Author(s): Chi Chung So; Sai Shing Chim; Selina Wai Man Fong; Chak Nang Wong; Ning Ning Peng; Kwok Wing Chow; Justin Searle; Sylvia Chan; Clement Man Hon Leung; Ralph Lau; Hoi Chun Lam
Linked Author(s): Chi Chung So
Keywords: Floating solar Solar panel Photovoltaic Polder River Structural performance Mooring system
Abstract: As a response to climate change, renewable energy devices have been widely implemented to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a sustainable, low-carbon future. Floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems are an innovative approach that harnesses renewable energy on water surfaces and optimizes land use to achieve carbon neutrality. The Drainage Services Department of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China has implemented FPV systems to enhance the utilization of renewable energy. The performance of an FPV system is significantly influenced by environmental conditions. Given that Hong Kong is prone to the risk of typhoon passage during summer, it is crucial to investigate the stability and robustness of FPV systems under extreme and adverse weather conditions. Field measurements and collection of wave and wind data were conducted in 2023, to study the environmental conditions for the two pilot FPV systems situated at the San Tin Polder and Shing Mun River. The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model was used to drive the coupled hydrodynamic-wave models Delft3D-FLOW and SWAN (Simulating WAves Nearshore). The models were validated with field data. Simulated hydrodynamic and wave conditions were then applied in the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software OpenFOAM to calculate the dynamic responses and mooring forces of the FPV system. The stability of the system under extreme waves, high flows, and strong winds was analyzed, demonstrating the robustness of the FPV design to withstand extreme weather. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing FPV design and improving the cost-effectiveness of future FPV projects.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64697/978-90-835589-7-4_41WC-P1766-cd
Year: 2025