The paper investigates overview of construction process of a 1 MW class floating photovoltaic (PV) generation structural system fabricated with fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) members. The floating PV generation system consists of unit structures linked by a hinge type connection of which the effect of bending moment between the unit structures, induced by the unstable movement of the water surface, was minimized. Moreover, the unit structures were classified into three types of structures by combining the floating PV generation system and pontoon bridges, which are constructed to install the electrical equipment and a route of movement for workers. The structural safety of the connection system among the unit structures and/or the mooring system is confirmed by referring to the relevant design codes. In addition, structural analysis using the finite element method was performed to ensure the safety of the floating PV generation structure, and commercial viability evaluation was performed based on the construction cost. The FRP member shows superior performance in construction and cost effectiveness in a floating PV generation system.

Countries around the world are expanding their investment in the new and renewable energy industry for strengthening energy security, improving air pollution, responding to climate change, and tackling energy poverty. In Korea, with the nuclear phase-out declaration in 2017, the government has announced a policy to expand the ratio of new and renewable energy from 4.7% to 20% by 2030. This study examines a floating photovoltaic power generation system, which is a new and renewable energy source. A structure composed of high-durability steel with excellent corrosion resistance and durability was designed for constructing and installing a 500-kW-class floating photovoltaic power generation structure. In addition, the safety of the structure was verified through finite element analysis. By reviewing the safety of the structure with respect to the wave height, the behavior of the structure was confirmed through the design wave height formula proposed in the domestic standard. The verification result confirms that the stress is within the allowable design limit. Moreover, the energy production of the floating photovoltaic generation system was measured and compared with that of a terrestrial photovoltaic generation system, and that of the former was shown to be 10% higher than that of the latter.

In order to mitigate air pollution problems caused mainly by the excessive emission of carbon dioxide, in 2012, the South Korean government decided to introduce a renewable portfolio standards (RPS) program that requires electricity providers to gradually increase their production of renewable energy. In order to meet the government’s target through this RPS program, electricity providers in Korea have looked to various types of new and renewable energy resources, such as biomass, wind, and solar. Recently, floating photovoltaic (PV) systems have attracted increased interest in Korea as a desirable renewable energy alternative. This paper provides a discussion of recent research into floating PV systems and the installation of floating PV power plants in Korea from 2009 to 2014. To date, thirteen floating PV power plants have been installed in Korea, and several plans are underway by many different organizations, including government-funded companies, to install more floating PV power plants with various generation capacities. These building trends are expected to continue due to the Korean government’s RPS program.

In this study, an experiment on compressive strength of the hybrid concrete-filled fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) tube (CFFT) confined by filament winding was conducted to improve the longitudinal strength while considering the thickness of filament winding as a variable. A maximum error of 17% was observed when the results of performing the finite element analysis (FEA) by applying the mechanical properties of the fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) materials suggested in previous studies were compared to those of the compressive strength experiment on the hybrid-CFFT. Moreover, a maximum error of 15% was exhibited when the results derived from the strength equation proposed by analyzing the compressive strength experiment were compared. Furthermore, the compressive strength of the hybrid-CFFT increased by up to 14% when the longitudinal compressive strength of the pre-tensioned spun high strength concrete (PHC) pile and concrete-filled tube (CFT) were compared.

This experimental study investigates the fundamental mechanical characteristics of the carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) bars, including the tensile strength, compressive strength, shear strength, and modulus of elasticity of the CFRP bar. The properties need to be accurately determined to understand the behavior of the concrete structures reinforced with CFRP rebars. The CFRP rebar was coated with sand to enhance the adhesive strength of the concrete. Three diameters of CFRP rebar (D10, D12, and D16) were considered in accordance with ASTM provisions. A coefficient, i.e., the ratio of shear strength to tensile strength, was employed to predict the tensile strength of the CFRP rebar specimens. The test results confirm that the tensile strength of CFRP rebar is dependent on its diameter due to the shear lag effect. A coefficient in the range of 0.17 to 0.2 can be used to predict the tensile strength of CFRP rebar using shear strength.

This study evaluated the design and performance of an improved 3.5 MW floating photovoltaic (PV) power generation system consisting of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) members and its installation in the ash pond of a thermal power plant. The FRP design code of the American Society of Civil Engineers was used to design the structure. The safety of the structure was then confirmed using a finite element analysis indicating that the induced stresses were less than the allowable stresses dictated by the Korean Highway Bridge Design Code. An examination of the energy performance of the floating PV energy generation system after installation determined that the measured electricity production was as high as approximately 94% of the installed 3.5-MW capacity. The energy production of the floating PV structure with the improved design and module angles was found to increase by 7.65 times.