Hindawi

International Journal of Photoenergy

Volume 2022, Article ID 3891881, 13 pages
https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/3891881

Research Article
Design and Implementation of a Floating PV Model to Analyse
the Power Generation

Mohamad Reda A. Refaai,1 Lavanya Dhanesh,2 Bibhu Prasad Ganthia,3 Monalisa Mohanty,4
Ram Subbiah,5 and Endalkachew Mergia Anbese 6
1
Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University,
Al-Kharj 16273, Saudi Arabia
2
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Panimalar Institute of Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600123, India
3
Department of Electrical Engineering, Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology, Sarang, Odisha 759146, India
4
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan, ITER (Deemed to Be University), Bhubaneswar,
Odisha 751030, India
5
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gokaraju Rangaraju Institute of Engineering and Technology, Hyderabad,
Telangana 500090, India
6
Department of Civil Engineering, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia

Correspondence should be addressed to Endalkachew Mergia Anbese; [email protected]

Received 10 February 2022; Accepted 10 March 2022; Published 20 May 2022

Academic Editor: V. Mohanavel

Copyright © 2022 Mohamad Reda A. Refaai et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons
Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work
is properly cited.

The floating photovoltaic (FPV) system is a revolutionary power production technology that has gotten a lot of interest because of
its many benefits. Aside from generating electricity, the technology can also prevent the evaporation of water. The electrical and
mechanical structures of FPV power stations must be studied to develop them. Much research on FPV technologies has already
been undertaken, and these systems have been evaluated from many perspectives. Many problems, including environmental
degradation and electricity generation, fertile soils, and water management, are currently limiting societal growth. Floating
photovoltaic (PV) devices save a great of land and water resources and have a greater energy conversion efficiency than
standard ground power systems. A performance investigation of photovoltaic (PV) installations set on a moving platform is
carried out. The paper presents and discusses various design alternatives for boosting the profitability and efficiency of floating
photovoltaic (FPV) systems. Especially, FPV systems that take advantage of increasing capabilities like monitoring,
conditioning, and attention were included. Although researchers have agreed on the benefits of floating systems, there has been
little in-depth research on the parameters of floating photovoltaic systems. The results of this research tests were performed,
and these reveal that the beneficial monitoring and conditioning impacts result in a significant gain in performance. The effects
of using flat reflections on improvements are also investigated. As a result, this research examines the evolution of photovoltaic
systems, then investigates the power generation capacity of floating photovoltaic systems, and then examines the benefits and
possibilities of floating PV systems in depth. The concept of developing an integrated air storage system using a floating
building on waters is discussed.

1. Introduction and a water shortage [1]. As a result of increased usage of

water supplies and modernization initiatives implemented
Electricity expenses have a significant impact on farmers’ in recent years, the agricultural industry’s power consump-
earnings currently. The primary reasons for agriculture’s tion is expected to rise. Water savings have resulted from
poor predicament include higher productivity expenses, lim- the construction of more effective irrigated equipment, while
ited farming sizes, competition for worldwide marketplaces, energy consumption has increased due to increased filtering
2 International Journal of Photoenergy

and pumping functions. As a result, while water effectiveness India’s energy consumption would rise by 35% by 2041,
in agriculture has enhanced, electrical energy consumption whereas only a small portion of China’s economy will grow
has increased significantly. Water prices are affected nega- its power need by 20%. As the requirement for energy rises,
tively by increased adjustments in electricity tariffs and emission levels increase as well [6]. This can be avoided if
unclear future situations. The resolution to these challenges the electricity is produced utilizing renewable sources of
comes not just from establishing specialized irrigated electri- energy. One of the most attractive sustainable energy systems
cal tariffs but also from enhancing the irrigated devices’ is photovoltaic technologies (PV), which transform solar radi-
power and water productivity. Renewable power resources ation into electricity. In 2017, 90 GW of new solar PV capacity
appear to be a means to counteract these circumstances was produced globally, bringing the total installed PV power
[2]. Conventional irrigated methods will be converted to to 402 gigawatts per year. The power factor (Pmax ) generated
pressurized networks under the novel irrigated designs. In by photovoltaic panels must be increased regularly to secure
the vast majority of instances, modernization has necessi- the required amount of energy [7]. This can be accomplished
tated the establishment of water reservoirs. World reservoirs by following the study findings in the work process, as well as
waterproofed with geomembranes are the most extensively using extrinsic approaches, which are the subject of this work
utilized storing technology among the several options. because the users of the panels can make improvements. Max-
Following the implementation of an RPS, the renewable imizing the active area of solar cells is an example of the first
power economy has recently expanded. As a result, much type of trial.
study is being conducted on approaches to the availability The greatest electricity produced by photovoltaics rises
of appropriate sites for the installation of highway photovol- in proportion to the amount of solar irradiance falling on
taic systems [3]. The floating photovoltaic system shown in it. Sun-tracking devices, which mirror solar energy on pho-
this work is a novel technique of renewable electricity that tovoltaic panels and solar concentrated structures, can help
takes advantage of the abundant surface of the water on to alleviate this problem. All of these methods create new
bridges, lakes, as well as other water bodies. This technology issues that must be addressed to achieve genuine progress
has the benefits of utilizing the available resources use of the [8]. One of the most serious issues is that as irradiation
country’s soil without causing ecological harm, as present grows, the warmth of photovoltaic panels rises, and in con-
photovoltaic systems do when deployed in croplands or
centration devices, the allowable thermal performance for
woods. Until 2013, Korea gave photovoltaic power installa-
solar devices is readily surpassed, particularly at a high con-
tions the same REC value as regular photovoltaic systems.
centrate rate. The maximum output by a crystalline silicon
Acknowledging the intellectual importance and necessity of
cell reduces by 0.45 percent every degree Celsius, and the
a floating photovoltaic system, on the other hand, a solar
lifespan drops as well. To change the temperature of the
panel, a smokestack, and an energy transmitter unit are the
solar cell, active and passive cool techniques are employed.
three major aspects of a solar power plant. The energy of
The thermal consistency of the solar panel area is critical
the sun hits the earth below this one passing through the
translucent absorber cap. Heat dispersion warms the air for the photovoltaic to function effectively, and conditioning
above the bottom as the surface heat increases [4]. As the solutions must guarantee stability. One issue that emerges is
heat of the air increases, the volume of the gas decreases. that the cooling method is economically viable [9]. The addi-
The volume differential between both the surrounding tional lifetime of the photovoltaic panels provided by the
atmosphere and the airflow in the solar concentrator is then cooling system is vital to assess, both economically and envi-
created. Underneath the water current, the air is circulated ronmentally. As a result, in concentrated light sources, the
toward the center of the solar collector via the chimney. air conditioning system is very essential for photovoltaics.
The air passes via the flue and exits through the SCPP just There have been no PV panels in the upright stack due
at the peak. The buoyancy event caused the rising air just to regulatory and building financial concerns. Solar energy
above the surface as well as the photovoltaic panels to stream passes through the lens glass cover before reaching the PV
into the stack [5]. The solar PV/T technique or equipment modules. Between both the PV panels and the earth, insulat-
was developed to chill the photovoltaic to improve its power ing material and wiring connections are installed. The PV
usage and collect excess heat to improve the overall perfor- systems receive cosmic rays that pass through the transpar-
mance of the system. It is commonly used in solar heating, ent cover. The PV systems produce power on their own.
thermal, air, and climate control (HVAC), as well as energy And meanwhile, part radiation from the sun is transformed
from the sun structures. The sizable PV/T technology, on the into latent heat, which is used to warm the PV panels. By
other hand, has still not been researched. In light of this, the heat flow, the elevated PV systems heat up around them
primary goals of this experiment are to mathematical model [10]. The part of the solar collector that is not covered by
again for SCPVTPP, examine its effectiveness, and investi- photovoltaic panels receives cosmic rays directly, causing
gate the SCPVTPP with various PV regions. the ambient temperature to rise. Thermal conduction causes
Due to population and economic growth in underdevel- the earth to warm all air from above. The gravity phenome-
oped nations, an incremental keep rising in levels of comfort non makes the air elevate just above the surface, and the
in developed nations, the supply for more products and mer- photovoltaic panels stream into the stack. The photovoltaic
chandise, and a spike in the proportion of electric cars for pub- solar method or equipment was developed to chill the pho-
lic transit and petrol vehicles, electricity consumption has tovoltaic to improve its power usage and collect excess heat
risen dramatically in recent years. As per the Energy Agency, to improve the overall device performance.
International Journal of Photoenergy 3

Based on the foregoing, floating photovoltaic devices (iii) Because there are fewer limits on component spac-
could provide synthesized solutions for power generation ing in floating photovoltaic technology, greater
that do not place a substantial burden on water or land power efficiencies are possible
resources. The installation of photovoltaic panels on a float-
ing platform on the water surface is a novel type of solar (iv) In addition to the preceding argument, many of the
energy-producing technology. In 2007, the initial research world’s major towns have been developed on the
on floating photovoltaic modules was conducted to evaluate shore, where there might be a plethora of prospec-
tive locations to install on, as well as potentially suf-
their efficiency to that of typical terrestrial photovoltaic facil-
ficient grids infrastructure surrounding
ities [11]. By the end of 2014, 22 solar energy stations had
been erected across the globe, with installation capacities (v) Furthermore, protecting the water surfaces could
ranging from 0:5 kW to 1157 kW, after the first experimental prevent potentially dangerous algae blooms from
photovoltaic power facility was established in California in photosynthesizing
2008. In contrast, Water Resources Incorporated has begun
construction on a 500kW floating photovoltaic plant, with (vi) According to the nearby closeness of water, it is
plans to expand the framework to 1800 kW by 2022. simpler and less expensive to integrate cleaning
A floating photovoltaic power plant (FPPP) device is devices and cooling veil; however, this might be
increasingly being investigated as energy supplying alterna- impeded in saltwater regions
tives and also approaches to other concerns such as water
Moreover, continuing analysis reveals that the Albedo
evaporating from different lakes and reservoirs. Several float- impact produces increased ambient air temperature changes
ing photovoltaic systems have lately been constructed in and unfavourable environmental repercussions for ground-
oceans, canals, reservoirs, rivers, and ponds with varying mounted photovoltaic schemes, but the impacts are miti-
degrees of utilization [12]. This looked at the several floating gated for floating photovoltaics.
photovoltaic installations that have lately been completed.
This describes the impacts of constructing a floating photo-
voltaic system on the surface of a pit lake for the scenario of 2. Related Works
an open-pit limestone mining that is gradually being closed
[13]. A floating photovoltaic installation on a pit lake of an The floating photovoltaic system is a novel energy infra-
inactive mining area is regarded to be an effective recycling structure proposal for meeting energy demands. Existing
alternative for abandoned mining, including the economic territory equipment is combined with recently designed
and environmental benefits from greenhouse emission floating photovoltaic panels in the construction plan. The
reductions and power sales. Trapani and Millar examined electricity efficiency of solar systems diminishes as the tem-
the viability of integrating a floating photovoltaic energy perature rises. As a result, the solar panel must be chilled
production with an established conventional energy station by eliminating heat in a certain way to get higher effective-
in Malta. ness. Floating panels are installed on water-resistant high-
Power stability and global warming are two challenges density thermoplastic polyethylene (HDPE) frames. The
that are emerging in tandem with rising power consump- effectiveness of floating and land-based energy production
tion. Renewable power options have been emphasized in a was investigated in the present study. The study’s goal is to
variety of corporate sectors across the globe because of their examine and contrast the performance of the original and
potential to improve power safety and reduce greenhouse floating-based PV systems. The system has a 250-watt capa-
gas emissions when compared to traditional fossil fuels. bility attached. The equipment is put to the test in condi-
Renewable solutions, on the other hand, face a significant tions ranging from 125 W/m2 to 945 W/m2. The data were
obstacle in the form of higher investment expenses, while evaluated using the current (I)–voltages (V) and also power
the price of fossil resources remains cheaper [14]. As a result, (P)–voltages (V) graphs. When compared with the conven-
when evaluating potential options, not only the ecological tional approach, the floating framework has been demon-
viewpoint but also the economic efficiency and social well- strated to be more efficient. According to the research,
being must be taken into account [15]. Even though floating FPV has greater efficiency and complete power increase.
photovoltaic devices have greater initial investment Waterways, rivers, wetlands, and water supply all benefit
from the FPV systems [16].
expenses, various considerations could enable the technolo-
The parametric study of a mechanism for extracting
gies more practical than ground-mounted photovoltaic
groundwater for cultivation utilizing an alternate power
(GMPV) devices, including the following:
source is described in this work. The system was created
(i) Increased converting performances due to reducing using data from a previous project in Lalmonirhat, Bangla-
thermally drifting, resulting in increased power desh. A 38:4-kWp photovoltaic power panel, converter, AC
outputs engine, and pumping set make up the network that can out-
put up to 1930m3 of water every day. Two forms of energy
(ii) A zero-land-requirement; land might be important storage technologies are simulated in MATLAB: (i) electrical
actual estates for farming reasons, as well as in energy contained in a power supply and (ii) conserved liquid
regions where electricity is in high demand, includ- in a big water reservoir. In the earlier studies, a huge battery
ing towns and major cities bank and a converter are required, which proves to be a
4 International Journal of Photoenergy

pricey option. Either one, which seems to be a pricey alter- factors, which have a significant effect on the power grid
native, involves a boost converter and a massive water reser- implementation and design. As a result, it is critical to
voir to contain roughly 2000m3 of water. A solution that developing an appropriate projection of photovoltaic
combines both systems is both efficient and cost-effective. (PV) system power production in advance. A novel parti-
The efficiency of such three technologies is evaluated to that cle swarm optimization method using a multivariable grey
of a traditional diesel generator [17]. theoretical model is adopted in this research for short-
A significant proportion of Ethiopians resides in rural term power-generating volume predictions to increase pre-
areas so rely on woods for their residential energy needs. diction performance. The predictive performance of the
Domestic usage of wood and fuel causes degradation and grey theoretical model is projected to be greatly enhanced
health concerns, as well as being highly polluting. The Ethi- by including the particle swarm optimization technique.
opian government has indeed been attempting to generate Furthermore, for validation of the model, substantial vol-
electricity from commonly accessible renewable energy umes of real information from multiple independent gen-
resources. As a result, using a spatial database analysis to erating stations in Chinese were used. The testing
predict the surface of the water’s high level of energy gather- experiments demonstrated that the proposed designer’s
ing with a floating photovoltaic system is employed to assist average relative error has already been decreased from
decision-makers in utilizing high-potential locations. Vari- 7:14%to 3:53% when compared to the standard grey para-
ables that influence usefulness were discovered and evalu- digm. Both from a conceptual and a pragmatic standpoint,
ated using analytic network procedures to determine the suggested optimization technique beats the standard
suitable locations for floating photovoltaic panels. To create parametric approach in practice [19].
a complete applicability mapping of floating rooftop solar Increased amounts of sun irradiation can induce changes
utilizing the ArcGIS software, weighting numbers and in the ambient temperature of photovoltaic (PV) panels,
unclassified quantities were compounded. The effectiveness which can reduce their effectiveness and lifetime. The
of floating solar PV systems is reduced due to their incorrect decrease in the ambient temperature of PV panels with such
placement. As a result, the goal of this research was to deter- an air-cooled heat sink is investigated in this work using the-
mine the most useable area of waterways for producing oretical and analytical analysis. An aluminum plate with
power in Amhara local, state-wide irrigation reservoirs. punctured fins was designed to be placed to the rear of the
Angereb, Rib, and Koga agricultural dams had usable water PV panel as the suggested heating element. To check that
surfaces for floating solar PV power plants of 63:83%, the heat transfer concept operated effectively, a detailed
61:09%, and 57:20%, correspondingly. The bulk of the useful computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was simulated
sections was located in the water’s midsection. The floating using the program ANSYS Fluent. The impact of heating
elements on energy transfer among a PV panel and also
photovoltaic systems and irradiation arriving in the photo-
the surrounding air was explored. The study indicated a sig-
voltaic solar module surface are affected by the environmen-
nificant reduction in the temperature range of the PV panel
tal surface of the water, which is a major component in
as well as an improvement in its electrical characteristics.
electricity production [18].
The temperature increase of the PV panel was reduced from
The influence of various impacts posed by shutout colli-
85.3°C to 72.8°C using the CFD analysis in passive heat sink
sions (which include affiliated, supplementary, and mixture
simulation with just an air-fluid velocity of 1.5 m/s and a
dangers) and the activating happenings that could cause
temperate of 35°C under a thermal gradient of 1000 W/m2.
accidents of the offshore floating nuclear power plant
The passive heat sinks raised the voltage open-circuit
(OFNPP) is formed, with an emphasis on using nuclear (VOC) and maximum power point (PMPP) of the PV mod-
power generation in offshore petroleum fields. Blowout inci- ules by 10% and 18.67%, respectively, as a result of lowering
dents in offshore oil resources are summarised and studied their temperatures. As a result, the use of aluminum heat
in terms of risk origin, entire investment, risk development, sinks could be a viable solution for preventing PV panels
and risk management action method. The shutout accidents from scorching, as well as an indirect decrease in CO2 emis-
in offshore oil fields have a wide range of effects on OFNPP, sions due to greater PV system energy output [20].
such as injection burning and spilled oil ignition stimulated
by good flameouts, wandering, and the blast of heat-release
vapor clouds created by good flameouts, saltwater contami-
3. Materials and Methods
nation engendered by drubbing oil spillage, etc. The influ- Floating photovoltaic is a common solar innovation that
ence of a portable heat source is generated by a flaming oil includes placing solar modules over natural or manmade
spill on OFNPP at sea, and also the hazardous gas cloud is water bodies instead of on land. Depending on their sup-
generated by a good explosion. For the effects of blowout portive components, floating photovoltaic devices are
events on floating production nuclear power stations in off- divided into three categories: Permanent tilt panels required
shore petroleum fields, assumptions are as follows, method- rigid pontoons; monitoring patterns could be erected with or
ologies and associated processes are devised, and a without pontoons; and flexibility matrices do not require a
computation example is presented to further demonstrate supportive framework in the shape of a pontoon because
the methodologies [7]. of their low weight. High-scale ðMW to GWÞ, small-scale
Photovoltaic power capacity is constantly shifting due (few kW), and medium-scale ðkW to MWÞ floating photo-
to environmental factors such as temperature and other voltaic could also be characterized depending on the size of
International Journal of Photoenergy 5

installation. Permanent floating photovoltaic devices cooled ing framework, and a supporting device. In this form of
FPV devices, and floating-tracking PV systems could be configuration, strong winds and an uneven surface are two
classed depending on the diverse supportive structural archi- major dangers to rigid photovoltaic modules. Both perma-
tectures of FPV devices. The net investment expenses of nent and monitoring floating devices require mooring to
floating-tracking photovoltaic devices are higher than per- maintain the platforms of position in Figure 2(b). The float-
manent floating photovoltaic installations, but they produce ing platforms, on the other hand, could be attached to the
more power. bottoms or banks of small lakes. The paneling framework
Solar photovoltaic components are often mounted utiliz- is installed on floating structures such as modular rafts, plas-
ing solid mounted systems on the buildings and ground. tic rafts, and pontoons. Because many sources of water
Because of a lack of available space, a dense population, include salinity, which can harm photovoltaic panel framing,
and a serious hazard of deforestation, interest in installing polymer-based screens and support are preferred for
photovoltaic panels across reservoirs, oceans, lakes, and extended panel life. Electrical cabling is used to carry electri-
canals has grown. Photovoltaic panels are erected above cal generated by floating photovoltaic modules over water
water surfaces by applying appropriate technologies to make features to the land; therefore, high temperature, waterproof,
them float, and these implementations are known as floating resistant cabling, and electrical connections are essential for
photovoltaic plants. Photovoltaic panels’ electrical energy the device’s long life. The main reasons for the floating pho-
generation is largely dependent on incident solar radiation tovoltaic device’s poor efficiency are dust collection on the
and panel temperature. In FPV devices, shadowing impacts
panels as well as an increase in panel temperature. Water
are minimal or nonexistent, and the temperature of the
cooling reduces radiated reflections and temperatures of
panels could be reduced by placing water beneath them.
floating photovoltaic modules, allowing the device’s electri-
Floating photovoltaic modules have an approximately 12.0
cal production to be enhanced by roughly 10 percent to 13
percent better performance than rooftop as well as ground-
percent. The amount of power used in this process is only
mounting photovoltaic modules. Pontoons/floats, mooring
devices, photovoltaic modules, and electrical adapters and about 0.25 percent of the overall power production.
cables are the primary elements of floating photovoltaic
devices, as depicted in this diagram. 3.1. Structural Design of Floating Photovoltaic (FPV) System.
Pontoons are buoyancy-assisted floating structures that From an architectural standpoint, the structure is made up
include an area for human accessibility as well as photovol- of the succeeding main components as shown in Figure 3:
taic modules. Pontoons are usually built of a corrosion-resis-
tant, tensile-strength material, UV-resistant, and high- (i) Floating platforms (pontoons) ensure the energy-
density polyethylene (HDPE). The mooring device is a producing service’s buoyancy and durability. They
structural framework that keeps the pontoons in place and are manufactured from rotationally molded
prevents them from shifting. To handle dead loading and medium-density polyethylene (MDPE), and every-
lateral pressures, rigid structures in the form of anchorages one holds two photovoltaic modules
are established utilizing foundations across the reservoir’s
circumference. In most floating photovoltaic devices, stiff (ii) Photovoltaic component-supporting framework
flat-type photovoltaic modules are utilized. Flexible modules (UF and CF cold-formed metal frameworks) that
that respond to the movements of the waves, on the other should be capable to sustain the photovoltaic com-
hand, are more appealing. Then, a T3F-PV module-based ponents’ weight while also transmitting wind forces
floating photovoltaic arrays were created. They created a through the pontoons to the perimeter anchored
small-scale version of a thin-film-oriented floating photovol- device
taic device in this example, which was put on an isolated
(iii) Articulated metal couplings among pontoons
water body. The findings of the 40-day operations revealed
(metal linkages or cabling connecting the pontoons,
a 0.5 percent drop in electrical performance due to silt
obstruction on floating photovoltaic components, whereas permitting horizontally and vertically migrations,
the water-cooling impact resulted in an estimated electrical and also gyrations) are used to enable the decks to
enhancement of 5 percent for three months. This is also adjust to concave reservoir patterns
advocated for the usage of bifacial photovoltaic components (iv) Flexible connections (MDPE straps or elastic that
in floating photovoltaic devices. They claimed that bifacial are permitted to extend before being constrained
components could catch reflecting photovoltaic irradiation by nylon ropes or rigid polyester that kick in when-
from the water’s surface, increasing performance. As func- ever the maximum movement is achieved) enable
tioning on the surface of the water, the north-/south-ori- the pontoons to shift in connection to one another,
ented bifacial components could yield a maximum of 55 enabling the device to adjust to various water stages
percent increase in exposure to irradiation whenever com-
pared to traditional components. Figure 1 depicts a wide cat- (v) Anchors the floated covering and transfers horizon-
egorization of different floating photovoltaics that have been tal pressures to the reservoir’s sidewalls utilizing a
documented in the research. rigid anchorage method (reinforced concrete piles
As illustrated in Figure 2(a), a conventional floating pho- that withstand laterally stresses utilizing the passive
tovoltaic module includes a photovoltaic component, a float- pressure of the neighbouring earth)
6 International Journal of Photoenergy

FPV system

Depend on PV
Depend on PV Depend on
tracking
system mooring floating system
module

Depend on Type of Depend on Type of Type of

pontoon flexible pontoon submerged flexible

Type of anchor Type of Type of

Type of gravity Type of tension
tension semigrid modification

Figure 1: FPV on a different system.

(vi) Cables (nylon nautical and polyester cables) were The brightness at the front edge of related strata is denoted
utilized to secure the floating cover’s outermost by the letter G. Its absorption coefficient is the layer’s opti-
components to the reservoir’s edges mum parameters. Table 2 lists the settings of Q and other
characteristics utilized in the experiment. The average tem-
3.2. Finite Element for Floating Photovoltaic Systems. Silica, perature above the lake surface would indeed be lower than
EVA, glass polycrystalline photovoltaic panels, EVA, and the energy on land depending on the cooling impact of the
TPT technologies and improvements layer make up the water. This considered a 30° C temperature and humidity
three-dimensional structure of a polysilicon photovoltaic on land and a 25° C temperature difference over the surface
panel. The PV cell is 156 × 156mm in size, and the heat of the ocean inside this investigation.
transmission form is depicted in Figure 4. The designer’s
values are presented in Table 1. 3.3. Floating PV System. The integration of photovoltaic
Dispersion and irradiation are the primary modes of power technologies and float technologies has resulted in a
heat transmission in the modules when it is exposed to air. perfected photovoltaic float energy production [22]. This
Notton’s equation is used to calculate the temperature distri- fusion is a novel approach to technological advancement. It
bution at the module’s edges in Equation (1). can enable new photovoltaic facilities that are erected on
top of woodland, agriculture, and buildings as next-
hfront = 8:56 + 2:55v, ð1Þ generation hardware. A floating system, mooring system,
photovoltaic, and submerged cabling make up the PV float
where hfront is the front radiative ratio and v is the back radi- facility. Figure 5 represents the flow diagram of the floating
ative factor. In this study, the brightness and wind velocity PV system: floating device: the model which permits the fit-
are considered 1000 W/m2 and 1 m/s, correspondingly ting of the photovoltaic model; mooring device: it can
[21]. Because the back of the photovoltaic panel is rarely as respond to changes in sea levels while remaining in a down-
well refrigerated as the front, the radiative ratio is considered ward direction; PV device: over the front of the floating net-
twice those of the front. The residual energy is used to work, PV generation hardware, comparable to electric
increase the operating temperature of panels, while a pro- connection points, is placed; and cable underwater: passes
portion of solar irradiation is transformed to energy. The produced electricity from the grid towards the photovoltaic
received solar energy Q is therefore converted to the pro- system.
duced PV cell’s heat. The flow numerical solution is based
first on the study and is provided on Equation (2): 3.4. Tracking-Type Floating Photovoltaic Architecture
Concepts. A rotational center of the rotating framework is
ð1 − ɳ Þ × G × α × Apanel required to rotate the floated framework on the water layer,
Q= : ð2Þ
V cell and anchoring at the rotational center could be efficient. As a
result, pillar-like or stake objects should be erected in the
This is the PV panel’s electricity effectiveness. consists of direction of the water in an attempt to stabilize the rotating
the panel’s front portion. is the PV cell's capacity in liters. center. Moreover, if the water depths are high, the
International Journal of Photoenergy 7

PV panels

Supporting system

Floating system

(a)
Floats/pontoons

Mooring lines

Anchoring

(b)

Figure 2: (a) Related mechanism for different photovoltaic systems on FPV module. (b) Mooring system.

framework constructed to maintain the rotating center mooring device to allow the complete framework to be
limits the economic potential of photovoltaic energy stations anchored in place.
when compared to the implementation expense, and it is
complicated to provide architectural security for the fixing 3.4.1. A Rotating Framework Is Used to Monitor Azimuth.
of a big horizontal directional framework at a specific site. The rotational technique of how the inside rotating compo-
Internal rotating structural and exterior static frameworks nent circulates within the exterior permanent framework is
were therefore used to preserve the rotating center and significant in tracking-type floating photovoltaic since it
enable the rotating of the framework [23]. The exterior per- includes an internal rotational component and an exterior
manent component serves as a guideline for the inside circu- fixed component. The ropes and reverse/forward rotational
lar construction to revolve, and it is interconnected to the technique, the worm and worm gear technique, the chains
8 International Journal of Photoenergy

Rope
Floating Anchoring the reservoirs and are interconnected to the general electric-
system device ity distribution cables in this situation. The installation of a
wind turbine could help compensate for the inconsistency
of hydropower and floating photovoltaic power output.

(1) Appropriate Locations. Although the number of hydro-

Coupling system electric implementations in typically arid regions (Northern
Empty reservoir Mexico, the Persian Gulf, Central America, Australia,
Sahara, etc.) is notably fewer, they are nevertheless there
[26]. Because hydroelectric is a key regional resource, this
Supporting is the case. Asia has a significant benefit in that it has the
system maximum density of higher energy dual-power solar/hydro
locations in the globe. Tidal flows in Korea and China,
canals in Japan, aqueducts in Japan and China are one of
Articulated the locales, as also rivers in Malaysia, Vietnam, Japan, and
end Indonesia.
Figure 3: Structural design of floating photovoltaic (FPV) system. (2) Dry Seasons. Throughout the dry periods, photovoltaic
cells have the maximum performance, whereas wet periods
and rolling guidance technique, the constant buoyancy roll- have the largest hydroelectric capacity. As a result, both
ing guidance and rope or chain process, and the gearing and techniques could be used in tandem. Features to consider
rotating ring technique are all examples of rotational while evaluating a location for a floating photovoltaic system
processes. are shown in Table 3. Dry periods are usually less problem-
The technique utilizing equipment and orientation cir- atic. The rafts could remain on the dry banks, giving the
cle, for example, spots the equipment at the predefined structure more power till the water levels can be restored.
buoyancy, wraps the sealed rotation circle around the Considering reservoirs’ large open-surface region, this is a
boundary of circular buoyancy, and utilizes the engine; it good approach to obtain the most out of anything that
has the feature of connecting a spherical rolling pin to the would have been expensive a lot in regards to displacing
commissure of rotating buoyancy and fixed buoyancy to houses and actual property [24].
promote rotation while retaining the movable buoyancy to
protect motion resulting from water surface flows [24]. 4. Results and Discussions
3.4.2. Monitoring Tilt Position with a Tilt-Variable Data was studied from two experimental configurations: a
Framework. A dual-axis tracking-type floating photovoltaic 35 kW framework with monitoring reflections and cooling,
that monitors the angle of tilt was devised in addition to also a land-based photovoltaic implementation for compar-
monitoring azimuth angle by rotating an inner circular isons, and a 250 kWp frameworks with monitoring. The
framework. FPV device was put in an irrigated reservoir with a surface
area of around 5000 m2 and a depth of 3 meters. This imple-
3.4.3. Floating Photovoltaic Implementation. Hybrid projects mentation has primarily served as an outside laboratory,
integrating floating photovoltaic modules with hydropower allowing for the collection of more information: Polycrystal-
facilities have the potential to generate a significant amount line photovoltaic components with a capacity of 250 Wp
of the globe’s overall energies. For a nation with several (tolerance 0/+5 W) and 65 cells have been implemented.
hydroelectric facilities and dams, floating photovoltaic is a This component’s primary thermal parameters are as fol-
viable option. If the floating photovoltaic farms are placed lows: NOCT = 50° C + / − 2 K; maximum power thermal,
near hydroelectric stations, operators could utilize current open-circuit voltages, and short-circuit current factors are
electricity resources including such transmitting cables. For 0:42 percent/K, 0:08 percent/K, and 0:50 percent/K, corre-
coastal areas, a novel solution combining floating photovol- spondingly; measurements ðL × W × H in mmÞ are 987 ×
taic with battery storing and hydroelectric has been devel- 1778 × 55; and the weight (kg) is 20 kg. A particular hard-
oped [25]. To fulfill peak requirements, the intermittent ened low-iron glass with an antireflex covering is another
floating photovoltaic energy is combined with a rechargeable feature of these modules.
power-storing device. Colocation with hydroelectric facilities
would assist to increase the generation of such facilities while 4.1. Enhancement of Performance. The research assessed the
also smoothing the production curves. By altering hydro- energy generating performance under cooling impacts
electric productivity, floating photovoltaic equipment near depending on the cooling factors found in the simulations.
a reservoir’s dam provides for the unsteady productivity of The cellular effectiveness for terrestrial photovoltaic panels
these devices, whereas photovoltaic structures could substi- is 15.30 percent, whereas the cell performance for floating
tute for the hydroelectric power shortage in the medium to photovoltaic panels is 15.61 percent. The generating effec-
long run. Floating photovoltaic is a versatile and useful tech- tiveness of the floating photovoltaic device is around 2.02
nique. Wind turbines are installed in the areas underlying percent better than the terrestrial photovoltaic systems, with
International Journal of Photoenergy 9

Reflection Radiation of
Radiation
sun

Refraction
heart

Glass
conduction

Convection

EVA
Silicon

EVA
TPT

Figure 4: Internal structure of PV cell.

Table 1: Properties of physical material.

Physical material Layer Thermal conductivity Specific temperature Density Thickness Absorptivity
Silica Silica cell 132 675 2337 0.4 0.7
EVA Encapsulated 0.321 2084 974 0.3 0.04
TPT Back-sheet 0.18 1287 1230 0.4 0.12
Glass Upper cover 0.8 780 2550 3.4 0.05

Table 2: Parameter’s result.

Parameter model Load PV Floating PV

Average temperature, T a ð° CÞ 32 28


Generation of heat on PV battery, Q W/m 3
3200 3200



Rear convective coefficient, hfront W/m2 × K 5.54 5.54
PV effectiveness, ɳ ref 0.165 0.165



Front and side of convective coefficient, hrear W/m 2
×K 5.57 5.57

Under
Module Structure Substation
Water
cable

Floater

Figure 5: Flow diagram of the floating PV system.

an electrical temperature factor of 0.55 percent and an oper- 4.2. The Possibilities of Floating Photovoltaic Panels. With a
ational temperature differential of 4.5. The performance of a water surface utilization ratio of 3 percent and a photovoltaic
photovoltaic device is influenced by a variety of factors, covered area of 20 m2 /kW, the possible capability of floating
including radiation intensity, wind speed, and ambient tem- photovoltaic devices could approach 165 GW, covering
perature. Under identical environmental circumstances, the around 3000 km2 of water surfaces. It would generate 2 ×
power-generating effectiveness of floating photovoltaic 1027 m3 of water per year from vaporization. If floating pho-
devices would be 2:00 to 2:05% greater than terrestrial tovoltaic devices are combined with hydroelectric plants,
devices when various aspects are included. yearly energy production from floating photovoltaic devices
10 International Journal of Photoenergy

Table 3: Features to consider while evaluating a location for a floating photovoltaic system.

Floating photovoltaic
(i) Capability to adapt to modern electricity networks (for example hydropower systems)
Advantages of the power network
(ii) Hydroelectricity has a lot of possibilities for integration
(i) Ground excavations have a lower environmental impact
Use of the land/water surface (ii) Sites near densely developed regions are frequently simpler to come by
(iii) A potential alternative for nations with archipelagos
(i) Generally, a greater starting efficiency ratio (5 to 10 percent, depending on the climate)
Performances
(ii) Long-term degradation (for example, induced degeneration) is yet unknown
(i) Low diffused light reflecting from the water surface
Operational parameters
(ii) The appearance of evaporation cooling and increased wind velocity in generally
(i) Metal components corrode and oxidize more quickly in humid environments
Technological (ii) Cleansing water is simpler to come by
(iii) Vandalism and stealing are less likely to occur
(i) The continual shifting of the floating creates a threat for pedestrians
Security
(ii) There is a chance that someone will tumble into the water
(i) Less dusty soiling, but possibly more from bird excretions
Losses
(ii) Temperature misalignment and inhomogeneity in component facing could cause mismatches

will exceed 250 TWh, resulting in additional indirect water the overland photovoltaic and floating photovoltaic systems
savings of 1:35 × 1012 m3 . As originally stated, finding land are compared. The highest energy of the 250 W land-based
for photovoltaic energy stations has become a major diffi- photovoltaic systems and the 250 W floating-based photo-
culty, despite the government’s strong support for the estab- voltaic device is compared in Figure 8. The performance of
lishment of distributed photovoltaic networks. Floating the solar module 250 W is analyzed in Figure 9.
photovoltaic plants, with a capacity of 2500 km2 , could sub-
stantially reduce land resources rivalry, particularly in the 4.4. Comparison between Floating System and PV Land
eastern areas. The advancement of floating photovoltaic System. The production efficiency of the Hapcheon floating
energy production technologies has the potential to make a photovoltaic was evaluated to a megawatt terrestrial photo-
significant contribution to the long-term energy transitions. voltaic built-in Hamangun for a similar evaluation. The
Haman 1-megawatt overland PV strategy was found as a set-
ting clear goal because it is located 60 kilometers south of
4.3. Analyses the Differences among Overland Photovoltaic Hapcheon, in which the solar radiation and heat are compa-
and Floating Photovoltaic Modules. The efficiency of a rable, and it has been built on the same day (2012). The
250 W floating photovoltaic device was contrasted to 250 Haman 1-megawatt terrestrial photovoltaic system has a
W overland photovoltaic systems implemented for a compa- constant 30° inclination and a capability of 936 megawatts.
rable examination. The study lasted one month, and effi- It is comprised of 4000- and 255-megawatt modules.
ciency information from clear weather circumstances was To begin, days with interruptions, repair, and data error
utilized for comparison. The maximum energy and effective- are excluded from the comparison between the rated power
ness of the overland photovoltaic network were estimated at float PV system and the terrestrial photovoltaic for a much
maximum photovoltaic radiance and evaluated with the more effective assessment. The study timeframe was one
maximum energy and performance of the floating photovol- year long, from February 2012 and ending in January 2013,
taic device to evaluate the two devices with similar capaci- and data spanning 185 dates of that period was considered.
ties. Overland photovoltaic and floating photovoltaic had The monthly production quantities of Hapcheon 100 kW
maximum energy and performance of 166:95 W and 12:74 and Haman 1 MW were 423 kWh/day and 3487 kWh/day,
% and 168:83 W and 13:52%, correspondingly, indicating respectively.
that the energy and effectiveness of the floating photovoltaic The “average daily output quantity from Haman 936 kW
network have grown by 3:25% and 0:99%. The properties of terrestrial photovoltaic system that transformed to 99:35 kW
floating photovoltaic and overland photovoltaic are com- ” was obtained and compared with the “average daily elec-
pared in Figures 6 and 7. tricity production of Hapcheon 99.36 kW floating P4V sys-
When compared to overland photovoltaics, testing data tem” to contrast the two power stations with various
show that floating photovoltaics have been effective in capacities. As just an outcome, the coefficients of utilization
enhancing energy production. During the daytime, the tem- for the 100 kW and 1 MW installations were 17:5% and
perature of the floating photovoltaic component was lesser 15:6%, correspondingly, implying that now the Hapcheon
than that of the overland photovoltaic component. This is 100 kW floating photovoltaic system is 13.5 percent more
calculated because of the cooling impact of freshwater valuable than that of the Haman 1 MW system. The daily
caused by the water layer, which maintains the temperature electricity production of the 100 kW and 1 MW systems is
of the reduced photovoltaic component. The effectiveness of shown in the graph Figure 10.
International Journal of Photoenergy 11

180
160
140
120

Power (P)
100
80
60
40
20
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14

Volatge (V)

Figure 6: Floating PV on the P-V curve.

90

80

70

60

50
I

40

30

20

10

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12

Figure 7: Overland PV on the I-V curve.

Power variation
180
160
140
120
Power (W)

100
80
60
40
20
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
PV overland
PV floating

Figure 8: Comparison of power.

Second, the same strategy is used to evaluate the effi- of data. The daily production quantities of Hapcheon
ciency of 500 kW and 1 MW generators. The data for this 500 kW and Haman 1 MW were 2044 kWh/day and 3491
research was collected during a six-month timeframe, from kWh/day, respectively. The “daily average production vol-
October 2012 to March 2013, and was based on 121 days ume of Haman 935:9 kW overland photovoltaic when
12 International Journal of Photoenergy

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
PV overland
PV floating

Figure 9: Module temperature variation.

30000

25000

20000

15000

10000

5000

0
1 2 3 4 5 6
Land
Float

Figure 10: Comparison of land and floating PV systems.

transformed to 496:8 kW” was obtained and compared with pared to standard terrestrial PV systems due to the water
the “average daily electricity production of Hapcheon evaporative cooling. Floating photovoltaic systems can gen-
496:8 kW floating photovoltaic system” to evaluate the dif- erate 160 GW of electricity, covering around 2500 km2 of
ferent power stations with differing capacities. As a result, the sea surface. This will save 2 × 1027 m3 of water per year
the coefficients of utilization for the 500 kW and 1MW from vaporization. If the conserved water could be used for
plants were 17:1% and 15:5%, correspondingly, indicating hydroelectric, an additional 1:25 × 1012 m3 of indirect water
that the utility of the Hapcheon 500 kW floating PV system savings can be achieved. Furthermore, floating PV technol-
is 10.3 percent greater than the rate of the Haman 1 MW ogy can effectively reduce competition over land resources,
systems. The chart shows the daily production. particularly on the eastern side. Since the mean temperature
with floating PV is lower than that of regular PV modules,
5. Conclusion floating photovoltaics have a higher efficiency than conven-
tional photovoltaic modules. Floating photovoltaics have the
Floating PV systems have the advantage of promise. The fol- potential to greatly boost electric power generation. In actu-
lowing are the particular findings: Like all other equal vari- ality, the production of floating photovoltaic systems entails
ables, the mean average temperature in the water is around more intricate elements than just those examined in this
5 times cooler than it was on land depending on the cooling research. The impact of floating photovoltaic systems, for
properties of water. The operational temperature range instance, on the natural surroundings, including such
among a floating photovoltaic panel and a grounded cell groundwater resources, should be thoroughly investigated.
was found to be 3:5 degrees in this publication’s numerical Furthermore, in addition to allowing the growth of floating
model. According to the study, the performance of drifting photovoltaic systems, infrastructures must be planned and
photovoltaic systems can rise by 1:58 − 2:00% when com- implemented. In actuality, floating PV power production
International Journal of Photoenergy 13

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