Floating Structure with Stabilised Buoyancy Control Device for Photovoltaic Application

Abstract

Conventional approach of energy derivation is causing anthropogenic pollution and climate change. Various sustainable alternatives of renewable energy particularly solar energy have been developed and implemented as a part of the global effort to gradually decommission usage of fossil fuel and in turn, reduce carbon footprint to overcome adverse environmental impacts. Nevertheless, it was reported that in 2019, only 0.85% of total energy used globally is powered by solar energy. Photovoltaic by itself is not feasible enough due to magnified requirement of land for its installation. Therefore, one of the solutions is floating photovoltaic. However, floating photovoltaic is also restraint by the impact of tidal wave. Characterisation of relationship between stability of large floating structures corresponding to volumetric displacement of the buoyancy control device is the focal point of this paper. Significance of tidal wave impact is empirically assessed based on a scaled-down model of buoyancy control device integrated large floating structure by manipulating the buoyancy of buoyancy control device assisted structure to structure without buoyancy control device under a controlled environment. Fluctuation of the buoyancy control device can be reduced by up to 99.65% when tested against highest configuration of wave transducer by displacing only 50% of air with water. Meanwhile, neutral buoyancy is achieved up to almost 100% when the buoyancy control device is completely filled with water and total submergence has been achieved.

Experimental Studies and Analysis for Performance Assessment of Floating Solar Photovoltaic Systems

“…The FSPV is a new and rising research issue that is drawing the interest of researchers and academicians worldwide [18][19][20]. It will be fascinating to develop a small-scale floating PV experimental set up as a first step toward assessing the performance of FSPV and comparing the results with the typical ground mounted solar PV installations.…”