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Potential of Floating Photovoltaic Technology and Their Effects on Energy Output, Water Quality and Supply in Jordan

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  • Mohamad Al-Widyan

    (Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan)

  • Mohammad Khasawneh

    (Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan)

  • Muna Abu-Dalo

    (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Arts, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan)

Abstract

In this work, floating photovoltaic systems were experimentally studied under Jordan’s weather conditions to determine their effects on energy output, water quality and supply. A limited number of studies have addressed the effect of floating photovoltaic systems on water quality and evaporation reduction especially in a semi-arid region like Jordan. Energy measurements were taken from August 2020 to January 2021 using an Arduino board with data logging sensors. Water quality parameters were tested for collected samples on a monthly basis from August 2020 to February 2021 using a spectrophotometer. Results revealed that the floating panel temperature was lower than the ground-mounted counterpart. An average increase of 1.68% in voltage and 4.40% in current were observed for the floating panel compared to the ground-mounted panel which translates to an average increase of 5.33% in power generation over the ground-mounted panel. Furthermore, efficiency and fill factor increased by 4.89% and 5.51%, respectively. Evaporation results showed that covering water bodies with panels can save a considerable amount of water. Over a period of 30 days, the 30% coverage pan saved 31.2% (36 mm) of water while the 50% coverage pan saved 54.5% (63 mm) of water in the same period compared to the uncovered pan. Moreover, this study involved examining the effect of shading caused by the floating structure on water quality. Results showed a reduction in pH, improvement in transparency, and an increase in total organic carbon indicating water quality enhancement and algal biomass reduction. However, due to the respiration of algae, the dissolved oxygen declined significantly, accompanied by the release of phosphate due to algae decomposition. Overall, findings of this research provided better understanding of floating photovoltaic systems and their applicability in Jordan to provide a safe and reliable supply of water and energy. Additionally, such systems can help to diversify the energy mix and help Jordan to alleviate some of the problems associated with limited energy and water resources.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohamad Al-Widyan & Mohammad Khasawneh & Muna Abu-Dalo, 2021. "Potential of Floating Photovoltaic Technology and Their Effects on Energy Output, Water Quality and Supply in Jordan," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-13, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:24:p:8417-:d:701686
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kiwan, Suhil & Al-Gharibeh, Elyasa, 2020. "Jordan toward a 100% renewable electricity system," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 147(P1), pages 423-436.
    2. Serena Sandri & Hussam Hussein & Nooh Alshyab, 2020. "Sustainability of the Energy Sector in Jordan: Challenges and Opportunities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(24), pages 1-25, December.
    3. Rui L. Pedroso de Lima & Katerina Paxinou & Floris C. Boogaard & Olof Akkerman & Fen-Yu Lin, 2021. "In-Situ Water Quality Observations under a Large-Scale Floating Solar Farm Using Sensors and Underwater Drones," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-18, June.
    4. Sahu, Alok & Yadav, Neha & Sudhakar, K., 2016. "Floating photovoltaic power plant: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 815-824.
    5. Lee, Nathan & Grunwald, Ursula & Rosenlieb, Evan & Mirletz, Heather & Aznar, Alexandra & Spencer, Robert & Cox, Sadie, 2020. "Hybrid floating solar photovoltaics-hydropower systems: Benefits and global assessment of technical potential," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 162(C), pages 1415-1427.
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    Cited by:

    1. Erdem Cuce & Pinar Mert Cuce & Shaik Saboor & Aritra Ghosh & Yahya Sheikhnejad, 2022. "Floating PVs in Terms of Power Generation, Environmental Aspects, Market Potential, and Challenges," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-25, February.
    2. Fernando Roberto dos Santos & Giovana Katie Wiecheteck & Jorim Sousa das Virgens Filho & Gabriel Alfredo Carranza & Terrence Lynn Chambers & Afef Fekih, 2022. "Effects of a Floating Photovoltaic System on the Water Evaporation Rate in the Passaúna Reservoir, Brazil," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-16, August.

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