Detached eddy simulation of flow past an isolated inclined solar panel

Abstract

Detached Eddy Simulations (DES) were carried out to analyze the influence of ground clearance and to estimate the unsteady wind loading on solar panels. A generic type of solar panel was considered at three different ground clearances. For the range of ground clearance values considered in the study, the results show that an increase in the clearance produces stronger vortex shedding fluctuations, higher shedding frequencies, and larger mean and unsteady wind loading. For the smallest ground clearance, an irregular vortex shedding was observed. The flow structures formed in the wake are analyzed using various indicators of turbulence characteristics including the vorticity and the λ 2 criterion. The flow structures suggest a complex formation and subsequent shedding of vortices. The absence of regular vortex shedding at the smallest ground clearance and the presence of the same at the mid-ground clearance value suggests a reference for minimizing the unsteady wind loading of solar panels. Furthermore, the unsteady results reveal that the lower sections of the panel are more vulnerable to wind loading.

Experimental study of aerodynamic loads on ground-mounted solar panel arrays: The panel spacing and inclination angle effect

“…The maximum Cp mean values of all panels were found at the LE for 0° wind direction, in a good agreement with the reports of Shademan et al. 41 The lower surfaces exposed to the wind at 180° wind direction, as opposed to 0° wind directions. The net mean Cp values from the LE to TE of the SP1, SP2 and SP3 were calculated in the range of 0.87–0.39, 0.29–0.10, and 0.43–0.23 for 0° wind direction, while the mean Cp net in absolute values were found between 0.64–0.35, 0.21–0.09, and 0.44–0.12 for 180° wind direction, respectively.…”

Experimental evaluation of wind loads on a ground-mounted solar panel of various ground clearances and Reynolds numbers

“…It can be explained that the larger flow rate passing easier through the gap between the panel and the ground, and the vortices lose their strength within a short distance behind the panel at the higher ground clearances. Moreover, the vortex region has been more affected by bed friction, and the vortex effects have moved further at smaller clearance heights, as explained by Shaderman et al [35]. The velocity profiles behind the panel also demonstrate that the length of the recirculation region decreased from the middle of the panel towards the near edges, which is consistent with the reduction observed in pressure difference on the windward.…”

A review study on the modeling of high-temperature solar thermal collector systems

“…Various CFD models have been developed to study the wind effect on heliostat and photovoltaic trackers as they are similar cases. Most of the published models are based on RANS models [142,143], while other authors [144][145][146] recommended the use of more suitable turbulence models such as LES and detached eddy simulations (DES) to well capture the fluid structures around the heliostat.…”