Comprehensive Performance Analysis of Pontoon-Truss Offshore Floating Photovoltaics
This study classifies current high-freeboard offshore floating photovoltaic (OFPV) designs into four typical pontoon-truss configurations and conducts a comparative performance analysis. A time-domain hydrodynamic model was established in OrcaFlex, and a dynamic power assessment model incorporating motion effects was developed in MATLAB. Model validity was confirmed through pool model tests and photovoltaic standard test data. The comprehensive performance of the four configurations was compared under calm water, regular waves, and irregular waves. Results indicate that the combination of vertical pontoons and semi-submerged horizontal pontoons exhibits superior overall performance, maintaining positive air gap while experiencing lower mooring forces. Parametric analysis reveals that increasing the diameter of horizontal pontoons significantly improves air gap performance. The study provides a reference for the design of high-freeboard OFPV systems, highlighting the advantages of hybrid pontoon configurations.