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Hydrodynamic characteristics and power generation performance of flexible floating photovoltaics

Author

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  • Ren, Xiaohui
  • Han, Xinyu
  • Fang, Qiang
  • Li, Peng
  • Zhang, Penghao
  • Yang, Wenfeng
  • Guo, Peng
  • Wang, Kun
  • Huang, Yijie

Abstract

Energy shortages and low carbon transformation are challenges faced by many countries. Offshore floating photovoltaic has received attention due to its capacity to conserve land resources and a good power generation efficiency. In this study, the experiments were carried out to investigate the hydrodynamic characteristics and power generation performance of flexible floating photovoltaics (FFPVs). The effects of plate thickness, connection length, and module numbers on wave transmission, reflection, and motion response were revealed. The power generation performance of FFPVs is evaluated based on the motion response. It is found that the transmission coefficients of FFPVs remain above 0.8, and the average deformation of plate decreases as module number increases. By constructing a power generation model evaluating the power generation performance of FFPVs, it is found that the variation of solar incidence angle is the primary cause of spatial disparities in the power generation performance. The average power generation during dynamic operation is improved by 5 % compared to the stationary condition, and the power generation of FFPVs floats within 9.5 %. The results show that FFPVs have good wave compliance and stable power generation performance under wave conditions, which is an important reference for promoting the engineering application of offshore floating photovoltaic.

Suggested Citation

  • Ren, Xiaohui & Han, Xinyu & Fang, Qiang & Li, Peng & Zhang, Penghao & Yang, Wenfeng & Guo, Peng & Wang, Kun & Huang, Yijie, 2026. "Hydrodynamic characteristics and power generation performance of flexible floating photovoltaics," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PE).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:pe:s0960148125019573
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124293
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