Floating energy system with improved cooling features

Abstract

The invention relates to a floating energy system (10) comprising at least one generator (11) placed on the water surface and at least one battery pack (12) having a sealed enclosure (121) for storing electricity produced by the generator (11). Accordingly, its novelty is that the battery pack (12) comprises a passive cooling system (20) and an active cooling system (30), at least one floating pontoon (21) is provided around the battery pack (12) to allow it to float in the surrounding water for passive cooling, the sealed enclosure (121) comprises at least one cooling element (22) to increase its contact surface with water, at least one sensor (31) that allows temperature detection in the battery pack (12), it comprises at least one fan (32) that is positioned nearby the sealed enclosure (121) to blow air into the sealed enclosure (121) for active cooling of the battery pack (12), It comprises at least one air handling unit (33) associated with the sealed enclosure (121) by means of at least one cooling line (34) in order to cool the sealed enclosure (121) in cases where the said fan (32) is insufficient for cooling.

Description

[0001] FLOATING ENERGY SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED COOLING FEATURES

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a floating energy system comprising at least one generator placed on the water surface and at least one battery pack having sealed enclosure for storing electricity produced by the generator

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] Floating solar energy systems are an innovative method of energy generation that consists of solar panels mounted on floating platforms on the water surface. These systems are commonly used in seas, reservoirs, and other water surfaces. Generating solar energy on the water surface not only saves space but also enhances the efficiency of solar panels. As an alternative to traditional land-based solar power plants, energy can be produced without occupying agricultural land or other terrestrial areas. This provides a significant advantage, especially in densely populated regions or areas with limited agricultural areas.

[0006] Another significant advantage of floating solar energy systems is that the water helps lower the temperature beneath the solar panels, thereby increasing energy production efficiency. Cooling the panels reduces energy loss and contributes to higher electricity generation. Additionally, the shade created by floating panels on the water surface reduces evaporation, helping to conserve water resources. With these features, floating solar energy systems play a crucial role in both sustainable energy production and environmental protection.

[0007] Application No. CN113184127A known in the literature relates to the floating structure of a photovoltaic power plant and the construction technology of this floating structure. The purpose of the invention is to increase the energy efficiency of photovoltaic power stations located on the water surface by increasing the wind resistance and to provide an innovative floating structure and construction technology to ensure the cleaning and cooling of photovoltaic panels. This structure is designed to improve the floating structure of a photovoltaic power station placed on the water surface and its construction technology. The floating structure includes a floating plate that carries photovoltaic panels on its upper side. On the lower side of the floating plate, there is a water inlet cavity with one open end. A solenoid valve is connected to the water inlet cavity, and a magnetic thrust plate capable of moving inside is positioned within. An electromagnet is fixed at one end of the water inlet cavity. The magnetic thrust plate operates in coordination with a first contact pressure sensor, which controls the opening of the solenoid valve, and a second contact pressure sensor, which controls its closing.

[0008] Cooling the batteries in floating solar energy systems can be a challenging process, particularly due to the natural humidity and temperature variations of the water. In such systems, batteries are typically positioned close to the water, making them susceptible to excessive moisture and water vapor, which can damage their internal mechanisms or cause corrosion. Additionally, temperature fluctuations can negatively impact battery performance and lifespan. To ensure that batteries operate with high efficiency at all times, appropriate cooling systems must be implemented. However, applying these systems on water is more complex and costly compared to land-based systems. Therefore, the safe and efficient cooling of batteries in floating solar energy systems is a critical engineering challenge that must be carefully managed.

[0009] As a result, all the above-mentioned problems have made it imperative to make an innovation in the relevant technical field.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention relates to a floating solar energy systems for eliminating the above-mentioned disadvantages and bringing the new advantages to the relevant technical field.

[0012] An object of the invention is to meet the cooling requirements of batteries used in floating energy systems and enhance energy efficiency. The invention features a hybrid cooling system in which the battery packs are positioned on the water surface for natural cooling, while active cooling systems are activated when necessary. This approach extends the lifespan of the batteries while minimizing energy consumption and maintenance costs.

[0013] The floating energy system can be used as a mobile charging station for electric boats and marine vessels on the sea. This enables marine vessels to operate for extended periods without returning to shore, thereby reducing the environmental impact of maritime transportation.

[0014] Another object of the invention is enhance energy efficiency through a passive cooling system. While the battery packs achieve natural cooling by coming into contact with water, the active cooling system is activated only when needed. This reduces energy consumption and costs, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the system.

[0015] The floating energy system, with its hybrid temperature management, ensures the chemical stability of battery cells and extends their cycle life. This allows the battery packs to operate at high performance for a longer period. Additionally, the advanced energy storage and generation system aims to reduce the carbon footprint and support environmental sustainability. Water-based cooling enhances energy efficiency while also reducing fossil fuel consumption.

[0016] In order to achieve all the purposes mentioned above and that will emerge from the detailed description below, the present invention is related to a floating energy system comprising at least one generator placed on the water surface and at least one battery pack having sealed enclosure for storing electricity produced by the generator Accordingly, its novelty is that the battery pack comprises a passive cooling system and an active cooling system, at least one floating pontoon is provided around the battery pack to allow it to float in the surrounding water for passive cooling, the sealed enclosure comprises at least one cooling element to increase its contact surface with water, at least one sensor that allows temperature detection in the battery pack, it comprises at least one fan that is positioned nearby the sealed enclosure to blow air into the sealed enclosure for active cooling of the battery pack, it comprises at least one air handling unit associated with the sealed enclosure by means of at least one cooling line in order to cool the sealed enclosure in cases where the said fan is insufficient for cooling. A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises pluralities of battery packs for cooling each one separately. Thus, each battery pack can be kept at the optimum temperature independently, increasing the efficiency of the batteries and minimizing the risk of overheating.

[0017] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one management unit to activate the passive cooling system and the active cooling system separately. Thus, increases the energy efficiency of the system, and optimizes energy consumption by activating active cooling systems only when necessary.

[0018] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that said management unit is configured to activate the fan when the temperature in the battery pack exceeds 46°C, and to automatically deactivate it when the temperature drops to 39-40°C. Thus, the battery packs are always kept within a safe temperature range, energy consumption is kept at low levels and battery life is extended.

[0019] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the management unit is configured to activate the air handling unit if the temperature in the battery pack exceeds 50°C. Thus, in extreme temperature situations, batteries are cooled quickly and effectively, and the safety and performance of the system are maintained.

[0020] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it contains at least one valve to control the cold air passage in the cooling line and is configured to be controlled by the management unit depending on the temperature condition. Thus, the cooling system only directs cold air to the battery pack where it is needed, increasing energy efficiency and preventing unnecessary cooling processes.

[0021] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the generator is a solar panel. Thus, solar energy as a renewable energy source is utilized efficiently, environmental sustainability is supported and energy production costs are reduced.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Fig. 1 shows a representative side view of the floating energy system assembly of the invention

[0023] Fig. 2 shows a representative exploded view of the floating energy system assembly of the invention

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] In this detailed description, the subject of the invention is explained by way of example only for a better understanding of the subject, which shall not create any limiting effect.

[0026] Fig. 1 shows a representative side view of the floating energy system (10) assembly of the invention. Said floating energy system (10) is a renewable energy generation system consisting of generators (11 ) placed on the water surface and battery packs (12) connected to them. The floating energy system (10) is configured to float on water while converting solar and wind energy into electrical energy, simultaneously utilizing the cooling capacity of water to enhance energy efficiency. This system enables energy production without requiring land space, providing a significant solution for environmental sustainability. The generator (11) in the invention is preferably a solar panel. With its photovoltaic structure, the solar panel allows for electricity generation from solar energy. In alternative configurations of the invention, the generator (11 ) may also be a wind turbine or a component that generates electricity from wave motion in the sea. This allows for energy generation through various means. The electricity generated by the generator (11 ) is transferred to and stored in the battery pack (12).

[0027] Fig. 2 shows a representative exploded view of the floating energy system (10) which is the assembly of the invention. Accordingly, the battery pack (12) has a passive cooling system (20) and an active cooling system (30). During operation, the battery pack (12) is primarily cooled by the passive cooling system (20), and if this proves insufficient, the active cooling system (30) is activated. This ensures the effective cooling of the battery pack (12).

[0028] In the passive cooling system (20), the battery packs (12) are intended to be cooled by floating on the water surface. The passive cooling system (20) is a method that allows the battery packs (12) to dissipate heat naturally into the water. In this system, the battery packs (12) remain in contact with the water surface, utilizing its natural cooling capacity. The battery pack (12) includes at least one sealed enclosure (121 ). Said sealed enclosure (121 ) allows the batteries in the battery pack (12) to be protected in a leak-proof manner. Around the sealed enclosure (121 ), there is at least one floating pontoon (21). Said floating pontoon (21) is a floating platform that ensures the stable positioning of floating solar energy systems on the water. The floating pontoon (21) is made of durable and water-resistant materials for use on water surfaces such as seas, ponds or reservoirs. The floating pontoon (21) helps keep the system stable on the water surface and protects the components from external factors. Through the floating pontoon (21), the bottom-facing side of the battery pack (12) is naturally floated in the water. There is at least one cooling element (22) on the battery pack (12) Said cooling element (22) consists of protrusions located on the sealed enclosure (121 ). The cooling element (22) essentially increases the contact surface of the sealed enclosure (121) with water and contributes to the improvement of heat transfer.

[0029] The active cooling system (30) is activated when the battery pack (12) can’t be sufficiently cooled by the passive cooling system (20), allowing for cooling. In the active cooling system (30), there is a fan (32) device to blow natural air to the battery pack (12) and an air handling unit (33) to provide cooling in cases where the said fan (32) is not sufficient. The active cooling system (30) provides faster and more effective cooling compared to the passive cooling system (20). It is particularly high-performance applications, ensuring that the temperature remains under control.

[0030] There is at least one sensor (31) on the battery pack (12). Said sensor (31 ) is used to monitor the temperature of the battery packs (12) and to automatically activate the active cooling system (30) when necessary. This sensor (31 ) continuously tracks the temperature levels of the battery packs (12) and activates the fans (32) and air handling units (33) when a certain threshold is exceeded. The sensor (31) is preferably provided separately for each battery pack (12) and allows the battery packs (12) to be cooled independently of each other. Depending on the data received from the sensor (31 ), first the fan (32) and then the air handling unit (33) are activated.

[0031] The fan (32) in the battery pack (12) is a component of the active cooling system (30) and is used to effectively dissipate heat the battery packs (12). Triggered by the temperature sensors (31 ), the fans (32) blow air onto the sealed enclosure (121 ), preventing overheating and rapidly reducing the temperature. The fan (32) operates with low energy consumption while meeting the cooling needs of the battery packs (12). Activation of the fans (32) increases the cooling capacity in cases where the passive cooling system (20) is insufficient.

[0032] The air handling unit (33) located in the battery pack (12) is a cooling cycle that is activated and provides cold air in case of overheating of the battery packs (12). The air handling unit (33) is triggered by temperature sensors (31 ) and directs cold air only to the required battery pack (12) through automatic valves (35). The air handling unit (33) is activated when the fans (32) are insufficient and ensures that the batteries remain at a safe temperature. To enable this, there is at least one cooling line (34) on the battery pack (12). Said cooling line (34) is a piping system that delivers cold air from the air handling unit (33) to the battery packs (12). There is at least one valve (35) on this cooling line (34). Said valves (35) are configured to direct cold air only to the battery pack (12) whose temperature has increased. The cooling line (34) is optimized to enhance system efficiency and minimize energy consumption.

[0033] The floating energy system (10) includes at least one management unit (40). Said management unit (40) provides central control of all cooling systems and battery packs (12). The management unit (40) is equipped with software that sensors (31 ) tracking the temperature of the battery packs (12), controls the fans (32), air handling unit (33), and other components. The management unit (40) collects and processes all necessary data to ensure the system operates automatically and efficiently. It plays a critical role in optimizing the safety, performance, and energy efficiency of the floating energy system (10). The management unit (40) activates the fans (32) when the temperature exceeds 46°C, depending on the data it receives from the sensor (31).The fans (32) are deactivated once the temperature drops to 39-40°C. If the fans (32) aren’t sufficient to reduce the temperature and the battery packs (12) continue to heat up, the temperature sensors (31 ) automatically start working with the signal going to the air handling unit (33) above 50°C.

[0034] In line with the described above, the invention works as follows; while the floating energy system (10) generates energy on the water, it effectively cools the battery packs (12), thereby increasing energy efficiency. The combined use of the passive cooling system (20) and the active cooling system (30) prevents overheating of the battery packs (12), extending their lifespan and ensuring system safety. Additionally, cooling processes are automatically optimized thanks to sensors (31) and the management unit (40). Energy consumption is minimized, and the system is made compatible with various energy generation sources, supporting environmental sustainability. This structure ensures that temperature remains controlled in high- performance applications, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the system.

[0035] The scope of protection of the invention is specified in the appended claims and cannot be limited to what is described for illustrative purposes in this detailed description. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can produce similar embodiments in the light of what is explained above, without deviating from the main theme of the invention.

[0036] REFERENCE NUMERALS GIVEN IN THE DRAWING

[0037] 10 Floating Energy System

[0038] 11 Generator

[0039] 12 Battery Pack

[0040] 121 Sealed Enclosure

[0041] 20 Passive Cooling System

[0042] 21 Floating Pontoon

[0043] 22 Cooling Element

[0044] 30 Active Cooling System

[0045] 31 Sensor

[0046] 32 Fan

[0047] 33 Air Handling Unit

[0048] 34 Cooling Line

[0049] 35 Valve

[0050] 40 Management Unit

Claims

CLAIMS1. A floating energy system (10) comprising at least one generator (11) placed on the water surface and at least one battery pack (12) having sealed enclosure (121 ) for storing electricity produced by the generator (11 ), characterized in that the battery pack (12) comprises a passive cooling system (20) and an active cooling system (30), at least one floating pontoon (21) is provided around the battery pack (12) to allow it to float in the surrounding water for passive cooling, the sealed enclosure (121 ) comprises at least one cooling element (22) to increase its contact surface with water, at least one sensor (31) that allows temperature detection in the battery pack (12), it comprises at least one fan (32) that is positioned nearby the sealed enclosure (121) to blow air into the sealed enclosure (121) for active cooling of the battery pack (12), It comprises at least one air handling unit (33) associated with the sealed enclosure (121 ) by means of at least one cooling line (34) in order to cool the sealed enclosure (121 ) in cases where the said fan (32) is insufficient for cooling.

2. A floating energy system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises pluralities of battery packs (12) for cooling each one separately.

3. A floating energy system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one management unit (40) to activate the passive cooling system (20) and the active cooling system (30) separately.

4. A floating energy system (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that said management unit (40) is configured to activate the fan (32) when the temperature in the battery pack (12) exceeds 46°C, and to automatically deactivate it when the temperature drops to 39-40°C.

5. A floating energy system (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the management unit (40) is configured to activate the air handling unit (33) if the temperature in the battery pack (12) exceeds 50°C.

6. A floating energy system (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that it contains at least one valve (35) to control the cold air passage in the coolingline (34) and is configured to be controlled by the management unit (40) depending on the temperature condition.

7. A floating energy system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the generator (11 ) is a solar panel.

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