CA3056108A1 - A light-energy converter for floating on water - Google Patents
A light-energy converter for floating on water Download PDFInfo
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- CA3056108A1 CA3056108A1 CA3056108A CA3056108A CA3056108A1 CA 3056108 A1 CA3056108 A1 CA 3056108A1 CA 3056108 A CA3056108 A CA 3056108A CA 3056108 A CA3056108 A CA 3056108A CA 3056108 A1 CA3056108 A1 CA 3056108A1
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S30/00—Structural details of PV modules other than those related to light conversion
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S20/00—Solar heat collectors specially adapted for particular uses or environments
- F24S20/70—Waterborne solar heat collector modules
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S30/00—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
- F24S30/40—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement
- F24S30/42—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement with only one rotation axis
- F24S30/425—Horizontal axis
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S50/00—Arrangements for controlling solar heat collectors
- F24S50/20—Arrangements for controlling solar heat collectors for tracking
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
- H02S20/30—Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment
- H02S20/32—Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment specially adapted for solar tracking
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S2025/01—Special support components; Methods of use
- F24S2025/013—Stackable support elements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S2025/01—Special support components; Methods of use
- F24S2025/02—Ballasting means
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Sustainable Energy (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)
- Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)
Abstract
Land-based solar panel systems (installations) have the advantage that they may be mounted at or rotated to the most advantageous orientations using ground anchoring. For floating systems, positional stability may use some kind of anchoring or tethering, but this makes it more complicated to provide stable and reproducible facilities to change rotation and/or tilt to track the sun position.
A light-energy converter is provided with one or more adaptive floats (540, 550, 560), providing a degree of buoyancy in water to support the one or more light-energy conversion devices (200). Each adaptive float (540, 550, 560) comprises:
internally a first ballast volume (810) and a second (820) ballast volume for containing a corresponding first and second mass of fluid; one or more fluid pumps for displacing fluid; a sun-tracker, for operating the one or more fluid pumps (830) to select, in use, a predetermined and/or controlled sun orientation rotation angle; the first (810) and second (820) ballast volumes being associated with a first and second section of the external wall of the adaptive float (540, 550) which has a corresponding first and second arc-shaped cross-section; wherein the first mass and/or second mass of fluid may be modified, in use, to cause a rotation of the one or more light-energy conversion devices (200) about the first axis (310).
By providing at least one adaptive float, with at least two internal ballast volumes with a mass of fluid, a compact and less expensive device is provided that is rotatable to a predetermined and/or controlled sun orientation rotation angle.
In particular, east-west movement may be tracked. In addition, the converter may operate using relatively low power fluid pumps (or even low current pumps), allowing operation using the energy generated by the light-energy converter itself.
A light-energy converter is provided with one or more adaptive floats (540, 550, 560), providing a degree of buoyancy in water to support the one or more light-energy conversion devices (200). Each adaptive float (540, 550, 560) comprises:
internally a first ballast volume (810) and a second (820) ballast volume for containing a corresponding first and second mass of fluid; one or more fluid pumps for displacing fluid; a sun-tracker, for operating the one or more fluid pumps (830) to select, in use, a predetermined and/or controlled sun orientation rotation angle; the first (810) and second (820) ballast volumes being associated with a first and second section of the external wall of the adaptive float (540, 550) which has a corresponding first and second arc-shaped cross-section; wherein the first mass and/or second mass of fluid may be modified, in use, to cause a rotation of the one or more light-energy conversion devices (200) about the first axis (310).
By providing at least one adaptive float, with at least two internal ballast volumes with a mass of fluid, a compact and less expensive device is provided that is rotatable to a predetermined and/or controlled sun orientation rotation angle.
In particular, east-west movement may be tracked. In addition, the converter may operate using relatively low power fluid pumps (or even low current pumps), allowing operation using the energy generated by the light-energy converter itself.
Description
A light-energy converter for floating on water FIELD
The present disclosure relates to a light-energy converter for floating on water. In particular, it relates to a sun-energy converter, configured to rotate to a sun orientation rotation angle. It may be used as a single-axis and/or double-axis sun tracker.
BACKGROUND
World-wide, the use of solar panels and solar thermal collectors is rapidly increasing, hastening the transition from fossil fuels to renewable (or green) energy sources. A problem with such systems is finding a convenient location as they require a relatively large surface area to be illuminated by the sun ¨ this is a particular problem in urban areas where a large amount of electricity is required. With existing buildings in urban areas, they may be placed on the roofs. In areas of countryside, the available spaces, such as pastures and meadows, are starting to fill up rapidly ¨ the available spaces are limited due to a need to conserve nature and a continuous need to cultivate agricultural crops.
More recently, the use of floating solar panels has been investigated ¨ an attractive option considering that the production costs are likely to be lower due to the lower management costs, higher kWh production levels, and the possibility to build bigger solar parks than on land.
Land-based systems are permanently mounted using ground anchoring. In addition, if the position of the sun is to be tracked, motors and hinges may be used to provide an appropriate rotation and/or tilt with respect to the sun. For floating systems, the floats can be used for floating and to allow some movement. This however brings along complexity like wind stability, wave stability and anchoring.
It is an object of the invention to provide a floating light-energy converter that have the same or better business case as land-based systems, due to a combined floating/sun tracking system. Resulting that it may be deployed on a larger number of bodies of water than conventional solar collectors.
The present disclosure relates to a light-energy converter for floating on water. In particular, it relates to a sun-energy converter, configured to rotate to a sun orientation rotation angle. It may be used as a single-axis and/or double-axis sun tracker.
BACKGROUND
World-wide, the use of solar panels and solar thermal collectors is rapidly increasing, hastening the transition from fossil fuels to renewable (or green) energy sources. A problem with such systems is finding a convenient location as they require a relatively large surface area to be illuminated by the sun ¨ this is a particular problem in urban areas where a large amount of electricity is required. With existing buildings in urban areas, they may be placed on the roofs. In areas of countryside, the available spaces, such as pastures and meadows, are starting to fill up rapidly ¨ the available spaces are limited due to a need to conserve nature and a continuous need to cultivate agricultural crops.
More recently, the use of floating solar panels has been investigated ¨ an attractive option considering that the production costs are likely to be lower due to the lower management costs, higher kWh production levels, and the possibility to build bigger solar parks than on land.
Land-based systems are permanently mounted using ground anchoring. In addition, if the position of the sun is to be tracked, motors and hinges may be used to provide an appropriate rotation and/or tilt with respect to the sun. For floating systems, the floats can be used for floating and to allow some movement. This however brings along complexity like wind stability, wave stability and anchoring.
It is an object of the invention to provide a floating light-energy converter that have the same or better business case as land-based systems, due to a combined floating/sun tracking system. Resulting that it may be deployed on a larger number of bodies of water than conventional solar collectors.
2 GENERAL STATEMENTS
According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a light-energy converter for floating on a surface of water, comprising: one or more light-energy conversion devices, extending in a plane comprising a first and second axis, wherein the first axis and second axis are substantially perpendicular to each other; a first adaptive float, disposed at a first position along the first axis, extending along the second axis, configured and arranged to provide a degree of buoyancy in water to support the one or more light-energy conversion devices; the first adaptive float comprising:
an external wall, configured and arranged to be at least partially in contact with the surface of the water; internally a first ballast volume and a second ballast volume, disposed at a corresponding first and second position along the second axis, each configured and arranged to contain, in their internal volume, a corresponding first and second mass of fluid; the light-energy converter further comprising: one or more fluid pumps, configured and arranged to control the first and/or second mass of fluid in the first and/or second ballast volumes by displacing fluid; a computer-implemented sun tracker, configured and arranged to rotate the light-energy conversion devices about the first axis by operating the one or more fluid pumps to select, in use, a predetermined and/or controlled sun orientation rotation angle; wherein the first and second ballast volumes are associated with a corresponding first and second section of the first adaptive float external wall having a corresponding first and second arc-shaped cross-section; the converter being further configured and arranged to modify the first mass and/or second mass of fluid, in use, to cause a rotation of the one or more light-energy conversion devices about the first axis.
By providing a light-energy converter with at least one adaptive float, with at least two internal ballast volumes with a mass of fluid, a compact and less expensive device is provided that is rotatable to a predetermined and/or controlled sun orientation rotation angle. The converter may be configured to use the water upon which the system is floating as a fluid, further reducing the cost of the system. It is also highly modular, as one adaptive float may be used to rotate different sizes of array. In addition, the converter may be configured and arranged to operate using relatively low power fluid pumps (or even low current pumps), allowing operation using, wholly or partially, energy generated by the light-energy converter itself.
According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a light-energy converter for floating on a surface of water, comprising: one or more light-energy conversion devices, extending in a plane comprising a first and second axis, wherein the first axis and second axis are substantially perpendicular to each other; a first adaptive float, disposed at a first position along the first axis, extending along the second axis, configured and arranged to provide a degree of buoyancy in water to support the one or more light-energy conversion devices; the first adaptive float comprising:
an external wall, configured and arranged to be at least partially in contact with the surface of the water; internally a first ballast volume and a second ballast volume, disposed at a corresponding first and second position along the second axis, each configured and arranged to contain, in their internal volume, a corresponding first and second mass of fluid; the light-energy converter further comprising: one or more fluid pumps, configured and arranged to control the first and/or second mass of fluid in the first and/or second ballast volumes by displacing fluid; a computer-implemented sun tracker, configured and arranged to rotate the light-energy conversion devices about the first axis by operating the one or more fluid pumps to select, in use, a predetermined and/or controlled sun orientation rotation angle; wherein the first and second ballast volumes are associated with a corresponding first and second section of the first adaptive float external wall having a corresponding first and second arc-shaped cross-section; the converter being further configured and arranged to modify the first mass and/or second mass of fluid, in use, to cause a rotation of the one or more light-energy conversion devices about the first axis.
By providing a light-energy converter with at least one adaptive float, with at least two internal ballast volumes with a mass of fluid, a compact and less expensive device is provided that is rotatable to a predetermined and/or controlled sun orientation rotation angle. The converter may be configured to use the water upon which the system is floating as a fluid, further reducing the cost of the system. It is also highly modular, as one adaptive float may be used to rotate different sizes of array. In addition, the converter may be configured and arranged to operate using relatively low power fluid pumps (or even low current pumps), allowing operation using, wholly or partially, energy generated by the light-energy converter itself.
3 The light-energy converter may be disposed in an approximately north-south or south-north orientation and configured to rotate as a single-axis sun tracker to follow east-west movement of the sun by predetermining and/or controlling the sun orientation angle. With such a relatively simple system, fewer computer components may be required. By using fluid and fluid pumps, fewer actuators and motors may be needed compared to conventional systems, reducing the cost still further.
According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a light energy converter further comprising: a second adaptive float disposed at a second position along the first axis, extending along a second axis, comprising internally a first ballast volume and a second ballast volume; wherein: the one or more fluid pumps are further configured and arranged to control the mass of fluid in the first and/or second ballast volumes of the second adaptive float by displacing fluid; the converter being further configured and arranged to cause, in use, substantially the same rotation of the one or more light-energy conversion devices as the rotation caused by the first adaptive float.
By providing a second adaptive float at a different position along the first axis compared to the first adaptive float, the light converter may be rotated using two or more adaptive floats. Being configured to provide substantially the same rotation by each adaptive float may simplify the computer-implemented sun tracker. It may be configured and arranged by using substantially the same, size, shape, extent, and volume position for the adaptive floats - this simplifies manufacturing and may reduce costs.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a light-energy converter, configured and arranged to provide a rotation about the first axis, in use, is in the range of -40 to +40 degrees with respect to a substantially horizontal plane.
This may be sufficient to track many sun movements from east to west.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a light-energy converter further comprising one or more anchor points for:
movement of the light-energy converter along the first axes; movement of the converter along a second axes; rotation of the converter about a third axis, substantially perpendicular to the first
According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a light energy converter further comprising: a second adaptive float disposed at a second position along the first axis, extending along a second axis, comprising internally a first ballast volume and a second ballast volume; wherein: the one or more fluid pumps are further configured and arranged to control the mass of fluid in the first and/or second ballast volumes of the second adaptive float by displacing fluid; the converter being further configured and arranged to cause, in use, substantially the same rotation of the one or more light-energy conversion devices as the rotation caused by the first adaptive float.
By providing a second adaptive float at a different position along the first axis compared to the first adaptive float, the light converter may be rotated using two or more adaptive floats. Being configured to provide substantially the same rotation by each adaptive float may simplify the computer-implemented sun tracker. It may be configured and arranged by using substantially the same, size, shape, extent, and volume position for the adaptive floats - this simplifies manufacturing and may reduce costs.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a light-energy converter, configured and arranged to provide a rotation about the first axis, in use, is in the range of -40 to +40 degrees with respect to a substantially horizontal plane.
This may be sufficient to track many sun movements from east to west.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a light-energy converter further comprising one or more anchor points for:
movement of the light-energy converter along the first axes; movement of the converter along a second axes; rotation of the converter about a third axis, substantially perpendicular to the first
4 axis and substantially perpendicular to the second axis; rotation of the converter about a second axis; and any combination thereof.
One or more anchor points are provided to restrict movement along the first and/or second axes, and/or rotation about the second axis, and/or rotation about the third axis ¨ in other words, to keep the solar converter substantially at one position or substantially at a fixed rotation about the second or third axes. As the yield per square meter is an important factor, converters may only be placed adjacent to each other if they can be adequately secured. In addition, they external factors, such as wind and/or waves may cause drift if the solar converter is not sufficiently secured.
Optionally, one or more anchor points may be configured to be detachable.
Many bodies of water need to be maintained ¨ it therefore becomes very important for maintenance that the solar collectors may be temporarily moved to an adjacent location so that maintenance may be performed.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a light-energy converter is provided further comprising: a first perforated float disposed at a third position along the first axis, extending along a second axis, configured and arranged to provide a degree of buoyancy in water to further support the one or more light-energy conversion devices; the first perforated float comprising: an external wall, configured and arranged to be at least partially in contact with the surface of the water;
internally a first and second perforated volume, disposed at a corresponding first and second position along the second axis, each volume being associated with a first and second perforated section of the float external wall having a corresponding first and second arc-shaped perforated cross-section; wherein each perforated section comprises a plurality of apertures, configured and arranged to allow fluid to pass, in use, between the perforated volume and water.
By providing one or more perforated volumes (in other words, one or more inner volumes associated with a perforated external wall), the stability of the converter may be increased, making it less sensitive to wave and wind forces. These perforated volumes act as buffers and/or dampers, resisting motion and rotation to a certain degree.
Advantageously, a diameter is selected for the apertures, such as lOmm ¨
100mm, which allows the inner perforated volumes to slowly fill with water but at the same time slowly empty if they are moved out of position to a sufficient degree.
One or more anchor points are provided to restrict movement along the first and/or second axes, and/or rotation about the second axis, and/or rotation about the third axis ¨ in other words, to keep the solar converter substantially at one position or substantially at a fixed rotation about the second or third axes. As the yield per square meter is an important factor, converters may only be placed adjacent to each other if they can be adequately secured. In addition, they external factors, such as wind and/or waves may cause drift if the solar converter is not sufficiently secured.
Optionally, one or more anchor points may be configured to be detachable.
Many bodies of water need to be maintained ¨ it therefore becomes very important for maintenance that the solar collectors may be temporarily moved to an adjacent location so that maintenance may be performed.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a light-energy converter is provided further comprising: a first perforated float disposed at a third position along the first axis, extending along a second axis, configured and arranged to provide a degree of buoyancy in water to further support the one or more light-energy conversion devices; the first perforated float comprising: an external wall, configured and arranged to be at least partially in contact with the surface of the water;
internally a first and second perforated volume, disposed at a corresponding first and second position along the second axis, each volume being associated with a first and second perforated section of the float external wall having a corresponding first and second arc-shaped perforated cross-section; wherein each perforated section comprises a plurality of apertures, configured and arranged to allow fluid to pass, in use, between the perforated volume and water.
By providing one or more perforated volumes (in other words, one or more inner volumes associated with a perforated external wall), the stability of the converter may be increased, making it less sensitive to wave and wind forces. These perforated volumes act as buffers and/or dampers, resisting motion and rotation to a certain degree.
Advantageously, a diameter is selected for the apertures, such as lOmm ¨
100mm, which allows the inner perforated volumes to slowly fill with water but at the same time slowly empty if they are moved out of position to a sufficient degree.
5 It may be advantageous to configure and arrange the converter, such that a perforated area comprised in the first perforated section is substantially equal to the corresponding perforated area in the second perforated section.
It may be advantageous to provide a light-energy converter, wherein the first perforated float further comprises internally a buoyancy volume, configured and arranged to provide a degree of buoyancy in water to further support the one or more light-energy conversion devices, and disposed at a position along the second axis between the first and second positions.
By providing a degree of buoyancy between the two perforated volumes, a highly configurable perforated float is provided.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a light energy converter is provided further comprising: a second perforated float, disposed at a fourth position along the first axis, extending along a second axis, comprising internally a first and second perforated volume; wherein the perforated section comprises a plurality of apertures, configured and arranged to allow fluid to pass, in use, between the perforated volume and water.
The converter is highly configurable for factors such as location, orientation freedom, water depth, expected weather conditions etc. The converter may therefore advantageously comprise one or more floats ¨ these allow the buoyancy, stability and rotations to be predetermined and/or controlled.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a light-energy converter is provided wherein the one or more fluid pumps are further configured and arranged to displace fluid, in use: from water to the first balance volume and/or from the balance volume to water; from water to the second balance volume and/or from the balance volume to water; between the first balance volume and second balance volume;
and any combination thereof.
It may be particularly advantageous to use the water on which the converter is floating to provide a source and/or drain for fluid.
It may be advantageous to provide a light-energy converter, wherein the first perforated float further comprises internally a buoyancy volume, configured and arranged to provide a degree of buoyancy in water to further support the one or more light-energy conversion devices, and disposed at a position along the second axis between the first and second positions.
By providing a degree of buoyancy between the two perforated volumes, a highly configurable perforated float is provided.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a light energy converter is provided further comprising: a second perforated float, disposed at a fourth position along the first axis, extending along a second axis, comprising internally a first and second perforated volume; wherein the perforated section comprises a plurality of apertures, configured and arranged to allow fluid to pass, in use, between the perforated volume and water.
The converter is highly configurable for factors such as location, orientation freedom, water depth, expected weather conditions etc. The converter may therefore advantageously comprise one or more floats ¨ these allow the buoyancy, stability and rotations to be predetermined and/or controlled.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a light-energy converter is provided wherein the one or more fluid pumps are further configured and arranged to displace fluid, in use: from water to the first balance volume and/or from the balance volume to water; from water to the second balance volume and/or from the balance volume to water; between the first balance volume and second balance volume;
and any combination thereof.
It may be particularly advantageous to use the water on which the converter is floating to provide a source and/or drain for fluid.
6 According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a light-energy converter, wherein the conversion devices comprise one or more photovoltaic PV converters, one or more photovoltaic PV converters of the monofacial type, bifacial type, bifacial with reflector, a solar thermal converter, a sun collector, and any combination thereof.
Optionally, the solar collectors may be fixed such that only one side of the panels needs to face the sun. The invention will therefore also operate with monofacial panels, further reducing the cost. However, it is may be configured and arranged to operate with bifacial panels, for example.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Features and advantages of some embodiments of the present invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, will become more readily apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred and exemplary embodiments and which are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein:
FIG. 1 schematically depicts a light-energy converter for floating on water;
FIG. 2 schematically depicts an enlarged view of an adaptive float;
FIG 3A to 3D depict a body of water where a plurality of converters has been installed, and a method for providing access to a region of water by shifting;
FIG. 4 depicts a further body of water where a plurality of converters has been installed, and a further method for providing access to a region of water;
FIG. 5A to 5D depict optional constructional aspects regarding an adaptive float;
FIG. 6 schematically depicts an enlarged view of a perforated float; and FIG. 7A to 7D depict optional constructional aspects regarding a perforated float.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following detailed description, numerous non-limiting specific
Optionally, the solar collectors may be fixed such that only one side of the panels needs to face the sun. The invention will therefore also operate with monofacial panels, further reducing the cost. However, it is may be configured and arranged to operate with bifacial panels, for example.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Features and advantages of some embodiments of the present invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, will become more readily apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred and exemplary embodiments and which are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein:
FIG. 1 schematically depicts a light-energy converter for floating on water;
FIG. 2 schematically depicts an enlarged view of an adaptive float;
FIG 3A to 3D depict a body of water where a plurality of converters has been installed, and a method for providing access to a region of water by shifting;
FIG. 4 depicts a further body of water where a plurality of converters has been installed, and a further method for providing access to a region of water;
FIG. 5A to 5D depict optional constructional aspects regarding an adaptive float;
FIG. 6 schematically depicts an enlarged view of a perforated float; and FIG. 7A to 7D depict optional constructional aspects regarding a perforated float.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following detailed description, numerous non-limiting specific
7 details are given to assist in understanding this disclosure.
FIG. 1 schematically depicts a light-energy converter 100 for floating on water, comprising:
- light-energy conversion devices 200, arranged to form a 1D- or 2D-array, extending in a plane comprising a first 310 and second 320 axis, wherein the first 310 axis and second 320 axis are substantially perpendicular to each other.
For example, an array of monofacial panels (devices) may be used. As explained below, the converter configuration is very flexible, allowing panel numbers from 10 to more than 1000 to be used in any array size, such as 3 x 21, 6 x 11 or 8 x 8. Depending on factors such as location, orientation freedom, cost, the type of conversion device etc. the skilled person may select the most appropriate array and converter dimensions. Small arrays may be used on small lakes, long and thin arrays may be used on waterways, and very large arrays may be used at sea. If arranged in an array of device 200, not all positions need to be filled. Non-rectangular arrangements of device 200 may also be provided, such as square, round, triangular, polygonal etc.;
- an array support 400 configured and arranged to support the light-energy conversion devices 200. As depicted, the array of conversion devices 200 are configured and arranged to lie, in use, in an approximately horizontal plane. Optionally, the converter 100 may be configured and arranged to allow rotation of the conversion devices around the second axis 320. Optionally, the array of conversion devices 200 may be arranged at a small angle with respect to a horizontal plane - such a predetermined and/or controlled value, to at least partially compensate for the north-south or south-north movement of the Sun if the converter is disposed such that the first axis 310 lies approximately north-south or south-north. The converter 100 may configured and arranged to allow a rotation, or be fixed at an angle of 5 to 20 degrees with respect to a substantially horizontal plane is preferred. 8 to 12 degrees is more preferred, and 10 degrees is most preferred;
- a first adaptive float 540, 550, 560, disposed at a first position along the first axis 310, extending along the second axis 320, configured and arranged to provide a degree of buoyancy in water to support the one or more light-energy conversion devices 200. The floats may be constructed using plastic, which is a relatively inexpensive and light material. In addition, plastic floats float very well on water, allowing the converter
FIG. 1 schematically depicts a light-energy converter 100 for floating on water, comprising:
- light-energy conversion devices 200, arranged to form a 1D- or 2D-array, extending in a plane comprising a first 310 and second 320 axis, wherein the first 310 axis and second 320 axis are substantially perpendicular to each other.
For example, an array of monofacial panels (devices) may be used. As explained below, the converter configuration is very flexible, allowing panel numbers from 10 to more than 1000 to be used in any array size, such as 3 x 21, 6 x 11 or 8 x 8. Depending on factors such as location, orientation freedom, cost, the type of conversion device etc. the skilled person may select the most appropriate array and converter dimensions. Small arrays may be used on small lakes, long and thin arrays may be used on waterways, and very large arrays may be used at sea. If arranged in an array of device 200, not all positions need to be filled. Non-rectangular arrangements of device 200 may also be provided, such as square, round, triangular, polygonal etc.;
- an array support 400 configured and arranged to support the light-energy conversion devices 200. As depicted, the array of conversion devices 200 are configured and arranged to lie, in use, in an approximately horizontal plane. Optionally, the converter 100 may be configured and arranged to allow rotation of the conversion devices around the second axis 320. Optionally, the array of conversion devices 200 may be arranged at a small angle with respect to a horizontal plane - such a predetermined and/or controlled value, to at least partially compensate for the north-south or south-north movement of the Sun if the converter is disposed such that the first axis 310 lies approximately north-south or south-north. The converter 100 may configured and arranged to allow a rotation, or be fixed at an angle of 5 to 20 degrees with respect to a substantially horizontal plane is preferred. 8 to 12 degrees is more preferred, and 10 degrees is most preferred;
- a first adaptive float 540, 550, 560, disposed at a first position along the first axis 310, extending along the second axis 320, configured and arranged to provide a degree of buoyancy in water to support the one or more light-energy conversion devices 200. The floats may be constructed using plastic, which is a relatively inexpensive and light material. In addition, plastic floats float very well on water, allowing the converter
8 devices 200 to stay substantially above the surface of the water. Wood, steel, aluminium, EPS (Expanded PolyStyrene), any similar material and any suitable combination may also be used;
- the first adaptive float 540, 550, 560 comprises: an external wall, configured and arranged to be at least partially in contact with the surface of the water;
and internally, a first ballast volume 810 and a second 820 ballast volume, disposed at a corresponding first and second position along the second axis 320, each configured and arranged to contain, in their internal volume, a corresponding first and second mass of fluid;
- one or more fluid pumps, configured and arranged to control the first and/or second mass of fluid in the first 810 and/or second 820 ballast volumes by displacing fluid;
- optionally, one or more anchor points (not depicted) may be provided for restricting movement of the light-energy converter 100, for example, restricting:
-along the first 310 and/or second axes 320;
- rotation of the converter 100 about a third axis 330, substantially perpendicular to the first 310 axis and substantially perpendicular to the second 320 axis;
- rotation of the converter about the second axis 320;
and any combination thereof.
It is preferred that the one or more anchor point provide a secure and rigid attachment to attachment points, such as piles (not depicted). Anchor points may be configured to be attachable. Where convenient, each solar converter 100 may be attached to the bank, to the lake floor using a pile, using a metal anchor, using a stone anchor and any combination thereof.
Any suitable fluid or mixture of fluids may be used ¨ factors which may be considered, for example, are density, specific gravity, boiling point, compatibility with the materials used to contain and distribute the fluid, stability, cost, toxicity, biodegradability.
The fluid may also comprise one or more additives. Water is preferred. The converter 100 may also be conveniently configured and arranged to use water that the converter 100, in use, is floating on.
- the first adaptive float 540, 550, 560 comprises: an external wall, configured and arranged to be at least partially in contact with the surface of the water;
and internally, a first ballast volume 810 and a second 820 ballast volume, disposed at a corresponding first and second position along the second axis 320, each configured and arranged to contain, in their internal volume, a corresponding first and second mass of fluid;
- one or more fluid pumps, configured and arranged to control the first and/or second mass of fluid in the first 810 and/or second 820 ballast volumes by displacing fluid;
- optionally, one or more anchor points (not depicted) may be provided for restricting movement of the light-energy converter 100, for example, restricting:
-along the first 310 and/or second axes 320;
- rotation of the converter 100 about a third axis 330, substantially perpendicular to the first 310 axis and substantially perpendicular to the second 320 axis;
- rotation of the converter about the second axis 320;
and any combination thereof.
It is preferred that the one or more anchor point provide a secure and rigid attachment to attachment points, such as piles (not depicted). Anchor points may be configured to be attachable. Where convenient, each solar converter 100 may be attached to the bank, to the lake floor using a pile, using a metal anchor, using a stone anchor and any combination thereof.
Any suitable fluid or mixture of fluids may be used ¨ factors which may be considered, for example, are density, specific gravity, boiling point, compatibility with the materials used to contain and distribute the fluid, stability, cost, toxicity, biodegradability.
The fluid may also comprise one or more additives. Water is preferred. The converter 100 may also be conveniently configured and arranged to use water that the converter 100, in use, is floating on.
9 Preferably, the solar converter 100 is configured and arranged to provide rotation about the first axis 310 in use in the range of -40 to +40 degrees with respect to a substantially horizontal plane. Additionally or alternatively, the surface of the water upon which the converter 100 floats may be used, in use, as a reference for rotation values. If the converter is disposed such that the first axis 310 lies approximately north-south or south-north, then the second axes 320 lies approximately east-west. This range of rotation is sufficient to at least partially compensate for the east-west movement of the Sun - a computer-implemented sun tracker, configured and arranged to rotate the light-energy conversion devices 200 about the first axis 310 by operating the one or more fluid pumps (not depicted) 830 to select, in use, a predetermined and/or controlled sun orientation rotation angle. This may use predetermined predictions about the Sun's east-west path, one or more light sensors to detect the actual Sun's position, or a combination thereof.
wherein the first 810 and second 820 ballast volumes are associated with a corresponding first and second section of the first adaptive float 540, 550, 560 external wall having a corresponding first and second arc-shaped cross-section; the converter 100 being further configured and arranged to modify the first mass and/or second mass of fluid, in use, to cause a rotation of the first and second sections of external wall about the first axis 310.
Arc-shaped includes any shape that comprises one or more curved portions, such as circular, oval, elliptical, and crescent-shaped. It also includes any curved portion that comprises one or more straight line segments, approximating a curved portion.
The invention is partially based on the insight that conventional floating solar panel systems may be complex, particularly if they use ballast tanks -for example, the solar panel system described in US patent US 8921682. To achieve stability, the chamber 111, FIG. 3 is filled with water, bringing the solar panels 32, FIG. 3 close to the surface of the water. US 8921682 teaches that several external ballast tanks are required to provide rotation of the chamber 111.
However, the invention described in the current disclosure provides a similar degree of rotation, but with a less complex actuation, by comprising ballast volumes 810, 820 in the adaptive float 540, 550, 560. If the converter 100 is disposed in a
wherein the first 810 and second 820 ballast volumes are associated with a corresponding first and second section of the first adaptive float 540, 550, 560 external wall having a corresponding first and second arc-shaped cross-section; the converter 100 being further configured and arranged to modify the first mass and/or second mass of fluid, in use, to cause a rotation of the first and second sections of external wall about the first axis 310.
Arc-shaped includes any shape that comprises one or more curved portions, such as circular, oval, elliptical, and crescent-shaped. It also includes any curved portion that comprises one or more straight line segments, approximating a curved portion.
The invention is partially based on the insight that conventional floating solar panel systems may be complex, particularly if they use ballast tanks -for example, the solar panel system described in US patent US 8921682. To achieve stability, the chamber 111, FIG. 3 is filled with water, bringing the solar panels 32, FIG. 3 close to the surface of the water. US 8921682 teaches that several external ballast tanks are required to provide rotation of the chamber 111.
However, the invention described in the current disclosure provides a similar degree of rotation, but with a less complex actuation, by comprising ballast volumes 810, 820 in the adaptive float 540, 550, 560. If the converter 100 is disposed in a
10 north-south or south-north orientation, coinciding with the first axes 310, then a single adaptive float 540, 550, 560 with a relatively simple actuation, using fluid displacement, the converter may be rotated around the first axis 310, which corresponds to tracking (at least partially) the daily east-west motion of the sun. Here "tracking" means selecting a sun orientation angle and rotating the converter 100 such that the top layer of the conversion devices is facing the sun. In other words, it lies in a plane approximately perpendicular to the line of sight from the conversion devices 200 to the sun.
Compared to a fixed system, the use of a single-axis tracker for the east-west motion has been estimated to increase the yield by approximately 30 to 35 %.
As depicted in FIG. 1, the conversion devices 200 lie in a plane which is approximately parallel to the array support 400. In other words, the conversion devices 200 are configured and arranged to lie, in use, in an approximately horizontal plane.
Optionally, the array of conversion devices 200 may be arranged at a small angle with respect to a horizontal plane - it is set to a predetermined and/or controlled value, which remains predominantly constant to at least partially compensate for the north-south or south-north movement of the Sun if the converter is disposed such that the first axis 310 lies approximately north-south or south-north. The converter 100 may configured and arranged to allow a rotation, or be fixed at an angle of 5 to 20 degrees with respect to a substantially horizontal plane is preferred. 8 to 12 degrees is more preferred, and 10 degrees is most preferred.
The converter 100 may be further configured to provide a fixed angle of 5 to 20 degrees with respect to a horizontal plane in use, preferably 10 degrees. This may be implemented by providing a suitably hinged array support 400. As it is a seasonal change, this angle may be manually set at regular interval during routine maintenance.
A powered actuator may also be used. Additionally or alternatively, the surface of the water upon which the converter 100 floats may be used, in use, as a reference for rotation values.
In a second embodiment of the invention, the converter 100 may further comprise:
- a second adaptive float 550, disposed at a second position along the first axis 310, extending along a second axis 320, comprising internally a first ballast volume
Compared to a fixed system, the use of a single-axis tracker for the east-west motion has been estimated to increase the yield by approximately 30 to 35 %.
As depicted in FIG. 1, the conversion devices 200 lie in a plane which is approximately parallel to the array support 400. In other words, the conversion devices 200 are configured and arranged to lie, in use, in an approximately horizontal plane.
Optionally, the array of conversion devices 200 may be arranged at a small angle with respect to a horizontal plane - it is set to a predetermined and/or controlled value, which remains predominantly constant to at least partially compensate for the north-south or south-north movement of the Sun if the converter is disposed such that the first axis 310 lies approximately north-south or south-north. The converter 100 may configured and arranged to allow a rotation, or be fixed at an angle of 5 to 20 degrees with respect to a substantially horizontal plane is preferred. 8 to 12 degrees is more preferred, and 10 degrees is most preferred.
The converter 100 may be further configured to provide a fixed angle of 5 to 20 degrees with respect to a horizontal plane in use, preferably 10 degrees. This may be implemented by providing a suitably hinged array support 400. As it is a seasonal change, this angle may be manually set at regular interval during routine maintenance.
A powered actuator may also be used. Additionally or alternatively, the surface of the water upon which the converter 100 floats may be used, in use, as a reference for rotation values.
In a second embodiment of the invention, the converter 100 may further comprise:
- a second adaptive float 550, disposed at a second position along the first axis 310, extending along a second axis 320, comprising internally a first ballast volume
11 810 and a second 820 ballast volume. Although the same reference numbers are used as for the first adaptive float 540, that does not imply that the volumes must be substantially the same in size, shape or position. For the manufacturing, it is advantageous to use substantially the same volumes, but the skilled person will realize that substantially the same rotation may be provided using first 810 and second 820 volumes that are substantially the same, similar or different in size, shape and/or volume position.
The one or more fluid pumps are further configured and arranged to control the mass of fluid in the first 810 and/or second 820 ballast volumes of the second adaptive float 550 by displacing fluid. Similar to the ballast volumes 810, 820, the mass of fluids used in the second adaptive float 550 may be substantially the same, similar or different to the mass of fluids used in the first adaptive float 540.
The converter 100 is further configured and arranged to cause, in use, to cause a rotation of the one or more light-energy conversion devices 200 about the first axis 310.
The converter depicted in FIG. 1 further comprises a third adaptive float 560. disposed at a third position along the first axis 310, extending along a second axis 320, comprising internally ballast volumes that operate functionally in substantially the same way as the first 540 and second 550 adaptive floats.
For the manufacturing, it is advantageous to use substantially the same volumes, but the skilled person will realize that substantially the same rotation may be provided using volumes that are substantially the same, similar or different in size, shape and/or volume position to those in the first 540 and second 550 adaptive floats.
Similar to the ballast volumes, the mass of fluids used in the third adaptive float 560 may be substantially the same, similar or different to the mass of fluids used in the first 540 and/or second 550 adaptive float.
The converter 100 is further configured and arranged to cause, in use, a rotation of the one or more light-energy conversion devices 200 about the first axis 310.
The light-energy converter is highly configurable, allowing more than one adaptive float 540, 550, 560 to be used. Each adaptive float 540, 550, 560 may operate to provide substantially the same, similar or different rotation about the first axis 310 as one of the other adaptive floats 540, 550, 560.
The one or more fluid pumps are further configured and arranged to control the mass of fluid in the first 810 and/or second 820 ballast volumes of the second adaptive float 550 by displacing fluid. Similar to the ballast volumes 810, 820, the mass of fluids used in the second adaptive float 550 may be substantially the same, similar or different to the mass of fluids used in the first adaptive float 540.
The converter 100 is further configured and arranged to cause, in use, to cause a rotation of the one or more light-energy conversion devices 200 about the first axis 310.
The converter depicted in FIG. 1 further comprises a third adaptive float 560. disposed at a third position along the first axis 310, extending along a second axis 320, comprising internally ballast volumes that operate functionally in substantially the same way as the first 540 and second 550 adaptive floats.
For the manufacturing, it is advantageous to use substantially the same volumes, but the skilled person will realize that substantially the same rotation may be provided using volumes that are substantially the same, similar or different in size, shape and/or volume position to those in the first 540 and second 550 adaptive floats.
Similar to the ballast volumes, the mass of fluids used in the third adaptive float 560 may be substantially the same, similar or different to the mass of fluids used in the first 540 and/or second 550 adaptive float.
The converter 100 is further configured and arranged to cause, in use, a rotation of the one or more light-energy conversion devices 200 about the first axis 310.
The light-energy converter is highly configurable, allowing more than one adaptive float 540, 550, 560 to be used. Each adaptive float 540, 550, 560 may operate to provide substantially the same, similar or different rotation about the first axis 310 as one of the other adaptive floats 540, 550, 560.
12 Similar or different rotations may be used, for example, to compensate for different positions and/or rotations of light-energy conversion devices proximate each adaptive float 540, 550, 560. This may be more advantageous when very long arrays are operated ¨ in other words, conversion devices 200 extending substantially longer along the first axis 310 compared to a second axis 320.
Being configured to provide substantially the same rotation by each adaptive float 540, 550, 560 may simplify the computer-implemented sun tracker. It may be configured and arranged by using substantially the same, size, shape, extent, and volume position for the adaptive floats - this simplifies manufacturing and may reduce costs. The adaptive floats 540, 550, 560 may be operated individually and/or in groups of two or more.
In a third embodiment, the converter 100 may be configured and arranged to modify the mass in two or more adaptive floats 540, 550, 560 to cause, in use, a rotation of one or more conversion devices 200 about the second axis 320.
When two or more adaptive floats 540, 550, 560 are used at different positions along the first axis 310, rotation about the second axis 320 may be provided by modifying the mass of fluid in an adaptive float 540, 550, 560 compared to a different adaptive float 540, 550, 560.
By suitable configuration and arrangement of fluid displacement, rotation may be provided in different ways: only around a first axis 310 (single-axis tracker), only around a second axis 320 (single-axis tracker) or around both the first 310 and a second axis 320 (double-axis tracker) If the converter 100 is disposed in a north-south or south-north orientation, coinciding with the first axes 310, then two or more adaptive floats 540, 550, 560 with a relatively simple actuation, using fluid displacement, may be used to rotate one or more conversion devices 200 around a second axis 320, which corresponds to tracking (at least partially) the seasonal north-south or south-north motion of the sun. If the fluid displacement is so configured, double-axis tracking) may be performed.
Compared to a single-axis tracker, the use of a second-axis tracker to additionally compensate for the north-south or south-north motion has been estimated to increase the yield by a further 5 to 6 % - for this tracking. To configure and arrange the converter, only slight modifications to the fluid displacement system is required.
Being configured to provide substantially the same rotation by each adaptive float 540, 550, 560 may simplify the computer-implemented sun tracker. It may be configured and arranged by using substantially the same, size, shape, extent, and volume position for the adaptive floats - this simplifies manufacturing and may reduce costs. The adaptive floats 540, 550, 560 may be operated individually and/or in groups of two or more.
In a third embodiment, the converter 100 may be configured and arranged to modify the mass in two or more adaptive floats 540, 550, 560 to cause, in use, a rotation of one or more conversion devices 200 about the second axis 320.
When two or more adaptive floats 540, 550, 560 are used at different positions along the first axis 310, rotation about the second axis 320 may be provided by modifying the mass of fluid in an adaptive float 540, 550, 560 compared to a different adaptive float 540, 550, 560.
By suitable configuration and arrangement of fluid displacement, rotation may be provided in different ways: only around a first axis 310 (single-axis tracker), only around a second axis 320 (single-axis tracker) or around both the first 310 and a second axis 320 (double-axis tracker) If the converter 100 is disposed in a north-south or south-north orientation, coinciding with the first axes 310, then two or more adaptive floats 540, 550, 560 with a relatively simple actuation, using fluid displacement, may be used to rotate one or more conversion devices 200 around a second axis 320, which corresponds to tracking (at least partially) the seasonal north-south or south-north motion of the sun. If the fluid displacement is so configured, double-axis tracking) may be performed.
Compared to a single-axis tracker, the use of a second-axis tracker to additionally compensate for the north-south or south-north motion has been estimated to increase the yield by a further 5 to 6 % - for this tracking. To configure and arrange the converter, only slight modifications to the fluid displacement system is required.
13 Optionally, further anchor points may be used to increase the positional stability of the solar converter 100.
FIG. 2 schematically depicts an enlarged view of an adaptive float 540, 550, 560 comprising a first 810 and second 820 ballast volume. Each volume is associated with corresponding section of arc-shaped cross-sectional external wall.
A difference in mass between the fluid in the first 810 and second 820 ballast volumes may cause a rotation of the volumes 810, 820 wall about the first axis 310. The difference in mass may be caused by displacing fluid:
- from water to the first ballast volume 810 and/or from the first balance volume 810 to water;
- from water to the second ballast volume 820 and/or from the second balance volume 820 to water;
- between the first 810 and second ballast volume 820;
and any combination thereof.
The degree of rotation may also be influenced by modifying a distance along the second axes 320 between first 810 and second balance volumes 820, a dimension of a volume 810, 820, or a shape of a volume 810, 820.
A difference in mass between the fluid in two adaptive floats 540, 550, 560 may cause a rotation of these sections of external wall about the second axis 320. The difference in mass may be caused by displacing fluid:
- from water to the one or both of the two adaptive floats 540, 550, 560, and/or - from one or both of the two adaptive floats 540, 550, 560 to water;
- between the two adaptive floats 540, 550, 560;
and any combination thereof.
The degree of rotation may also be influenced by modifying a distance along the first axes 310 between the two adaptive floats 540, 550, 560, a dimension of an adaptive float 540, 550, 560, a shape of an adaptive float 540, 550, 560.
FIG. 2 schematically depicts an enlarged view of an adaptive float 540, 550, 560 comprising a first 810 and second 820 ballast volume. Each volume is associated with corresponding section of arc-shaped cross-sectional external wall.
A difference in mass between the fluid in the first 810 and second 820 ballast volumes may cause a rotation of the volumes 810, 820 wall about the first axis 310. The difference in mass may be caused by displacing fluid:
- from water to the first ballast volume 810 and/or from the first balance volume 810 to water;
- from water to the second ballast volume 820 and/or from the second balance volume 820 to water;
- between the first 810 and second ballast volume 820;
and any combination thereof.
The degree of rotation may also be influenced by modifying a distance along the second axes 320 between first 810 and second balance volumes 820, a dimension of a volume 810, 820, or a shape of a volume 810, 820.
A difference in mass between the fluid in two adaptive floats 540, 550, 560 may cause a rotation of these sections of external wall about the second axis 320. The difference in mass may be caused by displacing fluid:
- from water to the one or both of the two adaptive floats 540, 550, 560, and/or - from one or both of the two adaptive floats 540, 550, 560 to water;
- between the two adaptive floats 540, 550, 560;
and any combination thereof.
The degree of rotation may also be influenced by modifying a distance along the first axes 310 between the two adaptive floats 540, 550, 560, a dimension of an adaptive float 540, 550, 560, a shape of an adaptive float 540, 550, 560.
14 The number of pumps required depends on how extensively the different volumes are connected, and the number of degrees of control required. For example, the fluid displacement (via the fluid pumps) may be configured and arranged to provide simultaneous (and synchronized) rotation by the first adaptive float 540 and the second adaptive float 550. In that case, rotation about a second axis 320 would be substantially zero. In a further example, separate fluid control to the first 810 and second 820 volumes in the first 540 and second 550 adaptive float to provide substantial rotation about a second axis 320 as well as substantial rotation about the first axis 310.
The invention is also based on the insight that ability to maintain the body of water is a major factor in the cost of operating solar converters on water.
Keeping bodies of water healthy will become more important in the future due to the effects of climate change ¨ for example, they play a crucial role in dealing with heavy rainfall which is expected to increase. Maintenance activities that may need to be regularly undertaken include removal of garbage from the water, removal of silt, replacing barrages and culverts, cutting back overgrown vegetation and bank repair.
By making the one or more anchor points detachable from any attachment points 610, the solar converter 100 may be conveniently moved to an adjacent position while the area immediately below (and around) the original site is maintained and/or inspected. After completion of the maintenance and/or inspection, the solar converter 100 may simply be moved back into its original position.
FIG. 3A to 3D depict a body of water where a plurality of converters has been installed, and a method for providing access to a region of water and/or a bank for maintenance and/or inspection by shifting along a first axis 310 and/or second axis 320.
This body of water is enclosed by one or more banks around at least a portion of the perimeter.
If no maintenance is required, then the water surface may be completely filled with converters to maximize electricity production.
But many bodies of water are intended for other purposes, such as for drinking water and/or recreation. They usually require some degree of maintenance,
The invention is also based on the insight that ability to maintain the body of water is a major factor in the cost of operating solar converters on water.
Keeping bodies of water healthy will become more important in the future due to the effects of climate change ¨ for example, they play a crucial role in dealing with heavy rainfall which is expected to increase. Maintenance activities that may need to be regularly undertaken include removal of garbage from the water, removal of silt, replacing barrages and culverts, cutting back overgrown vegetation and bank repair.
By making the one or more anchor points detachable from any attachment points 610, the solar converter 100 may be conveniently moved to an adjacent position while the area immediately below (and around) the original site is maintained and/or inspected. After completion of the maintenance and/or inspection, the solar converter 100 may simply be moved back into its original position.
FIG. 3A to 3D depict a body of water where a plurality of converters has been installed, and a method for providing access to a region of water and/or a bank for maintenance and/or inspection by shifting along a first axis 310 and/or second axis 320.
This body of water is enclosed by one or more banks around at least a portion of the perimeter.
If no maintenance is required, then the water surface may be completely filled with converters to maximize electricity production.
But many bodies of water are intended for other purposes, such as for drinking water and/or recreation. They usually require some degree of maintenance,
15 including the area immediately below each converter 100. It may also be advantageous to regularly reposition converters 100 to avoid that an area of surface water does not receive any light. Such actions may be required to prevent reduction in the water quality, or to maintain the ecological environment of the water body.
FIG 3A depicts a rectangular body of water where ten solar converters 100 have been installed in a "checkerboard" pattern. The body of water is viewed from above, and each solar converter 100 is provided with one or more adjacent region 150 of water surface that is configured and arranged to be unoccupied when the adjacent solar converter 100 is in use. As depicted, the regions of unoccupied water surface 150 are substantially the same as the planar extent of the solar converter 100, and the solar converters 100 are substantially the same planar extent. This provides an array of twenty (vertically 5 x horizontally 4) regions, which may either be unoccupied 150, comprise a solar converter 100 for a longer period or temporarily comprise a solar converter 101 from a different position.
If a need for inspection and/or maintenance occurs, one or more of the solar converters 100 may be temporarily moved out of position 101 into an adjacent unoccupied region 150. Regions with solar converters 100 in their original position are depicted as black rectangles 100, unoccupied regions are depicted as white rectangles 150, and in FIG. 3B to 3D a solar converter 100 that is temporarily out of position, in a previously unoccupied region, is depicted as a gray rectangle 101. The solar converter 100 installation is viewed from above, with the first axis 310 extending vertically as depicted, and the second axes 320 extending horizontally as depicted.
In this depiction, north is at the top of the paper, south at the bottom, east to the right and west to the left. The Sun movement of east-west is therefore represented here as a movement from right-to-left. Similarly, the Sun's movement from north to south would be represented by a movement from top to bottom, and by a movement from bottom to top for south to north. Note that these compass orientations are not essential for this method of providing access.
FIG. 3B depicts the movement of two solar converters 100 from their original positions in the bottom row by shifting them along the first axis 210 to the second row from-the-bottom ¨ both are indicated as grey rectangles 101 because they have been moved to their temporary positions 101. Note that the orientation of the solar
FIG 3A depicts a rectangular body of water where ten solar converters 100 have been installed in a "checkerboard" pattern. The body of water is viewed from above, and each solar converter 100 is provided with one or more adjacent region 150 of water surface that is configured and arranged to be unoccupied when the adjacent solar converter 100 is in use. As depicted, the regions of unoccupied water surface 150 are substantially the same as the planar extent of the solar converter 100, and the solar converters 100 are substantially the same planar extent. This provides an array of twenty (vertically 5 x horizontally 4) regions, which may either be unoccupied 150, comprise a solar converter 100 for a longer period or temporarily comprise a solar converter 101 from a different position.
If a need for inspection and/or maintenance occurs, one or more of the solar converters 100 may be temporarily moved out of position 101 into an adjacent unoccupied region 150. Regions with solar converters 100 in their original position are depicted as black rectangles 100, unoccupied regions are depicted as white rectangles 150, and in FIG. 3B to 3D a solar converter 100 that is temporarily out of position, in a previously unoccupied region, is depicted as a gray rectangle 101. The solar converter 100 installation is viewed from above, with the first axis 310 extending vertically as depicted, and the second axes 320 extending horizontally as depicted.
In this depiction, north is at the top of the paper, south at the bottom, east to the right and west to the left. The Sun movement of east-west is therefore represented here as a movement from right-to-left. Similarly, the Sun's movement from north to south would be represented by a movement from top to bottom, and by a movement from bottom to top for south to north. Note that these compass orientations are not essential for this method of providing access.
FIG. 3B depicts the movement of two solar converters 100 from their original positions in the bottom row by shifting them along the first axis 210 to the second row from-the-bottom ¨ both are indicated as grey rectangles 101 because they have been moved to their temporary positions 101. Note that the orientation of the solar
16 converters 100, 101 is substantially the same, so no major modifications are required to the computer-implemented single-axis sun tracker.
Temporary attachments, such as piles, may be provided at each of the temporary positions 101 for attachment to the one or more anchor points (not indicated).
In FIG. 3B, access, suitable for inspection and/or maintenance, is thus provided for the lower bank and the four regions of the bottom row.
FIG. 3C depicts the possible movement of three solar converters 100 from the left column along a second axis 320 to the second-from-the-left column ¨
all three are indicated as grey rectangles 101 in their temporary positions, and the orientation of the solar converters 100 is substantially the same. Access is thus provided for the left bank and the five regions (now unoccupied 150) in the left column.
FIG. 3D depicts the possible movement of three solar converters 100 from the bottom right corner. Two are moved along a second axis 320, and the third along a first axis 310 ¨ all three are indicated as grey rectangles 101 in their temporary positions, and the orientation of the solar converters 100 is substantially the same.
Access is thus provided for the bottom right corner bank and the four regions (now unoccupied 150) of the bottom right corner.
The skilled person will realize that by detaching a plurality of solar converters 100, an even larger area may be accessed ¨ for example, all ten solar converters 100 may be moved to any two of the columns, or any two-and-a half rows.
Similar to FIG. 3, FIG. 4 depicts a further body of water where a plurality of converters 100 has been installed, and a further method for providing access to a region of water and/or a bank. The access should be suitable for maintenance and/or inspection.
In this case, it is by rotating one or more converters around a third axis 330. This body of water is enclosed by one or more banks around at least a portion of the perimeter.
FIG 4 depicts a body of water where nine solar converters 100 have been installed. The axes and orientations are the same as in FIG. 3.
The body of water is viewed from above, and each solar converter 100 is provided with one adjacent region 150 of water surface, configured and arranged to be unoccupied when the adjacent solar converter 100 is in use. As depicted, the regions of
Temporary attachments, such as piles, may be provided at each of the temporary positions 101 for attachment to the one or more anchor points (not indicated).
In FIG. 3B, access, suitable for inspection and/or maintenance, is thus provided for the lower bank and the four regions of the bottom row.
FIG. 3C depicts the possible movement of three solar converters 100 from the left column along a second axis 320 to the second-from-the-left column ¨
all three are indicated as grey rectangles 101 in their temporary positions, and the orientation of the solar converters 100 is substantially the same. Access is thus provided for the left bank and the five regions (now unoccupied 150) in the left column.
FIG. 3D depicts the possible movement of three solar converters 100 from the bottom right corner. Two are moved along a second axis 320, and the third along a first axis 310 ¨ all three are indicated as grey rectangles 101 in their temporary positions, and the orientation of the solar converters 100 is substantially the same.
Access is thus provided for the bottom right corner bank and the four regions (now unoccupied 150) of the bottom right corner.
The skilled person will realize that by detaching a plurality of solar converters 100, an even larger area may be accessed ¨ for example, all ten solar converters 100 may be moved to any two of the columns, or any two-and-a half rows.
Similar to FIG. 3, FIG. 4 depicts a further body of water where a plurality of converters 100 has been installed, and a further method for providing access to a region of water and/or a bank. The access should be suitable for maintenance and/or inspection.
In this case, it is by rotating one or more converters around a third axis 330. This body of water is enclosed by one or more banks around at least a portion of the perimeter.
FIG 4 depicts a body of water where nine solar converters 100 have been installed. The axes and orientations are the same as in FIG. 3.
The body of water is viewed from above, and each solar converter 100 is provided with one adjacent region 150 of water surface, configured and arranged to be unoccupied when the adjacent solar converter 100 is in use. As depicted, the regions of
17 unoccupied water surface 150 have a planar extent which allows the corresponding solar converter 100 to be rotated out of position around a third axis 330.
This provides an array of eighteen (vertically 3 x horizontally 6) regions, which may either be unoccupied 150, comprise a solar converter 100 for a longer period or temporarily comprise a solar converter 101 from an adjacent position.
If a need for inspection and/or maintenance occurs, one or more of the solar converters 100 may be temporarily rotated around the third axis 330 out of position 101 into an adjacent empty position 150. Positions with solar converters 100 in their original position are depicted as dark rectangles, the positions after rotation out of position are depicted as lighter rectangles 101.
The solar converter 100 installation is viewed from above, with the first axis 310 extending vertically as depicted, and the second axes 320 extending horizontally as depicted.
In this depiction, north is at the top of the paper, south at the bottom, east to the right and west to the left. The Sun movement of east-west is therefore represented here as a movement from right-to-left. Similarly, the Sun's movement from north to south would be represented by a movement from top to bottom, and by a movement from bottom to top for south to north. Note that these compass orientations are not essential for this method of providing access.
At least two attachment points 610, such as piles, may be provided for attachment to the one or more anchor points comprised in each converter 100.
Rotation may be provided by retaining one attachment 610 (as depicted bottom right for each converter 100) which coincides with the bottom left attachment of the rotated converter 101).
If it allows rotation, then the solar converter 100 may be rotated around this attachment point 610 into the inspection position 101. If the unoccupied region 150 between converters 100 is so configured and arranged (separation along second axes is 320 is greater than or equal to the vertical extension of the unrotated converter 100 along), a rotated converter 101, in its inspection position, may be anchored to an attachment 610 of a neighboring converter 100.
Access, suitable for inspection and/or maintenance, is thus provided for each original position of the solar converters 100, and access to any adjacent bank.
This provides an array of eighteen (vertically 3 x horizontally 6) regions, which may either be unoccupied 150, comprise a solar converter 100 for a longer period or temporarily comprise a solar converter 101 from an adjacent position.
If a need for inspection and/or maintenance occurs, one or more of the solar converters 100 may be temporarily rotated around the third axis 330 out of position 101 into an adjacent empty position 150. Positions with solar converters 100 in their original position are depicted as dark rectangles, the positions after rotation out of position are depicted as lighter rectangles 101.
The solar converter 100 installation is viewed from above, with the first axis 310 extending vertically as depicted, and the second axes 320 extending horizontally as depicted.
In this depiction, north is at the top of the paper, south at the bottom, east to the right and west to the left. The Sun movement of east-west is therefore represented here as a movement from right-to-left. Similarly, the Sun's movement from north to south would be represented by a movement from top to bottom, and by a movement from bottom to top for south to north. Note that these compass orientations are not essential for this method of providing access.
At least two attachment points 610, such as piles, may be provided for attachment to the one or more anchor points comprised in each converter 100.
Rotation may be provided by retaining one attachment 610 (as depicted bottom right for each converter 100) which coincides with the bottom left attachment of the rotated converter 101).
If it allows rotation, then the solar converter 100 may be rotated around this attachment point 610 into the inspection position 101. If the unoccupied region 150 between converters 100 is so configured and arranged (separation along second axes is 320 is greater than or equal to the vertical extension of the unrotated converter 100 along), a rotated converter 101, in its inspection position, may be anchored to an attachment 610 of a neighboring converter 100.
Access, suitable for inspection and/or maintenance, is thus provided for each original position of the solar converters 100, and access to any adjacent bank.
18 FIG. 5A to 5D depict optional constructional aspects regarding an adaptive float 540, 550, 560. FIG. 5A is the same depiction as in FIG. 2. It comprises internally a first ballast volume 810 and a second ballast volume 820 within an external wall.
As depicted in FIG. 5B, an adaptive float 540, 550, 560 may comprise two hollow containers with an external wall having an arc-shaped cross-section and a lid.
Each hollow container comprises an inner volume 810, 820 suitable for containing fluid -in other words, the first 810 and second 820 ballast volume are defined by one or more inner dimensions of a container.
The two hollow containers are attached to each other to form the adaptive float 540, 550. 560 ¨ a separating wall is thus provided, allowing an amount of fluid (and thus the mass) in each volume 810, 820 to be modified separately. If fluid is to be displaced between the first 810 and second 820 volumes, the separating wall may further comprise one or more attachments for a fluid pump and/or a fluid pump. The lids may be rigidly attached during manufacture of the adaptive float 540, 550, 560, or they be attached immediately prior to being attached to the converter 100.
As depicted in FIG. 5C, the two containers may optionally be separable ¨
in other words, each container comprises a separating wall. The adaptive float 540, 550, 560 may comprise one or more fixings, configured and arranged to rigidly attach one container to the other, for example a screw or clip fitting. The two containers may be rigidly attached together during manufacture of the adaptive float 540, 550, 560, or they be attached immediately prior to being attached to the converter 100.
As depicted in FIG. 5D, it may be advantageous to use hollow containers that are configured and arranged to be mutually insertable by having complementary shapes, extents and/or dimensions. This allows the hollow containers to be stacked (or nested) for convenient transport and/or storage.
Most advantageously, the container defining the first ballast volume 810 and the container defining the second ballast volume 820 are configured and arranged to
As depicted in FIG. 5B, an adaptive float 540, 550, 560 may comprise two hollow containers with an external wall having an arc-shaped cross-section and a lid.
Each hollow container comprises an inner volume 810, 820 suitable for containing fluid -in other words, the first 810 and second 820 ballast volume are defined by one or more inner dimensions of a container.
The two hollow containers are attached to each other to form the adaptive float 540, 550. 560 ¨ a separating wall is thus provided, allowing an amount of fluid (and thus the mass) in each volume 810, 820 to be modified separately. If fluid is to be displaced between the first 810 and second 820 volumes, the separating wall may further comprise one or more attachments for a fluid pump and/or a fluid pump. The lids may be rigidly attached during manufacture of the adaptive float 540, 550, 560, or they be attached immediately prior to being attached to the converter 100.
As depicted in FIG. 5C, the two containers may optionally be separable ¨
in other words, each container comprises a separating wall. The adaptive float 540, 550, 560 may comprise one or more fixings, configured and arranged to rigidly attach one container to the other, for example a screw or clip fitting. The two containers may be rigidly attached together during manufacture of the adaptive float 540, 550, 560, or they be attached immediately prior to being attached to the converter 100.
As depicted in FIG. 5D, it may be advantageous to use hollow containers that are configured and arranged to be mutually insertable by having complementary shapes, extents and/or dimensions. This allows the hollow containers to be stacked (or nested) for convenient transport and/or storage.
Most advantageously, the container defining the first ballast volume 810 and the container defining the second ballast volume 820 are configured and arranged to
19 be mutually insertable by having complementary shapes, extents and/or dimensions. This provides for an even more convenient and efficient transport and/or storage.
As depicted in FIG. 1 and an enlarged view in FIG. 6, the converter 100 may optionally further comprise:
- a first perforated float 510, 520, disposed at a third position along the first axis 310, extending along the second axis 320, configured and arranged to provide a degree of buoyancy in water to further support the one or more light-energy conversion devices 200; the first perforated float 510, 520 comprising:
- an external wall, configured and arranged to be at least partially in contact with the surface of the water;
- internally a first 850 and second 860 perforated volume, disposed at a corresponding first and second position along the second axis 320, each volume 850, 860 being associated with a first and second perforated section of the float 510, 520 external wall having a corresponding first and second arc-shaped perforated cross-section;
wherein each perforated section comprises a plurality of apertures, configured and arranged to allow fluid to pass, in use, between the perforated volume 850, 860 and water upon which the converter 100 is floating.
By providing one or more perforated volumes (in other words, one or more inner volumes associated with a perforated external wall), the stability of the converter 100 may be increased. These perforated volumes act as buffers and/or dampers, resisting motion and rotation to a certain degree, for example increasing the resistance to wind and wave forces. Advantageously, a diameter is selected for the apertures, such as lOmm ¨
20mm, 10 mm ¨40 mm, or lOmm ¨ 100mm which allows the inner perforated volumes to slowly fill with water but at the same time slowly empty if they are moved out of position to a sufficient degree. The rate at which fluid passes through the perforated external wall may be considered to be approximately proportional to the percentage area of wall occupied by the apertures (perforated area). An aperture occupied percentage area of 40% or less, preferably 30% or less, more preferably 25% or less may be used.
It may be advantageous to configure and arrange the perforated float, such that a diameter of two or more apertures comprised in the first perforated section is
As depicted in FIG. 1 and an enlarged view in FIG. 6, the converter 100 may optionally further comprise:
- a first perforated float 510, 520, disposed at a third position along the first axis 310, extending along the second axis 320, configured and arranged to provide a degree of buoyancy in water to further support the one or more light-energy conversion devices 200; the first perforated float 510, 520 comprising:
- an external wall, configured and arranged to be at least partially in contact with the surface of the water;
- internally a first 850 and second 860 perforated volume, disposed at a corresponding first and second position along the second axis 320, each volume 850, 860 being associated with a first and second perforated section of the float 510, 520 external wall having a corresponding first and second arc-shaped perforated cross-section;
wherein each perforated section comprises a plurality of apertures, configured and arranged to allow fluid to pass, in use, between the perforated volume 850, 860 and water upon which the converter 100 is floating.
By providing one or more perforated volumes (in other words, one or more inner volumes associated with a perforated external wall), the stability of the converter 100 may be increased. These perforated volumes act as buffers and/or dampers, resisting motion and rotation to a certain degree, for example increasing the resistance to wind and wave forces. Advantageously, a diameter is selected for the apertures, such as lOmm ¨
20mm, 10 mm ¨40 mm, or lOmm ¨ 100mm which allows the inner perforated volumes to slowly fill with water but at the same time slowly empty if they are moved out of position to a sufficient degree. The rate at which fluid passes through the perforated external wall may be considered to be approximately proportional to the percentage area of wall occupied by the apertures (perforated area). An aperture occupied percentage area of 40% or less, preferably 30% or less, more preferably 25% or less may be used.
It may be advantageous to configure and arrange the perforated float, such that a diameter of two or more apertures comprised in the first perforated section is
20 substantially equal to two or more apertures comprised in the second perforated section.
This may provide a more symmetrical resistance to rotation, allowing the perforated float to be attached to the converter 100 in any orientation.
The first perforated float 510, 520 may further comprise internally a buoyancy volume 910, configured and arranged to provide a degree of buoyancy in water to further support the one or more light-energy conversion devices 200, and disposed at a position along the second axis 320 between the first and second positions.
By providing a degree of buoyancy between the two perforated volumes, a highly configurable perforated float is provided.
The light-energy converter may further comprise:
- a second perforated float 520, disposed at a fourth position along the first axis 310, extending along the second axis 320, comprising internally a first 850 and second 860 perforated volume; wherein the perforated section comprises a plurality of apertures, configured and arranged to allow fluid to pass, in use, between the perforated volume 850, 860 and water.
The degree of buoyancy provided by the second perforated float 520 may be predetermined and/or controlled to be substantially the same, similar or different to the degree of buoyancy provided by first perforated float 510.
The degree of stability provided by the second perforated float 520 may be predetermined and/or controlled to be substantially the same, similar or different to the degree of stability provided by first perforated float 510.
The light-energy converter may be further configured and arranged such that a diameter of two or more apertures comprised in the external wall of the second perforated float 520 is substantially equal to two or more apertures comprised in the external wall of the first perforated float 510.
This provides substantially the same degree of stability with the first perforated float 510 and the second perforated float 520. This may be advantageous as a high degree of standardization may simplify configuration of the converter 100 and simplify control of the rotation to the converter 100 in any orientation.
This may provide a more symmetrical resistance to rotation, allowing the perforated float to be attached to the converter 100 in any orientation.
The first perforated float 510, 520 may further comprise internally a buoyancy volume 910, configured and arranged to provide a degree of buoyancy in water to further support the one or more light-energy conversion devices 200, and disposed at a position along the second axis 320 between the first and second positions.
By providing a degree of buoyancy between the two perforated volumes, a highly configurable perforated float is provided.
The light-energy converter may further comprise:
- a second perforated float 520, disposed at a fourth position along the first axis 310, extending along the second axis 320, comprising internally a first 850 and second 860 perforated volume; wherein the perforated section comprises a plurality of apertures, configured and arranged to allow fluid to pass, in use, between the perforated volume 850, 860 and water.
The degree of buoyancy provided by the second perforated float 520 may be predetermined and/or controlled to be substantially the same, similar or different to the degree of buoyancy provided by first perforated float 510.
The degree of stability provided by the second perforated float 520 may be predetermined and/or controlled to be substantially the same, similar or different to the degree of stability provided by first perforated float 510.
The light-energy converter may be further configured and arranged such that a diameter of two or more apertures comprised in the external wall of the second perforated float 520 is substantially equal to two or more apertures comprised in the external wall of the first perforated float 510.
This provides substantially the same degree of stability with the first perforated float 510 and the second perforated float 520. This may be advantageous as a high degree of standardization may simplify configuration of the converter 100 and simplify control of the rotation to the converter 100 in any orientation.
21 FIG. 7A to 7D depict optional constructional aspects regarding a perforated float 510, 520. FIG. 7A is the same depiction as in FIG. 6. It comprises internally a first perforated volume 850 and a second perforated volume 860 within an external wall, separated by a buoyancy volume 910.
As depicted in FIG. 7B, a perforated float 510, 520 may comprise three hollow containers with an external wall having an arc-shaped cross-section and a lid.
Each hollow container comprises an inner volume 850, 850, 910 suitable for at least partially containing fluid - in other words, the first 850 and second 860 perforated volume, and the buoyancy volume 910, are defined by one or more inner dimensions of a container.
The three hollow containers are attached to each other to form the perforated float 510, 520 ¨ two separating walls are thus provided, allowing an amount of fluid (and thus the mass) in the perforated volumes 850, 860 to be predetermined and/or controlled separately. The lids may be rigidly attached during manufacture of the perforated float 510, 520, or they be attached immediately prior to being attached to the converter 100.
As depicted in FIG. 7C, the three containers may optionally be separable ¨
in other words, each container comprises a separating wall. The perforated float 510, 520 may comprise one or more fixings, configured and arranged to rigidly attach the containers to the other, for example a screw or clip fitting. The three containers may be rigidly attached together during manufacture of the perforated float 510, 520, or they be attached immediately prior to being attached to the converter 100.
As depicted in FIG. 7D, it may be advantageous to use hollow containers that are configured and arranged to be mutually insertable by having complementary shapes, extents and/or dimensions. This allows the hollow containers to be stacked (or nested) for convenient transport and/or storage.
Most advantageously, the container defining the first perforated volume 850 and the container defining the second perforated volume 860 are configured and
As depicted in FIG. 7B, a perforated float 510, 520 may comprise three hollow containers with an external wall having an arc-shaped cross-section and a lid.
Each hollow container comprises an inner volume 850, 850, 910 suitable for at least partially containing fluid - in other words, the first 850 and second 860 perforated volume, and the buoyancy volume 910, are defined by one or more inner dimensions of a container.
The three hollow containers are attached to each other to form the perforated float 510, 520 ¨ two separating walls are thus provided, allowing an amount of fluid (and thus the mass) in the perforated volumes 850, 860 to be predetermined and/or controlled separately. The lids may be rigidly attached during manufacture of the perforated float 510, 520, or they be attached immediately prior to being attached to the converter 100.
As depicted in FIG. 7C, the three containers may optionally be separable ¨
in other words, each container comprises a separating wall. The perforated float 510, 520 may comprise one or more fixings, configured and arranged to rigidly attach the containers to the other, for example a screw or clip fitting. The three containers may be rigidly attached together during manufacture of the perforated float 510, 520, or they be attached immediately prior to being attached to the converter 100.
As depicted in FIG. 7D, it may be advantageous to use hollow containers that are configured and arranged to be mutually insertable by having complementary shapes, extents and/or dimensions. This allows the hollow containers to be stacked (or nested) for convenient transport and/or storage.
Most advantageously, the container defining the first perforated volume 850 and the container defining the second perforated volume 860 are configured and
22 arranged to be mutually insertable by having complementary shapes, extents and/or dimensions. This provides for an even more convenient transport and/or storage.
The converter 100 is thus highly configurable for factors such as location, orientation freedom, water depth, expected weather conditions etc. The converter 100 may therefore advantageously comprise one or more adaptive and/or perforated floats ¨
these allow the buoyancy, stability and rotations to be predetermined and/or controlled.
Additionally, the converter 100 may also comprise one or more conventional floats, configured and arranged to provide a degree of buoyancy.
This highly configurable converter 100 may therefore be optimally configured for use in the methods for providing access described above with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.
For example, the converter depicted in FIG. 1 has the following float configuration: adaptive float 540, perforated float 510, adaptive float 545, perforated float 520, adaptive float 560.
Other configurations may include:
- adaptive float, perforated float, perforated float, perforated float, adaptive float;
- perforated float, adaptive float, perforated float, adaptive float, perforated float, adaptive float;
- adaptive float, perforated float, perforated float, adaptive float;
Any light-energy conversion device 200 may be used ¨ although the examples given and depicted comprise a photovoltaic (PV) converter, the embodiments described in this disclosure may be easily modified by the skilled person to function with any type of solar power converter that comprises a light-absorbing layer. To convert incident light-energy, the energy is at least partially absorbed - this light-absorbing layer 360 may comprise copper, aluminum or a polymer with a dark coating.
Polypropylene, EPDM rubber or silicone rubber may also be used.
For example, solar thermal converters include:
- solar-thermal collectors heating a liquid, such as water, in tubing having an outer light-absorbing layer
The converter 100 is thus highly configurable for factors such as location, orientation freedom, water depth, expected weather conditions etc. The converter 100 may therefore advantageously comprise one or more adaptive and/or perforated floats ¨
these allow the buoyancy, stability and rotations to be predetermined and/or controlled.
Additionally, the converter 100 may also comprise one or more conventional floats, configured and arranged to provide a degree of buoyancy.
This highly configurable converter 100 may therefore be optimally configured for use in the methods for providing access described above with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.
For example, the converter depicted in FIG. 1 has the following float configuration: adaptive float 540, perforated float 510, adaptive float 545, perforated float 520, adaptive float 560.
Other configurations may include:
- adaptive float, perforated float, perforated float, perforated float, adaptive float;
- perforated float, adaptive float, perforated float, adaptive float, perforated float, adaptive float;
- adaptive float, perforated float, perforated float, adaptive float;
Any light-energy conversion device 200 may be used ¨ although the examples given and depicted comprise a photovoltaic (PV) converter, the embodiments described in this disclosure may be easily modified by the skilled person to function with any type of solar power converter that comprises a light-absorbing layer. To convert incident light-energy, the energy is at least partially absorbed - this light-absorbing layer 360 may comprise copper, aluminum or a polymer with a dark coating.
Polypropylene, EPDM rubber or silicone rubber may also be used.
For example, solar thermal converters include:
- solar-thermal collectors heating a liquid, such as water, in tubing having an outer light-absorbing layer
23 - solar-thermal collectors and solar-air heating which heat air by passing the air over a light-absorbing layer Different types of light-energy converters may be used in the same array 200.
The descriptions thereof herein should not be understood to prescribe a fixed order of performing the method steps described therein. Rather the method steps may be performed in any order that is practicable. Similarly, the coding examples are used to explain the algorithm, and are not intended to represent the only implementations of these algorithms ¨ the person skilled in the art will be able to conceive many different ways to achieve the same functionality as provided by the embodiments described herein.
Although the present invention has been described in connection with specific exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations apparent to those skilled in the art can be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
For example, a light-energy converter 100 according to one of the embodiments described above may be further configured and arranged to modify one or more masses of fluid, in use, in any suitable degree or combination, such that a rotation of the converter 100 about the second axis 320 is provided. Such a light-energy converter is highly configurable, allowing more than one adaptive float to be used. Each adaptive float may operate to provide the same nominal rotation. Additionally or alternatively, different rotations may be used, for example, to compensate for different positions and/or rotations of light-energy conversion devices proximate each adaptive float. This may be more advantageous when very long arrays are operated ¨ in other words, conversion devices extended substantially longer along the first axis compared to the second axis.
By suitably configuring the one or more masses, comprised in one or more adaptive floats 540, 550, 560 and the one or more fluid pumps to provide a difference in mass between the adaptive floats 540, 550, 560, the light-energy converter may be configured and arranged such that the rotation, in use, about the second axis (320) is in
The descriptions thereof herein should not be understood to prescribe a fixed order of performing the method steps described therein. Rather the method steps may be performed in any order that is practicable. Similarly, the coding examples are used to explain the algorithm, and are not intended to represent the only implementations of these algorithms ¨ the person skilled in the art will be able to conceive many different ways to achieve the same functionality as provided by the embodiments described herein.
Although the present invention has been described in connection with specific exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations apparent to those skilled in the art can be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
For example, a light-energy converter 100 according to one of the embodiments described above may be further configured and arranged to modify one or more masses of fluid, in use, in any suitable degree or combination, such that a rotation of the converter 100 about the second axis 320 is provided. Such a light-energy converter is highly configurable, allowing more than one adaptive float to be used. Each adaptive float may operate to provide the same nominal rotation. Additionally or alternatively, different rotations may be used, for example, to compensate for different positions and/or rotations of light-energy conversion devices proximate each adaptive float. This may be more advantageous when very long arrays are operated ¨ in other words, conversion devices extended substantially longer along the first axis compared to the second axis.
By suitably configuring the one or more masses, comprised in one or more adaptive floats 540, 550, 560 and the one or more fluid pumps to provide a difference in mass between the adaptive floats 540, 550, 560, the light-energy converter may be configured and arranged such that the rotation, in use, about the second axis (320) is in
24 the range of -10 to +10 degrees, preferably -/+2 to -/+6 degrees, most preferably -/+3 degrees, with respect to a substantially horizontal plane. This may advantageously be configured to compensate for north-south or south-north variation in the position of the sun.
To further increase the average efficiency, it may be advantageous to configure and arrange the computer-implemented sun tracker to use a degree of machine learning and/or artificial intelligence to tune the programming to rotate the light-energy conversion devices.
Additionally or alternatively, a solar converter 100 may further comprise one or more buoyancy floats, at a further position along the first axis 310.
Such a buoyancy float may be configured to just provide a degree of buoyancy, similar to the buoyancy volume 910 depicted in FIG. 6 (in other words, a float comprising a buoyancy volume 910, but not comprising a perforated volume 850, 860).
To further increase the average efficiency, it may be advantageous to configure and arrange the computer-implemented sun tracker to use a degree of machine learning and/or artificial intelligence to tune the programming to rotate the light-energy conversion devices.
Additionally or alternatively, a solar converter 100 may further comprise one or more buoyancy floats, at a further position along the first axis 310.
Such a buoyancy float may be configured to just provide a degree of buoyancy, similar to the buoyancy volume 910 depicted in FIG. 6 (in other words, a float comprising a buoyancy volume 910, but not comprising a perforated volume 850, 860).
25 REFERENCE NUMBERS USED IN DRAWINGS
100 light-energy converter 101 light-energy converter temporarily moved out of position 150 region of unoccupied water surface 200 light-energy conversion devices 310 first axis 320 second axis 330 third axis 400 array support 510 first perforated float 520 second perforated float 540 first adaptive float 550 second adaptive float 560 third adaptive float 610 attachment point 810 first ballast volume 820 second ballast volume 850 first perforated volume 860 second perforated volume 910 buoyancy volume
100 light-energy converter 101 light-energy converter temporarily moved out of position 150 region of unoccupied water surface 200 light-energy conversion devices 310 first axis 320 second axis 330 third axis 400 array support 510 first perforated float 520 second perforated float 540 first adaptive float 550 second adaptive float 560 third adaptive float 610 attachment point 810 first ballast volume 820 second ballast volume 850 first perforated volume 860 second perforated volume 910 buoyancy volume
Claims (15)
1. A light-energy converter (100) for floating on a surface of water, comprising:
- one or more light-energy conversion devices (200), extending in a plane comprising a first (310) and second (320) axis, wherein the first (310) axis and second (320) axis are substantially perpendicular to each other;
- a first adaptive float (540, 550, 560), disposed at a first position along the first axis (310), extending along the second axis (320), configured and arranged to provide a degree of buoyancy in water to support the one or more light-energy conversion devices (200);
the first adaptive float (540, 550, 560) comprising:
- an external wall, configured and arranged to be at least partially in contact with the surface of the water; and - internally a first ballast volume (810) and a second (820) ballast volume, disposed at a corresponding first and second position along the second axis (320), each configured and arranged to contain, in their internal volume, a corresponding first and second mass of fluid;
the converter (100) further comprising:
- one or more fluid pumps, configured and arranged to control the first and/or second mass of fluid in the first (810) and/or second (820) ballast volumes by displacing fluid;
- a computer-implemented sun tracker, configured and arranged to rotate the light-energy conversion devices (200) about the first axis (310) by operating the one or more fluid pumps (830) to select, in use, a predetermined and/or controlled sun orientation rotation angle;
wherein the first (810) and second (820) ballast volumes are associated with a corresponding first and second section of the first adaptive float (540, 550, 560) external wall having a corresponding first and second arc-shaped cross-section;
the converter (100) being further configured and arranged to modify the first mass and/or second mass of fluid, in use, to cause a rotation of the one or more light-energy conversion devices (200) about the first axis (310).
- one or more light-energy conversion devices (200), extending in a plane comprising a first (310) and second (320) axis, wherein the first (310) axis and second (320) axis are substantially perpendicular to each other;
- a first adaptive float (540, 550, 560), disposed at a first position along the first axis (310), extending along the second axis (320), configured and arranged to provide a degree of buoyancy in water to support the one or more light-energy conversion devices (200);
the first adaptive float (540, 550, 560) comprising:
- an external wall, configured and arranged to be at least partially in contact with the surface of the water; and - internally a first ballast volume (810) and a second (820) ballast volume, disposed at a corresponding first and second position along the second axis (320), each configured and arranged to contain, in their internal volume, a corresponding first and second mass of fluid;
the converter (100) further comprising:
- one or more fluid pumps, configured and arranged to control the first and/or second mass of fluid in the first (810) and/or second (820) ballast volumes by displacing fluid;
- a computer-implemented sun tracker, configured and arranged to rotate the light-energy conversion devices (200) about the first axis (310) by operating the one or more fluid pumps (830) to select, in use, a predetermined and/or controlled sun orientation rotation angle;
wherein the first (810) and second (820) ballast volumes are associated with a corresponding first and second section of the first adaptive float (540, 550, 560) external wall having a corresponding first and second arc-shaped cross-section;
the converter (100) being further configured and arranged to modify the first mass and/or second mass of fluid, in use, to cause a rotation of the one or more light-energy conversion devices (200) about the first axis (310).
2. The light-energy converter according to claim 1, wherein the converter (100) further comprises:
- a second adaptive float (550, 560), disposed at a second position along the first axis (310), extending along a second axis (320), comprising internally a first ballast volume (810) and a second (820) ballast volume;
wherein:
- the one or more fluid pumps are further configured and arranged to control the mass of fluid in the first (810) and/or second (820) ballast volumes of the second adaptive float (550, 560) by displacing fluid;
the converter (100) being further configured and arranged to cause, in use, substantially the same rotation of the one or more light-energy conversion devices (200) as the rotation caused by the first adaptive float (540).
- a second adaptive float (550, 560), disposed at a second position along the first axis (310), extending along a second axis (320), comprising internally a first ballast volume (810) and a second (820) ballast volume;
wherein:
- the one or more fluid pumps are further configured and arranged to control the mass of fluid in the first (810) and/or second (820) ballast volumes of the second adaptive float (550, 560) by displacing fluid;
the converter (100) being further configured and arranged to cause, in use, substantially the same rotation of the one or more light-energy conversion devices (200) as the rotation caused by the first adaptive float (540).
3. The light-energy converter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rotation about the first axis (310), in use, is in the range of -40 to +40 degrees with respect to a substantially horizontal plane.
4. The light-energy converter according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the light-energy converter (100) further comprises one or more anchor points for restricting:
- movement of the converter (100) along the first axis (310);
- movement of the converter (100) along a second axes (320);
- rotation of the converter (100) about a third axis (330), substantially perpendicular to the first (310) axis and substantially perpendicular to the second (320) axis;
- rotation of the converter about a second axis (320);
and any combination thereof
- movement of the converter (100) along the first axis (310);
- movement of the converter (100) along a second axes (320);
- rotation of the converter (100) about a third axis (330), substantially perpendicular to the first (310) axis and substantially perpendicular to the second (320) axis;
- rotation of the converter about a second axis (320);
and any combination thereof
5. The light-energy converter according to claim 4, wherein the one or more anchor points are detachable.
6. The light-energy converter according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the light-energy converter (100) further comprises:
- a first perforated float (510, 520), disposed at a third position along the first axis (310), extending along a second axis (320), configured and arranged to provide a degree of buoyancy in water to further support the one or more light-energy conversion devices (200);
the first perforated float (510, 520) comprising:
- an external wall, configured and arranged to be at least partially in contact with the surface of the water;
- internally a first (850) and second (860) perforated volume, disposed at a corresponding first and second position along the second axis (320), each volume (850, 860) being associated with a first and second perforated section of the float (510, 520) external wall having a corresponding first and second arc-shaped perforated cross-section;
wherein each perforated section comprises a plurality of apertures, configured and arranged to allow fluid to pass, in use, between the perforated volume (850, 860) and water.
- a first perforated float (510, 520), disposed at a third position along the first axis (310), extending along a second axis (320), configured and arranged to provide a degree of buoyancy in water to further support the one or more light-energy conversion devices (200);
the first perforated float (510, 520) comprising:
- an external wall, configured and arranged to be at least partially in contact with the surface of the water;
- internally a first (850) and second (860) perforated volume, disposed at a corresponding first and second position along the second axis (320), each volume (850, 860) being associated with a first and second perforated section of the float (510, 520) external wall having a corresponding first and second arc-shaped perforated cross-section;
wherein each perforated section comprises a plurality of apertures, configured and arranged to allow fluid to pass, in use, between the perforated volume (850, 860) and water.
7. The light-energy converter according to claim 6, wherein a perforated area comprised in the first perforated section is substantially equal to the corresponding perforated area in the second perforated section.
8. The light-energy converter according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the first perforated float (510, 520) further comprises internally a buoyancy volume (910), configured and arranged to provide a degree of buoyancy in water to further support the one or more light-energy conversion devices (200), and disposed at a position along the second axis (320) between the first and second positions.
9. The light-energy converter according to claim 6 to claim 8, wherein the light-energy converter (100) further comprises:
- a second perforated float (520), disposed at a fourth position along the first axis (310), extending along a second axis (320), comprising internally a first (850) and second (860) perforated volume;
wherein the perforated section comprises a plurality of apertures, configured and arranged to allow fluid to pass, in use, between the perforated volume (850, 860) and water.
- a second perforated float (520), disposed at a fourth position along the first axis (310), extending along a second axis (320), comprising internally a first (850) and second (860) perforated volume;
wherein the perforated section comprises a plurality of apertures, configured and arranged to allow fluid to pass, in use, between the perforated volume (850, 860) and water.
10. The light-energy converter according to claim 9, wherein a perforated area comprised in the external wall of the second perforated float (520) is substantially equal to the corresponding perforated area comprised in the external wall of the first perforated float (510).
11. The light-energy converter according to any of the claims 6 to 10, wherein a diameter of two or more apertures is in the range 10 mm to 100 mm.
12. The light-energy converter according to any of the preceding claims, wherein:
- the one or more fluid pumps are further configured and arranged to displace fluid, in use:
- from water to the first balance volume and/or from the balance volume to water;
- from water to the second balance volume and/or from the balance volume to water;
- between the first balance volume and second balance volume;
and any combination thereof.
- the one or more fluid pumps are further configured and arranged to displace fluid, in use:
- from water to the first balance volume and/or from the balance volume to water;
- from water to the second balance volume and/or from the balance volume to water;
- between the first balance volume and second balance volume;
and any combination thereof.
13. The light-energy converter according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the conversion devices (200) comprise:
- a photovoltaic (PV) converters, a monofacial photovoltaic (PV) converters, a bifacial type, a photovoltaic (PV) converter with a reflector, a solar thermal converter, a sun collector, and any combination thereof
- a photovoltaic (PV) converters, a monofacial photovoltaic (PV) converters, a bifacial type, a photovoltaic (PV) converter with a reflector, a solar thermal converter, a sun collector, and any combination thereof
14. The light-energy converter according to any of the preceding claims, wherein:
- a ballast volume, a perforated volume and/or a buoyancy volume is defined by one or more inner dirnensions of one or more hollow containers.
- a ballast volume, a perforated volume and/or a buoyancy volume is defined by one or more inner dirnensions of one or more hollow containers.
15. The light-energy converter according to claim 14, wherein:
- the one or more hollow containers are configured and arranged to be mutually insertable for transport and/or storage.
- the one or more hollow containers are configured and arranged to be mutually insertable for transport and/or storage.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3056108A CA3056108A1 (en) | 2019-09-20 | 2019-09-20 | A light-energy converter for floating on water |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3056108A CA3056108A1 (en) | 2019-09-20 | 2019-09-20 | A light-energy converter for floating on water |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA3056108A1 true CA3056108A1 (en) | 2021-03-20 |
Family
ID=74882410
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3056108A Abandoned CA3056108A1 (en) | 2019-09-20 | 2019-09-20 | A light-energy converter for floating on water |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA3056108A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2022248305A1 (en) * | 2021-05-27 | 2022-12-01 | Paxos Consulting & Engineering GmbH & Co. KG | Floating solar energy collection device |
-
2019
- 2019-09-20 CA CA3056108A patent/CA3056108A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2022248305A1 (en) * | 2021-05-27 | 2022-12-01 | Paxos Consulting & Engineering GmbH & Co. KG | Floating solar energy collection device |
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