Rigidity-adjustable tensegrity floating type photovoltaic system based on air bag type pressure regulation and control method

Abstract

The invention belongs to the field of offshore new energy and space structure engineering, and particularly discloses a rigidity-adjustable tension integral floating type photovoltaic system based on air bag type pressure regulation and a control method, the photovoltaic system comprises a tension bearing structure, and the tension bearing structure comprises a plurality of hinge rod assemblies and cable components connected with the hinge rod assemblies; the floating body is arranged at the bottom of the tension bearing structure; the photovoltaic module suspension unit is matched with the tension bearing structure and is used for bearing a photovoltaic module; the air bag type constant-tension assembly is connected with the cable component and comprises an air bag, and the tension level of the cable component can be changed by adjusting the internal pressure of the air bag, so that the equivalent stiffness of the hinge rod assembly is adjusted. According to the invention, the equivalent stiffness of the whole structure can be adjusted, so that the adaptability of the floating photovoltaic structure to the marine environment load and the structural safety are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of marine new energy and space structure engineering, specifically relating to an adjustable stiffness tensioned integral floating photovoltaic system and control method based on airbag pressure regulation. Background Technology

[0002] Solar photovoltaic (PV) has become the mainstream form of renewable energy development globally, gaining widespread adoption due to its advantages such as broad resource availability and low carbon emissions. However, traditional onshore PV systems are constrained by issues such as scarce land resources, terrain limitations, and unstable lighting environments, gradually narrowing the space for large-scale development. Offshore PV power plants, on the other hand, effectively conserve land resources, offer superior lighting conditions, and have minimal impact on the terrestrial ecosystem, making floating offshore PV technology a crucial development direction for overcoming the limitations of onshore PV. However, its engineering application is still immature. The core issue lies in the numerous insurmountable defects in existing floating PV structural designs, which cannot meet the demands of large-scale applications. Furthermore, as floating PV technology extends to nearshore and offshore areas, the structural system needs to withstand complex environmental loads such as wind, waves, and currents over long periods, placing higher demands on structural flexibility and stability, further highlighting the limitations of existing structures.

[0003] Most existing mainstream floating photovoltaic (PV) structure solutions are ill-suited to the complex marine environment and large-scale application requirements. Rigid truss or marine platform structures suffer from both economic and adaptability shortcomings. Their platforms are heavy, requiring large quantities of high-strength steel and other precious metals. Furthermore, transportation, hoisting, and on-site assembly rely on large, specialized equipment, resulting in long construction periods and significant challenges. Moreover, the fixed stiffness of these structures makes them unsuitable for varying sea conditions—in calm seas, redundant stiffness leads to material waste, while in medium to high sea states, insufficient resistance to overtopping allows high-speed waves to directly impact the PV panels, causing mechanical damage and electrical short circuits, among other safety hazards.

[0004] Another type is the thin-film flexible floating photovoltaic solution, represented by the ultra-large area thin-film floating solution. Although this solution is committed to lightweight design, it has extremely poor wind and wave resistance. The overall structure lacks effective rigid support, and it will deform violently and have waves overrun the top of the waves when the wind and waves are slightly large. At the same time, the superposition of the marine salt spray environment and the residual seawater of the overrun waves will cause the salt on the surface of the photovoltaic panel to accumulate rapidly, which will not only affect the light-gathering efficiency, but also accelerate the corrosion and aging of the components. Frequent cleaning and maintenance are required, which will significantly increase the operation and maintenance costs.

[0005] To overcome the aforementioned technical challenges, the industry has begun exploring new structural solutions. Among them, the tensiongrity structure, with its unique structure composed of compression members and tension cable components, possesses advantages such as self-balancing, lightweight and high strength, and deployability. It has been researched and applied in fields such as building structures and spatial structures, providing new ideas for the innovation of floating photovoltaic structures. However, existing tensiongrity structures still have two major problems that prevent their direct application in the field of offshore floating photovoltaics: First, the structure is usually designed with fixed stiffness, and its overall mechanical performance mainly depends on the initial geometric configuration and pretension setting, making it difficult to dynamically adjust according to the complex and ever-changing wind, wave, and current environment at sea during service; second, there are currently no relevant applications of it in offshore floating photovoltaics, and there is a lack of special adaptation designs for the harsh marine environment and the installation and operation requirements of photovoltaic modules, making it unable to directly adapt to the usage requirements of floating offshore photovoltaic systems. In addition, although some existing technologies attempt to adjust cable force through mechanical or hydraulic devices to adapt the structural mechanical properties, such solutions are complex in structure, have high maintenance costs, and cannot adapt to the harsh environment of long-term marine salt spray and wind and wave erosion, making it difficult to meet the long-term service requirements of offshore floating photovoltaic systems.

[0006] In summary, existing mainstream floating photovoltaic structures cannot simultaneously achieve lightweight, flexibility, and resistance to environmental disturbances. They suffer from poor adaptability, high costs, and complex operation and maintenance, making it difficult to meet the needs of large-scale offshore applications. Existing tensioned monolithic structures have fixed stiffness, complex cable force adjustment schemes, and are unsuitable for long-term marine service, failing to provide a feasible new structural solution for floating photovoltaic systems. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a tensioned photovoltaic structure with adjustable stiffness to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and break through the technical bottlenecks in the large-scale application of offshore floating photovoltaic systems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide an adjustable stiffness tensioned overall floating photovoltaic system and control method based on airbag pressure regulation. By using airbag constant tension components to adjust the tension of cable components through changes in internal pressure of the airbag, the equivalent stiffness of the overall structure can be adjusted, thereby improving the adaptability of the floating photovoltaic structure to marine environmental loads and the structural safety.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution: According to one aspect of the present invention, an adjustable stiffness tensioned integral floating photovoltaic system based on airbag pressure regulation is provided, including a tensioned bearing structure, the tensioned bearing structure including a plurality of hinged rod assemblies and cable members connected to the hinged rod assemblies; A floating body, located at the bottom of a tensioned load-bearing structure, is used to provide buoyancy support; The photovoltaic module suspension unit, in conjunction with the tensioned load-bearing structure, is used to support the photovoltaic modules; An airbag-type constant tension assembly is connected to a cable member. The airbag-type constant tension assembly includes an airbag. Adjusting the internal pressure of the airbag can change the tension level of the cable member, thereby adjusting the equivalent stiffness of the articulated rod assembly.

[0009] It should be noted that the airbag-type constant tension component is connected to at least some of the cable members in the tensioned integral load-bearing structure, and can be set at the end of the cable member, at the node, or between the cable member and the float; the airbag can undergo controllable deformation during the loading of the structure; by adjusting the gas pressure inside the airbag, the tension of the cable member can be increased or released; multiple airbag-type constant tension components can be distributed to achieve coordinated control of the overall structural stiffness.

[0010] By employing the aforementioned technical solution, the adjustable stiffness design is achieved through the cooperation of hinged rod components and cable members in the tensioned load-bearing structure. This effectively addresses different sea states, avoiding the stiffness redundancy of traditional structures in calm sea states and their insufficient wave resistance in medium to high sea states. The modular design of the tensioned load-bearing structure simplifies transportation, installation, and maintenance, reducing engineering costs and complexity. The cooperation between the cable members and the air-bag-type constant tension components enables dynamic adjustment of structural stiffness, thereby reducing the direct impact of waves on the photovoltaic panels, lowering the risk of mechanical damage and short circuits, effectively mitigating salt accumulation, and improving power generation efficiency and system safety.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the airbag-type constant tension assembly is disposed between the hinge rod assembly and the float; The airbag has an upper baffle and a lower baffle on its upper and lower sides, respectively. The expansion or contraction of the airbag can drive the lower baffle away from or towards the upper baffle; the lower baffle is connected to the cable component.

[0012] The internal pressure of the airbag is adjustable. By changing the pressure of the airbag, the tension level of the connected cable components is altered, thereby adjusting the equivalent stiffness of the overall structure. The expansion and contraction of the airbag volume is achieved through pressure changes within the gas, generating driving force. Connecting the airbag-type constant tension component to the lower hinged end of the hinged rod assembly not only increases the buoyancy of the floating photovoltaic system but also enables dynamic and automated adjustment of the tension rope tension. When sea conditions change, such as increased wave impact, the airbag can automatically or through a controlled system expand, driving the lower baffle away from the upper baffle, thereby tightening the connected cable components, increasing the overall stiffness of the tensioned load-bearing structure, effectively resisting wave impact, and preventing excessive deformation or wave overshoot. Conversely, when sea conditions are calm, the airbag can contract, driving the lower baffle closer to the upper baffle, loosening the connected cable components, reducing structural stiffness, and avoiding material waste and unnecessary stress concentration caused by stiffness redundancy. By utilizing air-bladder-type constant-tension modules to achieve an adaptive stiffness adjustment mechanism, the photovoltaic system can respond to changes in the external environment in real time, significantly improving the stability and impact resistance of the photovoltaic panels, extending equipment lifespan, and reducing maintenance costs. Simultaneously, the integrated design of the air-bladder-type constant-tension modules ensures that the adjustment mechanism acts directly on the key stress points of the structure, guaranteeing the precision and efficiency of the adjustment. This provides a reliable technical guarantee for the large-scale application of floating photovoltaic systems in complex sea conditions.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the airbag-type constant tension assembly is equipped with a guide rod, one end of which passes through the upper baffle and is connected to the lower baffle, and the other end of which cooperates with the cable member.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the hinged rod assembly includes a pressure rod that is hinged in sequence, wherein the end of the pressure rod that is hinged is the hinged end, and the end of the pressure rod that is not hinged is the free end. The hinge ends in the hinge rod assembly are staggered vertically; multiple sets of hinge rod assemblies are interwoven to form a mesh structure, such that the upper hinge end in the hinge rod assembly is opposite to the lower hinge end in an adjacent hinge rod assembly, and the lower hinge end in the hinge rod assembly is opposite to the upper hinge end in another adjacent hinge rod assembly. The cable assembly includes an upper rope, a lower rope, an edge rope, and a tension rope; the upper rope is used to connect the upper hinge end of the articulated rod assembly, the lower rope is used to connect the lower hinge end of the articulated rod assembly, the edge rope is used to connect the free end of the articulated rod assembly, and the tension rope is used to connect the upper and lower hinge ends of the articulated rod assembly.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lower hinge end of the hinge rod assembly is connected to the float; the upper hinge end of the hinge rod assembly cooperates with the photovoltaic module suspension unit.

[0016] Furthermore, the compression member includes two edge links and an intermediate link located between them; the cable member includes a float, a lower rope, edge ropes, and a tension rope; One end of the edge link is a hinged end, and the other end is a free end. The hinged end is hinged to one end of the middle link. The hinged ends of the two edge links are set one above the other. Four sets of hinge rod assemblies are arranged in a circumferential array and interlocked to form a mesh structure; the upper hinge end of one hinge rod assembly is positioned opposite the lower hinge end of an adjacent hinge rod assembly, and the lower hinge end of one hinge rod assembly is positioned opposite the upper hinge end of another adjacent hinge rod assembly; tension ropes are arranged between the upper and lower hinge ends; the lower hinge end is connected to a float; the upper hinge end of the four sets of hinge rod assemblies cooperates with the photovoltaic module suspension unit; The float is used to connect the upper hinged end and the upper free end of the four sets of articulated rod assemblies; the lower rope is used to connect the lower hinged end and the lower free end of the four sets of articulated rod assemblies; the edge rope is used to connect the free ends of the articulated rod assemblies in sequence to form a closed structure.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, two adjacent tension bearing structures are hinged together by an overlapping rod; The lap joint is used to connect the free end of the edge link in one tensioned load-bearing structure to the hinged end in the other tensioned load-bearing structure along the arrangement direction of the two tensioned load-bearing structures; or to connect the free end of the edge link in one tensioned load-bearing structure to the hinged end in the other tensioned load-bearing structure along the arrangement direction of the two tensioned load-bearing structures.

[0018] Therefore, the lap joint provides a clear connection point and axis of rotation, ensuring the mechanical strength and reliability of the connection between tensioned load-bearing structures and avoiding structural instability caused by loose or misaligned connections. The lap joint connects the two tensioned load-bearing structures along their alignment direction, making the alignment between units more precise, effectively controlling the connection direction, and preventing irregular deformation of the structure under stress.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in the hinge rod assembly, both the upper hinge end and the upper free end are provided with upper hinge seats; in the hinge rod assembly, both the lower hinge end and the lower free end are provided with lower hinge seats.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a first central connecting hole and a first edge connecting hole are provided on the side of the upper hinge seat away from the lower hinge seat; the first central connecting hole is used to connect with the upper rope, and the first edge connecting hole is used to connect with the edge rope or photovoltaic panel; The upper hinge seat is provided with a second center connection hole and a second edge connection hole on the side near the lower hinge seat; the second center connection hole is used to connect with the tension rope; the second edge connection hole is used to mate with the pressure rod.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lower hinge seat is provided with a sliding shaft hole for engaging with a tension rope; The lower hinge seat is provided with a third connecting edge hole on the side near the upper hinge seat, for mating with the compression member; The lower hinge seat is provided with a fourth center connection hole and a fourth edge connection hole on the side away from the upper hinge seat; the fourth center connection hole is used to connect with the lower rope, and the fourth edge connection hole is used to connect with the edge rope.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, both ends of the compression member are provided with U-shaped hinge joints.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, a control method for an adjustable stiffness tensioned integral floating photovoltaic system based on airbag pressure regulation is provided, comprising the following steps: Set a preset number of tensioned load-bearing structures and place them in water; Using a float to provide buoyancy, the articulated rod assembly tends to unfold under the action of gravity and buoyancy of the tensioned load-bearing structure; the airbag-type constant tension assembly is connected to the cable member, and the tension of the connected cable member is adjusted by the airbag-type constant tension assembly to realize the unfolding and shaping of the tensioned load-bearing structure; The cable members connected to the airbag-type constant tension component are detached, and the hinged rod components in the tensioned load-bearing structure are folded inward to achieve the folding of the tensioned load-bearing structure.

[0024] By employing the above technical solution, the buoyancy provided by the floating body and the gravity of the tensioned load-bearing structure work together to achieve automatic deployment of the edge and intermediate links, significantly simplifying the initial deployment process. Precise adjustment of the cable components ensures that the tensioned load-bearing structure forms a stable structure with preset stiffness after deployment, avoiding the complex manual operations and inefficiencies that may occur in traditional deployment methods. During the recovery phase, by coordinating the simultaneous inward folding of the edge and intermediate links, the slack in the rope assembly, and the disconnection of the tension rope, rapid and safe folding of the tensioned load-bearing structure is achieved. This effectively prevents damage to the structure due to improper operation during folding, improves the deployment and recovery efficiency of the photovoltaic system, and reduces operation and maintenance costs.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: 1. This invention provides an adjustable stiffness tensioned integral floating photovoltaic system based on airbag pressure regulation, which achieves adjustable overall structural stiffness through the design of the tensioned load-bearing structure. By changing the pretension distribution of the cable members through airbag constant tension components, the equivalent stiffness of the tensioned load-bearing structure can be continuously adjusted; it can adapt to different sea conditions and effectively solve the problems of lack of stiffness adaptability, weak wave resistance and excessively high overall cost in existing technologies.

[0026] 2. This invention utilizes the cooperation of the articulated rod assembly and cable components, and employs an airbag as a mechanical adjustment element, avoiding complex mechanical or control systems, making it suitable for long-term service in marine environments.

[0027] 3. Under different wind and wave load conditions, the present invention can improve the structural response characteristics by adjusting the stiffness at the structural level, thereby enhancing the environmental adaptability of the floating photovoltaic structure.

[0028] 4. The tension bearing structure and airbag constant tension component of the present invention can be modularly arranged, which facilitates transportation and installation and is beneficial to lightweight and modular design. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the tensioning bearing structure of the adjustable stiffness tensioned integral floating photovoltaic system based on airbag pressure regulation according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the middle hinge rod assembly; Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partially enlarged structural diagram of section A in the middle; Figure 4 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the layout of the middle and upper layers of ropes; Figure 5 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the layout of the middle and lower layers of ropes; Figure 6 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the upper and middle hinge seat; Figure 7 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the lower hinge seat; Figure 8 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the central airbag-type constant tension assembly; Figure 9 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the tensioned load-bearing structure in its fully deployed state. Figure 10 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the tensioned load-bearing structure in a semi-closed state; Figure 11 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the tensioned load-bearing structure in its fully closed state. Figure 12 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the photovoltaic panels; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the expanded installation unit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 14 for Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the expanded installation unit in its fully deployed state. Figure 15 for Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the enlarged installation unit in its fully closed state; Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the array mounting unit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0030] Reference numerals: 10. Hinge rod assembly; 11. Edge link; 12. Intermediate link; 13. U-shaped hinge joint; 14. Upper rope; 15. Lower rope; 16. Tensioning rope; 17. Side rope; 18. Corner rope; 19. Float; 20. Upper hinge seat; 21. First center connection hole; 22. First edge connection hole; 23. Second center connection hole; 24. Second edge connection hole; 25. First flange; 26. First connecting piece; 27. Second connecting piece; 30, lower hinge seat; 31, third connecting edge hole; 32, fourth center connecting hole; 33, fourth edge connecting hole; 34, sliding shaft hole; 35, third connecting piece; 36, second flange; 37, fourth connecting piece; 40, airbag-type constant tension component; 41, airbag; 42, upper baffle; 43, lower baffle; 44, air duct; 45, guide rod; 50, photovoltaic panel; 51, support frame; 52, suspension rope; 60, overlapping rod. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described herein can be combined with each other.

[0032] The following detailed description is exemplary and intended to provide further detailed explanation of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used in this invention is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention.

[0033] Example 1 Traditional onshore photovoltaic systems are limited by land resources, terrain, and sunlight availability, restricting their development. While floating offshore photovoltaic systems offer advantages, their current engineering applications are immature. Mainstream rigid truss or offshore platform structures suffer from poor economics, insufficient adaptability, high costs, difficult construction, weak wave resistance, and susceptibility to module damage and salt fouling. Thin-film flexible solutions exhibit extremely poor wind and wave resistance, are prone to deformation and overtopping, suffer severe salt fouling, and have high operation and maintenance costs. Existing structures are generally unsuitable for all sea conditions, lack sufficient wave resistance, and are costly and complex, making it difficult to meet the demands of large-scale applications.

[0034] To address this, this embodiment provides an adjustable stiffness tensioned integral floating photovoltaic system based on airbag pressure regulation, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the photovoltaic system includes a tensioned load-bearing structure, a float 19, a photovoltaic module suspension unit, and an airbag-type constant tension component 40. The tensioned load-bearing structure includes a hinged rod assembly 10 and cable members connected to the hinged rod assembly 10. The hinged rod assembly 10 and the cable members are connected at nodes to form a self-balancing tensioned overall structure. The float 19 is located at the lower part or nodes of the tensioned overall load-bearing structure to provide buoyancy support for the overall structure. The photovoltaic module suspension unit is located at the middle or upper part of the tensioned overall load-bearing structure to suspend or support the photovoltaic modules. The airbag-type constant tension component 40 is connected to at least some of the cable members in the tensioned overall load-bearing structure and can be located at the ends of the cable members, at nodes, or between the cable members and the float. The airbags 41 can undergo controllable deformation during structural loading. By adjusting the gas pressure inside the airbags 41, the tension of the cable members can be increased or released. Multiple airbag-type constant tension components 40 can be distributed to achieve coordinated control of the overall structural stiffness.

[0035] See Figure 2 The hinged rod assembly 10 includes sequentially hinged compression members, with the hinged ends of the compression members being hinged ends and the unhinged ends being free ends. Each compression member of the hinged rod assembly 10 includes two edge links 11 and at least one intermediate link 12 located between them; one end of the edge link 11 is a hinged end, and the other end is a free end. The hinged end allows the edge link 11 to be rotatably connected to other components, while the free end provides an additional connection point. The two ends of the intermediate link 12 are respectively hinged to the hinged ends of the edge link 11 or the other intermediate link 12; the hinged ends in the hinged rod assembly 10 are arranged vertically. The edge links 11 and intermediate links 12 can be made of metal or alloy rods such as aluminum, copper, or stainless steel, and can be hollow or solid structures. In this embodiment, the edge links 11 and intermediate links 12 have the same structure, and their lengths and diameters are also the same, and both ends of the edge links 11 and intermediate links 12 are equipped with U-shaped hinge joints 13.

[0036] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the hinged rod assembly 10 includes an intermediate connecting rod 12. The hinged ends of the two edge connecting rods 11 are inside, and their free ends are outside. In the compression members, the four endpoints are staggered vertically, following the sequence from the free end-hinge end of one edge connecting rod 11 to the hinge end-free end of the other edge connecting rod 11. That is, the hinged ends of the two edge connecting rods 11 are positioned one above the other, and the corresponding free ends of the two edge connecting rods 11 are positioned one below the other. Thus, the two edge connecting rods 11 and the intermediate connecting rod 12 form a continuous bending structure. The hinged engagement between the edge connecting rods 11 and the intermediate connecting rod 12 allows for relative rotation, thereby enabling the tensioned load-bearing structure to fold and unfold, and providing the entire structure with a certain degree of flexibility during unfolding and folding.

[0037] See figure Figure 1 Four sets of hinge rod assemblies 10 are arranged in a circumferential array and interlocked to form a mesh structure. In one set of hinge rod assemblies 10, the edge connecting rod 11 at the end of one set of hinge rod assemblies 10 cross-fits with the edge connecting rod 11 at the beginning of the adjacent set of hinge rod assemblies 10, and the two extend at a 90° angle. In this way, the four sets of hinge rod assemblies 10 are connected end to end to form a mesh structure.

[0038] The four sets of hinged rod assemblies 10 arranged in a circular array, two horizontally and two vertically, give the tensioned load-bearing structure good symmetry and stability. For example, the four sets of hinged rod assemblies 10 can be joined together in a simple overlapping manner to form an approximately square grid on a horizontal plane. Specifically, the upper hinged end of one hinged rod assembly 10 is positioned opposite the lower hinged end of an adjacent hinged rod assembly 10, and the lower hinged end of that assembly is positioned opposite the upper hinged end of another adjacent hinged rod assembly 10. This staggered arrangement allows tension to be effectively transmitted in the structure, and the layered arrangement of the hinged ends helps to form a three-dimensional structural space and provides a clear path for the connection of the cable members.

[0039] The cable assembly includes an upper rope 14, a lower rope 15, an edge rope, and a tension rope 16. The upper rope 14 connects the upper hinged end and the upper free end of the articulated rod assembly 10; the lower rope 15 connects the lower hinged end and the lower free end of the articulated rod assembly 10; the edge rope connects the free end of the articulated rod assembly 10; and the tension rope 16 connects the upper and lower hinged ends of the articulated rod assembly 10.

[0040] In addition, a float 19 is connected to the hinged end located below. The tension rope 16 is used to adjust the internal tension of the tensioned load-bearing structure. By changing the tension of the tension rope 16, the overall stiffness of the tensioned load-bearing structure can be adjusted, ensuring structural stability under different sea conditions and effectively resisting wave impact. The float 19 provides buoyancy to the tensioned load-bearing structure and can be a hollow spherical or cylindrical structure made of plastic or rubber, etc. Connecting it below the tensioned load-bearing structure ensures that the entire photovoltaic system floats stably on the water surface and bears the weight of the photovoltaic module suspension unit and the structure itself. It ensures that the buoyancy of multiple floats 19 is greater than the total weight of the tensioned load-bearing structure, keeping the photovoltaic module suspension unit at a safe height above the horizontal plane.

[0041] In this embodiment, multiple upper-layer ropes 14 are used to connect the upper hinged ends and the upper free ends of the four sets of hinged rod assemblies 10. These upper-layer ropes 14 cooperate to form a quadrilateral mesh structure with radially extending ropes. Multiple lower-layer ropes 15 are used to connect the lower hinged ends and the lower free ends of the four sets of hinged rod assemblies 10. These lower-layer ropes 15 cooperate to form a quadrilateral mesh structure with radially extending ropes; the upper hinged ends of the four sets of hinged rod assemblies 10 are used to cooperate with the photovoltaic module suspension unit. See also... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The upper rope 14 and the lower rope 15 have four extended ropes with corresponding nodes at the top and bottom, and their extension directions are at a 90° angle to each other.

[0042] The photovoltaic module suspension unit is directly installed on the upper part of the tensioned load-bearing structure to maximize light-gathering efficiency. Specifically, the photovoltaic module suspension unit can be connected to the hinged rod assembly 10 via ropes.

[0043] The upper rope 14 stabilizes the superstructure of the photovoltaic system and provides support for the installation of the photovoltaic module suspension units. The lower rope 15 stabilizes the lower structure and works in conjunction with the float 19 to maintain the overall balance of the tensioned load-bearing structure. At least one tensioned load-bearing structure has edge ropes around its perimeter, including spaced-apart side ropes 17 and corner ropes 18, for sequentially connecting the free ends of the hinged rod assembly 10 to form a closed structure; two adjacent tensioned load-bearing structures are hinged together. Each segment of the upper rope 14, lower rope 15, and edge ropes connects to two nodes. See also... Figure 1 and Figures 4-5 In this embodiment, there are 8 equal-length upper ropes 14, 8 equal-length lower ropes 15, and edge ropes including 4 equal-length side ropes 17 and 4 equal-length corner ropes 18, wherein the upper ropes 14 and the lower ropes 15 are of equal length.

[0044] The upper rope 14 and lower rope 15 work together to form two parallel tension surfaces. A tension rope 16 is vertically positioned between the upper rope 14 and lower rope 15 to apply pre-tension. Boundary ropes connect the free ends of edge connecting rods 11, forming a closed boundary. During the operation of the photovoltaic system, except for some folding conditions, all ropes are under tension. The lengths of all ropes must satisfy the following formula to ensure that the structure can be stably formed while also allowing for folding: ; In the formula, L The length of the compression member; L u The length of the upper rope 14; L d The length of the lower rope is 15. L b The length of the side rope 17; L a The length of the angular rope is 18.

[0045] The tensioned, integrally floating photovoltaic system provided in this embodiment, through its adjustable stiffness design, can effectively cope with different sea states, avoiding the stiffness redundancy of traditional structures in calm sea states and the insufficient wave resistance in medium to high sea states. The modular tensioned load-bearing structure design simplifies transportation, installation, and maintenance, reducing engineering costs and complexity. The configuration of tension rope 16 enables dynamic adjustment of structural stiffness, thereby reducing the direct impact of waves on the photovoltaic module suspension unit, lowering the risk of mechanical damage and short circuits, effectively mitigating salt accumulation, and improving power generation efficiency and system safety.

[0046] Furthermore, in the hinge rod assembly 10, both the upper hinge end and the upper free end are equipped with upper hinge seats 20; in the hinge rod assembly 10, both the lower hinge end and the lower free end are equipped with lower hinge seats 30. The adaptation of equipping the upper hinge ends and free ends with upper hinge seats 20, and the lower hinge ends and free ends with lower hinge seats 30, enhances the precision and reliability of the structural connection points, fully utilizes their function, reduces spatial interference, and ensures structural stability.

[0047] Furthermore, the edge link 11 and the middle link 12 are connected to the upper hinge end and / or the lower hinge end through the U-shaped hinge joints 13 at both ends, so as to realize the hinge connection between the edge link 11 and the middle link 12, and facilitate the connection of the upper rope 14, the lower rope 15, the edge rope, etc.

[0048] For details, see Figure 6The upper hinge seat 20 has a first central connecting hole 21 and a first edge connecting hole 22 on the side away from the lower hinge seat 30. The four first central connecting holes 21 are arranged in a circumferential array in the middle of the upper hinge seat 20 and can be used to connect to the upper rope 14. The four first edge connecting holes 22 are arranged in a circumferential array on the outer edge of the upper hinge seat 20 and are used to connect to the edge rope or photovoltaic module suspension unit. In this embodiment, the upper hinge seat 20 is configured as a circular structure, with a first flange 25 extending upward along the axis on the side away from the lower hinge seat 30 (i.e., the top surface side). The first flange 25 is cross-shaped and has four circumferentially arrayed side wings, with the four first central connecting holes 21 respectively disposed on one of these side wings. Four first connecting pieces 26 are evenly distributed outside the first flange 25, protruding outward from the top surface of the upper hinge seat 20, with the four first edge connecting holes 22 respectively disposed on one of these first connecting pieces 26.

[0049] The upper hinge seat 20 has a second center connecting hole 23 and a second edge connecting hole 24 on the side near the lower hinge seat 30. The second center connecting hole 23 is located near the center of the upper hinge seat 20 and is used to connect to the tension rope 16. The two second edge connecting holes 24 are symmetrically arranged around the second center connecting hole 23 and are used to cooperate with the U-shaped hinge joint 13 of the edge connecting rod 11 or the middle connecting rod 12. The upper hinge seat 20 has a second connecting piece 27 that extends along the diameter and protrudes outward on the side near the lower hinge seat 30 (i.e., the bottom surface side). The second center connecting hole 23 is located in the middle of the second connecting piece 27, and the two second edge connecting holes 24 are respectively located at both ends of the second connecting piece 27.

[0050] See Figure 7 The lower hinge seat 30 is provided with a third connecting edge hole 31 on the side near the upper hinge seat 20, for cooperating with the U-shaped hinge joint 13 of the edge connecting rod 11 or the middle connecting rod 12. In this embodiment, the lower hinge seat 30 is configured as a circular structure, and two third connecting pieces 35 are provided on the side near the upper hinge seat 20 (i.e., the top surface side), which are symmetrically arranged along the axis of the lower hinge seat 30. The two third edge connecting holes are respectively provided on the two third connecting pieces 35.

[0051] The lower hinge seat 30 has a fourth center connecting hole 32 and a fourth edge connecting hole 33 on the side away from the upper hinge seat 20. The fourth center connecting hole 32 is used to connect with the lower rope 15, and the fourth edge connecting hole 33 is used to connect with the edge rope. A second flange 36 extending downward along the axis is provided on the side of the lower hinge seat 30 away from the upper hinge seat 20 (i.e., the bottom surface side). The second flange 36 is cross-shaped and has four circumferentially arrayed side wings. The four fourth center connecting holes 32 are respectively located on one of the side wings. Four fourth connecting pieces 37 are evenly distributed outside the second flange 36. The fourth connecting pieces 37 protrude outward from the bottom surface of the lower hinge seat 30, and the four fourth edge connecting holes 33 are respectively located on one of the fourth connecting pieces 37.

[0052] The U-shaped hinge joint 13 of the edge connecting rod 11 and the middle connecting rod 12 is provided with a through hole, which can be used to mate with the second edge connecting hole 24 or the third edge connecting hole 31 by bolts or the like.

[0053] In addition, the lower hinge seat 30 is provided with a sliding shaft hole 34 for engaging with the tension rope 16. The sliding shaft hole 34 is disposed along the axis of the lower hinge seat 30. In this embodiment, the sliding shaft hole 34 is located between the two third connecting pieces 35 and passes through the axis of the second flange 36.

[0054] Furthermore, in the hinge rod assembly 10, the lower hinge end located inside is used to cooperate with the airbag-type constant tension assembly 40. Specifically, the airbag-type constant tension assembly 40 is connected to the lower hinge seat 30 on the lower hinge end of the hinge rod assembly 10.

[0055] See Figure 8 The airbag-type constant tension assembly 40 includes an airbag 41. An upper baffle 42 and a lower baffle 43 are respectively provided on the upper and lower sides of the airbag 41. The end of the tension rope 16 away from the upper hinged end passes through the upper baffle 42 and connects to the lower baffle 43. The expansion or contraction of the airbag 41 can drive the lower baffle 43 away from or towards the upper baffle 42. An air guide tube 44 is connected to the airbag 41, connecting the interior of the airbag 41 to the outside. The air guide tube 44 passes through a pre-set hole in the upper baffle 42, exposing the air nozzle. The air nozzle can be used with an external air pump, etc., to allow gas to enter and exit the interior of the airbag 41, thus expanding or contracting the airbag 41. The airbag-type constant tension assembly 40 is equipped with a guide rod 45. One end of the guide rod 45 passes through the upper baffle 42 and connects to the lower baffle 43. The other end of the guide rod 45, with its bottom facing upward, passes through the sliding shaft hole 34 and connects to the tension rope 16.

[0056] The airbag 41 expands and contracts by utilizing the pressure changes of the internal gas, thereby generating driving force. The airbag 41 can be made of various elastic materials, such as high-strength rubber, polyurethane elastomer, or flexible materials reinforced with composite fibers, to ensure good durability and sealing during repeated expansion and contraction. The shape and size of the airbag 41 can be optimized according to the required driving force and stroke, and can generally be cylindrical, flat, or other structures. The upper baffle 42 and lower baffle 43 provide support and limit for the airbag 41, and can effectively transmit the force generated by the expansion or contraction of the airbag 41. The upper baffle 42 and lower baffle 43 can be made of stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or other metal materials, or high-strength engineering plastics or fiber-reinforced composite materials; their shape and size should match the contact surface of the airbag 41 to ensure uniform force transmission. In this embodiment, both the upper baffle 42 and lower baffle 43 are circular. The upper baffle 42 and lower baffle 43 can be fixed to the airbag 41 by adhesive bonding or integrally molded with the airbag 41.

[0057] In the initial state of the structure, the lengths of all ropes in the upper rope 14, lower rope 15, and edge ropes are equal to the natural distances between nodes. When the airbag 41 inflates and pulls the tension rope 16, the vertical distance between the corresponding upper hinge seat 20 and lower hinge seat 30 decreases, and the hinge rod assembly 10 tends to extend, resulting in a larger planar projection. The horizontal distance between the connection nodes of all ropes in the upper rope 14, lower rope 15, and edge ropes is greater than the original rope length, and the overall rope tension increases. See the schematic diagram of the fully extended tensioned load-bearing structure. Figure 9 Conversely, when the airbag 41 contracts and releases the tension rope 16, the vertical distance between the corresponding upper hinge seat 20 and lower hinge seat 30 increases, causing the hinge rod assembly 10 to tend to fold, resulting in a smaller planar projection. The horizontal distance between the connection nodes of all ropes in the upper rope 14, lower rope 15, and edge ropes is less than the original rope length, and the rope as a whole is in a slack state. See the schematic diagram for the tensioned load-bearing structure in a semi-closed or fully closed state. Figure 10 and Figure 11 Thus, under the action of the airbag-type constant tension component 40, the tension distribution between the upper rope 14 and the lower rope 15 changes, causing the tensioned load-bearing structure to exhibit a controllable difference in stiffness. By adjusting the pressure of the airbags 41 at different positions, the overall structure can achieve a "flexible-rigid switching" and automatically adjust the structural stiffness according to sea conditions, thereby improving its resistance to wind and waves.

[0058] The airbag-type constant tension component 40, through its lower hinge seat 30, engages with the lower hinge end located inside the hinge rod assembly 10. This not only increases the buoyancy of the floating photovoltaic system but also enables dynamic and automated adjustment of the tension of the tension rope 16. When sea conditions change, such as increased wave impact, the airbag 41 can automatically or through a control system expand, driving the lower baffle 43 away from the upper baffle 42, thereby tightening the tension rope 16, increasing the overall stiffness of the tensioned load-bearing structure, effectively resisting wave impact, and preventing excessive deformation or wave overshoot. Conversely, when sea conditions are calm, the airbag 41 can contract, driving the lower baffle 43 closer to the upper baffle 42, relaxing the tension rope 16, reducing structural stiffness, and avoiding material waste and unnecessary stress concentration caused by stiffness redundancy. The adaptive stiffness adjustment mechanism achieved by the airbag-type constant tension component 40 allows the photovoltaic system to respond to changes in the external environment in real time, significantly improving the stability and impact resistance of the photovoltaic module suspension unit, extending equipment lifespan, and reducing maintenance costs. Meanwhile, the integrated design of the airbag-type constant tension module 40 allows the adjustment mechanism to act directly on the key stress points of the structure, ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of the adjustment, and providing a reliable technical guarantee for the large-scale application of floating photovoltaic systems in complex sea conditions.

[0059] Furthermore, it should be noted that the photovoltaic module suspension unit includes a photovoltaic panel 50, a support frame 51, and suspension ropes 52. (See also...) Figure 12 The support frame 51 can be configured as a square frame structure to support multiple photovoltaic panels 50. Both ends of the suspension rope 52 are equipped with U-shaped hinge joints 13. One end of the suspension rope 52 is connected to the support frame 51, and the other end is connected to the first edge connection hole 22 of the upper hinge seat 20 in the tension bearing structure. Generally, four suspension ropes 52 are configured, each connected to one of the four corners of the support frame 51. In this way, the photovoltaic panels 50 are connected to the photovoltaic system using a flexible four-point suspension method, allowing the photovoltaic panels 50 to adaptively adjust their position with the slight displacement of the photovoltaic system, reducing hard collisions and impacts. This not only improves the safety of the photovoltaic panels 50 but also reserves deformation space for adjusting the stiffness of the overall tension structure.

[0060] Furthermore, the tensioned load-bearing structure of this embodiment can be modularly expanded to achieve array installation. One method is that two adjacent tensioned load-bearing structures share the edge connecting rods 11 in two oppositely arranged hinge rod assemblies 10, and the free end of the edge connecting rod 11 shared by the two tensioned load-bearing structures is used as the hinge end; the extension direction of the edge connecting rod 11 shared by the two tensioned load-bearing structures is consistent with the arrangement direction of the two tensioned load-bearing structures.

[0061] Generally, the basic structure of the tensioned load-bearing structure can be expanded by setting multiple intermediate connecting rods 12 in the hinge rod assembly 10. For example... Figure 13As shown, this is an expanded installation unit. In the articulated rod assembly 10, three intermediate connecting rods 12 are arranged between two edge connecting rods 11, and are intersected by four sets of horizontally arranged articulated rod assemblies 10 and four sets of vertically arranged articulated rod assemblies 10. This structure includes 16 upper articulated ends, 16 lower articulated ends, 8 upper free ends, 8 lower free ends, 32 upper ropes 14, 32 lower ropes 15, 16 edge ropes, 16 tension ropes 16, 16 airbag-type constant tension assemblies 40, and 16 floats 19. The fully deployed state of this expanded installation unit is shown in [reference needed]. Figure 14 The extended installation unit can also be folded for transport; see the folded configuration below. Figure 15 In the folded extended installation unit, the float 19 can be in close contact, which greatly reduces the transportation volume and improves the efficiency of offshore construction.

[0062] The tensioned load-bearing structure can be modularly expanded to achieve array installation. For details, see [link to documentation]. Figure 16 Two adjacent tensioned load-bearing structures can be hinged together using an overlapping rod 60. The overlapping rod 60 can be configured as a rod-shaped structure similar to the edge connecting rod 11 or the intermediate connecting rod 12, used to connect the upper free end of the edge connecting rod 11 in one tensioned load-bearing structure to the upper hinged end in the other tensioned load-bearing structure along the arrangement direction of the two tensioned load-bearing structures; or used to connect the lower free end of the edge connecting rod 11 in one tensioned load-bearing structure to the lower hinged end in the other tensioned load-bearing structure along the arrangement direction of the two tensioned load-bearing structures.

[0063] Therefore, the lap joint 60 provides a clear connection point and axis of rotation, ensuring the mechanical strength and reliability of the connection between the tensioned load-bearing structures and avoiding structural instability caused by loose or misaligned connections. The lap joint 60 connects the two tensioned load-bearing structures along their alignment direction, making the alignment between them more precise, effectively controlling the connection direction, and preventing irregular deformation of the structure under stress.

[0064] Example 2 This embodiment provides a control method for an adjustable stiffness tensioned integral floating photovoltaic system based on airbag pressure regulation, as described in Embodiment 1, including the following steps: Set a preset number of tensioned load-bearing structures and place them in water; Using the float 19 to provide buoyancy, the articulated rod assembly 10 tends to unfold under the action of the gravity and buoyancy of the tensioned load-bearing structure; the airbag constant tension assembly 40 is connected to the cable member, and the tension of the cable member connected to it is adjusted by the airbag constant tension assembly 40 to realize the unfolding and shaping of the tensioned load-bearing structure. The cable member connected to the airbag-type constant tension component 40 is detached, and the hinge rod component 10 in the tension bearing structure is folded inward to achieve the folding of the tension bearing structure.

[0065] By employing the aforementioned technical solution, the buoyancy provided by the float 19 and the gravity of the tensioned load-bearing structure work together to achieve the automatic unfolding of the edge connecting rod 11 and the intermediate connecting rod 12, significantly simplifying the initial deployment process. Through precise adjustment of the upper rope 14, lower rope 15, and edge ropes, as well as the configuration of the tension rope 16, it is ensured that the tensioned load-bearing structure forms a stable structure with preset stiffness after unfolding, avoiding the complex manual operations and inefficiencies that may occur in traditional deployment methods. During the recovery phase, by coordinating the simultaneous inward folding of the edge connecting rod 11 and the intermediate connecting rod 12, the relaxation of the rope assembly, and the disconnection of the tension rope 16, rapid and safe folding of the tensioned load-bearing structure is achieved. This effectively prevents damage to the structure due to improper operation during folding, improves the deployment and recovery efficiency of the photovoltaic system, and reduces operation and maintenance costs.

[0066] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the specific implementation of the present invention. Any modifications or equivalent substitutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A variable stiffness tensioned integral floating photovoltaic system based on airbag pressure regulation, characterized in that, include: The tensioned load-bearing structure includes a plurality of hinged rod assemblies (10) and cable members connected to the hinged rod assemblies (10); A floating body (19) is disposed at the bottom of the tensioned bearing structure; The photovoltaic module suspension unit, in conjunction with the tensioned load-bearing structure, is used to support the photovoltaic module; An airbag-type constant tension assembly (40) is connected to the cable member. The airbag-type constant tension assembly (40) includes an airbag (41). Adjusting the internal pressure of the airbag (41) can change the tension level of the cable member, thereby adjusting the equivalent stiffness of the articulated rod assembly (10).

2. The photovoltaic system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airbag-type constant tension assembly (40) is disposed between the hinge rod assembly (10) and the float (19); The airbag (41) has an upper baffle (42) and a lower baffle (43) on its upper and lower sides respectively. The expansion or contraction of the airbag (41) can drive the lower baffle (43) away from or closer to the upper baffle (42). The lower baffle (43) is connected to the cable member.

3. The photovoltaic system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The airbag-type constant tension assembly (40) is equipped with a guide rod (45), one end of which passes through the upper baffle (42) and is connected to the lower baffle (43), and the other end of which cooperates with the cable member.

4. The photovoltaic system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hinge rod assembly (10) includes a series of hinged compression rods, the hinged end of the compression rod is the hinged end, and the non-hinged end of the compression rod is the free end. The hinge ends of the hinge rod assembly (10) are staggered vertically; multiple sets of the hinge rod assemblies (10) are interwoven to form a mesh structure, such that the upper hinge end of the hinge rod assembly (10) is opposite to the lower hinge end of an adjacent hinge rod assembly (10), and the lower hinge end of the hinge rod assembly (10) is opposite to the upper hinge end of another adjacent hinge rod assembly (10). The cable assembly includes an upper rope (14), a lower rope (15), an edge rope, and a tension rope (16); the upper rope (14) is used to connect the upper hinge end of the hinge rod assembly (10), the lower rope (15) is used to connect the lower hinge end of the hinge rod assembly (10), the edge rope is used to connect the free end of the hinge rod assembly (10), and the tension rope (16) is used to connect the hinge ends of the hinge rod assembly (10) that are arranged opposite each other.

5. The photovoltaic system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lower hinge end of the hinge rod assembly (10) is connected to the float (19); the upper hinge end of the hinge rod assembly (10) cooperates with the photovoltaic module suspension unit.

6. The photovoltaic system according to claim 4, characterized in that, Two adjacent tension bearing structures are hinged together by an overlapping rod (60); The lap rod (60) is used to connect the free end of the upper edge link (11) in one of the tensioned load-bearing structures to the upper hinged end in the other tensioned load-bearing structure along the arrangement direction of the two tensioned load-bearing structures; or it is used to connect the free end of the lower edge link (11) in one of the tensioned load-bearing structures to the lower hinged end in the other tensioned load-bearing structure along the arrangement direction of the two tensioned load-bearing structures.

7. The photovoltaic system according to claim 4, characterized in that, In the hinge rod assembly (10), the upper hinge end is provided with an upper hinge seat (20); in the hinge rod assembly (10), the lower hinge end is provided with a lower hinge seat (30).

8. The photovoltaic system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The upper hinge seat (20) is provided with a first center connection hole (21) and a first edge connection hole (22) on the side away from the lower hinge seat (30); the first center connection hole (21) is used to connect with the upper rope (14), and the first edge connection hole (22) is used to connect with the edge rope or photovoltaic module suspension unit. The upper hinge seat (20) is provided with a second center connection hole (23) and a second edge connection hole (24) on the side near the lower hinge seat (30); the second center connection hole (23) is used to connect with the tension rope (16); the second edge connection hole (24) is used to cooperate with the pressure rod.

9. The photovoltaic system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The lower hinge seat (30) is provided with a sliding shaft hole (34) for cooperating with the tension rope (16); The lower hinge seat (30) is provided with a third connecting edge hole (31) on the side near the upper hinge seat (20) for cooperating with the compressed member; The lower hinge seat (30) is provided with a fourth center connection hole (32) and a fourth edge connection hole (33) on the side away from the upper hinge seat (20); the fourth center connection hole (32) is used to connect with the lower rope (15), and the fourth edge connection hole (33) is used to connect with the edge rope.

10. A control method for a photovoltaic system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Set a preset number of tensioned load-bearing structures and place them in water; Using the float (19) to provide buoyancy, the articulated rod assembly (10) tends to unfold under the action of gravity and buoyancy of the tensioned load-bearing structure; the airbag constant tension assembly (40) is connected to the cable member, and the tension of the cable member connected to it is adjusted by the airbag constant tension assembly (40) to realize the unfolding and shaping of the tensioned load-bearing structure; The cable member connected to the airbag-type constant tension component (40) is detached, and the hinge rod component (10) in the tension bearing structure is folded inward to realize the folding of the tension bearing structure.

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