The Ocean Sun boss did not provide details on the chemical composition of the material used, which he defined as an engineered polymer. He said a membrane could host around 600 kW of PV module generation capacity, with the size limit depending on the fact a single membrane occupies an entire 40ft container and larger membranes cannot be shipped overseas yet. \u201cWhen we develop megawatt-sized projects, they are divided into 600 kW sub-units, with each unit being represented by a single buoyancy ring,\u201d Bj\u00f8rneklett said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Modules and inverters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ocean Sun used special modules provided by Chinese manufacturer\u00a0GCL\u00a0and string inverters from Chinese company\u00a0Huawei\u00a0in a 220 kw pilot project commissioned in the\u00a0Philippines\u00a0last year.\u00a0\u201cBut our system is compatible with every kind of devices for both technologies,\u201d\u00a0Bj\u00f8rneklett said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The glass-glass modules used in that installation were conventional panels modified for the project. \u201cThe special waterproof junction boxes are located in the panel\u2019s sunny side and the modules are connected to the membrane through marine-grade aluminum profiles which engage in welded attachment features in the membrane,\u201d said the Ocean Sun CEO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inverters are usually located along the buoyancy ring and, if the floating system is very near the coast, can be installed on the shore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wind resistence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bj\u00f8rneklett said his company\u2019s patented system also offers strong wind resistance. \u201cOur system in the Philippines has been hit by tropical storms and so far no damage [was] detected,\u201d he said. \u201cAs modules are completely flat on the membrane, wind drag is very low.\u201d That claim, said the CEO, has been verified by computational fluid dynamics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ocean Sun boss said the system also offers logistics advantages. \u201cIt can be deployed very easily and in a short time frame,\u201d he said. \u201cThe ratio between its costs and performance are the best available in the floating PV market. Our pilot project in the Philippines is performing above all our expectations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bj\u00f8rneklett said the\u00a0DNV GL is comparing the system\u2019s performance with those of conventional floating PV and ground-mounted solar systems in Singapore. \u201cThe results are still not available but I am sure these will demonstrate our low-cost technology is highly performant,\u201d\u00a0the Ocean Sun chief added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From: https:\/\/www.pv-magazine.com\/2020\/03\/23\/floating-pv-learning-from-aquaculture-industry\/<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The CEO of Norwegian floating solar company Ocean Sun has spoken to\u00a0pv magazine\u00a0about his company\u2019s innovative design for floating PV projects in near-shore locations and semi-sheltered waters. A pilot project built in the Philippines last year, said B\u00f8rge Bj\u00f8rneklett, is providing better-than-expected power output. Norwegian quality assurance and risk management company\u00a0DNV GL\u00a0has awarded compatriot solar…
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