Modular Floating Support Assembly for Water-Surface Solar Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar power system support devices have limited photoelectrical conversion efficiency and are inconvenient to arrange and transport due to lack of modular connectivity, making them inefficient and cumbersome for large-scale deployment on water surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A modular support assembly comprising base units with floating capabilities, connection units with polymeric sleeve members and metal reinforcement, and auxiliary connectors to facilitate modularization and positioning on water surfaces, enhancing stability and ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple conventional support devices are used to enhance photoelectrical conversion efficiency, then the conversion efficiency improves, but the arrangement complexity and positioning difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple base units into a single integrated modular support assembly through connection bases and support members that can detachably connect multiple base units. This allows multiple solar panels to be supported as one unified structure, improving photoelectrical conversion efficiency while simplifying arrangement and positioning operations on the water surface.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional support devices are connected on ground surface before deployment, then the connection stability improves, but the transportation difficulty increases due to huge size and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is segmented into multiple detachable base units, each with its own connection base and support members. This segmentation allows the structure to be transported in smaller, manageable units that can be easily moved to the water surface and then assembled into a stable connected configuration, maintaining connection stability while improving transportation convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection bases and support members are designed with detachable connections that allow the structure to transition from a dispersed transport state to a connected operational state. This dynamic capability enables easy assembly and disassembly, facilitating both transportation and stable deployment on the water surface.
3Device complexity
If a single conventional support device is used, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the photoelectrical conversion efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The modular support assembly design provides universality by creating a standardized base unit that can function independently or connect with other identical units. Each base unit maintains simple individual construction while gaining the capability to expand into larger configurations, thus preserving device simplicity at the component level while achieving enhanced photoelectrical conversion efficiency through multi-unit deployment.
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
Enables efficient and convenient deployment of solar panels in a matrix array on water surfaces, improving photoelectrical conversion efficiency and reducing the complexity of positioning and transportation by allowing modular connection of base units.
Implementation Method 1
a base frame (21) capable of floating on a water surface
Implementation Method 2
Each of said tubular portion and said blind flange is made of a polymeric material. Said blind flange further has a polymeric annular peripheral portion and each of said sleeve members further has an annular metal reinforcement piece embedded in said polymeric annular peripheral portion
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular support assembly for a solar power system includes a plurality of base units (2) each of which includes a base frame (21) having first and second tube members (211, 212), and a plurality of connection units (23) each of which interconnects two adjacent ones of the base units (2). Each connection unit (23) includes two sleeve members (230) and a plurality of fasteners (240). Each sleeve member (230) has a tubular portion (231) sleeved on one end of the second tube member (212) of one of the two adjacent ones of the base units (2), and a blind flange (232) connected to the tubular portion (231) and closing the one end of the second tube member (212). The blind flanges (232) abut against each other and are fastened by the fasteners (240).