The thin film flexible floating PV (T3F-PV) array: The concept and development of the prototype

The paper presents the concept and design behind the thin film flexible floating PV (T3F-PV) array, aimed at offshore large scale generation. The development of such an array comprises of non-conventional application of thin film PV panels. There are some issues envisaged, primarily the electrical reliability of the panels were they are prone to water absorption. Also the presence of the water could lead to cooling which would be an advantage of the system. Analysis of these issues and a first stage towards the development of the concept was through the manufacturing and operation of a small scale prototype in an enclosed water body in Sudbury, Canada. The data gathered from a small scale prototype leads to an estimated 0.5% decrease in electrical efficiency after the 45 day testing period mainly due to sediment occlusion on the PV panels. The cooling effect of the water could be calculated to an averaged electrical improvement of 5% through a 3 day comparison test (conducted when the floating PV had been exposed to their water conditions for almost 3 months). Also a significant variation in electrical output could be noted if the floating panels were allowed to go just below the waterline or if they were designed to stay on top of it. Some changes to the design were discussed to improve the concept and lead it onto the next step in the development, with a larger scale installation operating in the open sea with harsher environments to be dealt with.