Adjustable buoyancy device, system and floating solar module system

Abstract

Buoyancy device (10) for a solar module system floating on a water surface (15), comprising: a body (11) providing buoyancy; a first line (12) adapted to be engaged with the body (11), the first line (12) further being adapted to be connected to an element; and a winch device (13) for winding the first line (12).

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a buoyancy device for a solar module system floating on the water surface, a buoyancy system for a solar module system floating on the water surface and a floating solar module system. BACKGROUND

[0002] EP4353577A2 discloses a mooring system for a floating platform that eliminates the pitching and rolling movements of the floating platform by means of mooring lines (200) attached to the seabed (5), supported by several pulleys or rotary attachments (2, 3) of the floating platform (100), all connected to a common counterweight (1) suspended from the floating platform (100). Each mooring line (200) comprises a direct lower line (200d) and a transverse lower line (200c) that always keep the counterweight (1) aligned with the central axis (300) of the floating platform (100). Furthermore, a novel method is described that allows the floating platform to be installed at its destination without the aid of special vessels. This system is intended, in particular, to reduce the effects of wave motion.

[0003] US2024092460A1 discloses a floating offshore platform for supporting a renewable energy system, comprising a base portion for submerging below the surface of a body of water, an upper portion, at least one mooring line for securing the platform to the bottom of the body of water, and a tensioning means for tensioning at least one of the mooring lines. The platform further comprises a floating configuration in which the platform is positioned floating on the water surface. The platform has a deployed configuration in which the base portion is submerged and the upper portion remains above the water surface. In use, the tensioning means is arranged to tension the at least one mooring line attached between the platform and the bottom, such that the floating offshore platform transitions between the floating configuration and the deployed configuration.

[0004] EP3430259A1 discloses a floating wind turbine comprising a hull (1), a wind turbine (2) mounted on top of the hull (1), and a counterweight (3) suspended below the hull (1) by means of a counterweight suspension (18). A method for installation is also described. The counterweight (3) comprises one or more counterweight buoyancy tanks (17). When the internal volume of the buoyancy tanks (17) is filled with air, the total buoyancy of the counterweight (3) is close to or greater than its weight. This enables it to float in a towing / maintenance position with moderate or no vertical support from the hull (1) or other vessels. During towing, the hull essentially has the character of a barge, relying on a large area of ​​water and a shallow draft to maintain stability.When the buoyancy tanks (17) are partially or completely flooded with water, the counterweight (3) sinks to an installation position at a level determined by the counterweight suspension (18). In this position, the counterweight acts like a keel, stabilizing the foundation. The means for suspending the counterweight (18), individually or jointly, are capable of transmitting both forces and moments to the hull (1), allowing the counterweight (3) to stabilize the hull (1) when the counterweight (3) is in its installation position.

[0005] However, there is a need for a device to stabilize floating systems anchored on beds with large depth differences or as a tensioning device for moorings. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention relates to a buoyancy device for a solar module system floating on a water surface. The buoyancy device comprises a body that provides buoyancy. The buoyancy device further comprises a first line configured to engage the body. The first line is also configured to be connected to an element. The buoyancy device comprises a winch device configured to wind the first line.

[0007] The body of the buoyancy device may have one through-hole, and the first line is configured to pass through the through-hole. Alternatively, the body may have two through-holes, with the first line configured to pass through both through-holes.

[0008] The winch device may be mounted on an exterior side of the body. Alternatively, the winch device may be mounted on an interior side of the body. The winch device may also be configured for detachable connection to the body. The winch device may also be remotely controlled. The winch device may be a winch, a cable pulley, a windlass, a capstan, a pulley system, a pulley block, or a come-along (a hand-operated winch with a ratchet for pulling objects).

[0009] The element can be an anchoring element anchored to a bed. Alternatively, the element can be a floating solar module system.

[0010] The buoyancy device may further comprise a second line for connection to a floating solar module system.

[0011] The invention further relates to a buoyancy system for a solar module system floating on a water surface. The buoyancy system comprises the buoyancy device. The buoyancy system further comprises an anchoring element for anchoring to a bed. The anchoring element is also configured for connection to the first line of the buoyancy device.

[0012] The invention further relates to a floating solar module system. The floating solar module system comprises at least one buoyancy system. The floating solar module system further comprises a floating solar module arrangement for connection to the at least one buoyancy system.

[0013] The present invention enables the stabilization of buoyancy bodies and / or floating systems, such as floating solar arrays, in beds with large fluctuations in water depth. This makes installation easier and more cost-effective. For example, hydroelectric reservoirs can experience large fluctuations of approximately 50 m in water depth. Hydroelectric reservoirs are good candidates for floating arrays because they are calmer than the open ocean, where floating arrays are typically exposed to waves and strong movements. Optimizing the installation of floating solar arrays in beds with varying water depths can therefore open up the water surface of hydroelectric reservoirs around the world, which also have a complete electrical infrastructure.

[0014] Furthermore, the invention can be used as a tensioning device during installation and maintenance, where a pre-tensioned anchorage is advantageous. The winch part of the invention can, in some cases, be a removable part that is installed only when needed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Examples of the invention are disclosed with reference to the following drawings: Fig. 1 shows an exemplary buoyancy device for a solar module system floating on a water surface, Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional image of an exemplary buoyancy device with a through-hole for a solar module system floating on a water surface, Fig. 3a shows an exemplary buoyancy system for a solar module system floating on a water surface at a first water level, Fig. Figure 3b shows an exemplary buoyancy system for a solar module system floating on a water surface at a second water level, Fig. 4 shows an example of a floating solar module system, Fig. 5a shows a side view of an exemplary floating solar module system floating on a water surface at a first water level, and Fig. Figure 5b shows a side view of an exemplary floating solar module system floating on a water surface at a second water level. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the drawings. The examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting of the invention.

[0017] Fig. Figure 1 shows a buoyancy device 10 for a solar module system that floats on a water surface 15. The buoyancy device 10 comprises a body 11 that provides buoyancy. The buoyancy device 10 further comprises a first line 12 that can be engaged with the body 11. The line is further configured to be connected to an element. The line 12 can be a rope or a chain.

[0018] In Fig. 1, the buoyancy device 10 further includes a winch device 13 suitable for pulling the first line 12. The winch device allows the line tension to be controlled as the water depth changes. The winch device 13 can be a winch, a cable pulley, a windlass, a capstan, a pulley system, a pulley block, or a come-along (a hand-operated winch with a ratchet for pulling objects).

[0019] The buoyancy device 10 of Fig. 1 also includes a second line 14. The second line is designed to be connected to a floating solar module system. This connection can be made via a connection point 33 of the floating solar module system.

[0020] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a buoyancy device 10 in which the body 11 has a through-hole 21. The first line 12 is designed to pass through the through-hole 21.

[0021] Alternatively, the body may have two through holes, with the first line 12 being designed to pass through the two through holes.

[0022] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the winch device 13 may be mounted on the outside of the body 11.

[0023] The winch device 13 can also be remote-controlled. The tension of the line 12 can be adjusted according to changes in water depth by measuring the line tension. The adjustment itself can be automatic.

[0024] Alternatively, the winch device 13 can be mounted on an inner side of the body 11. In this way, the winch device 13 can be protected.

[0025] The winch device 13 can also be designed for detachable connection to the body 11. The winch device 13 can be permanently installed, but in some cases it can also be temporarily installed to make adjustments to the anchor lines. This offers the possibility of using the same winch device 13 for a variety of buoyancy devices 10.

[0026] In Fig. 3, the element is an anchoring element 31 anchored to a bed 32. Alternatively, the element can also be a floating solar module system.

[0027] The term bed refers to the bottom of a body of water in general, i.e. a seabed, a riverbed, a lake bed, etc.

[0028] Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b show a buoyancy system 30 for a solar module system 40 floating on the water surface 15. The buoyancy system 30 comprises the buoyancy device 10 for a solar module system 40 floating on the water surface 15 and an anchoring element 31 for anchoring to a bed 32. The anchoring element 31 is also configured for connection to the first line 12 of the buoyancy device 10.

[0029] Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b show the buoyancy system 30 at a first and a second water level. The water level is essentially the distance between the bed 32 and the water surface 15. Under certain circumstances, the water level can change dynamically. The adjustability of the winch device 13 offers the possibility of tensioning the buoyancy device 10 and thus the buoyancy system 30 at different water levels. Thus, the buoyancy system 30 offers the possibility of adjusting the tension between an element and the floating solar module system 40.

[0030] Fig. 4 shows a floating solar module system 40. The floating solar module system 40 comprises at least one buoyancy system 30 and a floating solar module arrangement 41. The solar module arrangement 41 is configured for connection to the at least one buoyancy system 30.

[0031] On each side of the floating solar module arrangement 41, a buoyancy system 30 is connected via a connection point 33.

[0032] In the Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b shows cross-sectional views of a floating solar module system 40. Similar to the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b for the buoyancy system 30 is in the Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b shows a floating solar module system 40 at a first water level and a second water level. The water level, as described above, is essentially the distance between the bed 32 and the water surface 15.

[0033] The adjustability of the tension provided by the buoyancy device 10 and thus the buoyancy system 30 can result in adjustability of the floating solar module system 40. The floating solar module system 40 can be stabilized by tensioning the first line 12 and / or the second line 12 at a specific water level, or can be dynamically adjusted as the water level changes.

[0034] The ability to remotely adjust the voltage to changing water levels can apply to all buoyancy devices 10 of the floating solar array 40. This means that the floating solar array 40 can be remotely and / or automatically adjusted when the water level is about to change. This adjustment can be based on tidal cycles or when the water level of a reservoir at hydroelectric power plants changes.

[0035] Having described exemplary embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments incorporating the invention are possible. These and other non-limiting examples presented above are intended for illustration only, and the true scope of the invention will be determined from the following claims. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 4353577A2

[0002] US 2024092460A1

[0003] EP 3430259A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Buoyancy device (10) for a solar module system floating on a water surface (15), comprising: a body (11) providing buoyancy; a first line (12) adapted to be engaged with the body (11), the first line (12) further being adapted to be connected to an element; and a winch device (13) for winding the first line (12). [2] Buoyancy device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the body (11) has a through hole (21), and the first line (12) is configured to pass through the through hole (21). [3] Buoyancy body (10) according to claim 1, wherein the body (11) has two through holes, and the first line (12) is designed to pass through the two through holes. [4] Buoyancy body (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the winch device (13) is attached to an outer side of the body (11). [5] Buoyancy body (10) according to claim 1, wherein the winch device (13) is attached to an inner side of the body (11). [6] Buoyancy body (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the winch device (13) is further adapted for detachable connection to the body (11). [7] Buoyancy body (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the element is an anchoring element (31) which is anchored to a bed (32). [8] Buoyancy device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the element is a floating solar module system (40). [9] Buoyancy device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the buoyancy device (10) further comprises a second line for connection to a floating solar module system (40). [10] Buoyancy body (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the winch device (13) is remotely controlled. [11] Buoyancy body (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the winch device (13) is a winch, a cable pull, an anchor winch, a capstan, a pulley system, a pulley block or a come-along. [12] Buoyancy system (30) for a solar module installation floating on a water surface (15), comprising: the buoyancy device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11; and an anchoring element (31) for anchoring to a bed (32), wherein the anchoring element (31) is also adapted for connection to the first line (12) of the buoyancy device (10). [13] Floating solar module system (40), comprising: at least one buoyancy system (30) according to claim 12; and a floating solar module arrangement (41) for connection to the at least one buoyancy system (30).

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