Patent Description:
From the prior art floating solar energy platforms are known which consist of a floating platform whereon a plurality of solar panels is arranged. Such floating solar energy platforms enable to generate and supply electric power at offshore locations. There is a demand for such platforms either as a temporary energy source during offshore construction work or as a permanent energy source serving remote sites or communities.

However, in many offshore locations weather conditions can be so violent that such a platform must be protected by bringing the platform to safer waters or transforming the platform to a more compact shape that better withstands the conditions.

Also, there is a need for improved ease of transportation and the protection of the platform during transportation between locations.

<CIT> describes a solar power generation system that is configured to be provided with: a solar cell raft which floats on the sea while being equipped with a solar cell unit formed by connecting a plurality of solar cells in the shape of a sheet on a floating body and a solar cell raft mother vessel. The solar cell unit can be stored in the mother vessel in a rolled or folded shape. Documents <CIT> and <CIT> constitute further relevant prior art.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or mitigate one or more of the disadvantages from the prior art.

The object is achieved by a floating solar energy system comprising at least a solar deck and a pair of floating bodies, the solar deck comprising a carrier surface and a plurality of solar panels for capturing energy from a radiation source that is mounted on the carrier surface; the solar deck at one elongated edge thereof being mechanically connected with one of the floating bodies and at an opposite edge with the other of the floating bodies; the solar panels being attached on the carrier surface of the solar deck in rows parallel to the edges, wherein
the carrier surface comprises a plurality of elongated carrier panels arranged lengthwise parallel to the edges and next to each other; the carrier panels are coupled to each other by intermediate joints each row of solar panels arranged on a respective one of the carrier panels, wherein the carrier panels consist of interconnected inflatable compartments and the system is configured for contracting the solar deck by folding the carrier panels of the carrier surface into a pleated stack in which the surfaces of the solar panels on the carrier panels are facing each other and for expanding the solar deck to a substantially flat state of the carrier surface by unfolding the carrier panels of the carrier surface in the stack.

The floating solar energy system provides that during folding the solar panels are brought in a pleated arrangement forming an ensemble in which the solar panels are stacked on each other with their surfaces oriented vertically. This arrangement strengthens the solar panels in the ensemble and reduces the risk of damage to individual panels during severe weather conditions or transportation. It also improves the manoeuvrability during transportation.

According to the invention, the floating solar energy system as described above provides that the carrier panels consist of interconnected inflatable compartments. When inflated, the inflatable components act as floaters and provide additional buoyancy to the solar deck carrying the solar panels.

By increasing the air pressure in the interconnected inflatable compartments the carrier panels can be easily expanded and unfolded.

In a preferred embodiment, each inflatable compartment is a drop-stitch chamber arrangement in which each drop-stitch chamber comprises a pair of opposing gastight layers with a plurality of threads attached between the layers. The use of the drop-stitch chamber provides that when the chamber is pressurised a relatively inflexible carrier panel is created. As result the carrier surface that supports the solar panels has a relatively high stiffness.

Also, the present invention relates to a method for operating a floating solar energy system comprising at least a solar deck and a pair of floating bodies, the solar deck comprising a carrier surface and a plurality of solar panels for capturing energy from a radiation source that is mounted on the carrier surface, in which the solar deck at one elongated edge thereof is mechanically connected with one of the floating bodies and at the opposite edge with the other of the floating bodies and in a substantially flat state of the solar deck, the solar panels are arranged on the carrier surface of the solar deck in rows parallel to the edges, each of the solar panel oriented for facing the radiation source, wherein the carrier surface comprises a plurality of elongated carrier panels arranged lengthwise parallel to the edges and next to each other; the carrier panels are coupled to each other by one or more intermediate joints; each row of solar panels arranged on a respective one of the carrier panels, wherein the carrier panels consist of interconnected inflatable compartments,.

Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a floating solar energy system comprising at least a solar deck and a pair of floating bodies, the solar deck comprising a carrier surface and a plurality of solar panels for capturing energy from a radiation source that is mounted on the carrier surface, the method comprising:.

Advantageous embodiments are further defined by the dependent claims.

The present invention will be described in more detail below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings which are schematic in nature and in which:.

In the drawings illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown. The drawings are intended exclusively for illustrative purposes. The scope of the invention is only limited by the definitions presented in the appended claims.

Similar or corresponding elements, features or structures are indicated by the same reference signs. The drawings are not intended to be on scale.

<FIG> shows a schematic perspective view of a floating solar energy system according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment the floating solar energy system <NUM> comprises at least a pair of floating bodies <NUM>, and a solar deck <NUM>.

The solar deck <NUM> comprises a carrier surface and a plurality of solar panels <NUM>. The solar panels are arranged in rows on the carrier surface, as will be explained in more detail below.

The solar deck is arranged between the decks of the floating bodies <NUM>, <NUM>, with the floating bodies oriented in parallel to each other. One outer edge of the solar deck is coupled to a first <NUM> of the floating bodies. An opposite outer edge of the solar deck is coupled to a second <NUM> of the floating bodies.

Each floating body can be one of a group comprising a hull, a pontoon, a hydrofoil or generally a float.

According to the invention, the carrier surface comprises a plurality of elongated parallel carrier panels <NUM> that are interconnected at their respective edges by joints (i.e. flexible connections) or hinges which each allow to fold up (or unfold) the carrier surface into (or from) a pleated stack. The carrier panels <NUM> are oriented with their edges parallel to the outer edges that are coupled to the floating bodies <NUM>, <NUM>. The rows of solar panels <NUM> are positioned on the carrier panels in-between the joints.

This arrangement allows that the carrier surface can be moved between a flat expanded shape and a pleated shape. In the flat expanded shape the carrier surface provides a substantially flat surface on which the solar panels are positioned in rows adjacent to each other. The light capturing surfaces of the solar panels <NUM> are all facing in a same direction perpendicular to the flat surface, in a manner that in operation the solar panels are facing towards a radiation source, such as the Sun, for capturing radiative energy. In the pleated shape, the carrier surface is in a folded position in which the carrier panels are stacked in a zig-zag style. In correspondence, the solar panels <NUM> are rotated over about <NUM>° such that in the zig-zag stack the light capturing surfaces of the solar panels facing towards or away from each other (in pairs the panel orientation is front-to-front or back-to-back in the folded position) and are directed towards the outer edges of the floating solar energy system. These arrangements will be described in more detail with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

The couplings between the outer edges of the solar deck <NUM> and the respective floating body can comprise joints or hinges, such that in operation the floating body and the solar deck can rotate relative to each other along the joint axis or hinge axis at the respective outer edge.

The solar panels <NUM> can be based on either silicon-based solar cells or thin film photovoltaic devices.

The floating bodies <NUM>, <NUM> can be provided with connection means for towing by a service vessel (not shown). Such a service vessel can also be used to keep the floating solar energy system at a stationary position during operations. Additionally or alternatively, a mooring system or anchoring system <NUM> can be provided.

Additionally, the floating solar energy system may comprise electrical outlet <NUM> for electrically coupling the solar panels <NUM> to a power grid or electrical energy consumers either offshore or onshore (not shown).

Preferably, on each carrier panel within the corresponding row the solar panels are coupled electrically by wiring <NUM>. In an embodiment, each row of solar panels is electrically coupled <NUM> to a converter device <NUM> which is configured to convert the electrical power from the solar panels to a practical electrical output on the outlet <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the floating solar energy system comprises one or more additional floating bodies (not shown) in addition to the pair of floating bodies at the outer edges of the carrier surface. The one or more additional floating bodies are arranged between the pair of floating bodies <NUM>, <NUM> at the outer edges and are used as additional supports for the carrier surface while providing additional buoyancy to the floating solar energy system. Also the weight of each additional floating body can counteract any upward force on the solar deck caused by air currents and thus provide improved stability to the floating solar energy system during operation.

Each additional floating body can have a similar structure and/or shape as the pair of floating bodies <NUM>, <NUM> with a same or different length. Each additional floating body can consist of a single floating element but can optionally be an assembly of series of smaller floating elements arranged in a row, which runs parallel to the outer floating bodies <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> shows cross-section of a floating solar energy system according to an embodiment.

In <FIG> a cross-section of the floating solar energy system <NUM> is shown in the expanded shape S1. In the expanded shape S1 the solar panels <NUM> are arranged in a substantially flat position. In a preferred embodiment as shown the carrier panels <NUM> of the carrier surface are configured to have a small inclination difference α of the normal N of solar panels relative to the vertical V between adjacent rows of solar panels in the expanded state. This inclination provides a pre-set orientation of the carrier panels that assists the folding of the carrier panels (see <FIG>).

The inclination of the solar panels <NUM> can improve the energy capture when the floating solar energy system is oriented such that the surfaces of the solar panels in adjacent rows are inclined towards east and west. In particular at higher latitudes an arrangement of solar panels with an inclination of the carrier panels as shown provides improved efficiency.

Additionally, by providing an inclination of the solar panels <NUM> a drainage gradient is created to drain away any water on the solar panels.

According to an embodiment, the carrier panels <NUM> consist of interconnected inflatable compartments. The inflatable components act as floaters and provide buoyancy to the solar deck <NUM> carrying the solar panels <NUM>. In this embodiment, the floating solar energy system comprises a gas pump <NUM> that is connected to the inflatable compartments <NUM> through a conduit <NUM>. Preferably, a valve (not shown) is provided to close or open the conduit. By pressurising the inflatable compartments when the carrier panels are stacked in the folded position, the stack is unfolding and forms the expanded shape. At the same time, the distance between the pair of floating bodies enlarges from a relatively close distance at the folded position of the carrier panels to a relatively wide distance D1 at the unfolded expanded position.

Additionally, an exhaust valve <NUM> allows to release pressure from the inflatable compartments <NUM> so as to enable folding of the carrier panels to the pleated shape. In an embodiment, the gas pump <NUM> may be configured as a reversible pump that in addition to pressurizing the inflatable components is configured for evacuating gas from the inflatable components.

In <FIG> a cross-section of the floating solar energy system <NUM> is shown in the pleated shape or folded shape S2. To contract the solar deck <NUM> from the substantially flat expanded shape S1 to the pleated shape S2, an arrangement of cables <NUM> and pulleys (not shown) is provided. The cables <NUM> run between the pair of floating bodies <NUM>, <NUM> at the outer edges of the solar deck. The pulleys are provided for guiding the cables <NUM> along between the carrier panels <NUM>. In some embodiments the carrier panels <NUM> are provided with a passage or slot for each cable running between the pair of floating bodies.

To fold the solar deck the cables <NUM> are pulled in which causes the distance D2 between the floating bodies to diminish and the carrier panels to fold up to a pleated shape. In an embodiment, the floating solar energy system <NUM> comprises a winch / winches <NUM> for either pulling in or running out the cable(s).

While the carrier panels <NUM> are folding up into a stack, pressure is released from the inflatable compartments through the provided valve <NUM> or by the gas pump <NUM> if this is arranged as a reversible gas pump.

In a further embodiment, to protect the exposed surfaces of the solar panels <NUM> on the carrier panels <NUM> in the folded position, either an additional cover layer (not shown) may be arranged on the solar panel surfaces for protection or spacers on the carrier panels <NUM> may be provided to have some interspace between adjacent solar panels facing each other in the folded position.

In an embodiment, the solar panels <NUM> are interconnected electrically <NUM> along the carrier panel <NUM> on which the solar panels are mounted. Between carrier panels, interconnecting electric wiring <NUM> can be provided to have a further electrical interconnection of rows of solar panels <NUM>. For example, the interconnecting electric wiring can be arranged parallel to cables that run between the floating bodies <NUM>, <NUM> at the outer edges. Optionally, a cable and electric wiring are integrated in a single line.

The electric converter device <NUM> and outlet <NUM> for connecting to the power grid or electric energy consumers can be arranged on one of the floating bodies1201, <NUM>. Alternatively, the electric converter device <NUM> and outlet <NUM> can be arranged on the service vessel when coupled to the floating solar energy system <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a schematic top view of a floating solar energy system <NUM> according to an embodiment. The floating solar energy system <NUM> comprises a contracting system comprising at least a first and second cable <NUM>, <NUM>, a first and second pair of pulleys <NUM>, <NUM> and a pair of winches <NUM>, <NUM>. The first and second cables run parallel between the pair of floating bodies <NUM>, <NUM> at the outer edges of the carrier surface. The first cable <NUM> is fastened at one end to a first <NUM> of the floating bodies. At the other end the first cable <NUM> is connected over a first pair <NUM> of pulleys to the winch <NUM> on the other outer floating body <NUM>; the pair of pulleys and the winch each arranged on the second <NUM> of the floating bodies.

For the second cable <NUM> the arrangement is reversed: the second cable <NUM> is fastened at one end to the second <NUM> of the floating bodies. At the other end the second cable is connected over a second pair of pulleys <NUM> to the winch <NUM> on the first <NUM> of the floating bodies; the second pair of pulleys <NUM> and the second winch <NUM> each arranged on the first <NUM> of the floating bodies.

The winches are powered by a dedicated power source, preferably an electric power source.

The contracting system as described above is configured to retract the two cables <NUM>, <NUM> concurrently at substantially the same rate. Preferably, a controller is provided to control the contracting system, explained in more detail below.

In a further embodiment, the cables are connected to winches arranged on a separate float, for example on the service vessel.

<FIG> shows a cross-section of a carrier panel <NUM> of the carrier surface of a floating solar energy system <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the carrier panel <NUM> is an inflatable compartment having a drop-stitch construction. The carrier panel <NUM> has an elongated rectangular shape, with top <NUM> and bottom <NUM> walls, side walls <NUM> and end walls (not shown) defining an internal volume <NUM>.

The top and bottom, side and end walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are typically gas-tight to provide that the internal volume <NUM> can be pressurised with gas or air by the gas /air pump. The internal volume <NUM> provides buoyancy to the solar deck <NUM> in addition to the pair of floating bodies <NUM>, <NUM> and optionally the additional floating bodies.

Between the opposing top and bottom walls <NUM>, <NUM> a plurality of threads <NUM> are attached. The threads <NUM> all have a substantially same length as the height of the side and end walls <NUM> to provide a constant width W between the top and bottom walls when the panel is pressurised. In this manner it is provided that the top surface of the panels <NUM> is flat, rigid and substantially inflexible. As result a stable attachment of the solar panels <NUM> on the carrier panels <NUM> is obtained. In an embodiment, between adjacent panels <NUM> a connecting joint <NUM> is provided by means of an intermediate elongated and comparatively small gas-tight volume, which volume is void of threads running between its top and bottom walls. This connecting joint can form a conduit for gas flow between the carrier panels.

As shown in a cross-section of a carrier panel of the carrier surface of a floating solar energy system in <FIG>, the connecting joint <NUM> can also be embodied as a flexible strip, for example a stitched strip of cloth connected to the top and bottom walls of the inflatable component.

In an embodiment, the floating solar energy system <NUM> is provided with a controller to control the expansion and contraction of the solar deck <NUM> by releasing the cables <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM> and increasing the gas pressure in the inflatable compartments and respectively pulling in the cables and releasing pressure from the compartments. If the controller is configured with communication means such as a transceiver, the expansion and contraction of the solar deck can be controlled remotely. The controller can be arranged in one of the floating bodies <NUM>, <NUM>, for example near the gas pump.

Optionally, the floating solar energy system is provided with an additional deck arranged on one or both of the outward extending sides of floating bodies. Such additional deck may have any arbitrary shape and may be used for carrying auxiliary equipment.

Claim 1:
A floating solar energy system (<NUM>) comprising at least a solar deck (<NUM>) and a pair of floating bodies (<NUM>,<NUM>), the solar deck comprising a carrier surface and a plurality of solar panels (<NUM>) for capturing energy from a radiation source that is mounted on the carrier surface;
the solar deck at one elongated edge thereof being mechanically connected with one of the floating bodies (<NUM>) and at an opposite edge with the other of the floating bodies (<NUM>);
the solar panels being attached on the carrier surface of the solar deck in rows parallel to the edges, characterised in that
the carrier surface comprises a plurality of elongated carrier panels (<NUM>) arranged lengthwise parallel to the edges and next to each other; the carrier panels are coupled to each other by intermediate joints (<NUM>) each row of solar panels arranged on a respective one of the carrier panels,
wherein the carrier panels (<NUM>) consist of interconnected inflatable compartments and
the system is configured for contracting the solar deck by folding the carrier panels of the carrier surface into a pleated stack (S2) in which the surfaces of the solar panels on the carrier panels are facing each other and for expanding the solar deck to a substantially flat state (S1) of the carrier surface by unfolding the carrier panels of the carrier surface in the stack.