DESC:1
FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See Section 10; rule 13]
"A FLOATING STRUCTURE FOR SOLAR PANELS"
RENEW POWER LIMITED
an Indian private Limited Company,
of DLF Building, Block-1, Zone 6, Phase-V,
Commercial Complex, Golf Course Road, Harizan Colony,
Sector 43, Gurugram, Haryana-122009
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed
2
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to floating structures. More specifically, the present invention relates to a floating structure for holding solar photovoltaic panels.
5
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter 10 of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to implementations of the claimed technology.
15
Renewable energy sources have been used since a long time, however in recent times; they have been a topic of major interest, for several reasons. A few such reasons include their non-depleting nature, environment friendly consumption, low cost requirement per unit of power in long run, and being an alternative to the depleting non-renewable energy sources such as crude oil. 20
Amongst all renewable energy sources, solar energy is hugely preferred due to its easy availability and requirement of a simple setup for capturing the solar energy. On the contrary, other renewable energy sources such as wind energy, hydroelectric energy, and geothermal energy, can be harnessed only at specific locations and 25 require large and costly setup. Installation of the solar panels on water surface is of major interest in current times due to scarcity of land. Further, the solar panels get heated which results in degradation of their efficiency. As an alternative, water surface contributes to a large area that remains unused, could be used to trap solar energy on a large scale, and maintaining optimum temperature for operation of the 30 solar panels.
Despite having numerous advantages, installation of solar panels on the water surface is associated with several challenges. The challenges associated with
3
installation of the solar panels over water surfaces include costly construction of floats i.e. floating bodies, ineffective cooling of the solar panels placed on the floats, poor connection mechanism used to connect the floats, and complex mechanisms for modifying angular orientation of the solar panels. Further, conventional designs of floats do not allow comfortable movement of personnel for installation and 5 maintenance of the solar panels, and allow lesser number of floating panels being mounted per unit area of the floats.
Thus, there is a need to devise a floating structure that could overcome the above mentioned shortcomings. 10
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
A general objective of the invention is to provide a floating structure for solar panels that is economical. 15
Another objective of the invention is to provide a floating structure for solar panels that allows easy movement of personnel for installation and maintenance purposes.
Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a floating structure for solar 20 panels that allow efficient cooling of solar panels mounted on floating structures.
Still another objective of the invention is to provide a floating structure for solar panels that can withstand severe turbulence of waves in water.
25
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to a floating structure for solar panels, and the aspects are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject 30 matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
4
The floating structure for solar panels may comprise a pair of floats. Each of the floats may have an upper portion and a bottom portion. The upper portion may be flat and the bottom portion may have a curved shape or a wedge shape. The floating structure may further comprise end caps connected at both ends of each of the pair of floats. The end caps are one of a male end cap and a female end cap. The floating 5 structure may further comprise a Module Mounting Structure (MMS) supporting upon the pair of floats. The MMS allows mounting of solar panels at a predefined angle.
In one embodiment, a plurality of longitudinal ridges extending inward from the 10 upper portion may be present for providing reinforcement to the upper portion. Further, slits may be present on the end caps. The longitudinal ridges may fit into ends of the slits for joining the end caps with the floats.
In one embodiment, a plurality of box shaped depressions may be present on the upper portion for providing reinforcement to the upper portion. Further, boxed 15 projections may be present on the end caps. The boxed projections may fit into ends of the box shaped depressions for joining the end caps with the floats.
The male end cap and the female end cap may be connected together to connect multiple floats together along their length. A single protrusion may be present on the male end cap and double protrusions may be present on the female end cap. The 20 single protrusion may be fixed between the double protrusions using pins to connect multiple floats together.
The male end cap may comprise a first base and the female end cap may comprise a second base. The first base and the second base may be connected using a damping member to prevent collision between two adjacent floats. Further, a plurality of 25 semi-circular U-ring shaped float-to-Module Mounting Structure (MMS) connectors may be disposed at regular distances along a longitudinal direction of the pair of floats.
Each of the float-to-MMS connectors may slide into a bottom arm of the MMS. Cavities may be present on horizontal ends of the female end cap. A horizontal 30
5
connection plate may be fixed within each of the cavities, and the horizontal connection plate may support the MMS.
In one embodiment, the floating structure may comprise hollow floats made of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP). Personnel for operation and maintenance 5 work can use the flat upper portion as walkway. The bottom portion may float over water surface. The float may have longitudinal ridges present inside and below the upper portion. End caps may be used to close ends of the floats so that water does not enter inside the floats. The end caps may be affixed at ends of the floats using the longitudinal ridges and a bonding agent applied on the end caps. The male end 10 caps and the female end caps connected with two floats facing each other may be connected, to connect the two floats. Connection of the end caps provide a flexible joint between multiple floats. The end caps may also comprise an elastic attachment for avoiding collision between two floats upon movement caused due to waves of water. 15
The float-to-MMS connector may surround an edge of the bottom portion of the float. A fastening strip i.e. horizontal connection plate may run over an edge of the upper portion of the float. Each end of the float-to-MMS connector may slide into a hollow MMS. The MMS may be a triangular structure made up of a light and 20 strong material, such as Glass FRP. It may be possible to vary an angular tilt provided by triangular frame of the MMS. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels may be placed on the MMS, to collect solar energy.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 25
The accompanying drawings constitute a part of the description and are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention.
Figure 1a illustrates a perspective top view of a float 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 30
Figure 1b illustrates a perspective front view of the float 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
6
Figure 1c illustrates a perspective top view of a float 150, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention
Figure 2a illustrates a perspective side view of the float 100 connected with a male end cap 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 5
Figures 2b illustrates a perspective front view of the float 100 connected with a female end cap 206, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 2c illustrates a perspective front view of the float 150 connected with a 10 female end cap 226, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a connection between two adjacent floats, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 15
Figures 4a and 4b illustrate movement between adjacent floats connected together, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5a illustrates a Module Mounting Structure (MMS) 500 connected between 20 a pair of floats 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5b illustrates a Module Mounting Structure (MMS) 550 connected between a pair of floats 150, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 25
Figure 5c illustrates solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels 508 mounted on the Module Mounting Structure (MMS) 500, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
30
Figure 6 illustrates buoyancy results obtained upon using solar panels of a particular configuration in presence of winds.
7
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as 5 an example or illustration of the present invention, and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. 10
Referring now to Figure 1a illustrating a perspective top view of a float 100 and Figure 1b illustrating a perspective front view of the float 100, architecture of the float 100 is explained. The float 100 is a hollow and buoyant structure. In one case, the float 100 may be made using Glass Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP). The float 15 100 made of Glass FRP would have better surface area to volume ratio, life, strength, and reliability than conventional floats made using other materials. The float 100 could be manufactured using polyurethane pultrusion technique or filament-winding technique.
20
In one embodiment, a bottom portion 102 of the float 100 has a semi-circular cross-section designed to float over water surface. Further, an upper portion 104 of the float 100 is flat and could be used as a walkway. In one case, the float 100 may be 6m long, at least 400mm wide, and may be made of 2mm thick FRP sheet.
25
In one embodiment, the float 100 may have longitudinal ridges 106 present inside and below the upper portion 104. The longitudinal ridges 106 may provide reinforcement to the upper portion 104 for bearing point loads of personnel that use the upper portion 104 of the float 100 as a walkway. A person may walk on the upper portion 104 for carrying out operation and maintenance work. Further, the 30 float 100 could carry cables and other accessories for being hollow in shape. Ends of the longitudinal ridges 106 may rest inside slits present on inner surfaces of an end cap 108 (illustrated in Figure 1a) connected to the float 100.
8
Figure 1c illustrates a perspective top view of a float 150. A bottom portion 152 of the float 150 may have a wedge shape (illustrated in Figure 2c). Further, an upper portion 154 of the float 150 may comprise box shaped depressions 156. The box shaped depressions 156 may be present as an alternative to the longitudinal ridges 106, and would serve similar purpose of providing reinforcement to the upper 5 portion 154 for bearing point loads of personnel that use the upper portion 154 of the float 150 as a walkway. Boxed projections 158 present on an end cap 160 may fit into ends of these box shaped depressions 158 while the end cap 160 is attached with the float 150.
10
Referring now to Figure 2a and 2b illustrating a perspective side view of the float 100 connected with a male end cap 200 and a perspective front view of the float 100 connected with a female end cap 206 respectively, design and connection of the male end cap 200 and the female end cap 206 with the float 100 are described. The male end cap 200 and the female end cap 206 may be manufactured using resin 15 infusion technology or sheet molding compounds. Each unit of the float 100 may be connected with male and female end caps. For example, as shown in Figure 2a, the male end cap 200 may close an end of the float 100 so that water does not enter inside the float 100. In one case, the male end cap 200 may mate over the longitudinal ridges 106 present at one end of the float 100, to provide a water tight 20 sealing between the float 100 and the male end cap 200. In a similar manner, the female end caps 206 may mate over the longitudinal ridges 106 present at another end of the float 100.
In one embodiment, the male end cap 200 and the female end cap 206 may act as 25 coupling means to connect multiple floats together. In order to connect multiple floats together, the male end cap 200 and the female end cap 206 may be connected at ends of two successive floats. The male end cap 200, as illustrated in Figure 2a, may comprise a single protrusion 202 and a first base 204. Further, the female end cap 206, as illustrated in Figure 2b, may comprise double protrusions 208 and a 30 second base 210.
In one embodiment, all the protrusions may be present on an upper portion i.e. the single protrusion 202 and the double protrusions 208 may be present on an upper
9
portion of the male end cap 200 and the female end cap 206 respectively. Further, the first base 204 and the second base 210 may be present on a bottom portion of the male end cap 200 and the female end cap 206 respectively. The single protrusion 202 may fit within a sufficient gap present between the double protrusions 208. The single protrusion 202 when positioned between the double protrusions 208 may be 5 connected with each other, using a rigid connector pin. The rigid connector pin may pass through holes 212a and 212b present in the single protrusion 202 and the double protrusions 208 respectively. Such rigid connection between the protrusions would not allow occurrence of any undesirable inter-float movement, especially in transverse direction. 10
In one embodiment, a rubber bush may be mounted on the first base 204 and the second base 210. The rubber bush may avoid collision between two adjacent floats that may move due to tides in water. The rubber bush may be manufactured to comprise sufficient elasticity so that the rubber bush could absorb impacts caused 15 upon movement of two successive floats connected with each other. In one case, thickness of the rubber bush may be varied based on a maximum wave size at a site of installation.
Horizontal connection plate 214 may be attached between the end cap (male end 20 cap 200 and female end cap 206) and the float 100. Specifically, the horizontal connection plate 214 may be present along the upper portion 104 of the float 100. The horizontal connection plate 214 may be used to support a Module Mounting Structure (MMS) described in later sections with reference to Figures 5a and 5b.
25
Figure 2c illustrates a perspective front view of the float 150 connected with a female end cap 226 (similar in functioning to the female end cap 206). As illustrated, the float 150 and the female end cap 226 may be present in a wedge shape. Further, double protrusions 228 (similar to the double protrusions 208) may be present on center of an external surface of the female end cap 226. A rubber bush 30 230 may be mounted near a bottom portion of external surface of the female end cap 226. A horizontal connection plate 234 may be fixed within a cavity 236 present on an end of the female end cap 226. Further, screws or pins may be used to secure the horizontal connection plate 234 with the female end cap 226. Each end cap (both
10
male and female) may comprise two cavities present on horizontal ends (present on right side and on left side), and therefore, two horizontal connection plates may be connected with each end cap.
In another embodiment, the first base 204 and the second base 210 may be 5 connected with each other using a damping material 302, as illustrated in Figures 3, 4a, and 4b. Figure 3 illustrates a connection between two adjacent floats. In one case, the damping material 302 may be made of Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) rubber. Further, the damping material 302 may be made using other flexible elements, such as a metallic spring. The damping material 302 may 10 provide a flexible joint 304 for connecting two successive floats together.
Referring to Figures 4a and 4b, movement between adjacent floats connected together is explained. While a disturbance is received from waves in water, the successive floats may move away and the damping material 302 may stretch, as 15 illustrated in Figure 4a. Amount of stretching of the damping material 302 may depend on its elasticity coefficient. Thereafter, the successive floats may come closer and the damping material 302 may contract, as illustrated in Figure 4b. Therefore, the damping material 302 controls a range of movement between two successive floats connected together. Elasticity of the damping material 302 could 20 be adjusted during manufacturing, to control the range of movement between the successive floats. In this manner, the flexible joint 304 allows the successive floats to absorb disturbances from waves in the water.
Figures 5a and 5b illustrate a Module Mounting Structure (MMS) 500 connected 25 between a pair of floats 100 and 150. A semi-circular U-ring shaped float-to-Module Mounting Structure (MMS) connector 504 may be present at regular distances, for example at every 1 meter, along a longitudinal direction of the pair of floats 100. The float-to-MMS connector 504 may surround an edge of the bottom portion 102 of the float 100. One side of the float-to-MMS connector 504 may slide 30 into a hollow MMS 500, specifically into a bottom arm 506 of the hollow MMS 500. The MMS 500 and the bottom arm 506 may be bolted together using a fastening strip i.e. the horizontal connection plate 214 (illustrated clearly in Figure 2b). The horizontal connection plate 214 may run over the upper portion 104 of the
11
float 100. Further, a remaining portion of the float-to-MMS connector 504 may be glued with the float 100. Because the horizontal connection plate 214 sits above the float and is bolted to both ends of the float-to-MMS connector 504, downward force from heavy wind load will not be able to dislodge the MMS 500 from the float 100.
5
In one embodiment, the horizontal connection plate 214 may rest near the upper portion 104 of the float 100, with an air gap of 5 mm. The horizontal connection plate 214 may allow affixing of cable lines along a longitudinal edge of the float 100, without compromising walkway space for personnel. Further, the float-to-MMS connector 504 would allow efficient transferring of wind load from the MMS 10 500 to the float 100; as well ensure that the MMS 500 is firmly affixed to the float 100. Further, because the float-to-MMS connector 504 wraps around under the float 100, uplift forces on solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels and the MMS 500 from heavy wind load cannot dislodge the MMS 500 from the float 100.
15
In one embodiment, the MMS 500 may be connected with the float-to-MMS connector 504, in a male-female sleeve configuration. Thus, the MMS 500 will not slip in a longitudinal direction and will not dislodge from the float-to-MMS connector 504 or the float 100, even under heavy load.
20
In one embodiment, the MMS 500 may be a triangular structure made up of a light and strong material, such as Glass FRP. The MMS 500 may be made of one or more triangular frames. In one case, each triangular frame of the MMS 500 may provide an angular tilt, ranging from 10 to 20-degrees, to solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels 508 (explained in subsequent sections with reference to Figure 5c) mounted on 25 them. In one case, the angular tilt could be varied by changing a point of contact of a medial arm 510 with a top arm 512 and/or the bottom arm 506, of a triangular frame. Further, a point of contact of the top arm 512 on an end arm 514 may also be varied to change the angular tilt provided by the triangular frame of the MMS 500. The end arm 514 may be connected between the top arm 512 and the bottom 30 arm 506 at an intermediate position of the triangular frame of the MMS 500 (as illustrated in Figure 5b). In one case, the angular tilt could be varied depending on position of sun in the sky, to collect maximum amount of solar energy.
12
Figure 5c illustrates the solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels 508 mounted on the MMS 500. In one case, at least two triangular frames of the MMS 500 may support each solar PV panel. Absence of any member directly beneath the solar PV panels 508 would expose their back surfaces to water, though the solar PV panels 508 do not come in contact with the water. Such arrangement would enable convective cooling 5 of the solar PV panels 508. Cooling of the solar PV panels 508 would thus improve their operational efficiency, as the solar PV panels 508 generate higher power at lower temperatures.
In one case, the solar PV panels 508 may be installed on the MMS 500 in a portrait 10 orientation. Using portrait orientation, instead of the conventional landscape orientation, brings several benefits. Such benefits include increased packing density of the solar PV panels 508 per pair of floats 100 and 150, enabling two personnel to simultaneously walk on one float each of the pair of floats 100 and 150to install or maintain a same solar PV panel, improving the pace of activities. By allowing 15 two personnel to simultaneously work on the pair of floats 100 and 150 would not only be advantageous from safety perspective, but would also lead to better distribution of load across multiple adjacent floats, in contrast to point load of a single person. Further, the ability of multiple personnel to install and service the solar PV panels 508, at one time, leads to lower operation and maintenance costs 20 and better safety. Further, in portrait orientation, it is possible to design an MMS consisting of minimal material weight while also mounting the solar PV panels 508 by their frames and leaving entire back surfaces uncovered.
Figure 6 illustrates buoyancy results obtained upon using solar panels of a particular 25 configuration in presence of winds.

CLAIMS:
We Claim:
1. A floating structure for solar panels, comprising:
a pair of floats (100, 150), each having an upper portion (104, 154) and a bottom portion (102, 152), wherein the upper portion (104, 154) is flat and the bottom portion (102, 152) has one of a curved shape and a wedge shape;
end caps (108, 160) connected at both ends of each of the pair of floats (100, 150), wherein the end caps (108, 160) are one of a male end cap (200) and a female end cap (206, 226); and
a Module Mounting Structure (MMS) (500) supporting upon the pair of floats (100, 150), wherein the MMS (500) allow mounting of solar panels (508) at a predefined angle.
2. The floating structure as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of longitudinal ridges (106) extending inward from the upper portion (104) for providing reinforcement to the upper portion (104).
3. The floating structure as claimed in claim 2, further comprising slits present on the end caps (108, 160), wherein the longitudinal ridges (106) fit into ends of the slits for joining the end caps (108, 160) with the floats (100, 150).
4. The floating structure as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of box shaped depressions (156) present on the upper portion (154) for providing reinforcement to the upper portion (154).
5. The floating structure as claimed in claim 4, further comprising boxed projections (158) present on the end caps (108, 160), wherein the boxed projections (158) fit into ends of the box shaped depressions (158) for joining the end caps (108, 160) with the floats (100, 150).
6. The floating structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the male end cap (200) and the female end cap (206, 226) are connected together to connect multiple floats (100, 150) together along their length.
14
7. The floating structure as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a single protrusion (202) present on the male end cap (200) and double protrusions (208) present on the female end cap (206, 226), wherein the single protrusion (202) is fixed between the double protrusions (208) using pins to connect multiple floats (100, 150) together.
8. The floating structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the male end cap (200) comprises a first base (204) and the female end cap (206) comprises a second base (210), and wherein the first base (204) and the second base (210) are connected using a damping member (302) to prevent collision between two adjacent floats (100, 150).
9. The floating structure as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of semi-circular U-ring shaped float-to-Module Mounting Structure (MMS) connectors (504) disposed at regular distances along a longitudinal direction of the pair of floats (100, 150).
10. The floating structure as claimed in claim 9, wherein each of the float-to-MMS connectors (504) slide into a bottom arm (506) of the MMS (500).
11. The floating structure as claimed in claim 1, further comprising cavities (236) present on horizontal ends of the female end cap (226), wherein a horizontal connection plate (234) is fixed within each of the cavities (236), and the horizontal connection plate (234) support the MMS (500).
12. The floating structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the floats (100, 150) are made of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) and manufactured using one of polyurethane pultrusion technique or filament-winding technique.