German Startup Creates Ocean Platform to Generate Power from Waves, Wind, and Solar

Modular, build-your-own maritime platform can generate power from waves, wind, and the sun.

A one-of-a-kind modular floating maritime platform that can generate renewable energy from waves, wind, and solar will see the light of day later this summer. 

Built by German startup, SINN Power, the plan is for solar power manufacturers to test and demonstrate photovoltaic arrays on the floating platform, which will be off the coast of Greece. 

The hope is to create an offshore multi-faceted energy solution. 

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Renewable energy surge

Offshore wave energy conversion (WEC) in itself is no new concept. But, what is different about SINN Power's platform is that it's built to be modular, meaning you can add or remove sections as you wish, is extremely easy to connect, and to expand. A number of different variations can be put together to fit the needs of the customer and the environment. 

"The modular design has been a key element since we started developing maritime technologies that allow flexibility and a wide variety of applications," Dr. Philipp Sinn, CEO SINN Power told Forbes. "The floating platform can supply renewable energy to islands across the world, for example, and contribute to the worldwide implementation of offshore wind farms."

The platform uses IP68-rated electrical sensors that transmit data to diagnostic centers, which helps detect anomalies and put a stop to potential failures well ahead of time. By keeping a close eye on power output, Sinn explained that this enables them to optimize a service plan for its future customers and be one step ahead of any potential reparations needed before any serious damages occur. 

Each floating unit is made up of four integrated wave energy converters. For low-wave zones, these units can be equipped with an array of 20kW photovoltaic cells. In a similar fashion, up to four small 6 kWp wind turbines can also be equipped, and a combination of all three can also be put together. 

As per Sinn, there is no limit to how many units a potential platform can have. 

"It's always the same, it's super modular. We can always use the same parts, the same electronics regardless of which configuration is constructed. So, with this strategy, we want to get into volume, get the practice low, and then it's so we can show [sic] that wave power is really attractive against solar," Sinn said.

Closing off, Sinn explained their next steps: "We are now preparing the floating platform to be used as a showcase, to enable wider access for potential customers. Politicians and representatives from other European nations have already visited. The next goal is in autumn when hopefully we'll be able to start marketing our unique electronics set."