- ESAsolar employs over 100 integrated variables in each wind tunnel test measurement.
- The results are adapted to our calculation model to make our structures the safest on the market.
One of the most influential factors in the performance of any photovoltaic plant is the impact of wind, which, even at low speeds, can cause instabilities in structures or trackers, such as galloping, fluttering, etc. If these structures or trackers are designed without adequately considering the effect of wind, they may reach a critical state or even lead to structural collapse.
For this reason, in the solar photovoltaic industry, the structural design of trackers and photovoltaic structures is a key factor in ensuring the efficiency and durability of a solar plant. One of the most significant advancements in this field is the use of wind tunnel testing, which allows for a precise evaluation of how climatic conditions affect each structure.
Without wind tunnel testing, designs must rely on general regulations such as the Eurocode, which are designed for buildings, bridges, and other infrastructures but not specifically for solar structures. These regulations can lead to over-dimensioning some components or underestimating others.
To address this issue, which depends on multiple factors such as tracker geometry, axis height, structural rigidity, inertia, or damping, among others, scaled models are manufactured and subjected to wind tunnel testing. For example, exposing a solar tracker model to specific aerodynamic conditions helps understand the physical phenomena involved, enabling practical solutions and adapting the product to the specific conditions of each project.
The wind tunnel provides a direct experimental evaluation to obtain realistic loads. By using scaled models equipped with pressure sensors, aerodynamic loads can be accurately determined at each critical point, allowing for a more precise and optimized design.
These tests not only consider the static action of the wind but also its dynamic effects and stability through:
- Static analysis: Determines the pressures exerted on the structure in different wind directions and conditions.
- Dynamic analysis: Evaluates the effects of wind on flexible structures such as solar trackers, enabling design adjustments to improve resistance.
- Stability analysis: Assesses the structure’s behavior under critical wind conditions to prevent phenomena such as fluttering or uncontrolled vibrations that could compromise its integrity.
Adaptability and Flexibility
The use of wind tunnel tests allows each design to be adapted to the specific conditions of a given location, complying with local regulations and considering the characteristic winds of each region.
In demanding markets, having a wind tunnel is no longer a luxury—it is absolutely necessary. Customers seek optimized, safe structures with solid technical backing. At ESAsolar, we are committed to research and development in this field, incorporating advanced testing and enhancing design processes through new trials for agrivoltaic structures and next-generation solar trackers.
The solar energy sector is evolving rapidly, and adapting to these changes is key to remaining competitive. Incorporating wind tunnel tests not only optimizes materials and costs but also enhances the safety and performance of solar plants, ensuring their viability even in environments with extreme wind conditions.
Ultimately, wind tunnel testing is synonymous with peace of mind. Peace of mind for designers, who work with real data instead of assumptions, and peace of mind for customers, who can trust in safer, more efficient solar structures tailored to any climatic challenge.
