Solar panel arrays supported by nets filled with floating articles

Abstract

A structure for harnessing solar energy over a water surface comprises at least one photovoltaic panel unit (unit), a plurality of grids flexible in a direction perpendicular to surfaces of the grids, a plurality of floatation items, and at least one tie. Each unit comprises a photovoltaic panel engaged with a photovoltaic support assembly which is not connected to any other support assembly. At least one of the plurality of grids is engaged with the photovoltaic support assembly of the at least one unit. Each floatation item comprises a buoyant material and is encaged by at least two of the plurality of grids and not connected to any photovoltaic support assembly, such that the structure is configured to allow each of the units to independently move relative to all other of the units. The at least one tie is employed to connect the plurality of grids to each other on a plurality of sides of at least one of the plurality of floatation items.

Description

[0001] SOLAR PANEL ARRAYS SUPPORTED BY NETS FILLED WITH FLOATING ARTICLES

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] There is a global demand to develop more sustainable energy sources; photovoltaic projects are becoming more common. There has been an increase in efficiency in the technology used in photovoltaic panels, and an increase in manufacturing scales, which results in a dramatic reduction in their cost over time. According to the Ministry of Energy in Israel, Israel aims to increase renewable energy generation to 30% of the total energy consumption over the next five years. One way they aim to achieve this is by increasing the number of solar energy systems. Solar and wind energy are among the biggest renewable energy generators worldwide. In many countries, this share of energy production is expected to reach over 50% in the next decade and with long-term goals to achieve 100% electricity production from renewable sources. Hence, new and more efficient ways to develop and construct photovoltaic projects must be advanced.

[0004] Cumulatively, 70% of the world’s surface area is water; much is unoccupied, rendering it a suitable location for constructing photovoltaic projects. The water is not covered by anything that would block sunlight and limit the photovoltaic panels from being in the direct line of the sun. Construction of solar photovoltaics projects on water, be it onshore lakes and water reservoirs or open seas, also known as offshore floating solar, will utilise space which is currently unused. There may be opposition to renewable energy since it is sometimes considered to cause visual pollution. This would not be a problem with water, as it would not visually disturb the landscape.

[0005] Photovoltaic panels constructed above water are more efficient. The water cools the panels and lowers their temperature, improving their power efficiency and enabling them to produce more energy.

[0006] As of today, large hollow plastic floats are used in commercially available floating solar arrays. However, there is a need for more versatile structures that do not require the manufacture of such large floats with thick walls, which in turn requires special machinery to set up, maintain, and / or transport. Such versatile novel structures should be easier to use, while still able to withstand varying outdoor conditions. Beyond the structural challenges, another important aspect of offshore floating solar arrays or fields is the ability to locate the solar generation projects in proximity to where the electricity is being consumed. In fact, most of the world population lives in coastal areas, less than 10 kilometres from the sea. The need to locate large solar projects inside or near cities is very problematic and consumes large land space, which is both expensive and much needed. Constructing large offshore floating solar projects at sea, will allow the much-needed proximity to the load without exhausting the much-needed inland space.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] Lexicon:

[0009] Floatation item - A buoyant component, formed of buoyant material, and optionally a

[0010] 5 casing, optionally adapted to maintain a structure afloat. As used herein, the term "floatation items" broadly refers to any buoyant elements usable in the structure, including but not limited to "floatation sacks." The floatation items are considered part of such structure.

[0011] 10 Grid - a flexible network formed from intersecting arrays of flexible material arranged to define a layer with polygonal or rounded openings.

[0012] Horizontal support beam - a structural member extending laterally between vertical photovoltaic panel support legs, forming part of a support assembly for mounting and

[0013] 15 supporting a photovoltaic panel. The horizontal beams are positioned approximately parallel to a surface over which the panel is placed.

[0014] A set of vertical legs is another part of the support assembly. The legs can position the photovoltaic panel at an angle relative to a surface the panel is laid above, to optimize light reception.

[0015] 20

[0016] Some support assemblies can include only two vertical legs, in which case a horizontal support beam may be connected on one end to a vertical leg and on another end to a photovoltaic panel.

[0017] 25

[0018] Ties - Ties are fasteners that connect upper and lower grid layers, securing floatation items in place therebetween.

[0019] (i) According to one aspect, a structure is provided for harnessing solar energy over a

[0020] 30 water surface, the structure comprising:at least one photovoltaic panel unit, each unit comprising: a. a photovoltaic panel; b. a photovoltaic support assembly; wherein the photovoltaic panel is engaged with the at least one photovoltaic support assembly, and wherein the support assembly of any one photovoltaic panel unit is not connected to

[0021] 5 any other support assembly of any other photovoltaic panel unit;

[0022] (ii) a plurality of grids flexible in a direction perpendicular to surfaces of the grids; wherein at least one of the plurality of grids is engaged with the at least one photovoltaic support assembly of the at least one photovoltaic panel unit;

[0023] (iii) a plurality of floatation items comprising buoyant material enabling the structure to

[0024] 10 remain afloat; wherein: each of the plurality of floatation items is: encaged by at least two of the plurality of grids, and not connected to any support assembly of the at least one photovoltaic panel unit, and

[0025] 15 wherein the structure is configured to allow each of the at least one photovoltaic panel units to independently move relative to all other of the at least one photovoltaic panel unit; and

[0026] (iv) at least one tie; wherein at least one of the at least one tie is employed to connect the plurality of grids 20 to each other on a plurality of sides of at least one of the plurality of floatation items.

[0027] According to another aspect, a structure is provided for harnessing solar energy over a water surface, the structure comprising:

[0028] (i) at least one photovoltaic panel unit, each unit comprising:

[0029] 25a) a photovoltaic panel; b) a photovoltaic support assembly; wherein the photovoltaic panel is engaged with the support assembly; wherein each support assembly of any one photovoltaic panel unit is not connected to a support assembly of any other photovoltaic panel unit;

[0030] (Bp a plurality of grids flexible in a direction perpendicular to surfaces of the grids; wherein at least one of the plurality of grids is engaged with the photovoltaic support assembly of the at least one photovoltaic panel unit;

[0031] (iii) a plurality of floatation items comprising buoyant material enabling the structure to remain afloat;

[0032] 5 wherein each of the plurality of floatation items is: encaged by at least two of the plurality of grids; not connected to any support assembly of the at least one photovoltaic panel unit; held under one of the at least one photovoltaic panel unit, and delimited by adjacent photovoltaic panel units, and

[0033] 10 (iv) at least one tie; wherein at least one of the at least one tie is employed to connect the at least two of the plurality of grids on a plurality of sides of at least one of the plurality of floatation items.

[0034] 15 In some embodiments: the floatation item encaged by at least two of the plurality of grids comprises a floatation sack.

[0035] In some embodiments:

[0036] 20 the at least one floatation sack or the plurality of floatation items each have a respective width and length; the at least one photovoltaic panel unit each have a unit width and a unit length; and the unit width and the unit length of at least one photovoltaic panel unit is greater than the respective width and length of at least one of the floatation sacks

[0037] 25 and / or floatation items.

[0038] In some embodiments: each of the at least one photovoltaic units is a standalone unit, and each of the at least one photovoltaic panel of the at least one photovoltaic panel unit is supported by a

[0039] 30 plurality of horizontal support beams and a plurality of vertical panel support legs.

[0040] In some embodiments: the plurality of grids is constructed using polymer material to form a geogrid.

[0041] In some embodiments: the polymer material is weaved, mold-injected, punched, welded and / or stretched to form the geogrid.

[0042] In some embodiments: each of the plurality of floatation items comprises at least one protective outer casing.

[0043] In some embodiments: The at least one protective outer casing is sealed from entrance of water therein.

[0044] In some embodiments: The at least one protective outer casing is inflated with air and sealed from deflating.

[0045] In some embodiments: at least one of the plurality of floatation items comprises an inner casing inside a protective outer casing.

[0046] In some embodiments: at least one of the plurality of floatation items comprises a UV-resistant material for the protective outer casing.

[0047] In some embodiments: at least one of the plurality of floatation items comprises a protective outer casing and recycled buoyant material therein.

[0048] In some embodiments: at least one of the plurality of floatation items is secured on at least two sides by at least two of the plurality of grids connected with a plurality of ties.

[0049] In some embodiments: at least one fastener connects each of the at least one horizontal support beam to at least one of the plurality of grids.

[0050] In some embodiments: the structure is configured to allow attaching at least one walkway to the grids adjacent to the at least one photovoltaic panel for maintenance.

[0051] In some embodiments: the plurality of grids extends over the water surface.

[0052] In some embodiments: the plurality of grids is anchored to banks surrounding the water surface.

[0053] In some embodiments: each of the plurality of floatation items is further delimited by adjacent walkway / s.

[0054] Some embodiments are anchored to a bottom of a water reservoir.

[0055] In some embodiments: each of the plurality of vertical panel leg is engaged with at least one photovoltaic panel to ensure each of the at least one panel stands at an angle of incline a with the water surface, wherein the angle of incline a is within the range of 0 < a < 45°.

[0056] In some embodiments: the buoyant material comprises recycled material.

[0057] In some embodiments: the recycled material is selected from one or more of: cotton chaff, chopped packaging, Styrofoam peanut shells, foam, materials such as rubber / polyethylene / polypropylene / silicon / polyurethane, scrapped foamed plastic, treated wood chips, corks or fragments thereof or other corky waste, papyrus, sacks of seeds and nuts, cleaned pits, chaff from grains, cotton seeds, pumice from volcanic sites, chicken feathers, and empty and capped used plastic bottles.

[0058] Some embodiments further comprise at least one skirt.

[0059] In some embodiments:

[0060] Each of the at least one floatation item has a height less than or equal to 30 cm.

[0061] In some embodiments:

[0062] At least one support plate is positioned beneath an upper grid to provide a surface for bolting or fastening a support assembly thereto.

[0063] In some embodiments:

[0064] The plurality of floatation items comprises buoyant plant material.

[0065] In some embodiments:

[0066] The plant material comprises water hyacinth.

[0067] In some embodiments: the plant material is maintained at a density sufficient to provide approximately 50-80% coverage over the water surface.

[0068] The plants may help maintain a desired gap between the grids.

[0069] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] The present disclosed subject matter will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which corresponding or like numerals or characters indicate corresponding or like components. Unless indicated otherwise, the drawings provide help in understandingthe disclosure and embodiments as a whole, and do not limit the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings:

[0071] The invention may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanied drawings in which:

[0072] Figure 1 schematically shows a portion of a structure including a photovoltaic array and floatation items, photovoltaic panel unit, grids and a designated walkway;

[0073] Figure 2a schematically shows a side view of the portion shown in Figure 1;

[0074] Figure 2b schematically shows a side view of the structure with multiple floatation items, grids and photovoltaic panel units;

[0075] Figure 3 is a photo of a small piece of grid for illustrative purpose;

[0076] Figure 4a schematically exhibits parts of one structure and demonstrates one arrangement of support assemblies and walkway and floatation items;

[0077] Figure 4b schematically exhibits parts of another structure and demonstrates one arrangement of the support assemblies and walkway and floatation items;

[0078] Figure 4c schematically exhibits parts of yet another structure and demonstrates one arrangement of the support assemblies, and walkway and floatation items;

[0079] Figure 4d schematically exhibits parts of a structure without walkways and demonstrates one arrangement of the support assemblies and floatation items;

[0080] Figure 5 schematically shows a large section of the structure, including numerous photovoltaic panel units;

[0081] Figure 6a schematically shows the floatation items surrounded by the grids without photovoltaic panels attached;

[0082] Figure 7a is an enlarged view of a floatation item, demonstrating how it is held by the grids along with the connection between the grids and the photovoltaic panel unit; Figure 7b shows an enlarged view of the connection used to attach upper and lower grids while securing a floatation item;

[0083] Figure 8a is a side view of the floatation item;

[0084] Figure 8b is a front view of the floatation item showing the edge curvature of the floatation item;

[0085] Figure 9a shows a front view of a photovoltaic panel demonstrating its attachment to the grids;

[0086] Figure 9b shows a back view of a photovoltaic panel demonstrating its attachment to the grids;

[0087] Figure 10 shows an enlarged view of the connection used to secure a photovoltaic panel unit to the grids;

[0088] Figure 11 schematically shows a side view of a photovoltaic panel unit, where the photovoltaic panel is attached to vertical panel legs and horizontal support beams;

[0089] Figure 12a schematically shows a close-up, side view, section of a structure;

[0090] Figure 12b schematically shows a side view of the floating network with multiple floatation items and photovoltaic panels for the structure depicted in Figure 12a.

[0091] Figure 13 shows a front view of a photovoltaic panel demonstrating its attachment to a support plate under a grid, and

[0092] Figure 14 schematically shows a side view of another embodiment of the floating network, in which the floatation items between the grids include water hyacinth.

[0093] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0094] The subject matter discussed in this section should not be assumed to be prior art merely due to its mention in this section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in this section or associated with the subject matter provided as

[0095] 5 background should not be assumed to have been previously recognised in the prior art. The subject matter in this section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to implementations of the claimed structure.

[0096] Construction using recycled materials increases the availability and cost-effectiveness 0 of the floating photovoltaic structure. Large amounts of materials are thrown away that could be repurposed for construction. Plastics and buoyant materials are practical elements for floating materials on water. Repurposing these materials comes at a highly reduced cost and has environmental benefits. 5 There are some essential factors to consider when constructing structures bearing devices such as photovoltaic panels on water, such as, ensuring that the structure floats and that the structure can withstand the loads from the devices and loads created by winds and waves acting on the panels. The structure must also be flexible to tolerate fluctuation since there might be strong winds, waves and currents in the water. 0 Another concern when constructing on water is that the materials used will not be damaged by the water, either rust or rot after over-exposure, or degradation due to sun exposure, and / or become environmental hazards themselves.

[0097] Construction projects on land may damage the ecosystem, as the animals and insects5 in the area may be destroyed or rehoused to accommodate the new project. However, when constructing the photovoltaic panel array on water, all the natural life that was previously there can remain.

[0098] According to one aspect, a structure is provided for harnessing solar energy over a water surface, the structure0 comprising:

[0099] (i) at least one photovoltaic panel unit, each unit comprising: a. a photovoltaic panel; b. a photovoltaic support assembly; wherein the photovoltaic panel is engaged with the photovoltaic support assembly, and wherein the support assembly of any one photovoltaic panel unit is not connected to any other support assembly of any other photovoltaic panel unit;

[0100] (if) a plurality of grids flexible in a direction perpendicular to surfaces of the grids; wherein at least one of the plurality of grids is engaged with the photovoltaic support assembly of the at least one photovoltaic panel unit;

[0101] (iii) a plurality of floatation items comprising buoyant material enabling the structure to remain afloat;

[0102] 10 wherein: each of the plurality of floatation items is: encaged by at least two of the plurality of grids, and not connected to the support assembly of the at least one photovoltaic panel unit, and wherein

[0103] 15 the structure is configured to allow each of the at least one photovoltaic panel units to independently move relative to all other of the at least one photovoltaic panel unit; and

[0104] (iv) at least one tie; wherein at least one of the at least one tie is employed to connect the plurality of grids to each other on a plurality of sides of at least one of the plurality of floatation items.

[0105] 20

[0106] We now refer to Figure 1 and Figures 2 and 2b. Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a portion of a structure, including a photovoltaic array and floatation items, photovoltaic panel unit, grids and a designated walkway.

[0107] 25 Figure 2a schematically shows a side view of the portion shown in Figure 1.

[0108] Figure 2b schematically shows a side view of the structure with multiple floatation items, grids and photovoltaic panel units.

[0109] Structure 100 includes three central elements constructed together: floatation

[0110] 30 items 103, grids 102, and photovoltaic panel units 300 (includingthe photovoltaic panels 101 , horizontal support beams 121 and vertical panel legs 109); these fasten to the grids. The grids alone support the photovoltaic panel units. The sacks may contain floatation items or may themselves be the floatation items, e.g. they are filled with air or another gas or a mixture thereof. In other embodiments, some of the floatation items or all of them are not in sacks.

[0111] By “grid”, we refer to a structure made from a first array of substantially parallel lines of material crossing a second array of substantially parallel lines of material substantially perpendicular to the first array to form rectangle-like shapes.

[0112] The rectangle-like shapes can have curved sides or junctions. The grid may otherwise be considered as “net” or “mesh” in shape, though not necessarily made from threads. In particular, “grid” includes geogrid structures.

[0113] In other embodiments, the second array may be at an angle other than perpendicular to the first array to form diamond-like shapes. The diamond-like shapes can have curved sides or junctions.

[0114] In other embodiments, the grid may comprise three arrays of substantially parallel lines all within a two-dimensional plane, each array at a substantially 120-degree angle from the other two arrays to form hexagonal-like shapes. The hexagonal-like shapes can have curved sides or junctions. In some embodiments, the three arrays may form trianglelike shapes. ’

[0115] Figure 3 is a photo of a small piece of geogrid for illustration purposes.

[0116] Geogrid may be defined as follows:

[0117] A geosynthetic material used to reinforce soils and similar materials. Soils pull apart under tension. Compared to soil, geogrids are strong in tension. This fact allows them to transfer forces to a larger area of soil than would otherwise be the case.

[0118] Geogrids are commonly made of polymer materials, such as polyester, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene or polypropylene. They may be woven or knitted from yarns, heat- welded from strips of material, or produced by punching a regular pattern of apertures in sheets of material, then stretched into a grid, and / or mold-injected.

[0119] The key feature of all geogrids is that the openings between the adjacent sets of longitudinal and transverse ribs, called “apertures,” are large enough to allow for soil strike-through from one side of the geogrid to the other. The ribs of some geogrids are often quite stiff compared to the fibres of geotextiles. Not only is rib strength important, but junction strength is also important. The reason for this is that in anchorage situations the soil strike-through within the apertures bears against the transverse ribs, which transmits the load to the longitudinal ribs via the junctions. The junctions are, of course, where the longitudinal and transverse ribs meet and are connected. They are sometimes called “nodes”.

[0120] Currently, there are three categories of geogrids. The first, and original, geogrids are called unitized or homogeneous types, or more commonly referred to as 'punched and drawn geogrids'.

[0121] The second category of geogrids are more flexible, textile-like geogrids using bundles of polyethylene-coated polyester fibres as the reinforcing component or polyester yarn geogrids made on textile weaving machinery. In the latter process, hundreds of continuous fibres are gathered together to form yarns which are woven into longitudinal and transverse ribs with large open spaces between. The cross-overs are joined by knitting or intertwining before the entire unit is protected by a subsequent coating. Bitumen, latex, or PVC are the usual coating materials. Geosynthetics within this group are manufactured by many companies manufacturing coated yarn-type polyester geogrids.

[0122] The third category of geogrids are made by laser or ultrasonically bonding together polyester or polypropylene rods or straps in a grid-like pattern.

[0123] Note that in some embodiments, the solar configuration might be a single solar panel per support assembly, but can also (and most likely) be groups of 4,6,10, 12 or even 16 panels structured together on metal or plastic beams that are attached mechanically to the floating grid.

[0124] Figure 4a schematically exhibits a top view of parts of one structure 100’ and demonstrates one arrangement of support assemblies121’, walkway 107’ and floatation items 110’. Figure 4b schematically exhibits a top view of parts of another structure 100” and demonstrates another arrangement of photovoltaic support assemblies121 ”, walkway 107” and floatation items 110”.

[0125] Figures 4a and 4b are schematic presentations of simplified structures viewed from above the water surface [not shown], with the panels removed. The floatation items 110’, 110” are under the grids 102’, 102”, which are shown in a highly simplified manner, e.g., not showing holes therein. The floatation items are marked in broken lines since they are under the grids, but in reality, they will be visible from above through the holes in the upper grid.

[0126] The structure 100’ shown in Figure 4a has a single floatation item 110’ that extends away from two of the edges of the grid 102’ that form a corner of the grid 102’, and extends under all of a support assembly121’, and under part of the walkway 107’. Two edges of the single floatation item 110’ and a corner formed therebetween are adjacent to, but do not extend beyond, the two edges of the grid 102’ and the corner of the grid 102’ respectively.

[0127] Some embodiments have at least two components in the support assembly, vertical panel legs 109 and horizontal support beams 121. The system / structure 100’ is configured to allow each photovoltaic panel unit 300 to independently move to a limited extent relative to the other at least one photovoltaic panel unit 300. Note that were the floatation item to extend further, the floatation item’s size and shape might be too big to permit substantial or any movement up and down of the photovoltaic unit relative to the adjacent photovoltaic units and therefore the grid 102’ flexibility does not come into play and the panel connected to the support assembly 121’ is likely to break.

[0128] In contrast, the structure 100” shown in Figure 4b has a single floatation item 110” that extends under all of the support assembly121”, but not under any part of the walkway 107”. A panel or a plurality of panels attached to the support assembly 121” will be free to move up and down, and thus the system is configured to allow one photovoltaic panel unit 300 to independently move relative to any other photovoltaic panel unit 300.

[0129] Figure 4c schematically exhibits parts of yet another structure 100”’ and demonstrates one arrangement of the support assemblies 121 ”’, walkway 107’” and floatation items 110’”.

[0130] Whereas in the structure 100” depicted in Figure 4b has a floatation item 110” that is smaller than the support assembly 104” in length and width, the floatation item 110’” as shown in Figure 4c extends beyond all edges of the support assembly 104’”, but the flexibility of the structure 100’” is advantageously the same or essentially the same as that of the structure 100” shown in Figure 4b. However, in comparison to the structure 100’ shown in Figure 4a, the presently described structure 100’” has a better ability to withstand stress thanks to better flexibility.

[0131] In short, in the structure 100’”, each of the plurality of floatation items is further delimited by adjacent walkway / s. In some embodiments, there are other or additional components above the upper grid, that can limit the movement of the grid and support beams when the floatation items extend under them. The approach to the size and position of the floatation items is similar in such embodiments to the approach with structures that include walkways.

[0132] Figure 4d schematically exhibits parts of a structure 100”” without walkways and demonstrates one arrangement of the support assemblies 104”” and floatation items 110””. The absence of a walkway allows at least some of the floatation items 110”” to be somewhat larger than those depicted in the other embodiments without substantially degrading the flexibility of the structure and ability to bear stress.

[0133] In some embodiments, a structure without walkways provides additional design flexibility. For example, the absence of walkways allows the floatation items 110’” to occupy areas that would otherwise be restricted, thereby permitting the use of larger or differently shaped floatation items to optimise buoyancy. This configuration can enhance load distribution across the support assemblies and may improve the overall stability of the floating structure, while reducing construction complexity and material usage associated with walkway components.

[0134] In general, the floatation items will be smaller; for example, commercially available thermoplastic sacks are typically sized about 50*80cm and filled with recycled buoyant material, whereas commercially available horizontal beams are typically roughly 1 .5*2.5m. Therefore, typically, the support assembly can move, and the grid can also independently locally move from currents, wind, etc., according to the size of the floating items. It is noted that optional embodiments would have thermoplastic sacks of other sizes, such as, by way of example, 50*60cm, 80*90cm, or other sizes. In some embodiments, the horizontal beam would have other dimensions, such as, byway of example, 1 .5*1 .5m, or 2*5m, or 3*5m.

[0135] In some embodiments 400, shown in Figure 13, each support assembly is affixed to at least one board 430, strip or plate [hereinbelow referred to as a board], and the at least one board 430 is encaged by at least two of the plurality of grids . For example, the support assembly may have multiple vertical legs 409 leading from the panel 401 to an upper grid 402U, or to a bottom bar of the horizontal support beam 421 , lying over an upper grid. Each of the vertical beam legs 409 or areas on the bar directly below them may, for example, be affixed to a board 430 that lies under the upper grid with various connectors such as bolts, or cable ties threaded through holes in the board and in the leg or bar.

[0136] In some embodiments, the boards 430 are fastened to the upper grid 402U. However, in other embodiments they are not fastened and have some degree of freedom of movement.

[0137] The floatation items 110 ensure the structure 100 remains afloat, but do not support the loads and stresses from photovoltaic panels 101 and the wind and wave loads acting upon them and other components of the structure. The floatation item embodiment 103, shown in detail in Figures 8a and 8b, may comprise a protective casing filled with a buoyant material. The sacks can be constructed using rolls of sleeves made from polyethene, polypropylene, PVC or another thermoplastic polymer, and are, in some embodiments, approximately 0.3mm to 0.5 mm thick and 50-80 cm wide. Other embodiments could have different thicknesses and / or different widths. The rolls can be cut off and welded at one end, and then the buoyant material can be inserted inside. Subsequently, another end is sealed by welding and the sack is ready to be used.

[0138] In some embodiments, the sacks 103 are not sealed at the ends, for example, if they are filled with buoyant floatation items that are essentially water resistant. For such sacks the ends may be stitched. Embodiments wherein ends are sealed may be welded or glued for example.

[0139] Depending on the buoyant material used and how fragile it is, two sacks can be placed, one inside the other, to provide additional protection for the fragile materials.

[0140] The recycled materials that may be used as floatation materials inside the sacks include cotton chaff, chopped packaging, Styrofoam, peanut shells, foam rubber / polyethylene / polypropylene / silicon / polyurethane, scrapped foamed plastic packaging, treated wood chips, corks or fragments thereof or other corky waste, papyrus, sacks of seeds and nuts, cleaned pits, chaff from grains, cotton seeds, pumice from volcanic sites, chicken feathers, and empty and capped used plastic bottles.

[0141] These materials all have a low-density and are buoyant, making them suitable for use inside the floatation sacks. Some of the materials absorb some water, and the sacks may be waterproof for these materials. Some other materials have unchanged buoyancy when submerged and may be held in sacks that are water-permeable. This structure uses recycled materials, which is not a feature in commercially available structures bearing photovoltaic panels.

[0142] Some of the recycled mate ria Is / waste have a very low mechanical strength. However, they are still usable as material for the floatation items. Some of the floatation items are actual waste, for example discarded packaging materials. Many large and fragile products are currently protected from damage with packaging that can be very suitable for this use.

[0143] Some floatation items can easily be inserted into sacks. For packing some items, a system can be provided to facilitate the filling of the sacks. For example, a silo may be positioned close to a water reservoir and / or to a source of floatation items. The silo may be filled with floatation items. A sleeve closed on one end (like a sock) may be positioned below the silo, so that an opening of the sleeve is able to receive floatation items from the silo into the sleeve. A nearby apparatus seals the sleeve opening after the sleeve is filled. The sealed and filled sleeve is now a sack ready to be taken out to the water surface of the reservoir and used for the structure to build it or replace previously installed floatation items that have worn out.

[0144] In some embodiments, the floatation items do not contain a buoyant material. The sack can be filled with air, for example, and then sealed; this will float on water and not require additional materials. Some sacks are made of very thin material to save costs. For example, polyethylene sacks / bags may have a thickness of about 0.2-0.5 mm only. To increase their strength, one bag can be sealed and placed inside another bag, and the exterior bag can then be sealed.

[0145] In some embodiments, the floatation items may be formed as flexible pipes. The flexible pipes may include a reinforced membrane and are sealed at both ends to contain air. In certain examples, the pipes may be made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with a length of 1 to 2 meters.

[0146] Photovoltaic panel units 300 each include vertical panel legs 109 and horizontal support beams 121 which together mount and support the photovoltaic panels 101 . Photovoltaic panels 101 are a renewable energy source that converts solar irradiance into electrical power. Photovoltaic panels may be attached to a metal or thermoplastic support assembly 104. The latter consists of multiple vertical panel legs 109 and horizontal support beams 121. In some embodiments, there are two to four vertical panel legs 109. Two or more connectors may be attached to the horizontal support beams 121, which ensure the photovoltaic panel units 300 can be connected to the top of the grids, where they will be exposed to direct sunlight. The photovoltaic panels may be attached using two or more vertical panel legs 109. The panel forms an angle of incline a to the surface of the water that is within the range of 0 < a < 45°, as illustrated in Figure 2a. In some embodiments, the vertical panel legs 109 have two different lengths, i.e. the photovoltaic panels are not parallel to the surface of the water as illustrated in Figure 11, to boost their efficiency by ensuring they are exposed to maximum sunlight. An angle of incline a near 0 degrees may provide a low-profile configuration that reduces wind resistance and may be suitable for applications in high- wind environments or where structural simplicity may be prioritized. An angle of incline a in the middle of the range may provide balanced solar energy capture and structural performance characteristics suitable for most geographic locations and water environments. An angle of incline a approaching 45 degrees may provide enhanced solar energy capture in higher latitude locations while maintaining structural stability and compatibility with the grid system and flotation elements of the floating structure 100.

[0147] Each connector may be attached to more than one rib 119’ [see Figure 3] which may help distribute the stress on the entire grid rather than on any specific rib 119’.

[0148] The grids 102 have two main roles: first, to enclose and provide a cage for the floatation items (see Figures 2a and 6), and second, to support the load and stress imposed by the photovoltaic panels and the wind uplift forces (see Figures 9a and 9b for details of the structure).

[0149] There are two categories of grids: lower grids 102L below the floatation items, and upper grids 102U above them. The photovoltaic support assembly 104 and panels are above the upper grids.

[0150] Figure 1 illustrates the relationship between the photovoltaic panels 101 , the grids 102 and the floatation items 103. The two sets of grids 102 envelope or encage the floatation items 103 (Figure 7a), and the grids 102 may be fixed in place to prevent their displacement (Figure 7b) and excessive lateral displacement of the floatation items.

[0151] As shown in Figure 2a, Figure 7a, Figure 10, the photovoltaic horizontal support beams 121 are attached to the upper grids 102U with multiple fasteners 106 on each side.

[0152] Figures 9a and 9b, respectively, show front and back views of the floatation items 103, held together by the grids 102. In this embodiment, the photovoltaic horizontal support beams 121 can be connected to the grid in four locations. These connections 106 are illustrated in Figures 9a and 9b. An enlarged view of the connection is shown in Figure 10.

[0153] The connection shown in Figure 10 is one embodiment of the coupling of the horizontal support beams 121 and the grid 102 using a Ty-rap fastener. It is possible for the horizontal support beams 121 to be welded together and then attached to the grid 102 via the apertures in the grid 102 using small metal brackets, which are secured to the supports using screws.

[0154] In other embodiments, ropes can also be used along a horizontal support beam 121 to hold and secure the photovoltaic panel unit to the grid 102. These can be wrapped and tied around the horizontal support beams 121 and the grid 102 through all the apertures in the grid 102. This also provides multiple points of attachment along the horizontal support beams 121 and grid 102. The rope connection method may provide advantages in applications where substantial flexibility may be needed to accommodate wave motion and water movement. The ropes may be tied using knot configurations that provide secure connections while allowing for adjustment and re-tensioning as needed during installation and maintenance activities. In some cases, the ropes may be threaded alongthe length of the horizontal support beams 121, creating continuous connection systems that provide distributed attachment across the entire interface between the horizontal support beams 121 and the upper grid 102U. The rope connections may be combined with other fastener types to create hybrid connection systems that optimise both flexibility and load-bearing capacity.

[0155] Some embodiments include a walkway 107 between the two photovoltaic panels to allow access and maintenance of the structure; see Figure 5. The walkway 107 may be secured to the grids 102 using fasteners (Figure 2a).

[0156] In some embodiments, the walkways are configured without floatation elements located directly beneath them. Stability of the walkways can be achieved by relying on the grid that encloses and the floatation items in adjacent regions of the array. Ties fix the grid structures in place, displacement of the floatation item is restricted, which in turn prevents undue lateral movement of the connected structural elements. This arrangement ensures that the walkways remain stably supported despite the absence of floatation directly underneath, thereby maintaining access to the array.

[0157] The grid construction can be made from any metal wire resistant to corrosion, such as galvanised steel, stainless steel, aluminium, or titanium (however, titanium and aluminium tend to be expensive). Assembling the grid from metal wires provides added strength over constructions made from plastic.

[0158] The grid construction can also be made from reinforced plastic from fibre-reinforced plastic (such as fibreglass with polyester) or HDPE. These can be readily available and off-the-shelf. Some components of the grid construction may be hollow, thus ensuring a good ratio of strength to weight. The grid construction can also be made from other materials, such as nylon, ropes, any hard and rigid plastic or polymer, such as HDPE, LDPE, PP, etc.

[0159] The grids may be geogrids. Geogrids are made from polymer materials such as polyester, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene or polypropylene. They may be used within the construction industry to strengthen soil and prevent landslides. They may be woven or knitted from yarns, extruded, heat-welded from strips of material, or produced by punching a regular pattern of holes in sheets of material, then stretched into a grid. Since geogrids are primarily used for reinforcing soil and increasingthe bearing capacity of road surfaces, they are robust under tension and have a tensile strength similar to steel cables.

[0160] The geogrid’s high tensile strength via multiple contact points thereon will allow it to support the load of the photovoltaic panels and withstand stress from winds and / or waves acting upon them.

[0161] One of the other critical properties of the geogrids is their elasticity in a direction perpendicular to their grid surface to accommodate wave motion, i.e., they will locally displace while under load; however, once the load is relieved, the original shape and position of the grid is restored. The benefit of this elasticity of displacement is that it ensures the structure 100 has memory shape when the waves and / or or wind causes the structure to move. It provides the reinforcement required to support the structure while having the flexibility to move along with the waves in the water.

[0162] Metal could be an alternative material for the grid as it is strong and will provide more significant support to the structure's load. However, polymer materials are much lighter than metal. Metal is not a water-resistant material; consequently, the metal will rust over a long period and be exposed to lots of water. Wood, conversely, is a lighter material than both plastic and metal.

[0163] Another suitable option for forming the grid is nylon or rope-based materials. Nylon provides high tensile strength, flexibility, and abrasion resistance, while remaining lightweight compared to metal or wood. Rope constructions, whether of nylon, polyester, or natural fibres, are easily manufactured and replaced, and can accommodate varying loads while maintaining structural integrity. In addition, such materials allow the grid to deform slightly under stress without breaking, thereby enhancing durability and reliability, particularly in outdoor or water-exposed environments. Accordingly, the choice of grid material, whether metal, wood, polymer, or nylon or rope may be determined based on the desired balance between strength, weight, durability, and resistance to environmental exposure.

[0164] The layers of grid 102U and grid 102L may be connected using a snap orTy-rap ties 105. These will be constructed using thermoplastics since they are corrosion- resistant, have good electrical insulation and are easily weldable. These features are critical for connections under varying strain and submerged in water. Figure 7b shows a close-up of a tie 105 that holds the grid layers together on either side of the floatation item in one structure embodiment. This engagement of the grids 102U and 102L ensures the floatation item remains in its place and simultaneously may allow the grid mesh to have an enhanced level of lateral rigidity to provide better structure security. Fasteners 106 ensure the photovoltaic panels remain connected to the grid mesh.

[0165] In some other embodiments the floatation items are not in sacks, for example if the floatation items are large and not biodegradable and are chemically inert. In general sacks may be used to store even these items, for example to keep them organized in a desirable pattern, or for aesthetic purposes.

[0166] The floatation items are generally from about 50cm X 80cm to about 1 m x 1 m and only require sealing. Multiple chemical packaging may be used to create a larger floatation item with a greater internal volume. This could be beneficial; rather than individually sealing two sacks, both openings can be sealed together. The chemical packaging sacks are strong and sturdy while also being flexible. An essential feature of this floating structure is its flexibility. Therefore, if sacks are used as floatation items, it will not inhibit the flexibility of the design, unlike a barrel or rigid plastic sewage piping.

[0167] Some embodiments of the structure will use new sacks for the floatation protective casing since old sacks may be worn out and easily torn. It is important to check that the sacks are in good condition before they are used.

[0168] UV radiation may damage the sacks and reduce their lifespan. The photovoltaic panels and upper grid layer 102U only provide partial shade for the sacks, perhaps not enough to prevent the disintegration. The sacks could be manufactured with additives that protect them from this radiation. These additives will increase the lifespan and protect the sacks to about 20 years.

[0169] Theoretically, one floating photovoltaic system design option is to use one large float between two grid-like layers and attach photovoltaic panels to this float. Using one large floatation element may be beneficial since it will not require many or any ties to prevent it from moving. It will ensure the construction process is quicker as fewer parts need to be connected. We have realised that this float cannot generally withstand stress from the photovoltaic panels when subject to forces such as wind and waves. This approach might also be challenging when transporting and maintaining the floating photovoltaic farm.

[0170] In contrast, in some of the novel designs described herein, multiple floatation items, each filled with floating materials, may support each photovoltaic panel. The small floatation items have an extended life because the grids bear the stress. In addition, if any issues with a specific floatation item occur, only a small, cheap section must be replaced. One way to replace a floatation item is to cut an opening in the upper grid, such as in the shape of a “C” or“U” or “fl”, remove old floatation item, insert new floatation items, and sew or weld the opening shut again. Cable ties may also be used to affix ribs to each other.

[0171] In reference to Figure 11 , the at least one photovoltaic panel unit 300 each have a support assembly width 109a and a support assembly length 109b; in reference to Figure 6, the plurality of floatation items 103 each have a floatation item width 111a and a floatation item length 111b. In some embodiments the floatation item are smaller than the support assembly 104, i.e., the floatation item widths are smaller than the support assembly widths, and / or the floatation item lengths are smaller than the support assembly lengths or support assembly widths. Every structure 100 may have at least as many floatation items 103 as photovoltaic panel units 300 or even great many more floatation items 103 relative to the number of horizontal support beams 121. This principle is important to ensure flexibility of the structure 100 relative to the photovoltaic panel units fastened to the grids 102. In some embodiments there is at least one complete floatation item 103 underneath each photovoltaic panel unit 300. In other embodiments, floatation items 103 are positioned differently; for example, a single floatation item 103 could be “shared” by up to four adjacent horizontal support beams 121.

[0172] The dimensional characteristics of the flotation items 103, including the sack width 111a and the sack length 111b, may be optimised for the specific requirements of large- scale implementations. In some cases, the flotation items 103 may be sized to provide standard buoyancy units that can be manufactured and deployed efficiently across extensive floating structures 100. The floatation item width 111a and the floatation item length 111b may be selected to provide adequate buoyancy support while maintaining compatibility with the grid system and the positioning requirements of the photovoltaic panels 101 and horizontal support beams 121. The flotation items 103 may be arranged in regular patterns throughout the large-scale floating structure 100, creating systematic buoyancy distribution that can accommodate the loads and environmental conditions associated with extensive solar installations on water surfaces.

[0173] Instead of, or in addition to sacks, floatation items can be encaged without being held within sacks. In such embodiments the same principles of relative size of the floatation items apply, i.e., they should be smaller than the support beams. For simplicity’s sake the width of a floatation item is referred to as a “floatation item width” and the length of the item is referred to as “floatation item length”.

[0174] In some embodiments the sizes of the floatation items 103 vary. However, in general all the floatation items are smaller than the support assembly to allow the full vertical flexibility of the grid.

[0175] In our novel design, the grid 102 is elastic in a direction perpendicular to the grid’s “surfaces”, accordingly giving the system 100 a degree of elasticity more or less perpendicular to the surface of the water upon which the system 100 floats, resulting in the system 100 that will move together with the waves in the water. This flexibility allows the deformation, or local displacement, of the system 100 to occur without obstructions, unlike the situation with one single float. If there were a single float between the two grid layers, the deformation of the grid layers would be obstructed; and consequently, it would be rigid and thus the panels liable to break. Figure 7a demonstrates the direction N of movement of an upper grid 102U. The upper grid 102U in this embodiment 100, because of the floats 103, has an uneven surface. Therefore, the direction N varies at different locations of the upper grid 102U. Accordingly, the system 100 may have several degrees of freedom of movement. Different support beams may simultaneously move in different directions.

[0176] The floatation items 103 are situated in the gap between the two grid layers 102U and 102L; however, some embodiments may require a method of attachment or a tie 105. The two grid layers 102U and 102L prevent the floatation items 103 from escaping by being held together on the external edges and at other locations in the grids 102U and 102L. The grids 102U and 102L may need to be connected to each other on either side of a floatation items to prevent the floatation items 103 from rolling, makingthe structure unbalanced and, therefore, unstable.

[0177] In some embodiments, the space between the two grid layers 102U and 102L is about 10-40 cm. In some embodiments, the space is smaller, where the layers are tied to each other, but elsewhere, they are at a fairly uniform distance.

[0178] Another approach uses individual fasteners 105U that couple the upper grid layer 102U and the floatation items 103, as illustrated in Figures 9a and 9b. In some embodiments, a second fastener 105L attaches the lower grid layer 102L to the bottom side of the floatation items. Multiple fasteners connecting the floatation items 103 to the two grid layers 102U and 102L will prevent the floatation items from moving and ensure the stability of the structure. A challenge that may arise here would be how the connection attaches to the floatation item since they are sacks. Puncturing the sacks to attach them could remove their buoyancy as water would enter them. 1 A potential solution involves securingthe grid 102 around the floatation item 103 using a rope to couple the floatation item 103 to the grid 102. This will prevent the floatation sack 103 from displacing while avoiding any damage to the floatation item 103. There will be natural gaps in the material where the rope can be threaded and fastened. However, it is stressed that in some embodiments the floatation items 103 may have some degree of freedom of movement when held between two grid layers 102U and 102L, the latter which are at intervals tied or otherwise secured to each other. This degree of movement may be acceptable or even desirable, providing each and every photovoltaic panel is continuously fully supported. The degree of movement may be limited to a rocking by securingthe floatation item at one point, along some imaginary line, or side of the floatation item. That intermediate degree of movement may be more suitable for some applications such as in a marine environment.

[0179] Figure 11 shows the structure of the photovoltaic panel units 300. Each photovoltaic panel units 300 is comprised of vertical panel legs 109 and horizontal support beams 121 which together mount and support the photovoltaic panels 101. Along the photovoltaic support assembly 104, there are two holes 108 on each side. These holes connect the support assembly 104 to the grid 102.

[0180] Another reason for ensuring a strong connection between the panels and the upper grid 102U is that in some embodiments the photovoltaic panels are inclined in respect to the surface of the water upon which the system 100 floats, resulting in a space between the grid mesh and panels, shown in Figure 2 and Figure 11. Consequently, the panels must be tightly secured since most of the stress on the structure is caused by the wind uplift force on the photovoltaic panels. The wind uplift forces contribute a detrimental large force, up to several tons in a large floating structure. Consequently, the photovoltaic panels and supports must be secured to the upper grid 102 in multiple locations.

[0181] Figure 13 shows a front view of a photovoltaic panel 401 demonstrating its attachment to the support plate 430 under the grid 402U. The support plate 430 beneath the upper grid layer is an option to make it easier to secure the photovoltaic supports 421 to the grid layer. This will ensure the connection is secure, considering the strong wind uplift force applied to the photovoltaic panels, hence the floating structure.

[0182] Accessibility to perform maintenance on the photovoltaic panels is an important consideration. To overcome this, in some embodiments, structure 100 has the option for a narrow walkway 107 to allow access. This walkway is illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 2a. The grid mesh can support the walkway; however, unlike the photovoltaic panels, no floatation items exist between the grids. The walkway 107 is secured to the grid 102 using fasteners.

[0183] In some embodiments 200, the walkway 207 is directly above the floatation items 203; see Figures 12a and 12b. Constructing the grids 202 and floatation items 203 at regular intervals, see Figure 12b, makes the process more straightforward. There is no need for a larger interval without floatation items as it designates space for the walkways since, in this embodiment, like the photovoltaic panels 201 , they are attached above both the grid 202 and the floatation items 203. The layers of grid 202 may be connected using a snap or Ty-rap ties 205. The photovoltaic panels 201 are fastened to the grid 202 via the horizontal support beams 221 and the vertical panel legs 209.

[0184] Figure 14 schematically shows a perspective side view from above of another embodiment of the floating network 500, in which the floatation items between the grids 502 include or are formed from a floating water plant such as water hyacinth 513. In some embodiments, a floating structure 500 with water hyacinth and grids 502 may be maintained over multiple years by periodic care of both the plant and the physical structure. Plant maintenance may include controlling plant density (e.g., maintaining approximately 50-80% surface coverage), periodic pruning to remove diseased or dead plants, and transferring excess growth to other structures or for alternative use (compost or biogas). Structural maintenance may include periodic cleaning of grids (every 3-6 months), inspection of grid tension and connections, and replacement of damaged grids. In some embodiments, protection measures may be employed, such as fencing to prevent damage by animals, shading to protect against excessive sunlight, or anchoring to prevent damage by wind or waves. Monitoring may further include buoyancy checks and water quality measurements (oxygen, nitrogen, phosphate, pH levels). The skirt to protect from strong gusts of wind and high waves may also serve to prevent damage by animals or in some embodiments there is both a skirt and fencing.

[0185] By way of example, fresh water has a density of about 1000 kg / m3. A water hyacinth plant has a density of about 200-300 kg / m3, enabling it to provide significant buoyancy. In one embodiment, a structure with a vertical spacing of about 0.30 m between grids and filled with water hyacinth may provide a net buoyancy of approximately 225 kg / m2, allowing a 200*200 m2array to support up to about 9,000 tonnes.

[0186] The water hyacinth 513 may provide environmental benefits beyond buoyancy support, including water quality improvement through nutrient uptake and oxygen production through photosynthetic processes. The biological activity of the water hyacinth 513 may contribute to the ecological functions of the water environment while providing the flotation support needed for the floating structure 500. The water hyacinth 513 may absorb nutrients from the water that might otherwise contribute to algae growth or water quality degradation, creating environmental benefits that complement the renewable energy generation functions of the floating structure 500. In some cases, the water hyacinth 513 may provide habitat functions for aquatic organisms while maintaining the buoyancy characteristics needed for the structural performance of the floating structure 500.

[0187] The floating structure 500 may incorporate anchoring methods (not shown in the figures) that secure the floating structure 500 to fixed reference points while accommodatingthe environmental conditions and performance requirements of the installation location. The floating structure 500 may be anchored to banks surrounding the water surface through connection systems that engage with fixed structures or anchor points positioned along the shoreline or water boundary. The bank anchoring approach may provide stable reference points for the floating structure 500 while allowing for water level variations and environmental conditions that may affect the positioning of the floating structure 500. In some cases, the bank anchoring systems may incorporate flexible connection elements that accommodate movement of the floating structure 500 while maintainin the overall positioning within acceptable limits. Alternative anchoring approaches for the floating structure 500 may include anchoring to the bottom of a water reservoir through anchor systems that engage with the substrate beneath the water surface. The bottom anchoring approach may provide positioning control for the floating structure 500 in locations where bank anchoring may not be practical or where the water body dimensions may require distributed anchoring support. The bottom anchoring systems may incorporate anchor elements that penetrate the substrate or engage with the bottom surface through weight or mechanical attachment mechanisms. The bottom anchoring approach may accommodate water level variations and environmental conditions while maintaining the operational positioning of the floating structure 500.

[0188] To ensure maximum performance and efficiency of the photovoltaic panels, they must remain clean. If the photovoltaic panels float on water, they will likely be exposed to more birds since they come to the water to find food. As a result, there will be more guano on the photovoltaic panels' surface, reducing their efficiency. Regularly cleaning the photovoltaic panels is essential, and cleaning methods may involve using robots. The option of having a walkway on the structure is beneficial since it is an additional method which can be used to clean the photovoltaic panels.

[0189] There are numerous benefits to constructing the photovoltaic farms on water. The water under the photovoltaic panels can still be used as a reservoir, and it does not take up land that could be used for alternative construction projects. This use of water is also much more cost-effective since there is less competition for buildings on water compared to construction on land, which would usually be required if the photovoltaic panel arrays were being constructed on land. Since the floating photovoltaic structure is assembled using a grid as the basis of the structure, it will protect the fish and wildlife in the water from being hunted by birds.

[0190] In some embodiments the floating structure covers a small part of the water surface.

[0191] Ropes or cables may tie the structure to banks and / or to a bottom of the water reservoir. Some embodiments of the structure may involve a much larger surface area of the water being covered by the grid. In some embodiments the grids will cover the entire surface of the water and extend onto the banks. The grids may be anchored to the banks or in some embodiments to some features on the banks with attachment means located on or in the banks, or the grid itself may be anchored, for example by covering the grid on the bank with a layer of earth. This will protect the fish in the water since birds cannot eat them, reducingthe presence of birds around photovoltaic panels. This will reduce the amount of soiling and dropping on the panels due to the presence of birds, which is a serious problem for commercially available floating solar farms. Note that when the grid extends to all banks of the water reservoir, in some embodiments only a relatively small part of the grid may be covered with panels.

[0192] The large grid provides novel versatility because panels may easily be added as desired. In some embodiments some or all of the photovoltaic panels may be removed or some of the upper grid surface may be left free, and some of the grid surface could be made available for additional load-bearing uses. Since the heavy photovoltaic panels require much support from the grids, and floatation items to remain afloat, another loadbearing structure or other devices could be constructed above this floating foundation. Large floating structures with multiple devices thereon may be considered as floating islands.

[0193] Water reservoirs, lakes and lagoons provide a large area for placement of the structures described above. On the one hand, open seas provide a much larger area and may accommodate immense structures. On the other hand, some seas may be subject to high winds, strong currents and large waves.

[0194] Our inventive structures are very flexible, right down to the level of a single support beam, and thus the panels should withstand the forces employed by off-shore strong winds and high waves, for example the beams will follow the undulation of the waves, upwards and downwards, in an edge effect. In addition, because the grids are generally thin, several mm thick, and the floatation items are generally under 30cm high, the structure generally lies very close to the water surface. This proximity helps to reduce the impact of strong winds and currents on the integrity of the structure.

[0195] In some embodiments, the photovoltaic array may include features to mitigate ice formation. For example, flotation items may incorporate hydrophobic coatings, sloped or flexible surfaces that shed ice, or embedded heating elements configured to prevent accumulation. In cold-weather joints may be designed to accommodate expansion and contraction without structural damage.

[0196] In some embodiments [not shown], the edges of the grids may comprise skirts that are slightly elevated relative to the upper grid, to help protect the panels from waves and strong winds. These skirts may also be made of geogrid or another structural mesh that and will help absorb some of the wind / wave energy. In certain embodiments, the skirts are slightly elevated relative to the upper grid, for example by a few centimetres. In some embodiments the skirts are approximately as high as the panels above the upper grid, thereby forming a protective barrier. More generally, the skirts may extend above the upper grid by a distance ranging from a fraction of the panel height to substantially the full panel height. Such skirts can serve to shield the edges of the panels from direct impact forces and help maintain system stability under strong environmental conditions.

[0197] In some embodiments the floating structure can be configured to support load bearing construction, including but not limited to small buildings, platforms, walkways or other structures.

[0198] To summarize, the innovation presented above is very suitable for off-shore installation. Some embodiments are designed to withstand high waves of over 1 meter and up to 10 meter and more. In addition, some embodiments are designed to withstand strong winds of over 30 meter per second and strong currents of over 2 meters per second.

[0199] Clauses: Clause 1 . A structure for harnessing solar energy over a water surface, the structure comprising:

[0200] (i) at least one photovoltaic panel unit, each unit comprising: a. a photovoltaic panel;

[0201] 5b. a photovoltaic support assembly; wherein the photovoltaic panel is engaged with the photovoltaic support assembly, and wherein the support assembly of any one photovoltaic panel unit is not connected to any other support assembly of any other photovoltaic panel unit;

[0202] (ii) a plurality of grids flexible in a direction perpendicular to surfaces of the grids;

[0203] 10 wherein at least one of the plurality of grids is engaged with the photovoltaic support assembly of the at least one photovoltaic panel unit;

[0204] (iii) a plurality of floatation items comprising buoyant material enabling the structure to remain afloat; wherein:

[0205] 15 each of the plurality of floatation items is: encaged by at least two of the plurality of grids, and not connected to any support assembly of the at least one photovoltaic panel unit, and wherein the structure is configured to allow each of the at least one photovoltaic panel units to 20 independently move relative to all other of the at least one photovoltaic panel unit; and

[0206] (iv) at least one tie; wherein at least one of the at least one tie is employed to connect the plurality of grids to each other on a plurality of sides of at least one of the plurality of floatation items.

[0207] Clause 2. A structure for harnessing solar energy over a water surface, the structure

[0208] 25 comprising:

[0209] (i) at least one photovoltaic panel unit, each unit comprising: a) a photovoltaic panel; b) a photovoltaic support assembly; wherein the photovoltaic panel is engaged with the photovoltaic support assembly;

[0210] 30 wherein each support assembly of any one photovoltaic panel unit is not connected to a support assembly of any other photovoltaic panel unit; (ii) a plurality of grids flexible in a direction perpendicular to surfaces of the grids; wherein at least one of the plurality of grids is engaged with the at least one photovoltaic support assembly of the at least one photovoltaic panel unit;

[0211] (iii) a plurality of floatation items comprising buoyant material enabling the structure to

[0212] 5 remain afloat; wherein: each of the plurality of floatation items is: encaged by at least two of the plurality of grids; not connected to any support assembly of the at least one photovoltaic panel unit; held under one of the at least one photovoltaic panel unit, and delimited by adjacent

[0213] 10 photovoltaic panel units, and

[0214] (v) at least one tie; wherein at least one of the at least one tie is employed to connect the at least two of the plurality of grids on a plurality of sides of at least one of the plurality of floatation items.

[0215] Clause 3. The structure of clause 1 or 2, wherein the floatation item encaged by at least 15 two of the plurality of grids comprises a floatation sack.

[0216] Clause 4. The structure of clause 3, wherein: the at least one floatation sack or the plurality of floatation items each have a respective width and length; the at least one photovoltaic panel unit each have a unit width and a unit length;

[0217] 20 and wherein the unit width and the unit length of at least one photovoltaic panel unit is greater than the respective width and length of at least one of the floatation sacks and / or floatation items.

[0218] Clause 5. The structure of any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein each of the at least one photovoltaic unit is a standalone unit, and wherein each of the at least one photovoltaic 25 panel of the at least one photovoltaic panel unit is supported by a plurality of horizontal support beams and a plurality of vertical panel support legs.

[0219] Clause 6. The structure of any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of grids is constructed using polymer material, to form a geogrid.

[0220] Clause 7. The structure of clause 6, wherein the polymer material is weaved, mold- 30 injected, punched, welded and / or stretched to form the geogrid.

[0221] Clause 8. The structure of any one of clauses 1 to 7, each of the plurality of floatation items comprising at least one protective outer casing.

[0222] Clause 9. The structure of clause 8, wherein the at least one protective outer casing is sealed from entrance of water therein.

[0223] Clause 10. The structure of clause 8, wherein the at least one protective outer casing is inflated with air and sealed from deflating.

[0224] Clause 11 . The structure of any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein at least one of the plurality of floatation items comprises an inner casing inside a protective outer casing. Clause 12. The structure of clause 8, wherein at least one of the plurality of floatation items comprises a UV-resistant material for the protective outer casing.

[0225] Clause 13. The structure of any one of clauses 1 to 7, at least one of the plurality of floatation items comprising a protective outer casing and recycled buoyant material therein.

[0226] Clause 14. The structure of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein at least one of the plurality of floatation items is secured on at least two sides by at least two of the plurality of grids connected with a plurality of ties.

[0227] Clause 15. The structure of clause 5, wherein at least one fastener connects each of the at least one horizontal support beam to at least one of the plurality of grids.

[0228] Clause 16. The structure of any one of clauses 1 to 15 configured to allow attaching at least one walkway to the grids adjacent to the at least one photovoltaic panel for maintenance.

[0229] Clause 17. The structure of any one of clauses 1 to 16, wherein the plurality of grids extends over the water surface.

[0230] Clause 18. The structure of any one of clauses 1 to 17, wherein the plurality of grids is anchored to banks surrounding the water surface.

[0231] Clause 19. The structure of clause 2, wherein each of the plurality of floatation items is further delimited by adjacent walkway / s.

[0232] Clause 20. The structure of any one of clauses 1 to 19, anchored to a bottom of a water reservoir.

[0233] Clause 21 . The structure of clause 5, wherein each of the at least one support assembly is engaged with at least one photovoltaic panel to ensure each of the at least one panel stands at an angle of incline a with the water surface, wherein the angle of incline a is within the range of 0 < a < 45°.

[0234] Clause 22. The structure of clause 13, wherein the buoyant material comprises recycled material. Clause 23. The structure of clause 22, wherein the recycled material is selected from one or more of: cotton chaff, chopped packaging, Styrofoam peanut shells, foam rubber / polyethylene / polypropylene / silicon / polyurethane, scrapped foamed plastic packaging, treated wood chips, corks or fragments thereof or other corky waste, papyrus, sacks of seeds and nuts, cleaned pits, chaff from grains, cotton seeds, pumice from volcanic sites, chicken feathers, and empty and capped used plastic bottles.

[0235] Clause 24. The structure of any one of clauses 1 to 23, further comprising at least one skirt. Clause 25. The structure of any one of clauses 1 to 24, wherein each of the at least one floatation item has a height less than or equal to 30 cm.

[0236] Clause 26. The structure of any one of Clauses 1 to 25, wherein at least one support plate is positioned beneath an upper grid to provide a surface for bolting or fastening a support assembly thereto.

[0237] Clause l. The structure of any one of clauses 1 to 26 wherein the plurality of floatation items comprises buoyant plant material

[0238] Clause 28. The structure of clause 27, comprising water hyacinth.

[0239] Clause 29. The structure of clause 27, wherein the plant material is maintained at a density sufficient to provide approximately 50-80% surface coverage of the water surface.

[0240] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments or example, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, example and / or option, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment, example, or option of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments, examples and / or options are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment, example and / or option is inoperative without those elements.

[0241] While several examples have been described in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosed examples may be modified. Therefore, the foregoing description is to be considered non-limiting.

[0242] While certain examples have been described, these examples have been presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the systems and methods described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

[0243] Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing examples. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0244] Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable sub combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a sub combination or variation of a sub combination.

[0245] Although the description uses terms “first,” “second,” etc. to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by the terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first graphical representation could be termed a second graphical representation, and, similarly, a second graphical representation could be termed a first graphical representation, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments. The first graphical representation and the second graphical representation are both graphical representations, but they are not the same graphical representation.

[0246] Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations.

[0247] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some examples, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and / or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the example, certain of the steps described above may be removed or others may be added. Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific examples disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional examples, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0248] For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular example. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0249] Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain examples include, while other examples do not include, certain features, elements, and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are in any way required for one or more examples or that one or more examples necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and / or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular example.

[0250] Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain examples require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

[0251] Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result.

[0252] Unless specifically stated otherwise, these terms are to be construed as up to ±10% of the stated value. The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred examples in this section or elsewhere in this specification and may be defined by claims as presented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or as presented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or duringthe prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.

Claims

1. CLAIMS:1 . A structure for harnessing solar energy over a water surface, the structure comprising:(i) at least one photovoltaic panel unit, each unit comprising: a. a photovoltaic panel; b. a photovoltaic support assembly; wherein the photovoltaic panel is engaged with the photovoltaic support assembly, and wherein the support assembly of any one photovoltaic panel unit is not connected to any other support assembly of any other photovoltaic panel unit;(ii) a plurality of grids flexible in a direction perpendicular to surfaces of the grids; wherein at least one of the plurality of grids is engaged with the photovoltaic support assembly of the at least one photovoltaic panel unit;(iii) a plurality of floatation items comprising buoyant material enabling the structure to remain afloat; wherein: each of the plurality of floatation items is: encaged by at least two of the plurality of grids, and not connected to any support assembly of the at least one photovoltaic panel unit, and wherein the structure is configured to allow each of the at least one photovoltaic panel units to independently move relative to all other of the at least one photovoltaic panel unit; and(iv) at least one tie; wherein at least one of the at least one tie is employed to connect the plurality of grids to each other on a plurality of sides of at least one of the plurality of floatation items.

2. A structure for harnessing solar energy over a water surface, the structure comprising:(i) at least one photovoltaic panel unit, each unit comprising: a) a photovoltaic panel; b) a photovoltaic support assembly; wherein the photovoltaic panel is engaged with the photovoltaic support assembly; wherein each support assembly of any one photovoltaic panel unit is not connected to a support assembly of any other photovoltaic panel unit;(ii) a plurality of grids flexible in a direction perpendicular to surfaces of the grids; wherein at least one of the plurality of grids is engaged with the photovoltaic support assembly of the at least one photovoltaic panel unit;(iii) a plurality of floatation items comprising buoyant material enabling the structure to remain afloat; wherein each of the plurality of floatation items is: encaged by at least two of the plurality of grids; not connected to any support assembly of the at least one photovoltaic panel unit; held under one of the at least one photovoltaic panel unit, and delimited by adjacent photovoltaic panel units, and(v) at least one tie; wherein at least one of the at least one tie is employed to connect the at least two of the plurality of grids on a plurality of sides of at least one of the plurality of floatation items.

3. The structure of claim 1 , wherein the floatation item encaged by at least two of the plurality of grids comprises a floatation sack.

4. The structure of claim 3, wherein: the at least one floatation sack or the plurality of floatation items each have a respective width and length; the at least one photovoltaic panel unit each have a unit width and a unit length; and wherein the unit width and the unit length of at least one photovoltaic panel unit is greater than the respective width and length of at least one of the floatation sacks and / or floatation items.

5. The structure of claim 1 , wherein each of the at least one photovoltaic unit is a standalone unit, and wherein each of the at least one photovoltaic panel of the at least one photovoltaic panel unit is supported by a plurality of horizontal support beams and a plurality of vertical panel support legs.

6. The structure of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of grids is constructed using polymer material, to form a geogrid.

7. The structure of claim 6, wherein the polymer material is weaved, mold-injected, punched, welded and / or stretched to form the geogrid.

8. The structure of claim 1 , each of the plurality of floatation items comprising at least one protective outer casing.

9. The structure of claim 8, wherein the at least one protective outer casing is sealed from entrance of water therein.

10. The structure of claim 8, wherein the at least one protective outer casing is inflated with air and sealed from deflating.11 .The structure of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of floatation items comprises an inner casing inside a protective outer casing.

12. The structure of claim 8, wherein at least one of the plurality of floatation items comprises a UV-resistant material for the protective outer casing.

13. The structure of claim 1 , at least one of the plurality of floatation items comprising a protective outer casing and recycled buoyant material therein.

14. The structure of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of floatation items is secured on at least two sides by at least two of the plurality of grids connected with a plurality of ties.

15. The structure of claim 5, wherein at least one fastener connects each of the at least one horizontal support beam to at least one of the plurality of grids.

16. The structure of claim 1 configured to allow attaching at least one walkway to the grids adjacent to the at least one photovoltaic panel for maintenance.

17. The structure of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of grids extends over the water surface.

18. The structure of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of grids is anchored to banks surrounding the water surface.

19. The structure of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of floatation items is further delimited by adjacent walkway / s.

20. The structure of claim 1 , anchored to a bottom of a water reservoir.21 . The structure of claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of vertical panel legs is engaged with at least one photovoltaic panel to ensure each of the at least one panel stands at an angle of incline a with the water surface, wherein the angle of incline a is within the range of 0 < a < 45°.

22. The structure of claim 13, wherein the buoyant material comprises recycled material.

23. The structure of claim 22, wherein the recycled material is selected from one or more of: cotton chaff, chopped packaging, Styrofoam peanut shells, foam rubber / polyethylene / polypropylene / silicon / polyurethane, scrapped foamed plastic packaging, treated wood chips, corks or fragments thereof or other corky waste, papyrus, sacks of seeds and nuts, cleaned pits, chaff from grains, cotton seeds, pumice from volcanic sites, chicken feathers, and empty and capped used plastic bottles.

24. The structure of claim 1 , further comprising at least one skirt.

25. The structure of claim 1 , wherein each of the at least one floatation item has a height less than or equal to 30 cm.

26. The structure of claim 1 , wherein at least one support plate is positioned beneath an upper grid to provide a surface for bolting or fastening a support assembly thereto.

27. The structure of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of floatation items comprises buoyant plant material.

28. The structure of claim 27, comprising water hyacinth.

29. The structure of claim 27, wherein the plant material is maintained at a density sufficient to provide approximately 50-80% coverage of the water surface.

Images