The German startup Sinn Power has developed a modular maritime platform capable of generating renewable energy from waves, wind and solar sources.
Starting this summer, the company hopes to offer solar panel manufacturers the opportunity to test and demonstrate photovoltaic panels on an offshore floating platform off the Greek coast as part of an off-grid energy solution.
Offshore wave energy conversion (WEC) is nothing new; new pioneering developments are taking place in this field at all times. However, what makes this particular platform unique is that it has been designed to be modular and extremely easy to connect and expand, so different combinations are possible.
Here is the concept of the full ocean hybrid platform, which offers the conversion of waves, solar and wind energy SINN
“The modular design was a key element. It will allow flexibility and a wide variety of applications”, says dr. Philip Sinn, CEO of Sinn Power, in Forbes. “The floating platform can provide renewable energy to, for example, islands around the world, and contribute to the global deployment of offshore wind farms.”
Intelligent offshore platform
The electrical sensors with IP68 protection rating with which the platform is equipped continuously transmit data to the diagnostic centers. They are the real sensory organs of the entire structure: they allow the timely detection of anomalies, the prevention of potential faults, the analysis of the models of power supplied.
Sinn says he can easily optimize a service plan for potential customers and anticipate repairs before serious damage occurs. The key, Sinn says, is making this technology accessible.
Modular energy
Each floating unit or module consists of four integrated wave energy converters that generate energy in relation to water conditions. For regions of low wave energy potential, the unit can also be equipped with an array of 20 kW photovoltaic cells. Likewise, up to four small 6 kWp wind turbines can be equipped and finally a combination of all three is also possible, making optimal use of the environmental conditions surrounding the platform.
Sinn says there is no limit to the number of units a potential could have.
The modular structure allows the same components to be used, increasing or reducing the volume of energy supplied, and making perfect use of the peculiar characteristics of each location. Areas with greater wave motion will make more use of the water. If there are more than one wind in an area, room forAeolian and so on.
The idea, which went from patent to prototype in just two years, attracted a lot of attention from partners and investors.
“We are now preparing a mobile platform to be used as a showcase, to allow wider access to potential customers. Politicians and representatives of other European nations have already visited it,” says Sinn.
