Membrane-Stiffened Floating PV Support Structure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floating PV systems face challenges in providing a modular, adaptable, and economically viable solution for aquatic environments, while also efficiently managing loads and maintaining structural resilience.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid support structure comprising carriers with angled straight sections and a membrane, forming a membrane-intertwined structure, which effectively distributes vertical and cross forces, enhancing structural resilience and ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional rigid support structure is used for floating PV modules, then structural strength and load-bearing capacity are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a membrane (thin film) as the primary support structure for PV modules, replacing traditional rigid frameworks. The membrane is stretched between floating bodies to create a tension-based support system that provides adequate structural strength while dramatically reducing complexity and material usage. The membrane's tension and geometric configuration enable it to bear the PV modules' weight without requiring complex reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the complex rigid support framework from traditional PV mounting systems, retaining only the essential function of supporting PV modules. By using a simple membrane stretched between floating bodies, the patent eliminates unnecessary structural components, fastening mechanisms, and adjustment devices, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining sufficient load-bearing capacity.
2Weight of moving object
If a membrane structure is used to reduce weight and complexity, then ease of transportation and assembly are improved, but load-bearing capacity and structural stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the buoyant force of floating bodies as a counterweight to support the weight of PV modules and the membrane structure. The floating bodies provide upward buoyant force that balances the downward gravitational force, enabling the lightweight membrane to support substantial loads without requiring the membrane itself to have high structural strength. This counterweight mechanism allows the support structure to be extremely lightweight while maintaining adequate load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is pre-stretched and tensioned between floating bodies before PV modules are installed. This preliminary action of tensioning the membrane creates a pre-stressed structure that is inherently more stable and capable of bearing additional loads. The pre-applied tension in the membrane provides initial structural rigidity and distributes subsequent loads more effectively across the support system.
3Stability of the object's composition
If supports with small angles are used to increase stiffness, then structural rigidity is improved, but the ability to absorb transverse forces and wind loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane structure inherently provides flexibility to absorb transverse forces and wind loads through tension redistribution across its surface. When subjected to lateral forces, the membrane can deform and redistribute stresses throughout the structure, preventing concentration of forces at single points. This flexibility, combined with the tensioning system, enables the structure to dynamically respond to varying load conditions while maintaining overall stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-tensioning of the membrane between floating bodies creates a prestressed structure that is better equipped to handle transverse and wind loads. The initial tension in the membrane provides a reserve of elastic energy and structural rigidity that helps the system resist and recover from lateral disturbances, improving both immediate stiffness and long-term durability under variable loading conditions.
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 solution provides a lightweight yet resilient support structure that efficiently manages loads, allowing for easy transportation and assembly, while also optimizing energy generation by using bifacial PV modules and a reflective membrane.
Implementation Method 1
Transverse forces or shear forces, which act on the structure essentially parallel to the water surface on which the floating bodies float, are predominantly absorbed by the membrane. The membrane can absorb or dissipate these forces across its entire surface
Implementation Method 2
the supports absorb the vertical loads, in particular the weight, but also wind loads, which are introduced into the supporting structure by the PV modules, and transfer them to the floating bodies
Implementation Method 3
the ends of the supports and the diaphragm are connected directly or indirectly in a form-fitting or friction-locking manner
Implementation Method 4
This prestresses the membrane according to the invention, which further increases the stiffness and load-bearing capacity of the supporting structure
Implementation Method 5
at least two floating bodies and supports arranged next to one another or parallel to one another, on which PV modules are mounted
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention proposes a floating PV installation, the floating bodies of which are inflatable or can be filled with buoyant fillers. The PV modules are preferably bifacial PV modules and are mounted on a support structure which is in the form of a membrane-reinforced plane load-bearing structure. The membrane reflects the incident sunlight onto the bottom side of the PV modules and thereby contributes to increasing the generation of electricity.