Floating thin-film photovoltaic platform with radially flexible floater and adaptive control method

Abstract

This invention discloses a floating thin-film photovoltaic platform with radially flexible floating tubes and its control method. It includes an annular outer floating ring, a flexible thin film stretched within the ring, and photovoltaic modules on the film surface. A cylindrical airbag is located at the center of the bottom of the thin film. Multiple inflatable flexible floating tubes are radially arranged between the airbag and the outer floating ring. The airbag integrates a pressure regulating device containing an air pump, control valve, and sensor. The floating tubes and airbag are made of TPU mesh fabric, and each connection point is equipped with sealing joints, clamps, and reinforcing membrane strips on the film surface, resulting in excellent overall airtightness and bonding strength. This invention synchronously regulates the air pressure inside the airbag and all radial floating tubes through the pressure regulating device: in low wind and waves, inflation increases the stiffness of the floating tubes, reducing photovoltaic module sway and stabilizing power generation efficiency; in high wind and waves, deflation reduces stiffness, relying on the flexible deformation of the floating tubes to adapt to the waves and reduce impact loads. This invention balances the platform's wave-load-bearing capacity with the photovoltaic module's motion suppression effect, solving the technical problem of traditional thin-film photovoltaic platforms' difficulty in balancing stiffness and power generation performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of photovoltaic platform technology, and in particular to a floating thin-film photovoltaic platform with radial flexible floating tubes and an adaptive control method. Background Technology

[0002] Floating thin-film photovoltaic platforms are considered a viable type of offshore floating photovoltaic system due to their advantages such as lightweight design and lower cost. A common structure consists of a closed floating ring forming an outer frame, with a flexible thin film stretched and laid inside, and photovoltaic modules fixed to the flexible film. This structure presents a significant contradiction: If the thin film stiffness is too low, although the wave-following ability is good and the wave load is small, the photovoltaic modules on the thin film will undergo large-amplitude angular and vertical movements with the waves, resulting in frequent changes in the light-receiving angle of the modules, reducing power generation efficiency, and adjacent photovoltaic panels are prone to collisions, increasing the risk of damage.

[0003] If membrane tension is significantly increased or rigid supports are used extensively to improve stiffness, the structure's wave compliance will decrease, wave loads will increase significantly, the overall stress on the platform will deteriorate, and mooring and structural costs will rise.

[0004] Therefore, how to effectively suppress excessive local deformation of the thin film and large-scale movement of the photovoltaic panel while maintaining appropriate wave adaptability and not excessively increasing wave load has become an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is the difficulty in balancing the wave-following performance of existing balanced floating thin-film photovoltaic platforms with the movement amplitude of photovoltaic modules.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a floating thin-film photovoltaic platform with radial flexible floating tubes, including an annular outer floating ring, a flexible thin film fixed to the inner side of the outer floating ring, and photovoltaic modules arranged in an array on the flexible thin film. A pressure regulating device is fixedly installed at the center of the flexible thin film. A flexible floating tube is connected between the pressure regulating device and the inner wall of the outer floating ring. The flexible floating tubes are evenly distributed along the center of the outer floating ring and are installed at the bottom of the flexible thin film.

[0007] Preferably, a cylindrical airbag is installed at the center of the outer float ring, and the pressure regulating device is installed in the sealed cavity inside the cylindrical airbag. The flexible float tube is connected to the cylindrical airbag. The pressure regulating device includes a miniature electric air pump, a pressure sensor, an electromagnetic control valve, and a controller. The controller controls the electric air pump and the electromagnetic control valve. The air inlet of the electric air pump is connected to the outside atmosphere through a waterproof and breathable membrane, and the air outlet is connected to the inner cavity of the cylindrical airbag. The air outlet of the electromagnetic control valve is connected to the outside atmosphere through a pipeline.

[0008] Preferably, the flexible float is an inflatable flexible float made of TPU mesh fabric. The outer wall of the cylindrical airbag is provided with a sealing air port. The inner end of the flexible float is inserted into the sealing air port, and a stainless steel clamp and a sealing adhesive layer are provided at the connection end.

[0009] Preferably, the outer float ring is made of high-density polyethylene pipe by hot-melt welding, the interior of the outer float ring is filled with closed-cell polyurethane foam, and connecting supports are uniformly embedded on the inner side wall of the outer float ring, with the outer end of the flexible float pipe installed on the connecting supports.

[0010] Preferably, the outer end of the flexible floating tube is fixedly connected to a flexible sealing joint, and is fixedly connected to the connecting support through the flexible sealing joint. The flexible sealing joint is made of rubber elastomer material.

[0011] Preferably, the flexible floating tube is continuously bonded to the lower surface of the flexible film using high-performance waterproof polyurethane structural adhesive. A strong film strip is pre-heat-sealed at high frequency in the bonding area of ​​the flexible floating tube on the bottom surface of the flexible film. The strong film strip is made of the same material as the flexible film.

[0012] Preferably, the flexible film is made of double-layer reinforced PVC mesh fabric, and after being pre-tensioned, the flexible film is fixed to the inner side of the upper edge of the outer float ring by edge pressure plates and bolts.

[0013] Preferably, the photovoltaic module is a high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon module, the photovoltaic module is bonded to the flexible film by structural adhesive, and the photovoltaic module is evenly distributed on the inner side of the outer floating ring.

[0014] An adaptive control method for a floating thin-film photovoltaic platform with a radially flexible floating tube, applying the floating thin-film photovoltaic platform, includes the following steps: Step 1: Continuously collect air pressure data inside the cylindrical airbag through the air pressure sensor in the pressure regulating device, and simultaneously collect the wave height signal of the water area and transmit it to the controller. Step 2: When the wave height is lower than the preset threshold, the controller starts the micro electric air pump to simultaneously inflate and pressurize the cylindrical airbag and all flexible floating tubes, thereby increasing the bending stiffness of the flexible floating tubes, reducing the sway amplitude and tilt angle fluctuation of the photovoltaic modules, and maintaining stable power generation efficiency. Step 3: When the wave height is higher than the preset threshold, the controller opens the electromagnetic control valve to release the internal gas, reduce the air pressure in the cylindrical airbag and flexible floating tube, and use the elastic deformation of the flexible floating tube to adapt to the wave undulation and buffer the wave impact load. Step 4: Continuously monitor the sea conditions throughout the process, automatically switch between inflation and depressurization modes, and automatically switch to high-rigidity power generation mode after the wind and waves return to a stable state.

[0015] Preferably, it also includes a platform assembly and sealing construction step, specifically: S1. Airbag prefabrication: A flat cylindrical airbag is made by heat-sealing TPU mesh fabric, and several sealing air ports are evenly and equally distributed along the outer periphery of the cylindrical airbag. S2. Pipeline airtight assembly: Insert the inner end of the TPU flexible floating pipe into the corresponding sealing air port, and lock it with a stainless steel clamp. Apply a sealing adhesive layer to the outside of the interface between the sealing air port and the flexible floating pipe to achieve airtight sealing. S3. External end connection assembly: The flexible float tube is equipped with a rubber flexible sealing joint at the outer end, and the flexible sealing joint is fixed to the connection support pre-embedded inside the outer float ring. S4. Membrane tube bonding and forming: High-frequency heat bonding of the same material strong membrane strip in the bonding area of ​​the bottom surface of the flexible film, and waterproof polyurethane structural adhesive to bond the entire length of the flexible floating tube to the bottom of the strong membrane strip to form a radial umbrella-shaped support structure. S5. Thin film tensioning and fixing: Apply pretension to the flexible thin film, and use pressure plates and bolts to fasten it to the inner side of the upper edge of the outer floating ring. Finally, attach and install the photovoltaic module on the surface of the flexible thin film.

[0016] This invention provides a floating thin-film photovoltaic platform with radially flexible floating tubes and an adaptive control method, which has the following beneficial effects.

[0017] 1. The centrally radiating flexible floating tubes support the thin film like umbrella ribs, greatly improving the local bending stiffness of the thin film. This significantly reduces the tilt angle change and sag amplitude of the photovoltaic module, effectively avoiding photovoltaic panel collisions and ensuring continuous and efficient light reception.

[0018] 2. Flexible floating pipes are elastic and can bend with the waves. The overall structure does not completely resist the waves like rigid supports, thus retaining the wave-following characteristics of the membrane. The wave load is much lower than that of a fully rigid solution, resulting in low mooring costs.

[0019] 3. The air pressure of all radial floating pipes is uniformly regulated by the central cylindrical airbag. Only one pressure regulating device is needed to simultaneously change the stiffness of 12 floating pipes. The response is rapid, and it can switch between high rigidity mode and high compliance mode in real time according to sea conditions such as wave height and wind speed, so as to achieve intelligent operation.

[0020] 4. The 12 floating pipes are arranged radially at a 30° angle. No matter which direction the waves come from, multiple floating pipes participate in the load-bearing capacity and deformation constraint, avoiding directional weak links, and the platform's hydrodynamic characteristics are uniform and stable.

[0021] 5. The central airbag and radial float tube can be produced in a modular manner and assembled on-site with the outer float ring and membrane, which is efficient in construction and also facilitates the addition and modification of existing outer float ring membrane platforms. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments: Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional side view of a floating thin-film photovoltaic platform with radial flexible floating tubes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a top view schematic diagram of a floating thin-film photovoltaic platform with radial flexible floating tubes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a bottom schematic diagram of a floating thin-film photovoltaic platform structure with radial flexible floating tubes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Enlarged cross-sectional view of the structure along the BB direction.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a partial connection between the flexible floating tube and the flexible film.

[0027] In the diagram: 1. Outer float ring; 2. Flexible thin film; 3. Photovoltaic module; 4. Flexible float tube; 5. Pressure regulating device; 6. Cylindrical airbag; 7. Sealing air port; 8. Flexible sealing joint. Detailed Implementation

[0028] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this embodiment provides a floating thin-film photovoltaic platform with radial flexible floating tubes. The overall structure is circular and mainly includes an outer floating ring 1, a flexible thin film 2, a photovoltaic module 3, multiple flexible floating tubes 4, a cylindrical airbag 6, and a pressure regulating device 5.

[0029] The outer float ring 1 is made of high-density polyethylene pipe welded together to form a closed circular outer frame. The outer float ring 1 is filled with closed-cell polyurethane foam, which provides basic buoyancy and maintains buoyancy even if the pipe wall is damaged, while also providing circumferential frame rigidity for the entire platform. Twelve connecting supports are evenly embedded on the inner wall of the outer float ring 1 for connecting to the outer end of the flexible float pipe 4.

[0030] The flexible film 2 is made of double-layer reinforced PVC mesh fabric. After pre-tensioning, it is fixed to the inner side of the upper edge of the outer floating ring 1 by edge pressure plates and bolts to form a circular load-bearing film surface. Multiple photovoltaic modules 3 are bonded to the upper surface of the flexible film 2 with structural adhesive. The photovoltaic modules 3 are high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon modules, arranged in fan-shaped and rectangular patterns, covering most of the film surface area.

[0031] A cylindrical airbag 6 is positioned at the center below the flexible film 2. This cylindrical airbag 6 is a flat cylindrical body made of high-strength TPU mesh fabric heat-sealed, forming an inflatable and deflated airtight cavity. Twelve evenly spaced sealing ports 7 are formed on the peripheral wall of the cylindrical airbag 6, with an included angle of 30° between the centers of adjacent sealing ports 7. An independent waterproof cavity is located inside the cylindrical airbag 6, encapsulating a complete pressure regulating device 5. The pressure regulating device 5 includes a miniature electric air pump, a pressure sensor, an electromagnetic control valve, and a controller. The controller controls the operation of the electric air pump and the electromagnetic control valve via a preset program or remote wireless signal. The air inlet of the electric air pump is connected to the outside atmosphere through a waterproof and breathable membrane, while its outlet is connected to the inner cavity of the cylindrical airbag 6. The deflation port of the electromagnetic control valve is led to the water surface outside the airbag via a pipeline to ensure unobstructed deflation.

[0032] The multiple flexible floats 4 are inflatable flexible floats. In this embodiment, a total of 12 floats are used. Each float is made of TPU mesh fabric and its length is about 85% of the radius of the outer float ring 1, providing good airtightness and elastic bending deformation capability. The inner end of each flexible float 4 is inserted into a sealing air port 7 on the peripheral wall of the cylindrical airbag 6 and is double-fixed to the sealing air port 7 by stainless steel clamps and sealant, so that the inner cavity of the flexible float 4 is completely airtightly connected to the inner cavity of the cylindrical airbag 6. The outer end of the flexible float 4 is connected to the connecting support pre-embedded on the inner wall of the outer float ring 1 through a flexible sealing joint 8. The flexible sealing joint 8 is made of rubber elastomer material, which can effectively transmit the tension and buoyancy of the flexible float 4 to the outer float ring 1, and can also adapt to the relative angular displacement between the outer end of the float and the outer frame under wave action, avoiding excessive bending stress concentration at the connection.

[0033] The upper surface of the flexible floating tube 4 is continuously bonded to the lower surface of the flexible film 2 along its entire length using high-performance waterproof polyurethane structural adhesive. To improve the reliability and durability of the bonding, a reinforcing membrane strip of the same material is pre-laminated in the bonding area of ​​the flexible film 2 using a high-frequency heat sealing process. The structural adhesive is applied between the reinforcing membrane strip and the flexible floating tube 4, so that the connection can effectively transmit vertical support force and horizontal shear force, and prevent peeling or fatigue damage caused by long-term wave alternating loads and sun exposure and water immersion.

[0034] An adaptive control method for a floating thin-film photovoltaic platform with radially flexible floating tubes, the specific steps of which are as follows: Under conditions of relatively calm seas and with power generation efficiency as the primary objective, the controller in the pressure regulating device 5, upon receiving a signal that the wave height is below a set threshold, activates an electric air pump to inflate and pressurize the cylindrical airbag 6. This pressurized air is simultaneously transmitted through 12 sealed air ports 7 to the inner cavities of all 12 flexible floating tubes 4, increasing the internal air pressure. As the air pressure increases, the cross-sectional stiffness of the flexible floating tubes 4 significantly improves, approaching the support effect of a "rigid beam." This greatly suppresses the local bending deflection of the flexible film 2 under wave action, significantly reducing the tilt angle change and sway amplitude of the photovoltaic module 3. The photovoltaic panel maintains the optimal light-receiving angle, resulting in stable and highly efficient power generation.

[0035] When the sea conditions gradually increase and wave load becomes the primary concern, the pressure sensor in the pressure regulating device 5 detects an increase in the platform's motion response or the controller receives a signal that the wave height exceeds a set threshold. In response, it controls the electromagnetic control valve to open and release air to reduce pressure, appropriately lowering the internal air pressure of the cylindrical airbag 6 and all flexible floating tubes 4. After the air pressure decreases, the bending stiffness of the flexible floating tubes 4 decreases accordingly, and their elastic deformation capacity increases, allowing them to bend more readily in accordance with the undulations of the wave profile. At this time, the entire flexible membrane 2 exhibits moderate wave-dependent deformation under wave action, effectively reducing wave impact force and mooring tension, improving the overall stress condition of the platform, and ensuring structural safety. When the sea conditions return to calm, the pressure regulating device 5 automatically refills and pressurizes, restoring the high-stiffness mode.

[0036] The platform assembly and sealing construction steps are as follows: 1. Airbag prefabrication: A flat cylindrical airbag 6 is made by heat-sealing TPU mesh fabric, and several sealing air ports 7 are evenly distributed along the outer periphery of the cylindrical airbag 6. 2. For airtight assembly of pipelines, insert the inner end of the TPU flexible float tube 4 into the corresponding sealing air port 7, and lock it with a stainless steel clamp. Apply a sealing adhesive layer to the outside of the interface between the sealing air port 7 and the flexible float tube 4 to achieve airtight sealing. 3. External end connection assembly: The flexible float tube 4 is equipped with a rubber flexible sealing joint 8 at its external end, and the flexible sealing joint 8 is fixed to the connection support pre-embedded inside the outer float ring 1. 4. Membrane tube bonding and forming: High-frequency heat bonding of the same material strong membrane tape in the bonding area of ​​the bottom surface of the flexible film 2, and waterproof polyurethane structural adhesive are used to bond the entire length of the flexible floating tube 4 to the bottom of the strong membrane tape to form a radial umbrella-shaped support structure. 5. Thin film tensioning and fixing: Apply pretension to the flexible thin film 2, and use pressure plates and bolts to fasten it to the inner side of the upper edge of the outer floating ring 1. Finally, attach and install the photovoltaic module 3 on the surface of the flexible thin film 2. This embodiment achieves uniform constraint on waves from any direction by using 12 flexible floating tubes 4 arranged radially at equal angles of 30°. Regardless of the direction from which the waves enter, at least several radial floating tubes are in the effective load-bearing direction, avoiding the problem of weak stiffness in certain directions in traditional solutions. This invention achieves a beneficial balance between maintaining wave-driven unloading and suppressing excessive movement of the photovoltaic panels. It should be noted that the above-mentioned 12 uniformly arranged flexible floating tubes 4 are only a preferred embodiment of this invention and do not limit the scope of protection; the number of flexible floating tubes 4 can be adaptively adjusted to other numbers and arranged in a uniform radial pattern according to the actual size of the floating platform, the wave conditions of the target sea area, and the load-bearing requirements, which can also achieve the technical effects of omnidirectional uniform load-bearing and balancing wave-driven unloading and suppression of photovoltaic panel movement.

Claims

1. A floating thin-film photovoltaic platform with radially flexible floating tubes, characterized in that: It includes an annular outer float (1), a flexible thin film (2) fixed inside the outer float (1), and photovoltaic modules (3) arranged in an array on the flexible thin film (2). A pressure regulating device (5) is fixedly installed at the center of the flexible thin film (2). A flexible floating tube (4) is connected between the pressure regulating device (5) and the inner wall of the outer float (1). The flexible floating tube (4) is evenly distributed along the center of the outer float (1) and is installed at the bottom of the flexible thin film (2).

2. The floating thin-film photovoltaic platform with radially flexible floating tube as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A cylindrical airbag (6) is installed at the center of the outer float (1). The pressure regulating device (5) is installed in the sealed cavity inside the cylindrical airbag (6). The flexible float tube (4) is connected to the cylindrical airbag (6). The pressure regulating device (5) includes a miniature electric air pump, a pressure sensor, an electromagnetic control valve, and a controller. The controller controls the electric air pump and the electromagnetic control valve. The air inlet of the electric air pump is connected to the outside atmosphere through a waterproof and breathable membrane. The air outlet is connected to the inner cavity of the cylindrical airbag (6). The air outlet of the electromagnetic control valve is connected to the outside atmosphere through a pipeline.

3. The floating thin-film photovoltaic platform with radially flexible floating tube as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The flexible float (4) is an inflatable flexible float. The flexible float (4) is made of TPU mesh fabric. The outer wall of the cylindrical airbag (6) is provided with a sealed air port (7). The inner end of the flexible float (4) is inserted into the sealed air port (7), and a stainless steel clamp and a sealing adhesive layer are provided at the connection end.

4. The floating thin-film photovoltaic platform with radially flexible floating tube as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The outer float (1) is made of high-density polyethylene pipe by hot-melt welding. The interior of the outer float (1) is filled with closed-cell polyurethane foam. Connecting supports are evenly embedded on the inner side wall of the outer float (1). The outer end of the flexible float (4) is installed on the connecting support.

5. A floating thin-film photovoltaic platform with radially flexible floating tubes as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The flexible floating tube (4) is fixedly connected to a flexible sealing joint (8) at its outer end, and is fixedly connected to the connecting support through the flexible sealing joint (8). The flexible sealing joint (8) is made of rubber elastomer material.

6. The floating thin-film photovoltaic platform with radially flexible floating tube as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible floating tube (4) is continuously bonded to the lower surface of the flexible film (2) by high-performance waterproof polyurethane structural adhesive. A strong film strip is pre-heat-sealed in the bonding area of ​​the flexible floating tube (4) on the bottom surface of the flexible film (2). The strong film strip is made of the same material as the flexible film (2).

7. A floating thin-film photovoltaic platform with radially flexible floating tubes as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible film (2) is made of double-layer reinforced PVC mesh fabric. After being pre-tensioned, the flexible film (2) is fixed to the inner side of the upper edge of the outer float (1) by edge pressure plates and bolts.

8. A floating thin-film photovoltaic platform with radially flexible floating tubes as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The photovoltaic module (3) is a high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon module. The photovoltaic module (3) is bonded to the flexible film (2) by structural adhesive. The photovoltaic module (3) is evenly distributed on the inner side of the outer floating ring (1).

9. An adaptive control method for a floating thin-film photovoltaic platform with radially flexible floating tubes, characterized in that, The application of the floating thin-film photovoltaic platform according to any one of claims 1-8 includes the following steps: Step 1: The air pressure sensor in the pressure regulating device (5) continuously collects the air pressure data inside the cylindrical airbag (6), and simultaneously collects the wave height signal of the water area and transmits it to the controller. Step 2: When the wave height is lower than the preset threshold, the controller starts the micro electric air pump to simultaneously inflate and pressurize the cylindrical airbag (6) and all the flexible floating tubes (4), thereby increasing the bending stiffness of the flexible floating tubes (4), reducing the sway amplitude and tilt angle fluctuation of the photovoltaic module (3), and maintaining stable power generation efficiency. Step 3: When the wave height is higher than the preset threshold, the controller opens the electromagnetic control valve to release the internal gas, reduce the air pressure inside the cylindrical airbag (6) and the flexible floating tube (4), and use the elastic deformation of the flexible floating tube (4) to adapt to the wave undulation and buffer the wave impact load. Step 4: Continuously monitor the sea conditions throughout the process, automatically switch between inflation and depressurization modes, and automatically switch to high-rigidity power generation mode after the wind and waves return to a stable state.

10. The adaptive control method for a floating thin-film photovoltaic platform with a radially flexible floating tube as described in claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes the platform assembly and sealing construction steps, specifically: S1. Prefabrication of airbags: flat cylindrical airbags (6) are made by heat sealing with TPU mesh fabric, and several sealing air ports (7) are evenly distributed along the outer periphery of the cylindrical airbag (6). S2. Pipeline airtight assembly: Insert the inner end of the TPU flexible floating pipe (4) into the corresponding sealing air port (7), and tighten it with a stainless steel clamp. Apply a sealing adhesive layer to the outside of the interface between the sealing air port (7) and the flexible floating pipe (4) to achieve airtight sealing. S3. External end connection assembly: The flexible float (4) is equipped with a rubber flexible sealing joint (8) at its external end. The flexible sealing joint (8) is fixed to the connection support embedded in the inner side of the outer float (1). S4. Membrane tube bonding and forming: High frequency heat bonding of the same material strong membrane tape in the bonding area of ​​the bottom surface of the flexible film (2), and waterproof polyurethane structural adhesive is used to bond the entire length of the flexible floating tube (4) to the underside of the strong membrane tape to form a radial umbrella rib support structure. S5. Tensioning and fixing the film: Apply pretension to the flexible film (2), and use pressure plates and bolts to fasten it to the inner side of the upper edge of the outer floating ring (1). Finally, attach and install the photovoltaic module (3) on the film surface of the flexible film (2).

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