Innovative Floating Structure - Float technology for PV systems

Efficient use of water surfaces for generating energy is becoming increasingly important as the global energy revolution continues. Floating photovoltaic systems are a promising solution to the increasing surface area requirements for renewable energies in sustainable concepts. Floats play a central role as support systems: They not only ensure solar module structural stability, but are also decisive for overall system profitability, environmental friendliness, and longevity. Scientists at the Aachen University of Applied Sciences have developed a new float concept that can be implemented at low cost and that guarantees high stability. Individual floats consist of a continuous flexible tube forming a slightly twisted ring of three or more coils. This means that only one sleeve is required to make the ring watertight. If needed, another central tube is added for the outer tubes to be wound around.

This allows for rings of 2-3 m diameter and a 1,500 kg buoyancy load, for instance. The suspension at the center of the ring ensures an optimally steady, torque-free assembly level for the PV modules.