Design and Hydrodynamic Performance Analysis of a Two-module Wave-resistant Floating Photovoltaic Device

Abstract

This study presents a two-module wave-resistant floating photovoltaic device, featuring a photovoltaic installation capacity of 0.5 MW and triangular configurations for both modules. Flexible connections are employed between the two modules, and semi-tensioned mooring cables are used in the mooring system. The system is analyzed for a specific sea area in Zhejiang, China. Based on three-dimensional potential flow theory, frequency and time domain analysis are conducted to obtain the motion response of each module under given sea conditions, as well as the forces acting on the connecting structures and mooring cables. The hydrodynamic performance of the floating photovoltaic device is compared under different wave directions. The results show that the designed floating photovoltaic device can resist irregular waves with a significant wave height of 4.5 m and a spectral peak period of 10 s. Compared with other conditions, the motion response of the floating photovoltaic device is relatively stable, the maximum force of each connecting structure is smaller, and the overall hydrodynamic performance is the best under the 0°wave condition.