Conceptual Design of an Offshore Photovoltaic System in Low-Carbon Ultra-High-Performance Concrete

This paper presents the conceptual design of an offshore photovoltaic system constructed with low-carbon ultra-high-performance concrete, developed within the framework of the NaturSea-PV project under the Horizon Europe program for sustainable, secure, and competitive energy supply. The preliminary substructure design is guided by three criteria: minimizing wave impact on the solar deck through sufficient air gap, keeping dynamic beam loads within the beams’ strength, and ensuring cost efficiency within these constraints. The substructure design and its subsequent optimisation are based on hydrodynamic simulations using the Morison approach, with wave kinematics derived from a linear potential hydrodynamic model. Mooring design and analysis are carried out under the site-specific environmental conditions of waves, wind, and currents identified in the project’s design basis. Based on quasi-static analyses with varying parameters, a baseline configuration is selected for fully coupled dynamic analysis using SESAM/SIMA software. Finally, the detailed design of the beams and floaters defines their geometry, reinforcement, prestressing, cover, and connections, considering structural performance, technical and economic feasibility, and connection systems that minimise stress and fatigue while facilitating (de)commissioning.

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