WO2012176152A2

WO2012176152A2 - A solar platform

Info

Publication number: WO2012176152A2
Application number: PCT/IB2012/053152
Authority: WO
Inventors: Itamar AMSTERDAM
Original assignee: Haogenplast Ltd
Priority date: 2011-06-22
Filing date: 2012-06-21
Publication date: 2012-12-27
Also published as: WO2012176152A3

Abstract

A solar energy platform formed of at least of a reinforced plastic sheet which enables at least one solar energy unit to float upon the surface of a body of water.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION A SOLAR PLATFORM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/457,862, filed 22 June 2011 , which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to solar energy installation generally and to space utilization in particular.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Solar energy installations convert the sun's energy, available for free, into useful electricity. However, in order to capture enough energy, solar energy installations typically comprise a large plurality of solar collectors, generally spread out over a large area of ground.

[0004] A covered reservoir is a reservoir of water covered with a strong elastic, fiber- reinforced plastic sheet such as of 1mm thickness. The sheet floats on the surface of the water, rising and falling as the amount of water stored in the reservoir changes. Sometimes the reservoir also has a bottom sheet, to keep the stored water from seeping into the ground. Exemplary sheets are commercially available from HaOgenPlast Ltd of Israel, under the trade name of ATIM ELVA.

[0005] An exemplary covered reservoir is shown in Figs. 1A and IB, to which reference is now briefly made. Fig. 1A shows a reservoir 8 when a cover 10 is first placed in the reservoir and Fig. IB shows reservoir 8 after it has been filled with water 11. SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0006] There is therefore provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a solar energy platform formed at least of a reinforced plastic sheet which enables at least one solar energy unit to float upon the surface of a body of water.

[0007] There is also provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a solar energy platform which includes least one reinforced plastic sheet positionable on the surface of a body of water and flotation units to maintain at least one solar energy unit above the surface.

[0008] Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the body of water is a reservoir and the plastic sheet is a plastic reinforced cover for the reservoir.

[0009] Moreover, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plastic sheet forms part of at least two waterproof mattresses bound together.

[0010] Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one solar energy unit is a sheet of thin-film solar collectors.

[0011] Still further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flotation units include a foam sheet laminated to the plastic sheet.

[0012] Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one solar energy unit is a flat plate solar collector.

[0013] Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the platform also includes a rod connectable to the solar energy unit and mounted with a plastic tape to the plastic sheet.

[0014] Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one solar energy unit is at least one cylindrical solar collector. [0015] Still further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one cylindrical solar collector has legs and the flotation units include flotation devices connectable to the legs.

[0016] There is therefore provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for harnessing solar energy from a body of water, which includes positioning at least one reinforced plastic sheet on the surface of a body of water, mounting at least one solar energy unit to the platform and providing flotation units to maintain the at least one solar energy unit above the surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0018] Figs. 1A and IB are schematic illustrations of a covered reservoir, constructed and operative in accordance with the present invention;

[0019] Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of a single energy unit with a plurality of cylindrical solar energy collectors, constructed and operative in accordance with the present invention;

[0020] Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of a multiplicity of solar energy units, constructed and operative in accordance with the present invention;

[0021] Figs. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D are schematic illustrations of an alternative embodiment, constructed and operative in accordance with the present invention; and

[0022] Figs 5A and 5B are schematic illustrations of a further alternative embodiment, constructed and operative in accordance with the present invention.

[0023] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0024] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.

[0025] Applicants have realized that placing a solar energy installation on the surface of a reservoir of water may utilize an already utilized space. Since reservoirs are typically quite large, they provide a sufficient space for a solar energy installation. Moreover, Applicants have realized that covered reservoirs exist and a solar energy installation may be placed on the surface of such a covered reservoir, which surface is strong and generally relatively dry.

[0026] As can be seen in Fig. 1 A, when cover 10 is placed into empty reservoir 8, it dips into reservoir 8, to cover both side walls 12 and bottom surface 14 of reservoir 8. As water is introduced under cover 10 (or between the two sheets if there is a ground sheet), water fills reservoir 8 and cover 10 rises up. Since the surface of the water is smaller than the sides and bottom together, there is extra material. For this, cover 10 includes an anchoring element 15, which holds the cover to one side of reservoir 8. As can be seen in Fig. IB, cover 10 also includes an excess accumulator 16 which acts to take up the excess material on the edges of reservoir 8. Excess accumulator 16 comprises floats 17 on either side of a line of weights 18. Initially, floats 17 are relatively far apart, but, as reservoir 8 are filled and floats 17 rise, weights 18 drag the local portions of cover 10 down, thereby pulling the excess material towards bottom 14, pulling floats 17 closer together and stretching the material in the middle of reservoir 8 taut.

[0027] Applicants have also realized that the taut cover is a large flat surface, and one which may be used for a solar energy installation. Applicants have further realized that a white cover may be advantageous for a solar energy installation as the white material may reflect the sun's rays back to the solar energy collectors.

[0028] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the solar energy installation may comprise solar energy collectors which may collect solar energy directly from the Sun and energy reflected off the surface on which they are placed. For example, the cylindrical solar energy collectors of Solyndra LLC of the United States may be utilized. The cylindrical solar energy collectors receive light from all directions and thus, may receive both direct sunlight and reflected light from the white plastic cover covering both the surface of the water and the side walls of the reservoir.

[0029] Fig. 2, to which reference is now briefly made, illustrates one solar energy unit 20 having a plurality of cylindrical solar energy collectors 22 combined in a frame 24. Frame 24 is held above cover 10 with legs 26.

[0030] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, flotation devices 28 may be added to legs 26. Flotation devices 28 may be formed of foam, typically covered such as with the same material as cover 10 or with some other material. Flotation devices 28 may have indentations in them to receive legs 26 and may include elements to hold legs 26 in place.

[0031] It will be appreciated that legs 26 may hold frame 24 above cover 10, such that, should there be any water on top of cover 10, such as might come during a rainstorm, no water may collect on solar collectors 22. Moreover, solar energy units 20 have spaces between collectors 22, such that there is relatively little surface to be pushed by the wind. Thus, units 20 generally stay in place.

[0032] It will further be appreciated that flotation devices 28 may enable solar energy units 20 to float should cover 10 become ripped and should water flood over cover 10. Moreover, flotation devices 28 may provide additional friction (when cover 10 is dry) which may hold its solar energy unit 20 against cover 10 and may help to keep the installation from moving too much.

[0033] It will be appreciated that direct sunlight may shine on the upper surfaces of cylindrical solar energy collectors 22, as indicated by arrow 30. Moreover, since there are spaces between neighboring cylindrical solar energy collectors 22, sunlight may pass between neighboring collectors 22 to reach cover 10. The sunlight may reflect off of cover 10, as indicated by arrow 32, and may be collected by the lower surfaces of cylindrical solar energy collectors 22. Though not shown, collectors 22 may also collect light reflected off the covered sides of reservoir 8. Thus, solar energy units 20 may collect both direct and reflected light.

[0034] A multiplicity of solar energy units 20 may be connected together in a row as illustrated in Fig. 3 to which reference is now made. This may help keep the units from moving. There may be multiple rows in an installation. There may be additional units to combine the energy generated by the individual units 20 and to provide the resultant energy external to the installation.

[0035] It will be appreciated that placing a cover over a reservoir may keep the water from evaporating and from concentrating the minerals therein. Adding a solar generating system to the reservoir may add to the savings.

[0036] In an alternative embodiment to the current invention, as shown in Fig. 4A to which reference is now briefly made, Applicants have also realized that the surface area of an uncovered reservoir or any reasonably large body of water may also be utilized for a solar panel installation. In this embodiment, multiple mattress-like floats 150 may be joined together in order to create a 'floating' solar platform 100. Standard flat plate solar units 152, such as the SF 150 CIGS commercially available from General Electric of the USA, may be mounted on a secondary platform 154 which may be attached to solar platform 100 via legs 156. Typically, each mattress-like float 150 may support one flat plate solar collector 152.

[0037] Floating solar platform 100 may be attached to bridge 175 which may hold floating solar panel in position and may provide easy access to it from dry land. Floating solar platform 100 may also be connected to transformer 160 via cable 165 to transform the solar power into alternating current.

[0038] Thus, in the same manner as described above, flat plate solar collectors 152 mounted on floating solar platform 100 may also harness energy directly from the sun.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 4B, to which reference is now made, mattresses 150 may be formed of a foam block 110 wrapped in a reinforced plastic sheet 120, similar to the material used to cover a reservoir (cover 10) as described hereinabove. Sheet 120 may provide waterproofing and strength to foam block 110.

[0040] As mentioned hereinabove, each mattress 150 may carry a flat plate solar collector 152. It will be appreciated that each mattress 150 may typically be of dimensions 3m x 1.30m x 10cm. Although a typical flat plate solar collector 152 may have an area density of approximately 20Kg/m , it will be appreciated that mattress 150 may be able to hold an object with an area density of up to 100 Kg/m . It will be appreciated that other dimensions of mattress 150 may also be used and that the thicker the mattress, the more weight it may carry. It will be appreciated that each mattress 150 may have a small hole 151 to drain any excess water (such as rainwater) from mattress 150.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 4B, each mattress 150 may also have attached there to a metal rod 130 comprising several holes 135. Metal rod 130 may be attached to mattress 150 by a piece of plastic 122 which may cover rod 130 and may be heat sealed to plastic sheet 120 covering foam block 110. Legs 156, supporting platform 154 on which flat plate solar collector 152 is mounted, may be attached to rod 130, and thereby to mattress 150, typically via screws screwed into holes 135.

[0042] In a different embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 4C, legs 156 may have flanges 145 which may be attached to plastic sheet 120, by partially covering them with plastic 122 and heat sealing plastic 122 to plastic sheet 120 as described hereinabove.

[0043] Reference is now made to Fig. 4D which illustrates two mattresses 150 positioned side by side. It will be appreciated that each mattress 150 may be joined together by a waterproof tape 160 which may be heat sealed to both mattresses 150 in order to join them together. It will further be appreciated that multiple mattresses 150 may be joined in this way to create floating solar platform 100 and that the size of floating solar platform 100 platform may be adjusted according to the surface of water available.

[0044] Reference is now made to Figs. 5A and 5B which illustrate a further alternative embodiment in which the solar collectors may be a thin sheet 200 of thin-film solar collectors. Thin sheet 200 may be about 1mm thick and may be produced, for example, by FlexCell of Switzerland. In this embodiment, thin sheet 200 may be laminated to a reinforced plastic sheet 220, similar to sheet 120 or to the material of cover 10. In addition, to ensure that sheet 200 stay above water at all times, plastic sheet 220 may also be laminated to a foam sheet 224. Plastic sheet 220 may be of 1mm thickness and foam sheet 224 may be of about 2mm thickness.

[0045] The result may be a floating cover for a reservoir which may have thin-film solar collectors bonded thereto. To avoid water collecting thereon, the cover may have drainage holes, as necessary.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 5B, an edge of the cover may have a power interface 230 mounted thereon which may collect the power from thin sheet 200 and may provide it along a cable 232 to a transformer 234. [0047] It will be appreciated that each of the embodiments described herein provide a platform which enables solar collectors to float on a body of water. In addition, the platform reduces the amount of evaporation of the water there below. It will also be appreciated that partially covering a body of water will also reduce evaporation.

[0048] While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS [0049] What is claimed is:

1. A solar energy platform formed at least of a reinforced plastic sheet which enables at least one solar energy unit to float upon the surface of a body of water.

2. A solar energy platform comprising:

at least one reinforced plastic sheet positionable on the surface of a body of water; and flotation units to maintain at least one solar energy unit above said surface.

3. The platform according to any of claims 1 and 2 wherein said body of water is a reservoir and said plastic sheet is a plastic reinforced cover for said reservoir.

4. The platform according to any of claims 1 and 2 wherein said plastic sheet forms part of at least two waterproof mattresses bound together.

5. The platform according to any of claims 1 and 2 wherein said at least one solar energy unit is a sheet of thin-film solar collectors.

6. The platform according to of claim 5 wherein said flotation units comprise a foam sheet laminated to said plastic sheet.

7. The platform according to claim 1 wherein said at least one solar energy unit is a flat plate solar collector.

8. The platform according to claim 2 and also comprising a rod connectable to said at least one solar energy unit and mounted with a plastic tape to said plastic sheet.

9. The platform according to any of claims 1 and 2 wherein said at least one solar energy unit is at least one cylindrical solar collector.

10. The platform according claim 9 wherein said at least one cylindrical solar collector has legs and said flotation units comprise flotation devices connectable to said legs.

11. A method for harnessing solar energy from a body of water, the method comprising:

positioning at least one reinforced plastic sheet on the surface of a body of water; mounting at least one solar energy unit to said platform; and providing flotation units to maintain said at least one solar energy unit above said surface.