Search Results (23)

To enhance the hydrodynamic stability of offshore floating photovoltaic (OFPV) platforms under complex sea conditions, this study proposes a novel arc-plate dual-pontoon floating breakwater. A combined methodology of experimental investigation and numerical simulation was integrated to systematically study its hydrodynamic responses and attenuation performance. A two-dimensional numerical wave flume was established in FLOW-3D, and the results were validated against experimental data. The results reveal that the wave energy reduction is primarily achieved through the wave reflection in front of the pontoons and turbulence-induced dissipation guided by the arc plate. The effects of key structural parameters (pontoon draft depth, arc plate span, and the relative freeboard height) were studied to optimize its performance. The results show that both the increasing draft depth and arc plate span can significantly improve the attenuation under long-period waves. Additionally, higher relative freeboard heights help to reduce both the transmission coefficient and horizontal wave force, with the optimal value identified as 0.7. The findings suggest theoretical insights and possible indications for the design of the floating breakwater system in offshore renewable energy applications. Full article

Floating solar technology has gained significant attention as part of the global expansion of renewable energy due to its potential for installation in underutilized water bodies. Several countries, including the Netherlands, have initiated efforts to extend this technology from inland freshwater applications to open offshore environments, particularly within offshore wind farm areas. This development is motivated by the synergistic benefits of increasing site energy density and leveraging the existing offshore grid infrastructure. The deployment of offshore floating photovoltaic (OFPV) systems involves assembling multiple modular units in a marine environment, introducing operational risks that may give rise to safety concerns. To mitigate these risks, weather windows must be considered prior to the task execution to ensure continuity between weather-sensitive activities, which can also lead to additional time delays and increased costs. Consequently, optimizing marine logistics becomes crucial to achieving the cost reductions necessary for making OFPV technology economically viable. This study employs a simulation-based approach to estimate the installation duration of a 5 MWp OFPV plant at a Dutch offshore wind farm site, started in different months and under three distinct risk management scenarios. Based on 20 years of hindcast wave data, the results reveal the impacts of campaign start months and risk management policies on installation duration. Across all the scenarios, the installation duration during the autumn and winter period is 160% longer than the one in the spring and summer period. The average installation durations, based on results from 12 campaign start months, are 70, 80, and 130 days for the three risk management policies analyzed. The result variation highlights the additional time required to mitigate operational risks arising from potential discontinuity between highly interdependent tasks (e.g., offshore platform assembly and mooring). Additionally, it is found that the weather-induced delays are mainly associated with the campaigns of pre-laying anchors and platform and mooring line installation compared with the other campaigns. In conclusion, this study presents a logistics modeling methodology for OFPV systems, demonstrated through a representative case study based on a state-of-the-art truss-type design. The primary contribution lies in providing a framework to quantify the performance of OFPV installation strategies at an early design stage. The findings of this case study further highlight that marine installation logistics are highly sensitive to local marine conditions and the chosen installation strategy, and should be integrated early in the OFPV design process to help reduce the levelized cost of electricity. Full article

Hydrogen is a potential key component of a carbon-neutral energy carrier and an input to marine industrial processes. This study examines the consequences of coupled hydrogen release and marine environmental factors during floating photovoltaic hydrogen production (FPHP) system failures. A validated three-dimensional numerical model of FPHP comprehensively characterizes hydrogen leakage dynamics under varied rupture diameters (25, 50, 100 mm), transient release duration, dispersion patterns, and wind intensity effects (0–20 m/s sea-level velocities) on hydrogen–air vapor clouds. FLACS-generated data establish the concentration–dispersion distance relationship, with numerical validation confirming predictive accuracy for hydrogen storage tank failures. The results indicate that the wind velocity and rupture size significantly influence the explosion risk; 100 mm ruptures elevate the explosion risk, producing vapor clouds that are 40–65% larger than 25 mm and 50 mm cases. Meanwhile, increased wind velocities (>10 m/s) accelerate hydrogen dilution, reducing the high-concentration cloud volume by 70–84%. Hydrogen jet orientation governs the spatial overpressure distribution in unconfined spaces, leading to considerable shockwave consequence variability. Photovoltaic modules and inverters of FPHP demonstrate maximum vulnerability to overpressure effects; these key findings can be used in the design of offshore platform safety. This study reveals fundamental accident characteristics for FPHP reliability assessment and provides critical insights for safety reinforcement strategies in maritime hydrogen applications. Full article

Excessive reliance on traditional energy sources such as coal, petroleum, and gas leads to a decrease in natural resources and contributes to global warming. Consequently, the adoption of renewable energy sources in power systems is experiencing swift expansion worldwide, especially in offshore areas. Floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) technology is gaining recognition as an innovative renewable energy option, presenting benefits like minimized land requirements, improved cooling effects, and possible collaborations with hydropower. This study aims to assess the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) associated with floating solar initiatives in offshore and onshore environments. Furthermore, the LCOE is assessed for initiatives that utilize floating solar PV modules within aquaculture farms, as well as for the integration of various renewable energy sources, including wind, wave, and hydropower. The LCOE for FPV technology exhibits considerable variation, ranging from 28.47 EUR/MWh to 1737 EUR/MWh, depending on the technologies utilized within the farm as well as its geographical setting. The implementation of FPV technology in aquaculture farms revealed a notable increase in the LCOE, ranging from 138.74 EUR/MWh to 2306 EUR/MWh. Implementation involving additional renewable energy sources results in a reduction in the LCOE, ranging from 3.6 EUR/MWh to 315.33 EUR/MWh. The integration of floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems into green hydrogen production represents an emerging direction that is relatively little explored but has high potential in reducing costs. The conversion of this energy into hydrogen involves high final costs, with the LCOH ranging from 1.06 EUR/kg to over 26.79 EUR/kg depending on the complexity of the system. Full article

Floating photovoltaic systems are rapidly gaining popularity due to their advantages in conserving land resources and their high energy conversion efficiency, making them a promising option for photovoltaic power generation. However, these systems face challenges in offshore environments characterized by high salinity, humidity, and variable irradiation, which necessitate effective maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technologies to optimize performance. Currently, there is limited research in this area, and few reviews analyze it comprehensively. This paper provides a thorough review of MPPT techniques applicable to floating photovoltaic systems, evaluating the suitability of various methods under marine conditions. Traditional algorithms require modifications to address the drift phenomena under uniform irradiation, while different GMPPT techniques exhibit distinct strengths and limitations in partial shading conditions (PSCs). Hardware reconfiguration technologies are not suitable for offshore use, and while sampled data-based techniques are simple, they carry the risk of erroneous judgments. Intelligent technologies face implementation challenges. Hybrid algorithms, which can combine the advantages of multiple approaches, emerge as a more viable solution. This review aims to serve as a valuable reference for engineers researching MPPT technologies for floating photovoltaic systems. Full article

Due to the growth of renewable energies, which requires cost reduction and efficiency in terms of structural health assessment, failure prevention, effective maintenance scheduling, and equipment lifespan optimization, in this paper, we propose an Ultra Wideband (UWB)-based accelerometer Sensor Node for low-power applications in offshore platforms. The proposed Sensor Node integrates a high-resolution accelerometer together with an Impulse Radio Ultra-Wideband (IR-UWB) transceiver. This approach enables effective remote monitoring of structural vibrations. This provides an easy-to-install, scalable, and flexible wireless solution without sacrificing robustness and low power consumption in marine environments. Additionally, due to the diverse and highly demanding applications of condition monitoring systems, we propose two modes of operation for the Sensor Node. It can be remotely configured to either transmit raw data for further analysis or process data at the edge. A hardware (HW) description of the proposed Sensor Node is provided. Moreover, we describe the power management strategies implemented in our system at the firmware (FW) level. We show detailed power consumption measurements, including power profiles and the battery-powered autonomy of the proposed Sensor Node. We compare data from a wired acquisition system and the proposed wireless Sensor Node in a laboratory environment.The wired sensor integrated into this acquisition system, fully characterized and tested, is our golden reference. Thus, we validate our proposal. Furthermore, this research work is within the scope of the SUREWAVE Project and is conducted in collaboration with the MARIN Institute, where wave basin tests are carried out to evaluate the behavior of a Floating Photovoltaic (FPV) system. These tests have provided a valuable opportunity to assess the effectiveness of the proposed Sensor Node for offshore platforms and to compare its performance with a wired system. Full article

Photovoltaic (PV) power generation is a form of clean, renewable, and distributed energy that has become a hot topic in the global energy field. Compared to terrestrial solar PV systems, floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems have gained great interest due to their advantages in conserving land resources, optimizing light utilization, and slowing water evaporation. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the research and application of FPV systems. First, the main components of FPV systems and their advantages as well as disadvantages are analyzed in detail. Furthermore, the research and practical applications of offshore FPV systems, including rigid floating structures and flexible floating structures, are discussed. Finally, the challenges of offshore FPV systems are analyzed in terms of their stability and economic performance. By summarizing current research on FPV systems, this overview aims to serve as a valuable resource for the development of offshore FPV systems. Full article

Mooring chains are key components of offshore floating photovoltaic systems. Although their service safety is often affected by the harsh service environment, the influence of surface roughness on their corrosion resistance is not clear. This study investigated the corrosion behavior of mooring chain steel using cyclic salt-spray corrosion and electrochemical tests. Scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometry, optical profilometry, and other analytical techniques were used to study the composition and morphology of the corrosion products. The corrosion behavior was studied by electrochemical polarization curves, alternating current impedance spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results show that the salt-spray corrosion resistance of mooring chain steel significantly improved with the reduction in specimen surface roughness, and the number and depth of corrosion pits were reduced. Mass loss after 24 h of salt-spray corrosion was exponentially related to initial roughness ($\mathrm{Ra}$). Improved surface roughness significantly increased the pitting potential of the specimens, widened the passivation range, and enhanced the repassivation capability, thus significantly improving the pitting resistance. The pitting potential is linearly related to the initial roughness of the specimen. The oxide contents of Fe, Mo, and Si in the passivation film tended to increase with a smoother surface, which contributes to its densification. This effectively blocks chloride ion attack, thus improving the corrosion resistance of the mooring chain steel. Full article

Offshore floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems are subjected to significant aerodynamic forces, especially during extreme wind conditions. Accurate estimation of these forces is crucial for the proper design of mooring lines and connection systems. In this study, detailed CFD simulations were performed for various PV panel configurations, and using these CFD simulation correlations were developed to estimate lift and drag forces as a function of the number of panels. These correlations provide valuable tools for designing large-scale FPV systems with multiple PV modules. Additionally, this study investigates the potential of using breakwaters to reduce aerodynamic forces on FPV systems. Breakwaters, typically used to mitigate wave impacts, can also serve as wind barriers, significantly reducing wind forces before they reach the FPV array. Aerodynamic simulations with and without a breakwater were conducted using CFD to assess this effect. The results show a substantial reduction in lift and drag coefficients, especially for angles of attack up to 10 degrees, demonstrating the effectiveness of the breakwater in protecting the FPV system. However, beyond this threshold, the effectiveness of the breakwater of 2 m reduces. These findings highlight the importance of strategic breakwater placement and heights and their role in enhancing FPV system resilience. The insights gained from this study are critical for optimizing breakwater design and placement, ensuring the structural integrity and performance of FPV systems in varying environmental conditions. The data generated will also contribute to future design improvements for floating PV systems. Full article

Photovoltaic energy (PV) is considered one of the pillars of the energy transition. However, this energy source is limited by a power density per unit surface lower than 200 W/m², depending on the latitude of the installation site. Compared to fossil fuels, such low power density opens a sustainability issue for this type of renewable energy in terms of its competition with other land uses, and forces us to consider areas suitable for the installation of photovoltaic arrays other than farmlands. In this frame, floating PV plants, installed in internal water basins or even offshore, are receiving increasing interest. On the other hand, this kind of installation might significantly affect the water ecosystem environment in various ways, such as by the effects of solar shading or of anchorage installation. As a result, monitoring of floating PV (FPV) plants, both during the ex ante site evaluation phase and during the operation of the PV plant itself, is therefore necessary to keep such effects under control. This review aims to examine the technical and academic literature on FPV plant monitoring, focusing on the measurement and discussion of key physico-chemical parameters. This paper also aims to identify the additional monitoring features required for energy assessment of a floating PV system compared to a ground-based PV system. Moreover, due to the intrinsic difficulty in the maintenance operations of PV structures not installed on land, novel approaches have introduced autonomous solutions for monitoring the environmental impacts of FPV systems. Technologies for autonomous mapping and monitoring of water bodies are reviewed and discussed. The extensive technical literature analyzed in this review highlights the current lack of a cohesive framework for monitoring these impacts. This paper concludes that there is a need to establish general guidelines and criteria for standardized water quality monitoring (WQM) and management in relation to FPV systems. Full article

The previous research has proven that one of the fundamental requirements for ensuring increased profitability and economic competitiveness in offshore-based projects is co-locating different technologies within the same marine space. This paper presents a number of techno-feasibility analyses for floating offshore technologies for the Maltese Islands, located in the central Mediterranean Sea. The first part compares the feasibility between offshore floating solar photovoltaics with onshore-based systems, taking into consideration Malta’s average land rental price per square metre. The second part considers the use of a novel floating breakwater design that integrates energy storage and creates a sheltered water area for a multi-use marine park, thus introducing different revenue streams. The latter includes renting the sheltered marine space out to operators of floating solar farms, aquaculture cages and vessel berthing facilities, as well as the provision of energy storage services. It is found that the combined income from the multiple revenue streams from the multi-use marine park is still insufficient to justify the investment and that financial support from governments is essential to render the floating breakwaters viable. Full article

The development of floating photovoltaic systems (FPV) for coastal and offshore locations requires a solid understanding of a design’s hydrodynamic performance through reliable methods. This study aims to extend insights into the hydrodynamic behavior of a superficial multi-body FPV system in mild and harsh wave conditions through basin tests at scale 1:10, with specific interest in the performance of hinges that interconnect the PV panels. Particular effort is put into correctly scaling the elasticity of the flexible hinges that interconnect the PV modules. Tests of a 5 × 3 FPV matrix are performed, with and without shelter, by external floating breakwater (FBW). The results show that the PV modules move horizontally in the same phase when the wave length exceeds the length of the FPV system, but shorter waves result in relative motions between modules and, for harsh seas, in hinge buckling. Relative motions suggest that axial loads are highest for the hinges that connect the center modules in the system and for normal wave incidence, while shear loads are highest on the outward hinges and for oblique incidence. The FBW reduces hinge loads as it attenuates the high-frequency wave energy that largely drives relative motions between PV modules. Full article

Solar photovoltaics (PV) continues to grow rapidly across the world and now accounts for a very considerable proportion of all non-fossil-fuel electricity. With the continuing urgency of greenhouse gas abatement, the growth of solar PV is inevitable. Competition with other land uses and the desire to optimize the efficiency of the panels by making use of water cooling are compelling arguments for offshore floating PV (OFPV), a trend that could also benefit from the existing infrastructure recently built for offshore wind farms. Building on our earlier work, we present a larger dataset (n = 82) located around the globe to assess global yield (dis)advantages while also accounting for a modified form of water cooling of the offshore panels. Using our results regarding the Köppen–Geiger (KG) classification system and using a statistical learning method, we demonstrate that the KG climate classification system has limited validity in predicting the likely gains from OFPV. Finally, we also explore a small subset of sites to demonstrate that economics, alongside geography and technology, impacts the feasibility of locating PV panels offshore. Full article

Offshore facilities have high energy demands commonly accomplished with local combustion-based power generators. With the increased commercialization of the marine renewable energy sector, there is still a need for research on floating photovoltaic installations on their performance and economic perspective. This paper investigates the techno-commercial feasibility of installing a battery-integrated floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) system for an offshore oil platform facility in Abu Dhabi. The performance analysis of two floating PV design schemes has been evaluated using the PVsyst design tool. The proposed system’s annual solar energy availability from the PVsyst 7.2.21 output was validated with MATLAB Simulink R2022b with a deviation of 1.85%. The optimized solution achieved the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) of 261 USD/MWh with a Discounted Payback Period of 9.5 years. Also, the designed system could reduce carbon emissions by 731 tons per year. Furthermore, it was recognized that the contribution of the marine sector to the construction of floating platforms influences the success of floating PV systems. Independently authorized floating PV system designs would guarantee insurability from the viewpoints of investors and end users. Full article

Fossil fuel consumption has progressively increased alongside global population growth, representing the predominant energy consumption pattern for humanity. Unfortunately, this persistent reliance on fossil fuels has resulted in a substantial surge in pollution emissions, exerting a detrimental influence on the delicate ecological balance. Therefore, it is imperative to find new renewable energy sources to replace fossil fuels. Solar energy is a clean energy source and has become the most preferred option for human day-to-day needs. Since the construction of the world’s first floating photovoltaic power station, humanity has been continuously advancing the technology of power generation by floating photovoltaics. This review comprehensively elucidates the progression of offshore photovoltaic technology and illustrates the composition of the floating photovoltaic system. Each section meticulously contrasts the advantages and drawbacks of various photovoltaic systems. In addition, an in-depth analysis of the offshore photovoltaic application potentials is conducted based on fundamental theories, thereby offering valuable insights for future research. Finally, an encompassing summary of the potential challenges associated with deep-sea floating photovoltaic systems is presented. Full article