Mooring system for water surface floating body

Abstract

A mooring system for a water surface floating body is arranged on the periphery of the floating body, the overall shape of the plane of the floating body is a polygon, and the number of the edges of the polygon is n1. Comprising main cables, the number of the main cables is n2, n2 is equal to n1, the main cables are arranged corresponding to the edges of a floating body, the multiple main cables are sequentially connected and surround the periphery of the floating body, and the main cables are in the shapes of parabolas recessed towards the direction of the floating body; the anchor chain group is arranged between the main cable and the floating body, the anchor chain group comprises a plurality of anchor chains arranged at intervals, one end of each anchor chain is connected with the outer side of the floating body, the other end of each anchor chain is connected with the main cable, and the anchor chains are symmetrically arranged along the center line of the main cable; and the two adjacent main cables are connected together by means of the buoys. The floating body on the water surface bears the water flow force effect through the anchor chain, the main cable of the mooring system corresponds to the edge of the floating body, the main cable is in a parabola shape, and the main cable can gather the stress of the anchor chain and can surround the periphery of the floating body to protect the floating body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of mooring system technology, and in particular to a mooring system for a floating body on the water surface. Background Technology

[0002] In marine engineering, shipbuilding engineering, and floating photovoltaic systems, mooring systems are typically required to position floating structures and limit their movement. A mooring system consists of several mooring lines and an anchor. One end of the mooring line is connected to the structure being moored, and the other end is connected to the anchor, which is fixed to the seabed to provide load-bearing capacity for securing the structure.

[0003] Offshore photovoltaic (PV) power generation platforms are a type of floating body on water. These platforms typically include multiple PV modules and connectors. The PV modules are hinged together by the connectors to form a PV array. Existing mooring systems for PV power generation platforms, such as the Chinese invention patent application number CN202411124448.4 (authorization announcement number CN118651344B), include mooring cables and connecting shackles. The ends of two mooring cables are connected together by the connecting shackles, which are then connected to PV supports. Specifically, the four corners of the PV supports are connected to the mooring cables using the connecting shackles, thus securing the PV supports.

[0004] While the aforementioned photovoltaic (PV) power generation platform can utilize a mooring system to limit its movement, the mooring cables of this system are only connected to the four corners of the PV array. Existing PV arrays are relatively large, and the span between the mooring cables is also significant. The force of the water flow on the water surface can directly act on the PV modules within the array, forcing the modules to rely solely on connectors to withstand the force. This results in poor stability for the PV power generation platform when floating on water. Furthermore, as shown in Chinese invention patent application CN202410678081.4 (publication number CN118514806A), existing mooring systems can also directly connect to the PV modules on the edges of the PV array. However, these systems often use multiple mooring cables to distribute the force across the PV array in stages. In practical applications, the assembly of the mooring system is complex, affecting work efficiency. Additionally, existing mooring cables are often made of polyester. Prolonged exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet radiation causes the polyester cables to age, gradually reducing their strength and potentially leading to breakage, thus affecting the service life and performance of the mooring system. Therefore, further improvements are needed for mooring systems used on floating bodies. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a mooring system with a reasonable structure that can better withstand the force of water flow, which is in view of the above-mentioned existing technology, and the mooring system is applied to a floating body on the water surface.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the above-mentioned technical problem is as follows: A mooring system for the floating body is provided around the periphery of the floating body. The overall planar shape of the floating body is a polygon, and the number of sides of the polygon is n1. Its features include:

[0007] The main cable has a quantity of n2, where n2 = n1. The main cable is positioned corresponding to the edge of the float. Multiple main cables are connected and wrapped around the periphery of the float in sequence. The shape of the main cable is a parabola that is concave towards the float.

[0008] An anchor chain assembly is installed between the main cable and the float. The anchor chain assembly includes multiple anchor chains spaced apart. One end of each anchor chain is connected to the outside of the float, and the other end is connected to the main cable. The multiple anchor chains are symmetrically arranged along the centerline of the main cable.

[0009] Buoys, two adjacent main cables are connected together by means of buoys.

[0010] Furthermore, the main cable and / or anchor chain are metal catenaries, and buoys are fitted onto them. The metal catenaries are stainless steel catenaries, which have a mature supply chain, high residual value, and facilitate extending the lifespan of the mooring system while reducing its production costs. Additionally, the buoys on the stainless steel catenaries allow them to float on the water surface, enabling the main cable and anchor chain to withstand the forces of the water flow, thereby protecting the buoyancy.

[0011] Furthermore, the system also includes anchors and chains. The anchors are positioned around the perimeter of the buoys and connected to them via chains. Adjacent buoys share the anchors. The chains can be stainless steel chains, and each buoy is connected to its corresponding anchor via a chain. The anchors can be fixed to the seabed or the shore. Additionally, when multiple buoys are positioned on the water surface, adjacent buoys can share anchors, effectively reducing the space occupied in marine or inland waters and improving the utilization rate of the water surface area.

[0012] Furthermore, the anchor chain assembly also includes a central buckle, which is located at the point where the distance between the main cable and the float is minimized. One end of the central buckle is connected to the outside of the float, and the other end is connected to the main cable. The central buckle connects the main cable and the float, serving to transfer and distribute the load. It also effectively reduces the number of misalignment cycles and the magnitude of displacement of the float relative to the main cable under the influence of wind and water currents, thereby improving the overall stability of the float and the mooring system.

[0013] Furthermore, the floating body is a photovoltaic array capable of floating on the water surface. The photovoltaic array comprises multiple photovoltaic modules, which are sequentially hinged to form the array. Each photovoltaic module on the four edges of the array can be connected to a corresponding anchor chain. The photovoltaic array, formed by the hinged connection of multiple photovoltaic modules, moves with the waves during operation, ensuring that the floating photovoltaic power generation platform is always exposed to sunlight for power generation. Moreover, the fact that each photovoltaic module on the four edges of the array can be connected to an anchor chain results in a more rational stress distribution, better mooring performance, and improved structural stability.

[0014] Furthermore, multiple photovoltaic modules are hinged to form a photovoltaic string. This photovoltaic string has two states: a first state where the photovoltaic modules are stacked, resulting in a folded state; and a second state where the photovoltaic modules are sequentially unfolded, resulting in an expanded state. These expanded photovoltaic strings can be sequentially hinged to form a photovoltaic array. The photovoltaic string modularizes the offshore floating photovoltaic power generation platform, enabling mass production. During transportation, the photovoltaic string is in its first state (folded), effectively reducing the space occupied during transport and lowering transportation costs. The transition from the first state to the second state is also convenient, facilitating loading and unloading of the offshore floating photovoltaic power generation platform.

[0015] Furthermore, the photovoltaic module includes a floating plate at the bottom and photovoltaic modules at the top. The photovoltaic modules float on the water surface using the floating plate and are capable of generating photovoltaic power.

[0016] Furthermore, the photovoltaic string also includes an operation and maintenance (O&M) channel module. This O&M channel module includes a floating plate and can be hinged to the photovoltaic modules. When the photovoltaic strings form a photovoltaic array, adjacent O&M channel modules can form an O&M channel. The O&M channel module does not have photovoltaic modules; it floats on the water surface solely on the floating plate. The O&M channel can be used for cable laying and provides a convenient, safe, and reliable passage for maintenance personnel to maintain inverters, thereby ensuring the reliable and stable operation of the offshore floating photovoltaic power generation platform. Alternatively, the photovoltaic string can be entirely composed of photovoltaic modules, with multiple O&M channel modules hinged to form an O&M channel string. The O&M channel string and the photovoltaic string are hinged to form the O&M channel for the photovoltaic array.

[0017] Furthermore, the photovoltaic string also includes a floating inverter module, which comprises a floating plate at the bottom and an inverter at the top. The floating inverter module can be hinged to the photovoltaic module. The inverter can convert the direct current generated by the photovoltaic module into alternating current to meet load demand or be fed into the grid.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are:

[0019] (1) The mooring system uses multiple anchor chains to connect to the outside of the float, so that the float can bear the force of the water flow with the help of the anchor chains. Each anchor chain is also connected to the corresponding main cable, so that the main cable can not only collect the force of the anchor chain, but also wrap around the outside of the float. The main cable located on the outside of the float can also bear the force of the water flow, thereby protecting the float and making the mooring effect of the float on the water surface better.

[0020] (2) The main cable of the mooring system is set to correspond to the edge of the float. The main cable is parabolic in shape. Therefore, the main cable has a stronger planar crossing ability and can adapt to floats with larger planar dimensions. In addition, the main cable of this shape mainly bears the force of water flow. The internal force is mainly tension, without large pressure and bending moment. This makes the stainless steel structural material of the mooring system more efficient in strength utilization, more stable, and more rational in stress distribution. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a top view of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a top view of the float in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the photovoltaic string changing from the first state to the second state in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a top view of the common anchorage in an embodiment of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0028] like Figures 1-6 The figure shown is the preferred embodiment of this utility model.

[0029] like Figures 1-5As shown, in this embodiment, a mooring system for the floating body is located around the floating body 6. The floating body 6 is a photovoltaic array with a planar overall quadrilateral shape. The photovoltaic array can float on the water surface. The photovoltaic array includes multiple photovoltaic modules 611, an operation and maintenance channel module 612, and a floating inverter module 613. The photovoltaic module 611 includes a float plate at the bottom and a photovoltaic module at the top, enabling the photovoltaic module 611 to float on the water surface. The operation and maintenance channel module 612 includes a float plate, enabling the operation and maintenance channel module 612 to float on the water surface. The operation and maintenance channel module 612 is located in the middle of the photovoltaic string 61, and its two sides are hinged to the photovoltaic modules 611. The floating inverter module 613 includes a float plate at the bottom and an inverter at the top, enabling the floating inverter module 613 to also float on the water surface. The floating inverter module 613 is also located in the photovoltaic string 61. In the middle, the two sides of the floating inverter module 613 are hinged to the photovoltaic module 611; multiple photovoltaic modules 611 are hinged to the maintenance channel module 612 or the floating inverter module 613 to form a photovoltaic string 61. The photovoltaic string 61 has two states. In the first state, multiple photovoltaic modules 611 are stacked with the maintenance channel module 612 or the bottom floating plate of the floating inverter module 613, so that the photovoltaic string 61 is in a folded state. In the second state, multiple photovoltaic modules 611 are sequentially unfolded with the bottom floating plate of the maintenance channel module 612 or the bottom floating plate of the floating inverter module 613, so that the photovoltaic string 61 is in an unfolded state. Multiple photovoltaic strings 61 in the unfolded state can be hinged sequentially to form a photovoltaic array. Adjacent maintenance channel modules 612 can form a maintenance channel, which can provide passage for maintenance personnel and cable laying.

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the mooring system of this embodiment includes a main cable 1, an anchor chain assembly 2, buoys 3, an anchor 4, and a catenary 5. There are four main cables 1, each corresponding to one of the edges of the photovoltaic array. Specifically, the four main cables 1 are positioned on the outer perimeter of the photovoltaic array, sequentially connected and encircling it. Two adjacent main cables 1 are connected by buoys 3, resulting in four buoys 3 positioned on the outer perimeter of the four corners of the photovoltaic array. Furthermore, the main cable 1 in this embodiment is shaped like a parabola concave towards the photovoltaic array. The parabolic shape of the main cable 1 can be calculated using parabolic theory, which is simple and quick. For example, the calculation tools and theories for suspension bridge main cable profiles can be used to convert the input uniformly distributed constant load into the force of water flow.

[0031] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the anchor chain assembly 2 is positioned between the main cable 1 and the photovoltaic array. The anchor chain assembly 2 includes multiple spaced anchor chains 21 and a central buckle 22. One end of each anchor chain 21 connects to the outside of the photovoltaic array, and the other end connects to the main cable 1. This means that each photovoltaic module 611 on the periphery of the photovoltaic array can be connected to its corresponding anchor chain 21. The multiple anchor chains 21 are symmetrically arranged along the centerline of the main cable 1, and are perpendicular to the edges of the photovoltaic modules 611, allowing the photovoltaic array to withstand the force of the water flow using the anchor chains 21. The shape of the main cable 1 ensures balanced force distribution on the anchor chains 21. Additionally, in this embodiment, the main cable 1, anchor chains 21, and catenary 5 are all metal catenaries, specifically stainless steel catenaries. Stainless steel catenaries will not age or break even under prolonged exposure to sunlight, extending the service life of the mooring system. Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, a float 7 is also fitted onto the main cable 1. The float 7 allows the main cable 1 to float on the water surface, thereby protecting the photovoltaic array. In this embodiment, the anchor chain assembly 2 has a central buckle 22 at the point where the distance between the main cable 1 and the photovoltaic array is minimal. One end of the central buckle 22 is connected to the photovoltaic module on the outside of the photovoltaic array, and the other end is connected to the main cable 1. The central buckle 22 transmits the load while controlling longitudinal drift, that is, reducing the relative displacement between the main cable and the photovoltaic array.

[0032] like Figure 6 As shown, the mooring system of this embodiment has four anchors 4, which are set around the buoy 3. The anchors 4 are connected to the buoy 3 by a chain 5. Adjacent buoys 6 share the anchors 4, which can be fixed to the seabed or the shore. Because the mooring system of this embodiment can be applied in various scenarios such as marine or inland waters, when applied in the ocean, the anchors 4 are underwater anchors, i.e., fixed to the seabed. When applied in inland waters, such as the surface of mining subsidence areas or pumped-storage power station reservoirs, shore anchors can be used. The shore anchors can be equipped with a mooring cable extension device that is linked to the water level, thereby enabling the mooring system to achieve adaptive water level difference functionality.

[0033] The workflow of this embodiment is as follows:

[0034] A. During transportation, the photovoltaic array is in the first state, with the photovoltaic module 611 stacked on the bottom floating plate of the maintenance channel module 612 or the floating inverter module 613, so that the photovoltaic string 61 becomes a small cuboid structure.

[0035] B. When the photovoltaic array is installed on the water surface, the photovoltaic string 61 in the first state is stretched, so that the bottom floating plate of multiple photovoltaic modules 611 and maintenance channel module 612 or floating inverter module 613 is laid out in sequence, and the photovoltaic string 61 changes to the second state, that is, the photovoltaic string 61 is in the unfolded state. Then, multiple photovoltaic strings 61 in the unfolded state are hinged in sequence to form a photovoltaic array.

[0036] C. Next, each photovoltaic module 61 on the periphery of the photovoltaic array is connected to the corresponding anchor chain 21. The other end of the anchor chain 21 is connected to the corresponding main cable 1. The four main cables 1 are wrapped around the periphery of the photovoltaic array, and the anchor chain group 2 and the main cables 1 are floating on the water surface.

[0037] D. Finally, the anchor 4 of the mooring system is fixed to the seabed or the shore, thereby completing the installation of the photovoltaic array. During the operation of the photovoltaic array on the water, the photovoltaic module 611 moves with the waves or the rise and fall of the water level.

Claims

1. A mooring system for a floating body on a water surface, disposed around a floating body (6), wherein the overall planar shape of the floating body (6) is a polygon with the number of sides of the polygon being n1, characterized in that it comprises: Main cable (1), the number of main cables (1) is n2, n2 = n1, the main cables (1) are arranged corresponding to the sides of the float (6), multiple main cables (1) are connected and wrapped around the periphery of the float (6) in sequence, and the shape of the main cable (1) is a parabola concave towards the float (6); An anchor chain group (2) is set between the main cable (1) and the float (6). The anchor chain group (2) includes multiple anchor chains (21) spaced apart. One end of the anchor chain (21) is connected to the outside of the float (6), and the other end of the anchor chain (21) is connected to the main cable (1). The multiple anchor chains (21) are symmetrically arranged along the center line of the main cable (1). Buoy (3), two adjacent main cables (1) are connected together by means of buoy (3).

2. The mooring system for a floating body according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main cable (1) and / or anchor chain (21) are metal catenaries, and floats (7) are fitted on the main cable (1) and / or anchor chain (21).

3. The mooring system for a floating body according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an anchor (4) and a chain (5). The anchor (4) is located on the periphery of the buoy (3). The anchor (4) is connected to the buoy (3) by the chain (5). Adjacent buoys (6) share the anchor (4).

4. The mooring system for a floating body according to claim 1, characterized in that: The anchor chain assembly (2) also includes a central buckle (22), which is located at the point where the distance between the main cable (1) and the float (6) is the smallest. One end of the central buckle (22) is connected to the outside of the float (6), and the other end is connected to the main cable (1).

5. The mooring system for a floating body according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The floating body (6) is a photovoltaic array that can float on the water surface. The photovoltaic array includes multiple photovoltaic modules (611), which are sequentially hinged to form a photovoltaic array. Each photovoltaic module (611) on the four sides of the photovoltaic array can be connected to the corresponding anchor chain (21).

6. The mooring system for a floating body according to claim 5, characterized in that: Multiple photovoltaic modules (611) are hinged to form a photovoltaic string (61). The photovoltaic string (61) has two states: in the first state, multiple photovoltaic modules (611) are stacked and arranged so that the photovoltaic string (61) is in a folded state; in the second state, multiple photovoltaic modules (611) are laid out in sequence so that the photovoltaic string (61) is in an unfolded state. Multiple photovoltaic strings (61) in the unfolded state can be hinged in sequence to form a photovoltaic array.

7. The mooring system for a floating body according to claim 6, characterized in that: The photovoltaic module (611) includes a floating plate at the bottom and a photovoltaic module at the top.

8. The mooring system for a floating body according to claim 6, characterized in that: The photovoltaic string (61) also includes an operation and maintenance channel module (612), which includes a floating plate. The operation and maintenance channel module (612) can be hinged to the photovoltaic module (611). When the photovoltaic string (61) forms a photovoltaic array, adjacent operation and maintenance channel modules (612) can form an operation and maintenance channel.

9. The mooring system for a floating body according to claim 6, characterized in that: The photovoltaic string (61) also includes a floating inverter module (613), which includes a floating plate at the bottom and an inverter at the top. The floating inverter module (613) can be hinged to the photovoltaic module (611).

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