Floating solar hybrid energy project

Project Description

The proposed Floating Solar Hybrid Energy Platform (FSHEP) design concept is based on a disruptive innovative technology that creates synergies between different forms of renewable energy and storage technologies and places them on a single floating platform. These floating energy plants could potentially be deployed in both nearshore marine environments and on inland waters. The project aim is to further develop the existing floating platform designs and energy technology through a combination of fundamental research and technology demonstration. On this R&D project the team will examine how to harness solar energy on a floating platform to power an electrolysis unit to produce hydrogen in an electrofuel form whilst using battery storage for the release of electrical power when required. This collaborative research will deliver: 1) Technical research leading to the design of a hydrogen fuel storage and distribution system that can be integrated onto a floating solar energy platform for use in industry, shipping and for energy supply to grid connected or non-grid connected communities; 2) An understanding of aero-hydrodynamic loads experienced by a floating solar platform when supporting a hybrid energy system design; 3) Research into the influence of wind induced hydrodynamic motion on energy plant power capture; 4) Investigation into component marinisation and corrosion issues in the marine environment; 5) Knowledge of how to design balance of plant systems to integrate H2 generation, H2 electrofuel and battery storage and solar energy production; 6) Research into control and interface system requirements between an interruptible energy generator (solar) and a H2 generating facility. This is an opportunity to develop and integrate other renewable energy production sources with the team's designs and to build links with UCC and MAREI, and potentially also open up further funding opportunities (EU FP9 etc), and industry links through the Port of Cork.