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Foam-based floatovoltaics: A potential solution to disappearing terminal natural lakes

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  • Hayibo, Koami Soulemane
  • Pearce, Joshua M.

Abstract

Terminal lakes are disappearing worldwide because of direct and indirect human activities. Floating photovoltaics (FPV) are a synergistic system with increased energy output because of water cooling, while the FPV reduces water evaporation. This study explores how low-cost foam-based floatovoltaic systems can mitigate the disappearance of natural lakes. A case study is performed on 10%–50% FPV coverage of terminal and disappearing Walker Lake. Water conservation is investigated with a modified Penman-Monteith evapotranspiration method and energy generation is calculated with an operating temperature model experimentally determined from foam-based FPV. Results show FPV saves 52,000,000 m3/year of water and US$6,000,000 at 50% FPV coverage. The FPV generates 20 TWh/year of renewable energy, which is enough to offset all coal-fired power plants in Nevada thus reducing carbon-emission based climate forcing partially responsible for a greater rate of disappearance of the lake. The results of this study, which is the first of its kind, indicate foam-based FPV has potential to play a crucial role in mitigation efforts to prevent the disappearing of natural lakes worldwide.

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  • Hayibo, Koami Soulemane & Pearce, Joshua M., 2022. "Foam-based floatovoltaics: A potential solution to disappearing terminal natural lakes," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 188(C), pages 859-872.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:188:y:2022:i:c:p:859-872
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2022.02.085
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    4. Wei, Yujia & Khojasteh, Danial & Windt, Christian & Huang, Luofeng, 2025. "An interdisciplinary literature review of floating solar power plants," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 209(C).

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