Ice Load Characteristics on Floating Photovoltaic Platform

Abstract

Nowadays, based upon human needs and preferring perpetual types of energy, photovoltaic system (PV) is a suitable alternative and more frequently used in northern countries, which are recently more attracted by solar power. The new floating type of the structure is installed in the water bodies instead of land. One of the main elements in floating photovoltaic structures is the forces imposed on the panels. In the northern regions, the dominant load is considered to be ice interaction with the structure. This study aims at identifying the loads imposed on a floating PV structure located in the Łapino Reservoir on the Radunia River, which are produced by the wind action on the ice cover. The wind velocity varying between 10 and 26 m/s is implemented, and also the reduction of the pool level was studied. Wind direction plays an important role in the inclination and expansion of ice accumulation. Moreover, the magnitude of wind velocity is a determinative factor in the maximum thickness emerged in various spot of the area. Changes in pool level reduction is not able to cause noticeable changes in ice cover expansion and maximum ice thickness. Additionally, the shoving mechanism is able to originate abrupt changes in ice thickness by means of rising wind velocity.