Floating solar system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floating solar systems face limitations due to the use of plastic for structural support, which is inefficient in terms of cost, strength, and durability, and are prone to soiling and reduced efficiency due to dust accumulation, while also having loading constraints that require frequent anchoring and are not suitable for high wind regimes.
Innovation Solution
A floating solar mounting system utilizing a lattice network of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) rods and steel cables that interconnect into a grid, providing a stronger, more durable, and cost-effective structural support for solar panels, allowing for increased wind and wave loading resistance and reduced anchoring frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If plastic is used for both flotation and structural purposes, then flotation capability is achieved, but structural strength and durability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the functional requirements into separate components: plastic floats provide flotation capability while FRP (fiber-reinforced polymer) rods provide structural support. This segmentation allows each material to optimize its specific function rather than requiring a single material to fulfill both roles simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials by combining plastic floats with FRP rods and steel cables. The FRP rods provide high strength-to-weight ratio and durability, while the plastic floats provide buoyancy. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by leveraging the strengths of different materials for their respective functions.
2Productivity
If array size is increased, then energy production is improved, but wind loading forces increase requiring more frequent anchoring
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the structural parameters by using FRP rods with high tensile strength and steel cables for anchoring. These materials can withstand significantly higher wind loading forces compared to traditional plastic structures, allowing larger array sizes without proportionally increasing anchoring frequency. The parameter change in material strength enables larger-scale deployments.
3Reliability
If anchoring frequency is increased, then stability in high wind regimes is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces FRP rods as intermediary structural elements that distribute and transfer wind loading forces across the entire array framework. These rods act as mediators between the solar panels and the anchoring points, allowing the system to maintain stability with fewer anchoring points compared to direct panel-to-anchor configurations.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional plastic structures are used, then cost is reduced, but durability and strength are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from traditional plastic to FRP (fiber-reinforced polymer) for structural components. FRP provides significantly higher durability, strength, and resistance to environmental degradation while maintaining cost-effectiveness through efficient material usage and reduced anchoring requirements.
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 FRP-based system enhances durability, reduces anchoring needs, increases energy yield, lowers costs, and minimizes environmental impact, enabling larger solar arrays with improved efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A floating solar mounting system utilizing a lattice network of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) rods and steel cables that interconnect into a grid, providing a stronger, more durable, and cost-effective structural support
Implementation Method 2
lattice network of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) rods and steel cables that interconnect into a grid, providing a stronger, more durable, and cost-effective structural support
Implementation Method 3
Floating solar system
Data Source
AI summary
A floating solar system comprising a grid comprising a plurality of rod-cables, at least some of the rod-cables comprising fiber reinforced polymer, the grid providing a support structure for the floating solar system. The floating solar system further including a plurality of solar floats to provide buoyancy, each solar float coupled to the grid, the plurality of solar floats not providing structural support. The floating solar system designed to support a plurality of solar panels, each solar panel coupled to a corresponding solar float, the solar panel providing shade for the corresponding solar float.