Flat-pack membrane based solar PV array floats having deployable expansion structures that inflate the floats without forced air preliminary class

An expandable flat-pack membrane-based float system for use with a floating solar PV array, comprising:

• a float formed from a flexible membrane, wherein the float can be deformed between an uninflated flat-pack position and an inflated position;
• a sealable air-entry valve on the float;
• and
• an expansion structure connected to the float, wherein the expansion structure is deployed to support the float in the inflated position without the need for compressed air, wherein the expansion structure is positioned around an exterior surface of the float.

An expandable flat-pack membrane-based float system for use with a floating solar PV array, comprising:

• a float formed from a flexible membrane, wherein the float can be deformed between an uninflated flat-pack position and an inflated position;
• a sealable air-entry valve on the float;
• and
• an expansion structure connected to the float, wherein the expansion structure is deployed to support the float in the inflated position without the need for compressed air, wherein the expansion structure has the same shape as the float when the float is in its inflated position and the expansion structure has been deployed.

An expandable flat-pack membrane-based float system for use with a floating solar PV array, comprising:

• a float formed from a flexible membrane, wherein the float can be deformed between an uninflated flat-pack position and an inflated position;
• a sealable air-entry valve on the float;
• and
• an expansion structure connected to the float, wherein the expansion structure is deployed to support the float in the inflated position without the need for compressed air, wherein the float is trapezoidal in shape with an angled top surface.

An expandable flat-pack membrane-based float system for use with a floating solar PV array, comprising:

• a float formed from a flexible membrane, wherein the float can be deformed between an uninflated flat-pack position and an inflated position;
• a sealable air-entry valve on the float;
• and
• an expansion structure connected to the float, wherein the expansion structure is deployed to support the float in the inflated position without the need for compressed air, further comprising:
• a membrane wrapping around the pair of floats.

An expandable flat-pack membrane-based float system for use with a floating solar PV array, comprising:

• a float formed from a flexible membrane, wherein the float can be deformed between an uninflated flat-pack position and an inflated position;
• a sealable air-entry valve on the float;
• and
• an expansion structure connected to the float, wherein the expansion structure is deployed to support the float in the inflated position without the need for compressed air, further comprising:
• fasteners at corners or edges of the float for elastically connecting the float to structural members of a grid array.

An expandable flat-pack membrane-based float system for use with a floating solar PV array, comprising:

• a float formed from a flexible membrane, wherein the float can be deformed between an uninflated flat-pack position and an inflated position;
• a sealable air-entry valve on the float;
• and
• an expansion structure connected to the float, wherein the expansion structure is deployed to support the float in the inflated position without the need for compressed air, wherein the expansion structure comprises:
• an expandable frame that is folded when the float is in its uninflated position and is unfolded when the float is in its inflated position.

An expandable flat-pack membrane-based float system for use with a floating solar PV array, comprising:

• a float formed from a flexible membrane, wherein the float can be deformed between an uninflated flat-pack position and an inflated position;
• a sealable air-entry valve on the float;
• and
• an expansion structure connected to the float, wherein the expansion structure is deployed to support the float in the inflated position without the need for compressed air, wherein the float is cylindrical and the expansion structure comprises a series of compressible hoops inside the float.

An expandable flat-pack membrane-based float system for use with a floating solar PV array, comprising:

• a float formed from a flexible membrane, wherein the float can be deformed between an uninflated flat-pack position and an inflated position;
• a sealable air-entry valve on the float;
• and
• an expansion structure connected to the float, wherein the expansion structure is deployed to support the float in the inflated position without the need for compressed air, wherein the float is cylindrical and the expansion structure comprises:
• a series of poles wrapped around the exterior surface of the float, and
• a mounting system for connecting the series of poles to an exterior surface of the float.

An expandable flat-pack membrane-based float system for use with a floating solar PV array, comprising:

• a float formed from a flexible membrane, wherein the float can be deformed between an uninflated flat-pack position and an inflated position;
• a sealable air-entry valve on the float;
• and
• an expansion structure connected to the float, wherein the expansion structure is deployed to support the float in the inflated position without the need for compressed air, wherein the float is cylindrical and the expansion structure comprises:
• a series of parallel hoops wrapping around the circumference of the float, wherein the parallel hoops are positioned close together when the float is in its uninflated position, and wherein the parallel hoops are positioned farther apart when the float is in its inflated position.

An expandable flat-pack membrane-based float system for use with a floating solar PV array, comprising:

• a float formed from a flexible membrane, wherein the float can be deformed between an uninflated flat-pack position and an inflated position;
• a sealable air-entry valve on the float;
• and
• an expansion structure connected to the float, wherein the expansion structure is deployed to support the float in the inflated position without the need for compressed air, wherein the expansion structure comprises:
• an expandable frame connected to an exterior surface of the float.