Influence of geometrical characteristics of cylindrical floater on the dynamic responses of floating solar platforms under irregular waves

This study investigates the hydrodynamic responses of double-cylinder floating solar platforms under irregular wave conditions, focusing on geometric parameters such as cylinder arrangement, diameter, and gap distance. A numerical model developed in OpenFOAM was validated against experimental data for monochromatic waves (Baruah et al., 2022) using the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method to capture the air-water interface and active wave absorption techniques to minimize wave reflection. The model’s performance was further compared to a non-linear potential flow model (Baruah et al., 2024). The validated model was applied to analyze platform dynamics under irregular waves modeled using the JONSWAP spectrum. Results indicate that the double-cylinder platform reduces heave responses and enhances stability through increased damping but experiences higher surge forces due to horizontal wave loading. Larger cylinder diameters amplify heave responses due to stronger hydrodynamic interactions and non-linear excitations. Gap distance significantly affects dynamic behavior: shorter gaps intensify heave responses, while longer gaps lead to higher-order spectral peaks. Surge responses show a nuanced relationship, with specific gap distances amplifying forces near resonant wavelengths. These findings underscore the critical role of geometric optimization in improving the stability and efficiency of floating solar platforms for diverse marine environments.