First experimental study of non-synoptic wind actions on solar panels

The von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics recently conducted measurements in the WindEEE Dome (Western University) as part of the ERIES-SOLAR "Non-synoptic wind loads on solar panels" project, which ran from January 15th to January 26th, 2025. This project, a collaboration between the University of Zagreb / Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Universidade da Coruña, and the von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics, is funded by the European Commission under the HORIZON-INFRA-2021-SERV-01-07 Engineering Research Infrastructures for European Synergies (ERIES) programme.

This groundbreaking project marks the first experimental study of non-synoptic wind actions on solar panels.

The VKI work package focused on:

1.    Non-synoptic wind loads acting on solar panels will be studied by taking high frequency pressure integration technique to measure aerodynamic forces and moments acting on a solar panel situated in an array of solar panels.  Based upon the gained knowledge, it is expected that the guidelines can be suggested for improved resilience of solar panels exposed to non-synoptic winds. Furthermore, this set of experimental data will serve as validation for subsequent CFD simulations.
2.    The complementary use of the WindEEE equipment with airborne anemometry will be a novelty enabling the general assessment of the feasibility of this approach in wind-tunnel testing. Mini-drone measurements will be carried out first to determine flow characteristics of the non-synoptic (tornado, downburst, bora) wind simulations created in the WindEEE Dome. This will be performed by 2D sonic anemometer installed on the mini drone flying in the WindEEE Dome.

The concept of drone-based ultrasonic anemometry involves the utilisation of drones equipped with ultrasonic sensors for the measurement of wind speeds and directions. This methodology finds common application in the domains of atmospheric studies, wind engineering, and renewable energy assessments. The employment of drones enables the collection of wind data at diverse locations without the necessity of extensive ground-based instrumentation. This method facilitates the acquisition of measurements in remote and inaccessible regions, as well as the collection of data at specific altitudes, which would be impractical with conventional anemometry configurations.

A special thanks to the WindEEE team for their invaluable support!