A new technology developed by scientists and engineers at the Technical University of Vienna could soon make it possible to build floating solar parks on the open sea. While floating solar parks already exist on calm waters and some reservoirs, the challenge of developing a platform that can withstand the forces of large waves has so far prevented their deployment on the ocean. The Vienna team has developed a platform that floats on open air cushions, which act as shock absorbers when waves hit, allowing the solar panels to remain stable. The developers say that platforms up to 100 meters long could be built using this technology.
The first proposed use for the floating platform is for solar parks, but if successful, the technology could be used for other structures such as desalination plants, floating islands, hotels, and other large buildings. The Technical University of Vienna has even established a spin-off company to further develop and market the Heliofloat technology.
The search for ideal locations for solar parks has led scientists and engineers to explore the vast, unused areas of water. While reservoirs and lakes are almost ideal, they are often limited in size and availability. Japan recently connected the world’s largest floating solar park to the grid, but it is located on a reservoir. The Vienna team’s technology could open up new possibilities for renewable energy generation on the open sea.
