Author(s): Liang Li; Yingzhou Liu; Ye Yao; Jijian Lian; Na Zhang
Linked Author(s): Jijian Lian
Keywords: Floating photovoltaic; Ice force; Dynamic characteristics; Damage analysis; Ice-structure interaction
Abstract: To address the insufficient consideration of ice force in existing design codes for floating photovoltaic (FPV) structures in icy waters, this paper proposes a novel membrane-steel tube FPV structure and evaluates its dynamic characteristics under ice force. Based on ice-structure interaction mechanisms, a three-dimensional ice block model is constructed using the polygonal close-packed algorithm and combined with the finite element method to establish a coupled ice-structure interaction model. This model accurately captures ice accumulation, compression, and continuous displacement behaviour. Considering variations in ice velocity and concentration, the study investigates the dynamic response patterns of the proposed FPV structure under different ice conditions. It examines the dynamic response characteristics under ice force and analyses the interaction mechanism between the steel tube and membrane structure. Results show that the dynamic response increases with higher ice velocity. The response to ice concentration is non-monotonic: at medium-low densities, enhanced effective contact area and force chain transmission increase ice force; at high densities, greater internal energy dissipation reduces transmitted ice force. The steel tube-membrane composite design achieves gradient load transmission and energy dissipation, enhancing overall structural resilience. These findings provide theoretical support for the structural design and optimization of FPV systems in ice-covered waters.
Year: 2026