Flexible connection assembly and offshore floating photovoltaic system

Abstract

The application provides a flexible connection assembly and a marine floating photovoltaic system, and belongs to the photovoltaic field. The flexible connection assembly comprises a connecting cylinder section, both ends of which are provided with piston connection sections. The piston connection sections are connected with marine floating photovoltaic unit connection sections through photovoltaic unit connection sections. The photovoltaic unit connection section comprises a connecting rod and a ball sleeve of a universal joint head. One end of the connecting rod is connected with the marine floating photovoltaic unit, and the other end is connected with the ball sleeve. The piston connection section comprises a ball head, a pull rod and a piston. The ball head is matched with the ball sleeve to rotate freely in the ball sleeve. One end of the pull rod is connected with the ball head, and the other end is connected with the piston. The connecting cylinder section comprises a connecting cylinder. The connecting cylinder is hollow inside and has end covers at both ends. The connecting cylinder is divided into two chambers by a stopper. The piston reciprocates between the stopper and the corresponding end cover. The pull rod passes through the end cover and is sleeved with a spring. The spring is between the piston and the end cover. The flexible connection assembly improves the impact resistance and avoids collision or stacking of adjacent marine floating photovoltaic units.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of photovoltaics, and in particular to a flexible connection component and a floating photovoltaic system. Background Technology

[0002] Floating photovoltaics (PV) is a clean energy technology that installs photovoltaic power generation systems on floating platforms on the surface of bodies of water such as oceans, lakes, and reservoirs. It uses specialized floats to support solar panels, combined with an anchoring system to stabilize the overall structure, and utilizes natural water cooling to improve power generation efficiency while reducing water evaporation and algae growth. This technology not only saves land resources and alleviates land use conflicts, but also enables multi-functional applications such as aquaculture and ecological protection, representing an important innovative direction for promoting energy transition and sustainable development.

[0003] Existing connection structures between floating photovoltaic (PV) units are prone to stress concentration when exposed to wave impacts and wind forces, leading to damage to connecting components or displacement of PV units, thus affecting overall stability and lifespan. Furthermore, traditional rigid connection methods lack buffering capacity and struggle to adapt to dynamic changes in the marine environment, making the system susceptible to structural failure under severe weather conditions. In addition, existing connection devices have poor adjustability and cannot effectively absorb and disperse external impact forces, limiting the reliable operation of PV units in complex sea conditions. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a connection component with good flexibility and buffering capacity to improve the stability and durability of floating PV systems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a flexible connection component and a floating photovoltaic system for marine applications, solving the problems in existing floating photovoltaic array connections where improper selection of connector stiffness can easily lead to connector breakage due to excessive stiffness or array collision and stacking due to excessive flexibility.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a flexible connection assembly is provided for connecting adjacent floating photovoltaic units at sea. The assembly includes a connecting cylindrical section, with piston connecting sections at both ends of the connecting cylindrical section. The piston connecting sections are connected to the floating photovoltaic units at sea via photovoltaic unit connecting sections. The photovoltaic unit connecting section includes a connecting rod and a ball joint sleeve. One end of the connecting rod is connected to the floating photovoltaic unit at sea, and the other end is connected to the ball joint sleeve. The piston connecting section includes a ball head, a pull rod, and a piston. The ball head cooperates with the ball joint sleeve to rotate freely within the sleeve. One end of the pull rod is connected to the ball head, and the other end is connected to the piston. The connecting cylindrical section includes a connecting cylinder, which is hollow inside and has end caps at both ends. The connecting cylinder is divided into two chambers by a stop block. In each chamber, the piston can reciprocate between the stop block and the corresponding end cap. The pull rod passes through the end cap and is fitted with a spring, which is disposed between the piston and the end cap.

[0007] Optionally, the pull rod is provided with a scraping mechanism, which includes a threaded groove on the pull rod, a drive gear sleeved on the pull rod, the drive gear being threadedly connected to the pull rod, an axial limiting structure being provided between the drive gear and the corresponding end cover to maintain the axial distance between the drive gear and the corresponding end cover, a driven gear being provided above one side of the drive gear, the drive gear meshing with the driven gear, a rotating rod being installed on the side wall of the driven gear, the rotating rod being eccentrically set, the scraping mechanism also includes a scraper, a fixed plate being installed on the scraper, a straight groove being opened on the fixed plate, one end of the rotating rod passing through the straight groove, the rotating rod driving the scraper to reciprocate.

[0008] Optionally, the axial limiting structure includes multiple shafts fixed to the side wall of the drive gear. The shafts rotate at the end of the connecting cylinder, and the pull rod performs reciprocating linear motion to drive the drive gear to rotate reciprocally.

[0009] Optionally, a protective box is installed on the side wall of the connecting cylinder, and the drive gear and driven gear are located inside the protective box.

[0010] Optionally, the protective box has an annular hole on its side wall, and the rotating rod rotates along the annular hole, with the diameter of the end of the rotating rod being larger than the width of the straight groove.

[0011] Optionally, the connecting cylinder is equipped with a cleaning assembly, which includes a water pump pipe installed on the side wall of the connecting cylinder and a water outlet pipe installed on the side wall of the connecting cylinder. The water outlet pipe is arranged opposite to the water pump pipe. One end of the water outlet pipe is connected to a wave energy booster accumulator, which is fixed to the side wall of the connecting cylinder. A hose is connected to the upper end of the wave energy booster accumulator, and a nozzle is connected to one end of the hose. The nozzle is used to spray water in a preset direction.

[0012] Optionally, a filter screen is installed at the connection between the connecting cylinder and the water pumping pipe, and an installation groove is provided on the side wall of the connecting cylinder, in which the filter screen is installed.

[0013] Optionally, a support ring is installed on the top of the protective box, and the hose is placed on the support ring.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, a floating photovoltaic system for marine applications is provided, comprising: a plurality of floating photovoltaic units, each floating photovoltaic unit including a pontoon, and a photovoltaic panel fixedly mounted on each pontoon; and a flexible connection assembly according to the first aspect, wherein the flexible connection assembly is disposed between the pontoons of two adjacent floating photovoltaic units, and the flexible connection assembly further includes a hinge shaft mounted on the end of the pontoon, and a connecting rod sleeved on the hinge shaft.

[0015] Optionally, an anchor chain is movably mounted on one corner of the pontoon via a hinge, and an anchor is movably mounted on the other end of the anchor chain.

[0016] Optionally, limit rods are symmetrically arranged on the photovoltaic panel, and a scraper is sleeved on the limit rods. The scraper reciprocates on the surface of the photovoltaic panel, and a gap is left between the limit rods and the photovoltaic panel.

[0017] The beneficial effects of the above-described technical solution of the present invention are as follows:

[0018] In the above scheme, the connecting cylinder inside the flexible connection component is divided into two chambers by a stop block. The piston, pull rod and spring in each chamber form a buffer structure. When wind, waves and surges act on the pontoon, the relative displacement of the pontoons of adjacent floating photovoltaic units will drive the pull rod to pull the piston to compress or stretch the spring. The elastic potential energy of the spring is used to buffer the impact load and prevent the connector from breaking due to excessive instantaneous stress. This significantly improves the impact resistance of the connection structure. Furthermore, the connecting cylinder prevents adjacent photovoltaic panels from colliding or stacking. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the flexible connection component of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the floating photovoltaic system at sea including the flexible connection component of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the drive gear of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the connecting cylinder of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting rod of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the shaft of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the scraper of the present invention.

[0026] The components are as follows: 1. Floating box; 2. Photovoltaic panel; 3. Flexible connection assembly; 301. Connecting cylinder; 302. Piston; 303. Pull rod; 304. Spring; 305. Hinge shaft; 306. Connecting rod; 307. Universal head; 3071. Ball head; 3072. Ball sleeve; 308. End cap; 4. Scraping mechanism; 401. Drive gear; 402. Driven gear; 403. Rotating rod; 404. Scraper; 405. Fixing plate; 5. Cleaning assembly; 501. Pumping pipe; 502. Outlet pipe; 503. Wave energy booster accumulator; 504. Hose; 505. Nozzle; 6. Limiting rod; 7. Filter screen; 8. Anchor chain; 9. Anchor; 10. Protective box; 11. Shaft; 12. Support ring. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the technical problems, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer, a detailed description will be given below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a flexible connection component 3 for connecting adjacent floating photovoltaic units at sea. It includes a photovoltaic connecting cylindrical section, with piston connecting sections at both ends. The piston connecting sections are connected to the floating photovoltaic units at sea via photovoltaic unit connecting sections. The photovoltaic unit connecting section includes a connecting rod 306 and a ball joint 3072 of a universal joint 307. One end of the connecting rod 306 is connected to the floating photovoltaic unit at sea, and the other end is connected to the ball joint 3072. The piston connecting section includes a ball head 3071, a pull rod 303, and a piston 302. The ball head 3071 and the ball joint 3072 are connected to the floating photovoltaic unit at sea. The sleeve 3072 is fitted to rotate freely within the ball sleeve 3072. One end of the pull rod 303 is connected to the ball head 3071 and the other end is connected to the piston 302. The connecting cylinder section includes a connecting cylinder 301, which is hollow inside and has end caps 308 at both ends. The connecting cylinder 301 is divided into two chambers by a stop block. In each chamber, the piston 302 can reciprocate between the stop block and the corresponding end cap 308. The pull rod 303 passes through the end cap 308 and a spring 304 is sleeved on the pull rod 303. The spring 304 is located between the piston 302 and the end cap 308.

[0029] Preferably, the connecting cylinder 301 is divided into two equal chambers, and the two pistons, chambers, rods, and springs are exactly the same size, so that the pistons, rods, and springs in each chamber form a symmetrical buffer structure, which can offset the impact in the opposite direction as much as possible and avoid the overall load of the flexible connecting assembly.

[0030] It should be understood that the universal joint can also be replaced with other movable connection components, as long as they have a certain degree of rotational freedom to adapt to the relative tilting or twisting of the pontoons of adjacent floating photovoltaic units caused by wind, waves and surges. For example, common mechanisms composed of connecting rods, sliders, hinges, cranks, rockers, gears, cams, etc. are not limited in this respect.

[0031] The flexible connection assembly of this invention uses a piston and connecting cylinder to absorb the impact when adjacent floating photovoltaic units approach or move away from each other. A spring further buffers the impact load. Furthermore, the universal joint enhances the adaptability of the flexible connection assembly in other directions, particularly adapting to the relative tilting or twisting of the pontoons of adjacent floating photovoltaic units caused by wind, waves, and surges. The flexible connection assembly of this invention, through the cooperation of the piston assembly, spring assembly, and universal joint assembly, prevents the connector from breaking due to excessive instantaneous stress, and also prevents adjacent photovoltaic panels from colliding or stacking.

[0032] Specifically, a flexible connection structure adapted to the complex marine environment is constructed through the flexible connection component 3, effectively solving the problems of easy breakage of rigid connectors and insufficient constraint of flexible connectors. The connecting cylinder 301 inside the flexible connection component 3 is divided into two chambers by a stop block. The piston 302, the pull rod 303 and the spring 304 in each chamber form a buffer structure. When wind, waves and surges act on the pontoon 1, the relative displacement of the pontoons 1 of adjacent floating photovoltaic units will drive the pull rod 303 to pull the piston 302 to compress or stretch the spring 304. The elastic potential energy of the spring 304 is used to buffer the impact load and prevent the connector from being damaged due to the shock load. Excessive instantaneous stress can cause fracture, significantly improving the impact resistance of the connection structure. At the same time, the combined design of the floating photovoltaic unit and the universal joint 307 allows for multi-directional rotation adjustment between the connecting rod 306 and the tie rod 303. The ball joint 3071 and ball sleeve 3072 of the universal joint 307 are compatible, allowing the float 1 to tilt and twist at a certain angle in wind and waves. This not only adapts to the dynamic motion characteristics of the floating body at sea, but also limits the irregular large-scale swing and displacement of the photovoltaic array through the constraint of the elastic components, preventing collisions and stacking between the floats 1, and ensuring the stability of the overall structure of the photovoltaic array.

[0033] Typically, a flexible connection component is used to connect two adjacent floating photovoltaic (PV) units, and one or more flexible connection components together with multiple floating PV units constitute a floating PV system. The design details of the flexible connection component of the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with a floating PV system including this flexible connection component. It should be understood that these descriptions do not limit or imply that the flexible connection component must be combined with floating PV units; rather, the flexible connection component can be independently protected as a separate product. That is, the following description of a floating PV system including this flexible connection component can independently achieve good flexibility and cushioning capabilities even when the floating PV units are removed, and it can also be used to connect other floating PV units besides floating PV units, which will not be elaborated further in this invention.

[0034] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a floating photovoltaic system for the sea including the flexible connection component 3, which includes multiple floating photovoltaic units. Each floating photovoltaic unit includes a buoy 1, on which a photovoltaic panel 2 is fixedly installed. Figure 1 The flexible connection assembly 3 shown is disposed between two adjacent floating photovoltaic units' pontoons 1. The flexible connection assembly 3 also includes a hinge shaft 305 mounted on the end of the pontoon 1, with a connecting rod 306 sleeved on the hinge shaft 305 to allow the connecting rod 306 to rotate around the hinge shaft 305. It should be understood that, given that the flexible connection assembly 3 can prevent the connector from breaking due to excessive instantaneous stress and avoid collisions or stacking between adjacent photovoltaic panels, the flexible connection assembly 3 can connect the pontoons 1 in other ways, such as fixed connection, movable connection, direct connection, or indirect connection. Regardless of the connection method, the effectiveness of the flexible connection assembly 3 is not affected, and the present invention does not impose any limitations on this.

[0035] Furthermore, it should be understood that the pontoon 1 is used to support the photovoltaic panel 2 and provides a connection point with the flexible connection assembly 3, namely the hinge 305. Therefore, each floating photovoltaic unit may include one or more pontoons 1. The number of pontoons does not affect the concept and effect of the present invention, and the present invention does not limit it in this respect.

[0036] In one possible implementation of this invention, an anchor chain 8 is movably mounted on one corner of the pontoon 1 via a hinge 305, and an anchor 9 is movably mounted on the other end of the anchor chain 8. The anchor chain and anchor 9 mounted on the hinge at one corner of the pontoon are fixed to a designated sea area. The anchor chain constrains the overall displacement of the photovoltaic array, preventing drift. The hinge structure can be adapted to subsequent adjustments of the pontoon, avoiding interference of anchoring force with the flexible connection effect.

[0037] In one possible implementation of this invention, the flexible connection assembly 3 can also scrape off contaminants on the photovoltaic panel, which is achieved by providing a scraping mechanism 4 on the pull rod 303. Specifically, the scraping mechanism 4 includes a threaded groove on the pull rod 303, a drive gear 401 is sleeved on the pull rod 303, the drive gear 401 is threadedly connected to the pull rod 303, an axial limiting structure is provided between the drive gear 401 and the corresponding end cover 11 to maintain the axial distance between the drive gear 401 and the corresponding end cover 11, a driven gear 402 is provided above one side of the drive gear 401, the drive gear 401 and the driven gear 402 mesh, a rotating rod 403 is installed on the side wall of the driven gear 402, the rotating rod 403 is eccentrically arranged, the scraping mechanism 4 also includes a scraper 404, a fixing plate 405 is installed on the scraper 404, a straight groove is provided on the fixing plate 405, one end of the rotating rod 403 passes through the straight groove, and the rotating rod 403 drives the scraper 404 to reciprocate.

[0038] The flexible connection component 3 of the present invention, by setting a scraping mechanism 4, when the pull rod 303 reciprocates, drives the drive gear 401 to reciprocate through the threaded engagement, thereby driving the driven gear 402 to reciprocate, thereby driving the rotating rod 403 to perform circumferential motion, and thus driving the scraper 404 to reciprocate. This can efficiently remove pollutants such as dust, scum, and water stains from the surface of the photovoltaic panel 2, avoiding the reduction of power generation efficiency due to shading of sunlight. Moreover, the scraping mechanism 4 uses the displacement of the pull rod 303 caused by wind and waves as a power source, eliminating the need for additional power equipment such as motors, thus reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs.

[0039] This invention utilizes a scraping assembly. When encountering wind and waves, the pull rod reciprocates in conjunction with a spring for elastic cushioning. Simultaneously, the scraping mechanism, through the reciprocating linear motion of the pull rod, drives the threaded drive gear to rotate reciprocally. The drive gear then drives the driven gear to rotate. An eccentrically mounted rotating rod on the driven gear drives the scraper to reciprocate along the limiting rod via a straight groove in the fixed plate. This effectively removes dust, scum, water stains, and other contaminants from the surface of the photovoltaic panel, preventing contaminants from blocking sunlight and reducing power generation efficiency.

[0040] like Figure 6 As shown, in one possible implementation of the present invention, in order to make the reciprocating motion of the pull rod 303 more stable in driving the reciprocating motion of the scraping mechanism 4, the axial limiting structure includes a plurality of shafts 11 fixed on the side wall of the drive gear 401. The shafts 11 rotate at the end of the connecting cylinder 301, and the pull rod 303 performs reciprocating linear motion to drive the drive gear 401 to reciprocate.

[0041] To enable the shaft 11 to rotate at the end of the connecting cylinder 301, the shaft 11 can be fixed to the end cover 11. For example, the end cover 11 can be divided into a central fixed part and an outer peripheral rotating part, wherein the outer peripheral rotating part is fixed to the shaft 11 to rotate together with the shaft 11; or, the shaft 11 can also rotate relative to the end cover 11. For example, the end cover 11 can include a track hollowed out therein, and the shaft 11 includes a sliding part that slides in the track, so that the shaft 11 can rotate in the track with the linear movement of the pull rod 303, thereby driving the drive gear 401 to rotate.

[0042] It should be understood that the axial limiting structure can also take various other forms besides the shaft 11, as long as it can maintain the axial distance between the drive gear 401 and the corresponding end cover 11 so as to convert the linear motion of the pull rod 303 into the rotational motion of the drive gear 401.

[0043] In one possible implementation of this invention, a protective box 10 is installed on the side wall of the connecting cylinder 301, and the drive gear 401 and the driven gear 402 are located inside the protective box 10. The protective box 10 can provide a protective space for the drive gear 401 and the driven gear 402, preventing the gears from rusting, wearing or jamming, ensuring the smoothness of the gear transmission structure, and extending the service life of the scraping mechanism 4.

[0044] In one possible implementation of this invention, the protective box 10 has an annular hole on its side wall, and the rotating rod 403 rotates along the annular hole. The diameter of the end of the rotating rod 403 is larger than the width of the straight groove. The design of the annular hole provides rotation space for the rotating rod 403, ensuring that the rotating rod 403 rotates smoothly under the drive of the driven gear 402, thus ensuring the cleaning effect.

[0045] In one possible implementation of this invention, the flexible connection assembly 3 can also clean the photovoltaic panel, which is achieved by providing a cleaning assembly 5 on the connecting cylinder 301. Specifically, the cleaning assembly 5 includes a water pumping pipe 501 installed on the side wall of the connecting cylinder 301, and a water outlet pipe 502 also provided on the side wall of the connecting cylinder 301. The water outlet pipe 502 is arranged opposite to the water pumping pipe 501. One end of the water outlet pipe 502 is connected to a wave energy booster accumulator 503, which is fixed to the side wall of the connecting cylinder 301. A flexible hose 504 is connected to the upper end of the wave energy booster accumulator 503, and a nozzle 505 is connected to one end of the flexible hose 504. The nozzle 505 is mounted on the float box 1 by a bracket and is inclined and aimed at the surface of the photovoltaic panel 2.

[0046] Specifically, through the cleaning component 5, when the pull rod 303 drives the piston 302 to reciprocate, seawater can be sucked in and discharged. The wave energy booster accumulator 503 can collect wave energy and convert it into water pressure, so that the seawater can obtain sufficient impact force and be accurately sprayed onto the surface of the photovoltaic panel 2 through the tilting nozzle 505 to wash away pollutants. Combined with the scraping action of the scraper 404, the cleaning effect is significantly improved.

[0047] In one possible implementation of this invention, a support ring 12 is installed on the top of the protective box 10, and the hose 504 is placed on the support ring 12. The support ring 12 limits and supports the hose 504, preventing it from swinging or tangling under the action of wind and waves, avoiding damage caused by friction between the hose 504 and other structures, or causing obstruction of seawater delivery due to tangling, thus ensuring the normal water supply of the cleaning component 5.

[0048] like Figure 4 As shown, in one possible implementation of this invention, a filter screen 7 is installed at the connection between the connecting cylinder 301 and the water pumping pipe 501. An installation groove is provided on the side wall of the connecting cylinder 301, and the filter screen 7 is installed in the installation groove. The filter screen 7 effectively filters impurities such as mud, sand, and shell fragments from the seawater, preventing these impurities from entering the connecting cylinder 301, the water outlet pipe 502, and the wave energy booster accumulator 503 with the seawater. This avoids pipe blockage, piston 302 jamming, and wear on the booster equipment, ensuring smooth operation of the cleaning assembly 5 and the flexible connecting assembly 3.

[0049] like Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, in one possible implementation of this invention, limit rods 6 are symmetrically arranged on the photovoltaic panel 2, and a scraper 404 is sleeved on the limit rods 6. The scraper 404 reciprocates on the surface of the photovoltaic panel 2, and a gap is left between the limit rods 6 and the photovoltaic panel 2. The limit rods 6 provide guidance and stability for the reciprocating motion of the scraper 404, preventing the scraper 404 from deviating or tilting during the movement, ensuring that the scraper 404 always adheres to the surface of the photovoltaic panel 2, and improving the effectiveness of scraping and cleaning; the gap between the limit rods 6 and the photovoltaic panel 2 allows impurities to fall out after cleaning.

[0050] The above-described solutions have provided a detailed description of the flexible connection component and the floating photovoltaic system of the present invention. Various implementations of these embodiments can be combined to improve the impact resistance of the flexible connection component and prevent collisions or stacking between adjacent photovoltaic panels. Specifically, during operation, multiple floating boxes equipped with photovoltaic panels are sequentially connected via the flexible connection component to form a photovoltaic array. Simultaneously, anchor chains and anchors installed on the hinge shaft at one corner of the floating box are fixed to a designated sea area. The anchor chains constrain the overall displacement of the photovoltaic array, preventing drift. The hinge structure can adapt to subsequent adjustments of the floating box, avoiding interference from anchoring forces on the flexible connection effect. When waves or swells occur at sea, the floating boxes of adjacent floating photovoltaic units will experience relative displacement, tilting, or torsion. At this time, the pull rod synchronously pulls the piston with the displacement of the floating box, causing the piston to compress or stretch within the cavity of the connecting cylinder. The spring sleeved on the pull rod is compressed or stretched accordingly, utilizing the elastic potential energy of the spring to offset some of the waves. Impact force is used to prevent rigid stress from causing the connecting parts to break. When the pontoon is driven by wind and waves to make reciprocating linear motion of the connecting rod, the linear motion of the connecting rod drives the drive gear to rotate reciprocally because the connecting rod is threadedly connected to the drive gear. The drive gear meshes with the driven gear, causing the driven gear to rotate synchronously. The rotating rod, which is eccentrically mounted on the driven gear, rotates in a circular motion with the gear. One end of the rotating rod passes through the straight groove of the fixed plate, driving the scraper to make linear reciprocating motion along the limit rod on the photovoltaic panel, scraping away dust, scum, water stains and other contaminants on the surface of the photovoltaic panel. When the connecting rod reciprocates, it drives the piston to move synchronously, thereby drawing seawater into the connecting cylinder through the water pump pipe, and then transporting it to the wave energy booster accumulator through the water outlet pipe. The wave energy booster accumulator collects wave energy and converts it into water pressure. The pressurized seawater is transported through the hose to the inclined nozzle to perform high-pressure washing on the surface of the photovoltaic panel.

[0051] The above description represents the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flexible connection component for connecting adjacent floating photovoltaic units at sea, characterized in that, The flexible connection component includes a connecting cylinder section, and piston connecting sections are respectively provided at both ends of the connecting cylinder section. The piston connecting sections are connected to the floating photovoltaic unit at sea through a photovoltaic unit connecting section. The photovoltaic unit connection section includes a connecting rod and a ball sleeve of a universal joint, with one end of the connecting rod connected to the marine floating photovoltaic unit and the other end connected to the ball sleeve; The piston connecting section includes a ball head, a pull rod, and a piston. The ball head cooperates with the ball sleeve to rotate freely within the ball sleeve. One end of the pull rod is connected to the ball head, and the other end is connected to the piston. The connecting cylinder section includes a connecting cylinder, which is hollow inside and has end caps at both ends. The connecting cylinder is divided into two chambers by a stop block. In each chamber, the piston can reciprocate between the stop block and the corresponding end cap. The pull rod passes through the end cap and is fitted with a spring. The spring is disposed between the piston and the end cap.

2. The flexible connection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pull rod is equipped with a scraping mechanism, which includes a threaded groove on the pull rod. A drive gear is sleeved on the pull rod and threadedly connected to the pull rod. An axial limiting structure is provided between the drive gear and the corresponding end cap to maintain the axial distance between the drive gear and the corresponding end cap. A driven gear is provided above one side of the drive gear, and the drive gear meshes with the driven gear. A rotating rod is installed on the side wall of the driven gear. The rotating rod is eccentrically positioned. The scraping mechanism also includes a scraper. A fixing plate is installed on the scraper. A straight groove is opened on the fixing plate. One end of the rotating rod passes through the straight groove, and the rotating rod drives the scraper to reciprocate.

3. The flexible connection assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The axial limiting structure includes multiple shafts fixed on the side wall of the drive gear. The shafts rotate at the end of the connecting cylinder, and the pull rods reciprocate linearly, driving the drive gear to reciprocate.

4. The flexible connection assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, A protective box is installed on the side wall of the connecting cylinder, and the driving gear and the driven gear are located inside the protective box.

5. The flexible connection assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The protective box has an annular hole on its side wall, and the rotating rod rotates along the annular hole. The diameter of the end of the rotating rod is greater than the width of the straight groove.

6. The flexible connection assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connecting cylinder is equipped with a cleaning assembly, which includes a water pump pipe installed on the side wall of the connecting cylinder and a water outlet pipe installed on the side wall of the connecting cylinder. The water outlet pipe is arranged opposite to the water pump pipe. One end of the water outlet pipe is connected to a wave energy booster accumulator, which is fixed to the side wall of the connecting cylinder. A flexible hose is connected to the upper end of the wave energy booster accumulator, and a nozzle is connected to one end of the flexible hose. The nozzle is used to spray water in a preset direction.

7. The flexible connection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, A filter screen is installed at the connection between the connecting cylinder and the water pumping pipe. An installation groove is provided on the side wall of the connecting cylinder, and the filter screen is installed in the installation groove.

8. The flexible connection assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, A support ring is installed on the top of the protective box, and the hose is placed on the support ring.

9. A floating photovoltaic system for marine applications, characterized in that, include: Multiple floating photovoltaic units at sea, each of the floating photovoltaic units at sea includes a pontoon on which photovoltaic panels are fixedly installed; The flexible connection assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is disposed between the pontoons of two adjacent floating photovoltaic units at sea, and the flexible connection assembly further includes a hinge shaft installed at the end of the pontoon, on which the connecting rod is sleeved.

10. The floating photovoltaic system according to claim 9, characterized in that, An anchor chain is movably mounted on one corner of the pontoon via the hinge, and an anchor is movably mounted on the other end of the anchor chain.

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