ADJUSTABLE BUOYANCY DEVICE, FLOATING SOLAR SYSTEM AND POWER PLANT

Abstract

Buoyancy device for a solar cell installation floating on a water surface, comprising a body to provide buoyancy, a first line adapted to engage with the body and further adapted to be connected to an element, and a winching device adapted for winching the first line. Buoyancy system comprising the buoyancy device and an anchoring element adapted to be anchored to a seabed, the anchoring element further configured to be connected to the first line of the buoyancy device, and a floating solar power plant comprising the buoyancy system and an array of floating solar panels. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: ADJUSTABLE BUOYANCY DEVICE, SYSTEM AND FLOATING SOLAR POWER PLANT TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a buoyancy device for a solar cell installation floating on the surface of water, a buoyancy system for a solar cell installation floating on the surface of water and a floating solar power plant. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Document EP4353577A2 discloses a floating platform anchoring system that eliminates pitching and rolling motions of the floating platform by means of anchor lines (200) fixed to the seabed (5), which are supported by several pulleys or rotating attachment means (2, 3) of the floating platform (100) and are all assembled into a common counterweight (1) suspended from the floating platform (100). Each anchor line (200) has a direct sub-line (200d) and a transverse sub-line (200c), which keep the counterweight (1) always aligned with the central axis (300) of the floating platform (100). The document also describes a new method for installing the floating platform at its destination without the use of special vessels. This system is specifically designed to reduce the effect of wave motions.

[0003] US2024092460A1 discloses a floating offshore platform for supporting a renewable energy system having a base portion intended to be submerged below the surface of a body of water, an upper portion, at least one mooring line for securing the platform to the seabed of the body of water, and a tensioning means for applying tension to at least one of the mooring lines. The platform further includes a floating configuration in which the platform is positioned floating on the surface of the body of water. The platform has a deployed configuration in which the base portion is submerged and the upper portion remains above the surface of the body of water. During use, the tensioning means is arranged to apply tension to at least one mooring line secured between the platform and the seabed so that the floating offshore platform transitions from the floating configuration to the deployed configuration.

[0004] Document EP3430259A1 discloses a floating wind turbine comprising a hull (1), a wind turbine (2) mounted on top of the hull (1) and a counterweight (3) suspended below the hull (1) by means of counterweight suspension means (18). An installation method is also described. The counterweight (3) has one or more counterweight buoyancy reservoirs (17). When the internal volume of the buoyancy reservoirs (17) is filled with air, the total buoyancy of the counterweight (3) is close to or greater than its weight. It can thus float in the towing / maintenance position with moderate or no support in the vertical direction from the hull (1) or other vessels. During towing, the hull takes substantially the shape of a barge, relying substantially on a large waterline and shallow draft to maintain stability. When the buoyancy reservoirs (17) are partially or completely filled with water, the counterweight (3) sinks to an installation position at a level determined by the counterweight suspension means (18). In this position, the counterweight acts as a keel, stabilizing the foundations.The counterweight suspension means (18) can separately or jointly transfer both forces and moments to the hull (1), thus enabling the counterweight (3) to stabilize the hull (1) when the counterweight (3) is in its installation position.

[0005] However, it is necessary to have a device for stabilizing floating systems that are anchored to seabeds with large variations in depth, or a device acting as a mooring tensioning device. Description of the invention

[0006] The invention relates to a buoyancy device for a solar cell installation floating on a water surface. The buoyancy device comprises a body to ensure buoyancy. The buoyancy device further comprises a first line adapted to engage with the body. The first line is further adapted to be connected to an element. The buoyancy device comprises a winching device adapted for winching the first line.

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

[0008] The winching device can be mounted on an external side of the body. Alternatively, the winching device can be mounted on an internal side of the body. The winching device can also be adapted to be removably connected to the body. The winching device can also be remotely controlled. The winching device can be one of the following: a winch, a block and tackle, a windlass, a capstan, a pulley system, a block and tackle, or a lever tackle.

[0009] The element may be an anchoring element anchored to a seabed. Alternatively, the element may be a floating solar power plant.

[0010] The buoyancy device may further comprise a second line, the second line being adapted to be connected to a floating solar power plant.

[0011] The invention further relates to a buoyancy system for a solar cell installation floating on a water surface. The buoyancy system comprises the buoyancy device. The buoyancy system further comprises an anchoring element adapted for anchoring to a seabed. The anchoring element is further configured to be connected to the first line of the buoyancy device.

[0012] The invention further relates to a floating solar power plant. The floating solar power plant includes at least one buoyancy system. The floating solar power plant further includes an array of floating solar panels configured to be connected to at least one buoyancy system.

[0013] The present invention makes it possible to stabilize buoyancy devices and / or floating systems such as floating solar panel arrays in seabeds with large variations in water depth. This will facilitate installation and make it more cost-effective. In hydroelectric dams, for example, large variations of approximately 50 m in water depth can be present. Hydroelectric dams are good candidates for floating arrays because they are calmer than the open sea, where floating arrays are generally exposed to waves and intense movement. Therefore, optimizing the installation of floating solar panel arrays in seabeds with varying water depths can free up the water surface of hydroelectric dams worldwide, which also have a complete electrical infrastructure.

[0014] Furthermore, the invention can serve as a tensioning device during installation and maintenance, where a pre-loaded mooring configuration is beneficial. The winch portion of the invention can, in some cases, be a removable part installed only when needed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0015] Examples of the invention are disclosed with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0016] Fig. 1 represents an example of a buoyancy device for a solar cell installation floating on a water surface,

[0017] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional image of an example of a buoyancy device with a through hole for a solar cell installation floating on a water surface,

[0018] Figure 3a represents an example of a buoyancy system for a solar cell installation floating on a water surface at a first water level,

[0019] Figure 3b represents an example of a buoyancy system for a solar cell installation floating on a water surface at a second water level,

[0020] Figure 4 represents an example of a floating solar power plant,

[0021] Figure 5a shows a side view of an example of a floating solar power plant, floating on a water surface at a first water level, and

[0022] Fig. 5b represents a side view of an example of a floating solar power plant, floating on a water surface at a second water level. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Examples of embodiments are described with reference to the drawings. The examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0024] Figure 1 represents a buoyancy device 10 for a solar cell installation floating on a water surface 15. The buoyancy device 10 comprises a body 11 for providing buoyancy. The buoyancy device 10 further comprises a first line 12 adapted to engage with the body 11. The line is further adapted to be connected to an element. The line 12 may be a rope or a chain.

[0025] With reference to [Fig. 1], the buoyancy device 10 further includes a winching device 13 adapted for winching the first line 12. The winching device allows the tension of the line to be controlled as the water depth changes. The winching device may be one of a winch, a tackle, a windlass, a capstan, a pulley system, a block and tackle, or a lever tackle.

[0026] The buoyancy device 10 of [Fig. 1] further comprises a second line 14. The second line is adapted to be connected to a floating solar power plant. This connection can be established via a connection point 33 of the floating solar power plant.

[0027] Fig. 2 represents a buoyancy device 10 where the body 11 has a through hole 21. The first line 12 is configured to pass through the through hole 21.

[0028] Alternatively, the body may have two through holes, and the first line 12 is configured to pass through both through holes.

[0029] With reference to [Fig.1] and 2, the winching device can be adapted to an external side of the body.

[0030] The winching device can also be remotely controlled. The line tension can be adjusted according to changes in water depth by measuring the line tension. The adjustment itself can be performed automatically.

[0031] Alternatively, the winching device can be fitted to an internal side of the body. The winching device can thus be protected.

[0032] The winching device can also be adapted to be removably connected to the body. This winching device can be a permanent installation, but in some cases, it can also be installed temporarily to make adjustments to the anchor lines. It is thus possible to use the same winching device on a plurality of buoyancy devices.

[0033] In Fig. 3, the element is an anchoring element 31 anchored to a bottom 32. Alternatively, the element can be a floating solar power plant.

[0034] The term “bottom” refers to the bottom of a body of water in general, that is to say the seabed, the bed of a river, the bottom of a lake, etc.

[0035] Figures 3a and 3b represent a buoyancy system for a solar cell installation floating on the surface of water 15. The system comprises the buoyancy device 10 for a solar cell installation floating on a water surface 15 and an anchoring element 31 adapted to be anchored to a bottom 32. The anchoring element 31 is further configured to be connected to the first line 12 of the buoyancy device 10.

[0036] Figures 3a and 3b represent the buoyancy system at a first and second water level, respectively. The water level is essentially the distance between the bottom 32 and the water surface 15. Under certain circumstances, the water level can change dynamically. The adjustable capacity of the winch 12 allows the buoyancy device, and by extension the buoyancy system, to be tensioned at different water levels. The buoyancy system thus offers the possibility of adjusting the tension between an element and the floating solar power plant.

[0037] Figure 4 represents a floating solar power plant 40. The floating solar power plant 40 comprises at least one buoyancy system 30 and a floating solar panel array 4L. The floating solar panel array is configured to be connected to at least one buoyancy system. A buoyancy system 30 is connected via a linkage point 33 on each side of the floating solar panel array 4L.

[0038] Figures 5a and 5b show cross-sectional views of a floating solar power plant 40. As with Figures 3a and 3b relating to the buoyancy system, Figures 5a and 5b show a floating solar power plant 40 at a first water level and a second water level, respectively. The water level, as above, essentially corresponds to the distance between the bottom 32 and the water surface 15.

[0039] The voltage adjustment capability offered by the buoyancy device, and therefore the buoyancy system, can be translated into the adjustment capability of the floating solar power plant. The floating solar power plant 40 can be stabilized by tensioning the first line and / or the second line at a certain water level, or dynamically adjusted as water levels change.

[0040] The ability to remotely adjust the voltage according to changes in water level can be applied to all the buoyancy devices of the floating solar power plant. This means that the floating solar power plant 40 can be adjusted remotely and / or automatically when water levels are about to change. This adjustment can be based on tidal cycles or when water levels change at hydroelectric dams.

[0041] After describing the examples of embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments incorporating the concepts can be used. These examples and other non-limiting examples illustrated above are given by way of example only, and the actual scope of the invention is to be determined from the following claims.

Claims

Demands

1. Buoyancy device for a solar cell installation floating on a water surface, comprising: a body to ensure buoyancy; a first line adapted to be engaged with the body, the first line being further adapted to be connected to an element; and a winching device adapted for winching the first line.

2. Buoyancy device according to claim 1, wherein the body has a through hole, and the first line is configured to pass through the through hole.

3. Buoyancy device according to claim 1, wherein the body has two through holes, and the first line is configured to pass through the two through holes.

4. Buoyancy device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the winching device is fitted on an external side of the body.

5. Buoyancy device according to claim 1, wherein the winching device is fitted into an internal side of the body.

6. Buoyancy device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the winching device is further adapted to be removably connected to the body.

7. Buoyancy device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the element is an anchoring element anchored to a bottom.

8. Buoyancy device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the element is a floating solar power plant.

9. Buoyancy device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the buoyancy device further comprises a second line, the second line being adapted to be connected to a floating solar power plant.

10. Buoyancy device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the winching device is remotely controlled.

11. Buoyancy device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the winching apparatus is one of a winch, a block and tackle, a windlass, a capstan, a pulley system, a block and tackle or a lever tackle.

12. Buoyancy system for a solar cell installation floating on a water surface, comprising: the buoyancy device according to any one of claims 1 to 11; and an anchoring element adapted to be anchored to a bottom, the anchoring element further configured to be connected to the first line of the buoyancy device.

13. Floating solar power plant, comprising: at least one buoyancy system according to claim 12; and an array of floating solar panels configured to be connected to at least one buoyancy system.

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