Numerical analysis of the ground-mounted solar PV panel array mounting systems subjected to basic wind for optimum design

Abstract

Comprehensive numerical modeling and investigations have been carried out to analyze the effect of wind loads on various solar array mounting frame structures using ANSYS 18 Workbench (Mechanical). Extensive damages of solar arrays and mounting frames have been reported the world over due to high winds. In this study, six array mounting frame types have been considered, subjected to the basic wind of 55 m/s specified for coastal regions of India. India has six basic wind speed zones ranging from 33 m/s to 55 m/s. Many utility-scale solar farms installed in this region are susceptible to high winds. Solar arrays considered of dimension 6 m × 4 m consisting of 12 photo-voltaic (PV) panels each of size 1 m × 2 m, with panel tilt angle varying from 10° to 50°. Wind load subjected to the PV panels in the solar array considered as normal pressure force over the top and bottom surfaces to simulate forward and backward wind direction. Three different materials with their respective mechanical properties, i.e., structural steel channel for mounting truss members, aluminum casing to encapsulate PV panels, and plexiglass sheet for PV panels, were considered and simulated. Wind pressure forces have been determined, using respective net wind pressure coefficients, induced by respective wind speed and tilt angle. Maximum deformation and maximum stresses were determined by modeling and simulation in ANSYS Workbench and compared the results with various array mounting system arrangements for each case of panel tilt angle subjected to both forward and backward wind incidence.