Optimization strategies for bifacial floating photovoltaic systems on different water bodies: A 10E performance evaluation

Abstract

This study investigates the performance and optimization of standalone floating bifacial solar photovoltaic systems through a comprehensive 10E analysis, covering energy, exergy, economic, environmental, energo-economic, exergo-economic, enviro-economic, energo-environmental, exergo-environmental, energy payback time, and embodied energy factors. The research evaluates energy efficiency, economic feasibility, and environmental impact using various water coolants. Fresh water emerged as the best performer, delivering the highest output power (399 W), final yield (371.94 W), and performance ratio (59.082). Capacity utilization factors were comparable, with fresh water (0.517) and black water (0.516) leading. Fresh water also showed the lowest energy loss (−365.64) and highest exergy efficiency (32.10%). It achieved the lowest levelized cost of energy at 3.39 $/MWh and the highest enviro-economic parameter (243.497). The exergo-environmental analysis demonstrated consistent efficiency, with energy payback time ranging from 37.28 to 37.36, and the embodied energy for the panels was 2840.67 units. Optimization techniques such as random forest, gradient boosting, XGBoost gain, neural network, and response surface methodology were used to identify optimal panel heights, water depths, and azimuth angles. Fresh water was identified as the most effective coolant, balancing high energy efficiency, minimal energy loss, and environmental sustainability. Response surface methodology proved to be the most accurate method for predicting power output and bifacial gain. This study provides valuable insights into improving the efficiency and sustainability of floating bifacial photovoltaic systems under various environmental conditions.