ABB drives the energy revolution with World’s largest floating photovoltaic power plant
Floating solar panels may be a viable alternative for the city-state surrounded by water. Floating panels could be eleven percent more efficient than solar panels placed on precious land. Pioneering technology leader ABB is providing critical components on a landmark 1 MW floating solar photovoltaic test-bed. It measures 1 hectare or 1.5 football fields. The energy generated will be fed into the national energy grid, providing electricity for up to 250 households.
Located in the Tengeh Reservoir in west Singapore, the installation features multiple solar solutions from providers to study the performance and cost-effectiveness of floating solar platforms. ABB supplied 100 kW of market-leading TRIO-50 solar inverters to Phoenix Solar, one of several system integrators for the project. These essential components convert the direct current produced in solar panels into alternating current for use in electrical grids. Additionally, ABB low-voltage molded case and miniature circuit breakers protect the electrical circuits on the water.
Floating solar platforms will be naturally cooled by the surrounding water, which increases the efficiency of the energy yields significantly. A study has found that the natural cooling effect of the water beneath the solar cells makes them up to 11 percent more efficient than solar panels placed on land. In a synergistic effect, the floating platform helps reduce evaporation of the valuable water.
President of ABB’s Electrification Products division, Tarak Mehta said that they are proud to support this important project in Singapore with their technological expertise and domain knowledge. This project is perfectly aligned with their Next Level strategy around the energy revolution and is an important step in collaborating with partners to bring more renewables into the future energy mix.
Image: World’s largest floating photovoltaic power plant test-bed in Singapore features ABB technology (Source: ABB)