Design & development
ZIM Float is designed as a complete system with integrated inverter boats, gang- and maintenance ways, cable ducts, wave barriers, plant boats, and floating transformer stations.
ZIM Float’s optimal design is realised with durable materials for long-term
energy generation.
Adaptability and
scalability
ZIM Float has been designed to offer maximum flexibility and scalability. This approach has been consistently applied since the initial design of ZIM Float. It still drives our efforts to optimise and innovate the system.
- Designed for quick assembly and low maintenance
- Flexible steel structures guarantee compatibility with every module size (M6, M10, M12)
- Buoyancy can be optimised by adapting the size and number of floats
- Additional components are available including: plant boats, operation and maintenance boats, wave barriers, and service carts.
- Connector and boat design ensures ZIM Float can be scaled up to 50 MWp per island or block.
Structural concept
and design
The ZIM Float system uses a steel mounting structure with a unique, durable, and environmentally friendly corrosion protection coating. Static and dynamic calculations are performed for each project individually.
- Each project is delivered with a comprehensive and project-specific set of static and dynamic calculations in accordance with local norms. These calculations are used to determine different parameters such as mooring design.
- The basis of the structural and dynamic calculations rely on wind tunnel tests and our inhouse expertise
- Our approach guarantees the security of the installation and is important when obtaining finance for new or expanded installations
- Zim Float utilises durable materials in every component. The result is a PV installation with a potential recycling rate of almost 100 percent.
Solar and inverter boats
A ZIM Float system is supported on a series of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) floats, perfectly embedded in the durable and stable structure of the solar and inverter boats.
- Pontoons are made from high-quality, food safe, multi-layered HDPE. The inner layer of the pontoon is made from recycled material.
- The mix of raw materials has been selected to offer a long lifecycle, maximum UV protection, and a high level of stability.
- Floats are fitted tightly into the construction without mechanical attachments. This avoids friction and prevents micro-abrasion of the plastics.
- All components are designed to last for more than 25 years
- Inverter boats, wave barriers, plant boats, and other components are designed to be compatible and easy to integrate
- The inverter boats provide wide (90 cm/35 inch) and stable gangways. There are no steps on either side of the boat to ensure safety.
ZIM Float as a double
and south-facing system
For more flexibility and variability, further solutions have been developed and already installed:
A double boat can be implemented for special projects and provides the following benefits:
- Use of continuous profiles within the double boats – this reduces the number of connectors between the boats at the transverse sides and reduces operational and maintenance costs
- Even faster installation using a double-installation roller conveyor
- Less installation time on water as 16 to 20 boats can be pulled out and connected at the same time
New ZIM Float developed for south orientations:
- Designed for southern areas with high solar radiation and low snow loads
- Adjustable tilt optimised for local wind loads
- Yield-optimised design preserves the stability of the structure and maintenance walkways
- High compatibility with all additional ZIM Float components
Integration of floating
transformer station
For ideal electrical planning and implementation, a floating transformer can be integrated on the basis of a specially developed floating platform.
- Solid steel mounting structure with long-term, abrasion-resistant corrosion protection for hydro engineering
- Platform based on low density polyethylene (LDPE) floats. Adaptable for FEAG 1,800 kVA, 3,150 kVA, and 4,000 kVA transformer compact stations (TCS). Project specific buoyancy adjustments possible by change the number of floats.
- High flexibility and safety for all cabling. Cables are protected from long-term water contact and direct sunlight to ensure durability
- Stepless integration of the platform into the overall ZIM Float system
