Performance of Turbulence Models in Simulating Wind Loads on Photovoltaics Modules

Fogaing, Mireille B. Tadie; Hemmati, Arman; Lange, Carlos F.; Fleck, Brian A.

doi:10.3390/en12173290

Cited by 15 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 35 publications

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“…The standard k-epsilon model is a widely adopted and robust turbulence model known for accurately representing turbulent flow phenomena. The efficacy of this turbulence model has been highlighted in numerous recent research studies examining the impact of wind load and patterns on solar PV panels and arrays, making it a frequent choice for conducting numerical simulations in this context [10,[28][29][30]. By solving the transport equations for turbulent kinetic energy (k) and the dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy (ε), the model accurately predicts the flow behaviour.…”

Section: Numerical Model Computational Schemementioning

confidence: 99%

Wind Flow and Its Interaction with a Mobile Solar PV System Mounted on a Trailer

Eslami Majd,

Adebayo,

Tchuenbou-Magaia

et al. 2024

Sustainability

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Efficient implementation of clean energy technologies is paramount, with mobile solar PV systems on trailers (MSPTs) emerging as pivotal solutions, particularly in regions with limited power grid access. This endeavour is vital for meeting escalating electricity demands and aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), aimed at ensuring dependable and sustainable energy provision in developing countries. This study investigates the aerodynamic behaviour of a designed MSPT using numerical simulation and experimental methods, thereby offering optimization potential for MSPT design and enhancing overall performance and reliability. Specifically, the study focuses on the effects of wind velocity and tilt angles on the drag and lift forces, as well as drag and lift coefficients on the panel used in the MSPT system. The overall wind force on the entire MSPT, including nine large solar PV panels, is scrutinised, considering combined wind flow and system geometry effects. The numerical investigations were conducted using ANSYS-Fluent software (version 2022/R2) and experimental testing was performed within the C15-10 Wind Tunnel, utilizing scaled-down models to validate the accuracy of the simulation. The findings from the numerical investigations showed an increased turbulence caused by gaps between panels, resulting in almost 62% higher suction flow velocity and 22% higher suction pressure compared to a single panel. Drag and lift forces on the entire MSPT were approximately 6.7 and 7.8 times greater than those on a single panel with the same 30-degree tilt angle, respectively. The findings revealed that scaling forces on a single panel is insufficient for accurately predicting the aerodynamic forces on the entire MSPT. The insights and the knowledge from this study pave the way for further improvements in mobile solar PV technology.

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Section: Numerical Model Computational Schemementioning

confidence: 99%

Wind Flow and Its Interaction with a Mobile Solar PV System Mounted on a Trailer

Eslami Majd,

Adebayo,

Tchuenbou-Magaia

et al. 2024

Sustainability

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…CFD is based on the steady Reynolds averaged Navier Stokes equations (RANS), and the simulations are performed using the finite volume method in Ansys CFX 2023 software. The k-ε turbulence model is often used to simulate the properties of turbulent wind flows [33], so it is also applied here. The discretisation of the transport equations was carried out using the first order upwind scheme.…”

Section: Extreme Wind Speedsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Extreme Weather Conditions on PV Systems

Bošnjaković,

Stojkov,

Katinić

et al. 2023

Sustainability

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We are witnessing significant climatic changes and increasingly frequent extreme weather conditions affecting every part of the globe. In order to reduce and stop these unfavourable climate changes, there has been a shift to the use of renewables, and in this sense, a significant contribution of the photovoltaic (PV) power plant is planned. This paper analyses the safety, reliability, and resilience of PV systems to extreme weather conditions such as wind storms, hail, lightning, high temperatures, fire, and floods. In addition to using available information from the literature, temperature measurements were also carried out on the rooftop PV power plant in Slavonski Brod, as well as a numerical stress analysis at extreme wind speeds using Ansys software. The results of the analysis show that existing PV systems are very resilient to extreme weather conditions. Utility-scale PV systems can usually withstand wind speeds of up to 50 m/s without any problems, and only at higher speeds do local stresses occur in certain parts of the structure that are higher than permissible. Resistance to hail is also very high, and manufacturers guarantee resistance to hail up to 25 mm in size. At high air temperatures, the temperature of the panel frame can reach about 70 °C, the panel temperature up to 85 °C, and the temperature of the cable insulation over 60 °C, as measurements have shown. Such high temperatures lead to a drop in electricity production up to 30% but do not pose a fire hazard to the cables and the roof if the roof insulation is conducted correctly. Forest fires do not usually pose a direct threat to PV systems, but the smoke that spreads over a large area reduces the solar radiation reaching the PV panel. It can also cause an unfavourable “wiggle effect”. Lightning strikes to a PV panel are not common, although they are possible. With built-in safeguards, no major damage should occur. Flooding is always a possibility, but with properly designed drainage systems, the damage is minimal in most cases.

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“…Gusts can also trigger vibrations of modules [96]. Numerical tools are used to analyze the reaction of PV modules on such wind loads [97], sometimes supported by wind-tunnel experiments [98]. It is reported that the type of installation and the design of the modules, especially the aspect ratio has strong influence on the occurring loads [99].…”

Section: Mechanical and Snow Loadsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Accelerated aging tests vs field performance of PV modules

Weiß

Klimm²,

Kaaya

2022

Prog. Energy

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The market for Photovoltaic systems has experienced an enormous growth worldwide and will further grow over the coming decades. Investments in Photovoltaics became an important financial product with the special feature of very long contract durations. Typically operation of over 20 years is expected, during which generation of electricity and revenues are expected. Due to these long operational times, quality, durability, reliability, and degradation rates become crucial for the investment. PV modules are the dominating components in this regard since they prevail the investment. Accelerated ageing tests are in general used to ensure the quality of photovoltaic components. These tests are partly standardized, for PV mainly by IEC and are used for type approval or safety testing. Accelerated ageing tests are also adapted to specific needs and e g used for Quality Assurance (QA) of manufacturers or Service Life Prediction (SLP) by manufacturers or research institutes. All the efforts are taken to gain knowledge about the behaviour of PV modules in operation and thus the accelerated tests have to be related to normal operation. Since PV is used around the globe, the conditions vary significantly depending on the location of installation. In addition, the installation has severe influence on the operational conditions of PV modules. The papers attempt is to give an overview on the state of the art of accelerated testing and field performance analysis of PV modules with focus on developments over the last five to ten years. Developments are described and the status is analysed regarding the significance of tests including the latest developments and open scientific gaps related to the envisaged correlation of accelerated tests with field performance. The reader is enabled to differenciate between reliability testing and service life prediction. The understanding for a comprehensive approach of reliability testing including field evaluation data is develope

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Performance of Turbulence Models in Simulating Wind Loads on Photovoltaics Modules

Cited by 15 publications

References 35 publications

Wind Flow and Its Interaction with a Mobile Solar PV System Mounted on a Trailer

Wind Flow and Its Interaction with a Mobile Solar PV System Mounted on a Trailer

Effects of Extreme Weather Conditions on PV Systems

Accelerated aging tests vs field performance of PV modules

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