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Wind Flow and Its Interaction with a Mobile Solar PV System Mounted on a Trailer

Author

Listed:
  • Alireza Eslami Majd

    (Energy and Green Technology Research Group, Centre for Engineering Innovation and Research, University of Wolverhampton, Telford Innovation Campus, Telford TF2 9NT, UK)

  • David S. Adebayo

    (Energy and Green Technology Research Group, Centre for Engineering Innovation and Research, University of Wolverhampton, Telford Innovation Campus, Telford TF2 9NT, UK
    Current address: School of Engineering and Technology, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK.)

  • Fideline Tchuenbou-Magaia

    (Energy and Green Technology Research Group, Centre for Engineering Innovation and Research, University of Wolverhampton, Telford Innovation Campus, Telford TF2 9NT, UK)

  • James Willetts

    (AceOn Group, Telford TF3 3BJ, UK)

  • Dave Nwosu

    (Nevadic Limited, R24B Romanus Orji Street, Southern View Estate, Lekki 023401, Lagos, Nigeria)

  • Zackery Matthews

    (DZP Technologies Limited, Cambridge CB4 2HY, UK)

  • Nduka Nnamdi Ekere

    (Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK)

Abstract

Efficient implementation of clean energy technologies is paramount, with mobile solar PV systems on trailers (MSPTs) emerging as pivotal solutions, particularly in regions with limited power grid access. This endeavour is vital for meeting escalating electricity demands and aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), aimed at ensuring dependable and sustainable energy provision in developing countries. This study investigates the aerodynamic behaviour of a designed MSPT using numerical simulation and experimental methods, thereby offering optimization potential for MSPT design and enhancing overall performance and reliability. Specifically, the study focuses on the effects of wind velocity and tilt angles on the drag and lift forces, as well as drag and lift coefficients on the panel used in the MSPT system. The overall wind force on the entire MSPT, including nine large solar PV panels, is scrutinised, considering combined wind flow and system geometry effects. The numerical investigations were conducted using ANSYS-Fluent software (version 2022/R2) and experimental testing was performed within the C15-10 Wind Tunnel, utilizing scaled-down models to validate the accuracy of the simulation. The findings from the numerical investigations showed an increased turbulence caused by gaps between panels, resulting in almost 62% higher suction flow velocity and 22% higher suction pressure compared to a single panel. Drag and lift forces on the entire MSPT were approximately 6.7 and 7.8 times greater than those on a single panel with the same 30-degree tilt angle, respectively. The findings revealed that scaling forces on a single panel is insufficient for accurately predicting the aerodynamic forces on the entire MSPT. The insights and the knowledge from this study pave the way for further improvements in mobile solar PV technology.

Suggested Citation

  • Alireza Eslami Majd & David S. Adebayo & Fideline Tchuenbou-Magaia & James Willetts & Dave Nwosu & Zackery Matthews & Nduka Nnamdi Ekere, 2024. "Wind Flow and Its Interaction with a Mobile Solar PV System Mounted on a Trailer," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-21, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:5:p:2038-:d:1349138
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Mireille B. Tadie Fogaing & Arman Hemmati & Carlos F. Lange & Brian A. Fleck, 2019. "Performance of Turbulence Models in Simulating Wind Loads on Photovoltaics Modules," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-16, August.
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