Floating Power plant

Abstract:
the Solar Energy is produced by the Sunlight is a non-vanishing renewable source of energy
which is free from ecofriendly. Every hour enough sunlight energy reaches the earth to meet
the world’s energy demand for a whole year. In today’s generation we needed Electricity every
hour. This Solar Energy is generated by as per applications like industrial, commercial, and
residential. It cans easily energy drawn from direct sunlight. So it is very efficiency & free
environment pollution for surrounding. In this article, we have reviewed about the Solar Energy
from Sunlight and discussed about their future trends and aspects. The article also tries to
discussed working, solar panel types; emphasize the various applications and methods to
promote the benefits of solar energy. Keywords: Renewable energy, Solar panel, Photovoltaic
cell, Modelling of PV Panel, Solar Concrete Collector.
Energy demand in this era has increased which led us to go for renewable energy sources; solar energy
with this respect can fulfill the energy demand. This paper aims at review of the existing floating solar
plants worldwide with respect to their capacity. Floating solar plants can save the area for generation.
Limitations to such power plant are land availability, land development & land acquisition, substation
capacities, evacuation also timely clearances for the project on land and evacuation. These are hurdles
for completion of the project. Most of the locations projected by the government considering solar
radiation data in the country are hot and dry regions. Though at these locations the radiation appeared
to be higher, the energy yield of these points is less due to heating of the solar panels and higher
temperature of the surface of solar cells. To overcome these problems an innovative idea has come in
front for installation of solar power plants on the water that is canal tops, water bodies, lakes, dam
backwater and reservoirs, which generally belongs to the government. This paper reveals review
regarding the floating solar PV power plants installed in the world.

Key Words: Renewable energy, solar photo voltaic, solar power plants, floating Solar System, floating
solar PV installations in the world, advantages of floating solar power plants, types of floating structures
for solar power plants.

I. INTRODUCTION:
Nowadays, due to the decreasing amount of renewable energy resources, the last
ten years become more important for per watt cost of solar energy device. It is
definitely set to become economical in the coming years and growing as better
technology in terms of both cost and applications. Everyday earth receives sunlight
above (1366W approx.) This is an unlimited source of energy which is available at no
cost. The major benefit of solar energy over other conventional power generators is
that the sunlight can be directly converted into solar energy with the use of smallest
photovoltaic (PV) solar cells. There have been a large amount of research activities
to combine the Sun’s energy process by developing solar cells/panels/module with
high converting form. the most advantages of solar energy is that it is free reachable
to common people and available in large quantities of supply compared to that of
the price of various fossil fuels and oils in the past ten years. Moreover, solar energy
requires considerably lower manpower expenses over conventional energy
production technology.
The biggest problem in our country is power crisis. Around 70% coal is used for generation
of electric energy. Irrigation and industry production is get affected due to load shedding,
daily shutdown, etc. So we need to move towards renewable energy sources to generate
electricity. Now a days renewable energy sources are growing fast not in just India but many
other countries. Solar energy is clean, efficient and abundant source of alternative energy.
The use of solar energy Solar energy decreases greenhouse effect. Area wise seventh largest
country is India and has good sunshine. Solar energy is energy produced by sun created
through a thermonuclear process and this process crates heat and electromagnetic
radiations. These electromagnetic radiations have the energy that reaches the earth. Solar
energy is the indirect source of energy so we need two main components: firstly the
collector to collect radiations which are coming from the sun and convert it into the
electrical energy form, secondly storage unit as radiations are varying in nature. To solve the
energy crisis solar energy will be an excellent solution but to use land mounted solar system
is the requirement of land which is very costly and less available to get it. India will generate
up to 1.75 GW solar powers from renewable energy sources and 1 GW of solar power in
upcoming 10 years. As per the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission around 5000 MW
has been commissioned till date in different parts of the country. To make the country
consuming green power in world, the progress is not just sufficient and needs hard efforts
by every state and state departments. Floating solar system has PV concentrator which is
very light weight and it floats on water bodies, mounted on anchored rafts float on the
surface of irrigation canals, water reservoirs, quarry lakes, and tailing ponds. Some of
systems exist in France, India, Japan, Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States. The
floating solar system reduces the need of costly land area, it also saves the drinking water
that would otherwise be lost due to evaporation, reduces the growth of algae. The solar
system shows a higher efficiency as the panels are kept in cooler temperature than they
would be on land area. The floating platforms are 100% recyclable, utilizing high density
polyethylene which can withstand ultraviolet rays and corrosion. Floating solar is also called
as ‘SOLAR ARRAY ‘or ‘FLOTOVOLTAIC’ or ‘FLOATING PV’.

2. BASICS AND OVERVIEW OF FLOATING SOLAR POWER PLANTS:

These floating solar plants are installed on water reservoirs like dams, lakes, rivers, oceans,
etc. The solar panels are mounted on floating platforms which are anchored tightly to so
that it will not get damaged even under the worse weather conditions. Moreover, research
suggests that solar panels installed on land surfaces results in the reduction of yields, as the
ground gets heated up and affects the rear surfaces of solar panel. Studies also suggests that
if the rear surfaces of solar panels are placed on the top of the water, the solar panels will
be able to cool themselves more efficiently which means they will last longer and they can
shade the water they float on which reduces evaporation by up to 70%, also their ability to
generate power goes up as high as to 16%. The combination of PV plant technology and
floating technology gives a photovoltaic (PV) floating power generation. This fusion of new
concept consists of floating system which is a floating body (structure + floater) that allows
the installation of the PV module, PV system i.e. PV generation equipment, similar to
electrical junction boxes, that are installed on top of the floating system and underwater
cable which transfers the generated power to the PV system development

Floating solar arrays are PV systems that float on the surface of drinking water reservoirs,
quarry lakes, irrigation canals or remediation and tailing ponds. A small number of such
systems exist in France, India, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Singapore and the
United States. The systems are said to have advantages over photovoltaic plant on land. The
cost of land is more expensive, and there are fewer rules and regulations for structures built
on bodies of water not used for recreation. Unlike most land based solar plants, floating
arrays can be unobtrusive because they are hidden from public view. They achieve higher
efficiencies than PV panels on land, because water cools the panels. The panels have a
special coating to prevent rust or corrosion.

1 Pontoon/Floating Structure :
A pontoon is floating structure. Pontoon has buoyancy enough to float on water and
support a heavy load. The structure is designed such as it can hold number of panels.
Floating structure allows installation of PV module.
2 Mooring Structure:
A mooring structure is the permanent structure which secures floating structure. The
mooring gives forestall free movement of floating structure on the water. An anchor
mooring fixes a floating structure’s position relative to a point on the bottom of a waterway
without connecting the floating structure to shore. This allows adjusting water level
fluctuations while maintaining its position in a southward direction.

Cabling:
Cabling is to transfer generated power from water bodies to the substation. Due to their
outdoor usage, solar cables are specifically designed to be resistant against UV radiation and
extremely high temperature fluctuations. These are generally unaffected by the weather.

OVERALL ANALYSIS OF FLOATING POWER PLANT :

Overall analysis includes business and environment factors. Generally analysis is the
foundation for evaluating the probable opportunities i.e. future scope and danger from the
external environment and the internal potential and the changing trends. It views all
positive and negative factors inside and outside the project that affect the success. It helps
in the decision-making process and helps in forecasting/predicting the success of the
project. The merits, demerits, future scope and danger of Floating solar plants are
highlighted in the following section.

MERITS OF FLOATING POWER PLANT (INTERNAL, POSITIVE FACTORS) :

a) Floating solar power plant system typically generates more electricity than ground-mount
and rooftop systems due to the cooling effect of the water.
b) The floating platforms are designed and engineered to withstand extreme physical stress,
including typhoon and storm conditions.
c) These installations reduce water evaporation and algae growth by shading the water.
d) Geographically any water bodies with abundant sunlight can be used to install floating
plants.
e) Floating platforms are 100% recyclable, utilizing high- density polyethylene, which can
withstand ultraviolet rays and resists corrosion
f) Number of module install compares with the other system.
g) Non-use (and disturbance) of land which conserves the local environment.
h) Easy to erect and faster deployment.

DEMERITS OF FLOATING POWER PLANT (INTERNAL, NEGATIVE FACTORS):

a) Long-term maintenance requirements and durability of floating solar PV is yet to be seen.
b) Ecological and adverse impacts on water ecosystem.
c) Relatively young and immature technology.
d) Lack of experience and knowledge.
e) Lack of cooperation from local distribution utility.
f) Solar energy concentration levels on floating platform.
g) High waves and salt water possibly damage the solar panels over time
FUTURE SCOPE OF POWER PLANT (EXTERNAL, POSITIVE FACTORS):
a) Growing innovations in Floating technology
b) Increasing concerns about land neutral energy generation and energy independence
c) Great potential and increasing awareness for floating PV.
d) Availability of water bodies and land issues are main accelerators for floating PV Solar
Panels.
e) Increased efficiency of Floating PV over Land PV installed
f) Availability of trained manpower and Govt. Policies has boosted the confidence of
investors.
g) Stable floating PV platforms results in minimum operation & maintenance cost.
h) The emergence of new markets and investments in India, China, Thailand, Malaysia and
other developing countries.
DANGER OF FLOATING POWER PLANT (EXTERNAL, NEGATIVE FACTORS):
a) Large dependency on land-based PV generation.
b) Lack of testing and standard procedures of floating solar.
c) Untested Technology for long run.
d) No promotion and support through a separate policy.
e) Cost concerns and lack of financial resources.
f) Bulky maintenance and repair.
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF FLOATING SOLAR:
Floating solar platform allows standard PV panels to be installed on large bodies of water
such as drinking water reservoirs, quarry lakes, irrigation canals or remediation and tailing
ponds. simple and affordable floating solar platform is particularly well suitable for energy
and water-intensive industries who cannot afford to waste either land or water. Wineries,
dairy farms, fish farms, mining companies, wastewater treatment plants, irrigation districts
and water agencies are industries which can benefit from the synergy that floating solar
system creates between sun and water

Solar Module :
It is PV Generation equipment, similar to electric junction boxes, which are installed on top
of the floating system. A single solar module can produce only a limited amount of power;
most installations contain multiple modules. A photovoltaic system typically includes a panel
or an array of solar modules, a solar inverter, and sometimes a battery and/or solar tracker
 and interconnection wiring. Mostly crystalline solar PV modules have been used for the
floating solar systems.
II. SOLAR ENERGY
Amount of energy in the form of heat and radiations called solar energy. Shown in
Fig.1. It is radiant light and heat from sun that is natural source of energy using a
range of ever changing and developing of technology such as solar thermal energy,
solar architecture, solar heating, molten salt power plant and artificial
photosynthesis. The large magnitude of solar power available makes highly
appealing source of electricity. 30% (approx.) solar radiation is back to space while
the rest is absorbed by ocean, clouds and land masses

III.WORKING OF SOLAR ENERGY:

PV cells Convert Sunlight to Direct Current (DC) electricity. Charge Controller work as control the power
from solar panel which reverse back to solar panel get cause of panel damage. Battery System act as
storage of electric power is used when sunlight not available (i.e. night). From this system connected to
inverter for convert Direct Current (DC) into Alternating Current (AC).
Solar Cell (Photovoltaic Cell):
a) The cells converted solar radiation directly into electricity. It consist various kinds of
semiconductor materials. It has two types: positive charge and negative charge shown on
fig.1.This cell technology are used to design solar cells with low cost as well as high conversion
efficiency. When the cell absorbed photons from sunlight, electrons are knocked free from
silicon atoms and are drawn off by a grid of metal conductors, pressure a flow of electric direct
current. Solar cell PV made up of many chemical.

b) A. PARABOLIC TROUGH REFLECTORS It contain of linear parabolic reflector concentrates light

onto a receiver positioned along the reflector’s focal line. It consists of receiver is a tube
positioned directly above the middle of the parabolic mirror and fluid with a working fluid. A
 working fluid is heated 150-350 0Cas it flows though the receiver is then used as heat source for
a power generation system. B. Photovoltaic Module A PV module consists of solar cell circuits
sealed in an environmentally protective laminate and are the fundament building blocks of PV
system. Generally sizes from 60W to 170W. Usually a number of PV modules are arranged in
series and parallel to meet the energy requirement.

c) Photovoltaic Panel It includes one or more PV modules assembled as a pre-wind, field instable
unit. In this panel PV cell is series connections. Solar panels are made up of individual PV cells
connected together.

d) D. Photovoltaic Array It is contain of several amount of PV cells in series and parallel

connections. Series connections are responsible for increasing the voltage of the module
whereas the parallel connection is responsible for increasing the current in the array. It
generates maximum 180W in full sunshine. Large the total surface area of the area of the array,
more solar electricity it will produce.

V. SOLAR CONCRETE COLLECTOR

A. PARABOLIC TROUGH REFLECTORS:
It contain of linear parabolic reflector concentrates light onto a receiver positioned along the
reflector’s focal line. It consists of receiver is a tube positioned directly above the middle of the
parabolic mirror and fluid with a working fluid. A working fluid is heated 150-350 0Cas it flows
though the receiver is then used as heat source for a power generation system.
B. Fresnel:
In a Fresnel lens, the refraction happens to produce in the surface, while the large material
between the two surfaces doesn’t have any problems in the refraction. It will use raise more
temperature than conventional one and also used in furnace heating. It installation has been
used for surface modifications of metallic materials. This equipment is applying solar energy in
the field of high and very high temperatures. These temperatures are achieved in a few seconds.
Fresnel concentrator performed 34.3% reduction in reflective area compared to a parabolic of
the same diameter, the 20 minutes series of action performance needed for manual adjustment
in order to track the sun proved to be a major disadvantage with this device.

C. Parabolic Dish :
It similar in appearance to a large satellite dishes, but has mirror like reflectors and absorber the
focal point. It used a dual axial sun tracking. It is efficiency of 30% achieved. By this dish it
produces in MW level in solar plant. This is highest conversion performance of the concentrating
solar power technology.
D. Central Receiver:
It mostly used in large scale plants that are usually making the more amount power. It also
called as “Power Tower”. It operates by focusing a field of thousands of mirrors on to a receiver
located at the top of a centrally located Tower. The receiver collects the sun’s heat transfer
fluid, which is used to generate stream turbine located at the foot of the tower for production of
Electricity.

VI. MERITS OF SOLAR ENERGY:

It is save up to 20% of energy costs. It can use in Remote Locations. Easy Installation (i.e. does
not required any wires, cords etc.). Rooftop which means no new space is needed & every
domestic or commercials user can generate their own electricity. It is widely available of sunlight
with free of cost, eco-friendly, renewable resource. It has no moving parts and not required any
additional fuel, other than sunlight, to produce power. No need of water and fuel.

VII. DEMITS OF SOLAR ENERGY:

No generation of energy, when the sun is not shining. Initial cost is high. More area needed for
large amount power. For alternating Current (AC) application required of inverter and also
storage at night. Production PV systems single silicon crystals is technically challenging, energy,
time consuming.

VIII. APPLICATIONS OF SOLAR ENERGY:

It is used in many applications including electricity, evaporation, heating water, Heating and
cooling of buildings, cooking of food, water pumping etc.