Parametric numerical investigation of a floating solar platform with model validation

This study provides a detailed parametric computational fluid dynamics (CFD) assessment of the thermal performance of floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems under a range of environmental conditions. A three-dimensional multiphase model was developed using the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method in ANSYS Fluent 2024 R1. The panel vertical height above the water surface, wind velocity, water temperature, air temperature and solar irradiance were parameterized to evaluate their impacts on performance. Each panel thermal influence on downstream neighboring panels was evaluated with consideration of cumulative panel heating interference along the linear FPV array. The key findings were that in terms of increased panel thermal losses, being installed close to the water surface can reduce convective cooling from air to the FPV panels. An installation height of 2 meters effectively balanced heat loss potential with thermal efficiencies. Power outputs using uniform temperature estimates across each FPV panel can lead to under predictions as much as 0.81% at low heights while higher heights were over-predicted by as much as 0.41%. Under heat wave conditions the optimal height is calculated at 0.8 meters. The model results were verified analytically and validated with empirical models. Collectively, these results advance accurate thermal modeling and reduce uncertainty in the performance of FPV installations, particularly in locations subject to highly variable wind conditions. • 3D VOF CFD model captured the thermal behavior of floating PVs. • Optimal panel height of 2.0 m minimized the PV operating temperature. • Results agreed well with analytical and empirical models. • Power output error: +0.81% at low and −0.41% at high panel heights. • Height of 0.8 m maximizes efficiency under heat wave conditions.