Asymmetric Buoyancy Columns for Floating PV Platform Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floating platforms, particularly those used for photovoltaic installations, suffer from instability due to wave movements, leading to mechanical stress and reduced energy efficiency, as they lack sufficient stability to maintain the alignment and effectiveness of photovoltaic elements.
Innovation Solution
A semi-submersible floating platform design featuring two types of stabilizing buoyant bodies with different displacement volumes above and below the water surface, where one body has a larger displacement volume for buoyancy and a smaller volume for stabilization, counteracting vertical movements and reducing tilting forces by minimizing buoyancy differences caused by waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If columns are designed with identical displacement volumes above and below water surface, then structural simplicity is maintained, but platform stability deteriorates due to uneven lifting from wave movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing columns with different displacement volumes above and below the water surface. Specifically, the columns have a larger displacement volume below water than above water, creating an asymmetric buoyancy distribution that counteracts wave-induced uneven lifting and improves platform stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by varying the displacement volume of columns at different locations and heights. The columns are designed with different cross-sectional areas at different levels, with larger displacement capacity where needed for stability, rather than using uniform columns throughout the structure.
2Quantity of substance
If platform size is reduced for smaller designs, then resource usage decreases, but stability deteriorates due to increased susceptibility to wave movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the displacement volume parameters of the columns to achieve stability in smaller platform designs. By optimizing the displacement volume ratio and distribution of columns, the patent enables smaller platforms to maintain adequate stability against wave movements without requiring proportional increases in overall platform size.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The platform achieves improved stability and smoother operation, reducing mechanical stress on photovoltaic elements and enhancing energy conversion efficiency by minimizing the impact of wave movements, making it suitable for smaller designs and harsh sea conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The stabilizing buoyancy bodies have a stabilizing section which is arranged underwater when the water surface is flat... The buoyancy section and the stabilization section each have a displacement volume which, when submerged in the water, generates a corresponding buoyancy force by displacing the water.
Implementation Method 2
a first stabilizing buoyancy body has a larger displacement volume at the buoyancy section and a smaller displacement volume at the stabilizing section than a second stabilizing buoyancy body... This can increase the stability of the platform against wave movements.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a floating platform (1) comprising a deck structure (3) for placing photovoltaic elements (4) thereon, a base structure (5) which is located below a smooth water surface (2) during operation and on which at least one basic buoyancy member (6) is arranged, and a connecting structure (7) which connects the base structure (5) to the deck structure (6) and on which stabilizing buoyancy members (8; 11, 12) are arranged that protrude from the smooth water surface (2); the stabilizing buoyancy members (8; 11, 12) each have a buoyancy portion (9) below the smooth water surface (2) and a stabilizing portion (10) above the smooth water surface (2); a first stabilizing buoyancy member (11) has a larger displacement volume on the buoyancy portion (9) and a smaller displacement volume on the stabilizing portion (10) than a second stabilizing buoyancy member (12).