Offshore Wind-Solar Hybrid Platforms: Corrosion-Resistant Design, Intelligent Operation and Maintenance, and Power Transmission Technology

Offshore Wind-Solar Hybrid Platforms: Corrosion-Resistant Design, Intelligent Operation and Maintenance, and Power Transmission Technology

Offshore wind-solar hybrid platforms integrate wind turbines and photovoltaic systems into the marine environment, representing a cutting-edge direction for expanding the utilization of renewable energy. Their long-term reliable operation relies on three core technologies: corrosion-resistant design, intelligent operation and maintenance systems, and efficient power transmission.

Corrosion-resistant design is the lifeline of the offshore platform. The overall platform structure, wind turbine towers, photovoltaic supports, and all exposed components must employ heavy-duty anti-corrosion coating systems (such as multi-layer epoxy and polyurethane coatings), and key load-bearing structures must undergo hot-dip galvanizing or arc-spraying aluminum-zinc alloy treatment. Fasteners are generally made of stainless steel or copper-nickel alloy. All electrical equipment must achieve an IP67 or higher protection rating, and the sealed enclosure is equipped with a breather valve to balance internal and external pressure. This comprehensive protection aims to resist long-term corrosion from high salt spray, high humidity, wave splash, and ultraviolet radiation.

Intelligent operation and maintenance is key to ensuring economic efficiency. A remote monitoring and predictive maintenance system is built using IoT, drone, and robotic technologies. The platform is equipped with various sensors to continuously monitor structural stress, vibration, corrosion, and equipment performance data, transmitting this information back to the land-based control center via submarine cables or a wireless network. Regular drone inspections can automatically identify coating damage or loose bolts; underwater robots can inspect the foundation structure and cable conditions. Based on big data analytics, the system can predict equipment failure risks, optimize maintenance windows and spare parts scheduling, and minimize costly onboard manual inspections and downtime.

Power transmission is the final stage of energy conversion. Electricity generated by the platform is collected via on-site collection cables and then transmitted to the terrestrial power grid using high-voltage AC or flexible DC transmission technology. The cables must possess high waterproof, tensile strength, corrosion resistance, and resistance to marine organism attachment. For offshore platforms, offshore converter stations are essential facilities, converting and boosting the power to voltage levels suitable for long-distance transmission. The entire transmission system must have rapid fault location and isolation capabilities to maintain grid stability and shorten repair time.

Offshore wind-solar hybrid platforms are technologically complex and require high investment, but they can effectively utilize vast ocean space and resources to provide stable, large-scale clean power, making them an important component of the future energy structure. With advancements in materials science, marine engineering, and digital technologies, their economic viability and reliability will continue to improve.