France-based start-up HelioRec and Centrale Nantes, a component institution of the Nantes University, have finished wave tank testing of the W200CM floating solar model.
The full-scale prototype was created in Bretagne at EMP ROTOMOULAGE, a company dedicated to rotational molding techniques, and assembled by the HelioRec team, with help from the Bassins d’essais de Centrale Nantes team.
According to HelioRec, the tests were conducted under various conditions, including different configurations of regular and irregular waves, reaching a maximum wave height of one meter, and assessed with multiple induction angles.
Eight wave gauges were implemented in the ocean basin for accurate wave monitoring, and four mooring load cells were integrated into the catenary mooring lines.
Six load cells were strategically placed at different points of the prototype to ensure detailed force measurement. Additionally, Qualisys motion capture cameras tracked the motions of the 16 floaters and four footpaths individually, utilizing the “rigid bodies” feature to obtain six degrees of freedom for each element.
“This successful testing phase brings us closer to revolutionizing renewable energy solutions and demonstrates the potential of ocean-based energy systems,” said HelioRec in a social media post.
HelioRec’s floating solar system is accompanied by a machine learning system said to help improve efficiency in power generation operations and maintenance efforts. The system also features a ‘hydro-lock’ feature, which keeps water inside the floater to give additional mass and stability while avoiding extra costs from other materials for ballasting, such as metal and concrete.
In February, HelioRec established this partnership with EMP ROTOMOULAGE to spearhead the production of floating solar systems in the Bretagne region.
HelioRec, who developed a floating solar system whose compact design makes it easy to transport and set up, said that the strategic alliance marks a significant milestone in the company’s expansion plans throughout France and Europe.
In June, the start-up company completed the inspection of a 25 kW floating solar power plant in the Port of Brest, installed in October 2023 , which is used for demonstrating the different technologies employed in its newest floating solar model.