Maintenance methods for floating panels and solar energy systems

Abstract

This invention provides a float plate for suppressing deformation of the float plate body caused by the expansion or contraction of internal gas due to changes in ambient temperature, and offers greater freedom in the placement of the vent holes. According to this invention, a float plate is provided comprising a float plate body with a hollow interior. A through hole is provided on the surface of the float plate body, the through hole protruding to the outside of the float plate, or at least a portion of a venting member is inserted into the through hole. When the through hole protrudes to the outside of the float plate, the hollow interior communicates with the atmosphere outside the float plate through the through hole. When at least a portion of the venting member is inserted into the through hole, the hollow interior communicates with the atmosphere through the venting member.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a maintenance method for floating plates and solar energy systems. [Previous Technology]

[0002] (First Viewpoint) Floating boards used on water are employed for various purposes, such as installing solar panels for solar power generation in ponds, lakes, and oceans, and setting up scaffolding. Considering ease of installation and maintenance, lightweight design, durability, and cost, floating boards made of synthetic resin with a hollow interior are ideally suitable. However, when using floating boards with a hollow interior on water, the internal gas can expand or contract with changes in the external temperature, causing deformation. This deformation can lead to problems such as solar panels falling off the floating board and damage to the scaffolding.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a float plate, which provides a protrusion with ventilation holes on the top surface of a hollow synthetic resin float plate body, and attaches a microporous membrane to the outside of the ventilation holes, so that even if the internal gas expands or contracts due to changes in ambient temperature, the deformation of the float plate body can be suppressed.

[0004] (Second Viewpoint) Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for setting RFID tags in a solar energy system. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-65354 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-028633 [Summary of the Invention]

[0006] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0007] (First viewpoint) In Patent Document 1, a vent is provided on the top surface of the protrusion. Therefore, the location of the vent is limited to the location where the protrusion can be formed, such as the upper surface of the float body or a side with a large area. Therefore, it may be difficult to choose a location where water is unlikely to splash or accumulate when the float is floating on the water, or a location where the operator is unlikely to step on it when moving on the float.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of such circumstances and aims to provide a float with a higher degree of freedom in the location of the vent, which is used to suppress the deformation of the float body caused by the expansion or contraction of the internal gas due to changes in ambient temperature.

[0009] (Second viewpoint) In solar energy systems, for example, due to various reasons such as large installation area, difficulty for operators to enter and exit, or a large number of solar panels, there may be a problem that the burden of maintenance work is easily increased.

[0010] This invention was made in view of the following circumstances, and aims to provide a method for maintaining a solar energy system that allows for easy maintenance and inspection of the system. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0011] (First Viewpoint) According to the present invention, a float plate is provided, comprising a float plate body having a hollow interior. A through hole is provided on the surface of the float plate body, the through hole protruding to the outside of the float plate, or at least a portion of a venting member is inserted into the through hole. When the through hole protrudes to the outside of the float plate, the hollow interior communicates with the atmosphere outside the float plate through the through hole. When at least a portion of the venting member is inserted into the through hole, the hollow interior communicates with the atmosphere through the venting member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] (First Viewpoint) The float of the present invention is configured such that a through hole is provided on the surface of the float body, and the hollow portion of the float body is connected to the atmosphere outside the float through the through hole or at least a portion of a venting member inserted into the through hole. In this configuration, it is not necessary to provide a protrusion to form a vent, so a vent can be provided on the inclined surface of the float body where it is difficult to form a protrusion, or on a side with a small area, which can improve the freedom of the placement of the vent.

[0013] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention are illustrated. The embodiments shown below can be combined with each other. Preferably, when the aforementioned through hole is exposed to the outside of the aforementioned float plate, the opening surface of the opening portion of the aforementioned through hole, which opens to the aforementioned atmospheric side, is inclined relative to the horizontal plane. Preferably, with the aforementioned portion of the aforementioned ventilator inserted into the aforementioned through hole, the aforementioned ventilator has a first portion disposed relative to the aforementioned through hole on the aforementioned atmospheric side, and a second portion disposed relative to the aforementioned through hole on the aforementioned hollow portion side. A first opening portion opening to the aforementioned atmospheric side is formed in the first portion, and a second opening portion opening to the aforementioned hollow portion side is formed in the second portion. A connecting passage connecting the first opening portion and the second opening portion is formed inside the aforementioned ventilator. The second portion is preferably an externally threaded portion. Preferably, the second portion is formed as a protrusion protruding from the first portion, and the aforementioned protrusion has a tapered portion at its front end, the aforementioned tapered portion being a shape that gradually tapers towards the aforementioned front end. Preferably, the aforementioned connecting passage bends along its length. Preferably, the opening surface of the first opening is perpendicular to the horizontal plane or faces downward. Preferably, the first part of the aforementioned ventilator is formed as a flat plate extending along the surface of the aforementioned float body when the aforementioned ventilator is inserted into the aforementioned through hole, and the first opening is formed on the side of the aforementioned flat plate. Preferably, the first part of the aforementioned ventilator includes a truncated cylindrical portion having an end face cut off with an inclined surface, and the first opening is formed on the aforementioned inclined surface. Preferably, the first part of the aforementioned ventilator further includes a flange portion formed extending from the outer surface of the aforementioned truncated cylindrical portion. The aforementioned ventilator is preferably made of rubber.

[0014] (Second viewpoint) According to the present invention, a maintenance method for a solar energy system is provided, wherein an information holding unit capable of non-contact close-range information reading is provided in the aforementioned solar energy system corresponding to each solar panel, and the aforementioned solar energy system is maintained and inspected by using a drone to perform the aforementioned non-contact close-range information reading on the aforementioned information holding unit.

[0015] (Second viewpoint) In this invention, the maintenance and inspection of solar energy systems can be easily carried out using drones.

[0016] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention are illustrated. The embodiments shown below can be combined with each other. Preferably, the aforementioned solar energy system is installed on water. Preferably, the position information of each solar panel is obtained based on the information read by the aforementioned drone from the aforementioned information holding unit. Preferably, the aforementioned drone is equipped with a camera, and the aforementioned solar panels are inspected based on the data captured by the aforementioned camera. Preferably, the location of abnormal solar panels is written on a power plant map that specifies the locations of the aforementioned solar panels based on the information read from the aforementioned information holding unit. Preferably, the aforementioned maintenance method includes a moving step and an inspection step. In the moving step, the aforementioned drone moves sequentially on each of the aforementioned solar panels along a predetermined path. In the inspection step, when a solar panel photographed by the aforementioned drone in the moving step is not detected as an abnormal solar panel, the aforementioned drone does not read the aforementioned information holding unit corresponding to that solar panel. When a solar panel photographed by the aforementioned drone in the moving step is detected as an abnormal solar panel, the aforementioned drone approaches the aforementioned information holding unit corresponding to that solar panel and reads it, thereby determining the location of the abnormal solar panel.

Implementation Method

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The features shown in the embodiments below can be combined with each other. Furthermore, the invention can be established independently for each feature.

[0019] (First Viewpoint) 1. Overall Structure of the Floating Board As shown in Figure 1, the floating board 10 of this embodiment floats on water such as ponds, lakes, rivers, and oceans. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a rectangular solar panel 50 is installed on its upper surface, or the floating board 10 itself can be used as a scaffold for the installation and maintenance of the solar panel. Furthermore, the floating board 10 of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned uses, and can also be used for barges, floating bridges, aquaculture rafts, etc.

[0020] In the following description, the vertical, front-back, and left-right directions of the float 10 are defined as shown in FIG1. ​​That is, the vertical direction when the float 10 floats on the water is defined as the vertical direction of the float 10. Also, as shown in FIG2 and FIG3, when the solar panel 50 is tilted and placed on the float 10, the upper front edge 51 side, which is one of the two long sides of the solar panel 50, is defined as the front of the float 10, and the lower rear edge 52 side, which is the other of the two long sides, is defined as the rear of the float 10. In addition, the left side when viewing the float 10 from the rear is defined as the left direction of the float 10, and the right side is defined as the right direction of the float 10.

[0021] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the float 10 of this embodiment supports the solar panel 50 by raising the front edge 51 side and tilting it relative to the horizontal plane. As shown in Figures 1, 4, and 5, the float 10 is generally rectangular in shape, and is manufactured, for example, by blow molding, which uses multiple dividing molds to clamp a molten cylindrical preform and expand it. As the molding material, various synthetic resins can be used, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and other polyolefin resins. In addition, the manufacturing method of the float 10 is not limited to the blow molding described above. Instead of the cylindrical preform, two molten sheets can be arranged between a pair of dividing molds, and the sealed space between the sheets and the dividing molds can be sucked to manufacture a float 10 with a hollow portion between the sheets. In the case of such a molding method, in order to improve the rigidity of the float 10, a core material such as foam material can be inserted between the sheets.

[0022] The float 10 includes a float body 20 having a hollow portion 27 for containing gas (air, etc.). The outer surface of the float body 20 is composed of a side wall portion 15 including a parting line PL, a surface wall 16 located on the upper side of the float 10, and a back wall 17 located on the lower side of the float 10.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the floating plate body 20 is provided with: a support portion 11, which supports one of the two long sides of the solar panel 50 and is located at the front edge 51; and a receiving portion 12, which receives the other of the two long sides and is located at the rear edge 52. An aluminum pedestal (not shown) is provided at the front edge 51. With the pedestal supported on the support portion 11, the front edge 51 of the solar panel 50 is fixed to the floating plate 10 by a fastener 13. Similarly, an aluminum pedestal (not shown) is provided at the rear edge 52. With the rear edge 52 of the solar panel 50 supported by the receiving portion 12, the rear edge 52 of the solar panel 50 is fixed to the floating plate 10 by a fastener 14.

[0024] 2. Support Part 11 As shown in Figures 1, 4, and 5, the support part 11 is integrally formed by a portion of the surface wall 16 and a portion of the back wall 17. Of the four edges 21, 22, 23, and 24 constituting the outer edge of the support part 11, edges 21, 22, and 23, except for the front edge 24, are truncated, as shown in Figure 6. The support part 11 can stand upright around the edge 24 that is not truncated, forming an opening 26. In the upright state, the support part 11 abuts against the wall surface 25a in front of the opening 26.

[0025] 3. Annular float plate portion 30 As shown in FIG6, the float plate body 20 includes an annular float plate portion 30 (the diagonal portion in FIG6) formed around the opening 26. A hollow portion 27 is formed inside the annular float plate portion 30. Buoyancy is generated by the presence of the hollow portion 27 containing gas, which allows the float plate 10 to float.

[0026] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, a recess 40 is provided on the back wall 17 side of the annular floating plate portion 30, at a position further rearward than the support portion 11. The recess 40 is formed by shaping the back wall 17 in a way that it is recessed toward the surface wall 16.

[0027] The recess 40 includes depressions 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45. Depressions 41, 42, and 43 are formed into frustoconical shapes that gradually taper towards the surface wall 16. Depressions 41 and 42 are located at opposite ends of the recess 40 in the left-right direction, and depression 43 is located in the center of depressions 41 and 42. Depressions 44 and 45 are formed to widen towards the surface wall 16. Depression 44 is located between depressions 41 and 43, and depression 45 is located between depressions 42 and 43. On the bottom surface of depressions 41, 42, and 43 on the surface wall 16 side, the surface wall 16 and the back wall 17 are integrally formed by welding. On the other hand, on the bottom surface of depressions 44 and 45 on the surface wall 16 side, the surface wall 16 and the back wall 17 are not integrally formed.

[0028] By providing such a recess 40, the peripheral wall of the recess 40 functions as a rib to strengthen rigidity, thereby increasing the rigidity of the float 10 and making it less prone to deflection. Furthermore, by forming the recess 40, the volume of the hollow portion of the annular float portion 30 is reduced, and the amount of gas contained in the hollow portion 27 is also reduced, thus reducing the gas expansion and contraction forces that cause deformation of the float 10. Since the amount of gas contained in the hollow portion 27 is reduced, the buoyancy of the float 10 is also reduced. However, the recess 40, which opens on the back wall 17 side, contains air and generates buoyancy when the float 10 is positioned on the water surface, thus suppressing the reduction in buoyancy. Also, on the bottom surface of the recesses 44 and 45 on the side of the surface wall 16, the surface wall 16 and the back wall 17 are not integrated, and a flow path for gas circulation is ensured between the surface wall 16 and the back wall 17, thereby ensuring good formability during blow molding.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, an inclined portion 18 is provided on the surface wall 16 side of the annular floating plate portion 30, at a position further rearward than the opening 26. The inclined portion 18 is formed inclined toward the rearward back wall 17, making it easy to install the solar panel 50 at a predetermined slope.

[0030] Furthermore, on the surface wall 16, a first groove 35a, a second groove 35b, and a third groove 35c are sequentially formed in the left-right direction, extending from the inclined portion 18 to the opening 26. By providing the first groove 35a, the second groove 35b, and the third groove 35c, an uneven structure is formed on the surface wall 16. This uneven structure functions as reinforcing ribs to strengthen the rigidity of the surface wall 16, thereby suppressing the deformation of the float plate 10. The first groove 35a, the second groove 35b, and the third groove 35c are also located above the recess 40 provided on the back wall 17 side. Therefore, by integrating the bottom portion of the back wall 17 of the recess 40 with the rigidly strengthened surface wall 16, the rigidity is further improved, and the deformation of the float plate 10 is suppressed.

[0031] Furthermore, the front ends of the first groove 35a, the second groove 35b, and the third groove 35c are formed continuously in such a way that there is no difference in height with the surface of the inclined portion 18. With this configuration, water accumulation in the first groove 35a, the second groove 35b, and the third groove 35c can be suppressed.

[0032] 4. The floats 10 can be connected to each other by means of a passage joint (not shown) as a separate component, so as to form a float assembly.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, a pair of engaging protrusions 31 are provided at the front end 10a of the float plate 10, and a pair of bolt holes 32 are provided at the front end 10a and the rear end 10b of the float plate 10, respectively. The passage joint has engaging recesses (not shown) that can engage with the engaging protrusions 31, and bolt holes (not shown) corresponding to the bolt holes 32.

[0034] When the float plates 10 are connected to each other in the front-rear direction, the engaging protrusion 31 of one float plate 10 engages with the engaging protrusions of two passage joints disposed on the left and right sides of the float plate 10, respectively. Furthermore, the bolt holes 32 at the front end 10a of one float plate 10, the bolt holes 32 at the rear end 10b of the other float plate 10, and the bolt holes of the passage joints are connected by connecting bolts (not shown). Also, when the float plates 10 are connected to each other in the left-right direction, the aforementioned two passage joints engage with the engaging protrusions 31 of the other float plates 10 disposed on the left and right sides of the float plate 10.

[0035] 5. The solar panel 50 is set as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The front edge 51 side of the solar panel 50 is fixed to the support part 11 by the fastener 13, and the rear edge 52 side is fixed by the fastener 14 in the state of receiving the support part 12.

[0036] The fastener 13 is an L-shaped member installed on the upper end of the erected support 11, and includes a clamping part 13a and a fixing part 13b. The fixing part 13b is fixed to the forward-facing surface 11a when the support 11 is erected. The clamping part 13a is configured to extend from the upper end of the fixing part 13b in a direction substantially orthogonal to the fixing part 13b, and the solar panel 50 is clamped between the clamping part 13a and the support 11. The fastener 13 is fixed to the surface 11a of the support 11 by four screws 13c arranged in the left-right direction.

[0037] The screw holes (not shown) provided in the fixing member 13 corresponding to the two screws 13c in the left-right direction and near the center are formed into elongated holes extending in the vertical direction. In this way, when the fixing member 13 is temporarily fixed to the support part 11 by using the two screws 13c near the center, the fixing member 13 can slide relative to the support part 11 to change the distance between the clamping part 13a and the support part 11.

[0038] When fixing the front edge 51 side, firstly, with the fixing member 13 temporarily fixed to the support 11 using the two screws 13c near the center, the solar panel 50 is inserted into the gap between the clamping part 13a and the support 11. Then, with the front edge 51 side of the solar panel 50 clamped between the support 11 and the clamping part 13a, the two screws 13c are finally tightened. Afterwards, the fixing member 13 is fixed to the support 11 using the two screws 13c on the outer side.

[0039] The fastener 14 is fixed with screws at the mounting portions 19 located near both ends of the floating plate 10 in the left-right direction, by clamping the rear edge portion 52 from the upper and lower sides of the solar panel 50. The receiving portion 12 provided in the floating plate body 20 is formed as a vertical wall portion that rises upward from the end of the inclined portion 18. When fixing the rear edge portion 52 side, the rear edge portion 52 side is arranged along the receiving portion 12 and fixed at the mounting portions 19 located near both ends of the floating plate 10 in the left-right direction by clamping the rear edge portion 52 side from the top and bottom using the fastener 14.

[0040] 6. Ventilation Through Hole 60 As shown in Figures 1 and 8, the surface of the float body 20 is provided with a ventilation through hole 60 that connects the internal hollow portion 27 with the external atmosphere of the float 10. The ventilation through hole 60 is exposed to the outside of the float 10; in other words, the opening of the ventilation through hole 60, which opens to the external atmosphere, is not covered by other components. When the gas contained in the hollow portion 27 expands or contracts with the temperature change of the external environment, the ventilation through hole 60 allows gas to flow out of the hollow portion 27 to the external atmosphere and gas to flow into the hollow portion 27 from the external atmosphere. In other words, the float 10 is allowed to "breathe" in response to the expansion or contraction of the internal gas.

[0041] The inner diameter of such a venting through hole 60 is, for example, 0.3 to 5 mm, preferably 0.5 to 3 mm, specifically, for example, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 3 mm, or any two of the values ​​exemplified here. If the inner diameter is within this range, the outflow of gas from the hollow part 27 and the inflow of gas into the hollow part 27 can proceed smoothly in response to the expansion or contraction of the internal gas, thus suppressing the deformation of the float plate 10, and also preventing a large amount of water from flowing into the hollow part 27 from the venting through hole 60.

[0042] The location of the ventilation through hole 60 is not particularly limited, as long as it is formed in a way that allows the hollow portion 27 to communicate with the atmosphere outside the float plate 10. The ventilation through hole 60 can be formed at any position on the surface of the float plate body 20. In this embodiment, the ventilation through hole 60 is formed on the wall surface 25b on the left side of the opening portion 26. The wall surface on the left side of the opening portion 26 is inclined relative to the horizontal plane, so the opening surface of the ventilation through hole 60 formed on this wall surface, which opens to the external atmosphere, is also inclined relative to the horizontal plane. In this way, by forming the ventilation through hole 60 in a way that the opening surface of the opening portion on the external atmosphere side is inclined relative to the horizontal plane, water (e.g., rainwater, seawater, lake water) can be prevented from entering through the ventilation through hole 60. Furthermore, due to the presence of the wall surface of the opening portion 26, water splashes are less likely to occur from the pond, lake, or ocean where the float plate 10 is installed. Furthermore, since the operator is unlikely to step into the wall 25b on the left side of the opening 26 while moving on the float 10, there is no risk of the ventilation through hole 60 being damaged by the operator stepping on it.

[0043] Generally, in order to prevent water from entering through the vent holes of a float plate, a microporous membrane that is difficult for liquid water to pass through but allows gas to pass through is sometimes used to cover the vent holes. Microporous membranes are usually expensive, so the cost is high, especially when using a large number of float plates. In this embodiment, the formation position of the vent hole 60 is highly flexible, and it can be formed in a location where water is not easy to enter. Therefore, it is not necessary to cover the vent hole 60 with a microporous membrane to prevent water from entering.

[0044] 7. As shown in Figures 8, 11, 14, and 17, the surface of the float body 20 in this embodiment is provided with ventilation through holes 60, as well as a first through hole 61, a second through hole 62, and a third through hole 63. At least a portion of a first ventilation component 70, a second ventilation component 80, and a third ventilation component 90 are inserted into the first through hole 61, the second through hole 62, and the third through hole 63, respectively. Furthermore, Figures 11, 14, and 17 are partial cross-sectional views of the float 10 on a plane parallel to plane Z shown in Figure 8 (plane Z is a plane parallel to the left-right direction of the float 10 and perpendicular to the front-back direction) and passing through the central axis of the first ventilation component 70, the second ventilation component 80, and the third ventilation component 90. The first and third through holes are also provided on the wall surface 25b on the left side of the opening 26, similar to the ventilation through holes 60. The second through hole is located on the bottom surface near the front end of the first groove 35a on the left side of the first groove 35a, the second groove 35b, and the third groove 35c.

[0045] The hollow section 27 is connected to the atmosphere outside the float 10 via the first to third ventilation members. Therefore, when the gas contained in the hollow section 27 expands or contracts with the temperature change of the external environment, the gas can flow out of the hollow section 27 to the outside atmosphere and flow into the hollow section 27 from the outside atmosphere via the first ventilation member 70, the second ventilation member 80 and the third ventilation member 90.

[0046] In addition, in order to enable the float 10 to breathe, at least one of the ventilation through hole 60, the first ventilation member 70, the second ventilation member 80 and the third ventilation member 90 can be provided on the float body 20.

[0047] 7.1. First Ventilation Member 70 As shown in Figures 8 to 11, the first ventilation member 70 is configured such that its hollow portion 27 communicates with the external atmosphere by inserting a portion of it into the first through hole 61, allowing the float 10 to breathe. The first ventilation member 70 includes a head 71 (an example of the first part) and an external threaded portion 72 (an example of the second part). With the external threaded portion 72 of the first ventilation member 70 in Figure 11 inserted into the first through hole, the head 71 is positioned relative to the first through hole 61 on the external atmosphere side while abutting against the surface wall 16, and the external threaded portion 72 is positioned relative to the first through hole 61 on the hollow portion 27 side.

[0048] A head-side opening 71b (an example of the first opening) is formed on the end face 71a of the head 71 (the upper surface of the head 71 in FIG. 9A), which opens to the atmosphere outside the float 10 when the external threaded portion 72 is inserted into the first through hole 61. An external threaded side opening 72b (an example of the second opening) is formed on the end face 72a of the external threaded portion 72 (the lower surface of the external threaded portion 72 in FIG. 9B), which opens to the hollow portion 27 when the external threaded portion 72 is inserted into the first through hole 61. Furthermore, a first communication passage 73 connecting the external threaded side opening 72b and the head-side opening 71b is formed inside the first venting member 70. The hollow portion 27 communicates with the atmosphere outside the float 10 via the first communication passage 73.

[0049] The inner diameter of the head-side opening 71b, the external thread side opening 72b, and the first connecting passage 73 is, for example, 0.3 to 5 mm, preferably 0.5 to 3 mm, specifically, for example, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 3 mm, or may be within any two of the values ​​exemplified here. If the inner diameter is within this range, the outflow of gas from the hollow portion 27 and the inflow of gas into the hollow portion 27 can proceed smoothly in response to the expansion or contraction of the internal gas, which can suppress the deformation of the float 10, and also prevent a large amount of water from flowing into the hollow portion 27 from the head-side opening 71b.

[0050] The head 71 has a hexagonal prism shape that extends radially outward beyond the external thread portion 72, and is configured to abut against the outer surface of the surface wall 16 when inserted into the first through hole 61. This prevents the first vent member 70 from being completely buried inside the first through hole 61. Furthermore, the shape of the head 71 is not limited to a hexagonal prism; it can also be other shapes such as a cylinder or a square prism.

[0051] The external thread portion 72 is configured to have an external thread structure so that it can be inserted into the bottom hole on the surface of the float body 20 as described later. In addition, if the float 10 is only meant to breathe, this external thread structure is not necessary, and other structures such as making the outer surface of the external thread portion 72 smooth are also acceptable.

[0052] The material of the first ventilation member 70 is not particularly limited. However, in order to insert the external threaded part 72 into the bottom hole on the surface of the float body 20 as described later, a material with high rigidity is preferable. In this case, the first ventilation member 70 is preferably made of metal, and stainless steel is an ideal material for example.

[0053] When the first venting member 70 is installed on the float 10, firstly, a bottom hole with an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the external threaded portion 72 is formed on the surface of the float body 20. Furthermore, by inserting the external threaded portion 72 into the bottom hole while screwing it in, the bottom hole enlarges, forming a first through hole 61 with an inner diameter approximately the same as the outer diameter of the external threaded portion 72. The external threaded portion 72 is screwed in until its head 71 abuts against the outer surface (the surface facing the external atmosphere) of the surface wall 16, thus completing the installation of the first venting member 70. In this way, by inserting the external threaded portion 72 into the bottom hole while screwing it in, a first through hole 61 with an inner diameter approximately the same as the outer diameter of the external threaded portion 72 can be easily formed, reducing the gap between the outer surface of the external threaded portion 72 and the inner surface of the first through hole 61, thereby inhibiting water intrusion through this gap.

[0054] The location of the first ventilation member 70 is not particularly limited as long as it allows the hollow portion 27 to communicate with the atmosphere outside the float 10, and it can be located at any position on the surface of the float body 20. In this embodiment, the first through hole 61 into which the first ventilation member 70 is inserted is formed on the wall surface 25b on the left side of the opening 26. As mentioned above, since the wall surface 25b on the left side of the opening 26 is inclined relative to the horizontal plane, the opening surface of the head-side opening 71b is also inclined relative to the horizontal plane when the first through hole 61 is provided. This can suppress water from entering from the head-side opening 71b. Furthermore, if it is located on the upper part of the wall surface 25b on the left side of the inclined opening 26, there will be no interference with the first ventilation member 70 when the support portion 11 is erected. Also, due to the presence of the wall surface of the opening 26, water is less likely to splash from the pond, lake, or ocean where the float 10 is located. Furthermore, since the operator is unlikely to step on the wall 25b on the left side of the opening 26 while moving on the float 10, there is no risk of the first ventilation component 70 being damaged by the operator stepping on it.

[0055] Furthermore, the first ventilation member 70 of this embodiment has a high degree of freedom in its installation position, and can be formed in a part that is not easily penetrated by water. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a microporous membrane to cover the head-side opening 71b exposed to the outside atmosphere to suppress water intrusion.

[0056] 7.2. Second Ventilation Member 80 As shown in Figures 8 and 12A to 14, the second ventilation member 80 is configured such that its hollow portion 27 communicates with the external atmosphere by inserting a portion of it into the second through hole 62, allowing the float 10 to breathe. The second ventilation member 80 includes a flat plate portion 81 (an example of the first part) and a protrusion 82 (an example of the second part) formed to protrude from the lower surface 81d of the flat plate portion 81. The protrusion 82 further includes a tapered portion 85 provided on the front end side of the protrusion 82 and gradually tapering towards the front end, and a cylindrical portion 84 in the shape of a cylinder provided between the tapered portion 85 and the flat plate portion 81. With the protrusion 82 of the second ventilation member 80 in Figure 14 inserted into the second through hole 62, the flat plate portion 81 is positioned relative to the second through hole 62 on the external atmosphere side, extending along the surface of the float body 20 and abutting against the surface wall 16. The protrusion 82 is positioned relative to the second through hole 62 on the hollow portion 27 side.

[0057] A flat plate side opening 81c (an example of the first opening) is formed on the side of the flat plate portion 81. In this embodiment, flat plate side openings 81c are formed on a pair of opposite side surfaces 81a and 81b of the flat plate portion 81. The position of the flat plate side openings 81c on the side surfaces 81a and 81b is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, they are formed approximately at the center of the side surfaces 81a and 81b. With the protrusion 82 inserted into the first through hole, these two flat plate side openings 81c open to the atmosphere outside the float plate 10. Furthermore, on the end face 82a of the protrusion 82 (the lower surface of the tapered portion 85 in FIG. 12B), a protrusion side opening 82b (an example of the second opening) is formed, which opens to the hollow portion 27 side when the protrusion 82 is inserted into the second through hole 62. The interior of the second ventilation member 80 has a second connecting passage 83 that connects the two flat plate side openings 81c and the protruding side openings 82b. The hollow part 27 communicates with the atmosphere outside the float 10 via the second connecting passage 83.

[0058] With the second vent member 80 installed, the flat plate portion 81 extends along the surface of the float body 20 and abuts against the outer surface of the surface wall 16. This prevents the second vent member 80 from being completely buried inside the second through hole 62. Furthermore, the tapered portion 85 has a shape where the outer diameter on the cylindrical portion 84 side is larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 84 and gradually tapers towards the front end. With the second vent member 80 installed, the tapered portion 85 is entirely contained within the hollow portion 27. With this configuration, the second vent member 80 can be easily inserted into the second through hole 62. On the other hand, even when the second vent member 80 moves in the direction of being pulled out of the second through hole 62, the tapered portion 85 will abut against the inner surface of the surface wall 16 (the surface on the side of the hollow portion 27), so the second vent member 80 is not easily pulled out.

[0059] The material of the second vent member 80 is not particularly limited. In order to insert the protrusion 82 with the tapered portion 85 into the second through hole 62 as described later, a flexible material is preferable. Furthermore, by constructing the second vent member 80 with a flexible material, the airtightness of the portion where the outer surface of the second vent member 80 contacts the inner surface of the second through hole 62 can be improved. In this case, the second vent member 80 is preferably made of rubber, and ethylene propylene diene rubber is an ideal material for example.

[0060] When the second ventilation member 80 is installed on the float 10, firstly, a second through hole 62 with an inner diameter approximately the same as the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 84 is formed on the surface of the float body 20. Then, the protrusion 82 is pushed into the second through hole 62 and inserted. Although the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 84 side of the conical portion 85 is larger than the inner diameter of the second through hole 62, by using an elastic material to construct the second ventilation member 80, the conical portion 85 can be pushed into the second through hole 62 and inserted while deforming. The conical portion 85 extends beyond the inner surface of the surface wall 16 and into the hollow portion 27. The protrusion 82 is pushed until the flat plate portion 81 abuts against the outer surface of the surface wall 16, and the installation of the second ventilation member 80 is completed.

[0061] The location of the second ventilation member 80 is not particularly limited as long as it allows the hollow portion 27 to communicate with the atmosphere outside the float plate 10, and it can be located at any position on the surface of the float plate body 20. In this embodiment, the second through hole 62 into which the second ventilation member 80 is inserted is formed on the bottom surface near the front end of the first groove 35a. A recess 41 exists below the first groove 35a, and the surface wall 16 and the back wall 17 are integrated by welding on the bottom surface of the recess 41, but the surface wall 16 and the back wall 17 are not welded near the front end of the first groove 35a. Therefore, by providing the second ventilation member 80 near the front end of the first groove, the hollow portion 27 can communicate with the atmosphere outside the float plate 10.

[0062] By providing a second ventilation member 80 on a horizontal surface of the surface of the float body 20, such as the bottom surface of the first groove 35a, the opening surface of the flat plate side opening 81c provided on the sides 81a and 81b of the flat plate 81 is perpendicular to the horizontal surface, thus preventing water from entering through the flat plate side opening 81c. Furthermore, when provided on a horizontal surface, the lowest point in the vertical direction of the flat plate side opening 81c provided on the side of the flat plate 81 is higher than the horizontal surface by a thickness t2 below the flat plate side opening 81c (see Figure 13). For example, as shown in Figure 14, when the second ventilation member 80 is provided on the first groove 35a, the lowest point in the vertical direction of the flat plate side opening 81c is higher than the bottom surface of the first groove 35a by a thickness t2. Therefore, even if a small amount of water accumulates on the horizontal surface where the second ventilation member 80 is installed (the bottom surface of the first groove 35a in this embodiment), water is not easily seeped in from the side opening 81c of the flat plate.

[0063] Furthermore, since the first groove 35a is designed to prevent water accumulation, the intrusion of water from the flat plate side opening 81c is further suppressed when the second ventilation member 80 is installed in the first groove 35a. Moreover, since the operator is unlikely to step into the first groove 35a while moving on the float 10, there is no risk of the second ventilation member 80 being damaged by the operator stepping on it.

[0064] When the second ventilation member 80 is disposed on the bottom surface of the first groove 35a, as shown in FIG14, it is preferable that the thickness t1 of the flat plate portion 81 (refer to FIG13) is smaller than the depth d of the first groove 35a. With such a structure, due to the presence of the wall surface of the first groove 35a, water is less likely to splash from ponds, lakes, and oceans where the float plate 10 is disposed onto the second ventilation member 80.

[0065] The second connecting passage 83 bends approximately vertically along its length, specifically near the junction of the cylindrical portion 84 and the flat portion 81. Therefore, when the second venting member 80 is positioned on a horizontal plane as described above, even if a small amount of water intrudes from the opening 81c on the flat portion side, it will remain on the flat portion 81 side of the second connecting passage 83, and thus will not easily reach the hollow portion 27.

[0066] Furthermore, the second ventilation member 80 of this embodiment has a high degree of freedom in its installation position, and can be formed in a part that is not easily penetrated by water. As described above, it is a structure that is not easily penetrated by water, so there is no need to use a microporous membrane to cover the flat plate side opening 81c exposed to the outside atmosphere, and water intrusion can be suppressed.

[0067] The inner diameter of the flat plate side opening 81c, the protruding part side opening 82b, and the second connecting passage 83 is, for example, 0.3 to 10 mm, preferably 0.5 to 5 mm, specifically, for example, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5 mm, or any two of the values ​​exemplified here. If the inner diameter is within this range, the gas flow from the hollow part 27 and the gas flow into the hollow part 27 will proceed smoothly in response to the expansion or contraction of the internal gas, suppressing the deformation of the float 10, and preventing a large amount of water from flowing into the hollow part 27 from the flat plate side opening 81c. Since the second venting member 80 has a structure that prevents water from easily penetrating, the inner diameter of the flat plate side opening 81c, the protruding part side opening 82b, and the second connecting passage 83 can be set to a larger value.

[0068] 7.3. Third Ventilation Member 90 As shown in Figures 8 and 15A to 17, the third ventilation member 90 is configured such that the hollow portion 27 communicates with the external atmosphere by inserting a portion of it into the third through hole 63, allowing the float 10 to breathe. The third ventilation member 90 includes a truncated cylindrical portion 91 having an end face 91a cut off by an inclined surface 91b, a flange portion 92 formed in a manner extending from the outer surface of the truncated cylindrical portion 91 (the portion formed by the combination of the truncated cylindrical portion 91 and the flange portion 92 is an example of the first part), and a protrusion 94 formed in a manner protruding from the flange portion 92 (an example of the second part). The protrusion 94 of the third venting member 90 is constructed in the same manner as the protrusion 82 of the second venting member 80, and further includes a tapered portion 96 provided on the front end side of the protrusion 94 and gradually tapering towards the front end, and a cylindrical portion 95 provided between the tapered portion 96 and the flange portion 92. With the protrusion 94 of the third venting member 90 in FIG17 inserted into the third through hole 63, the cylindrical portion 91 and the flange portion 92 are cut off. With the flange portion 92 extending along the surface of the float body 20 and abutting against the surface wall 16, the protrusion 94 is disposed on the external atmosphere side relative to the third through hole 63, and the protrusion 94 is disposed on the hollow portion 27 side relative to the third through hole 63.

[0069] As shown in FIG16B, the inclined surface 91b of the truncated cylindrical portion 91 is inclined at an angle θ1 relative to the end face 91a. A truncated cylindrical portion side opening 91c (an example of the first opening) is formed on the inclined surface 91b, which opens to the atmosphere outside the float plate 10 when the protrusion 94 is inserted into the third through hole 63. Also, a protrusion portion side opening 94b (an example of the second opening) is formed on the end face 94a of the protrusion 94 (the lower surface of the conical portion 96 in FIG15B), which opens to the hollow portion 27 when the protrusion 94 is inserted into the third through hole 63. A third connecting passage 93 is formed inside the third ventilation member 90, connecting the protrusion portion side opening 94b and the truncated cylindrical portion side opening 91c. The hollow portion 27 communicates with the atmosphere outside the float plate 10 via the third connecting passage 93.

[0070] The flange portion 92 extends along the surface of the float body 20 and abuts against the outer surface of the surface wall 16 when the third vent member 90 is provided. This prevents the third vent member 90 from being completely buried inside the third through hole 63. Furthermore, the tapered portion 96 has an outer diameter on the cylindrical portion 95 side that is larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 95 and gradually tapers towards the front end. When the third vent member 90 is provided, the tapered portion 96 is entirely contained within the hollow portion 27. With this configuration, it is easy to insert the third vent member 90 into the third through hole 63. On the other hand, even when the third vent member 90 moves in the direction of being pulled out of the third through hole 63, the tapered portion 96 abuts against the inner surface of the surface wall 16, so the third vent member 90 is not easily pulled out.

[0071] The material of the third vent member 90 is not particularly limited. In order to insert the protrusion 94 with the tapered portion 96 into the third through hole 63 as described later, a flexible material is preferable. Furthermore, by constructing the third vent member 90 with a flexible material, the airtightness of the portion where the outer surface of the third vent member 90 contacts the inner surface of the third through hole 63 can be improved. In this case, the third vent member 90 is preferably made of rubber, and ethylene propylene diene rubber is an ideal material for example.

[0072] When the third ventilation member 90 is installed on the float 10, firstly, a third through hole 63 with an inner diameter approximately the same as the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 95 is formed on the surface of the float body 20. Then, the protrusion 94 is pushed into the third through hole 63 and inserted. Although the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 95 side of the conical portion 96 is larger than the inner diameter of the third through hole 63, by using an elastic material to construct the third ventilation member 90, the conical portion 96 can be pushed into the third through hole 63 and inserted while deforming. The conical portion 96 extends beyond the inner surface of the surface wall 16 and into the hollow portion 27. The protrusion 94 is pushed until the flange portion 92 abuts against the outer surface of the surface wall 16, and the installation of the third ventilation member 90 is completed.

[0073] The location of the third ventilation member 90 is not particularly limited, as long as it allows the hollow portion 27 to communicate with the atmosphere outside the float 10, and it can be located at any position on the surface of the float body 20. In this embodiment, the third through hole 63 for inserting the third ventilation member 90 is formed on the wall surface 25b on the left side of the opening 26. If it is located on the upper part of the wall surface 25b on the left side of the inclined opening 26, there will be no interference with the third ventilation member 90 when the support portion 11 is erected. Furthermore, due to the presence of the wall surface of the opening 26, water is less likely to splash from the pond, lake, or ocean where the float 10 is located. Also, since the possibility of an operator stepping into the wall surface on the left side of the opening 26 when moving on the float 10 is low, there is no risk of the third ventilation member 90 being damaged by the operator stepping on it.

[0074] The third venting member 90, as shown in FIG17, is configured such that the opening surface of the truncated cylindrical portion side opening 91c formed on the inclined surface 91b of the truncated cylindrical portion 91 faces downward. Specifically, as shown in FIG17, the third venting member 90 is configured such that, when it is provided on the surface of the float body 20, the angle θ3 between the opening surface of the truncated cylindrical portion side opening 91c and the horizontal plane does not reach 90°. The angle θ3 is preferably not more than 70°. This prevents water from entering through the truncated cylindrical portion side opening 91c.

[0075] To form such a structure, the angle θ1 between the inclined surface 91b and the end face 91a can be appropriately set according to the inclination angle of the surface (wall 25b in this embodiment) of the float body 20 on which the third ventilation member 90 is provided. The angle θ1 between the inclined surface 91b and the end face 91a is, for example, 5° to 70°, preferably 20° to 50°, specifically, for example, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50°, or it can be within any two of the values ​​exemplified here.

[0076] As shown in FIG16B, the third connecting passage 93 bends midway, specifically near the junction of the cut-off cylindrical portion 91 and the flange portion 92. If the portion of the third connecting passage 93 with the more curved midway point closer to the cut-off cylindrical portion side opening 91c is designated as the atmospheric connecting passage 93a, and the portion closer to the protrusion side opening 94b is designated as the hollow portion connecting passage 93b, then as shown in FIG17, with the protrusion 94 inserted into the third through hole 63, the atmospheric connecting passage 93a extends downwards. With this configuration, even if a small amount of water enters the atmospheric connecting passage 93a from the cut-off cylindrical portion side opening 91c, it is less likely to reach the hollow portion 27.

[0077] Furthermore, as shown in FIG16B, the opening surface of the truncated cylindrical section side opening 91c in this embodiment is configured to detach from the extended portion of the hollow section side connecting passage 93b. This further suppresses water from entering the atmospheric side connecting passage 93a from the truncated cylindrical section side opening 91c and reaching the hollow section 27. To achieve this configuration, the bending angle θ2 of the atmospheric side connecting passage 93a relative to the hollow section side connecting passage 93b can be appropriately set. Alternatively, the above structure can be achieved by setting the length of the truncated cylindrical section 91 to be sufficiently long.

[0078] The bending angle θ2 of the atmospheric side connecting passage 93a relative to the hollow part side connecting passage 93b is, for example, 3° to 60°, preferably 10° to 40°, specifically, for example, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, or 40°, or may be within any two of the values ​​exemplified here. Furthermore, the bending location of the third connecting passage 93 is not limited to the vicinity of the junction between the truncated cylindrical part 91 and the flange part 92, but may be any location along the third connecting passage 93.

[0079] The third ventilation member 90 of this embodiment has a high degree of freedom in its installation position. It can be formed in a part that is not easy for water to penetrate. As described above, it is a structure that is not easy for water to penetrate. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a microporous membrane to cover the side opening 91c of the cut-off cylindrical part exposed to the outside atmosphere to suppress water intrusion.

[0080] The inner diameter of the cut-off cylindrical side opening 91c, the protruding side opening 94b, and the third connecting passage 93 is, for example, 0.3 to 10 mm, preferably 0.5 to 5 mm, specifically, for example, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, or 5 mm, or any two of the values ​​exemplified here. If the inner diameter is within this range, the outflow of gas from the hollow portion 27 and the inflow of gas into the hollow portion 27 can proceed smoothly in response to the expansion or contraction of the internal gas, thus suppressing the deformation of the float 10, and preventing a large amount of water from flowing into the hollow portion 27 from the cut-off cylindrical side opening 91c. Since the third venting member 90 has a structure that prevents water from easily penetrating, the inner diameter of the cut-off cylindrical side opening 91c, the protruding side opening 94b, and the third connecting passage 93 can be set to a larger value.

[0081] (Second Viewpoint) <1. Structure of the Solar Energy System in the Embodiment> (1-1. Solar Floating Panel System) The solar energy system 101 illustrated in Figure 18 is an example of a solar floating panel system installed on water. The solar energy system 101 includes multiple floating panels 110 and solar panels 150 supported by each floating panel 110. Figure 18 illustrates 7 columns and 6 rows of solar panels 150, with each floating panel 110 supporting these solar panels 150, but this is only one example. In practice, any number (e.g., tens to hundreds, thousands to tens of thousands or more) of solar panels 150 and a corresponding number of floating panels 110 can be installed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as an example, floating panels 110 that do not support the solar energy system are provided around the outer periphery of the solar energy system 101.

[0082] In addition, Figure 18 also shows a drone 200. The composition of the drone 200 will be explained later.

[0083] Figure 19 illustrates an example of a floating plate 110. In general, the floating plate 110 is a resin floating plate for solar panels. The floating plate 110 can be used to place the solar panel 150 on water, such as a pond or lake. When the solar panel 150 is supported by the floating plate 110, the rectangular solar panel 150 is tilted from one long side to the other. The floating plate 110 has a hollow structure inside. Buoyancy is generated by injecting gas (air, etc.) into the hollow structure.

[0084] The perspective view in Figure 19 illustrates the configuration of a solar panel 150 mounted on a floating plate 110. Hereinafter, the "side on which the solar panel 150 is mounted" of the floating plate 110 will sometimes be referred to as the upper side, and the water surface side of the floating plate 110 will be referred to as the lower side. When indicating the up and down direction in relation to components such as the solar panel 150, the water surface side will sometimes be referred to as the lower side, and the side facing upwards will be referred to as the upper side.

[0085] Describing the detailed structure, the floating plate 110 illustrated in FIG19 includes a support portion 111, a receiving portion 112, a fixing member 113, and a fixing member 114, which can support the solar panel 150. A first end portion 110a is provided on the front side of the floating plate 110, and a second end portion 110b is provided on the opposite rear side (see FIG20). FIG19 shows the support portion 111 in an upright state. Furthermore, in the non-erect state, the support portion 111 is in a concealed state (fallen state) as shown in FIG20 later. The support portion 111 in FIG19 has a front-facing surface 111a. A finger insertion recess 191 is provided on the surface 111a. As an example, the fixing member 113 is made of metal and includes a clamping portion 113a, a fixing member 113b, and a screw 113c. In addition, the float plate 110 includes a locking protrusion 161, a connecting bolt 162, a bolt hole 162a, and a bolt hole 162b.

[0086] The solar panel 150 includes a glass portion 150a on its surface. An outer frame is provided to surround the glass portion 150a. The internal structure of the solar panel 150 is not limited. Figure 19 illustrates one end 151 on the front side and the other end 152 on the rear side of the outer frame of the solar panel 150.

[0087] FIG20 is a top view showing an example of the connection structure of the float 110. In the top view of FIG20, the float 110 is illustrated as an example in a state where the solar panel 150 is not supported. The passage connector 160 is shown as an example of the connection structure. The float 110 is not used alone, but multiple floats 110 are connected by the passage connector 160 to form a collection float section (solar system 101 of FIG18). In addition, FIG20 shows the surface wall 116 of the float 110, and the stop portions 190 are provided at both ends of the support portion 111.

[0088] The access connector 160 includes one end 160a, the other end 160b, and bolt holes 163. Multiple floats 110 arranged in the W direction of FIG20 are connected via the access connector 160 by connecting bolts 162 inserted into the bolt holes 162a, 162b, and 163. The access connector 160 serves as a scaffold (access route) for the operator during maintenance and other procedures.

[0089] (1-2. Information Retention Unit) In the embodiment, an information retention unit 220 is provided in the solar energy system 101, corresponding to each solar panel 150. Each information retention unit 220 stores inherent identification information (identification ID). The information retention unit 220 can be any object capable of non-contact short-range information reading. The "non-contact short-range reading technology" can be, for example, any "non-contact electronic information reading technology" or any "non-contact optical information reading technology". For example, when using electronic information reading technology, the information retention unit 220 can be an RFID tag or a short-range wireless communication circuit element. As a short-range wireless communication standard, Bluetooth (registered trademark) can also be used.

[0090] Alternatively, as another example, the information holding unit 220 can be any physical sensor with a wireless communication element. The physical sensor can also be configured to communicate with the drone 200 using a wireless communication element. The specific structure of the physical sensor is not limited. The physical sensor can read electrical information from the solar panel 150, detect the temperature of any part of the solar panel 150, or record temperature changes near the solar panel 150. When using optical information reading technology, the information holding unit 220 can be any identification digital tag, barcode with identification information, two-dimensional barcode, or other identification codes.

[0091] In one embodiment, the information holding part 220 is located at the center of the upper surface of the tethering plate 110 in the Z direction (see Figure 19) on the side of the first end 110a. This position is also directly below the center of one end 151 of the solar panel 150. This has the advantage of avoiding interference from the access connector 160 and making it easy for the drone 200 to access.

[0092] (1-3. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) The unmanned aerial vehicle 200 illustrated in Figure 18 flies above each of the solar panels 150. The unmanned aerial vehicle 200 includes a control unit 202. The control unit 202 includes a camera and a non-contact reading device. The basic structure of the unmanned aerial vehicle 200 can use various conventional structures, so its detailed description is omitted.

[0093] The camera in the control unit 202 can photograph the solar panel 150. The specific structure of the camera is not limited, but if an infrared camera (thermal imaging camera) is used, abnormal heating of the solar panel 150 can be detected using infrared detection. Alternatively, the camera in the control unit 202 can also be an optical camera, that is, a digital camera that captures still or moving images. This can also detect abnormalities such as glass breakage or glass deterioration on the surface of the solar panel 150.

[0094] The contactless reading device of the control unit 202 is used to perform contactless, short-range information reading from the information holding unit 220. The specific structure of the contactless reading device depends on the structure of the information holding unit 220. For example, if the information holding unit 220 is an RFID tag, an RFID reader is used; if the information holding unit 220 is a short-range wireless communication circuit element, a communication element of the same specification is used. For example, when reading the information holding unit 220 using optical information reading technology, a camera with image recognition function can be used, which can also be used as a camera to photograph the solar panel 150.

[0095] <2. Maintenance Method of Embodiment > In this embodiment, maintenance and inspection of the solar system 101 are performed by using a drone 200 to perform non-contact, short-range information reading of the information holding unit 220. For example, when the information holding unit 220 is an RFID tag, the drone 200 should approach the information holding unit 220 to a certain extent; for example, the drone 200 should approach the area G of the single-dot dashed circle in FIG19 as closely as possible.

[0096] As one example of maintenance methods, the drone 200 can also obtain the position information of each solar panel 150 based on the information read from the information holding unit 220. The number of floating panels 110 can also be obtained along with the position information. The acquired information can also be used to monitor whether the solar system 101 maintains a normal position and quantity. Furthermore, the position information obtained by the drone 200 can be correlated with position information provided by other satellite positioning systems such as GPS. In particular, since the solar system 101 generates electricity on water, the floating panels 110 may sometimes move due to waves or wind, or may be configured to follow the sun to improve power generation efficiency. When the autonomous drone 200 performs inspections, if the floating panels 110 move, the position of the solar panels 150 will also shift, thus becoming an obstacle to inspection. Therefore, by reading the information from the information holding unit 220, the drone 200 can identify the current position of the entire floating panel 110 and can appropriately correct the flight path of the drone 200 based on the current position information.

[0097] As one example of maintenance methods, the drone 200 can also inspect the solar panel 150 based on the data captured by the camera, thereby detecting abnormal solar panels. For example, abnormal solar panels can also be detected by using an infrared camera to detect abnormal temperatures (e.g., abnormal heating). Alternatively, an optical camera, i.e., a digital camera that captures still or moving images, can be used to detect abnormalities such as glass breakage or glass deterioration on the surface of the solar panel 150.

[0098] The UAV 200 can also perform the aforementioned location information detection and abnormal solar panel detection in parallel. This allows for the determination of the location information of abnormal solar panels during detection, improving the convenience of maintenance personnel.

[0099] As one example of a maintenance method, the maintenance method may also include a movement step and an inspection step. In the movement step, the drone 200 can move sequentially along a predetermined route on each solar panel 150. Furthermore, the drone 200 can be moved along the predetermined route manually, but is not limited to this; for example, it can be automatically controlled based on the drone 200's GPS sensor and a power plant map. In the inspection step, steps 1 and 2, as described below, may be selectively performed. In step 1, if the solar panel 150 photographed by the drone 200 during the movement step is not detected as an abnormal solar panel, the drone 200 does not perform non-contact close-range information reading on that solar panel 150. In step 2, if the solar panel 150 photographed by the drone 200 during the movement step is detected as an abnormal solar panel, the drone 200 approaches the information holding unit 220 corresponding to the abnormal solar panel and performs non-contact close-range information reading, thereby determining the location of the abnormal solar panel. This allows for the information storage unit 220 to be read from an abnormal solar panel. In the second step, the approach action of the drone 200 to the information storage unit 220 can be manually or automatically controlled.

[0100] As an example of maintenance method, when the information storage unit 220 includes a physical sensor with an attached wireless communication element, the drone 200 can also read the sensor values ​​stored in the physical sensor. The read sensor values ​​can also be used to analyze the cause of failure of the solar panel 150, etc.

[0101] As one example of maintenance method, a central maintenance system 300 as shown in FIG21 can also be set up. The central maintenance system 300 is any server device, such as a cloud server. The central maintenance system 300 includes a computing processing unit, a storage unit, a communication unit, an input operation unit, and a monitor. The central maintenance system 300 is connected to the drone 200 via a communication line 302. The maintenance operator can use the central maintenance system 300 to monitor the status of the solar energy system 101 based on information from the drone 200.

[0102] The central maintenance system 300 stores a power plant map 310. The positions of each floating plate 110 (i.e., the positions of the solar panels 150) are set in each unit 312 of the power plant map 310. As an example of a maintenance method, when the drone 200 detects an abnormal solar panel at an abnormal solar panel position 312a using its camera, it can read the information holding unit 220 of the floating plate 110 supporting the solar panel 150 and write the abnormal solar panel's position information into the power plant map 310. This map writing process can also be performed in real-time in the central maintenance system 300, which receives information from the drone 200. Navigation information based on the power plant map 310 can also be displayed on the operator's mobile terminal, etc. The navigation information can be displayed on the power plant map 310 itself, or movement routes can be added to the power plant map 310, or other map applications can display on-site movement routes based on the power plant map 310.

[0103] In solar panel power plants, due to the large area and numerous panels to be inspected, efficient maintenance and inspection are required. When actually performing maintenance, inspection, and repair work, operators must carry materials to the site. In this regard, there is an advantage to having navigation technology based on the power plant map 310, which can provide precise access to abnormal solar panels.

[0104] The power plant map 310 can be created during the setup of the solar system 101 (or during system design). The information storage unit 220 can be associated with the power plant map 310 during the setup of the solar system 101, or during the initial inspection, etc. During setup, information association can be performed at the solar system setup time. At this time, a drone 200 can be used to read the information storage units 220, or the setup operator can manually perform the association operation during system setup. During inspection, the positions of each solar panel on the power plant map 310 can be associated with the information storage units 220 while sequentially reading the information storage units 220 along a predetermined flight path of the drone during inspection.

[0105] <3. Modifications> Each information holding part 220 can be installed at any position as long as its correspondence with each solar panel 150 can be specified. The information holding part 220 can be installed at any position on the floating plate 110. The information holding part 220 can be installed at any part of the floating plate 110 near the solar panel 150. The installation location of the information holding part 220 can be, for example, any part of the floating plate 110, or for example, the support part 111. The information holding part 220 can be installed on the solar panel 150, or, as an example, on the outer frame of the solar panel 150. The information holding part 220 can be installed on the access connector 160 instead of the floating plate 110. The information holding part 220 can be sandwiched between the floating plate 110 and the access connector 160. As an example of this case, the information holding part 220 can also be clamped by the protruding surface of the engaging protrusion 161 in the floating plate 110 and the access connector 160 covering the surface. By shielding the information holding section 220 with the access connector 160, it is possible to prevent the operator from getting stuck or stepping on the information holding section 220 while walking, and it is also possible to prevent it from being peeled off by wild birds. Even when the entire information holding section 220 is covered by the access connector 160 and cannot be seen, it can still be read without obstruction by constructing the information holding section 220 with RFID tags, short-range wireless communication elements, etc. Furthermore, the information holding section 220 can also be provided on the second end 110b side of the float 110.

[0106] The solar energy system 101 is not limited to a floating plate system. The maintenance method described above can also be applied to terrestrial solar energy systems, building-mounted solar energy systems, etc.

[0107] The control unit 202 of the drone 200 may include a "non-contact short-range information writing device", such as an RFID writer. In this way, the control unit 202 may also write inspection information, repair history and other maintenance history into the information storage unit 220.

[0108] The above describes the ideal embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Various design changes can be made as long as they are within the scope of the invention application patent. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0017] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of the float 10 of the embodiment of the present invention viewed from above (first viewpoint). [Fig. 2] is a perspective view of the float 10 with the solar panel 50 installed, viewed from the front. [Fig. 3] is a perspective view of the float 10 with the solar panel 50 installed, viewed from the rear. [Fig. 4] is a top view of the float 10 viewed from above. [Fig. 5] is a perspective view of the float 10 viewed from below. [Fig. 6] is a perspective view of the float 10 with the support 11 erected, viewed from above. [Fig. 7] is a cross-sectional view of the float 10 along line BB of Fig. 4. [Fig. 8] is an enlarged view of part A of Fig. 1. [Fig. 9] Fig. 9A is a perspective view of the first ventilation member 70 viewed from above, and Fig. 9B is a perspective view of the first ventilation member 70 viewed from below. [Fig. 10] is a cross-sectional view of the first ventilation member 70 along line CC of Fig. 9A. [Fig. 11] A partial cross-sectional view of the float 10 on a plane parallel to plane Z of Fig. 8 and passing through the central axis of the first ventilator 70. [Fig. 12] Fig. 12A is a perspective view of the second ventilator 80 viewed from above, and Fig. 12B is a perspective view of the second ventilator 80 viewed from below. [Fig. 13] A cross-sectional view of the second ventilator 80 along line DD of Fig. 12A. [Fig. 14] A partial cross-sectional view of the float 10 on a plane parallel to plane Z of Fig. 8 and passing through the central axis of the second ventilator 80. [Fig. 15] Fig. 15A is a perspective view of the third ventilator 90 viewed from above, and Fig. 15B is a perspective view of the third ventilator 90 viewed from below. [Fig. 16] Fig. 16A is a top view of the third ventilator 90 viewed from above, and Fig. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the third ventilator 90 along line EE of Fig. 16A. [Figure 17] is a partial cross-sectional view of the float 10 on a plane parallel to plane Z in Figure 8 and passing through the central axis of the third ventilation member 90. [Figure 18] is a diagram showing an example of a solar energy system and a drone (second viewpoint). [Figure 19] is a schematic diagram showing an example of a float. [Figure 20] is a top view showing an example of a connection structure for the float. [Figure 21] is a diagram showing an example of a maintenance system for the solar energy system.

Claims

1. A float plate comprising a float plate body having a hollow interior, a through hole being provided on the surface of the float plate body, at least a portion of a venting member being inserted into the through hole, the hollow interior being in communication with the atmosphere of the float plate body via the venting member, wherein, with the portion of the venting member inserted into the through hole, the venting member having a first portion disposed on the atmosphere side relative to the through hole and a second portion disposed on the hollow interior side relative to the through hole, a first opening being formed in the first portion opening to the atmosphere side, a second opening being formed in the second portion opening to the hollow interior side, a communication path connecting the first opening and the second opening being formed inside the venting member, the first portion of the venting member including a truncated cylindrical portion having an end face truncated with an inclined surface, the first opening being formed on the inclined surface.

2. As in request item 1, the floating platform, wherein, Part 2 is the external thread section.

3. As in request item 1, the floating platform, wherein, The second part is formed as a protrusion protruding from the first part. The protrusion has a tapered portion on the front end side, and the tapered portion is a shape that gradually tapers towards the front end.

4. The floating platform as requested in any of items 1 to 3, wherein, The connecting road bends along its length.

5. The floating platform as requested in any of items 1 to 3, wherein, The opening surface of the first opening is perpendicular to the horizontal plane or faces downward.

6. A floating platform as requested in any of items 1 to 3, wherein, The first part of the venting member further includes a flange portion formed to extend from the outer surface of the cut-off cylindrical portion.

7. A floating platform as requested in any of items 1 to 3, wherein, The ventilation component is made of rubber.

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