Evaluation of a 3.5-MW Floating Photovoltaic Power Generation System on a Thermal Power Plant Ash Pond

Abstract

This study evaluated the design and performance of an improved 3.5 MW floating photovoltaic (PV) power generation system consisting of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) members and its installation in the ash pond of a thermal power plant. The FRP design code of the American Society of Civil Engineers was used to design the structure. The safety of the structure was then confirmed using a finite element analysis indicating that the induced stresses were less than the allowable stresses dictated by the Korean Highway Bridge Design Code. An examination of the energy performance of the floating PV energy generation system after installation determined that the measured electricity production was as high as approximately 94% of the installed 3.5-MW capacity. The energy production of the floating PV structure with the improved design and module angles was found to increase by 7.65 times.