Technology in the photovoltaic energy sector has been developing very fast in recent years. Thanks to the focus on renewable energy sources and cost optimisation, the installed capacity of PV systems in every country is increasing rapidly. Floating solar energy systems contribute to this goal. The characteristics of infrastructure in the Netherlands make this technique very applicable for the development of solar power systems. The aim is to increase the percentage of renewable energy used as part of the "European Green Deal" and the "Paris Climate Agreement".
The company Floating Solar BV, based in the Netherlands, specialises in floating solar power systems. They have established three artificial islands for the largest floating, dynamic solar park in Europe. The plan is to extend this to 15 islands. The solar park will soon contain 67,000 solar panels which will be divided across 15 round islands, each 140 meters in diameter. These panels float in a basin where water is stored for later use. Together, they will have a capacity of over 22 MW peak.
The solar panels installed by Floating Solar add a new function to the water basin. They remain cooler, rotate with the sun, and produce more than standard panels. This increases the output power, decreases the cost of energy production, and significantly improves the ROI. One of the islands (4,500 panels) will be equipped with sensors that permanently monitor the water quality for algae formation, light penetration, and ecology, for example. The next islands will only be built when it appears there are no significant negative side effects on nature and the water quality.
Floating Solar BV is a company that delivers high quality systems. Partly thanks to their mother company Dromec (specialised in offshore winch installations) they have developed this unique concept of solar islands that rotate with the sun. Their specific needs made them look for partners who have the quality products and knowledge for this application. In Weidmüller they have found a partner who supports them in design, logistical challenges, commissioning and the final delivery. Extra attention is paid to the relevant documents and quality approvals. It was also important to them that the working method and people involved in the projects fit the culture and objectives of Floating Solar.
General Manager at Floating Solar BV, Kees-Jan van der Geer; "We have made strategic decisions to achieve and secure the culture of quality and solution orientation. Weidmüller fits this approach with regard to the price-quality ratio and the support they provide. They have delivered a tailor-made solution for connecting and securing the DC circuit in solar power systems. Our customers have very high demands regarding quality, quality marks, documentation, method of drawing, schedule delivery, test procedures and so on."
"Even when choosing the right data cabling and connectors, for example, Weidmüller provided its service, even instructing the technicians on-site so they could assemble and test these with the right tools" – Ralph van Dijk, Manager of Operations at Floating Solar. The environmental conditions are harsh and the intended lifespan long. The entire design of the islands is focused on this. They even take into account unhurtful bird deterrent so that the surface of the panels remains clean.
The combiner boxes also have to meet the highest standards, from the entrance of the string cables to the thick power outputs, every little detail has been taken into account to ensure the right performance for the whole system. The Floating Combiner Boxes contain the overcurrent and overvoltage protection devices on the DC side of the system. This is where all the generated power goes through the system, so it is extremely important to ensure performance in terms of protection and reliability.
To develop the most optimised solution we considered electrical safety conditions, types of cables glands, connectors, and the material of terminals as well as their temperature and humidity behaviour. The Weidmüller range of combiner boxes for floating systems are designed and tested for these conditions. Quality checks are carried out on each individual box and other critical components before they are taken into the production line. Once the combiner box is ready, just before packaging, Weidmüller's specialists check and verify it on key components which affect the IP classification. All this makes it possible to achieve a high level of quality, giving the system's investor a reliable set of products.
Finally, very tight delivery times have to be met in order to meet the project deadlines and ensure that the system can deliver energy to the public grid on time. The close cooperation between Floating Solar BV and Weidmüller has contributed to the success in achieving the targets. Weidmüller supplies customised solutions for connecting and securing the DC circuit in solar power plants.
Adam Bakewell
Business Development Manager - Renewable Energy