Modelling of a Flexible Inflatable Floater: Analysis of the stiffness behaviour of a drop-stitch panel for offshore floating photovoltaics

For floating photovoltaic systems, an uncommon type of offshore structure is considered, which is very flexible and deforms with the motion of the waves. In this research, the bending characteristics of a drop-stitch floater is analysed, which is an inflatable panel. By inflating the drop-stitch floater to a low air pressure, it obtains a...