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Field measurement and analysis of near-ground wind field characteristics and wind pressure on tracking photovoltaic panels

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  • Bao, Terigen
  • Li, Zhengnong
  • Pu, Ou
  • Wu, Honghua

Abstract

Field measurements were conducted to characterize the near-ground wind field and panel wind pressure of a tracked photovoltaic (PV) system. The effects of tilt angle and wind direction angle on aerodynamic coefficients were investigated, and the measured values were compared with those specified in existing codes. The results indicate that the near-ground wind profile is similar to that described in the European code, although the code does not accurately capture the near-ground turbulence intensity. Both changes in wind direction angle and variations in tilt angle significantly alter the panel wind pressure distribution. As the wind angle increases, the absolute value of the central axis torque coefficient |CMc| first rises and then falls. Meanwhile, the absolute values of the panel's mean drag coefficient CFx and lift coefficient |CFz| gradually decrease, the location of maximum wind pressure shifts, and the maximum wind pressure slightly decreases. Increasing the tilt angle causes the absolute value of the central axis torque coefficient |CMc| to first increase and then decrease. In addition, both the overall panel wind pressure coefficient Cp and the drag coefficient CFx increase, while the absolute value of the lift coefficient |CFz| initially increases before decreasing. This behavior must be considered in the structural design to address the upward lift. Fluctuating wind pressure is primarily influenced by turbulence and vortex characteristics, and variations in the power spectrum peak values are associated with changes in tilt and wind direction. High tilt angles (45° ≤ β ≤ 60°) combined with specific wind directions (0° ≤ θ ≤ 45° and 135° ≤ θ ≤ 180°) produce critical wind pressure, torque, drag, and lift coefficients, which significantly increase the risk of structural damage. Furthermore, recommendations for redesigning the tracked PV power system are provided based on the field measurement data and results. Overall, this study offers robust support for the wind-resistant design of tracked PV power systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Bao, Terigen & Li, Zhengnong & Pu, Ou & Wu, Honghua, 2025. "Field measurement and analysis of near-ground wind field characteristics and wind pressure on tracking photovoltaic panels," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 321(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:321:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225010424
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.135400
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    References listed on IDEAS

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