Novel Floating Photovoltaic Cover Systems Generating Electricity and Prevent Evaporative Losses for Agriculture Industry in Iran

چکیده مقاله

The article introduce a feasibility analysis of a novel floating photovoltaic cover system (FPCS) for water irrigation reservoirs whose purpose is to reduce the surface evaporation of water while generating electrical power. The FPCS consists of photovoltaic panels which are mounted on floating modules. The nominal capacity of FPCS is 240kWp plant which is simulated on a reservoir in Khuzestan province of Iran to study the performance of the system. The simulation shows the FPCS can generate an annual production of 380500 kWhyear-1 of renewable energy, which can be fed directly into the electricity supply network. The water saved thanks to covering the reservoir reaches 13950 m3year-1, which means 24% of the reservoir’s storage capacity. Although the cost of the system is about 20 percent higher than that of a conventional grid-connected PV installation but the system will help reduce water losses due to evaporation. The FPCS is technically feasible and can be an efficient solution to certain agro-energetic policies and issues and to the need for water efficiency tools in the agricultural industry of Iran.