Hexagonal Floating PV Platform Structure for Wave-Stable Offshore Arrays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Floating offshore photovoltaic power generation systems face durability challenges due to six-degree-of-freedom motion caused by ocean currents, waves, and winds, leading to fatigue in mooring devices and reduced power generation efficiency, with the need for a robust platform design that remains stable on undulating water surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A floating body platform with a hexagonal truss structure formed by socket and connecting frames, each with an inverted trapezoidal cross-section, connected to form floating body unit groups, which efficiently distribute wave impact energy and maintain stability through geometric alignment and overlapping structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a floating body platform is used in offshore photovoltaic power generation, then the system can be installed in deep waters and is movable and reusable, but the platform is subjected to six-degree-of-freedom motion caused by ocean currents, waves, and winds, leading to fatigue load accumulation on mooring devices and connection parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The floating body platform is divided into multiple modular floating bodies (11) connected by connecting frames (200). Each floating body unit group (10) can independently absorb and distribute wave impact energy, reducing the cumulative fatigue load on individual mooring devices and connection parts while maintaining overall system stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting frames (200) and socket frames (100) are designed with specific geometric structures (inverted trapezoidal cross-section, hexagonal truss configuration) that combine multiple structural elements to create a composite system capable of withstanding complex marine environmental forces while maintaining durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If the floating body platform covers a large sea surface area to increase power generation capability, then more photovoltaic panel modules can be installed, but local differences in external forces from tidal phenomena reduce the durability of parts of the platform

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation capabilityVSAvoidlocal durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The large-scale floating body platform is segmented into multiple floating body unit groups (10), each capable of independently withstanding local external forces. This modular approach allows the platform to cover large sea surface areas for enhanced power generation while distributing mechanical stresses across numerous connection points, preventing localized durability degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each floating body unit group (10) is designed with specific structural characteristics suited for local environmental conditions. The modular design allows different units to be optimally configured for their specific locations, accounting for variations in wave patterns, currents, and tidal forces across the extended platform area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional platform structures are used, then installation is simpler, but the platform cannot efficiently distribute wave impact energy, leading to excessive motion and reduced stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidplatform stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The platform uses multiple standardized floating body unit groups (10) that can be manufactured and assembled using similar processes. Each unit group incorporates hexagonal truss structures and connecting frames (200) designed for efficient wave energy distribution, achieving enhanced stability through modular replication rather than complex custom fabrication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hexagonal truss structure and inverted trapezoidal cross-section of connecting frames provide geometric curvature and angular distribution that efficiently channel and disperse wave impact energy throughout the platform structure, improving stability while maintaining manufacturability through standardized geometric forms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 hexagonal truss structure ensures stable floating of photovoltaic panels, minimizes fatigue in mooring devices, enhances durability, and maximizes sea surface utilization while reducing installation costs by efficiently distributing wave energy and maintaining structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

efficiently distribute wave impact energy and maintain stability through geometric alignment and overlapping structures

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy distribution:

Implementation Method 2

floating bodies 11, and a plurality of connecting frames 200 connecting the plurality of socket frames 100 to form a plurality of floating body unit groups 10, each having a hexagonal truss structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentEP4611254A1Floating platform and photovoltaic power generation system
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 POHANG IRON & STEEL CO LTD
  • EP4611254A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4611254A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4611254A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A floating body platform and a photovoltaic power generation system are provided. A floating body platform according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of socket frames on which floating bodies are installed, and a plurality of connecting frames configured to connect the plurality of socket frames, in which the plurality of socket frames and the plurality of connecting frames are connected to each other to form a plurality of floating body unit groups each having a hexagonal truss structure.