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WO2012131543A1 - Appareil et procédé de génération d'électricité au moyen de panneaux photovoltaïques. - Google Patents

Appareil et procédé de génération d'électricité au moyen de panneaux photovoltaïques. Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012131543A1
WO2012131543A1 PCT/IB2012/051357 IB2012051357W WO2012131543A1 WO 2012131543 A1 WO2012131543 A1 WO 2012131543A1 IB 2012051357 W IB2012051357 W IB 2012051357W WO 2012131543 A1 WO2012131543 A1 WO 2012131543A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
platform
fixed structure
basin
floating platform
photovoltaic panels
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/IB2012/051357
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Paolo Rosa-Clot
Marco Rosa-Clot
Raniero Cazzaniga
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
SCIENZA INDUSTRIA TECNOLOGIA Srl
Original Assignee
SCIENZA INDUSTRIA TECNOLOGIA Srl
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by SCIENZA INDUSTRIA TECNOLOGIA Srl filed Critical SCIENZA INDUSTRIA TECNOLOGIA Srl
Publication of WO2012131543A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012131543A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10F—INORGANIC SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES SENSITIVE TO INFRARED RADIATION, LIGHT, ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION OF SHORTER WAVELENGTH OR CORPUSCULAR RADIATION
    • H10F77/00—Constructional details of devices covered by this subclass
    • H10F77/40—Optical elements or arrangements
    • H10F77/42—Optical elements or arrangements directly associated or integrated with photovoltaic cells, e.g. light-reflecting means or light-concentrating means
    • H10F77/488—Reflecting light-concentrating means, e.g. parabolic mirrors or concentrators using total internal reflection
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S20/00—Solar heat collectors specially adapted for particular uses or environments
    • F24S20/70—Waterborne solar heat collector modules
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S30/00—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
    • F24S30/40—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement
    • F24S30/42—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement with only one rotation axis
    • F24S30/422—Vertical axis
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S50/00—Arrangements for controlling solar heat collectors
    • F24S50/20—Arrangements for controlling solar heat collectors for tracking
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
    • H02S20/10—Supporting structures directly fixed to the ground
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
    • H02S20/30—Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
    • H02S20/30—Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment
    • H02S20/32—Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment specially adapted for solar tracking
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S40/00—Components or accessories in combination with PV modules, not provided for in groups H02S10/00 - H02S30/00
    • H02S40/20—Optical components
    • H02S40/22—Light-reflecting or light-concentrating means
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
    • Y02E10/47—Mountings or tracking
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
    • Y02E10/52—PV systems with concentrators

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an apparatus and a method for generating electricity using photovoltaic panels, in particular an apparatus configured to be arranged in a water basin.
  • Installing a photovoltaic apparatus in a water basin advantageously allows the solar energy that strikes the surface of the basin to be converted into electrical energy without occupying ground space.
  • That apparatus comprises a solar panel mounting structure comprising a plurality of solar panels.
  • the mounting structure and the panels fixed to it are fully immersed in water so that the panels are under the surface of the water or, alternatively, they emerge from the water and are covered by a flow of water produced by a pump.
  • a strongly felt need is that of being able to use the solar radiation on the water basin in an extremely simple, inexpensive and efficient way.
  • This invention has for an aim to satisfy the aforementioned need by providing a photovoltaic apparatus for generating electricity in a water basin and a method for generating electricity in a water basin which are particularly simple, inexpensive and efficient.
  • Another aim of the invention is to provide a photovoltaic apparatus for generating electricity in a water basin and a method for generating electricity in a water basin which allow the solar radiation that strikes the surface of a basin to be efficiently converted into electricity.
  • a further aim is to provide a photovoltaic apparatus for generating electricity in a water basin and whose installation costs are particularly low.
  • the apparatus for generating electricity using photovoltaic panels suitable for arrangement in a water basin comprises:
  • a floating platform operatively arranged in said water basin and connected to the fixed structure so as to be rotationally constrained about a predefined axis perpendicular to the surface defined by the free surface of said basin;
  • the apparatus comprises: locking means designed to lock the platform in position with respect to the fixed structure in a plurality of predefined angular positions.
  • the apparatus also comprises a control and drive unit, designed to activate the actuating means so as to displace the platform between the various predefined positions.
  • the locking means define a limit stop for the floating platform with respect to the fixed platform (that is to say, they stop the floating platform from moving relative to the fixed platform) and allow the floating platform to be held in one of the predefined positions with respect to the fixed platform.
  • the method for generating electricity using photovoltaic panels in a water basin comprises the steps of: preparing a floating platform supporting a plurality of photovoltaic panels and arranging it inside said water basin; preparing a fixed structure and anchoring it with respect to said basin; connecting the platform to the fixed structure so that the platform is rotationally constrained about a predefined axis perpendicular to the surface of the said basin, the method further comprising the following steps: rotationally operating the platform between a plurality of predefined angular positions; and locking the platform in position with respect to the fixed structure in said angular positions.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a detail of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of another detail of the apparatus of Figure 1;
  • Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a detail K of the apparatus of
  • Figures 5a and 5b are respective rear schematic plan views of the detail K of Figure 4 in two respective configurations
  • Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of a further embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention.
  • Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of a yet further embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention.
  • Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of a further variant of the apparatus according to the invention.
  • Figures 9 and 10 are respective schematic plan views illustrating a plurality of apparatuses connected together to form an energy conversion system
  • Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of a variant of the detail of Figure
  • Figure 12 is a perspective view of a variant embodiment of the detail of Figure 2 of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;
  • the reference numeral 1 denotes an apparatus for generating electricity, using photovoltaic panels 2 according to this invention.
  • the apparatus 1 is suitable for arrangement in a water basin 5, where by water basin 5 is meant a body of either fresh water or sea water (for example, a reservoir, a lake, a part of a sea, etc.).
  • the apparatus comprises a floating platform 3 supporting photovoltaic panels 2.
  • the platform 3 floats in the water basin 5.
  • the floating platform 3 supports a plurality of photovoltaic panels 2 (hereinafter also referred to as panels 2) arranged in such a way that a top face 6 of the panels 2 receives the solar radiation.
  • panels 2 photovoltaic panels 2
  • the photovoltaic panels 2 are angularly arranged relative to the free surface 7 of the water basin 5.
  • the panels 2 are positioned on top of the floating supporting platform 3 so that they are above the surface of the water basin 5.
  • a portion of the panels 2 may be under water (that is, it may be below the free surface of the basin 5).
  • Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment which clearly shows the floating platform 3.
  • the platform 3 is preferably a grid structure defined by a plurality of beams (18,19).
  • the platform 3 comprises first beams 18 made of plastic (preferably PVC) and second beams 19 made of metal.
  • first beams 18 are connected to the second beams 19 in such a way as to define the platform 3.
  • platform 3 in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 is circular in shape.
  • the platform 3 is delimited by a ring 20.
  • the ring 20 is a circular ring.
  • the ring 20 is connected to the first beams 18 and/or to the second beams 19, that is, it is located on the outside of the grid.
  • the apparatus 1 also comprises a fixed structure 4.
  • the fixed structure 4 is fixed relative to the basin 5, that is to say, it is anchored to the basin 5. It should be noted that the fixed structure 4 in the exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 4, has the shape of a circular ring 21.
  • the ring 21 defines a seat 8 for receiving said platform 3.
  • the platform 3 is connected to the fixed structure 4 in such a way that the platform 3 is free to rotate about an axis Z perpendicular to the surface 7 of the basin 5.
  • the fixed structure 4 contains the platform 3, that is to say, the platform 3 is positioned inside the seat 8 of the fixed structure 4.
  • Figure 1 shows the platform 3 not covered by photovoltaic panels 2. It should be noted that the platform 3 is preferably completely covered by photovoltaic panels 2.
  • the platform 3 covered by photovoltaic panels 2 is shown in Figures 2 and 3.
  • the apparatus 1 comprises first engagement means 12 and second engagement means 13 for engagement with one another in order to allow the platform 3 to be locked relative to the fixed structure 4.
  • the first engagement means 12 and the second engagement means 13 allow the platform 3 to be locked stably in a plurality of predefined angular positions relative to the fixed structure 4.
  • first engagement means 12 are associated with the platform 3 and the second engagement means 13 are associated with the fixed structure 4.
  • the first engagement means 12 comprise one or more grippers 15 and the second engagement means 13 comprise one or more posts 14.
  • each gripper 15 is movable between a first position PI, where it interacts with a post 14 so as to allow the platform 3 to be locked in a certain angular position relative to the fixed structure 4 and a second position P2, where it does not interact with the post 14.
  • Figure 5a shows the gripper 15 in the position of noninteraction P2 and Figure 5b shows the gripper 15 in the position of interaction PI (hereinafter also referred to as locked position PI).
  • the grippers 15 are configured to move radially between the position of noninteraction P2 and the locked position PI.
  • the position of interaction PI is a position where the gripper 15 is proximal to a post 14 and the position of non-interaction P2 is a position where the gripper 15 is distal from the posts 14.
  • the gripper 15 comprises a fork-shaped element which is movable between the position PI and the position P2.
  • the apparatus 1 comprises a plurality of grippers 15 (more specifically, three grippers) and a plurality of posts 14.
  • the first engagement means 12 and the second engagement means 13 define a plurality of angular positions where the platform 3 is locked relative to the fixed structure 4.
  • the posts 14 are distributed along the periphery of the fixed structure 4, that is, along the edge of the fixed structure 4 facing the platform 3.
  • the posts 14 are distributed along the periphery of the fixed structure 4 at equal angular intervals.
  • the grippers 15 are arranged relative to each other in such a way that they can simultaneously engage corresponding posts 14 (in light of this, each gripper 15 engages a different post 14 from that engaged by the other grippers 15). That means the angular position which the platform 3 can be locked at relative to the fixed structure 4 is fixed at two or more points, advantageously making it very stable and effective even against disturbance created by waves in the basin.
  • each gripper defines a point at which the platform 3 is locked to the fixed structure 4.
  • the apparatus 1 is also preferable for the apparatus 1 to be equipped with a plurality of grippers 15 arranged in such a way as to allow locking at two more locking points, in a manner similar to that described above.
  • the posts 14 and the grippers 15 may be arranged in such a way that not all the grippers 15 engage simultaneously with corresponding posts 14 (that is, at a chosen position, the grippers 15 in a first group engage with corresponding posts 14 and the grippers 15 in a second group do not engage with any posts).
  • the number of angular locked positions of the platform 3 relative to the fixed structure 4 can advantageously be increased without varying the number of posts 14.
  • the number of locked positions of the platform 3 is correlated with the number of posts 14 and the number of grippers 15 (independently of the arrangement of the posts 14 and of the grippers 15 respectively on the platform 3 and on the fixed structure 4, or vice versa).
  • the number of locked positions of the platform 3 relative to the fixed structure 4 is equal to the number of posts 14.
  • the number of locked positions is a multiple of the number of posts 14.
  • the first engagement means 12 comprise one or more posts 14 and the second engagement means 13 comprise one or more grippers 15 (in light of this, it is stressed that either the posts 14 or the grippers 15 must be at least two in number so as to have at least a plurality of angular locked positions).
  • the posts 14 define first constraining elements and the grippers 15 define second constraining elements for interacting with the first constraining elements to allow the platform 3 to be locked at a certain angular position relative to the fixed structure 4.
  • first engagement means 12 and the second engagement means 13 (that is, the first and second constraining elements) more generally define locking means 11 by which the platform 3 is locked to the fixed structure 4 and which are configured to allow the platform 3 to be locked in position relative to the fixed structure 4 at a plurality of angular positions.
  • the platform 3 has, on the peripheral ring 20, a plurality of rollers 22, each rotatable about a respective axis.
  • rollers 22 might also be mounted on the fixed structure 4 or on neither of the two structures (3,4) and might instead be interposed between these structures (3,4).
  • the rollers 22 define a plurality of rotating bodies 16 interposed between the platform 3 and the fixed structure 4.
  • interposing the rotating bodies 16 between the platform 3 and the fixed structure 4 advantageously makes it possible to avoid shocks and scraping between the platform 3 and the fixed structure 4 (especially during rotation of the platform 3) thereby reducing the risk of damage to and/or wear of the platform 3 and/or of the fixed structure 4.
  • the apparatus 1 comprises at least one power- driven propeller 17 mounted to the platform 3 and operating on the water of the basin 5.
  • the apparatus comprises a first propeller 17a and a second propeller 17b, that is to say, a plurality of propellers 17.
  • the propellers 17 are arranged preferably, but without limiting the invention, diametrically opposite each other on the peripheral edge of the platform 3.
  • the propellers 17 are mounted at a predefined distance from the axis of rotation Z of the platform 3 so as to define, when activated, an angular torque C causing the platform 3 to rotate about the axis of rotation Z.
  • propellers 17 are advantageously arranged in such a way as to apply to the platform 3 a thrust force with a principally tangential component relative to the selfsame platform 3.
  • the propellers 17 define actuating (or rotating) means 23 for setting the platform 3 in rotation relative to the fixed structure 4 about an axis Z perpendicular to the surface of the water basin 5.
  • actuating means 23 comprise an actuator.
  • actuating means 23 are configured to operate on the water of the basin 5 in such a way as to allow the platform 3 to rotate as mentioned above.
  • the actuating means 23 are configured to displace the water in the basin in such a way as to displace the floating platform (by reaction or by direct action).
  • the actuating means 23 comprise one or more nozzles fixed to the fixed structure 4 (or, vice versa, to the platform 3) and one or more contact paddles fixed to the platform 3 (or, vice versa, to the fixed structure 4).
  • the nozzles are activated to direct a jet of water at high speed against the contact paddles in such a way as to produce momentum, or rather, torque, which causes the platform 3 to rotate about the axis Z.
  • actuating means 23 might also comprise (alternatively or in addition to the propellers or nozzles) other mechanical means, such as cables coupled with pulleys or mechanical face tooth systems of the rack and pinion type, for example. These actuating means are associated with the floating platform 3 and with the fixed structure 4 in order to move the former relative to the latter.
  • the actuating means 23 comprise gears (associated with the floating platform 3 and with the fixed structure 4), configured to be meshed together to cause the floating platform 3 to move relative to the fixed structure 4.
  • one of the gears is locked (for example, the gear associated with the fixed structure 4) while the other (for example, the gear associated with the floating platform 3) is driven by a motor, to produce relative movement of the floating platform 3 relative to the fixed structure 4.
  • the actuating means 23 comprise a rack and pinion mechanism: in this variant, one of either the fixed structure 4 or the floating platform 3 mounts a rack which meshes with a pinion mounted by the other of either the fixed structure 4 or the floating platform 3. Rotation of the pinion (or vice versa, the translation of the rack) causes rotation of the floating platform 3 relative to the fixed structure 4.
  • the actuating means 23 comprise a cable (or a plurality of cables) connected to the floating platform 3 and to the fixed structure 4.
  • the cable is kinematically connected to a drive motor. The movement of the cable causes the floating platform to rotate.
  • the cable is fixed to the floating platform at one or more points and can be wound and unwound on and from two reels which are connected to the fixed structure 4 and at least one of which is power driven (that is, connected to the drive motor).
  • the fixed structure might comprise a mast rotatably coupled with the floating platform.
  • the mast is rotatably inserted in the floating platform (preferably at a central point thereof).
  • the fixed structure might comprise a rigid ring connected to a float and anchored (preferably by at least three chains fixed to the ring or by the central mast) to the bottom of the basin.
  • the floating platform is rotatably connected to the rigid ring.
  • the floating platform is positioned on top of the rigid ring.
  • the ring is immersed in the basin.
  • the platform and the ring are configured (as regards the respective floats) in such a way that pressure is applied between the platform and the ring, that is to say, the ring float is of a size such that the ring applies an upward thrust on the platform.
  • the mechanical connection between the ring and the platform comprises two stops to limit the rotation of the platform relative to the ring in both directions of rotation.
  • the diameter of the ring is smaller (for example, half or less) than the diameter of a circle which circumscribes the platform (in other words, the area occupied by the ring is smaller than the area occupied by the platform).
  • the ring is anchored to the bottom of the basin in such a way as to prevent or substantially limit movements of the ring in directions parallel to the free surface of the basin.
  • the three chains are fixed to the ring at three different points. Further, the three chains are fixed to the basin at three different points (arranged in a circle larger than that projected by the ring onto the bottom of the basin).
  • the ring defines a first annular guide, in the shape of a circular crown and having one face directed towards the free surface of the basin, and a second annular cylindrical guide positioned coaxially with the axis of rotation of the platform.
  • the floating platform is equipped with a first pair of shoes slidably connected to the first guide (from above) and a second pair of shoes slidably connected to the second guide (from the outside).
  • the floating platform comprises a frame having four (or two) beams fixed crossways and preferably floating.
  • the floating platform comprises a plurality of floating units (rafts) supporting the panels and connected to the frame (crossways).
  • Figures 2, 3 and 11 illustrate the arrangement of the photovoltaic panels 2 relative to the platform 3. These figures will be described by way of a non-limiting example.
  • the photovoltaic panels 2 are arranged side by side in rows.
  • the photovoltaic panels 2 are preferably rigidly fixed to the platform 3.
  • the apparatus comprises adjustment means by which the inclination of the photovoltaic panels 2 relative to the free surface of the water of the basin 5 can be adjusted.
  • the inclination of the photovoltaic panels 2 relative to the free surface of the water of the basin 5 can be adjusted as a function of the geographical position of the installation site of the apparatus 1 and/or as a function of the actual position of the sun (the adjustment being either stepless or discrete).
  • the apparatus 1 comprises a control and drive unit connected to the propellers 17 to drive them in rotation.
  • control and drive unit is used to denote a plurality of electronic modules not necessarily connected to each other and each module being designed to perform a certain function.
  • the apparatus 1 comprises detection means 24 for detecting the position of the gripper 15 (grippers 15) relative to the posts 14.
  • each gripper 15 is positioned at first positions where it faces (that is, is positioned opposite) one of the posts 14 (and the gripper 15 can thus be moved from the position P2 to the position PI to interact with the post 14 to angularly lock the platform 3 relative to the fixed structure 4) and at second positions where the gripper 15 does not face any post 14 (that is, the gripper 15 does not interact with any post 14).
  • the detection means 24 are connected to the control and drive unit to make available to the latter a signal indicating that one or more grippers 15 is (are) near a post 14.
  • the detection means 24 may comprise sensors of a mechanical type and/or sensors of an optical type, configured to generate a proximity signal indicating that a gripper 15 is near a post 14.
  • the detection means 24 may be mounted on the floating platform 3 or on the fixed structure 4 or on both. They are preferably mounted at the grippers 15 and/or at the posts 14.
  • control and drive unit causes the gripper 15 (grippers 15) to move between the position of non-interaction P2 and the locked position PI as a function of the values of the signals from the detection means 24, as will become clearer as this description continues.
  • control and drive unit causes the gripper 15 to move from the position of non-interaction P2 to the locked position PI when a gripper 15 faces, that is to say, can interact with, a post 14 (in the specific case shown in Figure 1, the grippers 15 can interact with the posts 14 substantially simultaneously).
  • the apparatus 1 can operate according to a plurality of different modes.
  • the grippers 15 are moved from the locked position PI to the position of non interaction P2. This lets the platform 3 rotate freely relative to the fixed structure 4.
  • the control and drive unit is programmed to activate the propellers 17 at predetermined time intervals (preferably programmable). Activating the propellers (after first positioning the grippers 15 at the position of non-interaction P2) causes the platform 3 to rotate relative to the fixed structure 4.
  • the propellers 17 are activated for a predetermined length of time, More preferably, the propellers 17 are activated long enough to allow the platform to rotate by a predetermined amount.
  • control and drive unit drives the gripper 15 from the position of non-interaction P2 to the locked position PI .
  • the platform 3 is thus locked to the fixed structure 4.
  • the operating cycle described above is repeated preferably at predetermined time intervals in order to vary the angular position of the platform relative to the fixed structure.
  • the cycle is repeated every twenty minutes and each cycle corresponds to a rotation of approximately five sexagesimal degrees.
  • angular locked positions of the platform 3 relative to the fixed structure 4 are determined by the relative arrangement of the posts 14 and grippers 15 on the platform 3 and the fixed structure 4.
  • Rotating the platform 3 allows the panels 2 to follow the position of the sun so that they are always .
  • positioned _m such _ the amount of radiant energy they receive.
  • the apparatus 1 comprises a sun tracker device.
  • the sun tracker device is configured to generate a signal indicating the optimum angle of irradiation, that is, indicating the angle of rotation of the platform 3 about the axis Z corresponding to the maximum irradiation intensity on the surface of the panels 2.
  • the control and drive unit moves the grippers 15 and activates the propellers 17 as a function of the signal from the sun tracker device in order to position the platform 3 at a predefined angle relative to the axis Z so that the flow of solar energy on the surface of the photovoltaic panels 2 is maximized.
  • the platform 3 is circular in shape, while the fixed structure 4 has the shape of a square which is substantially circumscribed around the circle defined by the platform 3 (the expression "substantially circumscribed” meaning that the fixed structure 4 is shaped relative to the platform 3 in such a way that the latter has a certain freedom of translation, even if small).
  • the fixed structure 4 mounts the gripper 15 (grippers 15) and the platform 3 mounts the posts 14.
  • This arrangement of the posts 14 and/or the grippers 15 minimizes the costs of the apparatus 1 without reducing the possible number of angular locked positions of the platform 3 relative to the fixed structure 4.
  • the fixed structure 4 may have the shape of any regular polygon substantially circumscribed around the platform 3.
  • the fixed structure 4 might be hexagonal in shape (as illustrated in Figure 9).
  • the fixed structure 4 preferably mounts the rotating bodies 16.
  • Figure 7 illustrates a variant embodiment where the fixed structure 4 has a circular shape (that is, it defines a circular seat 8 for receiving the platform 3) and the platform 3 has the shape of a triangle substantially inscribed in the circle defined by the seat 8.
  • the platform 3 may have the shape of any regular polygon substantially inscribed in the seat 8 defined by the fixed structure 4.
  • the platform 3 mounts the gripper 15 (grippers 15) and the fixed structure 4 mounts the posts 14.
  • This arrangement of the posts 14 and/or the grippers 15 minimizes the costs of the apparatus 1 without reducing the possible number of angular locked positions of the platform relative to the fixed structure.
  • the platform 3 preferably mounts the rotating bodies 16.
  • Figure 8 illustrates a further variant embodiment where the platform 3 is circular in shape and the fixed structure comprises a plurality of platform 3 constraining elements 9 which are angularly spaced about the axis of rotation Z to define a plurality of platform 3 constraining points.
  • constraining elements 9 together allow the platform 3 to be constrained in such a way that only rotation about the axis Z is substantially allowed.
  • each constraining element 9 preferably comprises an internal portion 25 which is fixed relative to the basin 5 and an external portion 26 which is rotatably mounted on the internal portion 25.
  • the external portion 26 is configured to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the surface of the basin 5.
  • the internal portion 25 fulfils the same functions as the rotating bodies 16, that is to say, it avoids shocks and scraping between the platform 3 and the fixed structure 4.
  • the apparatus 1 comprises three constraining elements 9, arranged at equal angular intervals of 120 sexagesimal degrees about the axis of rotation Z.
  • the apparatus 1 might comprise any number of constraining elements 9.
  • the fixed structure 4 may be constrained to the basin
  • the fixed structure 4 may be fixed to the basin 5 by masts anchored to the bottom of the basin 5 and/or by means for connection to the basin shore 28 (beams, connecting piers, etc.).
  • the apparatus 1 comprises means for anchoring the fixed structure 4 to the bottom of the basin 5 and/or means for fixing the fixed structure 4 to the shore 28 of the basin 5.
  • Figures 9 and 10 illustrate exemplary embodiments of an electricity generating system 100 which is also an object of this invention.
  • the system 100 is a modular system, that is to say, it comprises a plurality of apparatuses 1 connected together.
  • the apparatus la is connected to the shore 28 and all the apparatuses (la, lb, lc, Id, lm) are connected together (and thus constrained to the basin 5).
  • the system 100 is a modular system, that is to say, it can be configured in such a way as to comprise any required number of apparatuses 1 , depending on the size of the basin 5 and on design requirements.
  • the apparatus le is connected to the shore 28 and all the apparatuses (le, If, lg, lh) are connected together.
  • the platform 3 comprises a plurality of reflective elements 27, consisting, for example, of reflective panels made according to technology of per se known type.
  • a plurality of reflective elements 27 consisting, for example, of reflective panels made according to technology of per se known type.
  • These reflective elements 27 is to increase the effect of irradiation on the photovoltaic panels 2 so as to increase the efficiency of the system.
  • the photovoltaic panels 2 are arranged at an angle to the surface of the water (for example by a predefined angle of approximately 30-50 degrees).
  • the reflective elements 27 are placed side by side behind a row of photovoltaic panels and are inclined in the opposite direction at substantially the same angle to form with the panels 2 alongside them an upwardly directed edge. That way, the reflective elements placed alongside one row of panels 2 reflect the solar radiation onto the panels 2 of an adjacent row of panels 2.
  • the photovoltaic panels 2 are parallel to the surface 7 of the basin 5 and the reflective elements 27 are inclined at a predefined angle to the surface of the water basin.
  • the reflective elements are placed alongside in pairs of rows inclined in opposite directions to form an upturned V configuration (with the edge directed upwards). That way, one row of panels 2 arranged horizontally is interposed between pairs of reflective elements 27 arranged in upturned V configuration.
  • This solution is preferable because it makes the platform particularly simple and efficient.
  • one group G of reflective elements 27 defining an upturned V comprises first reflective elements 27a facing towards a first row Fl of photovoltaic panels 2 and second reflective elements 27b facing towards a second row F2 of photovoltaic panels 2.
  • each row (Fl, F2) of photovoltaic panels 2 is located between reflective elements 27a and 27b belonging to two different groups, each defining one side of a corresponding upturned V.
  • the platform 3 is rotated in such a way that the photovoltaic panels 2 always face in the direction of the sun.
  • the platform 3 is in a position which is at 90° to the position illustrated in Figure 11.
  • the apparatus 1 is an extremely simple and inexpensive apparatus.
  • installation of the apparatus 1 is relatively simple and does not require special skills and/or particular installation site features (for example, it may advantageously be installed even in shallow basins).
  • the actuation system of the apparatus 1, driven by the propellers 17, is at once extremely simple and highly reliable.
  • the efficiency of the apparatus 1 is guaranteed by the possibility of rotating the platform 3 to maximize the solar radiation received.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)

Abstract

L'appareil (1) selon l'invention, servant à générer de l'électricité au moyen de panneaux photovoltaïques (2), pouvant être installé dans un bassin d'eau (5), comprend : une structure fixe (4) amarrée au bassin (5) ; une plate-forme flottante (3) agencée de manière opérationnelle dans ledit bassin d'eau (5) et raccordée à la structure fixe (4) de façon à être contrainte à tourner autour d'un axe prédéfini (Z) perpendiculaire à la surface (7) définie par la surface libre dudit bassin (5) ; une pluralité de panneaux photovoltaïques (2) agencés sur la plate-forme flottante de façon à ce que la surface supérieure (6) des panneaux (2) reçoive le rayonnement solaire ; un moyen réfléchissant servant à accroître la capacité de collecte de rayonnement des panneaux ; un moyen d'actionnement (23) servant à faire tourner la plate-forme flottante (3) par rapport à la structure fixe (4) ; un moyen de verrouillage (11) conçu pour verrouiller la plate-forme (3) à une certaine position par rapport à la structure fixe (4), dans une pluralité de positions angulaires prédéfinies ; une unité de commande et d'entraînement conçue pour activer le moyen d'actionnement (23) de façon à déplacer la plate-forme (3) entre les différentes positions prédéfinies.
PCT/IB2012/051357 2011-03-25 2012-03-22 Appareil et procédé de génération d'électricité au moyen de panneaux photovoltaïques. Ceased WO2012131543A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT000155A ITBO20110155A1 (it) 2011-03-25 2011-03-25 Apparato e metodo di generazione di energia elettrica mediante pannelli fotovoltaici
ITBO2011A000155 2011-03-25

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WO2012131543A1 true WO2012131543A1 (fr) 2012-10-04

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Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016200276A1 (fr) * 2015-06-11 2016-12-15 Aslaksen Cpv Système photovoltaïque à concentration flottant
WO2018055585A1 (fr) 2016-09-26 2018-03-29 Solarisfloat, Lta. Plate-forme flottante rotative
CN108021147A (zh) * 2018-01-05 2018-05-11 浙江精工能源科技集团有限公司 一种浮动式水上光伏太阳方位角跟踪系统
WO2018134779A2 (fr) 2017-01-20 2018-07-26 Solarisfloat, Lta. Système d'amarrage pour plate-forme photovoltaïque flottante
CN110741549A (zh) * 2017-01-20 2020-01-31 索拉里斯弗洛特股份有限公司 用于光伏漂浮平台的停泊系统
CN115871886A (zh) * 2022-12-15 2023-03-31 华南理工大学 一种利用垂荡抗浪减摇的海上光伏浮体阵列
CN116101439A (zh) * 2022-11-21 2023-05-12 大连海事大学 一种可调节光伏板朝向的海上风光结合发电浮式基础
WO2024078733A1 (fr) * 2022-10-12 2024-04-18 Wato Power Ood Plateforme photovoltaïque flottante

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN115085655B (zh) * 2022-06-20 2025-07-15 宁波欧达光电有限公司 一种可提高光能吸收效果的户外用光伏组件

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US4148301A (en) * 1977-09-26 1979-04-10 Cluff C Brent Water-borne rotating solar collecting and storage systems
US4296731A (en) * 1977-09-26 1981-10-27 Cluff C Brent Tracking booster and multiple mirror concentrator floating collector
WO2004044501A1 (fr) * 2002-11-11 2004-05-27 Carl-Evert Gustafsson Support
WO2010026542A1 (fr) 2008-09-05 2010-03-11 Scienza Industria Tecnologia S.R.L. Appareil et procédé pour générer de l’électricité à l’aide de panneaux photovoltaïques

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4148301A (en) * 1977-09-26 1979-04-10 Cluff C Brent Water-borne rotating solar collecting and storage systems
US4296731A (en) * 1977-09-26 1981-10-27 Cluff C Brent Tracking booster and multiple mirror concentrator floating collector
WO2004044501A1 (fr) * 2002-11-11 2004-05-27 Carl-Evert Gustafsson Support
WO2010026542A1 (fr) 2008-09-05 2010-03-11 Scienza Industria Tecnologia S.R.L. Appareil et procédé pour générer de l’électricité à l’aide de panneaux photovoltaïques

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016200276A1 (fr) * 2015-06-11 2016-12-15 Aslaksen Cpv Système photovoltaïque à concentration flottant
US20190168847A1 (en) * 2016-09-26 2019-06-06 Solarisfloat, Lda Rotating floating platform
WO2018055585A1 (fr) 2016-09-26 2018-03-29 Solarisfloat, Lta. Plate-forme flottante rotative
US10640178B2 (en) 2016-09-26 2020-05-05 Solarisfloat, Lda Rotating floating platform
CN110035952A (zh) * 2016-09-26 2019-07-19 索拉里斯弗洛特股份有限公司 旋转浮动平台
WO2018134779A2 (fr) 2017-01-20 2018-07-26 Solarisfloat, Lta. Système d'amarrage pour plate-forme photovoltaïque flottante
WO2018134779A3 (fr) * 2017-01-20 2018-09-20 Solarisfloat, Lta. Système d'amarrage pour plate-forme photovoltaïque flottante
CN110741549A (zh) * 2017-01-20 2020-01-31 索拉里斯弗洛特股份有限公司 用于光伏漂浮平台的停泊系统
CN108021147A (zh) * 2018-01-05 2018-05-11 浙江精工能源科技集团有限公司 一种浮动式水上光伏太阳方位角跟踪系统
WO2024078733A1 (fr) * 2022-10-12 2024-04-18 Wato Power Ood Plateforme photovoltaïque flottante
CN116101439A (zh) * 2022-11-21 2023-05-12 大连海事大学 一种可调节光伏板朝向的海上风光结合发电浮式基础
CN116101439B (zh) * 2022-11-21 2025-10-31 大连海事大学 一种可调节光伏板朝向的海上风光结合发电浮式基础
CN115871886A (zh) * 2022-12-15 2023-03-31 华南理工大学 一种利用垂荡抗浪减摇的海上光伏浮体阵列
CN115871886B (zh) * 2022-12-15 2024-02-23 华南理工大学 一种利用垂荡抗浪减摇的海上光伏浮体阵列

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