Sun-tracking system (STS) is a key factor for solar photovoltaic (PV) future and new answers for the solar market. It will expand large-scale PV projects (PV farms) worldwide, and it is possible to collect more energy from the sun. PV farms consist of thousands of STS that are subject to dynamic loads (wind, snow, etc.), vibrations, and gravitational loads. This paper presents the structural dynamic analysis of a 24 m2 bi-axial STS (azimuth-elevation) at different elevation angles based on its modal parameters (natural frequencies, modal shapes, and modal damping ratios) and dynamic performance indices (modal participation factors (MPF), forcing frequencies, and mechanical quality factors) by means of the finite element analysis (FEA). The simulation results show that the structural dynamic design of the STS meets the desired structural requirements and agrees well with structural dynamic standards (EN 1991-1-4 and ASHRAE). These results can be used for further analysis on optimal design and vibration safety verification for the bi-axial STS (PV applications).
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June 2018
Research-Article
Structural Dynamics Analysis of Three-Dimensional Bi-Axial Sun-Tracking System Structure Determined by Numerical Modal Analysis
Fateh Ferroudji,
Fateh Ferroudji
Unité de Recherche en Energies Renouvelables
en Milieu Saharien (URERMS),
Centre de Développement des Energies
Renouvelables (CDER),
Adrar 01000, Algeria
e-mail: fferroudji@yahoo.fr
en Milieu Saharien (URERMS),
Centre de Développement des Energies
Renouvelables (CDER),
Adrar 01000, Algeria
e-mail: fferroudji@yahoo.fr
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Cherif Khelifi,
Cherif Khelifi
Unité de Recherche en Energies Renouvelables
en Milieu Saharien (URERMS),
Centre de Développement des Energies
Renouvelables (CDER),
Adrar 01000, Algeria
e-mail: khelifiam@yahoo.fr
en Milieu Saharien (URERMS),
Centre de Développement des Energies
Renouvelables (CDER),
Adrar 01000, Algeria
e-mail: khelifiam@yahoo.fr
Search for other works by this author on:
Toufik Outtas
Toufik Outtas
Laboratoire de Mécanique des Structures et
Matériaux,
Université Batna 2,
Batna 05000, Algeria
e-mail: tf_outtas@hotmail.com
Matériaux,
Université Batna 2,
Batna 05000, Algeria
e-mail: tf_outtas@hotmail.com
Search for other works by this author on:
Fateh Ferroudji
Unité de Recherche en Energies Renouvelables
en Milieu Saharien (URERMS),
Centre de Développement des Energies
Renouvelables (CDER),
Adrar 01000, Algeria
e-mail: fferroudji@yahoo.fr
en Milieu Saharien (URERMS),
Centre de Développement des Energies
Renouvelables (CDER),
Adrar 01000, Algeria
e-mail: fferroudji@yahoo.fr
Cherif Khelifi
Unité de Recherche en Energies Renouvelables
en Milieu Saharien (URERMS),
Centre de Développement des Energies
Renouvelables (CDER),
Adrar 01000, Algeria
e-mail: khelifiam@yahoo.fr
en Milieu Saharien (URERMS),
Centre de Développement des Energies
Renouvelables (CDER),
Adrar 01000, Algeria
e-mail: khelifiam@yahoo.fr
Toufik Outtas
Laboratoire de Mécanique des Structures et
Matériaux,
Université Batna 2,
Batna 05000, Algeria
e-mail: tf_outtas@hotmail.com
Matériaux,
Université Batna 2,
Batna 05000, Algeria
e-mail: tf_outtas@hotmail.com
1Corresponding author.
Contributed by the Solar Energy Division of ASME for publication in the JOURNAL OF SOLAR ENERGY ENGINEERING: INCLUDING WIND ENERGY AND BUILDING ENERGY CONSERVATION. Manuscript received July 18, 2016; final manuscript received December 14, 2017; published online February 27, 2018. Assoc. Editor: Werner J. Platzer.
J. Sol. Energy Eng. Jun 2018, 140(3): 031004 (11 pages)
Published Online: February 27, 2018
Article history
Received:
July 18, 2016
Revised:
December 14, 2017
Citation
Ferroudji, F., Khelifi, C., and Outtas, T. (February 27, 2018). "Structural Dynamics Analysis of Three-Dimensional Bi-Axial Sun-Tracking System Structure Determined by Numerical Modal Analysis." ASME. J. Sol. Energy Eng. June 2018; 140(3): 031004. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4039272
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