Location influences solar PV module type

Eco Marine Power’s (EMP) five-year study, which incorporated its Aquarius Marine Solar Power, also found that in some cases PV modules of differing types and/or technologies may be required in different locations. The study covered a range of topics including system design, system performance, installation methods, hardware selection and a review of marine-grade photovoltaic (PV) technologies.

The study also included: installation of a trial system on the high speed RoRo Ferry Blue Star Delos, several ship surveys, computer-aided analysis, plus evaluation of various equipment in a test lab and also at an outdoor evaluation area.

Greg Atkinson, chief technology officer at EMP, said: “We have gained many valuable insights into the design, installation and use of solar power on ships during the last 5 years. These insights have been used to refine our system design and product offerings and we are now in the process of deploying commercial systems.”

Installation important

The study also found careful attention needs to be focused on the way the PV modules are installed and mounted, with specially designed marine-grade frames suitable for use on ships for best results; while high quality valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) battery technologies are suitable for ship-based solar projects.

Additionally, the installation methods suggested by the PV module manufactures may not be suitable for ships, and customization of the PV module may be required in certain cases; a class approved monitoring system should be included with any ship-based solar power system; and a solar power system on a ship combined with DC loads such as lighting can be an effective way to reduce system cost, lower power losses & simplify the overall system design.

Resulting actions taken by EMP include the development of customised high quality PV module and frame kits; the release of VRLA hybrid battery packs using class-approved batteries, in co-operation with The Furukawa Battery Company; and refinement of the PV modules & mounting frames customisation process.