BRIZO is a pioneering floating PV technology created to unlock the potential of floating solar. BRIZO’s elegant simplicity enables a new standard of cost efficiency. The modular design makes it suitable for a wide range of commercial applications worldwide.
The main philosophy of the design is to allow the PV modules to move freely and independently within a pre-tensioned rope mesh, while the environmental forces are distributed through the mesh and mooring system. As a result, BRIZO handles both wave and wind loads.
Our floating solar system is designed with precision and innovation to ensure the stability needed at sea. Below, you'll find a breakdown of the essential components that make the system able to handle the motion of the ocean:
The rope mesh is pre-tensioned to provide stability, and to avoid compression and collision of the floating elements in the system.
Each floating solar module is individually anchored to the rope mesh. This means that forces will not be transferred from module to module, but rather be distributed in the rope mesh. In strong winds, the individual anchoring ensures the floating solar modules are pulled down towards the sea surface keeping the system stable .
The PE pipes are the interface between the mooring system and the rope mesh. They provide the necessary buoyancy, stiffness, and flexibility for the system, and act as a protective barrier against short and steep waves.
The bridle lines’ primary role is to distribute the forces effectively and evenly from the mooring lines to the PE pipes. This provides a continuity from the bridle lines to the rope mesh.
BRIZO can employ various anchoring solutions depending on site-specific environmental loads and seabed conditions for the respective floating solar farm.
BRIZO’s design uses well-established fabrication methods, including blow- and injection molding. The floating modules are manufactured using processes akin to those employed in the production of water bottles. Furthermore, the system utilizes recycled materials, and moreover, all components used for BRIZO can be readily recycled at the end of their life cycle.
BRIZO offers a distinct advantage in floating solar solutions as it allows assembly in areas with limited space, infrastructure, and without the need for heavy equipment. This makes BRIZO a globally versatile solution, suitable for assembly in diverse locations.
BRIZO comes with a unique solution for operations and maintenance (O&M). The O&M catamaran has access through the pathways between the solar panels. This allows for component exchange, cleaning, and maintenance directly from the service vessel.
The catamaran's integrated cleaning system further enhances the floating PV technology’s capabilities, as it can efficiently remove debris and contaminants that may accumulate on the floating solar panels, optimizing their performance. This approach minimizes downtime and ensures maximum energy production from the floating solar farm.
Our pilot project in Risør serves as a testing ground for refining the components of our floating PV technology. Moving forward, the technology behind BRIZO will transition to the next phase, focusing on the foundational design work to facilitate the development of a 3MW first unit project tailored for commercial application. The invaluable insights acquired from deploying and operating our pilot project of BRIZO will be instrumental in optimizing our technology, ensuring that our system is meticulously crafted for commercial viability.
Read more about the pilot project of BRIZO here
The simple design of BRIZO enables a scalable approach to the deployment of floating solar farms. This flexibility enables easy expansion or downsizing to suit the requirements of each floating solar farm, making BRIZO ideal for large-scale energy productions.
Furthermore, the design philosophy behind the floating PV technology, BRIZO, prioritizes sustainability. The system is designed for easy component recycling, using traceable, easily separable, and environmentally friendly materials, while leveraging the global supply chain and proven manufacturing procedures to offer flexibility.
• All components in the system are tagged and can be easily recycled after decommissioning
• Use of traceable environmental rope from selected suppliers
• Utilizing the existing global supply chain for the main components – allows flexibility in sourcing
• Utilizing existing and proven manufacturing procedures
• The modular design is suitable for a wide range of commercial applications
• Offers a wide range of geographical deployment areas and scalability without design changes
“BRIZO is designed in a very cost-efficient manner to follow the motion of the ocean, even in offshore conditions. We believe BRIZO’s elegant simplicity is a game-changer unlocking the potential of floating near- and offshore solar”
- Per Arvid Holth, CEO, Fred. Olsen 1848
BRIZO is designed both to withstand harsh environmental loads and to lower the Levelized Cost of Energy - hence unlocking the potential of near- and offshore floating solar.
This is possible because BRIZO has the following benefits:
