Numerical Simulation of Fluid-Solid Coupling for Solar Photovoltaic Module in Periodic Flow Field

Abstract

Three-dimensional simulations using Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations were conducted to evaluate wind loads and structural displacements of ground-mounted solar panels under different flow conditions. The panels were arranged in a regular array consisting of 3 rows and 5 columns, with each row comprising 4 × 4 sub-panels inclined at 45°. To conserve computational resources, periodic flow conditions were applied to a single panel by specifying the pressure differential and inlet velocity ranging from 25 to 50 m/s. The fluid-solid coupling, fixed geometry multi-physics field coupling feature was employed to couple the boundary loads due to fluid flow from the fluid to the solid domain. Our results reveal the existence of circulation zones between the panels in the array. The pressure at the upper corners of the solar panel increases sharply with velocity, leading to a larger structural displacement in this region. As the wind speed increases, the safety factors obtained from the simulation for the solar panel support module and the glass panel are 22.8, 8.9, and 5.7 m/s, respectively. And the safety factor of the support frame and support rod junction and the upper row of glass panels decreases significantly. Therefore, the failure characteristics of this part of the structure should be considered in case of a sudden change in wind speed.