Análise numérica das cargas de vento em seguidores solares em solo inclinado

Abstract

The growing use of photovoltaic solar energy as a renewable resource has highlighted the importance of optimizing the energy efficiency of solar panels, with solar tracking systems emerging as a promising solution. These systems align the panels with the sun’s position to maximize energy generation but face challenges such as strong winds, which can compromise the structure through direct loads and dynamic vibrations, leading to structural failures and reduced equipment lifespan. Although numerous numerical and experimental studies have addressed factors such as panel inclination, row spacing, and geometric characteristics, the influence of uneven terrain on solar trackers remains underexplored. This study performs a numerical analysis using the finite volume method to calculate wind-induced loads and moments on three rows of trackers installed on inclined terrain. The aim is to evaluate how uneven terrain affects these critical parameters, focusing on variations caused by the shielding effect between rows. As a result of this study terrain’s slope is shown to have impact in the exposure of subsequent rows to wind loads again, increasing the magnitude of the loads acting in the system.