Industry News

RWDI and Soltec develop a method of analyzing wind loads on solar trackers

Update time : 2018-11-07 16:27:30

Soltec, a leading manufacturer and supplier of horizontal single-axis solar trackers damper, presents Dy-WIND, an innovative method for comprehensive dynamic wind analysis in the design of the solar tracker damper. The reason why Soltec has decided to undertake this project is that several studies have shown that the current design standards of wind load applied to solar trackers are insufficient to prevent them from being affected by strong gusts, as they are not taken into consideration the second order forces produced by the action of the wind.

The studies in conventional wind tunnels use rigid models to obtain the forces by action of the wind, also called static charges. However, these loads do not include values caused by dynamic effects and neither do they reflect fluid-structure interaction or aeroelastic effects.

In addition, the turbulence and the fluctuation of the wind, as well as the dynamic response of the structure (vibration by resonance and rotation produced by the action of the wind) is not taken slewing drive into account. These phenomena cause instabilities that can cause mechanical failures and the collapse of the structure. Therefore, the followers and their components must be designed more rigid and more robust than estimated by the current regulations.

"Soltec thus becomes the only manufacturer of solar trackers damper that applies the Dy-WIND analysis to the design of solar trackers damper," says Soltec CEO Raúl Morales. "This is essential when making economic calculations for the profitability and durability of a solar plant."

With Dy-WIND, two types of wind tunnel tests are carried out to obtain the necessary aerodynamic parameters of scale models and precious results for the implementation of calculation methods that provide a realistic response of the behavior of solar trackers damper under the action. of the wind.

Wind tunnel pressure tests: Rigid mockups are used and static wind load coefficients are obtained for different rows of followers. These coefficients are combined with Dynamic Amplification Factors (DAF) to consider the resonant load (vibration). However, inertial loads and self-exciting forces are not considered.
Wind tunnel dynamic tests: Sectional models are used that can be moved by wind action and the aerodynamic derivatives (inertia and damping) are obtained, which allow to obtain slewing drive an accurate knowledge of turbulence fluctuations and movement of the tracker. These data are combined with numerical models to obtain Fluttering Analysis Methods (FAM) and Buffeting (BAM).

To develop Dy-WIND, Soltec has had the renowned engineering consultancy Rowan Williams Davies & Irwin Inc (RWDI). Matthew TL Browne, technical director at RWDI, states that "the hybrid experimental-numerical approach developed through working with Soltec has resulted in an innovative methodology that accurately estimates the behavior of the tracker under the action of wind in multiple-row installations. and gives a flexibility in the design process not achieved with traditional aeroelastic models. "

In addition to experience, RWDI has wind tunnels that use stereolithography technology, integrated data acquisition, storage and processing systems, computer-aided drafting and a broad base of specialized instrumentation. Some of the most notable projects in which the firm has participated are the Petronas Towers in Malaysia, the Burj Khalifa skyscraper in Dubai or the Strait of Messina bridge in Italy.

Soltec's global operations and a workforce of more than 750 people combine experience and innovation. Soltec manufactures from Argentina, Brazil, China and Spain; and has offices in Australia, Denmark, Chile, Egypt, United States, India, Israel, Italy, Mexico and Peru. With a firm commitment to renewable energies and the environment, slewing drive Soltec is committed to product standardization and the success of its customers.

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