Wind tunnel investigation of aerodynamic loads on floating photovoltaic panels under heave motion

Floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems effectively utilize water surfaces and offer significant potential for renewable energy generation. Wind loads are critical for structural design, while wave-induced floater motions can alter aerodynamic characteristics. This study experimentally investigates wind pressure and its distribution on PV panels considering floater heave motion. Heave oscillations were simulated using a servo-controlled slider system, and wind pressures on a 1:4 scale FPV model were measured in a wind tunnel under varying heave amplitudes, periods, and wind speeds. Results show that aerodynamic coefficients vary periodically, with dominant frequencies consistent with the imposed oscillations. Compared with the static condition, heave motion significantly increases pressure coefficients, with a maximum C_NL increase of 56%. Both C_L and C_NL exceed design standard values at a 30° angle of attack, with C_NL exceeding by up to 36%. Furthermore, heave motion enhances pressure coefficient variations with increasing angle of attack, while higher wind speeds mitigate dynamic effects. These findings provide a basis for aerodynamic optimization and wind load assessment of FPV systems under coupled wind–wave conditions.