High-Resolution Modelling of Irradiance Differences and Dynamic Shading Effects in Offshore Floating PV systems

Dynamic shading in offshore floating PV (OFPV) cannot be treated as a static loss; it must be addressed as a time-resolved, geometry-driven modulation of irradiance. In OFPV, wave-induced motions (pitch, roll, yaw) continuously change the relative orientation of PV modules with respect to the sun and neighbouring structures, generating rapidly varying self-shading and reflected-light contributions from the water surface. These dynamics create short-term differences between unshaded and effective plane-of-array irradiance, particularly in the beam and reflected components, and require high-resolution modelling that couples irradiance decomposition with motion-dependent shading factors. 

Modelling dynamic shading provides a physically consistent link between environment, system geometry, and yield, enabling improved prediction of power output, thermal behaviour, and long-term reliability of PV modules and power electronics in the system. 

The primary objective of this thesis is to develop a high-resolution dynamic shading model for OFPV that captures time- and space-resolved irradiance variations resulting from environmental and operational dynamics. Using this model, the work aims to simulate PV power output under different scenarios, providing realistic inputs for power electronics models, and enabling the assessment of system performance under fluctuating conditions.

Type of Internship: Master internship; Thesis; Combination of internship and thesis

Master's degree: Master of Engineering Science

Duration: 12 Months

Required educational background: Computer Science; Electrotechnics/Electrical Engineering; Materials Engineering; Mechanical Engineering

For more information or application, please contact the supervising scientists Richard de Jong (richard.dejong@imec.be), Sara Bouguerra (sara.bouguerra@imec.be) and Patrizio Manganiello (patrizio.manganiello@imec.be).

Imec allowance will be provided for students studying at a non-Belgian university.