An experimental study on the hydrodynamic performance of modular rope mesh floating solar platforms

• An innovative Rope Mesh based structure forms the foundation of a flexible modular floating solar platform for marine environments. • The hydrodynamic performance, including RAO and mooring forces, is tested under varying wave conditions using a near-zero-impact system. • The modular design reduces pitch and heave motions by an average of 25 %, with a maximum reduction of 38 %, showing improved stability. • Back mooring forces are found to be 30 % greater than front mooring forces, indicating the need for mooring optimization. • The multi-body configuration reduces wave overwashing by 50 %, protecting solar panels in rough waves. The growing demand for sustainable energy solutions and the limitations of land-based solar installations have spurred interest in floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems. This study presents an experimental investigation of the hydrodynamic performance of modular FPV systems using an innovative Rope Mesh model. The research assesses key parameters such as the Response Amplitude Operator (RAO) and mooring forces under different wave conditions. Experiments conducted at Cranfield University evaluated the hydrodynamic responses and mooring performance of scaled-down models in controlled wave environments. The study examined the pitch and heave motion of single-body and multi-body FPV systems subjected to different wave heights and wavelengths. Results demonstrate that the modular design of the platforms can effectively withstand a range of marine conditions with minimal impact on solar panel performance in most cases. The findings provide critical insights into optimising FPV systems for nearshore and offshore applications, supporting the development of more resilient and efficient renewable energy solutions.