COMPREHENSIVE PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF TYPICAL PONTOON-TRUSS OFFSHORE FLOATING PHOTOVOLTAICS

Luo Wenping; Chen Zexi; Zhang Xiantao

doi:10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2025-0550

PDF(6755 KB)

Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (8) : 178-187. DOI: 10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2025-0550

COMPREHENSIVE PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF TYPICAL PONTOON-TRUSS OFFSHORE FLOATING PHOTOVOLTAICS

Luo Wenping^1,2, Chen Zexi¹, Zhang Xiantao^1,2

Author information +

History +

Abstract

This paper classifies current high-freeboard OFPV （Offshore Floating Photovoltaic） designs as four typical pontoon-truss structures, followed by a comprehensive performance analysis. Firstly, a time-domain hydrodynamic model was established in OrcaFlex, and a dynamic power prediction model incorporating motion effects was developed using MATLAB. These models were then validated against model experiments and standard test results. Subsequently, the comprehensive performance of the four structure types was compared under static water, regular wave, and irregular wave conditions. The results demonstrate that the structure combining vertical pontoons with semi-submerged horizontal pontoons delivers superior performance, achieving a positive air gap while maintaining lower mooring forces. Parametric analysis further indicates that increasing the diameter of the horizontal pontoons significantly improves air gap performance.

Key words

photovoltaic power generation / floating structure / dynamic response / numerical analysis / comparative analysis / mooring

Cite this article

EndNote

Ris (Procite)

Bibtex

Download Citations

Luo Wenping, Chen Zexi, Zhang Xiantao. COMPREHENSIVE PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF TYPICAL PONTOON-TRUSS OFFSHORE FLOATING PHOTOVOLTAICS[J]. Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica. 2026, 47(8): 178-187 https://doi.org/10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2025-0550

References

[1] Shi W, Yan C J, Ren Z R, et al.Review on the development of marine floating photovoltaic systems[J]. Ocean Engineering, 2023, 286: 115560.
[2] 宋肖锋, 陈作钢, 肖福勤, 等. 漂浮式光伏电站方阵风载荷数值研究[J]. 太阳能学报, 2020, 41(10): 136-143.
Song X F, Chen Z G, Xiao F Q, et al.Numerical research on wind load of floating solar power plants[J]. Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica, 2020, 41(10): 136-143.
[3] 徐普, 黎思亮, 宋启明, 等. 深水漂浮式光伏平台系泊结构动力响应分析[J]. 太阳能学报, 2023, 44(10): 156-164.
Xu P, Li S L, Song Q M, et al.Dynamic response analysis of mooring structure for deep-water floating photovoltaic platform[J]. Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica, 2023, 44(10): 156-164.
[4] 施兴华, 孙哲, 张婧. 考虑连接件刚度影响的多浮体漂浮光伏方阵运动响应分析[J]. 太阳能学报, 2023, 44(8): 301-306.
Shi X H, Sun Z, Zhang J.Kinematic response analysis of multi-body floating photovoltaic array considering stiffness of connecting parts[J]. Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica, 2023, 44(8): 301-306.
[5] 陈魁啸, 赵树杰, 张鹏, 等. 随机波浪作用下漂浮式光伏阵列发电性能仿真分析[J]. 太阳能学报, 2024, 45(9): 317-325.
Chen K X, Zhao S J, Zhang P, et al.Numerical simulation of power generation performance of floating photovoltaic arrays under random wave environment[J]. Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica, 2024, 45(9): 317-325.
[6] 孔祥玉, 邵阳苹, 付强, 等. 海上漂浮式光伏多浮体间电缆跨接方法研究[J]. 工程科学学报, 2025, 47(2): 389-400.
Kong X Y, Shao Y P, Fu Q, et al.Study on a cable jumper method for offshore floating photovoltaic systems with multiple floating bodies[J]. Chinese Journal of Engineering, 2025, 47(2): 389-400.
[7] 王霄, 王树青, 宋宪仓, 等. 海上漂浮式光伏平台研究进展与关键技术[J]. 工程科学与技术, 2026, 58(1): 289-302.
Wang X, Wang S Q, Song X C, et al.A review of research progress and key issues of offshore floating photovoltaic platforms[J]. Advanced Engineering Sciences, 2026, 58(1): 289-302.
[8] Luo W P, Zhang X T, TIAN X L, et al.Conceptual design and model test of a pontoon-truss type offshore floating photovoltaic system with soft connection[J]. Ocean Engineering, 2024, 309: 118518.
[9] Widnall S.Lecture l3-vectors, matrices and coordinate transformations[M]. Dynamics, 2009: 1-15.
[10] Masters G M.Renewable and efficient electric power systems[M]. Wiley, 2004.
[11] Kumar M, Kumar A.An efficient parameters extraction technique of photovoltaic models for performance assessment[J]. Solar Energy, 2017, 158: 192-206.
[12] Bai J B, Liu S, Hao Y Z, et al.Development of a new compound method to extract the five parameters of PV modules[J]. Energy Conversion and Management, 2014, 79: 294-303.
[13] Bi C, Law A W.Co-locating offshore wind and floating solar farms-effect of high wind and wave conditions on solar power performance[J]. Energy, 2023, 266: 126437.