Shielding and wind direction effects on wind-induced response of cable-supported photovoltaic array

Abstract

Recently, a new type of cable-supported photovoltaic system (CSPS) had been proposed. The new structure has light weight and large span, and is cost-effectiveness and adaptability to complex terrains. At the same time, as a large span flexible structure, wind-induced vibration (WIV) is the most important controlling factor for the new structure. To date, the response characteristics of the WIVs of new structures are still not well understood. In this study, the shielding and wind direction effects on the WIV of the new structure were investigated through wind tunnel tests. The experimental results show that the WIV of the new structure is close to buffeting. The vibration amplitude quadratically increases with increasing wind speed. The WIVs of the photovoltaic (PV) modules at central and downwind region were much weaker than those at upwind region. The upwind PV modules protect the downwind PV modules in the array because of the shielding effects. The wind direction of the incoming wind also has a significant effect on the WIVs of the new structure. The strongest WIVs were observed in the crosswind cases (Cases 0° and 180°), which are the most dangerous cases. The vibration amplitude decreases almost linearly when the wind direction deviates from the cross-winds. In addition, the wind vibration coefficient (WVC) of the new CSPS is recommended as 1.6, according to the experimental results.