Geotechnical analysis of gravity anchors for floating solar energy systems


Eker O., Karci E., Ozgul E. D., HUVAJ SARIHAN N.

CA20109 International Conference Modular Energy Islands for Sustainability and Resilience, MODENERLANDS 2025, Figueira-da-Foz, Portekiz, 3 - 05 Eylül 2025, cilt.1552, (Tam Metin Bildiri) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Tam Metin Bildiri
  • Cilt numarası: 1552
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1088/1755-1315/1552/1/012026
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Figueira-da-Foz
  • Basıldığı Ülke: Portekiz
  • Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Floating solar energy systems (FPV's) are being used on inland water bodies (e.g. ponds, lakes and reservoirs) as well as offshore. FPV systems are connected to seabed / lakebed via mooring lines and anchors which are vital components of the entire system in terms of stability and durability of floating solar installations. Bathymetry, water depth, wind patterns, waves, currents, fluctuations in water level and seabed/lakebed soil properties play a central role in determining the best anchoring solution. This study focuses on the geotechnical design of gravity anchors to explore the failure mechanisms (e.g. sliding, overturning) and provides preliminary sizing of anchors considering anchor efficiency, which is defined as the ultimate holding capacity/buoyant weight of anchor. A square-shaped, gravity anchor made of concrete, with mooring line connection from the top of the anchor (top padeye case), located on clay seabed is studied. The effects of (i) the distance of the mooring line connection point from the edge of the anchor, and the ratio of height to width of anchor, on anchor efficiency, are investigated. The results indicate that, these parameters influence the anchor efficiency, hence the ultimate holding capacity of the anchors.