Floating Solar Support Grid With Elastic Module Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Floating solar PV arrays face challenges due to wave-induced stresses, which are directly transmitted to PV modules, and require large, rigid, bulky floats that are costly to manufacture, store, and transport, and are made from significant amounts of plastic, posing environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A structural support grid system with elastic connectors that isolate PV modules from structural members, using a grid of straight polymer beams and inflatable membrane pontoons, allowing for restrained movement and easy maintenance and replacement of modules, while minimizing the use of large, rigid floats and plastic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If PV modules are rigidly connected directly to the grid of structural members, then the array has overall strength and rigidity, but the bending and torsional stresses on the array are transmitted directly to the PV modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces elastic connectors as intermediary elements between the PV modules and the structural grid. These connectors serve as a mediator that allows the PV modules to be connected to the grid while isolating them from wave-induced stresses. The elastic connectors deform under stress, absorbing the harmful forces before they reach the PV modules, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining structural rigidity and protecting modules from stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the connection between PV modules and the grid from rigid to elastic. By using elastic connectors with specific material properties (elasticity, flexibility), the system allows controlled deformation to absorb wave stresses while maintaining overall structural integrity. This parameter change enables the system to simultaneously achieve strength and stress isolation.
2Reliability
If large, rigid, hollow floats are used to provide buoyancy and support the PV modules, then the array has sufficient buoyancy and support, but the hardware takes up considerable space both to store and to ship
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the buoyancy system into multiple smaller modular pontoons instead of using one or two large hollow floats. Each pontoon is a separate, compact unit that can be easily stored and shipped. When assembled, these modular pontoons collectively provide the necessary buoyancy and support, resolving the contradiction between reliability and storage volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible pontoon structures with thin-walled designs that maintain buoyancy while minimizing material usage and volume. These flexible shells can be collapsed or deflated for compact storage and inflation or deployment at the installation site, providing sufficient buoyancy support while dramatically reducing storage and shipping space requirements.
3Strength
If large, rigid, hollow floats made of plastic are used, then the array has sufficient structural support, but significant amounts of plastic are used, posing environmental concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the structural support system into multiple smaller pontoon modules instead of using large plastic floats. This segmentation reduces the total quantity of plastic material needed while maintaining structural support through distributed buoyancy. The modular approach allows for more efficient material usage and reduces environmental impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction for the pontoons, combining materials with different properties to achieve structural support with reduced plastic usage. By using composite materials, the system maintains necessary strength and buoyancy while minimizing the quantity of plastic substance required, thereby addressing environmental concerns.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the PV modules are rigidly connected to the grid, then the array maintains structural integrity, but the repair and replacement of individual PV modules and pontoons becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection system into modular elastic connectors that can be independently adjusted or replaced. This segmentation allows individual PV modules or pontoons to be repaired or replaced without compromising the overall structural integrity of the array. The modular connector design enables easy disassembly and reassembly for maintenance purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic, adjustable elastic connectors that can be easily modified or replaced. These connectors allow for flexible maintenance operations where individual components can be adjusted or swapped without rigidly locking the entire system. The dynamic nature of the connectors maintains structural integrity during operation while facilitating ease of repair when needed.
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 provides structural rigidity to the array, decouples PV modules from wave-induced stresses, reduces the need for bulky components, and minimizes environmental impact by using less plastic and lighter hardware, making it easier to manufacture, transport, and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of elastic connectors that isolate each of the PV modules from forces exerted on the grid of structural members
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of grid supporting pontoons with the grid supporting pontoons supporting the grid of structural members
Data Source
AI summary
A floating solar array having a grid of structural members with openings therebetween and supporting pontoons underneath. One or more floating solar PV modules are positioned in each of the openings and elastic connectors are used to isolate these floating solar PV modules from the movement of the structural member grid. A first end of each of the elastic connectors are connected to the structural members or to one of the grid supporting pontoons, while a second end of each elastic connector is connected either to a PV module supporting pontoon or to the PV module mounted thereon. Together, these elastic connectors allow for limited linear and torsional movement of each of the floating solar PV modules with respect to the structural member grid.