Research and Development
Research and development are the foundations of SINN Power’s technological innovations. Since the company was founded, we have continuously worked on new solutions in the field of renewable energy. The following timeline shows selected milestones in our technological development.
2014
2014: Funding through EXIST Research Transfer
The technological development of the “SINN Power Wave Technology” was already supported before the founding of SINN Power GmbH through the EXIST Research Transfer program.
2014: Founding of SINN Power
SINN Power GmbH was founded in 2014 based on the doctoral dissertation and the patented inventions of Dr. Philipp Sinn.
2014: Development of the Linear Generator
In cooperation with the CUTEC Institute, SINN Power began revising and further developing the linear generator for the wave power plant modules.
2014: Participation in the 6th Energy Research Programme
The development of the wave power plant modules was funded under the 6th Energy Research Programme of the German Federal Government (6th EFP).
Wave channel test in the wave channel of LABIMA
2016
2016: First Prototype, WEC, Heraklion, Greece
As part of the ongoing technological development, the first full-scale prototype of a wave energy converter module (WEC) was put into operation in Heraklion, Greece. The system was installed and tested in the sea at the harbor wall of Heraklion.
Rendering of the Powertrain 3.4
2018
2018: Second Prototype, WEC, Heraklion, Greece
Two second-generation wave energy converter modules were installed at the harbor wall in Heraklion, Greece. The use of aluminum ensures high corrosion resistance of the modules in the marine environment.
2018: Greentec Awards in Munich
On May 13, 2018, SINN Power was selected among the Top 10 at the Greentec Awards in Munich.
2018: Second Wave Flume Test, Hanover, Germany
To develop and optimize a mooring system, Leibniz University Hannover conducted investigations on behalf of SINN Power in the wave basin of the Ludwig Franzius Institute regarding the anchoring of the wave power plant.
Wave Energy Converter (WEC) of the third and fourth prototype generation
2020
2020: First Prototype of the Ocean Hybrid Platform (OHP)
The first prototype of the floating Ocean Hybrid Platform (OHP) was built and launched as part of the THOR project (Test-site Heraklion for Oncoming Renewables).
THOR includes an OHP with 192 photovoltaic modules (75 kWp), a container on the harbor wall with PV modules (5 kWp), and a small wind turbine on the harbor wall (3.5 kWp), integrated into a ModTroniX smart grid.
2020: First Revision of ModTroniX
The first revision of the ModTroniX components was assembled and successfully integrated into the smart grid at the harbor wall of Heraklion.
ModTroniX system of the second generation
2022
2022: Research and Concept Development of the SKipp Technology
As part of research and testing projects, SINN Power investigated the challenges of conventional photovoltaic systems, particularly those caused by wind loads as well as snow and ice loads. Based on these findings, the company developed a new concept for vertically tiltable photovoltaic modules, which later became the foundation of the SKipp product family.
SKipp photovoltaic system for agricultural use (Agri-PV)
2024
2024: Further Development of SOcean / OHP - Heraklion, Greece
Within the framework of the 7th EFP, the OHP, also called SOcean, is being further optimized. The focus was on improving energy generation from wave power as well as the final development of the generators.
2024: Kick-off for Vertical Floating PV
Bavaria's Minister of Economic Affairs, Hubert Aiwanger, gave the go-ahead for the world's first floating photovoltaic system with vertical PV modules that can deflect under wind load, from the SKipp family. The system is being installed in a gravel plant in Gilching (Germany).
2024: Award "Shaper in the Energy Transition Team Bavaria"
The project for installing photovoltaic modules in a gravel plant in Gilching was recognized by Bavaria's Minister of Economic Affairs, Hubert Aiwanger, as a contribution to the energy transition and honored as a "Shaper in the Energy Transition Team Bavaria."
2024: Further Development of Photovoltaic Solutions
SINN Power further developed its photovoltaic technologies and worked on new applications for industrial infrastructure. This included, among other things, the customized development of PV solutions for conveyor systems in order to make previously unused areas usable for sustainable energy production.
World's first vertically floating PV system
Markus Söder and Philipp Sinn at the opening of the world's first vertically floating PV system
2026
2026: Continuous Development
SINN Power continuously examines and researches new application possibilities for its technologies. These include potential fields of use for the SOcean platform, such as sustainable power supply for aquaculture as well as for integrated monitoring and measurement technologies. In addition, autonomous platform solutions for future energy and infrastructure concepts are being explored.
Dr. Philipp Sinn - Founder of SINN Power
2015
2015: First Wave Flume Test, Florence, Italy
The first wave channel test of the technology was carried out in Florence, Italy. A 1:18.5 scale model of the point absorber and the network system was tested in the wave channel of LABIMA (Laboratorio di Ingegneria Marittima) in cooperation with the University of Florence.
First prototype of a Wave Energy Converter (WEC)
2017
2017: Powertrain 3.4
After the continuous development of the linear generator, the Powertrain 3.4 - a compact unit consisting of an electric machine and generator electronics - was used in the wave power plant module of the pilot project in Heraklion.
Wave channel test of the anchoring system, Hanover
Wave Energy Converter (WEC) of the second generation
2019
2019: Third Prototype (WEC), Heraklion, Greece
By optimizing the tension-compression concept of the patented support structure - which later became the foundation of the floating structure of the OHP - as well as redesigning and increasing the buoyancy of the floater, the wave energy converter module was further developed to the technical standard of the third generation. Two modules of this generation were installed and have been tested ever since.
2019: Fourth Prototype (WEC), Heraklion, Greece
In addition, two fourth-generation prototype wave energy converter modules made of HDPE material were built and deployed in test operation.
2019: Kick-off MTX
The test results of the power electronics were incorporated into the fourth generation of the powertrain. At the same time, the development of additional electronic components began, expanding the energy utilization system at the harbor wall of Heraklion into a smart grid system.
First prototype of the Ocean Hybrid Platform (OHP) in the water
THOR test site with OHP, PV modules, and small wind turbine
2021
2021: Second Generation of ModTroniX
Through functional tests of the ModTroniX components in Heraklion and long-term tests in Gauting, the system was further developed and improved. Based on these results, the second generation of the ModTroniX technology was created.
2021: S-Grid Certification
The smart grid system, which intelligently connects and controls various energy sources and storage systems, was successfully certified.
SKipp Float:
Floating photovoltaic system with vertical SKipp modules on a water surface
2023
2023: Market Launch of the SKipp Family
SINN Power launched the SKipp product family on the market. The patented tiltable photovoltaic modules enable the flexible and efficient use of rooftop and ground-mounted systems.
2023: Participation in the 7th Energy Research Programme
In 2023, SINN Power received funding under the German Federal Government’s 7th Energy Research Programme (7th EFP) to support further research and development activities in the field of energy generation from marine energy.
Further development OHP, Heraklion, Greece
Starting signal for the floating PV project at the Gilching gravel plant by Bavaria's Minister of Economic Affairs Hubert Aiwanger
Further development of photovoltaic technology - conveyor system
2025
2025: World's first vertically floating PV system
SINN Power inaugurates the world's first vertically floating photovoltaic system together with the Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder. The system is based on the patented SKipp technology, in which photovoltaic modules are installed vertically and in an east-west orientation. In contrast to conventional floating PV systems, this concept allows for more efficient use of space as well as reduced stress from wind, snow, and ice.
With an installed capacity of 1.87 MW and an expected annual electricity production of around 2 GWh, the system represents an important technological milestone. At the same time, the system covers only 4.65% of the water surface, significantly below the 15% limit specified in the Water Resources Act, thereby minimizing ecological impacts on the water body.
Concept of a potential aquaculture facility based on the SINN Power SOcean
Concept of a potential autonomous platform for supplying a port with electricity through the OHP