Browsing by Author "Zheng, Zhi"

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    Motion response and energy harvesting of multi-module floating photovoltaics in seas
    (Elsevier, 2024-10-15) Zheng, Zhi; Jin, Peng; Huang, Qiang; Zhou, Binzhen; Xiang, Ruoxuan; Zhou, Zhaomin; Huang, Luofeng
    Floating Photovoltaic (FPV) systems are emerging as a new type of ocean renewable energy, offering advantages such as avoiding land use and promoting power generation efficiency. Providing significant cost-effectiveness for manufacturing, transportation, and installation, FPV systems with modular floating platforms exhibit the potential to replace the conventional large steel-frame one. However, the performance of such multi-floating body structures under wave conditions remain underexplored. In this paper, based on potential flow theory, the motion characteristics and power performance of the proposed FPV array connected by the articulated system are evaluated. The results indicate that the FPV arrays with shorter floating structures exhibit greater pitch motion, especially when the wave condition matches the pitch resonance. For multi-float cases, the articulated system, optimized with appropriate parameters, demonstrates efficacy as attenuators. Additionally, the proposed FPV array has great potential to serve as an infrastructure for integrating solar and wave energy. For a selected offshore site, potential wave energy output from motion attenuators between FPV floaters is assessed together with solar energy output. Overall, this study serves as a valuable reference for the design and optimization of the multi-modules FPV and advances the research on combined solar and wave energy utilization on floating structures.
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    Optimization of dual-module floating photovoltaic arrays: layout configuration and damping mechanisms for enhanced stability and energy performance
    (Elsevier, 2025-09-01) Zheng, Zhi; Hu, Jianjian; Huang, Qiang; Jin, Peng; Yang, Yifeng; Huang, Luofeng; Zhou, Zhaomin; Zhou, Binzhen
    Floating Photovoltaic (FPV) systems are a promising solution for offshore renewable energy, with modular FPV arrays offering significant potential for large-scale deployment. However, the development of FPV systems is hindered by insufficient understanding of their hydrodynamic performance, which affects stability and energy efficiency. This study proposes a dual-module FPV array combining box-type and semi-submersible modules to improve hydrodynamic stability under mild wave conditions in the South China Sea. The effects of array layout and PTO damping are examined under various wave conditions. The system is optimized to balance energy harvesting and motion control, and its performance is further evaluated under irregular waves at selected operational sites. Results indicate that the dual-module design effectively leverages the hydrodynamic characteristics of both module types, reducing motion responses and dynamic loads. The incorporation of optimal PTO damping further enhances system stability and energy efficiency by effectively suppressing pitch and heave motions, with maximum reductions of 31.43 % and 41.56 %, respectively, under the selected operational wave conditions. While damping remains effective under head-on waves, its performance slightly decreases under oblique waves, underscoring the importance of aligning the array with the predominant wave direction. Additionally, integrating a wave energy PTO system into the FPV array enables wave power to supplement solar energy, contributing 17.04 % of the total energy output at the selected operational sites. The proposed FPV system offers a practical solution for stabilizing floater motion, enhancing solar power generation, and capturing wave energy, advancing the feasibility of FPV technology for large-scale offshore applications.