September 2024 Mechanical Engineering Blog
Looking for Mechanical Engineering Consulting? Check out our Team. Click here.
September 16, 2024
New Coating Prevents Algae and Barnacle Buildup on Underwater Solar Cells
New Coating Prevents Algae and Barnacle Buildup on Underwater Solar Cells
US Navy funded researchers discovered a coating that prevents the buildup of ocean biological growths without compromising visible light transmission on underwater solar cells. The buildup of such organisms is known as biofouling. If underwater solar cells become covered with biological growths like algae and barnacles, this would reduce their electrical and operational efficiency due to lack of sunlight, not to mention that removing these organisms would be costly. This is why the US Navy funded a team at the University of Denmark to develop a new approach to combat biofouling on under water solar cells. The new approach came in the form of a special coating that could prevent biological buildup. The coating combines an organic biocide, ultra-low quantities of nanosized seawater-soluble pigments, and a fast-polishing binder. A vital attribute of the new coating is that it does not block visible light from reaching the solar cell. Antifouling coatings are already used in some applications such as on Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and other Solar Powered Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). But the issue with these coatings is that they either require mechanical cleaning or they block visible light. This is why the development of a clear coating that prevents biofouling is such a necessary innovation for application on underwater solar cells. The researchers were successful in creating a coating with the right attributes and after testing the coating they discovered that it demonstrated high fouling resistance over a 12-week period. Learn more here.
© Copyright BHC Associates, Inc., 2020 - 2023. All rights reserved.
