Floating Solar Photo-Voltaic (FSPV) system
This patent describes a floating solar photovoltaic system that offers a cost-effective and scalable solution for solar power generation on water bodies. The system features modular floating units constructed from closed loops of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes. These pipes are designed with internal compartments, inspired by bamboo, to enhance buoyancy and stability even in case of damage. The modules are interconnected using simple mechanisms like clamps or ropes, allowing for easy assembly and expansion. A key innovation is the use of an underwater floating sub-anchor, which minimizes anchoring costs and enhances system stability by lowering the center of mass. This design allows for the creation of maintenance bays or “boat lanes” within the array, facilitating easy access for cleaning and maintenance.
Conventional floating solar photovoltaic (FSPV) systems face several challenges, including high costs associated with construction and anchoring, susceptibility to damage from wave loads, and difficulties in maintenance and cleaning. Existing floating structures often rely on expensive materials and complex designs, making them economically unviable. Rigid structures are prone to damage in dynamic water conditions, while modular systems typically involve costly and intricate anchoring systems. Maintenance of these systems is often labor-intensive and requires specialized floating platforms, further adding to the overall expense. This system seeks to address these limitations by developing a floating solar photovoltaic system that is cost-effective, robust, and easily maintainable.
- Cost-Effective and Scalable: The system utilizes readily available, inexpensive materials like HDPE pipes. The system's structural cost is significantly lower (Rs. 4-8/Wp) compared to existing systems (Rs. 15-20/Wp).
- Modular and Easy Maintenance: Modules connect using quick-release clamps or ropes, allowing for easy assembly, expansion, and disassembly.
- Enhanced Stability: The floating sub-anchor lowers the system’s center of mass, increasing stability on the water surface. Internally compartmentalized HDPE pipe modules provide additional buoyancy.
- Versatility and Adaptability: Beyond solar power generation, the system’s fundamental design allows for adaptation to various applications, including floating shade structures and aeration systems for water bodies.
The floating solar photovoltaic system comprises modular units made of closed-loop high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes. These pipes, containing internal compartments inspired by bamboo for enhanced stability, support shade structures or photovoltaic (PV) panels. Modules are interconnected using quick-release clamps or ropes, forming an array that can optionally incorporate boat lanes for maintenance access. Anchoring the array is an underwater floating sub-anchor, designed as either a buoy-supported truss or a large-diameter hollow pipe. This sub-anchor may incorporate internal foam filling to prevent sinking if compromised. The system’s design, featuring a submerged anchor section and vertical support columns attached to the floating sub-anchor, ensures stability and maintains a consistent depth, mitigating the impact of wave action and buoyancy changes.
The floating solar photovoltaic system offers a cost-effective and scalable approach to solar energy generation, particularly in regions with limited land availability. Deploying these systems on inland water reservoirs can help address social challenges related to energy access, water conservation, and land use. Utilizing unused water surfaces, the technology avoids competition with land-based solar farms, which can be crucial in densely populated areas. The floating panels can also help mitigate water evaporation from reservoirs, enhancing water security for drinking and irrigation purposes. It is suitable for deployment in remote communities and developing countries where access to traditional energy infrastructure might be limited.
The system is designed for inland water reservoirs, targeting local governments and energy companies seeking to increase renewable energy generation and reduce water evaporation. The adaptable design allows for use in floating shade structures, aeration systems, and potentially other applications requiring buoyant, modular platforms on calm water bodies.