What is a large-span flexible PV support structure?

Proposed equivalent static wind loads of large-span flexible PV support structure. Flexible photovoltaic (PV) support structure offers benefits such as low construction costs, large span length, high clearance, and high adaptability to complex terrains.

What is the structure of flexible PV support?

The structure of the flexible PV support adopted in this study is shown in Fig. 1. The height of the columns is 6 m, and the center-to-center spacing between two adjacent rows of PV modules is 3.5 m. The span of the flexible PV support is 33 m, which is consisted of 28 PV modules.

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.

Is flexible PV support a nonlinear system?

Given the significant geometric nonlinearity inherent in the flexible PV support system, the analysis incorporates nonlinear approaches, specifically selecting the P -Δ effect and large displacement effects. The time step is set to 1000, with a time interval of 0.1 s.

Why do we need flexible PV support systems?

The traditional rigid PV support systems face several issues and limitations, such as the requirement for large land areas, which constrain their deployment and development, especially in eastern regions . In response to these challenges, flexible PV support systems have rapidly developed.

Are flexible PV support structures prone to vibrations under cross winds?

For aeroelastic model tests, it can be observed that the flexible PV support structure is prone to large vibrations under cross winds. The mean vertical displacement of the flexible PV support structure increases with the wind speed and tilt angle of the PV modules.