Welcome back to the blog, solar enthusiasts! Today, we will be discussing an important, and often overlooked aspect of solar infrastructure – the impact of wind load on Photovoltaic (PV) panel mounting rails. This groundbreaking research has powerful implications for solar companies and individuals considering solar panels for their home.
Recently, a group of indefatigable researchers in South Africa made significant strides in understanding the effects of wind on the structural integrity of solar arrays. They’ve conducted a comprehensive field analysis of wind load effects on a single-axis PV tracker’s mounting rail. This invaluable research spanned 109 days in the verdant province of Western Cape, South Africa, and its findings are nothing short of transformative.
This elaborate experiment was not just for academic novelty; such on-field data provides critical reference points for future simulation and wind tunnel modeling research. Furthermore, it’s a reminder for solar companies of the vital role of wind loading considerations in the design of large solar arrays, primarily due to their expansive surfaces and lightweight support structures.
Now, what sets this experiment apart was the use of an omega-type cold-formed steel mounting rail. This rail was affixed to the torque tube at mid-span and bolted to the PV modules on either end with a total of four anchor bolts. The measurement exercise conducted between December 2022 and March 2023 on a dedicated site provided enlightening results.
The team examined two instrumented rails with PV arrays installed in different positions. Rail A was positioned at the external edge of the array, and Rail B was located inward from the edge. The data gathered showed interesting frequency content of measured loads – fundamental torsional mode and secondary bending mode- with Rail B showing a higher bending mode response.
In a significant revelation, the scientists found the maximum loads occurred during an easterly wind direction when the measured row was more exposed. It turns out that the prevailing wind direction, which was south, is less critical as it is not perpendicular to the rotation axis. But the caveat is that high wind speed events could still occur in non-dominant wind directions, meaning that the wind load considerations maintain their importance.
In a comparative study with the American Society of Civil Engineers’ standard, ASCE 7-22, the researchers found lower combined wind load coefficients – a crucial finding that can have a significant impact on the solar industry. The very premise that lesser-than-assumed wind load coefficients could be needed opens a new dimension to the structural design of solar arrays for homes and opens up new possibilities for minimizing solar infrastructure costs.
This field measurement research is a clarion call to all solar companies involved in the design and installation of solar infrastructures – the more we know about the wind load effects, the better we can plan and build resilient solar setups. This is a powerful reminder that when you’re considering solar panels for your home, choosing the right solar company is a must – one that stays at the forefront of research, understanding the influence of externalities like wind load, to build a solar array for your home that’s robust and cost-efficient.
Until next time, remember: the future is bright when it’s powered by the sun!
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/09/04/the-effects-of-wind-on-single-axis-pv-trackers/
