Numerical analysis of the ground-mounted solar PV panel array mounting systems subjected to basic wind for optimum design

A comprehensive numerical modelling and investigation has been carried out to analyse the effect of wind loads on various solar array mounting frame structures using ANSYS 18 Workbench (Mechanical). Extensive damages of solar arrays and mounting frames have been reported the world over due to high winds. In this study, 6 array mounting frames types has been considered and subjected to 55m/s basic wind for Indian Wind Zone VI. Solar arrays considered of dimension 6mx4m consisting 12 PV panels each of size 1mx2m, with panel tilt angle varied from 10 to 50 degrees. Wind loads subjected to panels in solar array were considered as normal pressure force over top and bottom surfaces to simulate forward and backward wind direction. Maximum deformation and maximum stresses were determined using ANSYS Workbench and compared with various array mounting system arrangements for each case of panel tilt angle and subjected to both wind incidence.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author