An experimental study on the hydrodynamic performance of modular rope mesh floating solar platforms

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable energy solutions and the limitations of land-based solar installations have spurred interest in floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems. This study presents an experimental investigation of the hydrodynamic performance of modular FPV systems using an innovative Rope Mesh model. The research assesses key parameters such as the Response Amplitude Operator (RAO) and mooring forces under different wave conditions. Experiments conducted at Cranfield University evaluated the hydrodynamic responses and mooring performance of scaled-down models in controlled wave environments. The study examined the pitch and heave motion of single-body and multi-body FPV systems subjected to different wave heights and wavelengths. Results demonstrate that the modular design of the platforms can effectively withstand a range of marine conditions with minimal impact on solar panel performance in most cases. The findings provide critical insights into optimising FPV systems for nearshore and offshore applications, supporting the development of more resilient and efficient renewable energy solutions.