After a 5 year study conducted on-board ships, in test lab and at outdoor evaluation area, Eco Marine Power (EMP) released some of the key findings regarding the use of solar power on ships and the selection of related equipment.
The study included the installation of a trial system on the high speed RoRo Ferry Blue Star Delos, several ship surveys, computer-aided analysis, evaluation of various equipment in a test lab and also at an outdoor evaluation area.
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The key findings of the study include the following:
- The type of PV module best suited for a ship-based project may vary depending on a number of factors including the location where the modules will be installed. In some cases PV modules of differing types and/or technologies may be required in different locations.
- Careful attention needs to be focused on the way the PV modules are installed and mounted. For best results specially designed marine-grade frames suitable for use on ships should be used.
- High quality valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) battery technologies are suitable for ship-based solar projects. These batteries are cost effective and require very little ongoing maintenance.
- 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.
- 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.
Commenting on the study, Greg Atkinson, Chief Technology Officer at Eco Marine Power stated:
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.
EMP will now work with selected manufacturers of PV modules and solar panels to optimise them for ship and marine use.
