INVESTIGATION ON AERODYNAMIC INSTABILITY CHARACTERISTICS OF LARGE-ASPECT-RATIO SINGLE-AXIS PHOTOVOLTAIC SUPPORT

Cao Nankui; Niu Huawei; Li Hongxing; Jiang Dong; Yi Ziyan; Chen Zhengqing

doi:10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2025-1090

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Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (12) : 130-141. DOI: 10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2025-1090

INVESTIGATION ON AERODYNAMIC INSTABILITY CHARACTERISTICS OF LARGE-ASPECT-RATIO SINGLE-AXIS PHOTOVOLTAIC SUPPORT

Cao Nankui^1,2, Niu Huawei^1,2, Li Hongxing³, Jiang Dong³, Yi Ziyan³, Chen Zhengqing^1,2

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Abstract

Existing stability curves derived of single-axis tracker with aspect ratios λ≤10.9 require validation for the applicability of structures with higher aspect ratios. Therefore, the aerodynamic stability of a single-axis tracker with an aspect ratio of 20 is investigated through full aeroelastic model wind tunnel tests under varying tilt angles, column heights, turbulence intensities, and wind directions. The results demonstrate that wind-induced torsional aerodynamic instability occurs within the tilt angle range of -20°≤α₀≤ 20° after reaching specific critical wind speeds, representing a reduction in the instability range compared to existing studies. Aerodynamic stability under positive tilt angles is superior to that under negative tilt angles, with significant static wind-induced torsional angles observed at the structure ends prior to instability. When the column height increases to 2.5 m, the difference in aerodynamic stability between positive and negative tilt angles substantially diminish. At wind directions of β=60° and 90°, the unstable tilt angle range remain is identical to that at β=0°, consistent with existing research. However, at β=30°, the unstable tilt angle range expands to -30°≤α₀≤30°, and local maxima in the overturning force coefficient occurrs at α₀=±30°, exacerbating the non-uniform spanwise aerodynamic force distribution. Under turbulent flow conditions, the critical instability wind speed for the flat single-axis PV structure significantly decreases, and the unstable tilt angle range broadens to -30°≤α₀≤30°. Turbulent fluctuating excitations reduce the aerodynamic stability of the structure. Consequently, the unstable tilt angle range varies for structures with different aspect ratios under diverse turbulence intensities and wind directions, necessitating further investigation.

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single-axis photovoltaic support / aerodynamic instability / aspect ratio / wind tunnel test / critical speed

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Cao Nankui, Niu Huawei, Li Hongxing, Jiang Dong, Yi Ziyan, Chen Zhengqing. INVESTIGATION ON AERODYNAMIC INSTABILITY CHARACTERISTICS OF LARGE-ASPECT-RATIO SINGLE-AXIS PHOTOVOLTAIC SUPPORT[J]. Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica. 2026, 47(12): 130-141 https://doi.org/10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2025-1090

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