Placement optimization of flexible thin-film solar panels on the pool surface of an urban municipal water plant

With the implementation of China's “dual carbon” strategy, the “water plant + photovoltaic” model has emerged as a key approach for municipal water plants to achieve low-carbon and efficient operations. This study presents a comprehensive optimization method for the spatial arrangement of flexible membrane photovoltaic panels on water plant pool surfaces, focusing on multi-objective optimization of photovoltaic surface morphology, panel layout, and bracket design. Using parametric modeling, performance simulation, and multi-objective optimization, a case study of a municipal water plant in Changchun is analyzed. The “modeling-simulation-optimization” process achieves a fully optimized photovoltaic system design. An innovative strategy is proposed to expand the photovoltaic layout area by utilizing extended pool side walls and locally uplifted areas, significantly enhancing the system's overall performance. Results show that optimizing the photovoltaic surface morphology increases solar radiation collection by up to 42.5 %, while layout optimization covers 88.6 % of the pool surface. The optimal bracket design ensures structural stability and material efficiency. Additionally, the saved electricity costs rise by 42 %, while CO2 and pollutant emissions decrease, yielding substantial economic and environmental benefits. This study provides technical support for the energy restructuring of municipal water plants, contributing to low-carbon and efficient green development.