A Study on Steel Properties for Floating Photovoltaic System Structure

Abstract

For the development of a floating photovoltaic system, materials with light weight and high tensile strength must be applied to reduce the burden on buoyancy, and material characteristics with high resistance to corrosion in water environment is required. Accordingly, a new high strength steel material with improved strength, durability, manufacturability, and weldability that are appropriate for floating photovoltaic system structures is needed. This paper reports the results of a mechanical load test and steel corrosion test on general steel (SS400) and high strength steel (POSH 690) for the selection of an appropriate steel material for a floating photovoltaic system. The results of a test on new high strength steel revealed excellent mechanical performance compared to general steel. The new steel material was manufactured for use in an actual site, and the weight was reduced by approximately 30∼40% compared to existing general steel.