Hydrodynamic and power-output characteristics of an integrated aquaculture–photovoltaic platform under wave action: A physical model study

As aquaculture moves from nearshore to offshore waters, reliable energy supply has become a key constraint on the sustainable development of offshore aquaculture systems. The integration of floating photovoltaic systems with aquaculture facilities can provide low-carbon power for feeding, aeration, and fish-behaviour monitoring, while reducing reliance on conventional generators and the associated noise disturbance. Although previous studies have mainly focused on the shading effects of photovoltaic panels on pond water environments, the performance of integrated structures in waves remains poorly understood. In this study, an integrated aquaculture–photovoltaic platform for offshore aquaculture was proposed, and its hydrodynamic responses and power-output characteristics in waves were systematically investigated through physical model tests. The results demonstrated that aquaculture netting provided substantial hydrodynamic damping to the platform. The maximum reductions in heave response, pitch response, and mooring force reached 11.1%, 22.3%, and 30.4%, respectively. This damping effect also enhanced power-output stability, reducing the fluctuation coefficient of maximum power point by up to 19.2%, while the total energy generation remained nearly unchanged. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the application of aquaculture–photovoltaic integration in offshore aquaculture and supports the development of low-carbon and intelligent aquaculture systems.