As part of its ongoing rollout of zero-emission power and propulsion solutions for shipping, Eco Marine Power (EMP) is cooperating with F-WAVE to jointly develop ship integrated photovoltaic (SIPV) solutions. These will utilize F-WAVE’s flexible, shatterproof PV technology combined with EMP’s extensive experience in developing ship-based solar power systems.
The flexible solar cells use the unique SCAF (series-connection through apertures formed on film) structure allowing a wireless connection with the electrodes. This tandem construction also allows the flexible solar cells to absorb a wide solar spectrum. F-WAVE says the cells demonstrate high performance in hot weather due in part to an annealing effect, and their efficiency increases compared with the decrease that typically occurs with crystalline cells.
EMP states that its Aquarius Marine Solar Power solution is ideally suited to incorporate the flexible PV panel technology. A customized version will be fitted to EMP’s patented EnergySail for evaluation at the Onomichi Marine Technology Test Center (MTTC) in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.
Commenting on the cooperation with F-WAVE, Greg Atkinson, CTO at Eco Marine Power, stated, “We look forward to incorporating the patented F-WAVE solar cell technology into the solutions we have developed for shipping and maritime applications, and also exploring new ways of integrating photovoltaics into the design and structure of ships.”
