Submission of Major Research Proposal

PART-A

Broad Subject : Evaluation and Optimisation of Hybrid Floating Solar

Photovoltaic Systems for India

Area of Specialization : Solar Photovoltaics and Green Energy

Duration : 2 years

Principal Investigator:

Name : Prof. Dr. Sandeep G Thorat

Sex : Male

Date of Birth : 20/01/1978

Qualification : Ph. D

Designation : Professor

Address : Flat No- K- 2107, Building No.- K, Asawari (NRD-8)

Nanded city Sinhgad Road Pune – 411041

Name of Department/ : Mechanical Engineering Department, MITSOES

Institution MIT ADT University, Pune (MS),
Teaching Experience: 21 years

Research Experience: 03 years

Paper Publications:
Published: 14 Accepted: 02 Communicated: 02
Book Publication
Published: 01 Accepted: 00 Communicated: 01

1
S.l No. Authors Title Name of Journal Year

Intelligent Techniques based Journal of Advanced

Dr. Sandeep
1 Mechanical Engineering Research in Dynamical & 2019
G. Thorat
Tolerance Design Control Systems 11 (8)
Review of contact modelling Materials Today:
Dr. Sandeep
2 in nonlinear finite element Proceedings 47, 2436- 2021
G. Thorat
analysis 2440
Materials Today:
Dr. Sandeep Study of impact and fatigue
3 Proceedings 47, 2376- 2021
G. Thorat on 3D printed composites
2378
Computational fluid
dynamics used by mixing Materials Today:
Dr. Sandeep
4 vessels for predicting Proceedings 47, 2305- 2021
G. Thorat
hydrodynamic behaviour of 2309
mixture: An overview
Review of current
Dr. Sandeep developments in lower Materials Today:
5 2023
G. Thorat extremity exoskeleton Proceedings 72, 817-823
systems
A review on the position
Dr. Sandeep control of hydraulic cylinder Materials Today:
6 2023
G. Thorat for accuracy and response Proceedings 72, 995-999
time
Comparison of Different
Dr. Sandeep Algorithms for CFD Analysis Engineering Research
7 2023
G. Thorat of Two Dimensional Journal Transcripts 2, 1-8
Bearing Model
Dr. Sandeep FE Simulation of Truck Tire ARAI Journal of Mobility
8 2023
G. Thorat Manufacturing Process Technology 3 (1)

2
Co-Principal Investigator1

Name : Prof. Dr. Sachin Sampatrao Pawar

Sex : Male

Qualification : Ph. D

Designation : Professor

Address : Mechanical Engineering Department, MITSOES

MIT ADT University, Pune (MS),

Name of Department/: Mechanical Engineering Department, MITSOES

Institution MIT ADT University, Pune (MS),
Teaching Experience: 16 years

Research Experience: 06 years

Paper Publications:
Published: 18 Accepted: 18 Communicated: 00
Book Publication
Published: 00 Accepted: 00 Communicated: 00

S.L
Authors Title Name of Journal Year
No.
International Journal
Effect of different carbides on
Dr. Sachin S of Refractory Metals
1 the wear resistance of Fe- 2019
Pawar and Hard Materials
based hardfacing alloys
78, 288-295

3
 Failure analysis of weld joint Engineering failure
Dr. Sachin S
2 of high strength quality steel Analysis 103, 392- 2019
Pawar
sheets in cold rolling mill 399
Failure analysis of weld joint Engineering failure
Dr. Sachin S
3 of high strength quality steel Analysis 103, 392- 2019
Pawar
sheets in cold rolling mill 399
Journal of Failure
Study of white patch defect in
Dr. Sachin S Analysis and
4 automotive grade interstitial 2020
Pawar Prevention 20, 1819-
free steel
1824
Investigation of corrosion of Engineering Failure
Dr. Sachin S
5 55AlZn coated roof sheets in Analysis 115, 2020
Pawar
Al smelting plan 104691
Journal of Failure
Learning from Failure
Dr. Sachin S Analysis and
6 Investigation of Worm Wheel 2020
Pawar Prevention 20, 1456-
Gearbox in a Wire Rod Mill
1461
Techno-Societal
Dr. Sachin S Performance investigation of 2020: Proceedings of
7 2021
Pawar mitticool refrigerator the 3rd International
Conference on …
Techno-Societal
Experimental Analysis of
Dr. Sachin S 2020: Proceedings of
8 Piezo-Beam in the Context of 2021
Pawar the 3rd International
Vibratory Energy Harvesting
Conference on …

An Investigation of leakage of
Dr. Sachin S
9 Boiler tube during Hydrotest AIJR Abstracts, 171 2021
Pawar
before installing in service
External aerodynamic
investigation over Ahmed
International Journal
Dr. Sachin S body for optimal topology
10 of Modern Physics C 2022
Pawar selection between upper and
33 (04), 2250047
under bodywork using ANN
approach
Techno-Societal
Seasonal Impact Analysis 2016, International
Dr. Sachin S
11 Using Clay Pot Refrigerator Conference on 2022
Pawar
on the Shelf Life of Tomatoes Advanced
Technologies for …
Mathematical
The Modal Analysis of
Statistician and
Dr. Sachin S Special Purpose Flexure
12 Engineering 2022
Pawar Spring for Ground
Applications 71 (4),
Applications
13156-13162

4
 In-pipe inspection robotic
Materials Today:
Dr. Sachin S system for defect detection
13 Proceedings 72, 2023
Pawar and identification using image
1735-1742
processing
Journal of
Mechanical
Dr. Sachin S Prospects of robotics in food Engineering,
14 2023
Pawar processing: an overview Automation and
Control Systems 4
(1), 17-37
Use of an earthen clay pot
Frontiers in
refrigerator with a
Dr. Sachin S Mechanical
15 thermoelectric cooler for 2023
Pawar Engineering 9,
extending farm produce shelf
1189860
life
Journal of Failure
Study of Brown Patch Defect
Dr. Sachin S Analysis and
16 in Automotive Grade 2023
Pawar Prevention 23 (2),
Interstitial Free Steel
636-642
Proceedings of
International
Dr. Sachin S Experimental Investigation of Conference on
17 2023
Pawar Sound Absorbing Materials Intelligent
Manufacturing and
…
Integration of robotics and
Dr. Sachin S Robotic Systems and
18 automation in supply chain: a 2024
Pawar Application
comprehensive review

Co-Principal Investigator2

Name : Pramod K B

Sex : Male

5
 Date of Birth : 11/02/1987

Qualification : M. Tech Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering

Designation : Ph.D. Research Scholar

Address : G7 Staff quarters, GEIMS Lonavala, MS

Name of Department/: Mechanical Engineering Department, MITSOES
Institution MIT ADT University, Pune (MS),
Teaching Experience: 11 years

Research Experience: 1 year

Collaborator:

Name : Dr. Paresh Suresh Nasikkar

Sex : Male

Qualification : Ph. D

Designation : Associate Professor

Name of Department/: Symbiosis Institute of Technology (SIT), Department of

Institution Electronics and Telecommunication, Symbiosis International
Pune, India
Teaching Experience: 08 years
Research Experience: 01 year

Paper Publications:
Published: 17 Accepted: 17 Communicated: 00
Book Publication
Published: 20 Accepted: 20 Communicated: 00

Sl.

No Authors Title Name of Journal Year

.

Natural sensitizers mesoporous

Nitasha Chaudhari, Swapnali Journal of
TiO2 hybrid nanomaterial for
1 Walake, Yogesh Hase, Paresh Experimental Aug. 2023
future optoelectronic
Nasikkar Nanoscience
applications

6
 A Maximum Power Point
Jayshree Pande and Paresh Tracking Technique for a Wind March
2 Energies
Nasikkar Power System Based on the 2023
Trapezoidal Rule

Power enhancement using

improved maximum power
Chandrakant D, Bhos, Javed
3 point tracking for solar Clean Energy Nov. 2022
Sayyad and Paresh Nasikkar
photovoltaic systems under
partial shading

International
Journal of
Smart Local Operator Display Advances in
Shweta Hingmire, Paresh
4 Simulation Model using Serial Computer Science 2022
Nasikkar, Saurabh Sharma
Modbus Communication and Cloud
Computing
(IJACSCC)

Recent Developments on
Nitasha Chaudhari, Sanjay
Green Synthesis of International
Darvekar, Paresh Nasikkar, April.
5 Nanomaterials and their Journal of
Atul Kulkarni & Chandrakant 2022
Application in Dye-Sensitized Ambient Energy
Tagad
Solar Cells

Optimization based Maximum

International
Chandrakant Dattatraya Bhos Power Extraction from Solar
6 Journal of Feb. 2022
and Paresh Suresh Nasikkar Photovoltaic System under
Ambient Energy
Non-uniform Irradiance"

A Review of Maximum Power

Jayshree Pande, Paresh Journal of Marine
Point Tracking Algorithms for
7 Nasikkar, Ketan Kotecha and Science 2021
Wind Energy Conversion
Vijayakumar Varadarajan Engineering 2021
Systems

Solar Photovoltaic panels

Bhati, Anil; Srivastava, utilization to extract clean and Library
Mansi; Aggarwal, Nitesh; green energy for utility Philosophy and
8 2021
Singh, Hardik; Sayyad, Javed application using PVsyst Practice (e-
and Nasikkar, Paresh, software: A Bibliometric journal).
Review

Malik, Viplove; Pavagadhi,

A Bibliometric Review of Library
Poojan; Pandey, Aman
characterisation of outdoor Philosophy and
9 Kumar; Vyas, Saharsh; 2021
solar PV panel for shading and Practice (e-
Sayyad, Javed; and Nasikkar,
validation by PV emulator journal)
Paresh

10 Sayyad, Javed and Nasikkar, Design and Development of IEEE Access 2021
Paresh Low Cost, Portable, On-Field
I-V Curve Tracer Based on

7
 Capacitor Loading for High
Power Rated Solar
Photovoltaic Modules

Javed Sayyad, Paresh Capacitive Load-Based Smart

11 Nasikkar, Abhaya Pal Singh OTF for High Power Rated Energies Feb. 2021
and Stepan Ozana SPV Module

Library
Bibliometric Review of MPPT
Pande, Jayshree Ashok and Philosophy and
12 Algorithms for Wind Energy 2020
Nasikkar, Paresh Practice (e-
Conversion Systems
journal).

Solar Photovoltaic Library

Sayyad, Javed and Nasikkar, Performance Monitoring: A Philosophy and
13 2020
Paresh Bibliometric Review, Research Practice (e-
Gaps and Opportunities journal).

Capacitor Load Based I–V

Javed K. Sayyad and Paresh Curve Tracer for Performance Applied Solar
14 Sept 2020
S. Nasikkar. Characterisation of the Solar Energy
Photovoltaic System

Bibliometric review of Energy Library

Pande, Jayshree Ashok and
15 Storage System for Grid Philosophy and 2020
Nasikkar, Paresh
connected Wind Power Plant Practice (e-journal

Cuckoo Search based approach

Journal of
towards Maximum Power
Paresh S. Nasikkar and Computational and August
16 Point Tracking for Solar
Chandrakant D. Bhos Theoretical 2019
Photovoltaic System under
Nanoscience
Partial Shading

International
An overview of methods used
Journal of
for outdoor performance
Javed Sayyad and Paresh Instrumentation
17 characterization of Oct. 2019
Nasikkar, Technology,
photovoltaic module string up
Inderscience
to 10 kWp
Publisher

8
 PART-B

Proposed Research Work

Project Title: Evaluation and Optimisation of Hybrid Floating Solar Photovoltaic Systems for
India

Introduction:

Water is a recyclable resource but the availability is limited and the gap between the supply and
demand is widening over time. Climate change at the global scale will be creating more water
stress conditions and green energy is the need of the hour in many regions of the world.
Photovoltaic (PV) power generation has been recognized as the main source of future renewable
electricity generation as it is becoming more reliable and cheaper due to rapidly falling prices of
solar cells along with continuous growth in performance, efficiency and emerging new
technologies in solar PV.

9
 FIGURE 1 Recent History of PV Module Prices
An evolution of solar energy is in the form of floating solar panels designed to float on the surface
of a lake, pond, or reservoir. Floating PV offer a promising alternative for environment friendly
energy generation in addition to multiple benefits compared to land based PV installations. Solar
power generation is affected by many external factors including sun’s position relative to the PV
panel position, overheating and shading of the overheated PV surface. These panels are either
tilted at fixed position, mostly horizontally, and hence the irradiance developed highly varies
throughout the day and different times of a year in accordance with the position of the sun. This
can be corrected by proper orientation of these solar panels in accordance to the position of the
Sun. (Sujay et al., 2017).

Photovoltaic (PV) power generation has been recognized as one of the main ways for future
renewable electricity generation. Globally installed PVs has grown rapidly during the past decade
for example, the cumulative capacity of the PV in the United States increased from 218 MW in
2005 to around 51 000 MW in 2017 (Crago & Koegler, n.d.). At the end of 2020, the global
installed capacity of solar PV power reached 843 GW, representing 18.7% year-on-year growth
compared to 2019 (710 GW).

10
 FIGURE 2 Globally Installed FPV Capacity [1]

FIGURE 3 Left plot: Evolution of cumulative PV and floating PV (FPV) capacities installed worldwide.
Right plot: total installed costs for utility-scale systems vs. cumulative capacity.
The red vertical lines mark the current FPV capacity.
The main reasons for this considerable development are the abundant resource, Increasing demand
in market and rapid expansion and the cost reduction(IRENA, 2023). The European Commission
JRC predicted that more than 20% of the world’s energy would originate from PV by 2040 [3].
World’s first water photovoltaics projects included Aichi, Japan in 2007 and a 175-kWp
commercial water–surface photovoltaics system in Far Niente, California. [1]. India’s rising
population and incomes have underpinned a doubling of energy use but per capita energy use is
still less than 40% of the world average (“India Energy Outlook 2021,” 2021). Shortly thereafter,
water PV rapidly spread elsewhere, notably to China, Japan, South Korea, Norway, France and
Spain.[4] .India is the world’s third‐largest energy consuming country, Energy use has doubled
since 2000, with 80% of demand still being met by coal, oil and solid biomass. India is the world's
third-largest emitter of CO2, with coal alone accounts for 40% of all carbon dioxide emissions
from fossil fuels in India. [5]. Therefore, lowering carbon emissions will entail the development of
sustainable energy sources that can help to reduce reliance on thermoelectric plants while also
complementing hydropower. Wind and solar power are renewable sources with the most
remarkable growth in the last decade.

TABLE 1: India Energy Outlook - International Energy Agency 2021

STATED POLICIES SCENARIO CAGR (%)
Electrical Capacity (GW) SHARES(%)
201 201 202 203 203 204 201 203 2019-
2040 2019-40
0 9 5 0 5 0 9 0 30
Total
197 414 573 792 1132 1552 100 100 100 6.1 6.5
capacity
Coal 106 235 269 269 265 260 57 34 17 1.2 0.5

11
 Oil 8 8 8 8 6 5 2 1 0 0.0 -1.6
Natural gas 22 28 30 30 39 46 7 4 3 0.5 2.3
Nuclear 5 7 9 16 25 31 2 2 2 8.2 7.6
Renewables 106
57 137 247 436 722 33 55 69 11.1 10.3
6
Hydro 40 49 60 76 89 101 12 10 6 4 3.4
Bio 4 12 13 15 17 20 3 2 1 2.1 2.5
Wind 13 38 57 96 167 217 9 12 14 8.9 8.7
Geothermal - - - 0 0 0 - 0 0 n.a n.a
Solar PV 0 38 117 248 447 724 9 13 47 18.7 15.1
CSP - 0 0 1 2 4- 0 0 0 13.8 15.1

According to Census report on Water Bodies in India conducted by Jal Shakti Ministry, Govt. of
India. 24,24,540 water bodies have been enumerated out of which 14,42,993 are ponds, 3,81,805
tanks, reservoirs-2,92,280, water conservation schemes/percolation tanks/check dams- 2,26,217,
lakes 22,361 and others 58,884 which highlights large potential for floating PVs.[6]
Chintan Solanki et al., studies the potential of solar energy in the exclusive economic zone
(EEZ) of India conducts an analysis and validation of Geographic Information System (GIS)
environment to develop maps with different classes of spatial distribution of annual mean Global
horizontal irradiation (GHI) and corresponding solar energy output. Results show that average
mean GHI and the estimated solar power generation potential are good in TN and Gujarat regions
which are having higher radiation value than the other regions.[7]
Mr. Omkar D. Gaikwad et al., summarises in developing countries like India, more than 70
percentage of the population lives in the rural areas where more than 85 percentage of the energy
being consumed emanates from non-conventional sources, the major one being fuel wood. The
incrementing cost of conventional fuel in urban areas necessitates the exploration of other energy
sources. solar energy provides an alternate source of energy in rural and urban India as a
supersession for fossil fuels. [8]
Preeti Kumari Sahu et al, summarises the yield from bifacial solar photovoltaic (PV)
systems can be enhanced by 4% to 15% by optimizing the tilt angle, which depends on several
factors including the geographical location, weather variation of a solar panel depending on the
module type and ground reflectivity. Compared to the variable tilt angle, a constant angle is
preferred from the point of view of the cost of installation and the cost of maintenance.
Table 2 Timeline of Floating PVs in India
SL. LOCATION YEAR OF CAPACITY IMPLEMENTING

12
NO INSTALLATION in MW AGENCY
The Greater
1 Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 2018 5 Visakhapatnam
Municipal Corporation
Simhadri,Vishakhapatnam, Andhra
2 2021 25 NTPC
Pradesh
3 Kayamkulam,Alappuzha Kerala 2021 92 NTPC
Dibiyapur, Auraiya district of Uttar
4 2021 20 NTPC
Pradesh
6 Ramagundam, Telangana 2022 100 NTPC
7 Jamshedpur 2023 10 Tata steel
The Power and
Vankal Solar Park,
8 April 2023 20 Electricity Department,
KhawzawlChamphai district ,Mizoram
Gov. of Mizoram
Jayakawadi Dam ,Paithan,Chatrapathi
9 Survey under process Gov. of Maharashtra
Sambhaji nagar, Maharashtra
11 Middle Vaitarna Dam,Mumbai Tender in progress 80 Mumbai muncipality
Maharashtra State Power
Erai Dam Solar Park, Chandrapur,
12 Tender in progress 105 Generation Company
Maharashtra
Limited (MSPGCL
The Solar Energy
Koderma, Mejia and Raghunathpur
13 Tender in progress 30 Corporation of India
Thermal Power stations
Limited (SECI)
14 Phulwaria Dam in Bihar Tender in progress 10 BSPGCL

Objectives

The Research Objectives can be broadly divided into four

1 Identify potential for setting up FPVs across waterbodies in India using georeferenced
data and Modelling
2 Design of Hybrid solar FPV Prototype
3 Simulation/Experimentation setup and data gathering
4 Data Validation and Optimization
This will be followed by Inference and identification of scope of further study
1 Identify potential for setting up FPVs across waterbodies in India using georeferenced
data and Modelling

13
Identify potential for setting up FPVs across waterbodies in India using georeferenced data and
Modelling
 Identify potential for setting up FPVs across waterbodies in India using georeferenced data
 Identify various protected areas and indigenous lands were also excluded from the analysis
because different restrictions and rules can be applied depending on the characteristics of the
area
 Because of their large reservoirs, the hydroelectric plants have large surface area.
Considering this, hybrid systems of FPVs and hydropower plants provide a unique
opportunity for the country, bringing benefits such as mitigating electricity supply variability
by adding additional capacity of clean energy generation, diversifying the energy supply,
making it more reliable, and utilizing the existing energy transmission infrastructures.
 Identify Technical Characteristics of the FPVs-The technical characteristics of modules and
inverters determine how much power per area could be generated by floating solar systems.
Develop a Mathematical model for solar PV installed capacity and electricity generation
 Develop a national map on the basis of Technical potential of FPVs

Figure 4; A typical Performance indicators of Hybrid FPV system[9]

2 Design of Hybrid solar FPV Prototype
 Explore Best Combination of hybrid floating PV for waterbodies according to the
potential.
 Develop a concept Design for an optimal FPV system for water types
 Cost Estimation – capital Expenditure and operational expenditure

Key Design Factors

All system concepts have in common that on the long term a large area in the horizontal
plane is required, i.e. in order magnitude of square kilometers, and they are relatively flat
(i.e. height is small compared to surface area). Furthermore, topside weight caused by PVs
and associated equipment on those large areas are relatively small. This is different

14
 compared to current offshore (floating) structures like wind turbines and oil and gas
platforms with footprints in order of (tens up to hundreds) square meters and structures
which are much taller and heavier (e.g. ten thousands of tons for a single oil and gas topside).
Modular concepts (i.e. floating modules which are connected and form together a large
structure) are required, due to the large dimensions in the horizontal plane. Without splitting
the total assembly in smaller units, design is not feasible, at least for economic viable levels.
Design aspects concern structural integrity, construction/constructability, transportation and
installation.
To meet these challenges, system developers have the following objectives [10]
• Develop a method to determine the “sweet spot” between rigidity and structural flexibility of
offshore floating solar farms. This is important since e.g. a very large rigid structure results
in large internal- and mooring forces and needs therefore to be stronger, larger and therefore
more expensive. On the other hand, when a structure is very flexible and following the
waves the forces reduce, but the massive modular structure is much more sensitive for
excessive deformations and/or wrinkling phenomena. This results in other technical
challenges. Those challenges are system concept specific and elaborated in next sections.
Note that the optimum between rigidity and flexibility depends on a combination of
metocean conditions, soil conditions and desired solar farm capacity (i.e. size).
• Develop floater connections. If the rigidity/flexibility requirements are clearer, those
connections can be developed based on those requirements. Those connections should be
able to withstand forces
between substructures and mechanisms that can deal with the relevant traction and torsion
forces (“hinges”, “connection bars”). One could also think of develop plastic-metal
connections. Another method which could be used might be topology optimization to
minimize the material use for a specific design load set. [11]
• Develop (calculation) methods to ensure the structural reliability over the design lifetime,
especially due to cyclic loading of the floaters, connections, but also the PV’s. This is also
related to the FLS as mentioned before.
• Develop safety philosophy and translate this into design loads and criteria. The safety
philosophy might be slightly different compared to the oil and gas industry, since no people
are permanently based on the floating solar farms. This item is overlapping with and strongly
related to the development of rules
and regulations described in the next item.

15
• Recommended practices and/or rules and regulations need to be developed. An example of
this is the DNV guideline for inland (!) floating solar. Design loads in terms of serviceability
limit state (SLS), ultimate limit state (ULS), accidental limit state (ALS) and fatigue limit
state (FLS) in combination with the relevant material and load factors; o Relationships
between the size of the substructure (i.e. connected floaters, supporting the PVs) and the
wave conditions; o Scaling relationships for up-scaling the current and near future solutions
to larger solar farms.
Design aspects related to different system concepts
1. Layout of pond/lake/reservoir/Waterbody/offshore site
Floating cover systems require site specific planning and design to be successful. In
addition, both the reservoir’s walls and the different design layouts for the internal 3D
geometry of the reservoir are highly incompatible. As a result, the geometry of the
floating module has to be adaptable enough to suitably get used to different internal
geometries of the water reservoir.
2. Floating structure/geometry
The floating module's geometry was designed taking into account two main issues. First,
the dimensions of the module must be modified to commercial photovoltaic panels.
Second, the modules must cover the maximum possible water surface to avert water
evaporation. The solar issues under analysis were: photovoltaic panel dimensions and tilt
angle, number of units to be installed, distance between panel rows to prevent shade
effects and access ways to ease operational maintenance. Orientation of floating PV
panel. The main longitudinal axes of the reservoir are to be aligned with the cardinal
directions and the solar panels should face south. In some cases, the panels could be
designed not to be oriented and so not having any particular orientation

TABLE 3
TYPE ADVANTAGE DISADVANTAGE

Pile based More robust than traditional The topmost soil is usually silt layer, with
water plastic floats and can be installed poor surface stability, weak bearing
photovoltaics at the optimum angle of the local capacity, difficulty in positioning, slow
sun to achieve maximum power construction and other problems. It is
generation impossible to use heavy machinery for

16
 large volume construction and is greatly
affected by the natural environment.

With water as the natural The environment is usually characterised

cooling mechanism, as well as by high humidity, salt spray, gusts of
Water the effects of wind speed and wind and wave. No matter whether it is
floating relative humidity, the photovoltaic module, floating body
photovoltaic temperature of the floating PV frame, or electrical equipment, it is prone
system system is much lower, to damage.
improving the performance of
the above water PV system.

Based on the floating The application of tracking mechanism in

photovoltaic system the solar floating photovoltaic system is still in its
Floating tracking algorithm is adopted to infancy. Because it does not have a stable
photovoltaic ensure the rotation towards the or solid foundation and is subject to
tracking sun by slowly adjusting the interference from the water environment
system position of the components, thus such as water, wind and so on.
enhancing the power generation
capacity of the system.

The advantages of water level The variable supply of power due to

variation photovoltaic include its changes in the water levels can result in
Water level energy efficiency and cost reduced and even unreliable supply of
variation reductions due to increased electricity. In addition , this type of
photovoltaic surface area for solar collection. photovoltaic system is more expensive to
set up and maintain as compared to
traditional grid- tied solar panel systems.

[4]

3. Simulation of the Hybrid Solar PV Conceptual design

There are several software tools that are commonly used in the design of solar cells. Here are some
examples:
a. PC1D: This is a one-dimensional simulation tool that is used to model the performance of solar
cells. It can be used to optimize device design and to predict the electrical characteristics of solar
cells.

17
 b. Sentaurus TCAD: This is a comprehensive software suite that includes a range of tools for
simulating the performance of semiconductor devices, including solar cells. It can be used to model
the electrical, thermal, and optical characteristics of solar cells.
c. Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator (SCAPS): This is a software tool that is used to model the
capacitance of solar cells. It can be used to optimize device design and to predict the performance of
solar cells under different operating conditions.
d. AFORS-HET: This is a simulation tool that is used to model the optical and electrical properties of
solar cells. It can be used to optimize the design of solar cells for specific applications, such as
concentrator photovoltaics.
e. SunSolve: This is a software tool that is used to optimize the design of solar panels for specific
applications, such as building-integrated photovoltaics. It can be used to calculate the optimal tilt
angle, orientation, and shading for solar panels, taking into account the specific location and
orientation of the building
4. Experimental Setup
 Design of experiment
An appropriate experimental setup to ensure proper stability, safety of the platform such that
conduct of experiment is not affected in ambient conditions.
 Identification of Potential sites for the experimental setup
 Identify Funding agencies for supporting the work.

A Sample Layout of Experimental Setup

18
 Source; Lee N, Grunwald U, Rosenlieb E, Mirletz H, Aznar A, Spencer R, Cox S,
Hybrid floating solar photovoltaics-hydropower systems: Benefits and global assessment of
technical potential, Renewable Energy (2020), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2020.08.080.

Methodology

The proposed work can be divided into three stages

STAGE I Preliminary Study of Pilot Floating PV setup

STAGE II Pilot project set up and data collection
STAGE III Data Validation and Optimisation

19
 Pilot project set up and data
collection

Assessment of resources-Site location,land Analysis of data -

and system requirements identification of errors
Finalisation of system design and rectification
Preperation of maintenance procedure and Installation of experimental setup. Validation of
schedule. Collection of data parameters, Experimentatal data with
Estimation of Cost and Application for testing of set up Simulation data
funding Periodic Maintenance and Performance Assessment
Procurement and Assembly troubleshooting Optimisation

Preliminary Study of Pilot

Floating PV setup.
Data Validation and
Optimisation

FIGURE 5 Work Plan

1. Identify potential for setting up a pilot project inside MITADT University using
Georeferenced data.
Design aspects related to a floating PV system
o Layout of Waterbody - The main longitudinal axes of the reservoir are to be aligned
with the cardinal directions and the solar panels should face south
o Floating structure/geometry
o Identification of Optimal tilt angle,
o Identify number of units to be installed,
o Identify distance between panel rows to prevent shade effects
o Identify access ways to ease operational maintenance.
o Orientation of floating PV panel. In some cases, the panels could be designed not to
be oriented and so not having any particular orientation
2. Identify Technical Characteristics of the FPVs
The technical characteristics of modules and inverters determine how much power per
area could be generated by floating solar systems. In addition to the technical
characteristics of modules and inverters determine how much power per area could be
generated by floating solar systems.

20
 Figure 6; A typical Performance indicators of Hybrid FPV system [9]

1. Cost Estimation – capital Expenditure and operational expenditure, Identify Funding

agencies for supporting the work.
2. Simulation of the Hybrid Solar PV Conceptual design
There are several software tools that are commonly used in the design of solar
cells. Here are some examples:
a. PC1D: This is a one-dimensional simulation tool that is used to model the
performance of solar cells. It can be used to optimize device design and to predict the
electrical characteristics of solar cells.
b. Sentaurus TCAD: This is a comprehensive software suite that includes a range of
tools for simulating the performance of semiconductor devices, including solar cells. It
can be used to model the electrical, thermal, and optical characteristics of solar cells.
c. Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator (SCAPS): This is a software tool that is used to
model the capacitance of solar cells. It can be used to optimize device design and to
predict the performance of solar cells under different operating conditions.
d. AFORS-HET: This is a simulation tool that is used to model the optical and
electrical properties of solar cells. It can be used to optimize the design of solar cells
for specific applications, such as concentrator photovoltaics.
e. SunSolve: This is a software tool that is used to optimize the design of solar panels
for specific applications, such as building-integrated photovoltaics. It can be used to
calculate the optimal tilt angle, orientation, and shading for solar panels, taking into
account the specific location and orientation of the building

21
 3. Experimentation
4. Validation of Data
5. Develop a Mathematical model for solar PV installed capacity and electricity generation

Table 4: Key Challenges to be Mitigated at each Stage of Research

Sl. Research
Challenges Expected Mitigation Strategy
No. Objective
1 Design of pilot Define Expected System Gaps in Literature Survey,
project at Requirements Requirements of Indian
MITADT, Loni conditions
Kalbhor Identify Right Performance Ideal expected Parameters to
Parameters be finalised
Identify Potential Probable Requirements of Indian
Environment of operation conditions
Identify Material Purchase List Analysis of the design,
Literature Survey
Cost Estimation & Optimisation Calculations
2 Simulation of Identification of Right software’s Literature Survey
the pilot project Accuracy of Simulation Results Analytical calculation of
sample data
3 Experimentation Appropriate Design of Experiment Literature Survey
setup and data Identification of errors Statistical Analysis
gathering Accuracy of experimental data Comparison with simulation
results
4 Data Validation Analysis of Performance parameters Identify Conclusion of
and Inference Research
Optimisation Identify Scope of further data

22
 Year-wise plan of work and targets to be achieved

PROPOSED TIMELINE OF RESEARCH

DATA ANALYSIS AND INFERENCE

DATA COLLECTION

EXPERIMENTAL SETUP
TASKS

DESIGN OF EXPERIMENT

LITERATURE REVIEW

02/28/24 06/07/24 09/15/24 12/24/24 04/03/25 07/12/25 10/20/25 01/28/26

DATES

FIGURE 7 PROPOSED TIMELINE OF RESEARCH

The proposed timeline of this research work is summarised above in a Gantt chart.

23
 Financial Assistance required

Item Estimated Expenditure (in Rs.)

Manpower Research Associate/Project Associate if

600000
required as per UGC norms

Books and Journals 100000

Minor equipment/software, if needed 540000

Field work & travel support (within India) 70000

Consumables (ICs, circuit board, chemicals, data,

480000
tools, testing charges etc.) if any

Contingency 50000

Any other item with prior approval of faculty Dean of

respective institution

Preparation of Artificial pond inside MIT-ADT 150000

University (if required) and to be funded by self if

excess of the grant

Total 19,90,000/-

Further information from PI like in support of this proposal

Research Associate (PG & UG scholar)-Appointing manpower for this research project aligns with
the goals of research advancement, skills development, and technological innovation, making it a
worthwhile investment for both the project and the broader field of solar technology. A dedicated
JRF would significantly contribute to the research and development (R&D) efforts of the project
by providing intensive research support in all key objectives.

24
REFERENCES

[1] SERIS, “Where Sun Meets Water: Floating Solar Market Report,” 2019. [Online].
Available: www.worldbank.org

[2] “ IRENA.” [Online]. Available:

https://www.irena.org/Energy-Transition/Technology/Solar-energy

[3] L. Zou, L. Wang, J. Li, Y. Lu, W. Gong, and Y. Niu, “Global surface solar radiation and
photovoltaic power from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 climate models,”
J. Clean. Prod., vol. 224, pp. 304–324, Jul. 2019, doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.03.268.

[4] J. Hu, K. Teng, C. Li, X. Li, J. Wang, and P. D. Lund, “Review of recent water
photovoltaics development,” Oxford Open Energy, vol. 2, Feb. 2023, doi:
10.1093/ooenergy/oiad005.

[5] “India Energy Outlook 2021,” 2021. doi: 10.1787/ec2fd78d-en.

[6] M. of J. Shakti, “First Census Report on Water Bodies,” vol. 1, pp. 1–200, 2023.

[7] C. Solanki, G. Nagababu, and S. S. Kachhwaha, “Assessment of offshore solar energy along
the coast of India,” in Energy Procedia, Elsevier Ltd, 2017, pp. 530–535. doi:
10.1016/j.egypro.2017.10.240.

[8] M. Omkar, D. Gaikwad, and U. L. Deshpande, “EVAPORATION CONTROL USING

FLOATING PV SYSTEM AND CANAL ROOF TOP SOLAR SYSTEM,” Int. Res. J. Eng.
Technol., 2017, [Online]. Available: www.irjet.net

[9] E. M. Getie and Y. B. Jember, “Potential Assessment and Performance Evaluation of a

Floating Solar Photovoltaic on the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam,” Int. J. Photoenergy,
vol. 2022, 2022, doi: 10.1155/2022/6964984.

[10] G. Preet Kaur and P. Jangra, “Ijesrt International Journal of Engineering Sciences &
Research Technology a Review on Floating Photovoltaic Solar Farm,” Int. J. Eng. Sci. Res.
Technol., vol. 835, pp. 835–844, 2018, [Online]. Available: http://www.ijesrt.xn--com-1ea

[11] H. D. M. R. Perera, “Designing of 3MW Floating Photovoltaic Power System and its
Benefits over Other PV Technologies,” Int. J. Adv. Sci. Res. Eng., vol. 06, no. 04, pp. 37–
48, 2020, doi: 10.31695/ijasre.2020.33782.

25
26