Design and construction of floating modular photovoltaic system for water reservoirs

• Published in: Energy (Oxford) Vol. 191; p. 116549
• Main Authors: Dai, Jian, Zhang, Chi, Lim, Han Vincent, Ang, Kok Keng, Qian, Xudong, Wong, Johnny Liang Heng, Tan, Sze Tiong, Wang, Chien Looi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 15-01-2020; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Connectors; Electric power generation; Finite element analysis; Finite element method; Floating photovoltaic; High density polyethylenes; Housing; Hydro-structural interaction; Laboratory test; Laboratory tests; Modular construction; Modular systems; Modules; Photovoltaic cells; Photovoltaics; Polyethylene; Renewable energy; Reservoirs; Walkways; Water reservoir; Wave action; Laboratory test; Floating photovoltaic; Finite element analysis; Renewable energy; Hydro-structural interaction; Water reservoir
• ISSN: 0360-5442; 1873-6785
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2019.116549

In May 2018, the Housing & Development Board (HDB) of Singapore piloted the first locally-designed 100 kWp floating photovoltaic system at the world’s largest floating photovoltaic cell test-bed in Tengeh Reservoir. This paper presents the various aspects in the development of the floating modular photovoltaic system. This innovative system comprises a number of standardised floating modules made of high density polyethylene (HDPE) that serve as either photovoltaic (PV) panel floaters or maintenance walkways. The structural performance of the floating modules and the inter-modular connectors is assessed through detailed finite element analysis and laboratory tests. The global response of the floating PV system under wave action is investigated by conducting hydroelastic analysis. This paper also presents details of the launching of the proposed floating photovoltaic system at the test-bed and assesses the power generation of the system.
•An innovative modular floating photovoltaic system for use in water reservoirs was proposed.•Details of concept development, structural and hydroelastic performances of the proposed system were presented.•Experimental tests on floating modules were conducted and uncertainty analysis was addressed.•Project implementation and assessment of power generation were discussed.•Limitations and applicability of the innovative floating system were addressed.