Hydrodynamic performance of floating solar arrays with articulated modules for optimal wave adaptation

Abstract

The hydrodynamic performance of articulated floating photovoltaic (FPV) arrays remains insufficiently understood, despite their potential for large-scale offshore deployment. This study investigates a novel modular FPV system composed of interconnected buoyant units with articulated joints, designed to optimize wave adaptation. A hybrid approach is employed, integrating viscous-flow effects from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) into a potential-flow solver to enhance motion response predictions. The calibrated solver is validated against CFD simulations, demonstrating strong agreement in surge, heave, and pitch responses for both single and multi-module configurations. Parametric studies reveal that hydrodynamic behaviors are highly sensitive to the number and arrangement of modules, particularly near natural frequencies. Articulated connections effectively reduce inter-module loads and enhance stability, with larger arrays exhibiting progressive motion damping along the chain. Parallel configurations further suppress resonant responses compared to linear chains, highlighting the role of geometric arrangement in load distribution. Our key findings indicate that mid-body hinges experience higher forces, while trailing modules exhibit reduced motion amplitudes due to wave energy dissipation. These insights inform the wave-adaptive design and offshore deployment of articulated FPV systems.