Site selection for floating photovoltaic system on dam reservoirs using sine trigonometric decision making model

Abstract

Floating photovoltaic is a great alternative to traditional solar energy because it can increase current electricity production while working compatible with hydropower plants and the power infrastructure. The aim of this study is to present a site selection suitability analysis using fuzzy sine trigonometric based Ordinal Priority Approach and Distance from Average Solution method. Ten site selection criteria related to the technical, economic and social aspects were identified and a questionnaire was conducted among the field experts of solar energy. Then, a consensus analysis was carried out using consistent questionnaire results to reach a definitive decision of experts. This analysis gives the relative weights of each site selection criterion. After that, 8 dam reservoirs, which are utilized for energy production were selected in different locations in Turkey to deploy floating photovoltaics. The solar energy experts filled out another questionnaire to evaluate each selected site for each site selection criterion. Then a new consensus analysis is performed for selected sites. According to the result of the study, although the weights of selected sites seem close to each other, BayramhacılıDam, located in Aydın, Western Turkey, is found as the most feasible site among other alternatives to establish a floating photovoltaic.