Floating Solar Array Thruster Control and Inflatable Pontoon Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Floating solar PV arrays face challenges such as unknown impacts on water quality, high costs, complex power management, difficult access, and instability under wind and current conditions, with existing systems lacking cost-effective solutions for power balancing and component accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates power generation from floating solar PV arrays to power water quality remediation devices using inverter-clipped and non-clipped power, with an energy management control system balancing power sources, and includes inflatable pontoons for reduced shipping weight and easy assembly, along with bi-directional thrusters for improved positioning and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power lines and compressed air supply lines are run from shore to the solar array to power water remediation devices, then the remediation systems can be powered, but the cost of water management increases and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power generation function with the power consumption function by integrating water remediation devices directly onto the floating solar array structure. The solar panels generate electricity that is directly used to power aerators, water quality sensors, and other remediation equipment on the same platform, eliminating the need for separate shore-based power lines and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating solar array structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: generating electricity, supporting water remediation devices, providing a platform for monitoring equipment, and improving water quality. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated infrastructure for each function.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard installation practices are used for floating solar arrays, then the arrays can be assembled, but the assembly costs are high and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The floating solar array is divided into modular floating units that can be independently assembled and then connected to form larger arrays. Each module includes pre-integrated components such as solar panels, buoyancy elements, and mounting structures, allowing for rapid deployment and reducing both assembly time and labor costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hierarchical modular structure where smaller functional units are nested within larger floating platform structures. This nested design allows components to be pre-assembled and tested independently before being integrated into the complete system, streamlining the overall assembly process.
3Productivity
If floating solar arrays are deployed, then they can generate power, but they have unknown impacts on water quality and lack integrated monitoring systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power generation and environmental monitoring functions into a single integrated floating platform. Water quality sensors, aerators, and other remediation devices are mounted on the same structure as the solar panels, allowing simultaneous electricity generation and water quality management with shared infrastructure and control systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If floating components are used to support PV modules, then the arrays can be deployed on water, but the shipping costs and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inflatable buoyancy elements made from flexible materials that can be deflated for compact shipping and inflated at the deployment site. This approach dramatically reduces shipping volume and associated costs while maintaining the necessary buoyancy and structural support when deployed.
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 system reduces costs, enhances water quality management, improves power efficiency, and provides easy access and stability for floating solar arrays, enabling efficient operation and maintenance while minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of solar photovoltaic modules mounted therebetween
Implementation Method 2
an inverter for receiving direct current from the solar modules and converting the direct current to alternating current
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of inflatable upper support pontoons with upper mounting hardware thereon
Implementation Method 4
an air manifold system for receiving compressed air from an air source and distributing the compressed air to the plurality of upper support pontoons
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling the position and orientation of a floating solar array, having: (a) a floating solar array; (b) a plurality of retractable, bi-directional thrusters mounted to the floating solar array and extending below the floating solar array; (c) a control system on the floating solar array for controlling power level of each of the plurality of thrusters, and (d) a power cable connecting the floating solar array to an onshore grid by way of a power cable connector at a bottom central location on the floating solar array. Submerged baffles, perimeter floats and a method of stowing the floating solar array in high winds by rotating the floating solar array into a direction perpendicular to the direction of the high winds are also included.