Session: 09-08-03 Floating Solar: Loads and Responses

Submission Number: 181017

The Connector Responses of Offshore Multi-Body Floating Photovoltaic Array Under Different Connection Conditions 

The design of connectors is crucial to the structural integrity and operational efficiency of offshore floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems. This study aims to investigate the impact of different connection conditions on the structural responses of offshore FPVs’ connectors. A dual-pontoon type float is introduced as the floating module. Coupled hydrodynamic analysis of a multi-body floating photovoltaic array is conducted under different connection conditions using numerical simulations. Specifically, the investigation encompasses four distinct connection conditions, including rigid, hinged, elastic, and flexible conditions. Each condition is characterized by unique stiffness properties and constraints in tension, compression, bending, and torsion. The hydrodynamic coefficients of FPV modules are derived from a frequency-domain analysis, and a subsequent time-domain analysis is conducted to simulate the hydrodynamic responses of floating modules. A comparative analysis of axial force, axial stress, and cyclic fatigue load across connectors reveals that flexible connections experience the highest axial forces. Rigid connectors bear the highest bending moments, and they exhibit higher axial stress levels than that of the other connectors. Conversely, hinged connectors are less vulnerable to fatigue damage, attributed to their capacity to release bending restraints. The result of this study provides a valuable reference for the future design of offshore FPV connectors.

Presenting Author: Tao Zou Jiangsu University of Science and Technology

Presenting Author Biography: Tao Zou, Associate Professor, received his Ph.D. from Delft University of Technology. He is currently affiliated with Jiangsu University of Science and Technology in China, where his research primarily focuses on offshore renewable energy and fatigue analysis of marine structures.

Authors:

Tao Zou Jiangsu University of Science and Technology
Zhinan Lei Jiangsu University of Science and Technology
Xuefei Zhao Jiangsu University of Science and Technology
Xinbo Niu Jiangsu University of Science and Technology