Pontoon with a floating member supporting energy conversion equipment in water area

Abstract

The pontoon is provided to support an energy conversion facility on a water area. The pontoon includes a structural frame having a plurality of beams interconnected to form a frame. The beams define a volume therebetween, and a floating member is at least partially disposed within the volume and is connected to the structural frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects and embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of pontoons for carrying energy conversion facilities in water areas.

Background Art

[0002] A pontoon provides a floating platform having a working surface on which, for example, a photovoltaic facility can be arranged. Using the pontoon, the water surface itself can be used to carry the photovoltaic facility.

[0003] A pontoon typically includes one or more hollow floater bodies that support the working surface. The hollow volume inside the floating body contributes to the buoyancy of the pontoon and is related to the weight of the photovoltaic device carried on the working surface. To prevent the floater body from being filled with water in case of leakage, the hollow volume may be filled with, for example, a low-density foam.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] It is preferable to provide a pontoon for carrying an energy conversion facility that is compact, economical, convenient for manufacturing or assembling, elastic against waves and / or weather, and can withstand long-term use, for example, use for more than 5 years or 10 years.

[0005] A first aspect provides a pontoon for supporting an energy conversion facility on a water area, the pontoon comprising a structural frame having a plurality of beams (girders) interconnected to form a frame, the beams defining a volume therebetween. One, a plurality, or all of the beams may be flanged beams, and each flanged beam comprises an elongated beam body and at least one flange protruding away from the beam body towards the volume defined between the beams. The floating member is at least partially disposed within the volume defined between the beams.

[0006] The structural frame may be configured to provide strength, rigidity, impact resistance and / or durability to the pontoon. In use, the energy conversion facility may be directly or indirectly connected to one or both of the structural frame and the floating member. As a particular option, the energy conversion facility is not directly connected to the floating member and is connected only to the structural frame in particular.

[0007] The energy conversion facility may be, for example, a photovoltaic facility for converting solar energy into electrical energy using one or more photovoltaic panels. The energy conversion facility may also include, for example, a wind or water turbine for converting kinetic energy from wind or waves into electrical energy.

[0008] The floating member provides a floating function to the pontoon. Thus, the floating member includes one or more materials having a density lower than the density of water, in particular lower than 1025 kg / m 3 or lower than 1000 kg / m 3 because these materials each provide buoyancy under any of salt water - sea water - or fresh water.

[0009] The floating member may comprise one or more separate floating elements. If the floating member includes a plurality of floating elements, the floating elements may be held together as a floating member by a frame provided by beams. The floating member or one or more floating elements have a density lower than the density of water, in particular lower than 1025 kg / m 3 or lower than 1000 kg / m 3It can have a density even lower than (in the case of fresh water), which can be applied - per unit - to the floating member or one or more floating elements as a whole. In one embodiment, the floating member or one or more floating elements include one or more hollow chambers or hollow cells. Such cells can have dimensions on the order of millimeters or less and thus constitute a solid foam. In another implementation, such cells can have dimensions on the order of centimeters or even tens of centimeters. Such an implementation allows for the use of a high-density material having a density greater than that of salt water or fresh water with respect to the outside of the flotation member or flotation element in consideration of robustness, while the total density of the entire flotation member may be lower than the density of water, whether sweet or salty.

[0010] One, a plurality, or all of the beams included in the structural frame may be flanged beams comprising an elongate beam body and at least one flange projecting away from the beam body towards a volume defined between the beams. The flanged beam may have, for example, an I-shaped, H-shaped, L-shaped, T-shaped, U-shaped, or C-shaped cross-section. In particular, the flanged beam has such a cross-section over at least a part of the length of the beam or over the entire length of the beam.

[0011] The flange of the flanged beam may be arranged to at least partially support the floating member or a separate floating element of the floating member. Thus, the floating member can at least partially abut against at least one, a plurality, or all of the flanges of the flanged beam.

[0012] The floating member or the floating element of the floating member can be connected or coupled to the structural frame. For example, the floating member or floating element may be clamped between a plurality of beams or may be directly connected to one or more beams using, for example, adhesives, welding, screws, bolts and nuts, any other connecting means, or any combination thereof.

[0013] As a particular option that can be easily combined with all the disclosed options, the floating member comprises a top layer, a bottom layer, and an intermediate layer disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer, and the intermediate layer has a lower density than the density of water, in particular lower than 1000 kg / m 3 and lower than that. Embodiments are also envisioned without a top layer or without a bottom layer.

[0014] The beams of the structural frame can have a higher density than water, in particular higher than 1000 kg / m 3 and thus may not contribute to the buoyancy of the pontoon. As a further option, one or both of any top layer and any bottom layer can have a higher density than water and fresh water, in particular higher than 1000 kg / m 3 and higher than that, or even higher than 1025 kg / m 3 and thus may not contribute to the buoyancy of the pontoon. Instead, for example, one or both of the upper and lower layers may protect the intermediate layer from external influences such as at least one of water, weather, and impact.

[0015] For example, such elements in the North Sea or the Atlantic Ocean, having a higher density than fresh water or even higher than seawater, generally provided better protection and robustness. Thus, such materials as iron and steel may not be preferred from the perspective of buoyancy, which can be compensated by specific materials inside the floating body in each floating element, for example.

[0016] When used in a plan view, the beams can form a substantially rectangular structural frame. As another option, the structural frame can be any other polygon in a top view when in use, such as a substantially square, triangular, or pentagonal, hexagonal, or any other polygon having any number of edges formed by the beams. The beams can be substantially straight or curved, for example, to form a circular, elliptical, or other shaped frame.

[0017] The structural frame can include two side beams, a central beam disposed between the two side beams, and a front beam and a rear beam disposed perpendicular to the two side beams. The central beam can provide higher rigidity to the structural frame. The central beam may be, for example, but not necessarily, disposed at the center between the side beams and inside the volume between the side beams. Thus, two sub-volumes can be defined, namely, one sub-volume between the first side beam and the central beam and a second sub-volume between the second side beam and the central beam. If a plurality of sub-volumes are present within the volume defined by the structural frame, a plurality of separate floating members may be used. A single floating member can also fill two or more sub-volumes.

[0018] It will be understood that the pontoon can comprise any number of beams, flanged beams, and central beams, and thus any number of sub-volumes, and any number of separate floating elements. The plurality of central beams can be oriented parallel to each other, or at an angle to each other, in particular perpendicular to each other. It will also be understood that embodiments of the pontoon can be envisaged without a central beam.

[0019] For example, the pontoon can comprise two layered floating members, wherein the first floating member is disposed between the first beam of the side beams and the central beam, and the second floating member of which is disposed between the second beam of the side beams and the central beam.

[0020] One or more joint members may be used to connect the ends of two or more beams. The joint member can enable two beams, for example, the side beam and the front beam, to be oriented at a specific angle to each other, for example, perpendicular to each other.

[0021] A particular joint member comprises two substantially parallel and offset cover plates connected by one or more vertical continuation members. The offset between the cover plates may correspond to the height of one of the beams of the structural frame, and its ends may thus be disposed between the cover plates.

[0022] One, more or all of the sides of the floating member that contact or face the structural frame may be incombustible, flame retardant, fire resistant and / or heat resistant. Here, incombustible means that the material of the side has some resistance to ignition, firing, or combustion. For example, when the beams and / or joint members are welded to each other, the heat from the welding process could otherwise damage, ignite, or burn the floating member.

[0023] A second aspect provides a method for assembling a pontoon for supporting energy conversion equipment on water, the method comprising forming a structural frame by interconnecting a plurality of flanged beams, thereby forming a volume between the flanged beams, and positioning one or more floating elements within the volume defined by the plurality of flanged beams.

[0024] This method may require less labor and / or expensive materials compared to known methods for assembling pontoons.

[0025] Optionally, a part of the structural frame may be removed to open at least one access opening, and one or more floating elements may be disposed within the volume defined by the plurality of flanged beams through the access opening. The interconnected flanged beams may be firmly connected and may restrict access to the volume defined by the plurality of flanged beams. By removing a part of the structural frame, for example temporarily, the volume defined by the plurality of flanged beams may become more accessible.

[0026] At least a part of the removed portion of the structural frame may be exchanged or reconnected after one or more floating elements are positioned within a volume defined by a plurality of flanged beams, particularly for closing at least a part of at least one access opening.

[0027] The flanged beam comprises an elongate beam body and two flanges extending from the beam body in generally the same direction when using an I-beam, C-beam, or U-beam, and at least a part of one or more floating elements may be positioned between the two flanges of at least one of the flanged beams. The thickness of the floating member formed by one or more floating elements may generally correspond to the distance between the two flanges such that the floating elements are confined by the beam and particularly the flanges.

[0028] Using the method according to the second aspect, a pontoon according to the first aspect can be manufactured.

[0029] It will be appreciated that the options disclosed in connection with the first aspect can be readily applied to the second aspect, and the options disclosed in connection with the second aspect can be readily applied to the first aspect. The options disclosed in connection with one particular embodiment of an aspect can also be readily applied to other embodiments of said aspect. The options disclosed above can be readily applied to the embodiments disclosed below in conjunction with the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030]

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 2

Figure 3

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0031] Figures 1A and 1B show, respectively, a top perspective view and a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of a pontoon 100 for carrying energy conversion equipment. The pontoon 100 includes, as an example, a structural frame having two side beams 102 arranged substantially parallel to each other. Between the two side beams 102, an optional central beam 104 is arranged parallel to the two side beams 102. The two side beams 102 and the central beam 104 have, as an example, an I-shaped cross-section forming a flanged beam. It will be understood that any embodiment disclosed herein, particularly in relation to the figures and also embodiments without specific figures, may have one or more or all flanged beams with a U-shaped or C-shaped cross-section. The central beam is optional, and it will be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein may also be envisioned without a central beam.

[0032] The front and rear sides of the structural frame are formed by a front beam 106 and a rear beam 108, respectively. The front beam 106 and the rear beam 108 in this embodiment have, as an example, an I-shaped cross-section forming a flanged beam.

[0033] The beams shown by Figures 1A and 1B have flanges arranged at right angles to the beam body, but the beams may also be used with flanges having an angle greater than 90 degrees with respect to the beam body. Referring to Figures 1A and 1B, thereby, the flange at the upper part of the beam body will face upward toward the center of the pontoon 100. Additionally or alternatively, the flange at the bottom of the beam body faces downward toward the center of the pontoon 100. In such embodiments, the angle of the flange may be between 90 degrees and 135 degrees.

[0034] The side beam 102, the front beam 106, and the rear beam 108 are connected to a rectangular structural frame by four corner members 109 as joint members that connect the ends of the beams.

[0035] A floating member 110 is disposed between the central beam 104 and each side beam 102. The floating member 110 is formed by a plurality of separate floating elements, for example, denoted as 110’ and 110’’. In the embodiments of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the floating elements extend between the side beam 102 and the central beam 104. Embodiments of pontoons 100 are also envisioned, for example, where one or more floating elements extend between two side beams 102 and / or between the front beam 106 and the rear beam 108.

[0036] As a specific option, at least a part of the floating member 110 that contacts or is disposed in the immediate vicinity of the structural frame in the assembled state of the pontoon may be incombustible, heat-resistant, flame-retardant, and / or fire-resistant. Also, elements of the structural frame, such as at least one of the side beam 102, the front beam 106, and the rear beam 108, may be exposed to the heat generated when welding one of the side beam 102, the front beam 106, and the rear beam 108 or the corner member 109 to another.

[0037] One or more tension elements 107, such as threaded rods, can be used to connect or couple the side beam 102 and / or the front beam and the rear beam. The tension element 107 can be used, for example, to limit the movement of the side beams 102 moving away from each other. The tension element 107 may be above or partially exposed above the floating member 110 as shown in FIG. 1A.

[0038] As yet another option, for example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the structural frame may comprise one or more diagonal or cross members 111 that can be a beam, a flanged beam, or a flat strip of material. The cross members 111 can connect the side beams to each other at the bottom side during use and can be arranged at an angle with respect to both side beams.

[0039] FIG. 1B shows, as a particular option, that a part of the structural frame can be disassembled to form an access opening generally indicated by the dashed square 112. Through the access opening, one or more floating elements may be arranged inside the volume defined between the beams of the structural frame, particularly after the beams of the structural frame are permanently connected. Being permanently connected may mean that during use, after the pontoon is placed on the water area and while the pontoon is being used on the water area, the beams of the structural frame are no longer separated.

[0040] In the example of FIG. 1B, a part 104' of the central beam 104 may be removed temporarily, for example, to form the access opening 112. The access opening 112 may be provided particularly between the cross members 111. In other embodiments, additionally or alternatively, a part of one or more cross members of the structural frame and / or a part of any other element may be disassembled or removed. Alternatively, for example, if the pontoon is not provided with a central beam, a part of at least one of the side beams can be removed to form the access opening. The removed parts can be replaced and / or reconnected to the structural frame to close the access opening. Additionally or alternatively, any other locking member can be used to lock or hold one or more floating members in place, particularly by closing at least a part of the access opening.

[0041] Similar to how a portion of the central beam was removed in FIG. 1B, a portion of the side beam may be removed to form an access opening (e.g., if the pontoon does not include the central beam). For example, a portion of the flange of the side beam may be temporarily removed, preferably to enable positioning of the floating member or floating elements.

[0042] FIG. 2 shows a schematic exploded view of an embodiment of a pontoon 100 comprising two side beams 102, a front beam 106, and a rear beam 108 as part of a structural frame. FIG. 2 shows, as an option, a floating member generally designated 110 comprising a plurality of separate floating elements.

[0043] The floating member 110 has, for example, a layered structure having an upper layer 202 and a lower layer 204. Any layer may include one or more floating elements, and each floating element may have a density greater than, less than, or equal to 1000 kg / m 3 ³.

[0044] In certain embodiments, the floating elements forming the uppermost layer 202 have a density less than 1000 kg / m 3 ³ and thus contribute to the buoyancy of the pontoon. Alternatively or additionally, the floating elements forming the bottom layer 204 have a density less than 1000 kg / m 3 ³ and thus contribute to the buoyancy of the pontoon.

[0045] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, different floating elements may have different shapes and sizes. For example, two different floating elements 202' and 202'' are shown, which are part of the upper layer 202 and have different dimensions. The different dimensions may allow for more convenient positioning of the volume defined between the flanged beams having the smaller element 202, while the larger, more efficient element 202' can also be used.

[0046] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a pontoon 100 that supports a plurality of photovoltaic panels 140 as an energy conversion facility. In a top view, the solar power generation panels 140 may be included within the footprint of the structural frame defined by the side beams 102, the front beam 106, and the rear beam 108. Thus, the structural frame can, for example, protect the solar cell panels 140 from impact.

[0047] In general, in the figures, not all components that are visible are given reference numerals for the sake of clarity and brevity of the figures.

[0048] In the above description, when an element is referred to as being connected to another element, it will be understood that the element may be directly connected to the other element or intervening elements may be present. Also, the values given in the above description are provided as examples, and it will be understood that other values are possible and / or may be attempted.

[0049] Note that the figures are only schematic representations of embodiments given as non-limiting examples. For the sake of clarity and concise description, features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, but it will be understood that the scope of the present disclosure may include embodiments having all or some combination of the features described.

[0050] The term "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other features or steps. Further, the words "a" and "an" should not be construed as being limited to "only one" but are used to mean "at least one" and do not exclude a plurality.

Claims

1. A structural frame comprising a plurality of flanged beams interconnected to form a frame, wherein the plurality of flanged beams define a volume therebetween, and each of the flanged beams includes an elongated beam body and at least one flange protruding away from the beam body towards the volume defined between the beams, a structural claim, A floating member at least partially positioned within the volume defined between the beams, And a pontoon for supporting an energy conversion facility on water.

2. The pontoon according to claim 1, wherein the floating member at least partially abuts against at least one of the flanges of the flanged beam.

3. The pontoon according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the floating member is completely disposed within the volume defined between the beams.

4. The pontoon according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flange is provided at an angle with respect to the beam body.

5. The pontoon according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the beam body has a substantially planar shape.

6. The pontoon according to claim 5, wherein the width of the beam matches the height of the pontoon.

7. The beam body of at least one beam includes a first flange near the top of the pontoon and a second flange near the bottom of the pontoon, The flange is provided at an angle with respect to the beam body, and at least a part of the flange is directed towards the center side of the pontoon with respect to the beam body. The pontoon according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The floating member is confined between the flanges, and the pontoon according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. In the range dependent on claim 4, where the angle is between 90°C and 135°C, the pontoon according to any one of claims 4 to 8.

10. In the range dependent on claim 4, where the angle is a right angle, the pontoon according to any one of claims 4 to 8.

11. The thickness of the floating member formed by one or more floating elements corresponds to the distance between two flanges, the two flanges are provided on both sides of the beam body, and the flanges are provided along the length of the beam body, preferably along at least 50%, more preferably substantially along the entire length of the beam. The pontoon according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The floating member comprises a plurality of separate floating elements, and the pontoon according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The floating member has a lower density than the density of water, in particular a lower average density than 1000 kg / m ３ and the pontoon according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The floating member contains a large number of hollow cells, in particular closed cells, and the pontoon according to claim 13.

15. The floating member includes at least two layers of a layered structure, and at least one of the layers in the layered structure has a lower density than the density of water, in particular a lower density than 1000 kg / m ３ and the pontoon according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The floating member comprises an upper layer, a lower layer, and an intermediate layer disposed between the upper layer and the lower layer, and the intermediate layer has a lower density than the density of water, in particular a lower density than 1000 kg / m ３The pontoon according to any one of claims 1 to 15, having a density lower than

17. The pontoon according to claim 16, wherein the intermediate layer includes a large number of hollow cells, particularly closed cells.

18. The beam has a density higher than that of water, particularly higher than 1000 kg / m ３ The pontoon according to any one of claims 1 to 17, having a density higher than

19. The pontoon according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the beam forms a rectangular structural frame.

20. The pontoon according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the structural frame includes two side beams, a central beam disposed between the two side beams, and a front beam and a rear beam disposed perpendicular to the two side beams.

21. The pontoon according to claim 20, wherein the floating member includes two layered floating elements, and a first floating element of the two is disposed between a first beam of the side beams and the central beam, and a second floating element is disposed between a second beam of the side beams and the central beam.

22. The pontoon according to any one of claims 1 to 21, further comprising one or more joining members for connecting ends of the beams.

23. The pontoon according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein a side surface of the floating member in contact with or facing the structural frame is non-combustible or at least partially heat-resistant and / or flame-retardant.

24. A method of assembling a pontoon for supporting an energy conversion device on water, comprising: forming a structural frame by interconnecting a plurality of flanged beams, thereby forming a volume between the flanged beams; Positioning one or more floating elements within the volume defined by the plurality of flanged beams A method comprising **Claim 25** Removing a part of the structural frame to open at least one access opening Positioning one or more of the floating elements within the volume defined by the plurality of flanged beams through the access opening The method according to claim 24, comprising **Claim 26** The structural frame includes two side beams The part of the structural frame removed to open the at least one access opening is constituted by at least one of the side beams The method according to claim 25 **Claim 27** The structural frame includes two side beams and a central beam disposed between the two side beams The part of the structural frame removed to open the at least one access opening is constituted by the central beam The method according to claim 25 **Claim 28** The flanged beam includes an elongated beam body and two flanges extending in substantially the same direction from the beam body At least a part of the one or more floating elements is disposed between the two flanges of at least one of the flanged beams The method according to any one of claims 24 to 27 **Claim 29** At least a part of the removed part of the structural frame is replaced or reconnected, particularly to close at least a part of the at least one access opening, after the one or more floating elements are disposed within the volume defined by the plurality of flanged beams The method according to any one of claims 25 to 28.

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