A floating solar energy platform

Abstract

The invention relates to a floating solar energy platform (10) comprising at least one connection mechanism (11 ) for connecting at least one marine vessel, and a plurality of solar panels (12) for generating electricity from solar energy. Accordingly, its novelty is characterized by comprising a motion sensor (153) that enables the detection of a hand gesture of a user, a waste collection chamber (151) comprising a lid (152) that opens according to a motion data received from the motion sensor, a weight sensor (154) that enables the measurement of the weight of the waste collection chamber, a processor unit (16) that enables the comparison of a weight data received from the weight sensor with a reference weight data, and in case it is determined that the weight data exceeds the reference weight data, enables the transfer of the waste in the waste collection chamber to a dirty waste storage chamber (156), a waste collection unit (15) that enables the collection of the wastes of marine vessels, and at least one charging unit (14) for meeting the energy needs of marine vessels.

Description

[0001] A FLOATING SOLAR ENERGY PLATFORM

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a floating solar energy platform comprising at least one connection mechanism for connecting at least one marine vessel, and a plurality of solar panels for generating electricity from solar energy.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] Solar energy systems have been rapidly developing in recent years due to the increasing demand for clean and renewable energy sources. Solar panels are systems that convert sunlight directly into electricity through photovoltaic cells and are used with many different types of installations. Among the common areas of use of these systems are ground-mounted systems, rooftop systems, and floating solar power plants (SPPs) installed on bodies of water.

[0006] Floating SPP is a method of energy generation that provides energy production through photovoltaic panels placed on bodies of water. It was initially developed with the aim of reducing land use and increasing environmental sustainability. These systems are generally installed on lakes, dams, or other inland water sources. Floating SPP systems offer higher energy efficiency compared to land-based systems by benefiting from the cooling effect of the water. In addition, these panels installed on the water surface contribute to the preservation of water resources by reducing water evaporation.

[0007] Current floating SPP platforms do not have sufficient infrastructure to provide a system for connecting marine vessels such as yachts or boats and meeting their energy needs. Marine vessels generally have to meet their energy requirements near the shore, and this situation creates difficulty in accessing energy during maritime activities. In addition, the absence of a platform for marine vessels to anchor leads to a lack of areas where yachts and boats can remain safely.

[0008] Another significant problem of floating SPP systems is the lack of management of waste accumulating on the sea or lake surface. Current systems do not include an integrated waste collection system aimed at preventing environmental pollution. This leads to the uncontrolled accumulation of waste on the sea surface and causes environmental damage. This deficiency in waste management constitutes a serious problem, especially in touristic areas and regions with heavy marine traffic.

[0009] All the problems mentioned above have made it necessary to make an innovation in the relevant technical field as a result.

[0010] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention relates to a floating solar power plant to eliminate the above- mentioned disadvantages and bring new advantages to the relevant technical field.

[0012] An object of the invention is to provide a floating solar energy platform to which at least one marine vessel is connected, which ensures the prevention of environmental pollution while also meeting the energy needs of marine vessels.

[0013] To achieve all the objects mentioned above and that will emerge from the following detailed description, the present invention is a floating solar energy platform comprising at least one connection mechanism for connecting at least one marine vessel, and a plurality of solar panels for generating electricity from solar energy. Accordingly, it comprises a motion sensor that enables the detection of a hand gesture of a user, a waste collection chamber comprising a lid that opens according to a motion data received from the motion sensor, a weight sensor that enables the measurement of the weight of the waste collection chamber, a processor unit that enables the comparison of a weight data received from the weight sensor with a reference weight data, and in case it is determined that the weight data exceeds the reference weight data, enables the transfer of the waste in the waste collection chamber to a dirty waste storage chamber, a waste collection unit that enables the collection of the wastes of marine vessels, and at least one charging unit for meeting the energy needs of marine vessels.

[0014] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized comprising at least one energy storage unit for storing the electrical energy generated by the solar panels.

[0015] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized comprising an energy control unit configured to allow the transfer of the energy received from the energy storage unit to the charging unit.

[0016] Another possible embodiment of the invention is that the dirty waste storage chamber comprises a fullness sensor.

[0017] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized comprising a warning unit triggered by a warning signal generated via the processor unit in case it is determined, as a result of comparing a fullness data received from the fullness sensor with a reference fullness data that the fullness data is outside the reference fullness value.

[0018] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized comprising a communication unit for transmitting the warning signal to a remote server.

[0019] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized comprising a rail that enables the transfer of waste between the waste collection chamber and the dirty waste storage chamber.

[0020] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized comprising a drive unit that enables the movement of the rail when triggered via the processor unit.

[0021] Another possible embodiment of the invention is that the charging unit comprises at least one phone charging unit. Another possible embodiment of the invention is that the charging unit comprises at least one USB charging unit.

[0022] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized comprising a locking mechanism that prevents the opening of the lid.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is a drawing illustrating schematic view of a floating solar energy platform.

[0025] Figure 2 is a drawing illustrating schematic view of an operating scenario of a floating solar energy platform.

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] In this detailed description, the subject matter is explained with references to examples without forming any restrictive effect only in order to make the subject more understandable.

[0028] The invention relates to a floating solar energy platform (10). The floating solar energy platform (10) enables the generation of electricity from solar energy and the collection of waste originating from marine vessels. Thus, it ensures the prevention of environmental pollution in seas, lakes, and similar bodies of water, while also meeting the energy needs of marine vessels.

[0029] Referring to Figure 1 , the floating solar energy platform (10) comprises at least one connection mechanism (1 1 ) for connecting at least one marine vessel. The connection mechanism (1 1 ) enables the marine vessel to approach the platform securely and remain fixed at that location. The connection mechanism (1 1 ) is resistant to the movement of the marine vessel and is configured to allow the connection of boats of different sizes. Referring to Figure 1 , the floating solar energy platform (10) comprises a plurality of solar panels (12) for generating electricity from solar energy. The solar panels (12) are made of materials resistant to the harsh conditions encountered in aquatic environments. The floating solar energy platform (10) comprises at least one energy storage unit (13) for storing the electrical energy generated by the solar panels. The energy storage unit (13) stores the excess energy generated and provides a continuous energy source to marine vessels. Thus, energy can be supplied even under cloudy weather conditions or in situations where sunlight is insufficient.

[0030] Referring to Figure 1 , the floating solar energy platform (10) comprises at least one charging unit (14) for meeting the energy needs of marine vessels. An energy control unit is provided to allow the transfer of the energy received from the energy storage unit (13) to the charging unit (14). In a possible embodiment of the invention, a circuit breaker or the like is preferably used as the energy control unit. The charging unit (14) comprises at least one phone charging unit to allow users to charge their mobile phones and other devices. The charging unit (14) additionally comprises at least one USB charging unit.

[0031] The floating solar energy platform (10) comprises a waste collection unit (15) that enables the collection of wastes from marine vessels. The waste collection unit (15) comprises a waste collection chamber (151 ) into which the waste is initially disposed. The waste collection chamber (151 ) comprises a lid (152). A motion sensor (153) is located in the vicinity of the lid (152). In a possible embodiment of the invention, a motion sensor is preferably used as the motion sensor (153). The motion sensor (153) enables the detection of a user's hand. The waste collection unit (15) comprises a weight sensor (154) that enables the measurement of the weight of the waste collection chamber (151 ). The waste collection unit (15) comprises a dirty waste storage chamber (156) in which the waste from the waste collection chamber (151 ) is collected for storage. A locking mechanism is provided that operates to prevent the opening of the lid (152). The locking mechanism is configured to prevent the opening of the lid when triggered.

[0032] Referring to Figure 2, the waste collection unit (15) comprises a processor unit (16) that enables the comparison of a weight data received from the weight sensor (154) with a reference weight data, and in case it is determined that the weight data exceeds the reference weight data, enables the transfer of the waste in the waste collection chamber (151 ) to the dirty waste storage chamber (156). In a possible embodiment of the invention, the processor unit may be a CPU, a GPU, a microcontroller, or the like.

[0033] The dirty waste storage chamber (156) comprises a fullness sensor (157). In a possible embodiment of the invention, a fullness sensor can be used as the fullness sensor (157). The floating solar energy platform (10) comprises a warning unit (17) that is triggered by a warning signal generated via the processor unit (16) in case it is determined, as a result of comparing a fullness data received from the fullness sensor (157) with a reference fullness data, that the fullness data is outside the reference fullness value. In a possible embodiment of the invention, an audible warning unit can be used as the warning unit. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a visual warning unit can be used as the warning unit. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, it is preferred to use at least one of a visual warning unit and an audible warning unit as the warning unit.

[0034] The floating solar energy platform (10) comprises a communication unit (18) for transmitting the warning signal to a remote server (19). In a possible embodiment of the invention, the communication unit is configured to enable communication via at least one of wired and wireless communication.

[0035] The floating solar energy platform (10) comprises a rail (158) that enables the transfer of waste between the waste collection chamber (151 ) and the dirty waste storage chamber (156). A drive unit (159) is provided to enable the movement of the rail. In a possible embodiment of the invention, a DC motor or the like can be used as the drive unit. The processor unit (16) enables the generation of a trigger signal that activates the movement of the rail.

[0036] An exemplary operating scenario of the invention is described as follows.

[0037] A marine vessel is connected to the connection mechanism (1 1 ) on the floating solar energy platform (10) in order to meet its energy needs and discharge its waste. If the marine vessel has an energy requirement, it is enabled to establish a connection with the charging unit (14).

[0038] The solar panels (12) placed on the floating solar energy platform (10) collect sunlight throughout the day and enable energy generation. The energy produced is stored in the energy storage unit (13) and directed to the charging unit (14).

[0039] The user on the marine vessel disposes of the waste from the vessel onto the platform using the waste collection system (15). The user's hand gesture is detected by the sensor (153), and the lid of the waste collection chamber (151 ) opens automatically. After the waste is placed into the chamber, the weight sensor (154) enables the measurement of the weight of the waste collection chamber. The measured weight data is transmitted to the processor unit (16). When the processor unit (16) detects that the chamber is full, it enables the activation of the locking mechanism. Thus, the disposal of additional waste into the waste collection chamber is prevented. The processor unit (16) also enables the transmission of a movement signal to the drive unit (159) in order to activate the rail system (158). Depending on the movement of the rail, all the waste collected in the waste collection chamber is transferred to the dirty waste storage chamber (156). The fullness status of the dirty waste storage chamber (156) is measured via the fullness sensors (157) provided in the chamber. The data measured by the fullness sensor (157) is transmitted to the processor unit (16). When the processor unit (16) detects that the dirty waste storage chamber is full, it enables the activation of the warning unit (17). The warning unit (17) enables the provision of audible and visual alerts. When the processor unit (16) detects that the dirty waste storage chamber is full, it also enables the transmission of a warning signal to a remote server (19) via the communication unit (18). Thus, both nearby and remote users are informed that the dirty waste storage chamber is full. The dirty waste storage chamber (156) is the place where the waste is kept ready for disposal.

[0040] The scope of protection of the invention is specified in the attached claims and cannot be limited to those explained for sampling purposes in this detailed description. It is evident that a person skilled in the art may exhibit similar embodiments in light of the above-mentioned facts without drifting apart from the main theme of the invention. REFERENCE NUMBERS GIVEN IN THE FIGURE

[0041] 10 Floating solar energy platform

[0042] 11 Connection mechanism

[0043] 12 Solar panel

[0044] 13 Energy storage unit

[0045] 14 Charging unit

[0046] 15 Waste collection unit

[0047] 151 Waste collection chamber

[0048] 152 Lid

[0049] 153 Motion sensor

[0050] 154 Weight sensor

[0051] 156 Dirty waste storage chamber

[0052] 157 Fullness sensor

[0053] 158 Rail

[0054] 159 Drive unit

[0055] 16 Processor unit

[0056] 17 Warning unit

[0057] 18 Communication unit

[0058] 19 Server

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A floating solar energy platform (10) comprising at least one connection mechanism (1 1 ) for connecting at least one marine vessel, and a plurality of solar panels (12) for generating electricity from solar energy, characterized in that it comprises a motion sensor (153) that enables the detection of a hand gesture of a user, a waste collection chamber (151 ) comprising a lid (152) that opens according to a motion data received from the motion sensor, a weight sensor (154) that enables the measurement of the weight of the waste collection chamber, a processor unit (16) that enables the comparison of a weight data received from the weight sensor with a reference weight data, and in case it is determined that the weight data exceeds the reference weight data, enables the transfer of the waste in the waste collection chamber to a dirty waste storage chamber (156), a waste collection unit (15) that enables the collection of the wastes of marine vessels, and at least one charging unit (14) for meeting the energy needs of marine vessels.

2. A floating solar energy platform (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one energy storage unit (13) for storing the electrical energy generated by the solar panels (12).

3. A floating solar energy platform (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises an energy control unit configured to allow the transfer of the energy received from the energy storage unit (13) to the charging unit (14).

4. A floating solar energy platform (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises the dirty waste storage chamber (156) comprising a fullness sensor (157).

5. A floating solar energy platform (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a warning unit (17) triggered by a warning signal generated via the processor unit (16) in case it is determined, as a result of comparing a fullness data received from the fullness sensor (157) with a reference fullness data, that the fullness data is outside the reference fullness value.

6. A floating solar energy platform (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a communication unit (18) for transmitting the warning signal to a remote server (19).

7. A floating solar energy platform (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a rail (158) that enables the transfer of waste between the waste collection chamber (151 ) and the dirty waste storage chamber (156).

8. A floating solar energy platform (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a drive unit (159) that enables the movement of the rail when triggered via the processor unit (16).

9. A floating solar energy platform (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the charging unit (14) comprising at least one phone charging unit.

10. A floating solar energy platform (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the charging unit (14) comprising at least one USB charging unit.11 . A floating solar energy platform (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a locking mechanism that prevents the opening of the lid (152).

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