Floating Solar Array Mooring with Parabolic Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mooring systems for floating solar arrays require multiple anchors and mooring lines, which are costly and challenging to install, and fail to evenly distribute environmental loads, leading to localized stress on securing means.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing parabolic curved main mooring lines and connecting lines forming a web structure, where the main mooring lines are connected to buoys anchored to the water body floor, distributing loads evenly across the floater unit without overloading individual securing means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If multiple anchors and mooring lines are used to distribute environmental loads, then the load distribution is improved, but the device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mooring system is segmented into multiple independent parabolic curved mooring lines, each capable of distributing loads independently. This allows the system to achieve better load distribution without requiring a proportional increase in the total number of anchors and mooring lines, as each parabolic line acts as an independent load-bearing element.
Solution Approach 2:
The mooring lines are configured in parabolic curved shapes rather than straight lines. This curvature allows the mooring lines to better distribute environmental loads (wind, current, waves) across the floating array, improving load distribution efficiency. The parabolic shape enables more uniform stress distribution along the mooring lines and reduces localized stress concentrations.
2Strength
If multiple anchors are installed on the water body floor, then the load bearing capacity is improved, but the installation difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mooring lines are designed to be dynamic and flexible, adapting to environmental conditions and load variations. The parabolic curved configuration allows the mooring lines to move and adjust naturally under wind, current, and wave forces, maintaining load bearing capacity without requiring rigid, complex anchor installations. This dynamic approach simplifies installation while maintaining strength.
3Strength
If the capacity of lugs or ears on floaters is increased to resist environmental loads, then the load resistance is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load-bearing function is extracted from the lug or ear structures on the floaters and transferred to the parabolic curved mooring lines. By making the mooring lines the primary load-bearing elements with their parabolic configuration, the system reduces the complexity and size requirements of the lug/ear structures, as they only need to provide attachment points rather than bear the full 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 system effectively distributes environmental loads evenly, reducing stress on securing means and minimizing the number of anchors required, thereby lowering installation costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one or more parabolic curved main mooring line for forming a main securing means of the floater unit along the circumference
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of buoys floating on the surface of the water body, wherein each buoy is anchored to at least one anchor at a floor of the water body
Data Source
AI summary
A system (100) and method for mooring and anchoring of floating solar panels (150) on water surface is disclosed. The system (100) has a floater unit (154) for securing the solar panels (150). The floater unit (154) has securing means (152) along its circumference. Buoys (122, 124, 126, 128) are floated on the surface of the water body such that each buoy is anchored to at least one anchor (142, 144, 146, 148) at a floor of the water body. Main mooring lines (112, 114, 116, 118) are connected to the buoys (122, 124, 126, 128). A parabolic curve is formed by connecting one end of the adjacent main mooring lines to the same buoy. A plurality of connecting lines (162, 164, 166, 168) are used for connecting each main mooring line (112, 114, 116, 118) with the securing means (152) at corresponding side of the floater unit (154).