Photovoltaic flexible support collapse incident

Do stability cables increase critical wind velocity of flexible PV modules support structures?

Wind-induced response and critical wind velocity of a 33-m-span flexible PV modules support structure was investigated by using wind tunnel tests based on elastic test model, and the effectiveness of three types of stability cables on enhancing the critical wind velocity of the flexible PV modules support structures was carefully examined.

Do flexible PV modules support structures have a critical wind velocity?

Furthermore, little attentions were paid on the critical wind velocity of the flexible PV modules support structures. In this study, wind-induced response and critical wind velocity of a 33-m-span flexible PV support structure was experimentally studied by using a non-contact video displacement measuring system.

Does wind-induced response and critical wind velocity affect a flexible PV support structure?

In this study, wind-induced response and critical wind velocity of a 33-m-span flexible PV support structure was experimentally studied by using a non-contact video displacement measuring system. An elastic test model of the flexible PV modules support structure was firstly designed and manufactured.

What is a flexible photovoltaic (PV) system?

Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. Photovoltaic (PV) system is an essential part in renewable energy development, which exhibits huge market demand. In comparison with traditional rigid-supported photovoltaic (PV) system, the flexible photovoltaic (PV) system structure is much more vulnerable to wind load.

What are the main wind load issues associated with PV supports?

Making full use of the previous research results, the following are the main wind load issues associated with the three types of PV supports: (1) the factors affecting the wind loads of PV supports—the main factors are shown in Figure 2; (2) the wind-induced vibration of PV supports; (3) the value and calculation of the wind load of a PV support.

What is the inclination angle of the flexible PV support?

The span of the flexible PV support is 33 m, which is consisted of 28 PV modules. The inclination angle between the PV modules and the horizontal plane is 15°, and the PV modules are mounted on two steel cables C1 and C2. Furthermore, steel cable C3 is set to reduce the vertical deformation under the actions of wind and snow loadings.