Floating solar power generation panels

Abstract

The present invention provides a floating solar power generation panel that has low operating costs for power transmission and can transmit power while considering the balance of power supply and demand without requiring large-scale energy storage facilities. [Solution] The floating solar power generation panel (1) is configured to include a floating body (4) of a predetermined area that can be floated on the sea, a solar cell module (2) that generates electricity from sunlight, and a storage module (5) that stores and discharges energy. The solar cell module (2) is installed on the upper surface of the floating body (4), and the storage module (5) is installed below the solar cell module (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a floating solar power generation panel that floats on the ocean and generates electricity, and more particularly to a floating solar power generation panel that is configured to float in a relatively wide sea area with a plurality of panels connected together, although not limited thereto.

Background Art

[0002] Floating solar power generation panels that float on the ocean and generate electricity using sunlight are well-known as shown in, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2, and are generally composed of a floating body and a solar cell module provided on the upper surface of the floating body. A plurality of floating solar power generation panels are arranged side by side and floated on the ocean to efficiently generate electricity from sunlight. The generated electricity is transmitted to land through a power transmission cable. Alternatively, hydrogen is generated and stored from the electricity on the ocean, and this is periodically transported to land and used as energy.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Floating solar power generation panels have relatively few installation restrictions and can utilize the ocean, which is difficult to use for other purposes. A large number of panels can be arranged on a large scale, and since sunlight is not blocked by other buildings, a large amount of electricity can be efficiently generated, which is excellent.

[0005] However, there are challenges that need to be addressed. For example, while generating hydrogen using electricity, storing it, and transporting it to land periodically allows for its use even in sea areas far from land, there is the challenge of high costs associated with hydrogen transportation. This is because hydrogen transportation requires dedicated recovery vessels, and labor costs for operating these vessels are also necessary. Furthermore, hydrogen storage facilities are required on land. In addition, there is the drawback of energy loss occurring when generating hydrogen from electricity and when obtaining electricity from hydrogen.

[0006] On the other hand, when electricity generated by floating solar panels is transmitted to land via transmission cables, energy loss is minimal, and there are no costs associated with transporting / storing hydrogen, resulting in low operating costs. However, electricity transmitted from floating solar power is only available during the day, and there is no electricity at night. Furthermore, even during the day, the amount of electricity transmitted varies depending on the amount of sunlight. In this case, in order to stably supply electricity to consumers while considering the balance of electricity supply and demand, it becomes necessary to frequently operate and shut down other power generation facilities such as thermal power plants. To solve these problems, it is possible to install energy storage facilities on the land side that receives electricity from floating solar power panels. In this case, any surplus electricity transmitted from floating solar power can be stored in the energy storage facilities and supplied from the storage facilities during times when electricity is insufficient, such as at night. However, if energy storage facilities are installed on the land side in this way, it is necessary to store a large amount of surplus electricity from floating solar power panels, so the electrical capacity needs to be large. However, providing a large-capacity energy storage system would require large-scale energy storage equipment, making implementation difficult.

[0007] Other challenges also exist. As mentioned above, floating solar panels are excellent for marine use because they can generate electricity in the open sea, where the value of other uses such as offshore areas is relatively low. However, there appears to be room for further promotion of their use. For example, there is the challenge that the use of the water beneath floating solar panels is not sufficient.

[0008] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems. Specifically, it aims to provide a floating solar power generation panel that has low operating costs for power transmission and can transmit power while considering the balance of power supply and demand without preparing large-scale energy storage facilities. Furthermore, another objective is to provide a floating solar power generation panel that can be fully utilized even in the water beneath it. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The invention described in claim 1 is a floating solar power generation panel, which is a unit for constituting an offshore power generation block that generates electricity at sea, the floating solar power generation panel comprising: a floating body of a predetermined area that floats on the sea; a solar cell module provided on the upper surface of the floating body that generates electricity from sunlight; and a storage module housed in a recess formed on the floating body below the solar cell module and near the center of the floating body, which is configured to store and discharge energy. but, They are floated on the ocean at predetermined intervals from each other and then connected to one another. It is connected to the control device, and the power lines are connected to the control device. An offshore power generation block is constructed, and the generated electricity is distributed and stored. Along with this, it will be possible to transmit electricity via power lines not only during the day but also at night. The energy storage module has a structure in which multiple sets of supercapacitor units are stacked, and each supercapacitor unit consists of a pair of conductive concrete plates arranged at a predetermined interval, a separator made of insulating material provided between the pair of conductive concrete plates, and an electrolyte filled between the pair of conductive concrete plates, and when a positive or negative voltage is applied to the pair of conductive concrete plates, energy is stored, and when the voltage is removed, it is discharged, and the conductive concrete plates are configured to be conductive by containing carbon nanoparticles or carbon black in a predetermined proportion. The invention described in claim 2 is configured such that a seaweed attachment structure for seaweed to attach is provided on the underside of the floating body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the invention of claim 1, the floating solar power generation panel comprises a floating body of a predetermined area that floats on the sea, a solar cell module provided on the upper surface of the floating body that generates electricity from sunlight, and a storage module provided on the lower side of the solar cell module on the floating body that stores and discharges electricity. In this case, when transmitting electricity from the floating solar power generation panel to land, it is possible to transmit electricity not only during the day but also at night, and it becomes possible to transmit electricity in accordance with the balance of power supply and demand. In order to implement such a stable supply of electricity, it is not always necessary to provide a storage facility on land. Furthermore, since the solar cell module and the storage module are in close proximity, the generated electricity can be stored with virtually no loss, resulting in high efficiency. Electricity generation by solar cell modules is easily affected by weather conditions and the amount of electricity generated tends to fluctuate, but by placing the storage module nearby and performing fine-tuned storage and discharge, the effects can be mitigated. Moreover, since a storage module is provided for each floating solar power generation panel, the electricity is stored in a distributed manner. By distributing the storage, the burden on individual storage modules is reduced compared to centrally storing a large amount of electricity all at once, and power loss is reduced. Furthermore, since it is no longer necessary to transmit large amounts of electricity all at once, the burden on the power transmission equipment is reduced, and losses required for power transmission can be suppressed. In addition, because the energy storage modules are placed beneath the solar modules, they do not take up space and do not obstruct the sunlight received by the solar modules. In other words, they do not affect the power generation efficiency. According to the invention described in claim 2, the energy storage module is formed from a structure in which multiple sets of supercapacitor units are stacked. Each supercapacitor unit consists of a pair of conductive concrete plates arranged at a predetermined interval, a separator made of an insulating material provided between the pair of conductive concrete plates, and an electrolyte filled between the pair of conductive concrete plates. When a positive or negative voltage is applied to the pair of conductive concrete plates, energy is stored, and when the voltage is removed, it is discharged. The conductive concrete contains carbon nanoparticles or carbon black in a predetermined proportion, thereby making it conductive. Conductive concrete is not only inexpensive but also durable and does not deteriorate over a long period, so the energy storage module can be used stably for a long time. This is superior to using lithium batteries, which are expensive and deteriorate with long-term use. Furthermore, even if this energy storage module breaks down, the conductive concrete plates are non-toxic and will not pollute the ocean. If a low-toxicity electrolyte is selected, even if the electrolyte leaks, it will not affect the ocean. In other words, the energy storage module described in claim 2 is not only stably usable for a long period, but is also superior because it does not pollute the ocean even if it is damaged. According to the invention described in claim 4, a seaweed attachment structure is provided on the underside of the floating body for seaweed to attach to. This makes it possible to grow useful seaweed, which can be used for food or as a material for biofuels, on the underside of the floating solar power generation panel. The water beneath the floating solar power generation panel can also be fully utilized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the components of a floating solar power generation panel according to this embodiment. [Figure 2A] This is a perspective view of a floating solar power generation panel according to this embodiment. [Figure 2B] This is a perspective view of the floating solar power generation panel relating to the second form of this implementation. [Figure 3A]This is a schematic diagram showing the state of energy storage in a supercapacitor unit that constitutes the energy storage module according to this embodiment. [Figure 3B] This is a schematic diagram showing the discharge state of a supercapacitor unit constituting the energy storage module according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of an offshore power generation block consisting of multiple floating solar power generation panels according to this embodiment, floating on the ocean. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] <Floating solar power generation panels> The following describes this embodiment. The floating solar power generation panel 1 according to this embodiment is shown in Figure 1 for its components, and in Figure 2 for its assembled state from the components. As shown in Figure 1, the floating solar power generation panel 1 consists of a solar cell module 2, a floating body 4, an energy storage module 5 placed inside the floating body 4, and a frame 7 that houses these components.

[0013] <Solar modules> Solar cell module 2 can be of any type as long as it receives sunlight and generates electricity, and can be made from conventional crystalline or amorphous silicon solar cells or compound semiconductor solar cells. However, it is preferable to use perovskite solar cells in the future. Perovskite solar cells have power generation efficiency comparable to silicon solar cells, yet can be made thin and lightweight, and can be manufactured from inexpensive materials. In terms of durability, recent research and development are leading to longer lifespans.

[0014] <Floating object> In this embodiment, the floating body 4 is formed of rigid urethane foam. It may be formed of styrofoam, or may be formed hollow from another resin, as long as the specific gravity is sufficiently small to obtain buoyancy. The floating body 4 is formed such that the upper surface shape is substantially the same as the shape of the solar power generation module 2, and the solar power generation module 2 is attached to the upper surface of the floating body 4. A predetermined recess 9 is formed at the center of the floating body 4. The power storage module 5, which will be described later, is to be placed in this recess 9.

[0015] <Frame body> The frame body 7 is formed in a flat box shape with an open upper surface, and in this embodiment, it is configured to house and protect the floating body 4 and the solar cell module 2 provided on the upper surface of the floating body 4. The frame body 7 may be formed of a metal such as stainless steel, for example. However, in this embodiment, it is formed of polycarbonate, which is inexpensive and highly durable. In this embodiment, the floating body 4 and the frame body 7 are composed of separate members, but they may be integrally formed. Even in the case of integral formation, it is sufficient if they have sufficient buoyancy and protect the solar cell module 2 and the power storage module 5, which will be described next.

[0016] <Power storage module> The power storage module 5 stores all or part of the electric power generated by the solar cell module 2, and discharges the stored electric power at the required timing to supply it to the outside. The power storage module 5 can be composed of a battery such as a lithium battery, for example, or can also be composed of a capacitor, that is, a capacitor. In this embodiment, the power storage module 5 is a supercapacitor, that is, an electric double layer capacitor, composed of a conductive concrete plate or the like. More specifically described, the power storage module 5 according to this embodiment is formed from a structure in which a plurality of sets of a single supercapacitor unit are laminated.

[0017] Figure 3A shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a set of supercapacitor units 11. The supercapacitor unit 11 consists of a pair of conductive concrete plates 13 and 14 made of conductive concrete and arranged at a predetermined distance apart, a separator 16 placed between these conductive concrete plates 13 and 14, and an electrolyte 17 filled between the pair of conductive concrete plates 13 and 14.

[0018] The conductive concrete material for conductive concrete 13 and 14 is described in detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0276921, and consists of concrete containing carbon nanoparticles or carbon black, i.e., fine carbon particles, in a predetermined proportion. During the reaction of cement and water, tiny pores are generated within the hardened concrete, forming a continuous network. Carbon particles are distributed around these network-shaped pores. In other words, carbon particles are distributed in a network within the concrete. Therefore, the concrete becomes conductive. The pair of conductive concrete pieces 13 and 14 are formed to have a predetermined area and to be thin.

[0019] The separator 16 can be made of any material as long as it allows the electrolyte 17 to pass through and acts as an insulator. For example, it may be made of a polyolefin resin with many small-diameter holes, or it may be made of a cellulose nonwoven fabric. In the supercapacitor unit 11, the pair of conductive concrete plates 13 and 14 are insulated by the separator 16.

[0020] Any aqueous solution in which the electrolyte 17 is dissolved in an ionic state may be used, but in case of leakage, a non-toxic or low-toxicity solution should be used. For example, an aqueous solution of potassium chloride or an aqueous solution of calcium nitrate is preferred as the electrolyte 17.

[0021] The operation of the supercapacitor unit 11 will now be explained. As shown in Figure 3A, a DC voltage is applied to the pair of conductive concretes 13 and 14 of the supercapacitor unit 11. Negative ions in the electrolyte 17 gather near the conductive concrete 13 to which a positive voltage is applied, and positive ions gather near the conductive concrete 14 to which a negative voltage is applied. When a DC current is passed for a predetermined time, sufficient positive and negative charges are accumulated in the conductive concretes 13 and 14, respectively. That is, they are charged. The application of the DC voltage is removed. That is, the circuit is opened. Next, as shown in Figure 3B, the pair of conductive concretes 13 and 14 are connected via a predetermined load. That is, the circuit is closed. Then, current flows from the conductive concrete 13, which has accumulated positive charges, to the conductive concrete 14, which has accumulated negative charges. That is, it can discharge and supply power to the outside.

[0022] The energy storage module 5 according to this embodiment is formed in a structure in which multiple sets of such supercapacitor units 11 are stacked. Therefore, it is possible to store sufficient power.

[0023] <Offshore power generation block> Figure 4 shows an offshore power generation block 100 according to this embodiment, which is composed of multiple floating solar power generation panels 1, 1, ... according to this embodiment. The offshore power generation block 100 is composed of, for example, about 1,000 floating solar power generation panels 1, 1, ..., which are floated on the sea at predetermined intervals and connected to each other. Each solar cell module of the floating solar power generation panels 1, 1, ... is connected in parallel. Similarly, each storage joule is connected in parallel. These are then connected to the control device 101.

[0024] The control device 101 is connected to a power transmission line 102, and although not shown in Figure 4, the power transmission line 102 is connected to a land-based power receiving facility. Therefore, during the day, the electricity generated by the floating solar power generation panels 1, 1, ... is collected by the control device 101 and transmitted from the power transmission line 102. At this time, the electricity may be transmitted as DC, or it may be converted to AC current in the control device 101 before transmission. It may also be transmitted at high voltage as needed. During the day, the control device 101 stores a predetermined percentage of the electricity generated by the solar cell modules in the energy storage modules. Specifically, it boosts the voltage of the electricity generated by the solar cell modules and supplies it to the energy storage modules. After supplying for a predetermined time, it can be stored. At night, etc., the control device 101 transmits the electricity stored in the energy storage modules from the power transmission line 102.

[0025] Power transmission does not necessarily have to be carried out in units of 100 offshore power generation blocks. For example, a farm can be formed by arranging, for example, 30 offshore power generation blocks 100 according to this embodiment. One power transmission device can be installed for the farm. Power can be collected from each offshore power generation block 100 and transmitted to land from a single power transmission device.

[0026] <Second Embodiment> A floating solar power generation panel 1A according to the second embodiment of this invention is shown in Figure 2B. The floating solar power generation panel 1A according to the second embodiment is characterized in that a seaweed attachment structure 20 is provided on the lower side of the frame 7. The seaweed attachment structure 20 can be any structure as long as it allows seaweed to attach and grow. In this embodiment, the seaweed attachment structure 20 is composed of a plurality of wire ropes 21, 21, ... Hemp rope or the like may be wrapped around the wire ropes 21, 21, ... as appropriate to facilitate the attachment of seaweed spores. The hemp rope or the like will dissolve and disappear after a long period of time, but once the seaweed attaches and grows, the seaweed will firmly attach to the wire ropes 21, 21, ... The seaweed that grows in the floating solar power generation panel 1A according to the second embodiment can be collected as appropriate and used for food. Alternatively, it can be used as a material for biofuel. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0027] 1. Floating solar power generation panel 2 Solar cell modules 4. Floating bodies 5. Energy storage module 7 Frame 9 recesses 11 Supercapacitor Unit 13 Conductive concrete slab 14. Conductive concrete slab 16 Separators 17 Electrolyte 20 Seaweed implantation structure 21 Wire rope 100 Offshore Power Generation Block 101 Control device 102 Power transmission lines

Claims

1. A floating solar power generation panel is a unit for constructing an offshore power generation block that generates electricity at sea, The floating solar power generation panel comprises a floating body of a predetermined area that floats on the sea, A solar cell module is provided on the upper surface of the floating body and generates electricity using sunlight, The solar cell module comprises a storage module housed in a recess formed near the center of the floating body on the lower side of the solar cell module, which is configured to store and discharge energy, Multiple floating solar power generation panels are floated on the ocean at predetermined intervals from each other, connected to one another, and connected to a control device. Power transmission lines are connected to the control device to form the offshore power generation block, and the generated electricity is distributed and stored, and can be transmitted via the power transmission lines not only during the day but also at night. The aforementioned energy storage module has a structure in which multiple sets of supercapacitor units are stacked together. The supercapacitor unit comprises a pair of conductive concrete plates arranged at a predetermined interval, A separator made of an insulating material is provided between a pair of conductive concrete plates, It consists of an electrolyte filled between a pair of conductive concrete plates, When a positive or negative voltage is applied to a pair of conductive concrete plates, they store energy, and when the voltage is removed, they discharge. The aforementioned conductive concrete panel contains carbon nanoparticles or carbon black in a predetermined proportion, thereby providing conductivity, and is a floating solar power generation panel.

2. The floating solar power generation panel according to claim 1, wherein a seaweed attachment structure for seaweed to attach is provided on the lower side of the floating body.

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