SeaVolt, a partnership between Tractebel, DEME and Jan De Nul is busy with the final preparations for the installation of the first floating test platform for solar energy at sea. The platform is currently in the port of Ostend, Belgium. There, main contractor Equans is finalising the assembly.
The test platform will be the very first installation in the Belgian North Sea dedicated to large-scale offshore solar energy development. The aim is to take the platform out to sea in August and anchor it to then collect data for at least a year.
Specific concept
SeaVolt developed a specific concept tailored to offshore conditions. The conditions and therefore the concept are different from existing floating installations for solar energy on lakes. Thanks to its modular design, this technology is highly suitable to be installed as a complement to offshore wind farms.
Test the solar panels
The proof-of-concept installation will collect crucial data. This includes data on the impact that waves, rain and salt spray can have on different solar panels with varying PV panel configurations. In addition, researchers will closely monitor the impact of waves and wind on the energy generated. With this test, the researchers aim to determine what level of protection is needed to protect solar panels from seawater and bird droppings, among other things.
Testing the floating mechanism
A new, lightweight carbon fibre has been used for the test rig. The material is expected to offer advantages at sea, but it has not yet often been used in such harsh conditions. To find out, embedded optical fibres and sensors have been connected to the structure. They will evaluate whether the structural integrity ( vibration/fatigue) of the material agrees with the numerical models and results of ocean wave tank and wind tunnel tests. Since the cost is determined by the floating structure and solar panels, those measurements are essential for further financial evaluation.
The ecological impact of the test platform
Besides technical tests, the test platform will take ecological aspects into account. For instance, different materials will be evaluated, looking at the impact on the marine environment. The test results will determine the choice of materials for further development. On the one hand, it is important to minimise the attachment of excessive marine growth to the floating mechanism. This will maintain buoyancy. On the other hand, it is important to attract and repel the right plant species for optimal interaction with the ecosystem to create an 'artificial reef'. Finally, the team will conduct specific tests to evaluate the combination of the buoyancy systems with mussel growth and oyster farming. Again, this brings specific challenges.
Floating laboratory
The floating offshore solar test platform will be the first installation in the Belgian North Sea aimed at the large-scale development of offshore solar energy. This test includes all aspects of SeaVolt technology to develop a reliable, cost-efficient and sustainable solution. But this test does not yet include a large amount of pv panels. Therefore, it should not yet be considered a full-fledged first prototype. Rather, it is a laboratory that can gather knowledge and further technology development.
Expectations
Expectations for this new application of solar energy are high. Offshore solar energy offers an additional opportunity to generate green energy locally. In combination with offshore wind farms, offshore solar energy fits within the strategy of multifunctional zones and can optimise the use of existing electrical infrastructure.
Next steps for SeaVolt
Meanwhile, SeaVolt is continuing its ecological and economic research. Among other things, it is doing this by analysing future LCOE evolutions. To ensure further development, SeaVolt is preparing for a large-scale demonstration project within an offshore wind farm. This will allow the researchers to further evaluate the potential of integrating floating solar panels into an offshore wind farm. In case of positive results, large-scale offshore solar power is expected to become a reality. In that case, SeaVolt hopes to secure a significant share of this new development in the already strong Belgian offshore sector.
Source: Tractebel Engie
Image by Pexels via Pixabay
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