Floating Solar Cover for Irrigation Ponds

Continental Protects Reliably Against Evaporation While Simultaneously Generating Sustainable Energy from the Sun

Irrigation ponds may suffer from evaporation and disturbing hydro-biological effects. Also those ponds are quite often located in rural areas, where also electric power is limited. Continental has developed a floating cover, which changes the water storage condition from aerobe to anaerobe and prevents algae growth, pollution and evaporation. In addition, the cover area is used as a platform for the operation of photovoltaic. On site pumps or treatment systems can be supplied with electric power and makes diesel unnecessary.

Continental has installed the first floating solar film in Cyprus, thereby reliably protecting all the water collected in a reservoir in the Limassol region against evaporation and unwanted contamination. At the same time, the photovoltaic modules integrated in the special film generate electricity from sustainable solar energy.
Photo: Continental

Technology company Continental has installed the first floating solar cover in Cyprus, thereby reliably protecting all the water collected in a reservoir in the Limassol region against evaporation and unwanted contamination. At the same time, the photovoltaic modules integrated in the special film generate electricity from sustainable solar energy. This is used to power systems that pump the water. “In doing so, Continental is demonstrating its long-term contribution to environmental and climate protection. There is a huge demand on our planet for off-grid water and power supplies, especially in arid regions. Innovations such as this generate more agricultural products and enable lives to continue cost-effectively,” explains Hans-Jürgen Duensing, who is responsible for the ContiTech division on Continental’s Executive Board. This is the future for water and energy supplies in hot regions with little rainfall.

Self-sufficient electricity and water provision

Portable and process water and the supply of electricity are key elements of social and economic development: for agriculture, hygienic conditions, and commercial initiatives and, in the long term, for education and practical training. The innovative solar film enables water to be transported to remote regions via self-sufficient pumping stations and reservoirs. An additional advantage is that areas without any appreciable access to other energy sources can ensure the autonomous supply of solar energy.

“This is the first system to combine an effective means of water protection with climate-protecting energy generation. The floating solar film compensates in a straightforward manner for the water scarcity and lack of power and ensures lower algal growth in the water thanks to the film’s decades-long resistance to UV light,” says Tobias Haarburger, who is responsible within Continental for driving this innovation, explaining the potentials and benefits of the system.

This installation offers potential right across the world for both, state-owned and privately owned water supplies in hot countries, for example in Africa or in the Mojave Desert south of Las Vegas in the US.

Read full article: Continental

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Taxonomy

• Landscaping
• Irrigation
• Solar Energy
• Water Supply
• Power Generation
• Landfill Gas
• Sprinkler Irrigation