Floating Solar Energy System

Abstract

The floating solar energy system includes solar panels, a deck, and a pair of floating bodies, the deck including a support surface on which the solar panels are mounted. The deck is connected to one of the floating bodies at one edge and to the other floating body at an opposite edge. The support surface includes parallel support panels bonded to each other at their edges. The solar panels are arranged in rows on the support panels oriented parallel to the edges, and the system is configured to contract the solar panel deck by folding the support panels into a creased stack with surfaces of the solar panels on the support panels facing each other, and to expand the solar panel deck to a substantially flat state by unfolding the support panels from the stack.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a floating solar energy system comprising a plurality of solar panels and a method for manufacturing such a floating solar energy system. The present invention also relates to a method for operating such a floating solar energy system. [Background technology]

[0002] From the prior art, floating solar energy platforms are known, consisting of a floating platform on which a number of solar panels are arranged. Such floating solar energy platforms allow the generation and supply of electricity at sea. Such platforms are in demand as temporary energy sources during offshore construction works or as permanent energy sources serving remote locations or communities.

[0003] However, in many parts of the ocean, weather conditions are so severe that it is necessary to protect such platforms by either moving them to safer areas or transforming them into a more compact shape that can better withstand such conditions.

[0004] There is also a need to improve transportability and protect the platform during transportation between locations.

[0005] European Patent Application Publication No. 2492374A1 describes a solar power generation system that includes a solar cell raft that floats on the sea and includes a solar cell unit formed by connecting a plurality of solar cells in a sheet shape on a floating body, and a solar cell raft mother ship. The solar cell unit can be stored in the mother ship in a rolled or folded state. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or mitigate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The object is achieved by a floating solar energy system comprising at least a photovoltaic deck and a pair of floats, the photovoltaic deck comprising a support surface and a plurality of photovoltaic panels mounted on the support surface for capturing energy from a radiation source, the photovoltaic deck being mechanically connected at one elongated edge thereof to one of the floats and at an opposite edge thereof to the other of the floats, the photovoltaic panels being mounted on the support surface of the photovoltaic deck in rows parallel to the edges, The support surface comprises a plurality of elongated support panels arranged lengthwise parallel to their edges and adjacent to one another; the support panels are joined to one another by intermediate joints, each row of solar panels is disposed on a respective one of the support panels, the support panels being comprised of interconnected inflatable compartments, and the system is configured to contract the solar cell deck by folding the support panels of the support surface into a creased stack with faces of the solar panels on the support panels facing one another, and to expand the solar cell deck to a substantially flat condition on the support surface by unfolding the support panels of the support surface in the stack.

[0008] The floating solar energy system provides that when folded, the solar panels are arranged in a creased configuration to form an assembly, where the solar panels are stacked on top of each other with their surfaces oriented vertically. This arrangement strengthens the solar panels within the assembly and reduces the risk of individual panels being damaged during severe weather conditions or during transportation. It also improves maneuverability during transportation.

[0009] According to the invention, a floating solar energy system as described above provides that the support panel is made up of interconnected inflatable sections, when inflated, the inflatable components act as floaters and provide additional buoyancy to the solar deck carrying the solar panel.

[0010] By increasing the air pressure within the interconnected inflatable compartments, the support panels can be easily expanded and deployed.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, each inflatable compartment is a drop stitch chamber configuration, each drop stitch chamber comprising a pair of opposed airtight layers with a plurality of threads attached between the layers. The use of drop stitch chambers results in a relatively inflexible support panel when the chamber is pressurized. As a result, the support surface supporting the solar panel has a relatively high stiffness.

[0012] The present invention also relates to a method of operating a floating solar energy system comprising at least a solar deck and a pair of floats, the solar deck comprising a support surface and a plurality of solar panels mounted on the support surface for capturing energy from a radiation source, the solar deck being mechanically connected at one elongated edge thereof to one of the floats and at an opposite edge to the other of the floats, in a substantially flat state of the solar deck the solar panels are arranged on the support surface of the solar deck in rows parallel to the edges, each of the solar panels being oriented to face the radiation source, the support surface comprising a plurality of elongated support panels arranged lengthwise parallel to the edges and adjacent to each other, the support panels being joined to each other by one or more intermediate joints, each row of solar panels being arranged on a respective one of the support panels, the support panels being comprised of interconnected inflatable compartments, The method is: contracting the solar cell deck by folding the carrier panels of the carrier surfaces from a substantially flat condition into a crease-style stack or folded shape in which surfaces of the solar panels on the carrier panels face each other; and expanding the solar cell deck from the crease-style stack to the substantially flat condition by unfolding the carrier panels of the carrier surfaces in the stack.

[0013] The present invention further relates to a method of manufacturing a floating solar energy system comprising at least a solar deck and a pair of floats, the solar deck comprising a support surface and a plurality of solar panels mounted on the support surface for capturing energy from a radiation source, the method comprising: providing a plurality of solar panels; providing a support surface comprising a plurality of elongated support panels longitudinally arranged parallel to and adjacent to one another, the support panels being joined to one another by intermediate joints, the support panels being comprised of interconnected inflatable sections; Providing a pair of floating bodies; attaching each row of solar panels to a respective one of the support panels to form a solar deck; connecting the solar deck to one of the floating bodies at one elongated edge thereof and to the other of the floating bodies at an opposite edge thereof, the edges extending parallel to the joint; providing a system for contracting the solar cell deck by folding the carrier panels of the carrier surface into a folded state in a crease-style stack with the surfaces of the solar panels on the carrier panels facing each other, and for expanding the solar cell deck from the folded state of the crease-style stack to a substantially flat state by unfolding the carrier panels of the carrier surface in the stack; Includes.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments are further defined by the dependent claims.

[0015] The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are schematic in nature. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a floating solar energy system according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2]1 illustrates a cross-section of a floating solar energy system according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates a cross-section of a floating solar energy system according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 shows a schematic top view of a floating solar energy system according to one embodiment. [Figure 5A] 1 illustrates a cross section of a support panel of a support surface of a floating solar energy system according to one embodiment. [Figure 5B] 1 illustrates a cross section of a support panel of a support surface of a floating solar energy system according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The drawings show illustrative embodiments of the invention. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only. The scope of the invention is to be limited only as defined in the appended claims.

[0018] Similar or corresponding elements, features or structures are indicated with the same reference numerals. The drawings are not intended to be to scale.

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a floating solar energy system according to one embodiment.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the floating solar energy system 100 comprises at least a pair of floating bodies 120 and a solar cell deck 110 .

[0021] The solar deck 110 comprises a support surface and a plurality of solar panels 115. As described in more detail below, the solar panels are arranged in rows on the support surface.

[0022] The solar cell deck is disposed between the decks of the floating bodies 1201, 1202, which are oriented parallel to each other. One outer edge of the solar cell deck is bonded to the first floating body 1201. The opposite outer edge of the solar cell deck is bonded to the second floating body 1202.

[0023] Each floating body may be one of a group including a hull, a float, a hydrofoil, or generally a float.

[0024] According to the invention, the support surface comprises a plurality of elongated parallel support panels 112 interconnected at their edges by joints (i.e. flexible connections) or hinges that each allow the support surface to be folded (or unfolded) into a folded stack. The support panels 112 are oriented such that their edges are parallel to the outer edges that are coupled to the floating bodies 1201, 1202. Rows of solar panels 110 are positioned on the support panels between the joints.

[0025] This arrangement allows the support surface to be movable between a flat expanded configuration and a folded configuration. In the flat expanded configuration, the support surface provides a substantially flat surface on which the solar panels are positioned in a row adjacent to one another. The light capturing faces of the solar panels 115 all face the same direction, perpendicular to the flat surface, such that during operation, the solar panels face a radiation source, such as the sun, to capture radiant energy. In the folded configuration, the support surface is in a folded state in which the support panels are stacked in a zigzag fashion. Correspondingly, the solar panels 115 are rotated through approximately 90° such that the light capturing faces of the solar panels face or face away from one another in the zigzag stack (in a pair, the orientation of the panels is front-to-front or back-to-back in the folded position) and are directed towards the outer edge of the floating solar energy system. These arrangements are described in more detail with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

[0026] The connections between the outer edges of the solar deck 110 and the respective floating bodies may comprise joints or hinges so that during operation the floating body and the solar deck can rotate relatively along joint or hinge axes at their respective outer edges.

[0027] The solar panel 115 can be based on either silicon-based solar cells or thin-film photovoltaic devices.

[0028] The floating bodies 1201, 1202 may be provided with connection means for towing by a work vessel (not shown). Such a work vessel may also be used to keep the floating solar energy system in a stationary position during operation. Additionally or alternatively, a mooring or anchoring system 122 may be provided.

[0029] Additionally, the floating solar energy system may include electrical outlets 154 for electrically coupling the solar panels 115 to an offshore or onshore power grid or to an electrical energy consumer (not shown).

[0030] Preferably, on each carrier panel in a corresponding row, the solar panels are electrically coupled by wiring 150. In one embodiment, each row of solar panels is electrically coupled (151) to a conversion device 152 configured to convert electrical power from the solar panels into a usable electrical output at an outlet 154.

[0031] In some embodiments, the floating solar energy system comprises one or more additional floating bodies (not shown) in addition to the pair of floating bodies at the outer edge of the support surface. The one or more additional floating bodies are disposed between the pair of floating bodies 1201, 1202 at the outer edge and are used as additional support for the support surface while providing additional buoyancy to the floating solar energy system. Also, the weight of each additional floating body can counteract the upward force exerted by air currents on the solar deck, thereby providing improved stability to the floating solar energy system during operation.

[0032] Each additional floating body may have a similar structure and / or shape as the pair of floating bodies 1201, 1202 and may have the same or different lengths. Each additional floating body may consist of a single floating element, but may optionally be an assembly of a series of smaller floating elements arranged in a row extending parallel to the outer floating bodies 1201, 1202.

[0033] 2 and 3 show a cross section of a floating solar energy system according to one embodiment.

[0034] In Figure 2, a cross section of the floating solar energy system 100 is shown in an expanded configuration S1. In the expanded configuration S1, the solar panels 115 are arranged in a substantially flat position. In a preferred embodiment as shown, the support panel 112 of the support surface is configured to have a small inclination difference α of the normal N of the solar panels relative to the vertical V between adjacent rows of the solar panels in the expanded state. This inclination provides a pre-set orientation of the support panel that aids in folding of the support panel (see Figures 3 and 4).

[0035] The inclination of the solar panels 115 can improve energy capture if the floating solar energy system is oriented such that the faces of the solar panels in adjacent rows are inclined towards the east and west. Particularly at higher latitudes, efficiency is improved by arranging the solar panels with a support panel inclination as shown.

[0036] Furthermore, by tilting the solar panel 115, a drainage gradient is formed to drain water above the solar panel.

[0037] In one embodiment, the support panel 112 is composed of interconnected inflatable sections. The inflatable components act as floaters, providing buoyancy to the solar deck 110 carrying the solar panels 115. In this embodiment, the floating solar energy system comprises a gas pump 130 connected to the inflatable sections 112 via conduits 132. Valves (not shown) are preferably provided to close and open the conduits. Pressurizing the inflatable sections while the support panels are stacked in a folded position unfolds the stack to form an expanded shape. At the same time, the distance between the pair of floats increases from a relatively close distance in the folded position of the support panels to a relatively wide distance D1 in the unfolded, expanded position.

[0038] Additionally, exhaust valve 138 allows pressure to be released from inflatable compartment 112 to allow the support panel to fold into a creased shape. In one embodiment, gas pump 130 may be configured as a reversible pump configured to vent gas from the inflatable component in addition to pressurizing the inflatable component.

[0039] In Figure 3, a cross section of the floating solar energy system 100 is shown in a creased or folded configuration S2. An arrangement of cables 134 and pulleys (not shown) is provided for contracting the solar cell deck 110 from a substantially flat expanded configuration S1 to the creased configuration S2. The cables 134 extend between a pair of floating bodies 1201, 1202 at the outer edge of the solar cell deck. The pulleys are provided to guide the cables 134 along between the support panels 112. In some embodiments, the support panels 112 are provided with passages or slots for each cable that extends between the pair of floating bodies.

[0040] To fold the solar deck, the cables 134 are retracted, which reduces the distance D2 between the floats and folds the support panels into a creased shape. In one embodiment, the floating solar energy system 100 includes one or more winches 136 for retracting and pulling out the cables.

[0041] While the support panels 112 are being folded into a stack, pressure is released from the inflatable compartment via a provided valve 138 or by the gas pump 130 if arranged as a reversible gas pump.

[0042] In further embodiments, to protect the exposed surfaces of the solar panels 115 on the carrier panel 112 in the folded position, an additional cover layer (not shown) may be placed on the solar panel surfaces for protection, or spacers may be provided on the carrier panel 112 to provide some spacing between adjacent solar panels that face each other in the folded position.

[0043] In one embodiment, the solar panels 115 are electrically interconnected 150 along the support panel 112 to which they are attached. Interconnecting electrical wiring 151 may be provided between the support panels to further electrically interconnect the strings of solar panels 115. For example, the interconnecting electrical wiring may be arranged parallel to the cables extending between the floating bodies 1201, 1202 at the outer edges. Optionally, the cables and electrical wiring are integrated into one line.

[0044] The electrical conversion device 152 and outlet 154 for connection to a power grid or an electrical energy consumer may be located on one of the floating bodies 1201, 1202. Alternatively, the electrical conversion device 152 and outlet 154 may be located on a work vessel when coupled to the floating solar energy system 100.

[0045] 4 shows a schematic top view of a floating solar energy system 100 according to one embodiment. The floating solar energy system 100 comprises a retraction system comprising at least first and second cables 1341, 1342, a first and second pair of pulleys 1351, 1352, and a pair of winches 1361, 1362. The first and second cables run parallel between a pair of floating bodies 1201, 1202 at the outer edge of the bearing surface. The first cable 1341 is fastened at one end to the first floating body 1201. At the other end, the first cable 1341 is connected via a first pair of pulleys 1352 to a winch 1362 on the other outer floating body 1202, and the pair of pulleys and winch are respectively located on the second floating body 1202.

[0046] For the second cable 1342, the arrangement is reversed: the second cable 1342 is anchored at one end to the second floating body 1202. At the other end the second cable is connected via a second pair of pulleys 1351 to a winch 1361 on the first floating body 1201, the second pair of pulleys 1351 and the second winch 1361 being respectively arranged on the first floating body 1201.

[0047] The winch is powered by a dedicated power source, preferably an electric power source.

[0048] The retraction system as described above is configured to simultaneously retract the two cables 1341, 1342 at substantially the same speed. A controller is preferably provided to control the retraction system, as will be described in more detail below.

[0049] In a further embodiment, the cable is connected to a winch located on another float, for example on a work vessel.

[0050] FIG. 5A shows a cross section of a support panel 112 on the support surface of a floating solar energy system 100.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the support panel 112 is an inflatable compartment having a drop stitch construction. The support panel 112 has an elongated rectangular shape with top 1122 and bottom 1121 walls, side 1123 and end walls (not shown) defining an interior volume 1126.

[0052] The top and bottom walls, side and end walls 1121, 1122, 1123 are typically airtight so that the interior volume 1126 can be pressurized with gas or air by a gas / air pump. The interior volume 1126 provides buoyancy to the solar deck 110 in addition to the pair of floating bodies 1201, 1202 and optionally additional floating bodies.

[0053] A number of threads 1124 are attached between the opposing top and bottom walls 1122, 1121. The threads 1124 all have a length substantially equal to the height of the side and end walls 1123, providing a constant width W between the top and bottom walls when the panel is pressurized. In this way, the top surface of the panel 112 is flat, rigid and substantially inflexible. As a result, a stable mounting of the solar panel 115 on the carrier panel 112 is obtained. In one embodiment, a connection joint 1125 is provided between adjacent panels 112 by an elongated, relatively small, airtight intermediate volume, which is free of threads extending between its top and bottom walls. This connection joint can form a conduit for gas flow between the carrier panels.

[0054] As shown in the cross section of a support panel of the support surface of the floating solar energy system in FIG. 5B, the connection joint 1125 can also be embodied as a flexible strip, such as a stitched strip of fabric connected to the top and bottom walls of the inflatable component.

[0055] In one embodiment, the floating solar energy system 100 comprises a controller that controls the inflation of the solar deck 110 by releasing the cables 134; 1341, 1342, increasing the gas pressure in the inflatable compartments, and its deflation by retracting the cables, releasing the pressure from the compartments. If the controller is configured with a communication means such as a transceiver, the inflation and deflation of the solar deck can be controlled remotely. The controller can be located in one of the floating bodies 1201, 1202, for example near the gas pumps.

[0056] Optionally, the floating solar energy system comprises additional decks located on one or both of the outwardly extending sides of the float. Such additional decks may have any shape and may be used to carry auxiliary equipment.

[0057] The present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. Obvious modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A floating solar energy system (100) comprising at least a solar cell deck (110) and a pair of floating bodies (1201, 1202), wherein the solar cell deck comprises a carrying surface and a plurality of solar cell panels (115) attached to the carrying surface for capturing energy from a radiation source, the solar cell deck is mechanically connected to one of the floating bodies (1201) at one of its elongated edges and mechanically connected to the other of the floating bodies (1202) at the opposite edge, the solar cell panels are attached to the carrying surface of the solar cell deck in rows parallel to the edge, the carrying surface comprises a plurality of elongated carrying panels (112) arranged lengthwise parallel to the edge and adjacent to each other, the carrying panels being joined to each other by intermediate joints (114), and each row of solar cell panels being arranged on one of each of the carrying panels, the carrying panels (112) consist of expandable compartments connected to each other, the system is configured to contract the solar cell deck by folding the carrying panels of the carrying surface into a creased stack (S2) in which the surfaces of the solar cell panels on the carrying panels face each other, and to expand the solar cell deck to a substantially flat state (S1) of the carrying surface by unfolding the carrying panels of the carrying surface within the stack, a floating solar energy system (100).

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the floating bodies are positioned at a relatively close distance to each other when the solar cell deck is contracted and at a relatively wide distance when the solar cell deck is expanded, the wide distance being greater than the close distance.

3. The system according to claim 1, further comprising one or more additional floating bodies in addition to the pair of floating bodies, the one or more additional floating bodies being arranged between the pair of floating bodies as additional supports for the carrying surface.

4. The system according to claim 1, further comprising an arrangement of a plurality of cables (134; 1341, 1342) and pulleys (135; 1351, 1352) for contracting the solar cell deck, each of the cables connecting one of the floating bodies to the other of the floating bodies.

5. The system according to claim 4, comprising a gas pump (130) connected to the compartment for pressurizing the compartment while the solar cell deck is being extended, wherein the interconnected expandable compartments comprise at least one controllable valve (138) for discharging gas from the compartment upon contraction, and / or wherein the gas pump is a reversible gas pump.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the expandable compartments are of a drop stitch chamber configuration, the drop stitch chamber comprising a pair of opposing airtight layers (1121, 1122) with a plurality of threads of substantially constant length attached therebetween.

7. The system according to claim 5, wherein one or more of the expandable compartments are of a drop stitch chamber configuration, the drop stitch chamber comprising a pair of opposing airtight layers (1121, 1122) with a plurality of threads of substantially constant length attached therebetween.

8. The system according to claim 5, wherein the joint (114) between adjacent compartments consists of a threadless portion of the airtight layer forming a conduit for gas flow between the compartments, or a flexible strip.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the solar cell panel (115) is based on a silicon-based solar cell or a thin film photovoltaic foil.

10. Each solar cell panel (115) comprises a cover layer for protecting the surface of the solar cell panel when the solar cell deck is folded, or a spacer for spacing apart solar cell panels facing each other within the stack when the solar cell deck is folded. The system according to claim 9.

11. The system according to claim 4, wherein the carrier panel (112) comprises a passage or slot for each cable (134; 1341, 1342) extending between the pair of floating bodies (1201, 1202).

12. The system according to claim 3, wherein the at least one additional floating body has a shape and length similar to that of the pair of floating bodies.

13. The system according to claim 3, wherein the at least one additional floating body consists of a single floating element or a series of floating elements assembled in a row parallel to the length of each of the pair of floating bodies.

14. A method of operating a floating solar energy system (100) comprising at least a solar cell deck (110) and a pair of floating bodies (1201, 1202), wherein the solar cell deck comprises a support surface and a plurality of solar cell panels (115) attached to the support surface for capturing energy from a radiation source, The solar cell deck is mechanically connected to one of the floating bodies (1201) at one of its elongated edges and mechanically connected to the other of the floating bodies (1202) at the opposite edge, In a substantially flat state of the solar cell deck, the solar cell panels are arranged on the support surface of the solar cell deck in rows parallel to the edges, and each of the solar cell panels is oriented to face the radiation source, The support surface comprises a plurality of elongated support panels arranged in the longitudinal direction parallel to the edges and adjacent to each other, the support panels being joined to each other by one or more intermediate joints (114), each row of solar cell panels being arranged on one of each of the support panels, and the support panels (112) consisting of expandable compartments connected to each other, The method comprises Shrinking the solar cell deck by folding the support panels of the support surface from a substantially flat state (S1) to a folded style stack or folded shape (S2) in which the surfaces of the solar cell panels on the support panels face each other, Expanding the solar cell deck from the folded style stack (S2) to the substantially flat state (S1) by unfolding the support panels of the support surface within the stack, Including, an operating method.

15. A method of manufacturing a floating solar energy system (100) comprising at least a solar cell deck (110) and a pair of floating bodies (1201, 1202), wherein the solar cell deck comprises a support surface and a plurality of solar cell panels (115) attached to the support surface for capturing energy from a radiation source, the method comprising Providing the plurality of solar cell panels, Providing the carrying surface comprising a plurality of elongated carrying panels (112) arranged in the longitudinal direction so as to be parallel to each other and adjacent to each other, the carrying panels being joined to each other by intermediate joints (114), the carrying panels (112) consisting of expandable compartments connected to each other, Providing the pair of floating bodies, Attaching each row of the solar cell panels to one of each of the carrying panels to form the solar cell deck, Connecting the solar cell deck to one of the floating bodies at one of its elongated edges and to the other of the floating bodies at the opposite edge, the edges extending parallel to the joints, Providing a configuration of the system for contracting the solar cell deck by folding the carrying panels of the carrying surface as a stack of a pleated style into a folded state (S2) in which the surfaces of the solar cell panels on the carrying panels face each other, and expanding the solar cell deck from the folded state of the stack of the pleated style to a substantially flat state (S1) by unfolding the carrying panels of the carrying surface in the stack, A manufacturing method including.

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