall of the Spar central column 1 by flange connection or welding. The connection position is located below the upper dry compartment 9. The vertical load of the space frame structure is transferred to the central column through the node brace 6, which further improves the stability and deformation resistance of the overall structure.

[0030] In this embodiment, the flexible photovoltaic array module includes flexible cables 7 and modular photovoltaic modules 8. The flexible cables 7, serving as flexible support components, are made of high-strength stainless steel wire rope or carbon fiber cable. The flexible cables 7 are arranged crisscrossingly along the central horizontal web members 3 and the outer edge members 2 of the space frame structure, forming a grid-like photovoltaic installation unit. The two ends of the flexible cables 7 are fixed to the members of the space frame structure via tensioning devices. These tensioning devices can adjust the tension of the cables to ensure they remain straight.

[0031] Modular photovoltaic modules 8 have mounting holes on their edges and are fixedly connected to flexible cables 7 via quick-connect mechanical connectors. The quick-connect mechanical connectors include U-shaped clamps, rubber gaskets, and locking bolts. The U-shaped clamps wrap around the flexible cables 7, and the rubber gaskets are positioned between the U-shaped clamps and the photovoltaic modules 8 to provide cushioning and anti-slip properties. The locking bolts pass through the mounting holes of the photovoltaic modules 8 and are threaded into the U-shaped clamps, enabling quick fixing and disassembly of the photovoltaic modules for easy maintenance and replacement. The photovoltaic modules 8 are connected by cables, which are laid along the flexible cables 7 and secured with cable clips, ultimately connecting to the inverter inside the central equipment compartment 10.

[0032] In this embodiment, a multi-point catenary mooring system is used to stably anchor the device to the deep seabed and suppress the motion response of the platform in each degree of freedom. The mooring system includes mooring guide holes 13, catenary mooring chains 14, and anchoring foundations. The mooring guide holes 13 are located 5-8m below the waterline of the central column 1 of Spar, with 6-8 holes evenly distributed around the column. The inside of the guide holes is equipped with wear-resistant bushings to prevent damage caused by direct friction between the mooring chain and the hole wall. The catenary mooring chain 14 is a high-strength anchor chain, with one end connected to the mooring guide hole 13 and the other end fixed to the anchoring foundation. The anchoring foundation is a suction anchor or gravity anchor, buried 3-5m below the seabed mud surface to ensure anchoring strength.

[0033] In the above embodiments, a single-column-grid composite floating photovoltaic power generation device based on the Spar platform is provided. This invention uses the Spar central column as the core load-bearing and stability-ensuring structure. Its deep-draft design and the counterweight effect of the bottom ballast tank effectively lower the platform's center of gravity, suppressing heave and roll motion responses caused by wave excitation, enabling it to adapt to the complex wind and wave environment of deep seas and ensuring the stability of the power generation process. This invention expands the load-bearing area by extending the regular octagonal space grid structure around the Spar central column, breaking through the limitation of the limited deck area of ​​traditional Spar platforms and providing ample space for the deployment of large-scale photovoltaic arrays. The open-space grid structure adopts a regular square pyramid system with a reasonable arrangement of members and a clear force transmission path. Compared with traditional semi-submersible platforms, it saves materials and has lower manufacturing costs. Moreover, the members have a high degree of standardization, making them easy to process and assemble. The combined use of flexible cables and mechanical connectors enables rapid installation and adjustment of photovoltaic modules, shortening the construction cycle and reducing installation costs. The lower chord nodes of the open-space grid structure are connected to the central Spar column through diagonal bracing, effectively transferring vertical loads and improving the overall structure's load-bearing capacity and deformation resistance. The flexible support design of the flexible cables can release stress in time when the platform encounters complex movements, avoiding breakage and damage at the connection nodes.

[0034] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the concept and scope of the present invention. Various modifications and improvements made to the technical solutions of the present invention by those skilled in the art without departing from the inventive concept should fall within the protection scope of the present invention. All technical contents for which protection is sought in this invention are fully described in the claims.

Claims

1. A single-column-grid composite floating photovoltaic power generation device based on the Spar platform, characterized in that: It includes a composite load-bearing structure, a flexible photovoltaic array module, and a mooring system; wherein, the composite load-bearing structure includes a Spar central column (1) for providing buoyancy and vertical restoring force and a space frame structure fixedly connected to its top, the space frame structure extending from the central column (1) to the surrounding area to form a load-bearing platform; the flexible photovoltaic array module is laid on the space frame structure through flexible support components; the mooring system is connected to the lower part of the Spar central column (1) to anchor the composite load-bearing structure to the seabed.

2. The single-column-grid composite floating photovoltaic power generation device based on the Spar platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The interior of the Spar central column (1) is divided into a bottom ballast tank (11), a middle equipment tank (10), and an upper dry tank (9) from bottom to top. The ballast tank is filled with high-density ballast material to provide system restoring torque. The middle equipment tank (10) is used to install power conversion and energy storage equipment. The upper dry tank (9) is equipped with maintenance passages and ventilation equipment.

3. A single-column-grid composite floating photovoltaic power generation device based on the Spar platform according to claim 2, characterized in that: The high-density ballast material in the ballast tank is iron ore slurry (12); the power conversion and energy storage equipment in the central equipment compartment (10) includes transformers, inverters and energy storage battery packs.

4. A single-column-grid composite floating photovoltaic power generation device based on the Spar platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spatial grid structure has a regular octagonal shape in plan and is composed of a central horizontal web member (3), outer edge members (2), diagonal web members (4) and a lower chord node (5) forming a regular square pyramidal grid structure system. Among them, there are 8 central horizontal web members (3) arranged radially evenly along the central column (1) of Spar. There are 8 outer edge members (2) that are connected to the central horizontal web members (3) to form a regular octagonal frame. One end of the diagonal web member (4) is connected to the connection node between the central horizontal web member (3) and the outer edge member (2), and the other end is connected to the lower chord node (5). Each lower chord node (5) is connected to the surrounding nodes through at least 6 diagonal web members (4).

5. A single-column-grid composite floating photovoltaic power generation device based on the Spar platform according to claim 4, characterized in that: Each of the lower chord nodes (5) is provided with a node brace (6) at its lower end. The end of the node brace (6) away from the lower chord node (5) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the Spar central column (1).

6. A single-column-grid composite floating photovoltaic power generation device based on the Spar platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible support includes flexible cables (7), which are arranged in a crisscross pattern along the direction of the rods of the space frame structure to form several photovoltaic installation units; the flexible photovoltaic array module includes modular photovoltaic modules (8), which are fixed to the flexible cables (7) by mechanical connectors.

7. A single-column-grid composite floating photovoltaic power generation device based on the Spar platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mooring system includes a mooring guide hole (13), a catenary mooring chain (14), and an anchoring foundation; wherein, the mooring guide hole (13) is located in the area below the waterline of the central column (1) of Spar, one end of the catenary mooring chain (14) is connected to the mooring guide hole (13), and the other end is fixedly connected to the anchoring foundation buried on the seabed.

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