PRYSMIAN CABLES FOR PV-FLOATING SYSTEMS WORLDWIDE

One of the most forward-looking forms of photovoltaic power generation is the use of water surfaces. Floating photovoltaic systems, also known as "floating PV" systems, are already widespread in many parts of the world and are now also becoming increasingly popular in Europe. Advantages include module cooling by the water, which enables higher electricity yields compared to ground-mounted systems on land, and cost savings as no surface preparation or maintenance is required.

Operating conditions differ from PV systems on land

A prerequisite for efficient, long-term system operation is optimum interaction between the installed components under the special operating conditions, which in some cases differ significantly from those on land. In addition to the PV modules themselves, the transformers and the distribution boxes, this also applies to the cable solutions. The Prysmian Group, world market leader in the field of energy and telecommunications cables and systems, has a customised portfolio of high-performance, durable copper cables. It includes solutions both for connecting the individual components of the floating PV system to each other and for transporting the electricity generated on the water to the grid connection on land. The Prysmian cable solutions are used in Grafenwörth in Lower Austria, for example, in one of the largest floating solar plants in Europe with a capacity of 24.5 MWp.

Material stress due to UV radiation, ozone and constant movement

The range of cables is optimised for the special operating conditions. As the cables are laid openly on the floating platform, this includes resistance to UV radiation as well as high temperatures and ozone levels, especially during long periods of sunshine. Added to this is a high degree of flexibility, which is particularly important due to the mechanical stress caused by the constant movement of the system on the water. An important prerequisite for this is copper as a material for the conductors. This allows the cables to compensate for the constant movement without becoming too hot and thus damaged in the long term. The sheaths also fulfil the high ecological requirements for water protection.

Complete portfolio for all connection types

At the centre of the Prysmian range of solar cables are the cables from the "Tecsun" series, which are already used in many photovoltaic systems worldwide. They are designed for freely movable and freely suspended use or for fixed installation in photovoltaic power generation systems with a rated voltage of up to 1.5 kV direct current. They are the only solar cable system in the world to be certified to DIN EN 50656-2 AD8 and can therefore remain permanently immersed in fresh water for their entire service life.

Prysmian also provides another customised solution for connecting the individual photovoltaic modules to the distribution box via string cables in the form of "Hydrofirm" cables. The copper cables, which are ideally suited to the loads in photovoltaic applications, have a drinking water-certified outer sheath. Among other things, it fulfils the elastomer guidelines (ELL) of the German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) and the requirements of the Attestation de Conformité Sanitaire (ACS) under French law. The connection between distributors and transformers can be made with "Protolon M" cables, which are also suitable for high current flows thanks to their high temperature resistance. A key challenge is connecting the floating PV system to the grid connection on land. This is where Prysmian's "Protolon ST" cables offer particular advantages: they are very flexible, specially designed for use in water and can be used in water depths of up to 500 metres.

The globally experienced cable specialist thus offers a portfolio of suitable cable solutions that is optimised for larger floating photovoltaic systems and has already proven itself in many applications.

Further information on "Tecsun" at  Solar | Prysmian Group

To the complete range Catalogue | Prysmian Group