Solar Tracking System Wind Resistance Level

Wind tunnel tests are hence needed to examine the aerodynamic stability of the tracker array under different influencing factors, such as incoming flow conditions, tracking angles, and layouts. These findings will then help solar tracker manufacturers to determine the parameters in the design of the solar tracker structure.

The aerodynamic stability of a solar tracker is mainly determined by damping, stiffness (frequency), and tilt angle of modules; DAF reflects the dynamic amplification effect of the wind load, but not its structural stability. When the tilt angle is large, solar trackers have relatively good stability.

Study analyzes how key parameters affect photovoltaic tracker structural response. Variables: tracker position, wind speed, pitch angle, exposure angle, ground cover ratio. High pitch angles aeroelastically stable; low angles unstable at lower wind speed. Positive pitches cause higher stress in torque tube than negative; +15° is critical.

Key operational parameters include the stow position angle and the design critical wind speed. When wind speeds exceed the critical velocity threshold, the tracking system rotates to a stow position, a configuration designed to withstand larger wind loads.

The industry-wide adoption of large-format modules means that solar systems have become bigger than ever, resulting in higher flexibility of the tracker structure and increased susceptibility to wind-induced damage. Yet, building codes do not consider the aeroelastic effects of winds on solar trackers.

The structural response of solar trackers and solar farms to wind loads is typically evaluated in a wind tunnel. These experiments also enable cost-effective assessments of various design configurations before field deployment. A crucial aspect of such testing is the accurate characterization of the wind flow within the test section.