Optimized seasonal performance analysis and integrated operation of 50MW floating solar photovoltaic system with Kaptai hydroelectric power plant: a case study

Abstract

The growing global demand for energy has fueled a surge in the search for low-carbon alternatives, with solar photovoltaic being identified as one of the most viable options. Floating PV technology has recently attracted considerable attention as a feasible alternative to large-scale PV installations on land due to numerous advantages. This paper describes the design and simulation of a 50 MW FPV (Floating Solar Photovoltaic System) that generates an annual energy yield of 76916 MWh. Furthermore, an optimization framework of the integrated operation of hybrid system in summer, monsoon, and winter has been analyzed using hourly power production data from FPV and HPS (hydroelectric power systems). In addition, it is computed that the integrated system CF (capacity factor) is 33.64% while the FLH (Full load hour) is almost 2944 hours. Thus, the hybrid operation will greatly compensate for the reservoir’s shortage of water storage during the winter season due to the FPV’s relatively high output energy, while a substantially large energy production from HPS will compensate greatly for the poor yields of FPV during the monsoon season.