Wave-Resistant Platform Explores Offshore Solar Potential

Offshore Solar: The Next Step in a Zero-Carbon Future

As we move toward a zero-carbon future, large solar farms are becoming more common on land. However, much like wind turbines, large photovoltaic (PV) installations may soon be deployed offshore. China is taking the lead in this area and has begun sea trials with a wave-resistant hexagonal floating platform.

The team is transporting the project, called Yellow Sea No. 1, to a wind farm operated by the Huaneng Group on the Shandong Peninsula, marking the start of China’s offshore solar research program.

The test platform features a 1,624-square-meter (about 17,500-square-foot) upper surface area housing 434 photovoltaic panels. These will test three different technologies and four capacities to identify the most robust configuration. The structure stands 9 meters tall and is supported by 64 buoys. Cables anchored to the seabed keep the platform in position, designed to withstand waves as high as 10 meters.

Enfrentando os Desafios da Energia Solar Offshore

When waves hit the photovoltaic panels, salt crystals form, which can reduce the efficiency of photovoltaic conversion,” explained project engineer Bi Cheng. “Additionally, seawater can corrode our photovoltaic components and electrical systems. Therefore, we have elevated our platform above sea level to ensure that even in extreme conditions not seen in 50 years, the waves won’t reach the panels.

Research Phase and Future Development

The testing phase will last for one year after installation, situated 30 km (18.6 miles) offshore in waters 30 meters (98.4 feet) deep. According to Qingdao officials, researchers will monitor wind and wave resistance, assess overall durability, energy generation efficiency, maintenance needs, and more. The collected data will help develop future offshore solar systems, expected to integrate with existing offshore wind farms.

Huaneng and its partners are not the only ones exploring offshore solar energy potential. Dr. Luofeng Huang of Cranfield University is researching wave-resilient floating PV platforms for remote islands in Indonesia. SolarDuck and RWE recently installed a floating solar pilot at a wind farm in the North Sea. Ocean Sun has developed a flexible floating rig that adjusts to wave movements, and NoviOcean has tested a hybrid platform that harvests energy from wind, waves, and solar sources.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

Read more: Solar-Powered, Self-Contained Units Extract Drinking Water from the Air