Wind-Induced Loading on Photovoltaic Systems
Summary
Wind-induced loading on photovoltaic systems arises from the interaction between atmospheric flows and the structural elements of panels and their support frameworks. As solar installations expand globally—on rooftops, open fields and offshore platforms—they face increasingly severe wind regimes that can impart both static and dynamic loads. Static pressure and suction vary with panel tilt, array configuration and site topography, while dynamic phenomena such as buffeting, vortex shedding and torsional galloping introduce oscillatory forces that may accelerate fatigue, compromise mounting integrity and reduce operational lifespan. Computational fluid dynamics and wind tunnel testing have become indispensable in characterising aerodynamic coefficients across a range of tilt angles, spacings and mounting types, enabling the quantification of lift and drag forces under turbulent conditions. Insights from numerical modelling inform optimised array layouts and support designs that mitigate extreme loads and enhance resilience. Design codes are evolving to integrate dynamic factors, offering guidance on gust loading factors and safety margins. A comprehensive understanding of wind-induced behaviour is essential to ensure the structural robustness and long-term performance of photovoltaic installations worldwide.
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Wind-Induced Loading on Photovoltaic Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in wind-induced loading on photovoltaic systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Torsional galloping: Aeroelastic instability causing large-amplitude twisting oscillations of slender structures under steady wind.
Buffeting: Random, high-frequency fluctuations in aerodynamic load induced by turbulent flow around structures.
Vortex shedding: Periodic separation of vortices from a surface, generating oscillatory forces at a characteristic Strouhal frequency.
Gust loading factor: Multiplier applied to mean loads to account for transient wind gust effects in structural design.
Lift coefficient: Non-dimensional parameter representing the ratio of lift force to dynamic pressure and reference area.
References
- Failure investigation of a solar tracker due to wind-induced torsional galloping. Engineering Failure Analysis (2022).
- Wind-induced vibration experiment on solar wing. MATEC Web of Conferences (2015).
- A Review on Aerodynamic Characteristics and Wind-Induced Response of Flexible Support Photovoltaic System. Atmosphere (2023).
- Design Method of Primary Structures of a Cost-Effective Cable-Supported Photovoltaic System. Applied Sciences (2023).
- Vortex Shedding Dynamics Behind a Single Solar PV Panel Over a Range of Tilt Angles in Uniform Flow. Fluids (2022).
- Wind Load Effects and Gust Loading Factor for Cable-Suspended Photovoltaic Structures. Energies (2023).
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