Floating Solar PV Array Power Control for Water Remediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Floating solar PV arrays face challenges such as unknown impacts on water quality, high costs, complex assembly and maintenance, and inefficiencies in powering water remediation systems, which hinder their adoption and operational effectiveness.
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, along with on-shore grid power, and features lightweight, easily assembled, and self-contained pontoons that adjust to track the sun's movement, reducing component count and enhancing operator access.
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 water remediation function by integrating the inverter-clipped power directly to power the remediation devices on the floating array, eliminating the need for separate shore-based power lines and compressors
Solution Approach 2:
The floating solar array serves itself by using its own generated power (specifically the inverter-clipped power) to operate its water remediation devices, making the system self-sufficient and independent of external power infrastructure
2Loss of energy
If the floating solar PV array uses inverter-clipped power to power water quality remediation devices, then power costs are reduced, but the power availability is limited to daytime hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous operation of water remediation devices by supplementing inverter-clipped power with non-clipped power from the PV array and on-shore grid power when needed, maintaining uninterrupted remediation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power sourcing parameters by switching between inverter-clipped power, non-clipped power, and on-shore grid power based on availability and demand, optimizing energy utilization throughout different time periods
3Ease of manufacture
If standard installation practices are used for floating solar arrays, then the arrays can be assembled, but the assembly costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The floating array is divided into modular floating modules that can be independently assembled and then connected, significantly reducing assembly time and complexity compared to traditional continuous installation methods
Solution Approach 2:
Components are pre-assembled into complete floating modules on land before deployment, allowing parallel preparation of multiple modules and reducing on-site assembly time and labor requirements
4Adaptability or versatility
If floating components are made specialized for water use, then the array can function on water, but the component costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The floating modules are designed to serve multiple functions: structural support, power generation platform, and water remediation host, consolidating what would otherwise require separate specialized components into a single integrated unit
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized floating module designs are used throughout the array, allowing bulk procurement and simplified maintenance, reducing costs compared to highly specialized custom components
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 system reduces costs, improves water quality monitoring and remediation, optimizes power usage, and simplifies maintenance by utilizing locally generated power efficiently and reducing the need for external energy sources, while also being adaptable and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of PV modules; an inverter for receiving DC power from the PV modules
Implementation Method 2
an inverter for receiving DC power from the PV modules and converting the DC power to AC power
Implementation Method 3
an air compressor for inflating the plurality of support pontoons
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of support pontoons for holding the PV modules above the water
Data Source
AI summary
A floating solar photovoltaic array having an energy management power control system configured to send power clipped by an inverter to the at least one powered accessory device which can be an aerator, a diffuser, a sub-surface agitator, a sub-surface water circulator, a sub-surface positioning/mooring system, a water quality sensor; a panel washer, or a bird removal system. The array has inflatable pontoons and an air manifold system which is powered by the solar photovoltaic modules can be used to adjust the angle of inclination of the solar photovoltaic modules to the sun. The powered accessories can also be powered by unclipped power or on-shore power or combinations thereof which can be controllably adjusted by the energy management control system over time.