4 FAQs about Photovoltaic support overturning verification

Does a tracking photovoltaic support system have vibrational characteristics?

In this study, field instrumentation was used to assess the vibrational characteristics of a selected tracking photovoltaic support system. Using ANSYS software, a modal analysis and finite element model of the structure were developed and validated by comparing measured data with model predictions. Key findings are as follows.

How stiff is a tracking photovoltaic support system?

Because the support structure of the tracking photovoltaic support system has a long extension length and the components are D-shaped hollow steel pipes, the overall stiffness of the structure was found to be low, and the first three natural frequencies were between 2.934 and 4.921.

Do solar PV systems need to be fire proofed?

4.4 Fire proofing of structural support: Depending on the type of building, support structures of solar PV systems that have a use or have potential for use underneath (such as carports) may be required to be fire proofed in accordance with CBC Section 602.

How many torsional modes does a tracking photovoltaic support system have?

Additionally, we propose a finite element analysis method for modal analysis of tracking photovoltaic support systems, which yielded four torsional modes within the 2.8–7.0 Hz frequency range. The first three modes of this analysis closely align with field modal test results.

View/Download Photovoltaic support overturning verification [PDF]

PDF version includes complete article with source references. Suitable for printing and offline reading.