Wind loads on heliostats of various column heights: An experimental study

Abstract

Wind tunnel measurements were carried out to analyze the influence of column height and to estimate the steady and unsteady wind loads on heliostats. A heliostat model was tested at three different column heights for typical configurations. Wind pressure distributions across the mirror plane and fluctuating wind pressure characteristics are presented and analyzed.The results show that an increase in the column height produces larger steady and unsteady pressure wind loads, stronger vortex shedding and higher shedding frequencies. Nevertheless, the effect of column height is limited on Gaussian and non-Gaussian characteristics.Irregularity and weakness of vortex shedding appear at the smallest column height and can be useful to avoid the resonance of the structure. The results of this study are also valid for stand-alone ground mounted photovoltaic trackers of similar shape.