Panel-supporting device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floating photovoltaic installations face challenges with complex and costly logistics due to the need for intricate support structures that are not suitable for floating applications, require significant transportation and assembly efforts, and do not effectively manage panel shading or water aeration.
Innovation Solution
A modular photovoltaic panel support system comprising sealed plastic envelopes with built-in flotation capabilities, featuring elastomer fixing profiles and aeration channels, allowing for easy assembly, cost-effective manufacturing, and efficient cooling and oxygenation of the water surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional metal frame support structures with plastic floats are used, then photovoltaic panels can be supported on water, but the structure becomes complex and requires significant logistics for manufacturing, transportation, and assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support function and flotation function into a single integrated plastic casing structure. The casing itself provides both mechanical support for the photovoltaic panel and buoyancy through its sealed hollow design, eliminating the need for separate metal frames and plastic floats that were required in traditional solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic casing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the structural support framework, provides flotation through its sealed hollow design, offers protection against water ingress, and enables modular assembly through standardized connection elements. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If framed or unframed panels are fixed using traditional methods, then panels can be secured, but the fixation process becomes costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining means are integrated directly into the plastic casing structure rather than being separate components. The casing includes built-in features such as recesses, protrusions, or channels that directly retain the photovoltaic panel, eliminating the need for additional fixation hardware and simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
3Productivity
If panels are installed in rows without intermediate spacing, then space is maximized, but panels cast shadows on successive rows reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate rows of connection elements that physically separate adjacent rows of support devices. This segmentation creates maintenance corridors and prevents shadow casting between rows while maintaining efficient space utilization through the modular nature of the connection elements.
4Ease of manufacture
If modular plastic casing devices are used, then manufacturing and transportation become easier, but the devices must withstand swell conditions and prevent water projection onto panels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sealed plastic casings that function as flexible yet durable shells resistant to water ingress. The plastic material provides both the necessary flexibility for modular assembly and the durability to withstand swell conditions, while the sealed design prevents water projection onto the photovoltaic panels.
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 system simplifies installation and transportation, reduces shading between panels, facilitates cooling and water aeration, and is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions while maintaining panel stability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
said plastic envelope being capable of containing a volume of air allowing it to act as a float
Implementation Method 2
featuring elastomer fixing profiles and aeration channels, allowing for easy assembly, cost-effective manufacturing, and efficient cooling and oxygenation of the water surface
Implementation Method 3
facilitates cooling and water aeration
Data Source
Figure 1~1a
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a photovoltaic panel support system (50) resulting from the assembly of photovoltaic panel support devices (1) and connection elements (30), the support devices (1) and the connection elements (30 ) being modular elements, said system having fastening means for the assembly between them of said connection elements (30) and of said photovoltaic panel support devices (1) and in which: - each photovoltaic panel support device (1) consists essentially of a sealed plastic envelope (2), said plastic envelope (2) constituting a bottom wall (3), an upper wall (4), and four side walls (5, 6, 7, 8), said plastic envelope (2) being capable of containing a volume of air allowing it to form a float, the device having means for holding a photovoltaic panel on said upper wall (4) of said plastic envelope. - each connecting element (30) consists essentially of a sealed plastic envelope (31), said plastic envelope (31) of said connecting element constituting a bottom wall (32), an upper wall (33), and four side walls (34, 35, 36, 37), said plastic envelope (31) having an interior volume making it possible to ensure the flotation of said connecting element (30).