Buoyancy body for the floating support of a floating structure, floating structure and modularly constructed platform

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a buoyancy body for floating support of a floating structure, a floating structure comprising such a buoyancy body, and a modularly constructed platform made up of one or more floating structures.

[0002] Land scarcity is a pressing problem in many regions of the world, primarily due to high population density in urban centers or geographical restrictions such as mountainous or swampy regions, or islands. Large areas are particularly needed for energy generation from renewable sources, for example, through wind turbines or photovoltaic modules, and these are often not readily available on land.

[0003] One solution could be to shift the generation of energy from renewable sources from land to water. Floating platforms, of which there are many known designs, are suitable for supporting such energy generation facilities. These structures are often complex in their construction and therefore must be fully assembled on land before being transported to their final location on the water. This leads to significant limitations in the size and design of such platforms.

[0004] Especially for still waters, where the surface is typically only rarely disturbed by significant waves or water movement, numerous solutions exist for assembling platforms on the water's surface. However, if sensitive components, such as photovoltaic modules, are mounted on these platforms, the rigidity and load-bearing capacity of a floating structure are subject to increased demands in order to support these sensitive components safely and without damage above the water's surface. The solutions chosen in the prior art only partially meet these requirements.

[0005] KR 2020 0132021 A shows a floating body for a floating structure, such as a floating solar panel or a jetty. The floating body comprises a main floating body with a multitude of floating chambers and rod mounting slots, so that rods forming a truss structure intersect at right angles, and includes an auxiliary float or cap connected to the upper or lower part of the main float to attach the connecting rods to the main float.

[0006] FR 3 109 568 A1 shows a floating solar power plant for supporting photovoltaic (PV) modules, resulting from the assembly of structural modules and floating modules on a water surface. These modules form a network of floating support structures for carrying photovoltaic modules. The network comprises rows of floating support structures that carry rows of photovoltaic modules and are supported by box-shaped floats with cross-shaped receiving grooves.

[0007] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a floating structure that enables reliable and torsion-free floating support of sensitive components on a water surface, while at the same time being cost-effective to manufacture and modular in design.

[0008] The problem is solved by a buoyancy body according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. The problem is further solved by a floating structure according to claim 9 with multiple buoyancy bodies. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. The problem according to the invention is further solved by the floating structure according to claim 14 and a platform constructed from such floating structures according to claim 15. Preferred embodiments of the floating structures are specified in the dependent claims.

[0009] According to the invention, a buoyancy body is provided for the floating support of a buoyant structure, wherein the buoyancy body is essentially in the form of a cylinder or regular prism. Accordingly, the buoyancy body has a base and a top surface, which are oriented essentially perpendicular to an axis of symmetry of the buoyancy body. A lateral surface of the buoyancy body is arranged between the base and the top surface, which encloses the axis of symmetry. Recesses are formed in the top surface to enable a positive-locking connection of a node of an essentially planar, truss-like base structure perpendicular to an axis of symmetry of the buoyancy body, wherein fixing elements are provided for fixing the truss-like base structure in the direction of the axis of symmetry so that the buoyancy body can be firmly fixed to the node in all six degrees of freedom.

[0010] The truss-like base structure is thus fixed by being inserted into the recesses of the buoyancy body according to the invention in the plane perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the buoyancy body (and parallel to the top surface) and is therefore fixed in three degrees of freedom. These fixed degrees of freedom include translational movement perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the buoyancy body and rotation about the axis of symmetry of the buoyancy body. The fixing means additionally define the position of the base structure in the direction of the axis of symmetry, thereby preventing translational movement in the direction of the axis of symmetry as well as rotation in either of the two remaining directions.

[0011] A truss-like base structure according to the invention can, for example, be implemented as a substantially two-dimensional frame whose supports are connected to one another in the form of T-junctions, cross-junctions, or corner-junctions. Preferably, the recesses in the top surface can therefore be rotationally symmetrical to the axis of symmetry, in particular in the form of a cross or a star, in order to be able to positively engage the nodes of a base structure according to the invention. The invention encompasses the fact that more recesses are provided in the top surface than there are supports branching off from a node of a base structure. In this way, the orientation of a buoyancy body can be freely selected and adapted to the components that are to be additionally connected to the buoyancy body.

[0012] To brace a truss-like base structure and thus increase its stability and torsional stiffness, diagonal connectors can be stretched diagonally between the nodes of the base structure.

[0013] According to the invention, openings for the passage of diagonal connectors can be formed on the top surface of the buoyancy body. These openings are preferably rotationally symmetrical, particularly in the form of a cross or a star. These openings can be arranged rotated relative to the recesses by an offset angle with respect to the axis of symmetry of the buoyancy body, thus providing space for the diagonal connectors running obliquely / diagonally between the nodes of the base structure. Naturally, the diagonal connectors can also run within the recesses of the top surface of the buoyancy body according to the invention if this is necessary for bracing the base structure.

[0014] A buoyancy body according to the invention can have projections perpendicular to its axis of symmetry, forming an undercut for securing the fixing elements in the direction of the axis of symmetry. Thus, after inserting a base structure into the recesses of the top surface of a buoyancy body according to the invention, fixing elements can be inserted behind the projections in a direction perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the buoyancy body. Due to the undercut formed by the projections, for example, on the outer surface of the buoyancy body according to the invention, the fixing elements can bear against the projections in the direction of the axis of symmetry in order to exert a holding force on the base structure and ultimately fix it in the recesses in all six degrees of freedom.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment, the buoyancy body can have locking devices to fix the fixing elements in a direction perpendicular to the axis of symmetry. This allows the position of the fixing elements to be fixed after they have been moved behind the projections of the buoyancy body according to the invention. However, the invention also encompasses fixing the position of the fixing elements relative to the buoyancy body in other ways, for example, by means of a material-locking, force-locking, or form-locking connection. For example, the fixing elements could be riveted, screwed, or pinned to the buoyancy body in the position holding down the base structure. Bonding or welding the fixing elements to the buoyancy bodies can also provide a suitable way to fix the position of the fixing elements.

[0016] As mentioned at the outset, the buoyancy body according to the invention has a base surface that is essentially parallel to the top surface and also essentially perpendicular to the axis of symmetry. The base surface of the buoyancy body can have recesses that are symmetrical to the depressions and / or openings contained in the top surface with respect to a central plane oriented perpendicular to the axis of symmetry. The central plane is spaced from the top surface, for example, by the same distance as from the base surface. According to the invention, it is thus possible to positively engage a truss-like base structure both by means of the depressions in the top surface and by means of the depressions in the base surface of a buoyancy body according to the invention. The floats according to the invention can thus be arranged sandwich-like between base structures. Preferably, a base structure orwhose supports, which are arranged in the recesses and / or indentations of a buoyancy body according to the invention, have a greater height in the direction of the axis of symmetry of the buoyancy bodies than the depth of the recesses and / or indentations of the buoyancy bodies. Thus, two buoyancy bodies arranged one above the other in the direction of their axes of symmetry can be fixed in a plane perpendicular to the axis of symmetry by the base structure located between them.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally to the connection mechanism described above between stacked buoyancy bodies, a portion of the base surface of the buoyancy bodies can be designed to be complementary to their top surface, allowing two buoyancy bodies to be stacked one above the other in a rotationally secure manner around the axis of symmetry, even without a frame-like base structure between them. Similar to the principle used in building blocks or stackable chairs, the top surface of a lower buoyancy body, with its protrusions defined by recesses and cutouts, engages with areas of the base surface of a buoyancy body positioned above it that are complementary to these protrusions.The bumps of the top surface of the buoyancy bodies according to the invention can have a slight excess compared to the complementary recesses of the base surface, so that identical buoyancy bodies form a positive or force-fit connection with each other in the direction of their axis of symmetry after assembly.

[0018] Additionally, the base surfaces of the buoyancy body can have recesses and projections designed and arranged such that these recesses and projections of two buoyancy bodies interlock when two buoyancy bodies with facing base surfaces are assembled. In such an arrangement of the buoyancy bodies, the top surfaces of the two buoyancy bodies point away from each other, and each top surface can accommodate a node of a support frame. The recesses of projections extending from the top surface can be formed so that, for example, pins that can be inserted transversely to the axis of symmetry of the buoyancy bodies through holes in the projections can hold a node of a support frame against the top surface, thus fixing the support frame in all six degrees of freedom.Using this embodiment, two buoyancy bodies composed in opposite directions can be sandwiched or clamped between two support frames, for example by lashing the two buoyancy bodies together with clamping devices.

[0019] According to the invention, it is further possible to arrange connecting means on the side surfaces of two or more buoyancy bodies for parallel connection. For example, a positive and a negative connecting means, complementary to the positive connecting means, can be formed on each side surface in a direction perpendicular and / or parallel to the axis of symmetry.

[0020] However, the invention also encompasses the arrangement of only one type of connecting element on the side surfaces of a buoyancy body according to the invention. In this case, the buoyancy bodies according to the invention, or their connecting elements, can be connected to one another, for example, by an adapter element and fixed to one another either rigidly or elastically.

[0021] The connecting elements or adapters for joining the connecting elements can be elastically designed. This ensures that the loads acting on individual buoyancy bodies or on the base structures that have fallen from the buoyancy bodies are not rigidly transferred to the connecting elements of adjacent buoyancy bodies, but can be dampened by the elasticity in the connection between two buoyancy bodies according to the invention.

[0022] A buoyancy body according to the invention can be manufactured, for example, by a rotational molding or blow molding process. Suitable materials for a buoyancy body according to the invention include, for example, plastic, metal, and / or concrete in the form of hollow bodies, solid bodies, or multi-component bodies.

[0023] As already indicated above, a floating structure can be supported above a water surface using several buoyancy bodies according to the invention. For this purpose, the buoyancy bodies are arranged at the nodes of a substantially planar, truss-like base structure. The buoyancy bodies used for this purpose according to the invention are essentially in the form of a cylinder or regular prism, the axis of symmetry of which is essentially vertically oriented in the intended use of the structure. In the intended use, the base and top surfaces of the buoyancy body according to the invention are therefore essentially parallel to the water surface.

[0024] According to the invention, the nodes of the base structure can be braced together by means of tension connectors that run within the cutouts of the buoyancy bodies. These tension connectors can, in particular, run diagonally, i.e., from one node to an obliquely opposite node. The diagonal bracing by means of the tension connectors increases the torsional stiffness of the base structure. This reduces the stress to which sensitive components supported by the base structure are subjected, and can minimize damage that could be caused to these sensitive components, such as photovoltaic panels, by deformations of the base structure.

[0025] In one embodiment, transverse and / or longitudinal struts are attached to the base structure, which can, for example, define a frame. The connection points of these struts to the base structure, or their intersection points, form nodes at which buoyancy bodies are arranged. Regardless of the specific design of the nodes—that is, regardless of whether they have two, three, four, or a plurality of transverse and / or longitudinal struts and / or supports of the base structure—the nodes can be positively engaged in the recesses of the buoyancy bodies according to the invention. The rotational orientation of the buoyancy bodies about the axis of symmetry is irrelevant, since the buoyancy bodies are preferably designed to be rotationally symmetrical with respect to the axis of symmetry.

[0026] According to the invention, further buoyancy elements can be arranged on the base structure between the nodes, i.e., on the transverse and / or longitudinal struts and / or beams of the base structure. By means of these additional buoyancy elements, the buoyancy of a structure according to the invention can be increased if, for example, heavy loads such as accumulators or expansive mechanical support structures are to be supported by a floating structure according to the invention.

[0027] In one embodiment of the invention, a substantially planar, truss-like base structure can be arranged on both the top and bottom surfaces of the buoyancy bodies of a floating structure. The base structures can fix the buoyancy bodies arranged between them in a sandwich-like manner by means of fixing elements extending diagonally between the respective base structures in the direction of the axis of symmetry of the buoyancy bodies. In this case, the invention encompasses the fact that the fixing elements, which in this case extend diagonally, are designed as tension connectors that run between nodes of the upper base structure and nodes of the lower base structure.The two base structures, together with the floats, form a prism structure whose base and top surfaces are defined by the base structures, whose side edges are formed by buoyancy bodies according to the invention, and in whose side surfaces the diagonally extending fixing elements connect the supports of the upper base structure to those of the lower base structure. To further increase the stability of such a prism structure, the invention includes spanning fixing elements or tension connectors in the space diagonal of the prism structure between opposing nodes of two base structure planes.

[0028] The base structures can be braced at the intersections of the diagonally running fixing elements to reduce the shear forces and moments acting in the supports of the base structures. Additionally or alternatively, one or more support struts can be arranged between the diagonally running fixing elements and one of the base structures. In this way, lightweight, inherently very rigid, buoyant cuboid structures can be formed, which can serve, for example, as the basic body of larger planar or three-dimensional structures.

[0029] According to the invention, two- or multi-story floating tower structures can be formed in this way, wherein buoyancy bodies of a further floating structure are arranged on the buoyancy bodies of a first floating structure in the direction of the axis of symmetry. The base structure of each lower structure is accordingly received by the recesses in the top surface of the buoyancy bodies of the lower structure and by complementary recesses in the base surface of the buoyancy bodies of the structure arranged above. The structure thus formed consists of base structures between the superimposed buoyancy bodies, wherein the base structures are positioned and fixed by the buoyancy bodies in a plane perpendicular to each other and to the axis of symmetry.Simultaneously, diagonal bracing of several levels of base structures ensures that the base structures remain stably in contact with the buoyancy bodies in the direction of the axis of symmetry, thus maintaining their positioning and fixation in directions perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the buoyancy bodies. According to the invention, modules can therefore be created by stacking buoyancy bodies and structures connected to them, enabling the provision of expansive support structures for, for example, renewable energy generation plants, roadways, bridges, docks, or similar floating structures.

[0030] For example, to form a buoyant, modularly constructed surface structure, one or a multitude of buoyant structures arranged side by side can be used, which can be further supplemented by one or a multitude of tower structures as described above. Naturally, both variants—modularly constructed surface structures or tower structures according to the invention—can also be created independently. To form such extended structures, horizontally adjacent buoyancy bodies are connected to one another via connecting elements on their side surfaces, which can, for example, be complementary.

[0031] In the construction of a surface structure according to the invention, the floating structures and / or tower structures can be arranged at least partially in a checkerboard pattern and / or with horizontal overlap. This makes it possible to fully adapt the surface structures to the intended applications, for example, by providing "free spaces" where, for instance, ships can moor to the surface structure according to the invention or where aquaculture can be operated. Likewise, it may be intended, for example, to increase the stability of a modular surface structure according to the invention, to arrange modules of floating bodies and base structures horizontally overlapping one above the other, similar to the construction of a wall, in order to increase the stability of the structure.

[0032] A platform can be constructed modularly from such floating or tower structures, which can be used, for example, for the floating support of structures, mountings for solar panels, and / or wind turbines. The securing of the platform's components according to the invention creates a particularly stable structure that is highly resistant, especially to the critical load case of torsional stress. Consequently, sensitive structures or mountings can be reliably and safely supported above the water's surface using the platform according to the invention, without any risk of damage to the components mounted on the platform.

[0033] The following section provides a more detailed, graphical explanation of the invention's components using preferred embodiments. These embodiments, however, do not limit the scope of the invention. The illustrations show: Figure 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a buoyancy body according to the invention; Figure 2 is an isometric view of the base of a first embodiment of a buoyancy body according to the invention; Figure 3 several interconnected buoyancy bodies according to the invention; Figure 4 is an isometric view of a first floating structure according to the invention; Figure 5 is a detailed view of a buoyancy body according to the invention as a component of a second floating structure according to the invention; Figure 5A is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a buoyancy body according to the invention; Figure 6 is an isometric view of the embodiment of a floating structure according to the invention. Figure 5Figure 7 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of a floating structure according to the invention; Figure 8 is an isometric view of a floating tower structure according to the invention; Figure 9 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a modular surface structure according to the invention; Figure 10 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of a modular surface structure according to the invention; Figure 11 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a platform according to the invention; Figure 12 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of a platform according to the invention; Figure 13 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of a platform according to the invention;

[0034] Figure 1Figure 1 represents a buoyancy body 1 in an isometric view. The buoyancy body 1 is in the form of a regular prism with a substantially square base and has a top surface 4 and a bottom surface 5. Lateral surfaces 7 extend between the top surface 4 and the bottom surface 5 in the direction of an axis of symmetry 3, which connects the centers of the top surface 4 and the bottom surface 5. A regular prism is characterized by the fact that the lateral surfaces 7 extend at right angles to the base and top surfaces 5 and 4, respectively, of the prism. The buoyancy body 1 is therefore substantially rotationally symmetric about the axis of symmetry 3.

[0035] In the top surface 4 of the buoyancy body 1, recesses 21 are formed which, in the illustrated embodiment, form a cross. Preferably, each recess 21 extends perpendicularly from one of the side surfaces 7 towards the center of the top surface 4 or towards the axis of symmetry 3 of the buoyancy body 1. As will be shown later, the recesses 21 are suitable for receiving nodes 6 of a base structure 2. In the illustration of the Figure 1 A node 6 is shown spaced in the direction of the axis of symmetry 3 from the buoyancy body 1.

[0036] The top surface 4 of the buoyancy body 1 further features cutouts 22, which are offset from the recesses 21 by a rotation about the axis of symmetry 3 of the buoyancy body 1. The cutouts 22 preferably extend diagonally from the corners of the square or rectangular top surface 4 of the buoyancy body 1 towards the axis of symmetry 3. The cutouts 22 allow the clamping of in Figure 1 not shown diagonal connectors 25, which can be stretched diagonally between the beams 12 of a base structure 2, for example, to stiffen it.

[0037] According to the invention, a base structure 2, more precisely a node 6 of a base structure 2, can be inserted into the recesses 21 of a buoyancy body 1 and positively engaged by the recesses 21. This fixes the node 6 relative to the buoyancy body 1 in all directions perpendicular to the axis of symmetry 3 of the buoyancy body 1.

[0038] The base structure 2 can be attached to the buoyancy body 1 in the direction of the axis of symmetry 3 by means of fixing elements 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixing elements 9 are designed as snap hooks that can be slid onto the supports of the base structure 2 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of symmetry 3. The fixing elements 9 can, for example, have lugs that extend laterally from an arc-shaped central section, which can encompass a support of the base structure 2, and interact with projections 8 on the side surfaces 7 of the buoyancy body 1. These projections 8 form an undercut in the direction of the axis of symmetry 3, so that the fixing elements 9 can be hooked / clamped under the projections 8 perpendicular to the axis of symmetry 3, so that they are no longer movable in the intended end position in the direction of the axis of symmetry 3.The base structure 2 is thus fixed in its position relative to the buoyancy body 1 in the direction of the axis of symmetry 3. In a preferred embodiment, the projections 8 can have locking means 19 by means of which the fixing elements 9 are fixed in a direction perpendicular to the axis of symmetry 3 as soon as they are in their end position and are engaged with the projections 8.

[0039] According to the invention, it is thus possible to create a complete static connection in all six degrees of freedom between the buoyancy bodies 1 and the nodes 6 of a base structure 2 by combining the recesses 21 and the fixing elements 9, which does not allow any relative movement between the buoyancy bodies 1 and the base structure 2.

[0040] The buoyancy bodies 1 according to the invention can further comprise connecting means 30, which can extend, for example, from the side surfaces 7 of the buoyancy bodies 1 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of symmetry 3. However, according to the invention, the connecting means 30 can also be oriented in the longitudinal direction of the axis of symmetry 3. As shown in Figure 1 As shown, the connecting means 30 can, for example, be designed as complementary grooves and tongues, or positive and negative connecting elements, wherein each side surface 7 can, for example, have a groove and a tongue complementary to the groove. However, according to the invention, it is also included to provide similar connecting means 30 on the side surfaces 7 of the buoyancy bodies 1 according to the invention, which can then be connected to each other, for example, by means of adapter elements 32.

[0041] Figure 2Figure 1 shows a buoyancy body 1 according to the invention from a different perspective, namely an isometric view of the base surface 5. The base surface 5 has recesses 23 which are at least partially symmetrical to the depressions 21 of the top surface 4. The plane of symmetry is a plane perpendicular to the axis of symmetry 3, which is, for example, equidistant from both the top surface 4 and the base surface 5. As shown in the following figures, this makes it possible to receive a base structure 2 in a form-fitting manner through both the top surface 4 and the base surface 5 of the buoyancy body 1 according to the invention.

[0042] Furthermore, the base surface 5 of the illustrated buoyancy body 1 according to the invention is at least partially complementary to the top surface 4, so that structurally identical buoyancy bodies 1 according to the invention can be stacked one above the other in the longitudinal direction of the axis of symmetry 3. Through an interaction of the base surfaces 5 with the partially complementary top surfaces 4, the stacked buoyancy bodies 1 are fixed relative to each other in directions perpendicular to the axis of symmetry 3 of the buoyancy bodies 1. Buoyancy bodies 1 stacked one above the other or one behind the other in this way can, for example, be fixed to each other in the longitudinal direction of the axis of symmetry 3 by means of fixing elements 9, so that they are firmly connected to each other in all spatial directions.

[0043] Figure 3Figure 1 illustrates the principle of laterally or parallelly connecting several buoyancy bodies 1 according to the invention by means of the connecting means 30. As previously indicated, the connecting means 30 can be designed to be complementary on the respective side surfaces 7, so that a projecting connecting means 30 can interact with a recess on a side surface 7 of an adjacent buoyancy body 1. According to the invention, any number of buoyancy bodies 1 can thus be connected to one another in a plane that is perpendicular to their axis of symmetry 3. For example, the buoyancy of a structure 50, surface structure 150, or platform 300 supported by the buoyancy bodies 1 (see, for example, Figure 1) can be increased. Figure 12 & 13 ) are adapted to the weight of the components arranged on it. The connecting means 30 are preferably designed such that buoyancy bodies 1 can be arranged next to each other without gaps.

[0044] In an embodiment not shown, the connecting means 30 further have, for example, an angle that makes it possible to assemble the individual buoyancy bodies 1 into extended structures, since additional buoyancy bodies 1 can thus be connected to the existing structure in a diagonal direction without interfering with the connecting means 30 of other buoyancy bodies 1. Depending on the application of the buoyancy bodies according to the invention, the connecting means 30 or the adapter elements 32 can be designed to be rigid or elastic. An elastic connection of buoyancy bodies 1 can lead to a reduction in the stresses that are transmitted between interconnected buoyancy bodies 1 according to the invention, because a composite of buoyancy bodies 1 can then deform according to the loads acting upon it.

[0045] Figure 4Figure 1 shows a floating structure 50, which has a truss-like base structure 2. The base structure 2 has a frame 10 formed from beams 12, which is rectangular in shape and is designed by several transverse or longitudinal struts 11 such that, for example, photovoltaic modules can be arranged on the structure 50. The floating structure 50 can, for example, serve as a basic module for constructing a modular surface structure 150. According to the invention, both the connection points of the beams 12 of the frame 10 and the points where the transverse or longitudinal struts 11 are attached to the frame 10 are referred to as nodes 6. At these nodes 6, buoyancy bodies 1 according to the invention can be arranged such that the beams 12 of the base structure 2 are positively engaged by recesses 21 in the top surface 4.Especially for bodies of water with little, low, or moderate wave action, such as ponds, lakes, or lagoons, a support for a base structure 2 can be provided in a simple, modular manner. Depending on the distribution of the weight and the components that are to be held above the water surface by the structure 50, buoyancy bodies can also be arranged directly on the frame 10 or the transverse or longitudinal struts 11, according to the invention. To completely fix such buoyancy bodies 1, they can be fixed to the base structure 2 by means of fixing elements 9 or connected to further buoyancy bodies 1 according to the invention by means of connecting elements 30. From the in . Figure 4The embodiment shown also shows that the transverse or longitudinal struts 11 do not necessarily have to run in the plane spanned by the supports 12 of the frame 10, but can also extend above or below this plane, for example to allow the mounting of photovoltaic modules arranged on the base structure 2 at an angle.

[0046] In the Figure 5 , 5A and 6 Two further embodiments of a floating structure 50 according to the invention in the form of a modular structure 60 are shown. Figure 5 is a detailed view showing a special connection point in the form of a corner of the further embodiment for a floating module 60 according to the invention. Figure 6This is an isometric view showing the basic structure of a Module 60, which is suitable for constructing larger structures, some of which will be given as examples. Naturally, a Module 60 can also be used on its own, for example, for mounting photovoltaic systems, as a bathing or resting island for diving, as a floating dock for mooring boats, and for many other applications.

[0047] According to the embodiment of the buoyancy body of the Figure 5In the recesses 21, which extend in the top surface 4 of the buoyancy body 1 according to the invention, a first base structure 2 with a frame 10, constructed from supports 12 and braced with diagonal connectors 15, is arranged. A further base structure 2 with a frame 10, constructed from supports 12 and braced with diagonal connectors 15, extends parallel to the first base structure 2 and is positively engaged by recesses 23 in the base surface 5 of the buoyancy body 1 according to the invention. It is clearly visible that the base structure 2 projects beyond the recesses 21 in the direction of the axis of symmetry 3 of the buoyancy body 1. It would therefore be possible to arrange a further buoyancy body 1 according to the invention in the direction of the axis of symmetry 3 above the buoyancy body 1 shown, wherein its recesses 23 arranged in the base surface 5 would engage in the nodes 6 of the base structure.The position of an upper buoyancy body 1 would thus be fixed relative to the lower buoyancy body 1 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of symmetry 3. An analogous principle applies to the arrangement of another buoyancy body 1 in the direction of the axis of symmetry 3 below the buoyancy body 1 shown.

[0048] In Figure 5A An isometric view of a second embodiment of a buoyancy body 1 according to the invention is shown, wherein two buoyancy bodies 1 according to the invention are arranged such that they are interlocked and assembled with mutually facing base surfaces 5. In the exemplary embodiment of the Figure 5A The top surfaces 4 of the two buoyancy bodies with the recesses 21 formed therein point away from each other, so that here too two frames 10 are formed similarly to those in Figure 5The two buoyancy bodies 1 are shown to be sandwiched together and fixed in place. Diagonal connectors 15 can also be used as fixing elements 9 here. In addition, frames 10 can be fixed to the buoyancy bodies 1 via the through holes 16 formed in the projections 8. Preferably, the buoyancy bodies 1 have the following features as shown. Figure 5A The base surfaces have recesses 27 and extensions 28 which are designed such that two buoyancy bodies composed with mutually facing base surfaces 5 interlock in a rotationally secure manner, wherein a recess 27 of one buoyancy body 1 receives the extension 28 of the other buoyancy body 1.

[0049] The preferred base area is 5 of the one in Figure 5AThe buoyancy bodies 1 shown are designed such that the buoyancy bodies 1 can also be stacked in the same direction / orientation, i.e. the base surfaces also have recesses 23 which can accommodate the projections 8 in the top surfaces 4 so that the top surface 4 of one buoyancy body 1 comes into contact with the base surface 5 of the other buoyancy body 1 and the two buoyancy bodies 1 are connected to each other in a rotationally secure manner.

[0050] In the exemplary embodiments, the fixing elements 9, which fix the upper and lower base structures 2 in the direction of the axis of symmetry 3 on the buoyancy body 1 according to the invention, are: Figure 5 , 5A and 6Diagonal connectors 25 also span diagonally between the upper base structure 2 and the lower base structure 2, i.e., in planes perpendicular to the planes spanned by the frames 10. The diagonal connectors 25 preferably also run in the recesses 21 of the top surface 4 or in symmetrical recesses 23 of the base surface 5 and are preferably connected to the supports 12 of the base structure.

[0051] Out of Figure 6 It becomes apparent that the floating module 60 according to the invention, in the embodiment with the buoyancy body 1 of the first embodiment according to Figure 1 has four buoyancy bodies 1 and is connected to the buoyancy body 1 of the Figure 5A would have eight buoyancy bodies 1, each forming a cuboid. In summary, the Figure 5 , 5A and 6It can be seen that the two embodiments of the buoyancy body 1 shown there can be used alternatively and that the person skilled in the art will find further alternative forms for buoyancy bodies which fulfill the spirit of the invention, to provide a modularly constructed floating structure with structurally simple components, wherein the buoyancy bodies can be used in as many different ways as possible in order to create both smaller and larger floating structures.

[0052] In all surface or space diagonals of the in Figure 6In the module 60 shown according to the invention, diagonal connectors 15 and / or inclined connectors 25 are tensioned, providing the module 60 with stability and torsional rigidity. To enable the diagonal connectors 15 and the inclined connectors 25 to be tensioned both along the surface and the spatial diagonal, the recesses 21, the clearances 22, and the cutouts 23 have a slope in the top surface 4 and the base surface 5 of the buoyancy body 1, respectively, to provide sufficient space for the passage of the diagonal connectors 15 and / or the inclined connectors 25. In the present example of the module 60, the diagonal connectors 15 and the inclined connectors 25 thus serve simultaneously to stabilize the module 60 and as fixing elements 9 to hold the buoyancy body 1 sandwich-like between the two base structures 2 on the base and top surfaces 4 and 5 of the buoyancy bodies 1.

[0053] Figure 7Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a floating module 60 according to the invention. Support struts 17 are arranged between the upper base structure 2 and the lower base structure 2. These struts can transmit forces between the base structures 2, thereby reducing the resulting shear forces and moments. In contrast to the previously described embodiment, the diagonal connectors 25 in the side faces of the cuboid are not stretched between the nodes 6 connected to the buoyancy bodies 1, but rather between a node 6 on a buoyancy body 1 and diagonally opposite nodes 6 formed by the intersection of the support struts 17 and the upper or lower base structure 2. A module 60 stiffened in this way according to the invention exhibits even higher load-bearing capacity and torsional stiffness than the module 60 described previously.

[0054] Figure 8Figure 1 shows a floating tower structure 200, which, for example, consists of three floating structures 50 arranged one above the other in the direction of the axes of symmetry 3 of the buoyancy bodies 1. As previously indicated, the floating structures 50 are secured against relative displacement in directions perpendicular to the axis of symmetry by the fact that both recesses 21 in the top surface 4 of a lower buoyancy body 1 and recesses 23 in the base surface 5 of an upper buoyancy body 1 are positively connected to the base structures 2 arranged between the buoyancy bodies 1. To connect the structures 50 or their buoyancy bodies 1 in the direction of the axis of symmetry 3, for example, fixing elements 9 can be attached between the connecting means 30 to the superimposed buoyancy bodies 1, or diagonal connectors 25 can be stretched over several stories / levels of a floating tower structure 200 according to the invention.Furthermore, base structures of two different buoyant structures can be connected to each other in the vertical planes, i.e. perpendicular to the base structure planes, by diagonal connectors 15 in such a way that the buoyancy bodies 1 are sandwiched between the base structures 2.

[0055] According to the invention, in principle, buoyant structures of any height can be assembled modularly, extending vertically upwards from a water surface when used as intended. In a preferred embodiment, the lowest level of a tower structure according to the invention is designed as a buoyant module 60, i.e., a base structure 2 is accommodated on the base surfaces 5 of the lowest layer of buoyancy bodies 1, which is connected by diagonal connectors 15 to a higher-level – not necessarily adjacent – ​​base structure 2 of a buoyant structure 50, preferably such that the buoyancy bodies 1 of the lowest level / level are firmly clamped between two base structures 2 in the direction of the axis of symmetry 3.

[0056] Figure 9 shows another principle for connecting floating modules 60. According to the in Figure 9In the illustrated embodiment, buoyant modules 60 can be modularly assembled to form a planar structure 150, which, when used as intended, extends parallel to a water surface. The buoyancy elements 1 of the buoyant modules 60 can be connected to one another by means of the connecting elements 30 or corresponding adapter elements 32, thus creating a planar structure 150 that can be extended as desired. Preferably, the connecting elements 30 or the adapter elements 32 are elastically designed so that externally applied loads on the planar structure 150 can be dampened and cushioned by the elastic material properties of the connection between the buoyancy elements.Furthermore, such a composite surface structure 150 can also be used in light sea conditions and / or wind loads, such as those caused by strong winds on still waters, without the deformations induced in the surface structure 150 leading to deformations in the modules 60 themselves. This would prevent damage to devices supported on the surface structure 50, such as photovoltaic modules, since these deformations in the surface structure 150 can be absorbed by the connecting or adapter elements 30, 32. An elastic design of the buoyancy bodies 1 is also conceivable, allowing slight twisting, for example, about the axis of symmetry 3, while the modules 60 remain rigid.

[0057] As from Figure 10As can be seen, the floating structures 50, modules 60, and the modular surface structure 150 and floating tower structures 200 constructed therefrom according to the invention can be combined with one another as desired to construct floating buildings, supporting structures, or platforms 300, similar to a modular system. Due to the modular expandability, it is possible, on the one hand, to optimally adapt the modular surface structures 150 and floating tower structures 200 constructed in this way to the respective location and purpose. On the other hand, the modular surface structures 150 and floating tower structures 200 according to the invention can be subsequently extended by additional module structures, i.e., floating structures 50 or modules 60, if required. The figure shown in Figure 1 is merely an illustrative example. Figure 10The depicted surface structure 150 comprises four tower structures 200, each consisting of three structures / modules 50 stacked on top of each other. These four tower structures 200 are connected to three tower structures 200, each containing two structures / modules 50 stacked on top of each other. A single-story, floating module 60 is attached to these. The base of each tower structure 200 consists of modules 60 that have been vertically extended with floating structures 50.

[0058] The Figures 11 to 13 show possible embodiments of a platform 300 according to the invention, which can be used, for example, for mounting photovoltaic modules, for floating support of components for energy generation, storage or distribution, or for other purposes such as bridge construction.

[0059] The in Figure 11The illustrated platform 300, which includes a floating structure 50, can serve as a basic assembly for a modularly expandable floating photovoltaic system. The photovoltaic modules arranged on the base structure 2 can be aligned at an angle to the horizontal by means of the transverse or longitudinal struts 11 attached to the frame 10 of the base structure 2, which have different heights above the water surface. Depending on the position of the sun, this can increase the yield of the photovoltaic modules. The transverse or longitudinal struts 11 increase the torsional rigidity of the structure 50 according to the invention, thereby protecting the sensitive photovoltaic modules from excessive loads.To further increase the torsional stiffness of the structure according to the invention, a second base structure 2 could be arranged in recesses 23 of the base surface 5 of the buoyancy bodies 1 and clamped to the upper base structure 2 by means of fixing elements 9, resulting in a module 60 according to the invention, if additionally diagonal connectors 25 are clamped in the surface and / or space diagonals of such a floating structure 50 to further increase the stability of the structure 50.

[0060] The in Figure 12The illustrated platform 300 serves as a floating support for a container in which, for example, materials can be stored or batteries for energy storage can be housed. The base structure 2 supporting the container is completely clad with panels, creating a walkable or drivable floating island. Due to the high weight of the components to be supported, the frame 10 of the base structure 2 is completely supported by buoyancy bodies 1, which are arranged parallel to each other by means of their connecting elements 30 in order to increase the buoyancy of the platform 300 according to the invention.

[0061] Figure 13Figure 3 shows a platform 300, which can be used, for example, as a bridge. Because platforms 300 according to the invention are modularly expandable and the buoyancy bodies arranged one above the other in the direction of the axis of symmetry 3 can also be offset from one another, provided the base structure 2 is designed accordingly for a floating structure 50, a designer of a platform 300 according to the invention has considerable design freedom, in which overhanging surfaces can also be realized. To form such an overhanging surface structure, the base structure 2 can project beyond the buoyancy bodies 1, in whose top surface 4 it is received, and support buoyancy bodies 1 arranged above in the projecting area by engaging in their recesses 23. By fixing the buoyancy bodies 1 to the base structure 2 and fixing the buoyancy bodies 1 to each other, such an overhanging surface structure 150 can also be created.Platform 300 stable.

[0062] The buoyancy body 1 according to the invention, as a basic building block, as well as a floating structure 50 or a floating module 60 according to the invention, which incorporates such buoyancy bodies 1 according to the invention, thus provide a cost-effective and versatile way to construct modularly expandable surface structures 150, tower structures 200, and platforms 300 that are torsionally rigid and stable against loads occurring on open water. Sensitive components, such as photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, batteries, electrolysis devices, power-to-gas plants, or fuel cells, can thus be safely and reliably supported above a water surface. Reference symbol list:

[0063] 1 Buoyancy body 2 Base structure 3 Axis of symmetry 4 Top surface 5 Base surface 6 Node 7 Side surfaces 8 Projections 9 Fixing elements 10 Frame 11 Transverse or longitudinal bracing 12 Beams 15 Diagonal connectors 16 Through holes 17 Support struts 19 Locking devices 21 Recesses 22 Clearances 23 Cutouts 25 Diagonal connectors 27 Cutouts 28 Extensions 30 Connecting devices 32 Adapter elements 50 Floating structure 60 Floating module 150 Modularly constructed surface structure 200 Floating tower structure 300 Platform

Claims

1. Buoyancy body (1) for the floating support of a floatable structure, wherein the buoyancy body (1) is formed essentially in one piece in the form of a cylinder or regular prism, with a top surface (4) essentially perpendicular to an symmetry axis (3) of the buoyancy body, in which depressions (21) are formed, in order to receive a junction point (6) of a substantially flat, framework-like base structure (2) in a form-fitting manner, fixing elements (9) being provided for fixing the base structure (2) in the direction of the symmetry axis (3), so that the buoyancy body (1) can be fixed in all 6 (six) degrees of freedom at a junction point (6), characterized in that clearances (22) for the passage of slant connectors (25) are formed on the top surface (4) of the buoyancy body (1) and a part of the base surface (5) is formed complementary to the top surface (4), so that two buoyancy bodies (1) can be arranged in direction of the symmetry axis one above the other so that they cannot rotate.

2. Buoyancy body (1) according to claim 1, wherein the depressions (21) are formed rotationally symmetrically to the symmetry axis (3), in particular in the form of a cross or in the form of a star, and / or the clearances (22) are formed rotationally symmetrically, in particular in the form of a cross or in the form of a star, and are arranged rotated by an offset angle relative to the symmetry axis (3) of the buoyancy body (1) relative to the depressions (21).

3. Buoyancy body (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the buoyancy body (1) has projections (8) perpendicular to the symmetry axis (3), which form an undercut for fixing the fixing elements (9) in the direction of the symmetry axis (3) and / or has latching means (19) for fixing the fixing elements (9) in a direction perpendicular to the symmetry axis (3).

4. Buoyancy body (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base surface (5) of the buoyancy body (1) has recesses (23) which are symmetrical to the top surface (4) with respect to a center plane aligned perpendicular to the symmetry axis (3).

5. Buoyancy body (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base surface (5) of the buoyancy body (1) has recesses (27) and extensions (28) which are formed and arranged in such a way that they engage with one another when two buoyancy bodies with base surfaces (5) facing one another are assembled.

6. Buoyancy body (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, for the parallel connection of two or more buoyancy bodies (1), connecting means (30) are formed on side surfaces (7) of the buoyancy bodies (1) in a direction perpendicular and / or parallel to the symmetry axis (3), which are in particular each formed as a positive and a negative complementary connecting means (30).

7. Buoyancy body (1) according to claim 6, wherein the connecting means (30) or adapter elements (32) for connecting the connecting means (30) are designed to be elastic.

8. Buoyancy body (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which is manufactured as a hollow body, solid body or multi-component body by a rotational molding or blow molding process from plastic, metal and / or concrete.

9. Floatable structure (50) with a plurality of buoyancy bodies (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, which are arranged at junction points (6) of a substantially planar, framework-like base structure (2), wherein the buoyancy bodies (1) are formed substantially in the shape of a cylinder or regular prism, whose symmetry axis (3) is oriented substantially vertically in the intended use of the structure.

10. Floatable structure (50) according to claim 9, the junction points (6) of which are braced together by means of slant connectors (25) which run in the clearances (22) of the buoyancy bodies (1), in particular in a diagonal direction.

11. Floatable structure (50) according to one of claims 9 or 10, in which transverse and / or longitudinal struts (11) are attached to the base structure (2), whose connection points to the base structure or whose crossing points form junction points (6) at which buoyancy bodies (1) are arranged, and / or in which further buoyancy bodies (1) are arranged on the base structure (2) between the junction points (6).

12. Floatable module (60) having a floatable structure (50) according to one of claims 9 to 11, in which a substantially planar, framework-like base structure (2) is arranged both on the top surfaces and on the base surfaces of the buoyancy bodies (1), the base structures (2) fixing the buoyancy bodies (1) in a sandwich-like manner in the direction of the symmetry axis (3) by means of fixing elements (9) running diagonally between the respective base structures (2).

13. Floating module (60) according to claim 12, in which the base structures (2) are braced together at the junction points (6) of the diagonally extending fixing elements (9) and / or one or more support struts (17) are arranged between the diagonally extending fixing elements (9) and one of the base structures (2).

14. Two- or multi-level floatable tower structure (200), wherein buoyancy bodies (1) of a further floatable structure (50) according to one of claims 9 to 11 are arranged on the buoyancy bodies (1) of a first floatable structure (50) according to one of claims 9 to 11 in the direction of the symmetry axis, so that the base structure (2) of the respective lower structure (50) is accommodated by the depressions (21) in the top surface of the buoyancy bodies (1) of the lower structure (50) and by complementary recesses (23) in the base surface of the buoyancy bodies (1) of the structure (50) arranged above.

15. Tower structure (200) according to claim 14, wherein the base structure (2) of the respective upper buoyant structure (50) is connected to the base structure (2) of the lower buoyant structure (50) by diagonal connectors (15).

16. Buoyant modular planar structure (150) comprising one or a plurality of adjacently arranged buoyant structures (50) according to any of claims 9 to 11 and / or comprising one or a plurality of buoyant modules (60) according to any of claims 12 or 13 and / or comprising one or a plurality of tower structures (200) according to any of claims 14 or 15, which are interconnected via the complementary connecting means (30) of horizontally adjacent buoyancy bodies (1).

17. Platform (300) modularly built up from one or more floatable structures (50) according to one of claims 9 to 11 and / or floatable modules (60) according to one of claims 12 or 13 and / or one or more tower structures according to claim 14 or 15 or one or more planar structures (150) according to claim 16 for floating support of superstructures, elevations for solar energy systems and / or wind turbines.