Floating PV Modular Structure for Wave Dissipation Offshore
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore photovoltaic power generation faces challenges due to harsh marine environments, including wind, waves, and currents, which affect the efficiency and stability of solar photovoltaic modules, and there is a need for integrated solutions that can resist severe sea conditions while minimizing land use and ecological impact.
Innovation Solution
A wave-dissipating and wave-resisting integrated floating photovoltaic device with a modular structure, comprising connected floating photovoltaic units supported by a wave-dissipating floating system, mooring system, and a walkway system, utilizing circular and square cross-section floating bodies and steel frames to dissipate waves and ensure structural strength, with an automatic connecting device for easy assembly and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If photovoltaic modules are installed on land, then power generation can be achieved, but valuable land resources are occupied and shadow constraints reduce efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions photovoltaic installation from the land surface (2D) to the ocean surface (3D space utilization), allowing power generation without occupying valuable land resources. The floating platform system enables solar panels to be deployed over water bodies, effectively using the third dimension (vertical space over water) to resolve the land resource conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a floating platform system as an intermediary between the photovoltaic modules and the ocean environment. This mediator provides structural support, wave damping, and positioning functions, enabling the photovoltaic modules to operate over water while being protected from direct wave impact and environmental stresses.
2Productivity
If photovoltaic modules are deployed offshore, then land resources are saved and power generation efficiency improves, but wind, wave, and current loads reduce system stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the floating platform into multiple modular units that can work independently or in combination. Each module has its own buoyancy elements and support structure, allowing the system to distribute and absorb wave loads across multiple segments rather than concentrating stress on a single structure, thereby maintaining stability in harsh marine environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates wave damping structures and flexible connections in advance to cushion the impact of wind, wave, and current loads. The floating platform design includes energy-absorbing elements and shock-mitigating mechanisms that are built into the structure beforehand, protecting the photovoltaic modules from severe sea conditions and maintaining system stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If wave-dissipating devices are added to protect photovoltaic modules, then system stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wave-dissipating function with the floating platform structure itself. The buoyancy elements, support beams, and connecting structures serve dual purposes: providing structural support for the photovoltaic modules and simultaneously acting as wave-dissipating components. This integration eliminates the need for separate, complex wave-dissipating devices while maintaining system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the floating platform components to perform multiple functions. The same structural elements that support the photovoltaic modules also provide wave damping, buoyancy, and positioning capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed and simplifies the system while improving stability against marine environmental loads.
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 solution effectively dissipates waves, prevents surging waves from affecting photovoltaic panels, enhances structural strength, and allows for flexible array configurations, improving power generation efficiency and convenience in severe sea conditions while conserving land and reducing ecological impact.
Implementation Method 1
the floating system is used for supporting the photovoltaic systems and bearing wave load impact
Implementation Method 2
the floating system is a wave-dissipating floating body arranged along a square area by resonant wave dissipation
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a wave-dissipating and wave-resisting integrated floating photovoltaic device capable of resisting severe sea conditions, comprising at least one floating photovoltaic unit, wherein the floating photovoltaic units are connected through connecting pieces, and the connecting pieces can avoid collision between the floating photovoltaic units. The floating photovoltaic unit comprises a floating system, photovoltaic systems and a walkway system; the floating system is used for supporting the photovoltaic systems and bearing wave load impact; the photovoltaic systems are photovoltaic power generation systems; the walkway system is arranged between the photovoltaic systems, and the walkway system provides convenience for later maintenance of the floating photovoltaic device.