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Title:
A MODULAR SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF SOLAR, WIND, WAVE, AND/OR CURRENT ENERGY CONVERTORS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2012/026883
Kind Code:
A2
Abstract:
A modular floating platform for deploying renewable energy converters on a body of water. The modular platforms may be connected to other modular platforms to form bigger structures. Each modular platform may have multiple types of renewable energy converters installed on the platform. Furthermore, each platform is designed to allow current and wave to pass through the platform structure. Each platform may also be configured to allow air and sunlight to pass through the structure to the underlying water surface.

Inventors:
HAN HENRY LEI (SG)
Application Number:
PCT/SG2011/000289
Publication Date:
March 01, 2012
Filing Date:
August 23, 2011
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
HANN OCEAN TECHNOLOGY PTE LTD (SG)
HAN HENRY LEI (SG)
International Classes:
B63B35/00; B63B21/50; B63B35/38; B63B38/00; F03D9/00; H01L31/042
Foreign References:
JP2004225859A2004-08-12
US20080223278A12008-09-18
US6857266B22005-02-22
US5281856A1994-01-25
US4478586A1984-10-23
US20090235856A12009-09-24
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
ALLEN & GLEDHILL LLP (Singapore 9, SG)
Download PDF:
Claims:
What is claimed is:

1. A floating platform for deploying renewable energy collection devices on a body of water comprising:

N buoyancy columns wherein N is greater than or equal to 3;

N buoyancy bodies wherein each of said N buoyancy bodies is buoyant and is connected to two of said N buoyancy columns proximate a bottom end of each of said two of said N buoyancy columns to form a polygonal shape;

N connection structures wherein each of said N connection structures is a rigid body and is connected to each of two of said N buoyancy columns proximate a top end of each of said two of said N buoyancy columns to form said polygonal shapes such that gaps are formed between said N connection structures and said N buoyancy bodies to allow water to flow through said gaps;

a plurality of spanning structures that include a first set of spanning structures spanning a void inside said polygonal shape between said N connection structures wherein said first set of spanning structures are proximate said top end of said N buoyancy columns such that gaps are defined between said plurality of spanning structures to allow air and sunlight to pass through said plurality of spanning structures. 2. The floating platform of claim 1 further comprising:

a photovoltaic panel suspended from said plurality of spanning structures.

3. The floating platform of claim 1 further comprising:

a plurality of photovoltaic panels suspended from said plurality of spanning structures.

4. The platform of claim 3 wherein said plurality of photovoltaic panels are suspended at an angle to increase the panels' efficiency, to allow (rain) water to flow down the panels and to allow air to circulate between said panels.

5. The platform of claim 3 wherein said plurality of photovoltaic panels are suspended such that a portion of a bottom end of a number of said plurality photovoltaic panels are submerged in water under said platform.

6. The platform of claim 3 further comprising:

a first securing bar and a second securing bar affixed to a frame of each of said plurality of photovoltaic panels to mount each of said plurality of photovoltaic panels to said plurality of spanning structures.

7. The platform of claim 6 further comprising:

means for adjusting associated with said first and second securing bars for adjusting an angle of suspension of each of said plurality of photovoltaic panels. 8. The platform of claim 1 further comprising:

a wave energy converter associated with one of N buoyancy structures.

9. The platform of claim 1 further comprising:

a plurality of wave energy converters associated with one of said N buoyancy structures.

10. The platform of claim 9 wherein said plurality of wave converters are attached to said one of said N buoyancy structures. 11. The platform of claim 9 wherein said plurality of wave converters are integral to said N buoyancy structure.

12. The platform of claim 1 further comprising:

a wind generator mounted on said platform.

13. The platform of claim 1 further comprising:

a plurality of wind generators mounted on said platform.

14. The platform of claim 13 wherein each of said plurality of wind generators are mounted on a top end of one of said N buoyancy columns.

15. The platform of claim 1 further comprising:

a current energy converter mounted to a submerged portion of said platform. 16. The platform of claim 1 further comprising:

a plurality of current energy converters mounted on a submerged portion of said platform.

17. The platform of claim 16 wherein each of said plurality of current energy converters is affixed to a bottom end of one of N buoyancy columns.

18. The platform of claim 1 further comprising:

a gangway affixed to said plurality of spanning structures to span a portion of said void defined by said polygon.

19. The platform of claim 1 further comprising:

a lightning rod affixed to said platform.

20. The platform of claim 1 wherein each of said N buoyancy columns comprises: a buoyancy tank; and

a ballast tank.

21. The platform of claim 20 wherein each of said N buoyancy columns further comprises:

a water ballasting system for pumping water into and out of a buoyancy column.

22. The platform of claim 21 wherein water is evacuated from said ballast tank of each of said N buoyancy columns to cause said platform to behave like a multiple hull buoyant body.

23. The platform of claim 21 wherein said ballast tank of each of said N buoyancy columns is filled to fully submerge said N buoyancy columns in said body of water to cause said platform to behave like a semi-submersible offshore platform.

24. The platform of claim 1 wherein each of said N buoyancy columns comprises: a first lower socket for connecting a buoyancy column to an end of a first one of said N buoyancy bodies; and

a second lower socket for connecting a buoyancy column to an end of a second one of said N buoyancy bodies.

25. The platform of claim 1 wherein each of said N buoyancy columns comprises: a first upper socket for connecting a buoyancy column to an end of a first one of said N connection structures; and a second upper socket for connecting a buoyancy column to an end of a second one of said N connection structures.

26. The platform of claim 1 wherein each of said N buoyancy columns comprises: a motion damper affixed to a surface of a buoyancy column that faces into said polygon.

27. The platform of claim 1 wherein each of said N buoyancy columns comprises: a connector on a surface outside said polygon for connecting a buoyancy column to a buoyancy column of another platform.

28. The platform of claim 1 further comprising:

a center pole inside said polygon located substantially in the middle of said polygon.

29. The platform of claim 28 wherein said first set of spanning structures comprise:

a first plurality of cables wherein each of said first plurality of cables has a first end connected to one of said N buoyancy columns proximate a top end and a second end connected to said center pole such that each of first plurality of cables is held in tension in a plane substantially parallel to a surface of said body of water.

30. The platform of claim 29 wherein said plurality of spanning structures comprise:

a second plurality of cables wherein each of said second plurality of cables has a first end connected to one of said N buoyancy columns proximate a bottom end and a second end connected to said center pole such that each of second plurality of cables is held in tension in a plane substantially parallel to a surface of said body of water. 31. The platform of claim 30 wherein said plurality of spanning structures comprise:

a third plurality of cables wherein each of said third plurality of cables has a first end connected to a top end of one of said N buoyancy columns and a second end connected to said center pole at a position substantially planar with said bottom end of said one of said N buoyancy columns such that each of said third plurality of cables is held in tension.

32. The platform of claim 30 wherein said plurality of spanning structures comprise:

a third plurality of cables wherein each of said third plurality of cables has a first end connected to a bottom end of one of said N buoyancy columns and a second end connected to said center pole at a position substantially planar with said top end of said one of said N buoyancy columns such that each of said third plurality of cables is held in tension.

33. The platform of one of claims 31 and 32 wherein said plurality of spanning structures comprise:

a fourth plurality of cables wherein each of said plurality of cables has a first end connected to a top end of a first one of said N buoyancy columns and a second end connected to a bottom end of a second one of N buoyancy columns that is on an opposite end of a side of said polygon such that each of said fourth plurality of cables is held in tension.

34. The platform of claim 29 further comprising:

a first plurality of horizontal suspensions bars wherein each of said first plurality of horizontal suspension bars has a first end connected to a first one of said first plurality of cables and a second end connected to a second one of said plurality of cables adjacent to said first one of said first plurality of cables.

35. The platform of claim 34 further comprising:

a plurality of vertical suspension bars that extend downward from each of said first plurality of horizontal suspension bars; and

a second plurality of horizontal suspension bars that are connected to a corresponding one of said first plurality of horizontal suspension bars by said plurality of vertical suspension bars extending from said corresponding one of said first plurality of horizontal suspension bars.

36. The platform of claim 1 further comprising:

a position keeping system.

37. The platform of claim 36 wherein said position keeping system comprises: an anchoring lug on one of said N buoyancy columns;

an anchor; and

a cable affixing said anchor to said anchoring lug.

Description:
A MODULAR SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF SOLAR, WIND, WAVE, AND/OR

CURRENT ENERGY CONVERTERS

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a floating platform deployed on a body of water to harvest solar, wind, wave, and/or current energy. More particularly, this invention relates to a modular platform having a polygonal shape that allows air and water currents to pass through the platform without significantly harming or influencing the environmental conditions under the platform. Still more particularly, this invention relates to modular platforms that may be attached to one another in a modular fashion to harvest solar, wind, wave, and/or current energy while remaining stable despite environmental conditions.

Prior Art

In today's society, people are striving to become less dependent on fossils fuels. To reduce the use of fossil fuels, society has turned to renewable energy such as solar, wind, wave, and/or current energy to generate electrical energy. To do so, those skilled in the art have developed platforms that may be deployed in a body of water, such as a lake or an ocean to harvest electricity from these renewable energies. These platforms are preferred because they may be placed on a body of water where conditions are ideal for harvesting electricity from these renewable resources and these platforms do not take up valuable real estate.

One problem with the platforms previously proposed is their resilience in the offshore environment. It is often difficult to design a platform that can endure the environmental conditions often faced in these offshore environments where wind, tidal and current forces may act on the platform. Thus, it is problem to design a platform that can withstand these environmental forces while remaining afloat with little maintenance.

A second problem encountered is stability. The platforms often must withstand the load of the harvesting equipment attached to the platform and the force exerted by this equipment during operation. Thus, the platform must be constructed from parts that with adjustable buoyancy in order to keep the platform stable and level during the installation and use of the equipment. Thus, those skilled in the art are constantly striving to improve the design of these platforms. Summary of the Invention

The above and other problems are solved and an advance in the art is made by modular offshore platform in accordance with the present invention. A first advantage of platforms in accordance with this invention is that the platforms have improved structural strength in order to withstand the expected payloads and anticipated environmental loads including gravity buoyancy, wind, wave, and current conditions at a specific location. A second advantage of platforms in accordance with this invention is that the platforms have minimal waveplane area, a maximal moment of inertia for the respective waveplane area, and large length-over-draft ratio to ensure that the platforms remain extremely stable and are able to survive the environmental conditions of most bodies of waters. A third advantage of platforms in accordance with this invention is that the platforms in accordance produced in accordance with this invention have flexible dimensions to allow the platforms to be deployed in any body of water. A fourth advantage of platforms in accordance with this invention is that the platforms have an open structure that allows the platforms to be easily inspected and maintained. A fifth advantage of platforms in accordance with this invention is that the platforms are designed to have a low life cycle cost. A sixth advantage of platforms in accordance with this invention is that the platforms have a long lifespan of at least 25 years. A seventh advantage of platforms in accordance with this invention is that the dimension and the number of modular platforms connected when deployed in an area are flexible in accordance with user and environmental requirements. An eighth advantage of platforms in accordance with this invention is that multiple types of renewable energy converters may be deployed on the same platform. A ninth advantage of platforms in accordance with this invention is that the platforms provide a large surface area to maximize the number of photovoltaic panels that may be installed on a platform. A tenth advantage of platforms in accordance with this invention is that the platform design and the configuration of the panels minimizes the impact of a platform on the environments under and around the platform.

The above advantages are provided by a platform configured in the following manner. The platform is the form of a polygon. Each apex of the polygon is one N buoyancy columns where N is a number greater than or equal to 3. The bottom ends of the N buoyancy columns are connected by N buoyancy bodies. Each of said N buoyancy bodies is buoyant and is connected to two of N buoyancy columns proximate a bottom end of each of the N buoyancy columns to form the polygonal shape. N connection structures then connect the top ends of the N buoyancy columns. Each of the N connection structures is a rigid body and is connected to each of two of the N buoyancy columns proximate a top end of each of the two of said N buoyancy columns to form the polygonal shape. Gaps are formed between the N connection structures and the N buoyancy bodies to allow water to flow through the gaps. Spanning structures span the area inside the polygon between the N connection structures. The spanning structures include a first set of spanning structures that span a void inside the polygonal shape between said N connection structures proximate the top end of said N buoyancy columns. Gaps are defined between the plurality of spanning structures to allow air and sunlight to pass through spanning structures to the reach the water under the platform.

In accordance with some embodiments of this invention, photovoltaic panels are suspended from the spanning structures. In accordance with some of these embodiments, the photovoltaic panels are suspended at an angle to increase the panels' efficiency, to allow (rain) water to flow down the panels and to allow air to circulate between the panels. In accordance with some of these embodiments, the photovoltaic panels are suspended such that a bottom end of a number of the photovoltaic panels is submerged in the water under the platform. In accordance with particular ones of these embodiments, each panel includes a first securing bar and a second securing bar affixed to a frame of each photovoltaic panel to mount each panel to the spanning structures. In accordance with some of these particular embodiments, the panels further include a means for adjusting an angle of suspension of each of panels using the first and second securing bars.

In accordance with some embodiments of this invention, wave energy converters are associated with one or more of the N buoyancy structures. In accordance with some embodiments of this invention, the wave converters are attached to one or more of the N buoyancy structures. In accordance with other embodiments of this invention, the wave converters are integral to one or more of the N buoyancy structures.

In accordance with some embodiments of this invention, one or more wind generators are mounted on the platform. In accordance with some of these embodiments, the wind generators are mounted on a top end of one of the N buoyancy columns.

In accordance with some embodiments of this invention, one or more current energy converters are mounted on a submerged portion of the platform. In accordance with some of these embodiments of this invention, each current energy converter is affixed to a bottom end of one of the N buoyancy columns.

In accordance with some embodiments of this invention, a gangway may be affixed to the spanning structures to span a portion of the void defined by the polygon. In accordance with some embodiments of this invention, a lightning rod may be affixed to the platform.

In accordance with some embodiments of this invention, each of the N buoyancy columns includes a buoyancy tank and a ballast tank. In accordance with some of these embodiments, each of the N buoyancy columns may further include a water ballasting system for pumping water in to and out of the ballast tank of a buoyancy column. In accordance with some of these embodiments, water is evacuated from the ballast tank of each of the N buoyancy columns to cause said platform to behave like a multiple hull buoyant body. In accordance with other embodiments of this invention, the ballast tank of each of the N buoyancy columns is filled to fully submerge the N buoyancy columns in a body of water to cause the platform to behave like a semi-submersible offshore platform.

In accordance with some embodiments of this invention, each of the N buoyancy columns includes a first lower socket for connecting a buoyancy column to an end of a first one of the N buoyancy bodies and a second lower socket for connecting a buoyancy column to an end of a second one of the N buoyancy bodies. In accordance with some further embodiments of this invention, each of the N buoyancy columns also includes a first upper socket for connecting a buoyancy column to an end of a first one of the N connection structures and a second upper socket for connecting the buoyancy column to an end of a second one of the N connection structures.

In accordance with some embodiments of this invention, one or more of the N buoyancy columns may include a motion damper affixed to the surface of the buoyancy column that faces the polygon.

In accordance with some embodiments of this invention, each of the N buoyancy columns may include a connector on a surface outside the polygon for connecting the buoyancy column to a buoyancy column of another platform.

In accordance with some embodiments of this invention, the platform may include a center pole inside the polygon, substantially in the middle of the polygon. In accordance with some of these embodiments, a set of spanning structures includes cables. Each of the cables has a first end connected to one of the N buoyancy columns proximate a top end of the column and a second end connected to the center pole such that each cable is held in tension in a plane substantially parallel to a surface of the body of water. In accordance with some of these embodiments, the spanning structures may include a second group of cables. Each of the second group of cables has a first end connected to one of the N buoyancy columns proximate a bottom end and a second end connected to the center pole such that each of second plurality of cables is held in tension in a plane substantially parallel to a surface of the body of water. In accordance with some of these embodiments, the spanning structures also include a third group of cables. Each of the third group of cables has a first end connected to a top end of one of the N buoyancy columns and a second end connected to the center pole at a position substantially planar with the bottom end of the buoyancy columns such that each of said third group of cables is held in tension. In accordance with other of these embodiments, each of the third group of cables has a first end connected to a bottom end of one of the N buoyancy columns and a second end connected to the center pole at a position substantially planar with the top end of the buoyancy column such that each of the third group of cables is held in tension. In accordance with some of these embodiments, the spanning structures may include a fourth group of cables. Each of the fourth group of cables has a first end connected to a top end of a first one of the N buoyancy columns and a bottom end of a second one of the N buoyancy columns that is on an opposite end of a side of the polygon such that each of the fourth group of cables is held in tension.

In accordance with some embodiments of this invention, the platform may include a first group of vertical suspension bars. Each of said first group of vertical suspension bars has a first end connected to a first one of the first group of cables and a second end connected to a second one of said first group of cables adjacent to first cable. In accordance with some of these embodiments, the platform may further include horizontal suspension bars that extend downward from each of the first group of vertical suspension bars and a second group of vertical suspension bars that are connected to a corresponding one of the first group of vertical suspension bars by the horizontal suspension bars extending from a corresponding one of the first group of vertical suspension bars.

In accordance with some embodiments of this invention, the platform may further include a position keeping system. In accordance with some of these embodiments, the position keeping system may include an anchoring lug on one of the N buoyancy columns, an anchor, and a cable affixing the anchor to the anchoring lug.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The above and other features and advantages of a platform in accordance with this invention are described in the following detailed description and are shown in the following drawings: Figure 1 illustrating structural components of a platform in accordance with an embodiment of this invention;

Figure 2 illustrating on outer portion of a buoyancy column in accordance with an embodiment of this invention;

Figure 3 illustrating an anchoring lug on a buoyancy column in accordance with an embodiment of this invention;

Figure 4 illustrating a motion damper buoyancy column in accordance with an embodiment of this invention;

Figure 5 illustrating structural components of a platform including suspension bars in accordance with an embodiment of this invention;

Figure 6 illustrating an enlarged view of cross wires and suspension bars in accordance with the embodiment shown in Figure 5;

Figure 7 illustrating an exploded view of a photovoltaic panel to be suspended from a platform in accordance with an embodiment of this invention;

Figure 8 illustrating a view a portion of a platform with a photovoltaic panel suspended in accordance with an embodiment of this invention;

Figure 9 illustrating an exploded view of a photovoltaic panel to be suspended from a platform in accordance with an alternative embodiment of this invention;

Figure 10 illustrating a view a portion of a platform with a photovoltaic panel suspended in accordance with the alternative embodiment of this invention;

Figure 11 illustrating a perspective view of an overall structural framework of a platform in accordance with this invention;

Figure 12 illustrating a perspective view of a platform with photovoltaic panels suspended from the framework in accordance with this invention;

Figure 13 illustrating a perspective view of a platform deployed in water in accordance with an embodiment of this invention;

Figure 14 illustrating a side view of a platform deployed in water in accordance with an embodiment of this invention;

Figure 15 illustrating an enlarged side view of a platform deployed in water with wind turbines installed in accordance with an embodiment of this invention;

Figure 16 illustrating a perspective view of a cluster of attached platforms deployed in a body of water in accordance with this invention;

Figure 17 illustrating an enlarged perspective view of a cluster of attached platforms deployed in a body of water in accordance with this invention;

Figure 18 illustrating a top perspective view of a cluster of attached platforms deployed in a body of water in accordance with this invention; Figure 19 illustrating a top perspective view of a platform including wave energy converters in accordance with an embodiment of this invention;

Figure 20 illustrating a top perspective view of a platform including current energy converters in accordance with an embodiment of this invention;

Figure 21 illustrating a top perspective view of a platform including photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, wave energy converters, and current energy converters in accordance with an embodiment of this invention; and

Figure 22 illustrating a top perspective view of a platform including photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, wave energy converters, and current energy converters deployed in a body of water in accordance with an embodiment of this invention.

Detailed Description

This invention relates to a floating platform deployed on a body of water to harvest solar, wind wave, and/or current energy. More particularly, this invention relates to a modular platform having a polygonal shape that allows air and water currents to pass through the platform without significantly harming or influencing the environment under the platform. Still more particularly, this invention relates to modular platforms that may be attached to one another in a modular fashion to harvest solar, wind, wave, and/or current energy while remaining stable despite environmental conditions.

Figure 1 illustrates the superstructure of platform 100 in accordance with an embodiment of this invention. Platform 100 is a frame having a polygonal shape formed by N buoyancy bodies 103, N buoyancy columns 111 , and N connection structures 102. N buoyancy columns 111 are positioned at each apex of the polygon. As platform 100 is in the shape of a polygon, N must be greater than or equal to 3. In the shown embodiment, the polygon is a hexagon and N is equal to 6. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that any polygon may be used. The number of apexes and the exact shape and configuration of the polygon is left as a design choice to those skilled in the art. Each N buoyancy column 111 is made to be buoyant. In some cases this may be achieved by forming a hollow airtight structure. In accordance with the shown embodiment, each N buoyancy column 111 includes a buoyancy tank (Not shown) and a ballast tank (Not Shown). Furthermore, each N buoyancy column 111 may include a ballast pumping system to inject water into and to evacuate water from the ballast. The buoyancy tank is configured such that each of N buoyancy columns 111 has sufficient buoyancy to overcome the addition of a load to any portion of platform 100 and to maintain the level of platform 100 when platform 100 is deployed. The ballast tank and ballast pumping system is used to adjust the level of the water line with respect to platform 100. In a first configuration, water is evacuated from the ballast tank of each of N buoyancy columns 111 to cause platform 100 to behave like a multiple hull buoyant body. In this configuration, buoyancy bodies 103 float with freeboard to reserve buoyancy for extra payload as well as dynamic loads from the operating environment. In this first configuration, platform 100 has a relatively large moment of inertia due to the combined waterplane area and the location of the waterplane area. Thus, the first configuration offers improved stability in calm water.

In a second configuration, the ballast tank of each of said N buoyancy columns 11 is filled to a desired level in order to fully submerge N buoyancy bodies 103 in the water to cause platform 100 to behave like a semi-submersible offshore platform. In the second configuration, platform 100 has a smaller moment of inertia due to the smaller waterplane area of N buoyancy columns 111 only. Thus, the second configuration offers better dynamic stability for platform 100 in rough water as water is allowed to pass through gaps in platform 100 as described below.

Each of N buoyancy bodies 103 is a pipe or other type of structure housing a hollow airtight chamber. The hollow airtight chamber is configured to provide the desired buoyancy for each of buoyancy bodies 103. As shown in Figure 1 , each of N buoyancy bodies is a substantially straight pipe. However, each of N buoyancy bodies 103 may be curved or semi-curved without departing from the invention. Each end of N buoyancy bodies 103 is connected to an adjacent one of N buoyancy columns 111. These connections are substantially at the bottom ends of the N buoyancy columns 111 forming a polygonal shape.

Each of N connection structures 102 is a rigid body formed by trestle as shown in Figure 1. However, each of N connection structures 102 may be a beam, rod, or other rigid body without departing from this invention. Furthermore, each of N connection structures 102 is shown as substantially straight in Figure 1. However, each of N connection structures

102 may be curved or semi-curved without departing from this invention. The only requirement being that each of N connection structures 102 is substantially the same shape as a corresponding N buoyancy body 103. Each end of N connection structures 102 is connected to an adjacent one of N buoyancy columns 111. These connections are substantially at the bottom ends of N buoyancy columns 111 forming a polygonal shape. Thus, gaps 120 are formed between N connection structures 102 and N buoyancy bodies

103 on each side of the polygon. When deployed, water and/or air are allowed to pass through gaps 120 depending on the configuration of platform 100 as described above. Furthermore, a polygon with void 150 in the middle is defined by N buoyancy columns 111 , N connection structures 102, and N buoyancy bodies 103. Spanning structures extend across the void to allow energy harvesting components to be installed on platform 100. The spanning structures may be beams, rods, wires, cables, or any other rigid structure affixed to N buoyancy columns 111 , N connection structures 102, and N buoyancy bodies 103 inside void 150. In the shown embodiment, the spanning structures are first set of cables 104, a second set of cables 105, third set of cables 106, and fourth set of cables 107 connected to center pole 128 and N buoyancy columns 111.

Each one of first set of cables 104 has a first end connected to one of N buoyancy columns 111 , proximate a top end of the buoyancy column. Each of first set of cables 104 extends substantially parallel to the body of water. A second end of each of first set of cables 104 extends substantially parallel to the body of water and is connected to center pole 128. Thus, each of first of cables 104 is held in tension in a top plane with N connection structures 103 in a plane that is substantially parallel to a surface of the body of water. In this embodiment, first set of cables 104 are the cables that will support photovoltaic panels deployed on platform 100 in the manner described below with respect to Figures 7-10.

Each of second set of cables 105 has a first end connected to one of N buoyancy columns 111 proximate a bottom end of the buoyancy column. Each of second set of cables 105 extends substantially parallel to the body of water. A second end of each of second set of cables 105 is connected to center pole 128. Thus, each of second set of cables 105 is held in tension in a bottom plane with N buoyancy bodies 102 in a plane that is substantially parallel to a surface of the body of water. In this embodiment, second set of cables 105 transfer the payload from the top plane to the bottom plane. Thus, the resultant payloads of first and second sets of cables 104 and 105 are reduced by as much as 50%. Third sets of cables 106 cross a vertical plane including one of each of first and second sets of cables 105 and 106 to reduce vertical deflections of the top plane by up to a multiple of 10 depending on the length of center pole 128. In the shown embodiment, each of third set of cables 106 has a first end connected to a top end of one of said N buoyancy columns 11 1. A second end of each of third set of cables 106 is connected to center pole 128 at a position substantially planar with said bottom ends of N buoyancy columns 111. Thus, each of third set of cables 106 is held in tension. However, in another embodiment, each of third set of cables 106 has a first end connected to a bottom end of one of N buoyancy columns 111. A second end of each of the third set of cables 106 is connected to center pole 128 at a position substantially planar with the top ends of N buoyancy columns 1 11. Thus, each of third set of cables 106 is held in tension. One skilled in the art will recognize that other configurations may be used without departing from this invention.

Fourth set of cables 107 cross connect the N buoyancy columns to add rigidity to the structure. Each of fourth set of cables 107 has a first end connected to a top end of a first one of N buoyancy columns 1 11. A second end of each of fourth set of cables 107 is connected to a bottom end of a second N buoyancy column 1 1 1 that is on an opposite end of a side of the polygon from the N buoyancy column 111. Thus, each of fourth set of cables 107 is held in tension.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, a gangway 202 may be incorporated in the system. In the shown embodiment, gangway 202 is moveable and may extend from any side of the polygon formed to a platform on center pole 128 to allow users to move along the surface to work on components installed on platform 100. Furthermore, a lightning rod may be added to the structure in any number of locations to prevent damage to installed equipment. Figure 2 illustrates an enlarged view of one of N buoyancy columns 111 from outside the polygon. As shown, the bottom end of N buoyancy column 111 has two lower sockets 118 on opposing sides of the bottom end to connect to two of N buoyancy bodies 103. Upper sockets on opposing side of the top end of N buoyancy column 111 connect to two of N connection structures 102. The outside of N buoyancy column 111 includes connectors for connecting to buoyancy columns or other platforms. In accordance with some embodiments, the connections are done using connectors such as described in PCT Application PCT/SG2006/000008 title "A System And Method For Connecting Marine Bodies" in the name of Hann-Ocean filed on 18 January 2006 which is incorporated by reference as if set forth herewith. As shown, the connectors include two U-columns 109. Each of U-column 109 has an upper locking pad 110 and a lower locking pad 160. Furthermore, connectors include recesses 112 in which diamond stoppers 113 may be inserted.

Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged view of bottom end of the outer portion of one N buoyancy column 111 in accordance with the shown embodiment. As shown, anchoring lug 303 may extend from the outer bottom portion of N buoyancy column 111. A cable connected to an anchor or other mooring system may be attached as a position keeping system. One skilled in the art will recognize that other position keeping systems such as, but not limited to tension legs, or piles may be used without departing from this invention.

Figure 4 illustrates an enlarged view of bottom end of the inner portion of one N buoyancy column 1 11 in accordance with the shown embodiment. Motion damper 304 is a flat surface that extends between lower sockets 118 and may be used to affix second set of cables 105 to N buoyancy column 111. As shown for second set of cable 105, each of the cables in platform 100 may include a tensionor 130 to reduce sagging and/or deflections of the cables due to gravity and/or payload. One skilled in the art will recognize that other tensioning systems may be used for the cables without departing from this invention.

Figure 5 illustrates a view of platform 100 with suspension system 500 installed on first set of cables 104 in the void of the polygon. In the described embodiment, suspension system is used to deploy photovoltaic panels. However, suspension system 500 may be used to install other components without departing from the invention.

Figure 6 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of suspension system 500. As shown, each segment of suspension system 500 includes a first horizontal suspension bar 114, vertical suspension bars 115, and a second horizontal suspension bar 116. First horizontal suspension bar 114, vertical suspension bars 115, and a second horizontal suspension bar 116 may be made of metal, wood, plastic, or any other rigid material that can bear the weight of the components to be installed. As shown, first horizontal suspension bar 114 has opposing ends connected to an adjacent first set of cables 104. Vertical suspension bars 115 have a first end that may be fixedly attached or integral to first horizontal suspension bar 114 and extends downward from first horizontal suspension bar 114. A second end of each vertical suspension bar 115 is fixedly attached or integral to a second horizontal suspension bar 116. Second horizontal suspension bar 116 is aligned with the connected first horizontal suspension bar 114 and has a substantially similar length. Figure 7 illustrates an exploded view of photovoltaic panel 119 which represents the photovoltaic panels that may be installed on platform 100 in accordance with the described embodiment of invention. Photovoltaic panel 119 has multiple photovoltaic cells housed in a frame. The photovoltaic cells are conventional and an exact understanding is not needed for this invention. Thus, an exact description of the photovoltaic cells is omitted for brevity. Securing bars 1 17 are affixed to opposing side of the back surface of the frame. Each securing bar has hooks at the opposing ends to mount photovoltaic panel 1 19 on suspension system 500 as described below with reference to Figure 8. O-rings 18 are placed on securing bars 117 to form a locking mechanism with the hooks to prevent slippage of panel 119 when installed.

Figure 8 illustrates two photovoltaic panels 119 installed on platform 100 in accordance with the described embodiment of this invention. As shown, the hooks on opposing ends of securing bars 117 are placed on one of adjacent first and second horizontal suspension bars 114 and 116. If both ends are affixed to adjacent first horizontal suspension bars 114 the panel is deployed substantially in a plane parallel to the body of water. If the hooks of one end of securing bars 117 are placed on first horizontal suspension bar 114 and the hooks on opposing end of securing bars 117 are placed on second horizontal suspension bars 116 of the adjacent structure, panel 119 is deployed in a plane that that intersects with the body of water. This deployment allows air and sunlight to reach the body of water underneath platform 100 to minimize damage to the underlying environment and to help cool panel 119.

Figure 9 illustrates a second embodiment of panel 119. In this embodiment, securing bars 117 include an extension between the securing bar and the hooks. The rest of the configuration remains the same as described above with respect to Figure 7. As shown in Figure 10, this embodiment allows panel 119 to be installed in a manner in which a bottom end of the panel is submerged in the body of water. This helps to cool panel 119 and improve the photovoltaic processes. For this deployment, the hooks of one end of securing bars 117 are placed on first horizontal suspension bar 114 and the hooks on opposing end of securing bars 117 are placed on second horizontal suspension bars 116 of the adjacent structure, panel 119 is deployed in a plane that intersects with the body of water. The extensions lower the level of panel 119 such that the bottom end of panel 119 is submerged in the body of water.

Figure 11 illustrates platform 100 fully assembled prior to the installation of the energy harvesting devices. Figure 12 illustrates platform 100 after solar panels 119 have been installed on suspension system 500 within the polygon in accordance with the described above. One skilled in the art will recognize that although concentric rows of panels 119 are shown, any other configuration of panels may be used without departing from this invention. Figure 13 illustrates platform 100 deployed in body of water 1300 with photovoltaic panels 119 installed. In the shown embodiment, platform 100 is shown to have N buoyancy bodies 103 and substantial portions of N buoyancy columns 111 submerged. N support structures 102 and installed panels remain above the line.

Figure 14 illustrates a side view of a group of connected platforms deployed on body of water 1300. As shown, platforms 100 have wind turbines 1405 installed on a top surface. The installation of the wind turbines is described in greater detail below with reference to Figures 16 and 21. Some platforms 100 have anchors 1415 affixed to anchor lugs via cables 1410 as discussed with reference to Figure 3 to provide a position keeping system. Figures 15 and 16 shows the attachment of wind turbines 1405 on groups of platforms 100. As can be seen from Figure 16, wind turbines 405 are ideally installed on a top surface of one of N buoyancy columns 111. This is to place the payload of the turbine over the portions of platform 100 that have the greatest buoyancy. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that wind turbines 1405 may be placed in other positions on platform 100 if sufficient buoyancy to support the payload at the point of attachment is provided.

Figures 17 and 18 show top side views of a group of connected platforms 100 that include photovoltaic panels 119 and wind turbines 1405 in accordance with the described embodiment of this invention. Figure 19 illustrates platform 100 with wave energy converters 1905 installed. As wave energy converters must be submerged, wave energy converters 1905 are affixed to N buoyancy bodies 102. In some embodiments, it is envisioned that the wave energy converters 1905 may be made integral to N buoyancy bodies 102. In the described embodiment, wave energy converters 1905 are DRAKOO devices provided by Hann-Ocean as described in PCT Application PCT/SG2008/00320 which is incorporated by reference as if set forth herewith. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that any type of wave energy converter may be used without departing from this invention.

Figure 20 illustrates platform 100 with current energy converters 2005 installed. Current energy converters 2005 may be any commonly available current energy converter system and an exact understanding of their operation is not important to this invention. Thus, a description of the configuration and operation of current energy converters 2005 is omitted for brevity. As shown, current energy converters 2005 are installed under platform 100. In particular, each current energy converter 2005 is affixed to and deployed under one of N buoyancy columns 111. The current energy converters 2005 are affixed to N buoyancy columns 111 because these are the portions of platform 100 that can support the greatest payload. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that wave energy converters 2005 may be affixed to other portions that are designed to support the payload required and may be adapted to the particular type of current energy converter installed.

Figure 21 illustrates platform 100 with all of the previously described energy harvesting components installed. Photovoltaic panels 119 are installed inside the polygon. Wave energy converters 1905 are affixed to N buoyancy bodies 102. Each current energy converter 2005 is affixed to and deployed under one of N buoyancy columns 111. Wind turbines 1405 are ideally installed on a top surface of one of N buoyancy columns 111. This is to place the payload of the turbine over the portions of platform 100 that have the greatest buoyancy. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that wind turbines 1405 may be placed in other positions on platform 100 if sufficient buoyancy to support the payload at the point of attachment is provided. Figure 22 illustrates the platform 100 described with respect to Figure 21 deployed in body of water 1305. The above is a description of a modular floating platform for deploying energy harvesting components in a body of water. It is expected that those skilled in the art can and will design alternative embodiments of a platform based upon the above detailed description and accompanying drawings that infringe on this invention as set forth in the following claims.