Water photovoltaic, also known as floating photovoltaic, is a new type of photovoltaic power generation method. Its main feature is to build a photovoltaic power station on the water surface. The following is a detailed introduction to water photovoltaic:
Working principle:
Photovoltaic panels are immersed in water and use solar energy to convert light energy into electrical energy.
When light shines on the photovoltaic cell, the light energy is absorbed by the photovoltaic cell and converted into direct current through the photovoltaic effect.
The photovoltaic effect refers to the phenomenon that the interaction between photons and semiconductor materials in photovoltaic cells produces electron-hole pairs, thereby generating current.
Advantages:
Save land: Built on the water surface, it does not occupy land resources and can reduce land acquisition costs.
Increase power generation: Water has a cooling effect on photovoltaic modules, which can suppress the rise in the surface temperature of the modules, thereby increasing power generation. For example, according to the experimental comparative analysis of large-scale water photovoltaic power stations in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, the power generation of the panels increased by about 14% due to the cooling effect of the water surface.
Reduce evaporation and algae reproduction: In theory, it can reduce the evaporation of the water surface, suppress the reproduction of algae in the water, and is conducive to the protection of water resources.
Convenient operation and maintenance: The photovoltaic power station is built in the water, which can reduce the pollution of dust on the components and facilitate the cleaning of the components.
Tourism benefits: The photovoltaic components are neatly arranged on the water surface, which can be used as a characteristic attraction to bring tourism benefits.
Application scenarios:
Combination of agriculture and fishery: Setting up floating water photovoltaic systems in the waters near farmland and fish ponds can achieve the coordinated development of agriculture and fishery.
Reservoirs and hydropower stations: Setting up floating water photovoltaic systems in the downstream waters of reservoirs and hydropower stations can take advantage of the dual energy advantages of solar energy and water.
Urban landscape: Setting up floating water photovoltaic systems in urban rivers, lakes and other waters can improve the urban environment and provide new landscapes for the city.
Challenges and disadvantages:
High requirements for floating equipment: Floating water photovoltaics require floating equipment to support photovoltaic panels, and the performance requirements for floating equipment are high.
High site selection requirements: The site of the floating water photovoltaic power field needs to be selected in a water area with a large area, good lighting conditions and good development conditions.
There are many uncertain factors: strong winds, water levels, ice and other factors have a great impact on it. At the same time, it is necessary to monitor whether the photovoltaic components have adverse effects on water quality and aquatic organisms.
In summary, as a new type of photovoltaic power generation, water photovoltaic has significant advantages and broad application prospects, but it also faces some challenges and disadvantages. With the advancement of technology and the reduction of costs, its deployment and application will be more extensive.