WO2023217849A1

WO2023217849A1 - Buoyancy body for supporting a floatable structure in a floating manner, floatable structure, and modularly designed platform

Info

Publication number: WO2023217849A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/062399
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philipp Sinn; Patrik BOSCHER
Original assignee: Sinn Power Gmbh
Priority date: 2022-05-10
Filing date: 2023-05-10
Publication date: 2023-11-16
Also published as: DE102022111687A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a buoyancy body (1) for supporting a floatable structure (50) in a floating manner, wherein the buoyancy body (1) is substantially designed in the shape of a cylinder or a regular prism and has a cover surface (4) substantially perpendicularly to an axis of symmetry (3) of the buoyancy body, said cover surface being equipped with depressions (21) in order to receive a node point (6) of a substantially flat framework-like base structure (2) in a form-fitting manner. Fixing elements (9) fix the base structure (2) in the direction of the axis of symmetry (3) so that the buoyancy body (1) can be secured in all 6 (six) degrees of freedom at a node point (6). By clamping an additional base structure (2) on the base surface of the buoyancy body (1) to the first base structure, a floatable module (60) can be produced which can be used as a basic component for flat and tower-type structures.

Description

BUOYANCY BODY FOR FLOATING SUPPORT OF A FLOATING STRUCTURE, FLOATING STRUCTURE AND MODULAR PLATFORM

The invention relates to a buoyancy body for floating support of a buoyant structure, a buoyant structure which has such a buoyancy body, and a modular platform constructed from one or more buoyant structures.

A shortage of space is a pressing problem in many regions of the world, which can arise primarily due to the high population density in urban centers or geographical restrictions, such as mountainous or swampy regions or on islands. Especially when generating energy from renewable energy sources, for example from wind turbines or photovoltaic modules, large areas are required that are often not easily available on land.

One solution may be to shift the production of energy from renewable sources from land to water. Floating platforms, which are well known in the prior art, are suitable for floating support of such energy generation systems. The structures are often complicated in construction and therefore have to be completely assembled on land in order to then be transported to their place of use on a body of water in the assembled state. This leads to significant limitations in the size and construction of such platforms.

Especially for stagnant bodies of water, where the water surface is typically only rarely disturbed by significant waves or water movements, there are a variety of solutions for assembling platforms on a water surface. However, if there are sensitive components on the platforms, such as Photovoltaic modules are arranged, increased demands are placed on the rigidity and load-bearing capacity of a buoyant structure in order to support the sensitive components safely and without damage over a water surface. The solutions chosen in the prior art only inadequately meet these requirements.

It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a buoyant structure that enables reliable and torsion-free floating support of sensitive components on a water surface and at the same time can be manufactured inexpensively and constructed modularly.

The task is solved by a buoyancy body according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. The task is further solved by a buoyant structure according to claim 12 with several buoyancy bodies. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. The task according to the invention is further solved by buoyant structures according to claims 18 and 19 and a platform constructed from such buoyant structures according to claim 21. Preferred embodiments of the buoyant structures are specified in the subclaims.

According to the invention, a buoyancy body is provided for floating support of a buoyant structure, wherein the buoyancy body is essentially designed in the form of a cylinder or regular prism. Accordingly, the buoyancy body has a base surface and a top surface, which are aligned essentially perpendicular to an axis of symmetry of the buoyancy body. A lateral surface of the buoyancy body, which encloses the axis of symmetry, is arranged between the base surface and the top surface. Recesses are formed in the top surface in order to be able to positively accommodate a node point of a substantially flat, truss-like base structure perpendicular to an axis of symmetry of the buoyancy body, fixing elements being provided for fixing the truss-like base structure in the direction of the symmetry axis, so that the Buoyancy body can be firmly fixed to the node point in all 6 degrees of freedom.

The truss-like base structure is thus fixed by inserting it into the recesses of the buoyancy body according to the invention in the plane perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the buoyancy body (and parallel to the deck surface) and is therefore fixed in 3 degrees of freedom. These defined degrees of freedom include a translational movement perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the buoyancy body and a rotation about the axis of symmetry of the buoyancy body. The fixing means additionally fixes the position of the base structure in the direction of the axis of symmetry, thereby preventing a translational movement in the direction of the axis of symmetry as well as a rotation in one of the two remaining directions of rotation.

A truss-like base structure according to the invention can, for example, be implemented as a substantially two-dimensional frame, the supports of which are connected to one another in the form of T-junction points, cross-junction points or corner junction points. The depressions in the top surface can therefore preferably be designed to be rotationally symmetrical to the axis of symmetry, in particular in the form of a cross or in the form of a star, in order to be able to accommodate the node points of a base structure according to the invention in a form-fitting manner. It is included in the idea of the invention that more depressions are provided in the top surface than supports branch off from a node of a base structure. In this way, the orientation of a buoyancy body can be freely selected and adapted to the components that are also to be connected to the buoyancy body.

To brace a truss-like base structure and thus increase its stability and torsional rigidity, oblique connectors can be tensioned obliquely or diagonally between the nodes of the base structure.

According to the invention, clearances for the passage of oblique connectors can be formed on the top surface of the buoyancy body, which are preferably rotationally symmetrical, in particular in the form of a cross or in the form of a star. are trained. These clearances can be arranged rotated relative to the recesses by an offset angle with respect to the axis of symmetry of the buoyancy body, so that space is provided for the oblique connectors running obliquely/diagonally between the node points of the base structure. Of course, the inclined connectors can also run in the recesses of the top surface of the buoyancy body according to the invention if this is necessary for bracing the base structure.

A buoyancy body according to the invention can have projections perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the buoyancy body, which form an undercut for fixing the fixing elements in the direction of the axis of symmetry. After inserting a base structure into the recesses of the top surface of a buoyancy body according to the invention, fixing elements can be inserted behind the projections in a direction perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the buoyancy body. Due to the undercut that the projections form, for example, on the lateral surface of the buoyancy body according to the invention, the fixing elements can be supported on the projections in the direction of the symmetry axis in order to be able to exert a holding force on the base structure and ultimately fix it in the recesses in all 6 degrees of freedom .

In a further preferred embodiment, the buoyancy body can have locking means in order to fix the fixing elements in a direction perpendicular to the axis of symmetry. The position of the fixing elements can thus be determined once they have been moved behind the projections of the buoyancy bodies according to the invention. However, the idea of the invention also includes determining the position of the fixing means with respect to the buoyancy body in a different way, for example by means of a material, non-positive or positive connection. For example, the fixing means could be riveted, screwed or pinned to the buoyancy body in the position holding down the base structure. Gluing or welding the fixing elements to the buoyancy bodies can also represent a sensible fixation of the position of the fixing elements. As already mentioned at the beginning, the buoyancy body according to the invention has a base surface which is aligned essentially parallel to the top surface and which is also aligned essentially perpendicular to the axis of symmetry. The base surface of the buoyancy body can have recesses which are symmetrical to the depressions and/or clearances contained in the top surface with respect to a central plane aligned perpendicular to the axis of symmetry. The middle plane is, for example, as far away from the top surface as it is from the base surface. According to the invention, it is possible to accommodate a truss-like base structure in a form-fitting manner both by means of the depressions in the top surface and by means of the depressions in the base surface of a buoyancy body according to the invention. The floating bodies according to the invention can thus be arranged in a sandwich-like manner between base structures. Preferably, a base structure or its carrier, which is/are arranged in the recesses and/or recesses of a buoyancy body according to the invention, can have a greater height in the direction of the axis of symmetry of the buoyancy body than the depth of the recesses and/or recesses of the buoyancy body. Two buoyancy bodies arranged one above the other in the direction of their axes of symmetry can be fixed in a plane perpendicular to the axis of symmetry by the base structure lying between them.

Alternatively or in addition to the connection mechanism described above between buoyancy bodies arranged one above the other, part of the base area of the buoyancy bodies can be designed to be complementary to their top surface, so that two buoyancy bodies can be arranged one above the other in a rotationally secure manner in the direction around the axis of symmetry, even if no frame-like base structure is arranged between the buoyancy bodies . Similar to the principle used in clamping blocks or stackable chairs, the top surface of a lower buoyancy body with humps limited by the recesses and clearances engages in areas of the base area of a buoyancy body arranged above that are complementary to the humps. The humps of the top surface of the buoyancy bodies according to the invention can be slightly oversized in comparison to the complementary recesses in the base surface, so that identical buoyancy bodies move in the direction of them after assembly Axis of symmetry form a positive or non-positive connection with one another.

In addition, the base surfaces of the buoyancy body can have recesses and extensions which are designed and arranged in such a way that these recesses and extensions of two buoyancy bodies mesh with one another when two buoyancy bodies with base surfaces facing one another are assembled. In such an arrangement of the buoyancy bodies, the top surfaces of the two buoyancy bodies point away from each other and each top surface can accommodate a node of a support frame. The depressions can be formed by extensions that protrude from the top surface, so that, for example, pins that can be pushed through holes in the extensions transversely to the axis of symmetry of the buoyancy bodies hold down a node of a support frame against the top surface, and thus the support frame in all six degrees of freedom establish. By means of this embodiment, two buoyancy bodies that are composed opposite one another can be sandwiched between two support frames or clamped when the two buoyancy bodies are lashed together, for example with tensioning means.

According to the invention, it is also possible for connecting means to be arranged on side surfaces of the buoyancy bodies for the parallel connection of two or more buoyancy bodies. For example, a positive and a negative connecting means, which are complementary to the positive connecting means, can be formed on the side surfaces in a direction perpendicular and/or parallel to the axis of symmetry.

However, the idea of the invention also includes arranging only one type of connecting means on the side surfaces of a buoyancy body according to the invention. In this case, the buoyancy bodies according to the invention or their connecting means can be connected to one another, for example by an adapter element, and fixed to one another firmly or elastically.

The connecting means or adapter elements for connecting the connecting means can be designed to be elastic. This is how they become individual Buoyancy bodies or loads acting on the base structures that have fallen from the buoyancy bodies are not rigidly transferred to the connecting means of adjacent buoyancy bodies, but can be dampened by the elasticity in the connection of two buoyancy bodies according to the invention.

A buoyancy body according to the invention can be produced, for example, by a rotational molding or blow molding process. Possible materials for a buoyancy body according to the invention include, for example, plastic, metal and/or concrete as hollow bodies, solid bodies or multi-component bodies.

As already indicated above, a buoyant structure can be supported above a water surface using several buoyancy bodies according to the invention. For this purpose, the buoyancy bodies are arranged at nodes of a substantially flat, truss-like base structure. The buoyancy bodies according to the invention used for this are essentially designed in the form of a cylinder or regular prism, the axis of symmetry of which is essentially vertically aligned when the structure is used as intended. When used as intended, the base surface and the top surface of the buoyancy body according to the invention are essentially aligned parallel to the water surface.

According to the invention, the nodes of the base structure can be braced together by means of tension connectors which run in the clearances of the buoyancy bodies. The tension connectors can run in particular in a diagonal direction, that is to say from one node to an obliquely opposite node. The torsional rigidity of the base structure is increased by the diagonal bracing using the tension connectors. This reduces the load to which sensitive components that are supported by the base structure are exposed, and damage that could be caused by deformations of the base structure to the sensitive components, such as photovoltaic panels, can be reduced. In one embodiment, transverse and/or longitudinal struts are attached to the base structure, which can define a frame, for example, whose connection points to the base structure or their crossing points form nodes at which buoyancy bodies are arranged. Regardless of the specific design of the nodes, that is, regardless of whether they have two, three, four or a large number of transverse and/or longitudinal struts and/or supports of the base structure, the nodes can be accommodated in a form-fitting manner in the recesses of the buoyancy bodies according to the invention . The rotational orientation about the axis of symmetry of the buoyancy bodies of the buoyancy bodies plays no role here, since the buoyancy bodies are preferably designed rotationally symmetrical with respect to the axis of symmetry.

According to the invention, further buoyancy bodies can be arranged on the base structure between the node points, i.e. on the transverse and/or longitudinal struts and/or supports of the base structure. By means of these additional buoyancy bodies, the buoyancy of a structure according to the invention can be increased if, for example, heavy loads, such as accumulators or expansive mechanical support structures, are to be supported by a buoyant structure according to the invention.

In one embodiment of the invention, in the case of a buoyant structure, a substantially flat, truss-like base structure can be arranged on both the top surfaces and the base surfaces of the buoyancy bodies. The base structures can fix the buoyancy bodies arranged between them in a sandwich-like manner in the direction of the axis of symmetry of the buoyancy bodies by fixing elements running diagonally between the respective base structures. In this case, the idea of the invention includes that the fixing elements, which run diagonally in this case, are designed as tension connectors that run between nodes of the upper base structure and nodes of the lower base structure. The two base structures, together with the floating bodies, form a prism structure, the base and top surfaces of which are defined by the base structures, the side edges of which are formed by buoyancy bodies according to the invention and in which Side surfaces connect the diagonal fixing elements that connect the supports of the upper base structure with those of the lower base structure. In order to further increase the stability of a prism structure formed in this way, the idea of the invention includes tensioning fixing elements or tension connectors in the spatial diagonal of the prism structure between opposite node points of two basic structure levels.

The base structures can be braced with one another at the intersection points of the diagonally extending fixing elements in order to reduce the cutting forces and moments acting in the supports of the base structures. Additionally or alternatively, one or more support struts can be arranged between the diagonally extending fixing elements and one of the base structures. In this way, light, inherently very rigid, buoyant cuboid structures can be formed, which serve, for example, as the base body of larger planar or three-dimensional structures.

According to the invention, two-story or multi-story buoyant tower structures can be formed in this way, with buoyancy bodies of a further buoyant structure being arranged on the buoyancy bodies of a first buoyant structure in the direction of the axis of symmetry. The base structure of the respective lower structure is accordingly accommodated by the depressions in the top surface of the buoyancy bodies of the lower structure and by complementary recesses in the base surface of the buoyancy bodies of the structure arranged above. The structure formed in this way, base structures are accommodated between buoyancy bodies arranged one above the other, the base structures being positioned and fixed to one another by the buoyancy bodies in a plane perpendicular to the axis of symmetry. At the same time, diagonal bracing of several levels of base structures ensures that the base structures remain in stable contact with the buoyancy bodies in the direction of the symmetry axis and thus the positioning and fixation in the directions perpendicular to the symmetry axis of the buoyancy bodies is maintained. According to the invention, modules can be created by stacking buoyancy bodies and structures connected to the buoyancy bodies, by means of which projecting support structures can be used to support, for example, renewable Power generation plants, roadways, bridges, docks or similar floating structures can be provided.

For example, to form a buoyant modular surface structure, one or a plurality of buoyant structures arranged next to one another can be used, which can additionally be supplemented by one or a plurality of tower structures described above. Of course, both variants, i.e. modular surface structures or tower structures according to the invention, can also be created for yourself. To form such extended structures, horizontally adjacent buoyancy bodies are connected to one another via the connecting means on their side surfaces, which can, for example, be designed to be complementary.

When forming a surface structure according to the invention, the buoyant structures and/or tower structures can be arranged at least partially in a checkerboard manner and/or horizontally overlapping. It is therefore possible to completely adapt the surface structures to the intended applications, for example by providing “free fields” in which, for example, ships can dock at the surface structure according to the invention or aquaculture can be carried out. It can also be intended, for example, to increase the stability of a modular surface structure according to the invention, based on the construction of a wall, to arrange modules made of floating bodies and base structures horizontally overlapping one another in order to increase the stability of the structure.

A platform can be constructed in a modular manner from such floating structures or tower structures, which can be used, for example, for floating support of superstructures, elevations for solar systems and/or wind turbines. By securing the components of the platform according to the invention, a particularly stable structure is formed, which is very resistant, especially to the critical load case of torsion. Sensitive structures or elevations can therefore be reliably and safely above the water surface using the platform according to the invention can be supported without fear of damage to the components arranged on the platform.

In the following, the objects according to the invention are explained graphically in further detail using preferred exemplary embodiments. However, these exemplary embodiments do not limit the idea of the invention. Show it:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a buoyancy body according to the invention;

Figure 2 is an isometric view of the base of a first embodiment of a buoyancy body according to the invention;

Figure 3 several interconnected buoyancy bodies according to the invention;

Figure 4 is an isometric view of a first buoyant structure according to the invention;

Figure 5 shows a detailed view of a buoyancy body according to the invention as part of a second buoyant structure according to the invention;

Figure 5A is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a buoyancy body according to the invention;

Figure 6 is an isometric view of the embodiment of a buoyant structure according to the invention according to Figure 5;

Figure 7 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of a buoyant structure according to the invention;

Figure 8 is an isometric view of a buoyant tower structure according to the invention; Figure 9 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a modular surface structure according to the invention;

Figure 10 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of a modular surface structure according to the invention;

Figure 11 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a platform according to the invention;

Figure 12 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of a platform according to the invention;

Figure 13 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of a platform according to the invention;

Figure 1 shows a buoyancy body 1 in an isometric view. The buoyancy body 1 is designed in the form of a regular prism with a substantially square base and has a top surface 4 and a base surface 5. Between the top surface 4 and the base surface 5, side surfaces 7 extend in the direction of an axis of symmetry 3, which connects the centers of the top surface 4 and the base surface 5. A regular prism is characterized in that the side surfaces 7 are at a right angle to the Extend base or top surface 5 or 4 of the prism. The buoyancy body 1 is therefore essentially rotationally symmetrical about the axis of symmetry 3.

In the top surface 4 of the buoyancy body 1, depressions 21 are formed, which form a cross in the embodiment shown. Preferably, one depression 21 extends perpendicularly from one of the side surfaces 7 in the direction of the center of the top surface 4 or in the direction of the axis of symmetry 3 of the buoyancy body 1. As will be shown later, the depressions 21 are for receiving node points 6 a base structure 2 suitable. In the illustration in Figure 1, a node 6 is shown at a distance from the buoyancy body 1 in the direction of the axis of symmetry 3.

The top surface 4 of the buoyancy body 1 further has clearances 22 which are offset from the depressions 21 by a rotation about the axis of symmetry 3 of the buoyancy body 1. The clearances 22 preferably extend in a diagonal direction from the corners of the square or rectangular top surface 4 of the buoyancy body 1 towards the axis of symmetry 3. The clearances 22 allow the tensioning of oblique connectors 25, not shown in Figure 1, which are, for example, diagonally between the supports 12 Base structure 2 can be tensioned to stiffen it.

According to the invention, a base structure 2, more precisely a node 6 of a base structure 2, can be inserted into the recesses 21 of a buoyancy body 1 and can be received in a form-fitting manner by the recesses 21. As a result, the node point 6 is fixed relative to the buoyancy body 1 in all directions perpendicular to the axis of symmetry 3 of the buoyancy body 1.

By means of fixing elements 9, the base structure 2 can be attached to the buoyancy body 1 in the direction of the symmetry axis 3. In the embodiment shown, the fixing elements 9 are designed as locking hooks, which can be pushed onto the supports of the base structure 2 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of symmetry 3. The fixing elements 9 can, for example, have lugs which extend to the side from an arcuate central part, which can include a support of the base structure 2, and interact with projections 8 on the side surfaces 7 of the buoyancy bodies 1. These projections 8 form an undercut in the direction of the axis of symmetry 3, so that the fixing elements 9 can be hooked/tensioned under the projections 8 perpendicular to the axis of symmetry 3, so that they are no longer movable in the intended end position in the direction of the axis of symmetry 3. The base structure 2 is thus fixed in its position relative to the buoyancy body 1 in the direction of the axis of symmetry 3. In a preferred embodiment, the projections 8 can have locking means 19, by means of which the fixing elements 9 can be moved in a vertical direction Axis of symmetry 3 are fixed as soon as they are in their end position and are in engagement with the projections 8.

According to the invention, it is possible to produce a complete static connection in all six degrees of freedom between the buoyancy bodies 1 according to the invention and the node points 6 of a base structure 2 by a combination of the recesses 21 and the fixing elements 9, which does not allow any relative movement between the buoyancy bodies 1 and the base structure 2 .

The buoyancy bodies 1 according to the invention can further have connecting means 30, which can extend, for example, from the side surfaces 7 of the buoyancy bodies 1 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of symmetry 3. However, according to the invention, the connecting means 30 can also be aligned in the longitudinal direction of the axis of symmetry 3. As shown in Figure 1, the connecting means 30 can be designed, for example, as complementary grooves and tongues, or positive and negative connecting elements, whereby each side surface 7 can have, for example, a groove and a tongue complementary to the groove. However, according to the invention, it is also included to provide similar connecting means 30 on the side surfaces 7 of the buoyancy bodies 1 according to the invention, which can then be connected to one another, for example by means of adapter elements 32.

Figure 2 shows a buoyancy body 1 according to the invention from a different perspective, namely an isometric view of the base surface 5. The base surface 5 has recesses 23 which are at least partially symmetrical to the recesses 21 of the top surface 4. A plane perpendicular to the axis of symmetry 3 serves as the plane of symmetry, which, for example, is equidistant from the top surface 4 and the base surface 5. As shown in the following figures, this makes it possible to accommodate a base structure 2 in a form-fitting manner both through the top surface 4 and through the base surface 5 of the buoyancy body 1 according to the invention.

Furthermore, the base surface 5 of the illustrated buoyancy body 1 according to the invention is designed to be complementary to the top surface 4, at least in parts, so that they are identical in construction Buoyancy bodies 1 according to the invention can be stacked one above the other in the longitudinal direction of the axis of symmetry 3. Through an interaction of the base surfaces 5 with the partially complementary top surfaces 4, the buoyancy bodies 1 arranged one above the other are fixed relative to one another in directions perpendicular to the axis of symmetry 3 of the buoyancy bodies 1. Buoyancy bodies 1 stacked one above the other or one behind the other in this way can be fixed to one another in the longitudinal direction of the axis of symmetry 3, for example by means of fixing elements 9, so that they are firmly connected to one another in all spatial directions.

Figure 3 illustrates the principle of the lateral or parallel connection of several buoyancy bodies 1 according to the invention by means of the connecting means 30. As previously indicated, the connecting means 30 can be designed to be complementary on the respective side surfaces 7, so that a protruding connecting means 30 with a recess on a side surface 7 an adjacent buoyancy body 1 can interact. According to the invention, any number of buoyancy bodies 1 can be connected to one another in a plane that is perpendicular to their axis of symmetry 3. For example, the buoyancy of a structure 50, surface structure 150 or platform 300 supported by the buoyancy body 1 (see, for example, Figures 12 & 13) can be adapted to the weight of components arranged thereon. The connecting means 30 are preferably designed in such a way that buoyancy bodies 1 can be arranged next to one another without gaps.

In an embodiment not shown, the connecting means 30 further have, for example, an angle which makes it possible to assemble the individual buoyancy bodies 1 into extended structures, since additional buoyancy bodies 1 can be connected to the already existing structure in a diagonal direction without having to use the connecting means 30 from other buoyancy bodies 1 to interfere. Depending on the location of use of the buoyancy bodies according to the invention, the connecting means 30 or the adapter elements 32 can be designed to be stiff or elastic. An elastic connection of buoyancy body 1 can lead to a reduction in the stresses that are transmitted between buoyancy bodies 1 according to the invention that are connected to one another, because there is a composite of Buoyancy bodies 1 can then deform according to the loads acting on it.

Figure 4 shows a buoyant structure 50, which has a truss-like base structure 2. The base structure 2 has a frame 10 formed from supports 12, which is designed in the form of a rectangle and is designed by several transverse or longitudinal struts 11 so that, for example, photovoltaic modules can be arranged on the structure 50. The buoyant structure 50 can, for example, serve as a basic module for building a modular surface structure 150. Both the connection points of the supports 12 of the frame 10 and the points at which the transverse or longitudinal struts 11 are connected to the frame 10 are referred to as node points 6 according to the invention. At these nodes 6, buoyancy bodies 1 according to the invention can be arranged in such a way that the supports 12 of the base structure 2 are received in a form-fitting manner by depressions 21 in the top surface 4. Especially for bodies of water with little, low or moderate waves, such as ponds, lakes or lagoons, support for a base structure 2 can be provided in an uncomplicated, modular manner. Depending on the distribution of the weight and the components that are to be held above the water surface by the structure 50, according to the invention, buoyancy bodies can also be arranged directly on the frame 10 or the transverse or longitudinal struts 11 depending on the load. In order to completely fix buoyancy bodies 1 arranged in this way, the buoyancy bodies 1 can be fixed to the base structure 2 by fixing means 9 or can be connected to further buoyancy bodies 1 according to the invention by connecting means 30. 4 also shows that the transverse or longitudinal struts 11 do not necessarily have to run in the plane spanned by the supports 12 of the frame 10, but can also extend above or below this plane, for example to support the elevation of photovoltaic modules arranged on the base structure 2 at an angle.

5, 5A and 6 show two further embodiments of a buoyant structure 50 according to the invention in the form of a modular structure 60. Figure 5 is a detailed view showing a special connection point in the form of a Corner of the further embodiment for a buoyant module 60 according to the invention shows. Figure 6 represents an isometric view showing the basic structure of a module 60, which is suitable for building larger structures, which will be given further by way of example. Of course, a module 60 can also be used alone, for example to mount photovoltaic systems or as a bathing or relaxation island for diving, as a floating dock for mooring boats and for many other possible applications.

According to the embodiment of the buoyancy body of Figure 5, a first base structure 2 with a frame 10, constructed from supports 12 and braced with diagonal connectors 15, is arranged in the recesses 21, which extend in the top surface 4 of the buoyancy body 1 according to the invention. A further base structure 2 with a frame 10, constructed from supports 12 and braced with diagonal connectors 15, extends parallel to the first base structure 2 and is received in a form-fitting manner by recesses 23 in the base surface 5 of the buoyancy body 1 according to the invention. It can be clearly seen that the base structure 2 protrudes beyond the depressions 21 in the direction of the axis of symmetry 3 of the buoyancy body 1. It would therefore be possible to arrange a further buoyancy body 1 according to the invention in the direction of the axis of symmetry 3 above the buoyancy body 1 shown, with the recesses 23 arranged in the base area 5 engaging in the node points 6 of the base structure. The position of an upper buoyancy body 1 would thereby be fixed relative to the lower buoyancy body 1 in the direction perpendicular to the axis of symmetry 3. An analogous situation applies to the arrangement of a further buoyancy body 1 in the direction of the axis of symmetry 3 below the buoyancy body 1 shown.

5A shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of a buoyancy body 1 according to the invention, wherein two buoyancy bodies 1 according to the invention are arranged in such a way that they are assembled in an interlocking manner with base surfaces 5 facing one another. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5A, the top surfaces 4 of the two buoyancy bodies with the recesses 21 formed therein point away from one another, so that here too, two frames 10, similar to that shown in FIG. 5, accommodate the two buoyancy bodies 1 in a sandwich-like manner and can fix. Here too, diagonal connectors 15 can be used as fixing elements 9. In addition, frames 10 can be fixed to the buoyancy bodies 1 via the through holes 16 formed in the projections 8. 5A, the buoyancy bodies 1 preferably have recesses 27 and extensions 28 in the base surfaces, which are designed in such a way that two buoyancy bodies composed of mutually facing base surfaces 5 mesh with one another in a rotation-proof manner, with a recess 27 in one buoyancy body 1 covering the extension 28 of the other buoyancy body 1 absorbs.

Preferably, the base area 5 of the buoyancy body 1 shown in Figure 5A is designed in such a way that the buoyancy body 1 can also be stacked in the same direction/same orientation, i.e. the base areas also have recesses 23 which can accommodate the projections 8 in the top areas 4 in such a way that the Top surface 4 of one buoyancy body 1 comes into contact with the base surface 5 of the other buoyancy body 1 and the two buoyancy bodies 1 are connected to one another in a rotationally secure manner.

In the exemplary embodiments of Figures 5, 5A and 6, oblique connectors 25 tensioned diagonally between the upper base structure 2 and the lower base structure 2 also serve as fixing elements 9, which fix the upper and lower base structure 2 in the direction of the axis of symmetry 3 on the buoyancy body 1 according to the invention, i.e. in planes transverse to the planes spanned by the frame 10. The oblique connectors 25 preferably also run in the recesses 21 of the top surface 4 or in symmetrical recesses 23 of the base surface 5 and are preferably connected to the supports 12 of the base structure.

From Figure 6 it can be seen that the buoyant module 60 according to the invention in the version with the buoyancy body 1 of the first embodiment according to Figure 1 has four buoyancy bodies 1 and with the buoyancy body 1 of Figure 5A would have eight buoyancy bodies 1, each one being a cuboid. Looking at Figures 5, 5A and 6 together, it can be seen that the two embodiments of the buoyancy body 1 shown there can be used alternatively and the person skilled in the art will find further alternative forms for buoyancy bodies Fulfill the spirit of the invention to provide a modular, buoyant structure with structurally simple components, whereby the buoyancy bodies can be used in as many different ways as possible in order to create both smaller and larger buoyant structures.

Diagonal connectors 15 or inclined connectors 25 are tensioned in all surface or spatial diagonals of the module 60 according to the invention shown in FIG. 6, which give the module 60 stability and torsional rigidity. So that the diagonal connectors 15 and the oblique connectors 25 can be tensioned both on the surface and on the spatial diagonal, the depressions 21, the clearances 22 and the recesses 23 have a slope in the top surface 4 or the base surface 5 of the buoyancy body 1, so that there is enough space for the diagonal connectors 15 and/or the inclined connectors 25 to pass through. In the present example of the module 60, the diagonal connectors 15 and the oblique connectors 25 serve simultaneously to stabilize the module 60 and as fixing elements 9 to sandwich the buoyancy body 1 between the two base structures 2 on the base or top surface 4, 5 of the buoyancy body 1 to hold on.

Figure 7 shows an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a buoyant module 60 according to the invention. Support struts 17 are arranged between the upper base structure 2 and the lower base structure 2, which can transmit forces between the base structures 2 and thus reduce the cutting forces and moments that occur. In contrast to the previously explained exemplary embodiment, the oblique connectors 25 in the side surfaces of the cuboid are not tensioned between the node points 6 connected to the buoyancy bodies 1, but between a node point 6 on a buoyancy body 1 and a diagonally opposite node point 6, which are caused by the meeting of the Support struts 17 and the upper and lower base structure 2 are formed. A module 60 according to the invention stiffened in this way has an even higher load capacity and torsional rigidity than the previously described module 60. Figure 8 shows a buoyant tower structure 200, which consists, for example, of three buoyant structures 50 arranged one above the other in the direction of the axes of symmetry 3 of the buoyancy bodies 1. As previously indicated, the buoyant structures 50 are secured against relative displacement in directions perpendicular to the axis of symmetry by having both depressions 21 in the top surface 4 of a lower buoyancy body 1 and recesses 23 in the base surface 5 of an upper buoyancy body 1 with the between the buoyancy bodies 1 arranged base structures 2 are positively connected. In order to connect the structures 50 or their buoyancy bodies 1 in the direction of the axis of symmetry 3, for example, fixing elements 9, buoyancy bodies 1 arranged one above the other can be attached between the connecting means 30, or inclined connectors 25 can be tensioned over several floors/levels of a buoyant tower structure 200 according to the invention. Furthermore, base structures 2 of different buoyant structures can be connected to one another in the vertical planes, i.e. perpendicular to the base structure levels, by diagonal connectors 15 in such a way that the buoyancy bodies 1 are sandwiched between the base structures 2.

According to the invention, buoyant structures of any height can in principle be modularly assembled, which, when used as intended, extend vertically upwards from a water surface. In a preferred embodiment, the lowest floor of a tower structure according to the invention is designed as a buoyant module 60, i.e. on the base surfaces 5 of the lowest layer of the buoyancy bodies 1, a base structure 2 is accommodated, which is connected with a diagonal connector 15 to a layer above it - not necessarily adjacent to it - Base structure 2 of a buoyant structure 50 is connected, preferably in such a way that the buoyancy bodies 1 of the lowest layer/floor are firmly clamped between two base structures 2 in the direction of the axis of symmetry 3.

Figure 9 shows a further principle for connecting buoyant modules 60. According to the embodiment shown in Figure 9, buoyant modules 60 can be assembled modularly to form a flat, extended surface structure 150, which, when used as intended, is parallel to a water surface extends. The buoyancy bodies 1 of the buoyant modules 60 can be connected to one another by means of the connecting means 30 or by corresponding adapter elements 32, so that an arbitrarily expandable surface structure 150 is created. The connecting means 30 or the adapter elements 32 are preferably designed to be elastic, so that loads applied to the surface structure 150 from the outside can be dampened and cushioned by the elastic material properties of the connection between buoyancy bodies. Furthermore, a surface structure 150 composed in this way can also be used in light swells and/or wind loads, which are caused, for example, on standing waters by strong winds, without the deformations caused in the surface structure 150 leading to deformations in the modules 60 themselves, which in turn could lead to damage to the devices supported on the surface structure 50, such as photovoltaic modules, since these deformations on the surface structure 150 can be absorbed by the connecting or adapter elements 30, 32. It is also conceivable to have an elastic design of the buoyancy bodies 1 themselves, which allow slight twisting, for example about the axis of symmetry 3, with the modules 60 remaining rigid in themselves.

As can be seen from Figure 10, buoyant structures 50, modules 60 according to the invention and modular surface structure 150 and buoyant tower structures 200 constructed therefrom can be combined with one another as desired in order to build buoyant structures, support structures or platforms 300 similar to a modular system. The modular expandability makes it possible, on the one hand, to optimally adapt the modular surface structures 150 and floating tower structures 200 constructed in this way to the respective location and intended use. On the other hand, the modular surface structures 150 and buoyant tower structures 200 according to the invention can be subsequently expanded by additional modular structures, ie buoyant structures 50 or modules 60, if necessary. Just as an illustrative example, the surface structure 150 shown in FIG. 10 has four tower structures 200, in each of which three structures/modules 50 are arranged one above the other. Three tower structures 200 are connected to these four tower structures 200, each of which has two structures/modules 50 are arranged one above the other. A one-story floating module 60 is connected to it. The basis of the tower structures 200 each form modules 60, which have been vertically expanded with buoyant structures 50.

Figures 11 to 13 show possible embodiments of a platform 300 according to the invention, which can be used, for example, to support photovoltaic modules, to provide floating support for components for energy generation, storage or distribution or for other purposes such as bridge construction.

The platform 300 shown in Figure 11, which has a buoyant structure 50, can serve as a basic assembly for a modularly expandable floating photovoltaic system. With the transverse or longitudinal struts 11 attached to the frame 10 of the base structure 2, which have a different height above the water surface, the photovoltaic modules arranged on the base structure 2 can be aligned at an angle to the horizontal. Depending on the position of the sun, this can increase the yield of the photovoltaic modules. The transverse or longitudinal struts 11 provided increase the torsional rigidity of the structure 50 according to the invention, thereby protecting the sensitive photovoltaic modules from excessive loads. In order to further increase the torsional rigidity of the structure according to the invention, a second base structure 2 could be arranged in recesses 23 in the base surface 5 of the buoyancy body 1 and clamped to the upper base structure 2 by means of fixing elements 9, which leads to a module 60 according to the invention if additional inclined connectors 25 be tensioned in the surface and/or spatial diagonals of such a buoyant structure 50 in order to further increase the stability of the structure 50.

The platform 300 shown in Figure 12 serves to provide floating support for a container in which, for example, material can be stored or accumulators for energy storage can be accommodated. The base structure 2 supporting the container is completely covered with panels, creating a floating island that can be walked on or driven on. Due to the high weight of the support Components, the frame 10 of the base structure 2 is completely supported by buoyancy bodies 1, which are arranged parallel to one another by means of their connecting means 30 in order to increase the buoyancy of the platform 300 according to the invention.

Figure 13 shows a platform 300, which can be used as a bridge, for example. Because platforms 300 according to the invention can be modularly expanded and buoyancy bodies arranged one above the other in the direction of the axis of symmetry 3 can also be arranged offset from one another if the base structure 2 is designed accordingly to a buoyant structure 50, a designer of a platform 300 according to the invention has a large degree of flexibility available, in which overhanging areas can also be created. To form such an overhanging surface structure, the base structure 2 can protrude over the buoyancy body 1, in the top surface 4 of which it is accommodated, and can support buoyancy bodies 1 arranged above in the protruding area via an engagement in their recesses 23. By fixing the buoyancy bodies 1 to the base structure 2 and fixing the buoyancy bodies 1 to one another, such an overhang-forming surface structure 150 or platform 300 is also stable.

The buoyancy body 1 according to the invention as a basic building block, as well as a buoyant structure 50 according to the invention or a buoyant module 60, which integrates such buoyancy body 1 according to the invention, thus provide a cost-effective and versatile option for modularly expandable surface structures 150, tower structures 200 and platforms 300 to build structures that are torsionally rigid and stable against the loads that occur on open waters. Sensitive components such as photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, accumulators, electrolysis devices, power-to-gas systems or fuel cells can be safely and reliably supported above a water surface. List of reference symbols:

1 buoyancy body

2 basic structure

3 axis of symmetry

4 cover surface

5 floor area

6 junction

7 side surfaces

8 projections

9 fixing elements

10 frames

11 transverse or longitudinal struts

12 carriers

15 diagonal connectors

16 through holes

17 support struts

19 rest devices

21 wells

22 clearances

23 recesses

25 angled connectors

27 recesses

28 appendages

30 lanyards

32 adapter elements

50 Buoyant structure

60 Buoyant module

150 Modular surface structure

200 Floatable tower structure

300 platform

Claims

Expectations

1. Buoyancy body (1) for floating support of a buoyant structure, wherein the buoyancy body (1) is essentially designed in the form of a cylinder or regular prism, with a top surface (4) essentially perpendicular to an axis of symmetry (3) of the buoyancy body, in which depressions (21) are formed in order to positively accommodate a node point (6) of a substantially flat, truss-like base structure (2), fixing elements (9) for fixing the base structure (2) in the direction of the symmetry axis ( 3) are provided so that the buoyancy body (1) can be fixed to a node (6) in all 6 (six) degrees of freedom.

2, buoyancy body (1) according to claim 1, wherein the depressions (21) are designed rotationally symmetrical to the axis of symmetry (3), in particular in the form of a cross or in the form of a star.

3. Buoyancy body (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein on the top surface (4) of the buoyancy body (1) clearances (22) are formed for the passage of oblique connectors (25).

4. Buoyancy body (1) according to claim 3, wherein the clearances (22) are rotationally symmetrical, in particular in the form of a cross or in the shape of a star, and are relative to the axis of symmetry (3) of the buoyancy body (1). to the recesses (21) are arranged rotated by an offset angle.

5. Buoyancy body (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the buoyancy body (1) has projections (8) perpendicular to the axis of symmetry (3) of the buoyancy body (1), which have an undercut for fixing the fixing elements (9). Form the direction of the symmetry axis (3).

6. Buoyancy body (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the buoyancy body (1) has locking means (19) in order to fix the fixing elements (9) in a direction perpendicular to the axis of symmetry (3).

7. Buoyancy body (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base surface (5) of the buoyancy body (1) has recesses (23) which are aligned with the top surface (4) with respect to a center oriented perpendicular to the axis of symmetry (3). plane are symmetrical.

8. Buoyancy body (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a part of the base surface (5) is designed to be complementary to the top surface (4), so that two buoyancy bodies (1) can be arranged one above the other in a rotationally secure manner in the direction of the axis of symmetry.

9. Buoyancy body (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the base surface (5) of the buoyancy body (1) has recesses (27) and extensions (28) which are designed and arranged in such a way that they interlock when two buoyancy bodies with base surfaces (5) facing each other are put together.

10. Buoyancy body (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein for parallel connection of two or more buoyancy bodies (1) on side surfaces (7) of the buoyancy body (1) connecting means (30) in a direction perpendicular and / or parallel to the axis of symmetry (3) are designed, which in particular are each designed as a positive and a negative complementary connecting means (30).

11. Buoyancy body (1) according to claim 10, wherein the connecting means (30) or adapter elements (32) for connecting the connecting means (30) are designed to be elastic.

12. Buoyancy body (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which is produced by a rotational molding or blow molding process from plastic, metal and / or concrete as a hollow body, solid body or multi-component body.

13. Floating structure (50) with a plurality of buoyancy bodies (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, which are arranged at nodes (6) of a substantially flat, truss-like base structure (2), the buoyancy bodies (1) are essentially designed in the form of a cylinder or regular prism, the axis of symmetry (3) of which is essentially vertically aligned when the structure is used as intended.

14. Buoyant structure (50) according to claim 13, the node points (6) of which are clamped together by means of oblique connectors (25) which run in the clearances (22) of the buoyancy bodies (1), in particular in a diagonal direction.

15. Buoyant structure (50) according to one of claims 13 or 14, in which transverse and / or longitudinal struts (11) are attached to the base structure (2), the connection points of which are nodes (6) to the base structure or their crossing points. form on which buoyancy bodies (1) are arranged.

16. Buoyant structure (50) according to one of claims 13 to 15, in which further buoyancy bodies (1) are arranged on the base structure (2) between the node points (6).

17. Floating module (60) according to one of claims 13 to 16, in which a substantially flat, truss-like base structure (2) is arranged both on the top surfaces and on the base surfaces of the buoyancy bodies (1), the base structures (2 ) fix the buoyancy bodies (1) in a sandwich-like manner in the direction of the symmetry axis (3) by fixing elements (9) running diagonally between the respective base structures (2).

18. Floating module (60) according to claim 17, in which the base structures (2) are braced with one another in the crossing points (6) of the diagonally extending fixing elements (9) and/or between the diagonally extending fixing elements (9) and one of the Base structures (2) one or more support struts (17) are arranged.

19. Two- or multi-story buoyant tower structure (200), wherein on the buoyancy bodies (1) of a first buoyant structure (50) according to one of claims 13 to 16 in the direction of the axis of symmetry there are buoyancy bodies (1) of a further buoyant structure Structure (50) according to one of claims 13 to 16 are arranged so that the base structure (2) of the respective lower structure (50) through the recesses (21) in the top surface of the buoyancy body (1) of the lower structure (50) and The buoyancy body (1) of the structure (50) arranged above is accommodated by complementary recesses (23) in the base area.

20. Tower structure according to claim 19, in which the base structure (2) of the upper buoyant structure (50) is connected to the base structure (2) of the lower buoyant structure (50) with diagonal connectors (15).

21. Tower structure according to claim 19 or 20, in which the lowest level is designed as a buoyant module (60) according to one of claims 17 or 18.

22. Buoyant modular surface structure (150) with one or a plurality of buoyant structures (50) arranged next to one another according to one of claims 13 to 16 and / or with one or a plurality of buoyant modules (60) according to one of claims 17 or 18 and/or with one or a plurality of tower structures (200) according to one of claims 19 to 21, which are connected to one another via the complementary connecting means (30) of horizontally adjacent buoyancy bodies (1).

23. Surface structure (150) according to claim 22, in which the buoyant structures (50) and/or the buoyant modules (60) and/or the tower structures (200) are arranged at least partially in a checkerboard manner and/or horizontally overlapping.

24. Platform (300) constructed modularly from one or more buoyant structures (50) according to one of claims 13 to 16 and / or buoyant modules (60) according to one of claims 17 or 18 and / or one or more tower structures according to claims 19 to 21 or one or more surface structure (150) according to one of claims 22 or 23 for floating support of structures, elevations for solar systems and / or wind turbines.