Structural Design for the Development of the Floating Type Photovoltaic Energy Generation System

Abstract

In this paper, we present the structural design for the development of the floating type photovoltaic energy generation system using pultruded FRP members. Pultruded FRP has superior material properties compared with those of conventional structural materials. Especially, pultruded FRP has an excellent corrosion-resistance along with high specific strength and stiffness, which are highly appreciated for the design and fabrication of the floating type photovoltaic energy generation system. In the paper, investigations pertaining to the mechanical and structural behaviors of FRP structural members based on the experiments are discussed. In addition to the experimental investigation, finite element analysis of the floating type photovoltaic energy generation system composed of pultruded FRP structural shapes has been performed. Finally, we have designed and developed the floating type photovoltaic energy generation system using the results of investigations.