Wind-Solar Hybrid System for Ocean-Going Fishing Vessels: Corrosion Resistance and Long-Term Operation in Marine Environments

Wind-Solar Hybrid System for Ocean-Going Fishing Vessels: Corrosion Resistance and Long-Term Operation in Marine Environments

Installing small wind turbines and solar panels on ocean-going fishing vessels creates a wind-solar hybrid system, providing valuable auxiliary power. However, the harsh marine environment—high salt spray, high humidity, wave impact, and strong ultraviolet radiation—poses a severe corrosion challenge to the equipment. Ensuring the system's long-term stable operation hinges on a comprehensive, end-to-end corrosion-resistant design.

This corrosion-resistant design covers materials, structure, and surface protection. First, all directly exposed metal components, such as turbine towers, supports, and bolts, must be made of special materials resistant to marine atmospheric corrosion, such as high-quality stainless steel or aluminum bronze alloys. Second, the structural design must prevent water accumulation and ensure good ventilation and drainage. Most critically, surface protection is essential: all metal surfaces undergo multiple rigorous treatments, including hot-dip galvanizing or spraying multiple layers of high-performance anti-rust paint and topcoat, forming a dense and resilient protective layer. The solar panel frames and junction boxes also require the highest level of sealing and corrosion resistance.

Long-term operation also requires addressing vibration, salt deposits, and maintenance challenges. The equipment is constantly subjected to vibration and turbulence at sea, requiring all connections to be extremely robust, and electrical joints to use specialized waterproof and corrosion-resistant connectors. Regularly rinsing the equipment surface with fresh water to remove salt is an important part of routine maintenance. The system's monitoring and control systems should be housed in a relatively protected compartment, with an enclosure protection rating sufficient to withstand salt spray intrusion.

Through this systematic, inside-out corrosion-resistant design, the wind-solar hybrid system can be successfully implemented on deep-sea fishing vessels, enduring the long-term corrosive effects of the marine environment. This not only effectively reduces the vessel's reliance on main engine power generation, saving fuel and reducing emissions, but also improves energy security and comfort during offshore operations, representing a crucial technological measure for achieving the green and intelligent upgrading of fishing vessels.