Experimental investigations on the wind load interference effects of single-axis solar tracker arrays

Aiming at the interference effect of wind loads on single-axis solar tracker arrays, this study conducts rigid-model pressure measurement wind tunnel tests on a single-row solar tracker and solar tracker arrays. The effects of the tilt angle and wind direction on aerodynamic characteristics are examined. The basic characteristics of the wind-induced interference effects of a single-axis solar tracker array are clarified. The results reveal that when the tilt angle is small, the interference effect is small, the tilt angle increases, the interference effect becomes stronger. From the mean pressure and torque coefficients, the interference effect is mainly manifested as a shielding effect. Based on the fluctuating pressure and torque coefficients, the interference effect appears as a shielding effect and an amplification effect in small- and large-tilt angle ranges, respectively. The wind load power spectrum of the solar modules in the rear-row of the solar tracker arrays presents remarkable frequency peaks, and is more affected by wind-induced vibration than the front module. The influence of the wind direction results in nonuniform distributions of wind loads along the length of the solar tracker. Thus, the enhancement in wind loads on the edge areas of solar arrays caused by the wind direction should be considered.