Significance With the increasing global energy demand, floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems have continued to advance rapidly over the past decade, driven by their superior energy output and efficiency. Among these systems, offshore FPV installations stand out for their wider deployment potential and access to abundant solar resources, establishing them as a crucial component of future energy solutions. However, the harsh marine environment presents stringent requirements for the structural design, installation, and operational strategies of offshore FPV platforms. This study provides comprehensive guidance and technical references to support the design and engineering practices of future offshore FPV systems. Progress The development status and structure of offshore floating PV were briefly reviewed, and the challenges of offshore FPV development were analyzed. The research progress of key issues mainly focused on the design analysis, construction, operation, and maintenance technology of offshore FPV platforms. 1) Offshore FPV platforms consisted of components such as buoyancy units, supporting structures, connection mechanisms, and mooring systems. The material selection and configuration of these components significantly affected the platform's stability, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Each material was carefully evaluated for its strength, corrosion resistance, and economic feasibility under specific marine conditions. 2) Offshore FPV generally consisted of an array of multiple floating bodies connected by components, and the structural integrity of the platform was influenced by various factors such as monomer strength and connector design. Using a rigid module and flexible connector (RMFC) model, the array coupling dynamic response analysis and flexible connector design were conducted to examine the system's performance. 3) Offshore FPV was mainly deployed in near-shore shallow waters where small tidal level variations caused significant fluctuations in water levels, leading to drastic changes in mooring system tension. In addition, non-uniform seabed topography required asymmetric mooring system designs. 4) The size of offshore FPV arrays reached hundreds or even thousands of meters, and shallow water effects combined with seabed topography variations resulted in inhomogeneous wave fields. These conditions demanded higher technical requirements for hydrodynamic performance optimization, connection safety improvement, and mooring safety enhancement through coupled dynamic response analysis using inhomogeneous wave field simulation methods. 5) The construction and installation methods currently used for offshore oil and gas platforms and wind power systems, such as lifting and floatover techniques, were not fully applicable to offshore FPV platforms. Existing offshore construction methods required significant adaptation to accommodate the lightweight structures and dynamic surface characteristics of FPV platforms, which necessitated the development of installation technologies specifically designed for their unique structural forms and service environments. 6) The marine environment posed numerous challenges to operating and maintaining offshore PV systems. With reference to the risk management and emergency response mechanisms of offshore oil and gas platforms, as well as the intelligent monitoring and predictive maintenance technologies of wind power platforms, a series of operation and maintenance strategies, including real-time monitoring, preventive maintenance, cleaning and biological attachment prevention, equipment replacement, and maintenance, were implemented and optimized to ensure the long-term stable operation of the system. Conclusions and Prospects Offshore FPV demonstrates significant development potential due to its vast spatial capacity, high energy quality, and hydrocooling effect. However, the harsh marine environment imposes greater demands on the structural design and engineering practices of offshore FPV platforms. This condition indicates that offshore FPV will encounter more complex wind and wave conditions, as well as higher transportation and maintenance costs. Therefore, ensuring the long-term stable operation of offshore FPV platforms in deep-sea environments, minimizing construction and maintenance costs, and enhancing the platforms' power generation efficiency have become essential trends in the advancement of offshore PV key technologies. In addition, collaborative development serves as an effective approach to improving the efficiency of comprehensive marine energy utilization. These trends collectively highlight the strong developmental value of offshore FPV platforms as a promising clean energy solution for the future.
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