Floating solar panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floating solar panel systems are mechanically complex, costly, and difficult to deploy and scale, often requiring inefficient on-site assembly and struggling with operational challenges in marine environments like high waves and winds.
Innovation Solution
The use of deep-drawn sheet materials for the solar panel unit's body, which is designed to float on water, with photovoltaic modules mounted on the upper surface, and interconnection means for forming arrays, allowing for efficient assembly and deployment in marine environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional mechanical frame support structures are used, then solar panels can be supported above water surface, but the system becomes mechanically complex and costly to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support structure and floating body into a single integrated unit. The aluminum extrusion profile serves both as the mechanical support frame and as the floating element, eliminating the need for separate support structures and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The aluminum extrusion profile performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for mounting solar panels, acts as the floating body, serves as a mounting platform, and enables interconnection between adjacent units. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed
2Reliability
If traditional floating systems with multiple components are used, then solar panels can float on water, but assembly becomes time-consuming and labour-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular aluminum extrusion units that can be manufactured independently and then quickly assembled on-site. Each unit is a self-contained module that can be connected to adjacent units, enabling efficient assembly while maintaining floating stability
Solution Approach 2:
The aluminum extrusion profiles are pre-manufactured with integrated mounting features and connection points, allowing for rapid on-site assembly. The solar panels are mounted to the profiles in a pre-configured manner, reducing assembly time during deployment
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional support structures are used, then solar panels can be deployed at water sites, but transportation becomes cumbersome and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into standardized aluminum extrusion modules that can be efficiently packaged and transported. These modular units can be shipped in compact configurations and quickly deployed at various water sites, improving transportation efficiency while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The aluminum extrusion profiles are designed with optimized dimensions and wall thicknesses that balance structural requirements with transportation efficiency. The standardized parameters allow for efficient packaging and shipping while maintaining the necessary strength and floating capability
4Strength
If traditional floating bodies are used, then solar panels can be supported above water, but the system is difficult to scale-up
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses standardized modular aluminum extrusion units that can be easily replicated and scaled. Each module is identical and can be connected to form arrays of any size, making the system simple to scale-up by simply adding more modules without increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The universal aluminum extrusion profile design serves all functions (support, floating, mounting, interconnection) in every module, allowing consistent replication across the entire array. This universality enables straightforward scaling from small to large installations without redesign
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
This solution simplifies the assembly and deployment of solar panel arrays, reduces costs, and enhances stability and scalability, while effectively addressing operational challenges in marine environments.
Implementation Method 1
a body (20) having an upper wall (24) and a lower wall (22), and an internal volume (28) located between the upper and lower walls (22, 24) such that the body (20) is able to float on water when placed thereon
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4(a)~4(b)
AI summary
A solar panel unit (1) comprising: a body (20) having an upper wall (24) and a lower wall (22), and an internal volume (28) located between the upper and lower walls (24, 22) such that the body (20) is able to float on water when placed thereon, and one or more photovoltaic modules (10a, 10b) mounted on an upper surface of the upper wall (24) of the body (20), wherein at least one of the upper (24) and lower (22) walls of the body (20) is formed from a drawn or deep-drawn sheet material, e.g. sheet aluminium or an aluminium alloy. In some embodiments the solar panel unit (1) comprises at least one, optionally a plurality of, interconnection members (200; 300 etc) for interconnecting the said unit (1) to another, like solar panel unit (100), to form a floating solar panel array.