| dc.description.abstract | Around the world countries are working on the transition from a fossil fuel-based energy supply towards more sustainable energy generation by for example means of wind and solar. This is also the case for the Netherlands, one of the leaders in implementing photovoltaics for energy generation. In recent years, Floating Photovoltaic Energy (FPV) systems show a notable increase in the Netherlands, reaching an installed capacity of 230 MWp by the end of 2022. Due to the novelty of this technology and increased complexity compared to their ground-mounted counterparts, its long-term effects on the environment are not fully mapped. In addition, costs of implementing FPV systems are higher as additional hardware like flotation devices and more complex cabling are required. This thesis features a case study of Zonnepark Beilen located in the Netherlands. The thesis assesses the thermal impacts of an FPV system on the water body, how this affects the water body’s ecology, and how this affects the economics surrounding FPV systems and local businesses. The method combines Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with a thermodynamic model to determine heat transfer dynamics based on the available dataset of Zonnepark Beilen. The results are combined with a literature study focusing on ecological impacts induced by the FPV system. The ecological impacts and implications of the altered thermal system of the water body are translated into economic opportunities for businesses related to water bodies. The results of this thesis show that heat transfer dynamics are for a large part dependent on wind speeds underneath the installed modules, which vary greatly depending on the position of the module in the FPV system, where wind speeds are lower the further it has progressed underneath the system. Installing an FPV system has a slight, year-round, cooling effect on the water body. This effect, combined with the reduced wind speeds underneath the system affects the local ecology in various ways. Lower wind speeds and reduced sunlight lower the concentration of algae underneath the FPV system compared to open water areas. Lower wind speeds also reduce water evaporation. Dissolved oxygen values, important for marine life see little to no impact for Zonnepark Beilen, however, this might be the result of the water body being an open system. These effects in general, improve water quality which is beneficial for businesses related to water bodies such as; water treatment plants, fish-spawning, and sports fishing facilities. Results of this thesis contribute to a better understanding of heat transfer dynamics between FPV systems and water bodies, in addition, wind dynamics surrounding the FPV system can provide useful insights into the system’s performance and thermal distribution. The ecological trends resulting from the changes provide a positive outlook for FPV systems as no notable complications occur, albeit that long-term effects remain unknown until further observations are done. | |
