Floating device and installation method for offshore solar power generation panels

Abstract

The present invention relates to a floating device comprising a number of main floating bodies (1) configured to move a total of at least 80 cubic meters of water, a number of floating body supports (2) configured to join the number of main floating bodies (1) together, a number of columns (3) each having a first end joined to the main floating body (1) and a second end opposite said first end, a supporting covering (4) joined to the second ends of the columns (3) and having a surface of at least 100 square meters, at least one anchoring member (5) and a mooring structure configured to join the main floating body (1) and / or the number of floating body supports (2) with the anchoring member (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of renewable energy installed in water. More specifically, the present invention relates to a floating device for installing an off-shore solar power generation panel, as well as related installation methods and uses.

Background Art

[0002] The conversion of solar energy into electricity is a process that is becoming more cost-effective and efficient. However, such large-scale conversion involves the occupation of large areas of land that can be used, for example, for agriculture. As a solution to this problem, in recent years, floating solar power generation facilities have been developed.

[0003] Floating solar power generation facilities generate electricity from solar energy by a solar power generation system floating on the water surface. The system is equipped with the same solar power generation panels as general systems on land. However, the system uses special technologies to ensure more reliable stability and buoyancy in both inland and protected water areas (such as reservoirs, ponds, artificial lakes, agricultural irrigation ponds, sedimentation ponds of sewage treatment plants, etc.) and seawater areas (seas and oceans).

[0004] Floating solar power generation systems offer a series of advantages compared to solar power generation systems on land. The series of advantages include, for example, using other unutilized locations such as the open ocean, ports, marina easements, lakes or water areas for power generation by hydropower facilities, since the floating solar power generation system floats on water and does not damage useful soil (except for the parts used for connection to the general power grid), soil destruction is minimized, high efficiency due to the arrangement on the water surface where exposure to sunlight is large and less affected by shadows, and the cooling effect caused by the evaporation of the surrounding water and resisting the heating of the panel by the incident sunlight, Because the amount of dust lifted and moved by the wind is reduced, the frequency of cleaning required for solar power generation panels is reduced, and in onshore systems, maintenance is reduced because there is usually little trimming of plants growing under the panels. By using a high proportion of recyclable materials, mainly steel and aluminum, sustainability is good. Furthermore, since no ground preparation work is required before installation, the environmental impact is minimized (the panels are transported to the installation site, assembled on the shore, and placed in the water). That is the case.

[0005] In this context, floating solar power systems at sea are still in their early stages compared to those installed in freshwater, due to the additional challenges that open ocean conditions present to their design. The significant fluctuations in height and support surface of the solar panels due to the effects of wind, waves, and / or ocean currents, and the stresses generated in the structures supporting the panels, make mooring, anchoring, and resistance to dynamic loads more important factors in the design of these floating systems.

[0006] Several documents disclose tension-leg platforms (TLPs) used to support solar panels at sea.

[0007] Chinese Utility Model No. 211893593 discloses a semi-submergible device for supporting a photovoltaic panel. The device comprises a submerged lower plate attached to an upper plate. A photovoltaic panel is attached to the upper plate. The lower plate is secured by tendons.

[0008] Korean Published Patent No. 20160017555 discloses a semi-submersible device for supporting a solar power generation panel. In this device, the plate on which the solar power generation panel is attached is supported by intersecting circular members connected to an intermediate member.

[0009] Korean Patent No. 102105173 discloses a similar device, but further comprising a compensation mechanism for changing the depth of the device in water. This compensation mechanism includes a pulley. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] This invention proposes a solution to the aforementioned shortcomings by providing a novel floating device with improved hydrodynamic behavior compared to known devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] Based on the problems of the prior art described in the preceding paragraph, the object of the present invention is mainly related to a floating device for installing offshore solar power generation panels, and related installation methods and uses, but is not limited thereto.

[0012] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used in this document (both scientific and technical) shall be interpreted as those used by a person skilled in the art. Therefore, it is understood that terms used in general usage should be interpreted as those used by a person skilled in the art, and not ideally or strictly in a formal manner.

[0013] Throughout this text, the term “comprises” should not be understood in an exclusionary sense, but rather in the sense that it may allow for the inclusion of additional components or processes.

[0014] In a first aspect of the invention, the present invention relates to a floating device for installing offshore solar power generation panels. The device comprises a plurality of main floating bodies arranged to define a floating plane and configured to displace a total of at least 80 cubic meters of water; a plurality of floating support sections configured to join the plurality of main floating bodies together; a plurality of columns arranged on each of the main floating bodies, each column having a first end joined to a main floating body and a second end opposite to the first end; a support covering section joined to the second end of the columns and having a surface area of ​​at least 100 square meters; at least one anchor member; and a mooring structure configured to join the main floating bodies and / or the plurality of floating support sections to the anchor member. The furthest apart main floating bodies are located at a distance of at least 10 meters from each other. Each column is at least 5 meters long.

[0015] This invention provides a device capable of supporting a large number of solar panels and maintaining them at a considerable height above sea level. The height of the poles can be defined as greater than the significant wave height. This allows for the safe installation of a large number of solar panels offshore.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the floating device further comprises a ship docking member. The ship docking member has at least two impact structures suitable for receiving the impact of a ship when docking, and an access staircase located in a plane different from the plane of the impact structures.

[0017] The berthing components of this vessel allow for easy inspection and repair. Considering the size of the floating device with numerous supports for solar panels, it is advantageous to provide a way for suitable vessels to approach the floating device safely.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the floating support sections are contained within the floating plane defined by the main floating body. The joints between each floating support section and the main floating body are arranged at equal intervals such that each floating support section is joined to the floating body perpendicularly and obliquely. This configuration provides the device with the rigidity necessary to withstand water movement, i.e., the rigidity necessary to withstand both horizontal movement due to waves and vertical movement due to water level fluctuations.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, some of the columns are positioned on the main floating body perpendicular to the floating body plane. Other columns are positioned to form angles between 5 and 60 degrees with respect to the floating body plane. Optionally, at least one of the columns perpendicular to the floating body plane and at least one of the columns forming angles between 5 and 60 degrees with respect to the floating body plane share a base point in the floating body plane. This configuration increases the support surface for the support covering installed on the columns, thereby improving the stability of the support covering.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the main floating body, the floating body support portion, the pillar, and the support covering portion form a base that is integrally joined. With this configuration, the resistance to the movement of wind, waves, and / or ocean currents acting on the device is improved, so that the hydrodynamic behavior of the device is improved.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the floating body device of the present invention further includes at least 10 tilt-adjustable structures. All of the tilt-adjustable structures are joined to the support covering portion. Each of the tilt-adjustable structures is configured to receive a solar power generation panel and adjust its orientation with respect to the support covering portion. As a result, the load acting on the device due to the movement of wind, waves, and / or ocean currents is supported by the main floating body, the floating body support portion, the pillar, and the support covering portion, while not being supported by some of the adjustable structures. With the adjustable structures, the solar power generation panel can be oriented appropriately with respect to the sun.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the floating body device further includes a current inverter or a voltage conversion member suitable for receiving energy from the floating body device and transmitting the energy to the outside of the floating body device.

[0023] Since there are a large number of solar power generation panels that can be installed in the floating body device of the present invention, it is appropriate to provide for orderly output of all the energy generated by the solar power generation panels. All the generated energy can be appropriately output by the inverter or voltage conversion member located in each floating body member.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the main floating body has a plurality of leak-free compartments separated from each other. As a result, even if one compartment is damaged and water enters the compartment, the remaining compartments continue to be leak-free and provide the device with the buoyancy necessary for continued operation. Therefore, a more stable and durable device is realized even in harsh ocean conditions.

[0025] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mooring structure has a grid of synthetic fiber ropes or chains. Each vertex of the grid is joined to the main floating body and / or the floating body support by a secondary mooring member. The grid of ropes or chains is located on a surface other than the floating body plane. The joints of the secondary mooring members to the main floating body and / or the plurality of floating body supports have galvanized shackles, stainless steel shackles, or swivel shackles. It is preferable that at least two of the vertices of the grid are joined to a buoy. Thereby, an optimal distribution of the load along the grid is realized, stability and durability are improved, and the floating body members and the anchor members are optimally utilized.

[0026] Since the size of each device is large, it is advantageous to have a suitable floating body structure as defined in this case, for example, a grid of chains or ropes located in a plane below the floating body plane. This structure cancels out different loads when a plurality of devices are connected to each other. This structure can be connected to a buoy.

[0027] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the joints of the main mooring members to the main floating body and / or the plurality of floating body supports, the joints of the main mooring members to the anchor members, and / or the joints of the secondary mooring members to the main floating body and / or the plurality of floating body supports have galvanized shackles, stainless steel shackles, or swivel shackles.

[0028] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the anchor member has an anchor or a weight such as a concrete block.

[0029] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the main floating body has at least one anchor member suitable for receiving the main mooring member and / or suitable for connecting to a tow.

[0030] A second object of the present invention relates to a floating solar power generation system. The floating solar power generation system comprises a plurality of floating devices described in any one of the above-described embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of solar power generation panels connected to the support covering portion of each of the floating devices, each solar power generation panel having a current output portion, and a lateral joining member configured to join at least two floating devices to each other.

[0031] Each floating device has at least one current output unit. The solar power generation equipment includes a total current output cable that receives current output units from each floating device. The total current output cable has floating members. This makes it more certain that the cable will not be taut due to its own weight and is less susceptible to the effects of the load that waves impart to the floating devices.

[0032] In a particular embodiment, the floating solar power generation system further comprises a global inverter or transformer having an input section connected to the current output section of each floating device and an output section connected to the total current output cable.

[0033] A third object of the present invention relates to a method for installing multiple photovoltaic panels. This method includes considering the significant wave height, providing one or more floating devices described in any one of the above-described embodiments of the present invention, providing multiple photovoltaic panels, fixing the main floating body or floating support portion of the floating device to an installation location located underwater by anchor members, and arranging the multiple photovoltaic panels on the support covering portion of the floating device, in any order that is technically possible. The distance between the floating plane and the support covering portion is at least equal to the significant wave height.

[0034] However, it should be noted that the apparatus and photovoltaic power generation equipment of the present invention are specifically designed for the installation of photovoltaic panels in the sea, ocean, and ports. For this reason, significant wave height is taken into consideration so that the support covering can be installed at a sufficient height to be unaffected by wave forces. However, the power generation equipment according to the present invention is also suitable for use in inland waters such as reservoirs, lakes, irrigation canals, or ponds. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] To complete the description and to make the invention easier to understand, a series of drawings have been added to the description. These drawings are part of the description and illustrate specific examples of the invention. These drawings should not be construed as limiting the scope, but rather as merely examples of how the invention may be carried out. The series of drawings includes the following drawings:

[0036] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a specific example of a floating device according to the present invention for installing offshore solar power generation panels, wherein the floating device is in the form of a catamaran. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the details of the support covering portion of the floating device in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an overall view of the floating device incorporating solar power generation panels. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a floating solar power generation facility equipped with six floating devices as shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a floating member in one of the cables of the solar power generation equipment shown in Figure 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] Figure 1 shows a specific example of a floating device according to the present invention for installing offshore solar power generation panels, wherein the floating device is in the form of a catamaran.

[0038] The diagram shows two main floating bodies 1 arranged in a catamaran configuration. These two main floating bodies 1 are responsible for the water movement necessary to keep the rest of the device afloat stably and sufficiently.

[0039] These main floating bodies 1 are joined together by a plurality of floating body support sections 2. These floating body support sections 2 are positioned on a plane defined by the main floating bodies. This plane is called the floating body plane and is defined by approximately reflecting the water level in calm conditions when the floating device is installed on the ocean.

[0040] These floating support sections 2 connect the main floating body both perpendicularly and obliquely to the main floating body. The floating support section 2 has a length of 10 meters. This length is the distance between two adjacent floating bodies. The oblique support sections have an even longer length because they connect more distant parts of the main floating body.

[0041] Once the framework of the base of the device (main floating body 1 and the support parts 2 connecting them) is revealed, a series of columns protruding from the floating body plane also comes into focus. Some of these columns 3 protrude perpendicular to the floating body plane, while others 3 protrude at an angle of 30 or 45 degrees to that plane. These columns 3 form multiple support parts for installing the support covering 4. The support covering 4 is positioned parallel to the floating body plane and 6 meters above it. Thus, the support covering 4 is more reliably safe against the most common waves, allowing the device to be installed offshore.

[0042] The system, formed by the main floating body 1, floating body support section 2, column 3, and support covering section 4, forms a base that is integrally joined. This provides rigidity to the assembly.

[0043] Furthermore, the main floating body 1 has multiple leak-free compartments that are separated from each other. This ensures that even if one compartment is damaged and water enters it, the remaining compartments remain leak-free and provide the buoyancy necessary for the device to continue operating. Thus, a more stable and durable device is realized even in adverse conditions at sea.

[0044] Figure 2 shows details of the support covering. In Figure 2, details of the structure 7 that supports the solar panels can be noted. Each of the structures 7 is adjustable in inclination. While structure 4 withstands all mechanical loads resulting from stresses caused by waves, structure 7 is not subject to these requirements and can be designed with fewer mechanical requirements.

[0045] Figure 3 is an overall view of the floating device incorporating solar power generation panels.

[0046] Firstly, a transformer 11 located on the floating device can be seen. This transformer 11 allows for the proper output of energy generated by the solar power generation panels.

[0047] Secondly, there is a component suitable for receiving a ship's docking. This component uses two impact structures 12 positioned to absorb the impact of the ship when docking. Furthermore, the docking component also has an access staircase 13 located on a plane different from the plane of the impact structures. This allows people to enter the floating device.

[0048] Figure 4 shows a floating solar power generation facility equipped with six floating devices as shown in Figure 3. Each of these floating devices is fitted with a series of solar panels (seven columns can be seen, each with 20 panels). Each panel is installed on one of the structures shown in Figure 2.

[0049] Each main floating body 1 of the device is connected to a cable grid 10 by a secondary cable 8. The cable grid 10 is supported by a series of buoys 9 connected to each node of the grid. This provides stable buoyancy to the entire assembly.

[0050] To keep the system in a stable position, there is a series of anchor members 5, such as anchors or concrete weights, and a main mooring member 6 that connects the cable grid 10 to the anchor members 5. As a result, the cable grid 10 remains in a stable position despite the forward and backward movement of waves.

[0051] This power generation facility is assembled by selecting a significant wave height. This wave height depends on the specific conditions of the installation site of the power generation facility. Once the significant wave height is selected, a series of floating devices as shown in the figure above are installed. The support covering of these floating devices is located at a distance from the floating plane that is at least equal to the significant wave height. This ensures that the support covering is securely held at a sufficient height so that it is not constantly affected by waves.

[0052] Once the height of the support covering is selected, the main floating body of each floating device is fixed to the installation site by the anchor member 5.

[0053] Finally, a series of solar panels are installed on the support covering. One panel is installed on each of the adjustable-tilt structures.

[0054] Figure 5 shows details regarding the energy output of the floating apparatus forming the power generation facility shown in Figure 4. The figure shows an configuration in which each floating apparatus is equipped with a current output unit 14, and an configuration in which the solar power generation facility is equipped with a total current output cable 15. The total current output cable 15 receives current output from each floating apparatus. In this figure, a configuration is shown in which both the current output unit of each apparatus and the total current output cable are equipped with a floating member 16. This prevents the cable from becoming taut due to the force of ocean currents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] To aid in further understanding of the technical features of the present invention, the drawings include a series of reference numerals. Of these reference numerals, the following are shown in an exemplary and non-limiting manner:

[0056] 1. Main floating body 2. Floating support section 3 pillars 4 Support cover part 5 Anchor members 6 Main mooring member 7. Structure with adjustable incline 8. Sub-mooring member 9. Floating buoy 10 Transverse joint members 11 Transformer 12. Components that support ships 13 stairs 14 Current output section 15 Total output cables 16 Floating Member

Claims

1. Multiple main floating bodies (1) are arranged to define the floating plane and configured to move a total of at least 80 cubic meters of water, Multiple floating support parts (2) are configured to join together multiple main floating bodies (1), A plurality of columns (3) arranged on each of the main floating bodies (1), wherein each of the columns (3) has a first end joined to the main floating body (1) and a second end opposite to the first end, A support covering portion (4) is joined to the second end of the column (3) and has a surface area of ​​at least 100 square meters, At least one anchor member (5), A mooring structure configured such that the main floating body (1) and / or a plurality of floating body support parts (2) are joined to the anchor member (5), Equipped with, The main floating body (1) is configured to move the amount of water necessary to stably and sufficiently float the portion of the floating device excluding the main floating body, The furthest apart main floating bodies are positioned at a distance of at least 10 meters from each other. Each of the columns (3) is at least 5 meters long. The main floating body (1) has a plurality of leak-free compartments separated from each other. A floating device for installing offshore solar power generation panels.

2. Further equipped with docking components for ships, The berthing member of the aforementioned vessel is At least two impact structures (12) suitable for receiving the impact of a ship when docking, An access staircase (13) located on a plane different from the plane of the impact structure, Having, The floating device according to claim 1.

3. The floating support portion (2) fits within the floating plane defined by the main floating body (1), The joints between each of the floating support parts and the main floating body (1) are arranged at equal intervals so that each of the floating support parts is attached to the main floating body (1) perpendicularly and at an angle. The floating device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A floating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a portion of the columns (3) is arranged perpendicular to the floating plane.

5. The floating device according to claim 4, wherein a portion of the columns (3) are arranged to form an angle between 5 degrees and 60 degrees with respect to the floating plane.

6. The floating device according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the columns (3) perpendicular to the floating plane and at least one of the columns (3) forming an angle between 5 degrees and 60 degrees with respect to the floating plane share a base point in the floating plane.

7. The floating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the main floating body (1), the floating body support portion (2), the column (3), and the support covering portion (4) are integrally joined to form a base.

8. The system further comprises at least 10 tilt-adjustable structures (7), The entirety of the tilt-adjustable structure (7) is joined to the support covering portion (4), Each of the tilt-adjustable structures (7) is configured to receive a solar power generation panel and adjust its orientation relative to the support covering portion (4). A floating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The floating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a current inverter or transformer (11) suitable for receiving energy from the floating device and transmitting the energy to the outside of the floating device.

10. The mooring structure has a grid (10) of synthetic fiber rope or chain, Each vertex of the grid is joined to the main floating body (1) and / or the floating body support part (2) by a secondary mooring member (8). The grid of the rope or chain is located on a surface other than the floating plane. The attachment portion of the auxiliary mooring member (8) to the main floating body (1) and / or the plurality of floating body support portions (2) has a galvanized shackle, a stainless steel shackle, or a swivel shackle. A floating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The floating device according to claim 10, wherein at least two of the vertices of the grid are joined to a floating buoy (9).

12. The floating device according to claim 11, further comprising a main mooring member (6) that connects the grid to the anchor member (5).

13. The floating device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the anchor member (5) has an anchor or a weight.

14. The floating device according to claim 12, wherein the main floating body (1) has at least one anchor member suitable for receiving the main mooring member (6) and / or for connecting to a towing rope.

15. A plurality of floating devices according to any one of claims 1 to 14, A plurality of photovoltaic panels connected to each of the support covering portions (4) of the floating device, wherein each photovoltaic panel is a plurality of photovoltaic panels having a current output portion, A transverse joining member configured to join at least two floating devices together, Equipped with, Floating solar power generation facility.

16. Each floating device has at least one current output unit (14), The floating solar power generation equipment is equipped with a total current output cable (15) that receives current output from each floating device, The current total output cable (15) has a floating member (16), The floating solar power generation equipment according to claim 15.

17. The floating solar power generation system according to claim 16, further comprising a global inverter or transformer having an input section connected to the current output section of each floating device and an output section connected to the total current output cable.

18. Consider the significant wave height, The floating device described in any one of claims 1 to 14 is provided, Installing multiple solar power generation panels, The main floating body (1) or the floating body support (2) of the floating device is fixed to the installation location located underwater by the anchor member (5), The floating device is configured to have multiple solar power generation panels placed on the support covering portion (4), This includes performing the following in any order that is technically possible: The distance between the floating plane and the support covering portion (4) is at least equal to the significant wave height. Methods for installing multiple solar power generation panels.

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