WATER STORAGE SET

Abstract

Water storage assembly (1) comprising a storage basin (2) having a bottom (21) and edges (22), the basin (2) widening from a bottom plane (P1) of the basin (2) to a bank plane (P2) of the basin. The assembly (1) comprises a floating structure (4) arranged to float on the water stored in the basin and a plurality of solar energy capture panels (5) carried by the floating structure (4), a mooring device (6) comprising anchors (6a) and deformable connections (6b) being arranged to allow the movement of the floating structure (4) between high and low levels. FIGURE OF THE ABSTRACT: Fig. 2a

Description

Title of the invention: WATER STORAGE ASSEMBLY

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of water storage assemblies.

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The storage of large volumes of water is necessary in various fields of industry or agriculture.

[0004] By carrying out this water storage at a time when the water resource is widely available, for example during periods of heavy rainfall, floods or excess water table, it is possible to create a reserve of water available for future dry periods.

[0005] Good management of these water stocks makes it possible to limit the impact of water withdrawals from the natural environment while having a water resource available for uses during dry periods, such as irrigation.

[0006] A water storage unit is also useful for absorbing excess water in the natural environment, for example during heavy rainfall, which can be useful for limiting risks such as flooding.

[0007] A water storage assembly comprises a storage basin having a basin bottom and basin edges, the basin flaring from a basin bottom plane to a basin bank plane.

[0008] To be effective, such basins must be large in size and can cover large areas ranging from a few hectares to several hundred hectares.

[0009] The distance between the bottom plane and the bank plane is generally between 1 and 3 meters, but it can reach around ten meters.

[0010] With such basins, it is found that a significant portion of the stored water is lost through evaporation.

[0011] Furthermore, under the effect of heat and light, such pools are conducive to the development of potentially harmful organisms such as algae or bacteria.

[0012] SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0013] An object of the present invention is to provide a water storage assembly resolving all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0014] To this end, the invention relates to a water storage assembly comprising a water storage basin having a basin bottom and basin edges, the basin widening from a basin bottom plane to a basin bank plane.

[0015] The assembly according to the invention is essentially characterized in that it comprises a floating structure arranged to float on water stored in the basin, the floating structure comprising:

[0016] - a plurality of floating platforms mechanically connected to each other; and

[0017] - a plurality of solar energy capture panels carried by certain less floating platforms;

[0018] the storage assembly comprising a device for mooring the floating structure comprising anchors arranged at the periphery of the basin and deformable connections extending between the anchors and the floating structure, the deformable connections being such that they allow movement of the floating structure between a low level where the floating structure is supported on the bottom plane of the basin and a high level where the floating structure floats above the bottom of the basin and is located at least partly between the bottom plane of the basin and the bank plane.

[0019] Thanks to the floating structure which covers the basin and moves according to the current water level in the basin, the assembly according to the invention makes it possible to limit the loss of water by evaporation (under the effect of the sun and the wind) while providing a particularly suitable and economically interesting space for capturing solar energy.

[0020] The solar energy thus captured by the panels is no longer available for the growth of organisms in the pond water.

[0021] Thanks to the invention, the space occupied by the basin is used both for water storage and for the production of energy by solar capture while minimizing the risk of development of harmful organisms.

[0022] This results in better use of floor space (the same floor space is used here for two complementary uses).

[0023] Installing solar collection panels on a floating structure in a basin rather than on a solid ground surface is particularly advantageous since: - it is no longer necessary to implement ground foundations to support the panels (installation of the panels is thus facilitated); - the space for installing the panels is secured due to the presence of a peripheral bank of the floating structure; - the surface of the water in the pool is stabilized due to the presence of the bank, which is favorable to precise orientation of the panels in relation to the sun; - the volume of water under the panels provides thermal inertia which limits variations in the heat of the panels (this is beneficial to the longevity of the panels and in some cases at least improves the solar capture efficiency).

[0024] The assembly according to the invention has numerous advantages which make it particularly economical to implement.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the mooring device is arranged so that throughout the movement of the floating structure between the high level and the low level, the mooring device exerts centering forces such that they oppose the movement of a central point of the floating structure relative to a fixed vertical axis passing through a central fixed point of the bottom of the basin.

[0026] The centering forces generated by the mooring device on the floating structure are favorable to a stable positioning of the floating structure away from the bank of the basin and exclusively above the bottom of the basin.

[0027] Thus, the mooring structure allows movement of the floating structure to follow the variation of the water level in the basin while limiting the risk of collision between the floating structure and the basin.

[0028] Such collisions could for example occur under the effect of the wind pushing the floating structure.

[0029] Preferably, the capture panels are photovoltaic panels respectively connected, via a network of electrical conductive cables, to a connection station arranged to collect electrical energy produced by the plurality of panels and to distribute it to an external network.

[0030] This connection post is preferably fixed relative to the basin, but it could also be carried by the floating structure.

[0031] For example, the connection post could be fixed on the bank of the basin. Brief description of the drawings

[0032] Other characteristics and advantages of the assembly 1 according to the invention will emerge clearly from the description given below, for information purposes only and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0033] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] shows a schematic top view of a storage assembly of water 1 according to the invention;

[0034] [Fig.2a] [Fig.2a] represents a schematic side view of the assembly of storage 1 of [Fig.l], the water level 3 in the basin 2 being high and the floating structure 4 which carries the solar energy capture panels 5 being at its high level, exclusively above the bottom 21 of the basin 2;

[0035] [Fig.2b] [Fig.2b] represents a view of the assembly according to the invention which is similar to the view of [Fig.2a], the floating structure 4 still being at its high level but being pushed towards one of the edges 22 of the basin 2, the mooring device 6 opposing the approach to the nearest edge 22 while maintaining a predetermined minimum gap between the floating structure 4 and this edge 22 (the gap predetermined is preferably greater than 1 meter regardless of the current level of the floating structure in the basin, this difference being preferably less than 5% of the length of the bottom);

[0036] [Fig.2c] [Fig.2c] represents a view of the assembly 1 according to the invention which is similar to the views of figures 2a and 2b, the floating structure 4 being at its low level in the basin while being maintained exclusively above the bottom 21 of the basin and at a distance from the edges 22 of the basin under the effect of forces generated by the mooring device 6 on the floating structure 4;

[0037] [Fig.3a] [Fig.3a] represents a view of another embodiment of the assembly 1 according to the invention, while the floating structure 4 is at its high level in the basin, the floating structure 4 here being maintained exclusively above the bottom 21 of the basin under the effect of tractions exerted on positioning cables 6b2 which belong to the mooring device 6 (these tractions on the positioning cables 6b2 are generated by tensioning mechanisms 8 equipped with counterweights 8a);

[0038] [Fig.3b] [Fig.3b] represents a view of the assembly according to the invention illustrated in [Fig.3a], while the floating structure 4 is at its low level in the basin 2, the floating structure 4 always being maintained exclusively above the bottom 21 of the basin under the effect of tractions exerted, on the positioning cables 6b2, by the tensioning mechanisms 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] With reference to figures 1, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3c, the water storage assembly 1 according to the invention comprises a water storage basin 2 3 comprising a basin bottom 21 and edges 22.

[0040] Basin 2 widens from a bottom plane PI of basin 2 to a bank plane P2 of the basin.

[0041] The basin is arranged to store water 3 and its bottom 21 and its edges 22 are watertight.

[0042] This sealing is for example obtained using a sealing membrane belonging to the basin, this membrane extending against and along the bottom 21 and against and along the edges 22 going at least up to the level of the bank plane P2.

[0043] The waterproof membrane is for example obtained by welding together several strips of waterproof membranes.

[0044] The assembly 1 also comprises a floating structure 4 arranged to float on water 3 stored in the basin.

[0045] This floating structure 4 comprises:

[0046] - a plurality of floating platforms 4a mechanically connected to each other; and

[0047] - a plurality of solar energy capture panels 5 carried by certain less than 4a floating platforms.

[0048] The panels 5 of the plurality of panels are preferably flat and preferably extend in a horizontal plane. However, these panels could have shapes other than flat (for example curved) and / or be inclined relative to the horizontal plane.

[0049] Preferably, these panels 5 are of the photovoltaic type to produce electricity.

[0050] However, the capture panels 5 could be: - thermal energy capture panels through which a heat transfer fluid passes to diffuse the captured thermal energy to systems external to the assembly 1 according to the invention; or - hybrid panels combining photovoltaic panels and thermal panels.

[0051] The storage assembly 1 also comprises a mooring device 6 for the floating structure 4 comprising anchors 6a arranged at the periphery of the basin and deformable connections 6b extending between the anchors 6a and the floating structure 4.

[0052] The deformable connections 6b are such that they allow a movement of the floating structure 4 between a low level where the floating structure 4 is supported on the bottom plane PI of the basin and a high level where the floating structure 4 floats above the bottom 21 of the basin and is located at least partly between the bottom plane PI of the basin and the bank plane P2.

[0053] The mooring device 6 is functionally arranged so that throughout the movement of the floating structure 4 between the high level P2 and the low level PI, the mooring device 6 exerts centering forces such that they oppose the moving away, beyond a predetermined distance, of a central point X of the floating structure 4 relative to a fixed vertical axis XX passing through a central fixed point of the bottom 21 of the basin.

[0054] In other words, the mooring device 6 is arranged so that when the floating structure 4 moves between its high P2 and low PI levels, the floating structure 4 moves essentially vertically, with its central point X which translates along and preferentially on the fixed vertical axis XX relative to the bottom 21 of the basin.

[0055] The mooring device 6 is furthermore arranged so that if at any of the levels adopted by the floating structure 4 between its upper and lower levels, a lateral thrust is exerted on the structure 4 and moves the central point X away from the vertical axis XX, then the mooring device 6 exerts, on the floating structure 4, so-called centering forces which tend to bring the central point X of the floating structure 4 closer to the vertical axis XX.

[0056] The mooring device 6 has the effect of bringing the central point X closer to the vertical axis XX.

[0057] It should be noted that this vertical axis XX is a virtual axis.

[0058] As understood from Figures 1 to 3b, the anchors 6a are arranged around the basin 2 along the edges 22 of the basin 2, at a distance and along the bank.

[0059] In this case, the anchors 6a are distributed into groups of anchors, the anchors of the same group being aligned with each other along the edges of the basin 2.

[0060] The anchors 6a of the same group of anchors which are arranged in an aligned manner along a given edge of the basin 2 and are regularly spaced from each other.

[0061] The distance of the anchors from the bank makes it possible to obtain a strong mooring via the mooring device 6 without risk of destabilizing the bank.

[0062] In the particular example illustrated in the figures, each of the anchors 6a comprises at least one post 6a 1 extending partly into a corresponding hole which is formed in a ground area around the basin 2.

[0063] An anchor 6a can be made by drilling the ground with an auger, positioning a longitudinal portion of a post 6a 1 in the borehole, then pouring a mortar into the borehole to seal the post there.

[0064] A post may have a length in the ground of 2 to 2.5 m and an above-ground length of several meters, for example 5 m.

[0065] In the case where the bank is very high above ground level, return pulleys can be arranged on the bank and at the foot of the post to guide the cable following the profile of the bank.

[0066] The bank of the basin is, in a peripheral top view, the entirety of the bottom 21 of the basin 2.

[0067] The bank comprises all of the edges 22 of the basin and it extends all around the bottom 21 of the basin, defining a bank plane P2 there.

[0068] The edges of the basin together constitute a continuous surface of the bank extending all around the bottom 21, from the bottom plane PI of the basin to the bank plane P2.

[0069] The bank plane P2 is here the highest zone of basin 2.

[0070] Preferably, the bank is formed by creating a mound above a ground level surrounding the basin.

[0071] By forming the bank above the level of the ground surrounding the basin, the depth of the basin 2 can be increased while limiting the need for digging at the bottom 21 of the basin.

[0072] Preferably, the material coming from digging the ground at the location of the bottom 21 is used to form the edges and the bank of the basin.

[0073] In the particular example illustrated in Figures 1 to 3b, the basin has four rectilinear edges, namely a North edge, a South edge, an East edge and a West edge which extend respectively to the North, South, East and West of the bottom 21 of the basin 2.

[0074] The anchors 6a are here distributed according to four alignments of anchors 6a formed along the bank of the basin and at a distance from the bank so as not to destabilize it.

[0075] Generally, as illustrated in FIGS. 2a to 2c, at least some of the deformable connections 6b which extend between the anchors 6a and the floating structure 4 may comprise connecting cables 6b 1 which form a set of connecting cables.

[0076] The lengths of the connecting cables 6b 1 of the connecting cable assembly 6b 1 are arranged so that throughout the movement of the floating structure 4 between its upper and lower levels, the connecting cable assembly 6bl opposes by tension of at least some of the connecting cables 6b 1 the floating structure being able to come into contact against the edges 22 of the basin 2.

[0077] More particularly, as understood from [Fig.l], the connecting cables 6b 1 of the set of connecting cables are divided into first, second, third and fourth groups of connecting cables 6b 1.

[0078] The cables 6b 1 of the first group of connecting cables have: - movable ends attached to a first side Cl of the floating structure 4; and - fixed ends attached to anchors 6a of a first group of anchors located opposite the first side Cl of the floating structure 4.

[0079] Similarly, the cables 6b 1 of the second group of connecting cables have: - movable ends attached to a second side C2 of the floating structure 4 which is opposite said first side Cl of the floating structure; and - fixed ends attached to anchors 6a of a second group of anchors located opposite the second side C2 of the floating structure 4.

[0080] Similarly, the cables 6b 1 of the third group of connecting cables have: - movable ends attached to a third side C3 of the floating structure 4; and - fixed ends attached to anchors 6a of a third group of anchors located opposite the third side C3 of the floating structure 4.

[0081] Similarly, the cables 6b 1 of the fourth group of connecting cables have: - movable ends attached to a fourth side C4 of the floating structure 4 which is opposite said third side C3 of the floating structure 4; and - fixed ends attached to anchors 6a of a fourth group of anchors located opposite the fourth side C4 of the floating structure.

[0082] The lengths of the connecting cables 6b 1 of the first, second, third and fourth groups of connecting cables 6b 1 are provided so that: - the connecting cables 6b 1 of the set of connecting cables are taut when the floating structure 4 is at its low level; and so that - the connecting cables 6b 1 of the set of connecting cables are slackened when the floating structure is at its high level and is exactly in line with the bottom 21 of the basin 2.

[0083] Thus, the lower the water level in the pool, the more the connecting cables tend to stretch symmetrically relative to the floating structure to naturally center it just above the bottom 21 of the pool.

[0084] Preferably, the edges of the basin each form a slope Px relative to a horizontal plane which, in absolute value, is between 30 and 45° angle.

[0085] With such a slope angle Px (see for example [Fig.2a] or [Fig.3b]), in the event of accidental contact between the basin 2 and the floating structure 4, the floating structure is pushed to center itself above the bottom of the basin.

[0086] As will be seen later, the structure 4 can be equipped with rollers 40 to roll against the edges 22 in the event of accidental contact against the latter.

[0087] This provides additional security to prevent the floating structure from accidentally remaining suspended between the bottom of the pool and an edge of the pool.

[0088] To increase the centering effect of the structure at the bottom of the pool, it is also possible to ensure that the connecting cables 6b 1 are dimensioned to be elastically elongated between 10 and 20% of their respective lengths when the floating structure 4 rests on the bottom of the pool.

[0089] As illustrated in Figures 2a to 3b, angle return rollers 7 are preferably fixed on the bank of the basin 2 and are arranged to support the connecting cables 6b 1.

[0090] Each angle return roller 7 makes it possible to keep at least one of the connecting cables 6b 1 which corresponds to it away from an internal edge of the bank.

[0091] As illustrated in Figures 3a and 3b, at least some of the deformable connections 6b which extend between the anchors 6a and the floating structure 4 may also comprise positioning cables 6b2 which form a set of positioning cables.

[0092] Each positioning cable 6b2 is on one side fixedly attached to the floating structure 4 and on the other side tensioned under the effect of a tensioning mechanism 8 associated with it.

[0093] Each tensioning mechanism 8 generates a tension value on the positioning cable 6b2 to which it is connected, this tension value decreases when the floating structure 4 is brought closer to a pool edge which corresponds to the tensioning mechanism 8 below a predetermined limit distance between this edge of the basin and the floating structure.

[0094] The positioning cables 6b2 are fixedly attached to the floating structure 4 so as to form pairs of positioning cables 6b2 pulling in opposition on either side of the floating structure 4.

[0095] In other words, each tensioning mechanism 8 corresponds to a given edge of the pool and is connected to the floating structure 4 via a positioning cable 6b2.

[0096] This tensioning mechanism 8 exerts a tension (a pull) on the floating structure 4, the value of which decreases when the floating structure 4 is brought closer to the given edge to within a predetermined limit distance.

[0097] Since the positioning cables 6b2 are attached in pairs, when the structure 4 is too close to a given edge then the tension on one of the positioning cables decreases while the tension on the other of the positioning cables remains constant or increases.

[0098] This imbalance between the tensions on the positioning cables 6b2 forces the floating structure 4 to move away from the given edge to which it is too close.

[0099] Preferably, at least some of the tensioning mechanisms 8 comprise a counterweight 8a attached to the tensioned positioning cable 6b2 so that the counterweight 8a rises under the effect of the floating structure 4 moving away from the counterweight 8a and lowers under the effect of the floating structure 4 moving closer to the counterweight 8a.

[0100] Thus, as understood from Figures 3a and 3b, the positioning cables 6b2 are connected to the structure to form pairs of positioning cables 6b2 which pull in opposition on either side of the floating structure 4 to which they are connected.

[0101] Each of these positioning cables 6b2 is on one side attached to the floating structure 4 and on the other side attached to a counterweight 8a of a tensioning mechanism 8 corresponding to the given positioning cable.

[0102] Each given positioning cable 6b2 passes successively: - by an angle return roller 7 which corresponds to it; - by a low pulley 8b (which belongs to the tensioning mechanism 8) fixed in the lower part of an anchor 6a which corresponds to it;

[0103] - by at least a first high pulley 8cl, possibly by a second pulley high 8c2, fixed in the upper part of a post 6al of the anchor 6a which corresponds to it; and the corresponding counterweight 8a being suspended from the given positioning cable 6b2 to move along said post 6a 1 according to the displacement of the floating structure 4 relative to the basin 2.

[0104] Thus, when the floating structure 4 lowers into the basin while maintaining a distance, between the floating structure and the basin, greater than the predetermined separation distance, the positioning cables are then stretched together with the associated counterweights, these counterweights rising along the posts 6al.

[0105] This results in equal tension between the positioning cables 6b2 of the same pair of cables.

[0106] The tensile forces applied on either side of the floating structure are thus balanced on either side of the floating structure 4.

[0107] In accordance with figures 3a and 3b, the lengths of the positioning cables 6b2 are preferably provided so that when the floating structure 4 approaches one of the edges of the basin 2 below a predetermined limit then each counterweight 8a which is lowered comes to bear on a support Z which corresponds to it.

[0108] The tension exerted by a counterweight on a positioning cable 6b2 becomes zero when this counterweight 8a is resting on its support Z.

[0109] As the positioning cables 6b2 are connected to the floating structure 4 by pairs of cables which pull in opposition on the structure, as soon as one of the associated counterweights comes to bear on a support Z (because the floating structure is located between the predetermined limit and the corresponding edge of the pool) then the tension exerted on the floating structure is unbalanced which forces the floating structure away from this edge of the pool.

[0110] As indicated previously, each positioning cable 6b2 passes over a corresponding angle return roller 7 which is fixed to the bank of the pool and arranged to support the corresponding positioning cable while keeping it away from an internal edge of the bank.

[0111] It should be noted that, as illustrated in the embodiments of FIGS. 3a, 3b, each positioning cable 6b2 passes successively through first and second high pulleys fixed in the upper part of the post 6al on either side of the post 6a1.

[0112] The forces exerted on the post by the cable 6b2 are thus balanced on either side of the post 6a 1.

[0113] Additional pulleys can be added to obtain cable guidance according to the profile of the bank and the ground.

[0114] It should be noted that the connecting cables and / or the positioning cables are preferably made of a synthetic material, preferably polyester.

[0115] With such materials, the problems of cable elongation under the effect of increased heat are minimized (these cables tend to shrink under the effect of heat).

[0116] Thus, the risk of malfunction of the assembly 1 under the effect of heat is largely minimized.

[0117] In addition, the presence of cables made of synthetic material is advantageous in terms of electrical safety because these cables are little or not conductive.

[0118] It should be noted that in certain cases, the tensioning mechanisms 8 respectively associated with the positioning cables 6b2 of a pair of positioning cables 6b2 pulling in opposition on either side of the floating structure 4 can each be equipped with elastic return means identical to each other.

[0119] These elastic return means are arranged to force the return of the floating structure 4 to a position where the floating structure is exclusively arranged above the bottom 21 of the basin 2.

[0120] For example, elastic return means associated with the tensioning mechanisms 8 may comprise:

[0121] - one or more compression springs each arranged to oppose the lowering of one of the corresponding counterweights 8a; or

[0122] - one or more traction springs (or elastic straps) each arranged to oppose the elevation of one of the corresponding counterweights 8a.

[0123] As these elastic means associated with the tensioning mechanisms 8 are identical to each other, when the floating structure 4 gets too close to one of the edges of the pool then at least one of the elastic means is elastically constrained to oppose this movement of approach.

[0124] This imbalance between the elastic constraints exerted by the elastic means promotes a return of the floating structure 4 to a position where it is exclusively placed above the bottom of the pool.

[0125] We will now describe characteristics of the floating structure 4.

[0126] The floating structure 4 comprises several floating platforms 4a which are identical to each other.

[0127] Each floating platform 4a extends over several square meters and is preferably square when viewed from above.

[0128] The footprint of a given platform observed from above is preferably between 16 and 36 m2.

[0129] The footprint of a floating platform is the area included in the periphery of the platform observed from above.

[0130] The length of a platform side 4a, square or not, is for example four to six meters.

[0131] A platform 4a may comprise two marine aluminum frames which are fixed to each other, these frames being able to be made of other types of material than marine aluminum.

[0132] Having two assembled frames facilitates the assembly operations of the platforms 4a while stiffening the platform.

[0133] A floating platform can weigh between 500 kg and 1000 kg, preferably less than 700 kg to facilitate its transport with usual handling means.

[0134] Each floating platform 4a comprises several floats on which the frame(s) of the floating platform are fixed.

[0135] Each given floating platform alone supports one or more of the solar energy capture panels 5 of the assembly according to the invention.

[0136] Each frame of a given floating platform is connected to a frame of another of the floating platforms which is adjacent to it by means of several fixing rods B.

[0137] The floating structure 4 comprises a plurality of connecting rods B, each given connecting rod B forming an articulated connection interface between two of the floating platforms 4a of the plurality of floating platforms which are adjacent to each other and which correspond to the given connecting rod B.

[0138] In figures 1, 2a, 2b, 2c, the connecting rods B which connect these platforms 4a together are shown diagrammatically by lines at the interface between adjacent platforms 4a.

[0139] For reasons of simplification of the drawings, the connecting rods B of the assembly 1 of figures 3a, 3b are not illustrated, but they are of the same type as the connecting rods described with reference to figures 1 to 2c.

[0140] The use of connecting rods B makes it possible to guarantee a minimum spacing between two adjacent platforms 4a while allowing a relative pivoting movement between these adjacent platforms 4a in a vertical plane.

[0141] To balance the forces transmitted between adjacent platforms, these adjacent platforms are preferably connected to each other by two parallel connecting rods B of identical lengths.

[0142] More particularly, each given connecting rod B extends in length in a vertical plane specific to the given connecting rod.

[0143] Each given connecting rod: - authorizes, in the vertical plane specific to it, a relative displacement movement between the two adjacent floating platforms 4a assembled to the given connecting rod B; and

[0144] - prohibits any relative displacement movement between the two floating platforms adjacent 4a assembled to the given connecting rod B in a direction perpendicular to said vertical plane specific to the given connecting rod B.

[0145] In this way, the floating structure 4 deforms only by pivoting the platforms 4a around horizontal pivot axes, i.e. perpendicular to the vertical planes in which the connecting rods B extend while opposing translations of the platforms relative to each other in a horizontal plane (a horizontal plane is in essence perpendicular to all the vertical planes specific to the connecting rods B).

[0146] This feature allows the floating structure 4 to follow deformations of the water surface, such as waves, while resisting translational movements between the floating platforms 4a in horizontal directions.

[0147] Thus, the floating structure 4 will tend to retain its shape when viewed from above while having a deformation capacity to follow the movements of the water surface in the basin.

[0148] The floating platforms 4a of the plurality of floating platforms are distributed according to first rows RI of floating platforms, these first rows RI being parallel to each other.

[0149] Each of the first rows RI extends in length along a first direction DI common to the first rows RI.

[0150] The first rows RI of platforms 4a are here connected to each other by first connecting rods of the plurality of connecting rods B whose own vertical planes are parallel to each other and parallel to the first direction DI common to the first rows.

[0151] The floating platforms 4a of the plurality of floating platforms are also distributed according to second rows R2 of floating platforms 4a, these second rows R2 being parallel to each other.

[0152] Each of the second rows R2 extends lengthwise along a second direction D2 common to the second rows R2.

[0153] As understood from [Fig.l], the second rows R2 of platforms 4a are connected to each other by second connecting rods of the plurality of connecting rods B whose own vertical planes are parallel to each other and parallel to the second direction D2 common to the second rows R2.

[0154] Preferably, the first direction DI common to the first rows RI is perpendicular to the second direction D2 common to the second rows R2 so that the floating platforms of the floating structure form, when viewed from above, a substantially rectangular grid with right angles.

[0155] When the structure 4 floats entirely on a stable body of water in the basin 2, the first direction DI common to the first rows RI is horizontal and the second direction D2 common to the second rows R2 is also horizontal.

[0156] Typically, the first direction can be oriented East-West and the second direction D2 oriented North-South.

[0157] Preferably, each given floating platform supports, on its own, one or more of the capture panels of the plurality of capture panels 5.

[0158] The capture panels 5 thus supported by the given platform total a solar capture surface of at least 80%, preferably at least 90% of a bulk surface of the given floating platform 4a observed in top view.

[0159] Preferably, the floating structure 4 extends over more than 70%, preferably more than 80%, preferably more than 90%, preferably more than 95% of a total surface area of ​​the bottom 21 of the basin 2.

[0160] Thus, the floating structure, when placed on the bottom of the pool, covers a major part of the total surface area of ​​the bottom of the pool, while maintaining a free space between the floating structure and the edge of the pool.

[0161] It is further possible that the assembly according to the invention comprises at least one shade tarpaulin porous to a flow of water (for example a shade cloth).

[0162] This at least one tarpaulin extends along the periphery of the floating structure, between the floating structure 4 and the bank of the basin.

[0163] With such a tarpaulin, the area between the periphery of the floating structure and the bank is kept at least partially shaded, which limits evaporation.

[0164] By reducing the amount of sunlight on the water in the pool, the risk of algae or microorganism proliferation is also limited.

[0165] Such a tarpaulin can be carried by cables belonging to the mooring device 6.

[0166] The water porosity of the tarpaulin allows rainwater to flow into the basin.

[0167] Preferably, all of the solar capture panels cover at least 80%, preferably at least 90% of the floating structure 4, the spaces of the floating structure free of panels may optionally be provided with shade cloths.

[0168] Preferably, the capture panels carried by the same platform occupy between 85 and 95% of the surface area of ​​the platform.

[0169] Preferably, as can be understood from figures 3a and 3b, the floating structure 4 may also comprise rollers 40 respectively arranged between the floating structure 4 and at least one of the edges of the basin 2 so as to be able, during movements of the floating structure 4 between its low and high levels, to roll against corresponding rolling strips 41 arranged against the edges of the basin 2.

[0170] This avoids damaging the basin and the floating structure 4.

[0171] The treads 41 are here illustrated by dotted segments. The use of such rollers 40 with treads 41 is an option which may or may not be implemented with any of the embodiments of the assembly 1 according to the invention.

[0172] The floating structure 4 may be very large and may for example have a top view area of ​​several hectares, typically 5 to 20 hectares with a displacement capacity of 5 to 6 meters between its upper and lower levels.

[0173] Typically, the basin is preferably rectangular and can be several hundred meters on each side.

[0174] The invention is not limited to the examples described above and it encompasses any variant falling within the scope defined by the claims.

[0175] For example, to increase the efficiency of solar energy capture, at least some of the capture panels 5 could be inclined relative to a horizontal plane.

[0176] Similarly, it would be possible to ensure that said solar capture panels 5 comprise heat exchangers arranged to immerse in the water contained in the basin in order to exchange heat there and thus promote the cooling of the capture panels.

[0177] In a particular embodiment, the solar capture panels could have a lower face in contact with the water contained in the basin, the face constituting a heat exchanger.

[0178] The cooling of such panels would thus be promoted, which is favorable to better operating efficiency of the photovoltaic panels.

Claims

Claims

1. Water storage assembly (1) comprising a water storage basin (2) having a basin bottom (21) and basin edges (22), the basin (2) widening from a bottom plane (PI) of the basin (2) to a bank plane (P2) of the basin, characterized in that the assembly (1) comprises a floating structure (4) arranged to float on water stored in the basin and comprising: - a plurality of floating platforms (4a) mechanically connected to each other; and - a plurality of solar energy capture panels (5) carried by at least some of the floating platforms (4a); the storage assembly (1) comprising a mooring device (6) for the floating structure (4) comprising anchors (6a) arranged at the periphery of the basin and deformable connections (6b) extending between the anchors (6a) and the floating structure (4),the deformable connections (6b) being such that they allow a movement of the floating structure (4) between a low level where the floating structure is supported on the bottom plane (PI) of the basin and a high level where the floating structure (4) floats above the bottom (21) of the basin and is located at least partly between the bottom plane (PI) of the basin and the bank plane (P2), in which at least some of the deformable connections (6b) which extend between the anchors (6a) and the floating structure (4) comprise connecting cables (6b 1) forming a set of connecting cables, the lengths of the connecting cables of which are arranged so that throughout the movement of the floating structure (4) between its high and low levels,the set of connecting cables (6bl) opposes by tension of at least some of the connecting cables the floating structure can come into contact with the edges (22) of the basin (2) and in which angle return rollers (7) are fixed on the bank of the basin (2) and are arranged to support the connecting cables (6b 1), each angle return roller (7) keeping at least one of the connecting cables (6b 1) which corresponds to it spaced from an internal edge of the bank.,

2. Water storage assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the mooring device (6) is arranged so that throughout the movement of the floating structure (4) between the high level (P2) and the low level (PI), the mooring device (6) exerts forces of centering such that they oppose the distance of a central point (X) of the floating structure (4) from a fixed vertical axis (XX) passing through a central fixed point of the bottom (21) of the basin.

3. A water storage assembly according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein said anchors (6a) are arranged around the basin (2) along the edges of the basin (2).

4. A water storage assembly according to claim 3, wherein each of said anchors (6a) comprises at least one post (6a 1) extending partly into a corresponding hole which is formed in a ground area around the basin (2).

5. A water storage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connecting cables (6b 1) of the connecting cable assembly are divided into first, second, third and fourth groups of connecting cables (6b 1); - the cables (6b 1) of the first group of connecting cables having movable ends attached to a first side (Cl) of the floating structure (4) and fixed ends attached to anchors (6a) of a first group of anchors located opposite the first side (Cl) of the floating structure (4); - the cables (6b 1) of the second group of connecting cables having movable ends attached to a second side (C2) of the floating structure (4) which is opposite said first side (Cl) of the floating structure and fixed ends attached to anchors (6a) of a second group of anchors located opposite the second side (C2) of the floating structure (4);- the cables (6b 1) of the third group of connecting cables having movable ends attached to a third side (C3) of the floating structure (4) and fixed ends attached to anchors (6a) of a third group of anchors located opposite the third side (C3) of the floating structure (4); - the cables (6b 1) of the fourth group of connecting cables having movable ends attached to a fourth side (C4) of the floating structure (4) which is opposite said third side (C3) of the floating structure (4) and fixed ends attached to anchors (6a) of a fourth group of anchors located opposite the fourth side (C4) of the floating structure; the lengths of the connecting cables (6b 1) of the first, second, third and fourth groups of connecting cables being provided; so that the connecting cables (6b 1) of the set of connecting cables are taut when the floating structure (4) is at its low level and so that the connecting cables (6bl) of the set of connecting cables are slack when the floating structure is at its high level and is exactly in line with the bottom (21) of the basin (2).

6. A water storage assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least some of the deformable connections (6b) which extend between the anchors (6a) and the floating structure (4) comprise positioning cables (6b2) forming a set of positioning cables, each positioning cable (6b2) being on one side fixedly attached to the floating structure (4) and on the other side tensioned under the effect of a tensioning mechanism (8) associated therewith and which generates a tension value on the positioning cable (6b2) to which it is connected which decreases when the floating structure (4) is brought closer to a basin edge which corresponds thereto within a predetermined limit distance, the positioning cables (6b2) being fixedly attached to the floating structure (4) so ​​as to form pairs of positioning cables (6b2) pulling in opposition on either side of the floating structure (4).

7. A water storage assembly (1) according to claim 6, wherein at least some of the tensioning mechanisms (8) comprise a counterweight (8a) attached to the tensioned positioning cable (6b2) such that the counterweight (8a) rises as the floating structure (4) moves away from the counterweight (8a) and lowers as the floating structure (4) moves towards the counterweight (8a).

8. Water storage assembly according to claim 7, in which the lengths of the positioning cables (6b2) are provided so that when the floating structure (4) approaches one of the edges of the basin (2) below a predetermined limit then each counterweight (8a) which lowers comes to bear on a support (Z) which corresponds to it.

9. Storage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the floating structure (4) comprises a plurality of connecting rods (B), each given connecting rod (B) forming an articulated connecting interface between two of the floating platforms (4a) of the plurality of floating platforms which are adjacent to each other and which correspond to the given connecting rod (B).

10. Storage assembly (1) according to claim 9, in which each given connecting rod (B) extends in length in a vertical plane specific to the given connecting rod, each given connecting rod: - allowing, in the vertical plane specific to it, a relative displacement movement between the two adjacent floating platforms (4a) assembled to the given connecting rod (B); and - prohibiting any relative displacement movement between the two adjacent floating platforms (4a) assembled to the given connecting rod (B) in a direction perpendicular to said vertical plane specific to the given connecting rod (B).

11. Storage assembly (1) according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the floating platforms (4a) of the plurality of floating platforms are distributed in first rows (RI) of floating platforms, these first rows (RI) being parallel to each other, each of the first rows (RI) extending lengthwise in a first direction (Dl) common to the first rows.

12. Storage assembly (1) according to claim 11, wherein the floating platforms (4a) of the plurality of floating platforms are equally distributed in second rows (R2) of floating platforms (4a), these second rows (R2) being parallel to each other, each of the second rows (R2) extending lengthwise in a second direction (D2) common to the second rows (R2).

13. Storage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, in which each floating platform (4a) measures several square meters and comprises floats, each given floating platform supports, on its own, one or more of the capture panels of the plurality of capture panels (5), the capture panels (5) thus supported by the given platform totaling a solar capture surface of at least 80%, preferably at least 90% of an overall surface area of ​​the given floating platform (4a) observed in top view.

14. A storage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the floating structure (4) comprises rollers (40) respectively arranged between the floating structure (4) and one of the edges of the basin (2) so that, when the floating structure (4) moves between its lower and upper levels, it can roll against corresponding rolling strips (41) arranged against the edges of the basin (2).

15. Storage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14, in which the edges of the basin each form a slope (Px) relative to a horizontal plane which in absolute value is between 30 and 45° angle.

16. A storage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the basin (2) comprises a sealing membrane extending against and along the bottom (21) and edges (22) of the basin, at least up to the level of the bank plane (P2).

17. Water storage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the floating structure (4) extends over more than 70%, preferably more than 80%, preferably more than 90%, preferably more than 95% of a total surface area of ​​the bottom (21) of the basin (2).

18. Water storage assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, in which the collection panels (5) are photovoltaic panels respectively connected, via a network of electrical conductive cables, to a connection station arranged to collect electrical energy produced by the plurality of panels and to distribute it to an external network.

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