Date: August 1, 2025
A research team at Oslo Metropolitan University in Norway has developed and tested a floating photovoltaic (PV) system featuring a “soft-connected” configuration, aimed at enhancing the viability of offshore solar energy generation. This innovative design addresses challenges posed by marine environments, such as wave motion and structural fatigue.
Design and Functionality
The prototype consists of six modular pontoons, each supporting four dual-pitched solar panels. These pontoons are linked by elastic ropes, simulating mooring lines and connection ropes, forming a flexible structure that can adapt to wave-induced movements. The pontoons are equipped with cylindrical floaters that provide buoyancy and hydrostatic stability, ensuring the system remains afloat and operational.
The flexible design allows the system to mitigate fatigue issues commonly associated with rigid structures, enhancing its durability and performance in offshore conditions. Additionally, the system’s modular nature enables scalability, making it adaptable to various offshore environments.
Upcoming Testing and Future Prospects
To further assess the system’s performance, the research team plans to conduct large-scale model testing at Singapore’s TCOMS wave basin in November 2025. This testing will focus on quantifying the system’s hydrodynamic behavior and identifying potential uncertainties, providing valuable data to support the development of reduced-order models for future research and digital twin applications.
The successful development and testing of this soft-connected floating PV system represent a significant step forward in offshore renewable energy technology. By addressing the unique challenges of marine environments, this innovation has the potential to contribute to the expansion of sustainable energy sources and support global efforts to transition to renewable energy systems.
🔗 Read the full article: Testing Soft-Connected Floating PV for Offshore Scenarios