Ahmad Purnomo, Zainal Arifin, Rendy Adhi Rachmanto, Singgih Dwi Prasetyo
The demand for renewable energy sources continues to escalate as a means of addressing climate change. This study explores a novel approach to enhance the output power of floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems by integrating innovative multi-reflector systems with partially submerged staggered fin heat sinks. Increasing solar irradiation typically boosts the energy output. It simultaneously raises the panels’ temperature, which can detract from overall performance. Our research employs multi-reflector designs to concentrate solar irradiation on FPV panels while utilizing partially submerged fin heat sinks to optimize heat dissipation. Experimental tests conducted in Surakarta, Indonesia, starting at 8 am and continuing until 4 pm involved three unique reflector configurations and two heat sink designs. Results indicated a significant increase in output power by integrating a reflector 1.25 times the panel width with a partially submerged staggered fin heat sink design, with a rise of 7.28 watts—or 17.17%—compared to a conventional floating photovoltaic. Statistical analysis via two-way ANOVA affirmed the effectiveness of both design variations in enhancing power output. This research represents an advancement in FPV technology, demonstrating that the application of reflectors and advanced heat sinks can improve energy production while maintaining lower operating temperatures, thereby providing a sustainable solution. © 2025 The authors. This article is published by IIETA and is licensed under the CC BY 4.0 license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, 57126, Indonesia; State University of Malang, Malang, 65145, Indonesia
