Wave Tank Experiments Of A Novel Floating Photovoltaic System

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy, alongside other renewables, is expected to lead the energy sector. However, large-scale ground-mounted PV generation requires a significant amount of land, prompting conflict with other uses. On these grounds, floating PV (FPV) technology is gaining interest (Rosa-Clot and Tina, 2020). While commercial FPV is already being deployed on freshwater bodies, efforts are being undertaken towards harnessing solar energy on the untapped surface of the ocean (Oliveira-Pinto and Stokkermans, 2020). The main challenge is to develop a cost-effective technology capable of withstanding extreme environmental conditions whilst ensuring platform stability, to minimize misalignment of the solar panels that could result in significant efficiency loss (Claus and López, 2022). Several marine concepts have been proposed, with most of them leaning towards flexible design strategies, similar to those applied in freshwater (Claus and López, 2023).

Researchers at the University of Oviedo, Spain, are developing a novel FPV system that is specifically designed for marine conditions, following a rigid design approach (Figure 1). The concept leverages the combination of two distinct elements: a double-axis solar tracker, maximizing solar energy generation, and a tension-leg platform (TLP), ensuring structural performance and stability. This research showcases the wave tank experiments, under regular wave action.