Aeroelastic analysis of a single axis photovoltaic panel through scaled wind tunnel tests and mathematical modeling

The rapid growth of large-scale solar energy exploitation through the use of photovoltaic panels has resulted in the spread of multi-MW plants with extremely huge structures. Despite the simplicity of photovoltaic modules, the resulting structures are susceptible to strong and extensive wind loads. Therefore, the wind flow and the dynamic excitation caused by vortex shedding can lead to unexpected aeroelastic reactions on the panel structure. On these grounds, the objective of this study is an in-depth characterisation of the aeroelastic behavior of a single-axis photovoltaic panel for several tilt angles. A scaled photovoltaic panel is studied experimentally, testing it in the”R.Balli” wind tunnel facility of the University of Perugia (Italy) and the results are then analyzed numerically using a mathematical model. The main result of this study is that the initial incidence plays an important role on the generation of uncontrolled oscillations, such that it would be more appropriate to talk about critical speed and incidence, rather than merely critical speed.