Solar Canopy Non-Parallel Panel Assembly for Reduced Wind Loading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar photovoltaic canopy structures with single plane solar panels have higher wind loading costs due to prescribed wind loading coefficients, while structures with non-parallel solar panels incur even higher costs due to higher wind loading, necessitating a design methodology for determining net instantaneous wind loading across combined areas.
Innovation Solution
A solar canopy system with non-parallel solar panel assemblies that utilize instantaneous time averaging of measured wind loadings to reduce support structure design loads, featuring a support structure with a post, cross beam, and purlins that distribute loads based on net pressure measurements across the combined area of non-parallel panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If non-parallel solar panel assemblies are used, then wind loading on the support structure increases, but structural complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple non-parallel solar panel assemblies into a unified structural system where the support structure serves all panels simultaneously. By treating the entire array as an integrated system rather than separate structures, the design reduces overall complexity while accounting for combined wind loading effects across non-parallel surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the design approach by using instantaneous time-averaged wind loading measurements specific to the non-parallel configuration rather than applying conventional static loading coefficients. This parameter change allows for more accurate load determination that reflects actual dynamic wind conditions on complex geometries.
2Measurement precision
If conventional wind loading coefficients are used, then design loads are overestimated, but manufacturing precision and measurement accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs wind tunnel testing and instantaneous time-averaging measurements during the design phase to establish accurate loading characteristics before construction. This preliminary action captures the specific wind interaction patterns of the non-parallel configuration, enabling precise load determination without requiring complex measurements during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a scaled physical model of the non-parallel solar panel assembly for wind tunnel testing. This copy allows for controlled measurement of wind loading characteristics that would be difficult and expensive to measure on the full-scale structure, providing accurate data for design purposes.
3Reliability
If separate wind load calculations are performed for each panel, then design safety is improved, but structural cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wind load calculation approach by determining a unified instantaneous time-averaged loading value for the entire non-parallel panel assembly rather than calculating separate loads for each panel. This combined approach maintains safety by accounting for the actual distributed loading pattern while reducing the total structural material required compared to conservative separate calculations.
Data Source
AI summary
A solar canopy has a solar panel assembly including a first solar panel coupled to a second solar panel and oriented non-parallel with respect to the second solar panel. The solar panel assembly has an effective solar-panel-assembly wind loading less than a sum of a first-solar-panel effective wind loading and a second-solar-panel effective wind loading determined individually. An actual load applied by the solar panel assembly to a solar-panel-assembly support structure coupled thereto when the solar panel assembly is subject to a wind loading is less than a design load for the solar panel assembly subject to the wind loading based on a sum of a first-solar-panel net pressure and a second-solar-panel net pressure determined independently.