Mooring Systems For Offshore (Marine) Photovoltaics

Moorings systems for marine floating PV are important for securing the floating solar panels in place and ensuring their stability in a marine environment. 

The mooring design involved in our project is four mooring legs for each panel mold, and each mooring legs consists of screw anchor, long link chains, double braided polyester ropes, multi-eyes connection plate, buoys and related connection shackles with hot dip galvanized surface and stainless steel material.

Screw Anchors: Screw anchor, also known as a helical anchor or helical pile, is a type of ground anchor used to secure structures and foundations to the ground. They consist of a spiral steel shaft with one or more spirals (metal plates) welded to the shaft. The anchor's spiral shape allows it to be easily screwed into the soil, providing a quick and efficient installation process. Helical anchors are commonly used in a variety of applications, such as securing solar panel structures, decks, fences, retaining walls, and the foundations of buildings and bridges. They are preferred where soil conditions may not be suitable for traditional foundation methods or where installation speed and efficiency are important factors. All screw anchors involved in this project are made by S355J2 material, galvanized thickness up to 125micron.

Long Link Chain: Open link chain are hot dip galvanized also, it is widely used in marine mooring system worked as bottom chains.

Double Braided Polyester Rope: In all kinds of the chemical fiber and natural fiber ropes, polyester rope is with the best UV resistance. Its owns stable chemical performance, good abrasion and chemical corrosion resistance. It absorbs water and keeps same elongation rate and strength when it’s under wet condition. In this project, all ropes are spliced with thimbles and master links at both end. And, the end which will be connected to the sea surface floating structures are used SS316 thimbles and forged master link to enhance corrosion resistance. 

PE Buoys: Ball type EPS foamed PE buoys are used in this project to plan a role of floating the corner connection plate in the sea. The buoys are with rotational swivel at both end and then connect to the connection plate by a short piece of chains and shackles.