Ice-pushing-resistant heat-absorbing floating ball device for reservoir in cold region

By using a floating device with a light-transmitting upper hemisphere and a heat-absorbing lower hemisphere in the reservoir, solar energy is used to melt the ice layer, solving the problems of low efficiency of mechanical ice breaking and high energy consumption of electrothermal ice melting, and achieving a low-cost and environmentally friendly ice protection effect.

CN224186669UActive Publication Date: 2026-05-01NORTHWEST ELECTRIC POWER DESIGN INST OF CHINA POWER ENG CONSULTING GRP
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
NORTHWEST ELECTRIC POWER DESIGN INST OF CHINA POWER ENG CONSULTING GRP
Filing Date
2025-04-24
Publication Date
2026-05-01

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing technologies for mechanical ice breaking in reservoirs in cold regions are inefficient, energy-intensive, and costly to maintain, making it difficult to effectively protect reservoir bank slopes from ice-pushing pressure.

Method used

Multiple hollow buoy devices are used. Each buoy consists of a light-transmitting upper hemisphere and a heat-absorbing lower hemisphere. It operates autonomously using solar energy to form a floating cover layer. The light-transmitting layer transmits sunlight to the heat-absorbing layer, which converts it into heat energy. The lower hemisphere has a larger mass than the upper hemisphere to ensure automatic orientation. The heat-absorbing layer heats the water to melt the ice layer.

Benefits of technology

It achieves efficient and low-consumption ice melting, reduces the damage of ice thrust to the reservoir bank, is suitable for reservoirs in remote and cold regions, and has zero carbon emissions and low operation and maintenance costs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of water conservancy project protection, and relates to an ice-pushing-resistant heat absorption floating ball device for a reservoir in a cold region. Comprising a plurality of floating balls located on the water surface, and the floating balls are attached to form a floating cover layer; the floating ball is a hollow ball body and comprises an upper hemisphere and a lower hemisphere; the upper hemisphere is a light-transmitting layer; the lower hemisphere is a heat absorption layer; and the mass of the lower hemisphere is greater than that of the upper hemisphere. The device completely depends on solar energy to autonomously operate, has the advantages of zero carbon emission, low operation and maintenance cost and the like, and is particularly suitable for winter protection requirements of reservoirs in remote cold regions.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of water conservancy engineering protection technology, and relates to a device for anti-ice pushing and heat-absorbing floats in cold regions reservoirs. Background Technology

[0002] In reservoir operations in cold regions, the ice-pushing pressure generated by the formation of ice layers in winter poses a severe challenge to the safety of reservoir bank slopes and dam structures. As temperatures drop, the water surface gradually freezes, and the ice layer continuously increases in thickness. Under the influence of factors such as temperature changes, wind action, and water level fluctuations, the ice expands or contracts, thus exerting enormous static pressure and dynamic impact forces on the slopes and dams. Long-term accumulated ice-pushing can lead to cracking, displacement, or even collapse of the slope structure, seriously threatening the safe operation of the reservoir.

[0003] Currently, existing technologies mainly employ mechanical icebreaking and electrothermal ice melting to break up ice layers, but these methods still have certain limitations. While mechanical icebreaking can alleviate ice pressure by breaking up ice layers manually or with mechanical equipment, its reliance on continuous operation leads to low efficiency. Especially in extreme low-temperature environments, workers face a high risk of frostbite and slipping, and the machinery is prone to malfunction in frigid conditions, resulting in high maintenance costs. Furthermore, mechanical icebreaking has limited coverage over large areas of water, making it difficult to achieve uniform ice breaking, and repeated ice breaking can cause fatigue damage to slope protection structures, further exacerbating engineering safety hazards. Electrothermal ice melting, which uses electrical energy to heat and suppress icing, avoids some of the drawbacks of mechanical icebreaking, but its high energy consumption and complex maintenance system severely restrict its practical application. Especially in remote areas or large water areas, insufficient power supply and complex equipment installation significantly limit its economic viability and scalability.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new type of ice-resistant technology that is efficient, low-consumption, and highly adaptable, in order to overcome the limitations of traditional methods and ensure the long-term safe and stable operation of reservoir projects in cold regions. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems of high energy consumption and low efficiency in existing de-icing technologies, and to provide an anti-icing and heat-absorbing floating ball device for reservoirs in cold regions, which is suitable for the protection of reservoir bank structures in cold regions.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide an anti-ice-pushing and heat-absorbing floating ball device for reservoirs in cold regions, comprising multiple floating balls located on the water surface, and the multiple floating balls being bonded together to form a floating cover layer; each floating ball is a hollow sphere, comprising an upper hemisphere and a lower hemisphere; the upper hemisphere is a light-transmitting layer; the lower hemisphere is a heat-absorbing layer; the mass of the lower hemisphere is greater than the mass of the upper hemisphere.

[0008] Preferably, the light-transmitting layer is made of polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, or silicone rubber.

[0009] Preferably, the heat-absorbing layer is made of polyphenylene sulfide, a composite material of polycarbonate and carbon black epoxy resin, a composite material of polycarbonate and carbon nanotube epoxy resin, or a composite material of polyethylene and black iron oxide.

[0010] Preferably, the float is provided with an adsorbent material; the adsorbent material is uniformly distributed in a ring shape along the equator of the float.

[0011] Preferably, the adsorbent is a magnetic material.

[0012] Preferably, the float has two partitions inside, which are arranged along the axial direction of the float, and the planes of the partitions are perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

[0013] Preferably, the two partitions are arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0014] Preferably, the partition is made of black polyethylene.

[0015] Preferably, the wall thickness of the lower hemisphere is greater than that of the upper hemisphere.

[0016] Preferably, the density of the lower hemisphere is greater than that of the upper hemisphere.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] This invention provides a self-orienting solar thermal anti-ice-pushing buoy device suitable for reservoirs in cold regions. The device adopts a counterweight design with a lighter upper layer and a heavier lower layer to achieve automatic orientation when floating on the water surface, ensuring that the heat-absorbing layer is always located at the bottom. Through the layered sealing structure of the light-transmitting layer and the heat-absorbing layer, the device utilizes the greenhouse insulation effect to significantly improve the solar energy conversion efficiency and effectively enhance the heat conduction and ice-melting capacity. The buoy group can self-organize to form a tightly fitted floating cover layer, which can both melt the ice layer in the contact area and divide and weaken the overall integrity of the ice layer, thereby significantly reducing the damage of ice thrust to the reservoir bank. The entire device operates autonomously by relying entirely on solar energy, and has advantages such as zero carbon emissions and low operation and maintenance costs, making it particularly suitable for the winter protection needs of reservoirs in remote and cold regions. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an anti-ice-pushing and heat-absorbing float device for reservoirs in cold regions according to this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure after adding the partition;

[0022] Among them: 1. Upper hemisphere; 2. Lower hemisphere; 3. Partition. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0024] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0026] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "horizontal," or "inner" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the utility model product is in use, they are only for the convenience of describing the utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the utility model. Furthermore, terms such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0027] Furthermore, the use of the term "horizontal" does not imply that the component must be absolutely horizontal, but rather that it can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0028] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0029] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0030] This utility model provides a device for an ice-resistant, heat-absorbing floating ball for reservoirs in cold regions, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the invention includes multiple buoys located on the water surface, which are bonded together to form a floating cover layer. Each buoy is a hollow sphere, comprising an upper hemisphere 1 and a lower hemisphere 2. The upper hemisphere 1 is a light-transmitting layer; the lower hemisphere 2 is a heat-absorbing layer; and the mass of the lower hemisphere 2 is greater than that of the upper hemisphere 1. This invention utilizes the surface tension of water, the balance of buoyancy and gravity, and the adsorption of substances to form a continuous floating cover layer on the water surface. This significantly reduces the exposed water area, melting part of the ice layer and weakening its overall structure. Furthermore, the transparent design of the upper hemisphere 1 allows sunlight to fully penetrate to the lower hemisphere 2 (heat-absorbing layer). The heat-absorbing layer efficiently converts light energy into heat energy, directly heating the water in contact with it through heat conduction, thus both inhibiting ice formation and promoting ice melting. In addition, since the mass of the lower hemisphere 2 is greater than that of the upper hemisphere 1, the center of gravity of the buoy is always lower, ensuring that it automatically maintains a stable state in the water with the light-transmitting layer facing upwards and the heat-absorbing layer immersed in the water, thus ensuring continuous heat absorption and heat transfer efficiency.

[0031] The mass of the lower hemisphere 2 being greater than that of the upper hemisphere 1 is achieved in two ways: when the density difference between the light-transmitting layer material and the heat-absorbing layer material is not significant, the wall thickness of the lower hemisphere 2 is increased to make it greater than the wall thickness of the upper hemisphere 1, thereby increasing the mass of the lower hemisphere 2; when the density of the heat-absorbing layer material is much greater than that of the light-transmitting layer material, the upper and lower hemispheres can use the same wall thickness. Furthermore, the wall thickness and materials of the upper and lower hemispheres can be adjusted according to the site conditions to meet actual needs.

[0032] The light-transmitting layer is made of materials with high light transmittance, such as polymethyl methacrylate (commonly known as plexiglass), polycarbonate, and silicone rubber. Furthermore, these materials possess weather resistance, UV aging resistance, and mechanical strength, enabling them to maintain structural stability under harsh conditions such as low temperatures, strong winds, and ice pressure, thus extending the device's lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.

[0033] The heat-absorbing layer is made of black light-absorbing materials, such as polyphenylene sulfide, composites of polycarbonate and carbon black epoxy resin, composites of polycarbonate and carbon nanotube epoxy resin, or composites of polyethylene and black iron oxide. These materials have excellent light absorption and photothermal conversion efficiency, enabling them to efficiently absorb solar radiation passing through the light-transmitting layer and convert it into heat energy, continuously releasing heat to the surrounding water body. This effectively inhibits ice formation and mitigates the damage of ice thrust to the reservoir structure. Furthermore, they possess corrosion resistance, low-temperature resistance, and impact resistance, maintaining stability in cold, humid, and long-term ultraviolet radiation environments, ensuring long-term reliable operation of the device under harsh conditions.

[0034] The buoy is equipped with an absorbent material, which is uniformly distributed in a ring along the equator of the buoy. Through adsorption, a flexible connection is formed between adjacent buoys, which can resist wind and wave disturbances, maintain the integrity of the floating cover layer, and retain the buoy's ability to move appropriately with the waves.

[0035] The adsorbent is a magnetic material, which ensures that the float can freely adjust its position according to water level changes. After the freezing period, the device can be recycled through magnetic force, significantly reducing maintenance costs.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, the buoy has two partitions 3 inside, which are arranged along the axial direction of the buoy, and the planes of the partitions 3 are perpendicular to the horizontal plane. At low latitudes or when the sun shines obliquely in the early morning or late afternoon, the vertical partitions increase the light-receiving area, effectively capturing oblique rays and improving energy utilization. At midday when the sun shines perpendicularly, the lower hemisphere 2 (heat-absorbing layer) directly absorbs heat, maximizing solar energy absorption and ensuring that the buoy maintains optimal photothermal conversion efficiency at different times of day and at different latitudes.

[0037] The two partitions 3 are arranged perpendicular to each other, and the symmetrical layout makes the weight distribution of the partitions 3 uniform, avoiding the original center of gravity of the float shifting due to the counterweight of the partitions 3, thereby maintaining the natural balance of the float.

[0038] The material of the partition 3 is the same as that of the lower hemisphere 2.

[0039] Example 1

[0040] Float manufacturing:

[0041] Material selection: The upper hemisphere 1 is made of polycarbonate with a light transmittance of ≥90% (density 1.20 - 1.22 g / cm³), and the lower hemisphere 2 is made of polyethylene-black iron oxide composite material with a heat absorption rate of ≥85% (density 1.30 - 1.45 g / cm³).

[0042] Dimensions: Sphere diameter 300mm, lower hemisphere 2 wall thickness increased by 20% compared to upper hemisphere 1, ensuring center of gravity offset ≥15mm.

[0043] Example 2

[0044] The difference from Example 1 is that in this example, both the upper hemisphere 1 and the lower hemisphere 2 are made of polycarbonate with a light transmittance of ≥90%, and the surface of the lower hemisphere 2 is coated with a black heat-absorbing material, such as a carbon black epoxy resin coating or a carbon nanotube epoxy resin coating.

[0045] The working process of this utility model is as follows:

[0046] Before a reservoir in a cold region enters its winter freezing period, the required number of buoys is calculated based on factors such as the reservoir's area and the estimated thickness of the ice layer. The prepared buoys are then evenly deployed to the reservoir surface over a large area using boats or other means.

[0047] During the long hours of winter sunshine, light passes through the translucent layer of the buoy and is absorbed by the heat-absorbing layer, converting it into heat energy. Because the lower hemisphere 2 has a larger mass, the center of gravity of the buoy is shifted towards the lower hemisphere 2, allowing the buoy to maintain an optimal posture for light and heat absorption. Heat energy is continuously transferred to the water surface below, gradually increasing the water temperature and causing the ice layer to gradually thin, effectively resisting the damage caused by ice pushes.

[0048] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A device for anti-icing and heat-absorbing floating balls in cold-region reservoirs, characterized in that, It includes multiple buoys located on the water surface, and the multiple buoys are attached together to form a floating cover layer; the buoys are hollow spheres, including an upper hemisphere (1) and a lower hemisphere (2); the upper hemisphere (1) is a light-transmitting layer; the lower hemisphere (2) is a heat-absorbing layer; the mass of the lower hemisphere (2) is greater than the mass of the upper hemisphere (1).

2. A cold region reservoir anti-ice push-pull heat floating ball device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-transmitting layer is made of polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, or silicone rubber.

3. The ice-resistant, heat-absorbing floating ball device for reservoirs in cold regions according to claim 1, characterized in that, The float is provided with an adsorbent material; the adsorbent material is uniformly distributed in a ring shape along the equator of the float.

4. The ice-resistant, heat-absorbing floating ball device for reservoirs in cold regions according to claim 3, characterized in that, The adsorbent is a magnetic material.

5. The ice-resistant, heat-absorbing floating ball device for reservoirs in cold regions according to claim 1, characterized in that, The float is provided with two partitions (3) inside. The two partitions (3) are arranged along the axial direction of the float, and the plane of the partitions (3) is perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

6. A cold-region reservoir anti-ice-pushing and heat-absorbing buoy device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The two partitions (3) are arranged perpendicular to each other.

7. A cold-region reservoir anti-ice-pushing and heat-absorbing buoy device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The partition (3) is made of black polyethylene.

8. The ice-resistant, heat-absorbing floating ball device for reservoirs in cold regions according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wall thickness of the lower hemisphere (2) is greater than that of the upper hemisphere (1).

9. A cold region reservoir anti-ice pusher heat float ball device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The density of the lower hemisphere (2) is greater than that of the upper hemisphere (1).