AU753523B2 - Solar revolving float - Google Patents

Description

The invention is described in the following statement SOLAR REVOLVING FLOAT Technical Field The present invention relates to means for employing alternative energy sources and in particular solar energy.

Bakcground of the Invention The current reliance on coal and petroleum products for the world's energy supplies as at significant expense to the environment with high levels of pollution and depletion of the ozone layer. With legislation being introduced around the world in attempts to minimise depletion of the ozone layer by gases produced in the combustion of coal and petroleum products, there is a need to develop alternative environmentally friendly sources of energy.

The wind is a suitable inexhaustible and environmentally friendly source of energy.

Solar energy from the sun's rays is an inexhaustible source of supply.

Development of solar energy is at an early stage.

e It is confined to small electrical installations. Larger installations giving greater output at a reduced cost is .0 the next step.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION To utilise well tried proven devices and structures to gain maximum advantage of solar energy, specifically the interactive relationship between a floating structure functioning in a rotary movement set in an artificial pond.

A large structure for this invention is constructed in a semi rigid form and referred to as a solar revolving 4 float.

With a large structure which is circular in form and cheap to move, the number of applications are many and varied.

Uses for the semi-rigid solar revolving float:- 1. Entertainment shell 2. Restaurant cabaret shell 3. Controlled environment market garden 4. Hydrophonics cultivation Complete solar power station 6. Energy efficient home.

The object of the invention is to produce an environmentally friendly and commercially viable structure to employ these particular applications.

LOCATIONS

Advantageous locations to employ this invention:- 1. Arid country 2. Remote country towns 3. Tourist locations in national parks 4. Urban auxilliary power where land is at a premium SUMMARY OF APPLICATIONS *9e 1. Entertainment Shell.

20 Two solar revolving floats form the basis of an entertainment complex. The main unit provides theatre seating plus stage with rooms for actors and staff. The second unit provides bar, kiosk and lounge facilities, ablution blocks and storage.

25 The artificial pond can be extended to provide aesthetically pleasant surroundings. The pond water can be recycled for various uses, e.g. airconditioning filtered drinking water,showers, ablution block use, plant and vegetation watering.

2. Restaurant and Cabaret Shell.

A single solar revolving float built to a suitable size to accommodate a restaurant together with a kitchen cool rooms, waster disposal, an entertainment stage with change rooms plus equipment storage, guest lounge and ablution blocks.

3. Controlled Environment Market Garden.

A large solar revolving float which has a controlled environment, growth of fruit and vegetables under controlled conditions taking advantage of maximum solar radiation as the solar revolving gloat turns throughout the day. A separate nutrient pond can be installed on the float. Pond water, topped up by town water or artesian basin water can be recycled for the market garden.

The advantages of a market garden installed on a solar revolving float are asfollows:a. Readily available fresh fruit and vegetables in remote areas, small country towns.

b. The same as in arid or desert areas.

c. In cooler climates.

d. In harsh climates, storms, frosts, hail.

20 e. Reduced transport costs. This applies where lines of communication are long.

4. Hydrophonics S"A similar situation occurs when using hydrophonics to grow fruit and vegetables as applies when using 25 vitamin enriched soil in a market garden. The solar revolving float provides a controlled environment taking advantage of maximum solar radiation as the said solar revolving float turns throughout the day.

A separate nutrient pond shall be installed on the said solar revolving float. Recycled pond water can be fed through filtered pumps or carried out naturally through reed filter beds.

Complete Solar Power Station.

The solar revolving float is fitted with an array of solar electrical collectors. They are arranged to gain the optimum use of solar energy during any point in time throughout daylight hours.

The envelope is fitted with either glass or poly type plastic which allows a major proportion of the solar radiation to pass through.

The said envelope with its metal supporting structure shall be fitted with an efficient lightning arrestor system. This shall include catenary cables strung between towers or poles above the envelope. The design shall minimise any spalling by lightning hitting the wires and travelling down to ground via the envelope.

This will ensure no damage to the said solar electrical collectors inside the envelope during a lightning storm or to any living beings. The said envelope must be strong enough to withstand severe elements of the weather. This will protect against high winds and hail.

All ancilliary equipment shall be mounted below the said solar electrical collectors. This will be influenced by the latitude where the solar power station is installed.

Nearer the equator the said solar electrical collectors can be arranged on a flat super structure. With this 25 arrangement a series of concentric rings can be used to expand the solar power station. Each additional ring of said solar electrical collectors can be a complete independant solar power station.

This has obvious advantages to cope with peak loads or 30 shut down for maintenance.

S* The invention of a complete solar electrical power station mounted on a solar revolving float and covered by a protective envelope allows complete portability.

The invention of the said solar revolving float fitted 35 with a complete solar electrical power station allows Z I maximum use of solar energy throughout daylight hours.

The complete solar electrical power station package can be mass produced in a manufacturing facility. Each subassembly can be quoted at a fixed price dependant on KW output.

Additional costs involve transportation of subassemblies to the site and final assembly, the levelling of a suitable site and building an artificial pond and the installation of a sub-station to connect the solarelectrical power station to the local power grid. The power cable from the said solar electrical power station can travel to the shore on a series of floatation devices or as a submarine cable sitting on the bed under water.

Open Water Application Where water is readily available in dams, lakes or the sea, the said solar revolving float can be secured by a suitably designed multi-point anchorage. The fulcrum point of the anchorage is a ring which enables the said solar revolving float to turn either clockwise or anticlockwise on its axis. This allows the said solar revolving float to function in the same way as the axialpost in the artificial pond. The advantage of this *type of installation eliminates land costs.

Energy Efficient Home.

A home built on the said semi rigid float allows the architects many possibilities for designing the home to be energy efficient. The architects can include features for making the home environmentally friendly.

S. 25 1. Tropical rainforest 2. Waterfalls 3. Controlling the sun's rays in various rooms 4. Noise abatement with cars parked on land around the pond.

5. External noise pollution kept at a distance.

6. Obnoxious gases, ingress of dust and other pollutants eliminated by pressurising the envelope one atmosphere or greater with a small filtered R~ pump.

7. Electrical energy supplied by both solar collector 7 \panels and a small transverse wind turbine driven electrical generator.

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a SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The interactive relationship between a solar revolving float and an artificial pond for gaining optimum use of solar energy.

Artificial Pond For the specific purpose of this invention an artificial pond shall mean a man made structure fitted with an axial post. It shall be designed to hold a body of water with sufficient capacity to support the free movement of a solar revolving float. The pond shall be fitted with pumps to top up the volume of water as required. The pond shall be fitted with one or more drains. The drains shall be used to recycle water for applications as required.

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separate drain shall be used to empty the pond for maintenance purposes.

The axial post shall be used to control the circular movement of the said solar revolving float.

Artificial Pond Construction.

Step 1. Bulldoze and grade a designated area. Apply a layer of sand and roll flat.

20 Step 2. Build a suitable structurally sound wall.

Material:- brick, concrete, or pressed steel, galvanized.

Step 3. Ramp up earth around perimeter wall. Add rock and compress with compactor roller 25 machines.

Step 4. Fit waterproof liner. Use wide overlaps to ensure a sealed joint.

Step 5. Install an axial post. Seal the liner around post.

Step 6. Fill pond with water.

Step 7. Install the said solar revolving float. Ensure adequate clearance under full load conditions.

Ensure clearance between the buoyancy tanks and 7 the pond wall for the propeller rotation of the said solar revolving float.

said solar revolving float.

Solar Revolving Float.

The solar revolving float is circular in form preferably fifty metres or more in diameter. The structure is mounted on a plurality of buoyancy tanks. The structural support beams between floats are mounted on either ball joints or swivel joints in similar arrangements to the tandem axles on road trailers.

Immediately above these structural support beams a rigid platform is mounted. This rigid platform rests on either ball joints or swivel joints secured near the centre of each structural support beam which are mounted immediately above the buoyancy tanks.

A bearing is fitted near the centre of the rigid platform allowing the solar revolving float to rotate around an axial post located strategically in the artificial pond.

The whole assembly floats on a body of water contained in the artificial pond. The volume of water is sufficient to allow free movement of the whole structure S.which includes the environment control envelope.

.20 Additional loads which very considerably with each application.

The relationship between the clearance of the said solar revolving float and the outside wall of the artificial pond will ensure that evaporation is kept to a minumum.

Access to the said solar revolving float is available from suitably designed bridges around the perimeter.

FUNCTION OF THE SOLAR REVOLVING FLOAT The solar revolving float revolves around the axial post.

The circular movement is propelled by two or more propulsion motors fitted with propellers. The propulsion units shall be either reciprocating engines or electric motors. The invention requires the structure to revolve in a clockwise and an anti clockwise. direction. The control of the said solar revolving float shall be over a twenty-four hour period.

The object of this movement is to follow the sun during daylight hours and return during the night. The controlled movement is obtained by the use of global positioning satellite modules (GPS) with a quartz clock. The quartz clock shall be removed if the global positioning modules are satisfactory for a particular application. In the southern hemisphere the said solar revolving float is set to face in an easterly direction at sunrise. See Fig. 12 sheet 6/10. A suggested controlled movement is one hourly intervals. The quartz clock switches the propulsion motors 20 on. Some 15* to 200 circular movement later the global positioning satellite modules switch the propulsion motors S* off. The use of two G.P.S. modules, one set on the multipurpose float, the second fixed at a suitable point on land *allows for a triangular fix of the satellite signal. This method allows reasonable accuracy when controlling the switch off point of the propulsion motors.

The G.P.S. modules can also be used as a means of starting the propulsion motors. The controlled switching of the propulsion motors continues throughout the daylight hours 30 until the sun sets in the west. The propulsion motors are fitted with a reversing mechanism to control the said solar revolving float during the night. The said solar revolving float moves to a state of rest facing east, ready for the sunrise the following day. This controlled movement enables optimum use of the sun's rays during daylight hours. A small amount of solar radiation can be received from the moon and stars during the night.

An electronic programme control panel shall be used to vary the said solar revolving float assembly movement when time variations are required.

Environment Control.

The said solar revolving float shall be enclosed in an envelope above the water line. This envelope material shall allow optimum solar radiation to pass through where maximum use of the sun's rays is required for a particular application.

A different application requires the envelope to allow diffused light with limited solar radiation to pass through.

In certain applications the pressure inside the envelope has to be raised one atmosphere or higher. A small pressure pump using an air filter is sufficient for this purpose.

This increased pressure will prevent exterior pollutants such as smoke or industrial gases from entering. The increased pressure will prevent the ingress of foreign 20 bodies such as dust, grit and leaves.

Where temperature must be controlled within specific limits, a series of air conditioners can be provided in zones.

Two suggested envelope structures are shown in fig. 2 and fig. 3.

25 In all cases an efficient lightning arrestor system must .be installed. Any large structure floating on water will attract forked lightning. Protection of electrical ancilliary equipment is provided by the said envelope.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred form of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the Taccompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is an in principle diagram showing the swivel 7 9/ or ball action mounting on a plurality of buoyancy tanks.

The structural support beams are fitted with swivel or ball action at their centre. These in turn support a rigid platform.

Figure 2 is a suggested geodetic dome.

Figure 3. A suggested outrigger structure which combines a roof support with a lightning arrestor system.

Figure 4. An array of solar electrical collector panels in elevation with a suggested layout of rooms and ancilliary equipment underneath. The superstructure is set at 200 angle with panels set at an increased angle dependant on lower latitudes.

Figure 5. A suggested solar electrical collector panel set at 360 latitude which covers an area between Sydney and Perth, between 60% to 70% functioning at sunrise.

Approximately 100% of the solar electrical collector panels function at least 6 hours per day as the solar revolving float follows the sun during any 24 hour period.

Figure 6. Plan view of a proposed layout for the structural support. beams and buoyancy tanks.

Figure 7. Elevation view of the said structural support ""9beams supported on swivel joints or ball joints fitted to the said buoyancy tanks.

Figure 8. Plan view of an artificial pond with the axial post in the centre.

Figure 9. Elevation view of proposed design of the said artificial pond.

Figure 10. Elevation view of the said axial post bearing assembly.

9 :30 Figure 11. Detail of proposed ball joints.

Figure 12. Suggested positioning of the said solar revolving float during daylight hours, 6 a.m. facing east in southern hemisphere, 6 a.m. facing west n northern hemisphere.

Figure 13. Suggested position for the propulsion motors -n set on the said solar revolving float.

11 Figure 14. Detail sketch of a rubber tyred wheel used to guide the position of each concentric ring power station.

Figure 15. Proposed layout for a plurality of solar power stations in concentric rings.

Figure 16. Proposed layout of an entertainment shell linked by a bridge to a second float to complete the entertainment complex.

Figure 17. Proposed layout of a controlled environment market garden.

Figure 18. Proposed layout of a controlled environment hydroponics garden.

Figure 19. Proposed layout for a multi point axial rotation sea anchor assembly.

Figure 20. Elevation of suggested chain grip, concrete sea anchor.

Figure 21. Plan view of multi point axial rotation sea anchor.

~Figure 22. Elevation view of bearing assembly showing extension bearing. Swivel eye is set below the said buoyancy tank for sea anchor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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Fig 1. is an in principle diagram showing the relation- S"ship between buoyancy tanks and the structural support So *beams supporting a rigid platform by means of ball joints or swivel joints. The principle of the semi-rigid platform operates in the same way as a road semi-trailer with multi axle wheels adjusting to road conditions supporting a rigid platform. Thedescription of the preferred embodiments is covered in the following diagrams. See Sheet 1/10.

Fig. 2. a proposed geodetic shaped envelope 1 suitable for large structures.

The envelope supported on a rigid platform 4.

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Ball or swivel joints 17 and 27 Fig. 11 applying downward pressure on structural support beams (see fig. 11 sheet 5/10) Buoyancy tanks 2 supporting the said structural support beams 3 (see Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 sheet 3/10).

Fig. 3 Structural supports 6 for steel cables 8 which in turnsupport a roof 9. Cable 8 also supports catenary cables forming part of a lightning arrestor system 7.

An array of solar panels 10 supported on a superstructure 11 mounted on fixed platform 4.

Fig. 4 Rooms 12 for ancilliary equipment plus maintenance crew.

Fig. 5. Power cable 13 feeding electricity to the shoreline Fig. 4. A proposed solar electrical collector arrangement suitable for lower latitudes.

Fig. 6 A plan layout of said structural support beams 3 supported on said buoyancy tanks 2 arranged in circular formation.

Fig. 7. Elevation of plan view fig. 6 said structural support beam 3. Buoyancy tank 2. Ball joints or swivel *...joints fig. 11 upper male 17, lower female 27, protective boot 28 sheet 5/10.

Fig. 8 Plan view of artificial pond 14 with an axial o post 16 in the centre.

25 Fig. 9 Elevation of said artificial pond 14. Sealing membrane 15, axial post 16.

Fig. 10 Rigid platform bearing assembly. A free sliding tube 18 which moves up and down the axial post with changes water level. Cast bearing housing 19. Bearing housing 30 cover 20. Bearing sleeve 21 locked to free sliding tube 18 with welded key 22. Double row self aligning bearing 24.

Synthetic grease seal 23 fitted to bearing housing 19.

Bolt, washers and nut 25 to secure bearing housing assembly to fixed platform 4. Set screws and washers 26 S to secure sealing cover 13.

Fig. 11 Detail of said ball joint male half 17 and female half 27. Synthetic rubber boot seal 28. Fig.7 Fig. 12 Proposed time scale for revolving semi-rigid platform.

Fig. 13 Proposed positioning of propulsion motors for both forward and reverse movement. Reciprocating or electric motors.

Fig. 14. Rubber tyred guide wheel 29 showing clearance to exterior concentric ring.

Fig. 15 Plan view of complete solar power stations arranged in concentric rings with a plurality of rubber tyred guide wheels ensuring that each power station acts independent of each other. Each can contribute peak load power or be independently shut down for maintenance.

Fig. 16 Outline plan for an entertainment complex using two solar revolving floats in one artificial pond.

Fig. 17 Outline plan for a market garden with a separate nutrient pond installed on one solar revolving float.

Fig. 18 Outline plan for growing fruit and vegetables with the use of hydrophonics installed on the said solar revolving float. A separate nutrient pond is provided.

Fig. 19 Multi point axial rotation sea anchor. Swivel eye 30 secured to bearing shaft 31 with bolt 35. Bearing housing 32, ball bearing 33 and bearing cover 36. Housing grease seal 34.

Fig. 20 Multi point axial rotation sea anchor. A plurality of concrete blocks 36. A steel loop 37 embedded in a concrete block providing a means to anchor a chain 38.

Swivel eye bearing assembly Fig. 19 bolted to the axis of the rigid platform 4 on the said solar revolving float.

Fig. 21 Plan layout of a multi point axial rotation sea anchor 36. Outline of chain 38 attached to-the swivel eye Fig. 22 Rigid platform bearing assembly with outrigger bearing. Steel outrigger arm 39 welded in position. Nylon wear pads 40 bolted to the outrigger arms stabilise the bearing tube extension. Nylon is lubricated by water. The swivel eye 48 is secured to the bearing tube extension 41 by means of two bolts, washers and nuts 49. The ball bearing 45 is held on the bearing tube extension with a light press fit sleeve 42.

The sleeve is secured at assembly with one bolt, washers and nut 43. The bearing housing assembly 44 is secured to the fixed platform 4 by means of a plurality of bolts, washers and nuts 25. The bearing cover 47 is secured by means of set screws and washers 26. A synthetic bearing seal 46 is fitted to the bearing housing 44.

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Claims (2)

16. Claim 5. A solar revolving float as defined in Claim 1 -further including a solar efficient envelope allowing ultra violet to pass through. Claim 6. Claim 7. Claim 8. Claim 9. A solar revolving float as defined in Claim 1 further including the said solar efficient envelope strong enough to withstand extremes of weather. A solar revolving float as defined in Claim 1 further including the said solar efficient envelope allowing diffused light to pass through for plant cultivation. A solar revolving float as defined in Claim 1 further including a superstructure to support an array of solar electrical collectors. A solar revolving float as defined in Claim 1 further including a quartz clock. A solar revolving float as defined in Claim 1 further including a global positioning satellite module (GPS) which is interconnected with a global positioning satellite module (GPS) located at a suitable distance on land to form a triangular fix with a satellite circling the earth. *0 00 0 *0 00 0 *se 0 00 0 0 .2 *0 20 00 *00 0 **0 0 0* 6 *600 0 Claim 10 Claim 11. A solar revolving float as defined in Claim 1 and 2, further including two or more motor driven propellers with means to turn 1800 attached to the outer diameter of the said solar revolving float. Claim 12.A solar revolving float as defined in Claim and 11 rotating around the axial post in either a forward or reverse direction during any 24 hour period. Claim 13. A solar revolving float as defined in Claim 1 further including a plurality of posts secured and evenly spaced around the periphery of the rigid platform.

17. Claim 14. A solar revolving float as Claim 1 further including a cables attached to the said around the periphery of the as defined in Claim 13. defined in series of steel posts arranged said rigid platform Claim 15. Claim 16. A solar revolving float as defined in Claim 13 and 14 further including a lightning arrestor system comprising lightning arrestor rods attached to the tops of the said posts and connected by catenary cable supported on the said steel cables and connected by a heavy duty cable to a suitable earthing rod. A solar revolving float as defined in Claim 2 further including the outer side of the pond wall filled with rock and earth compacted to pressurize the pond wall. A solar revolving float as defined in Claim 2 where the said wall has an equalizing pressure comprising the body of water inside the pond wall and the compacted rock and earth on the outside of the pond wall. A solar revolving float as defined in Claim 2 and hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 2 :20 9* Claim 17. Claim 18. JOHN ROBERT RICHARDS Date 3.12.2001 INVENTOR: