Aeroelastic Stability of Solar Tracker: Wind Tunnel Testing

Souza, Rafael Rodrigues, Wetzel, Jonas, Fabri, Angelo Braz Fadini, Nogueira, Gilcimar Saraiva

ISES Solar World Congress 2025 · Fortaleza, Brazil · 2025-11-03
Published by International Solar Energy Society (ISES)

Abstract

This paper presents the aeroelastic characterization of the HexaTracker, a single-axis solar tracking system developed by Brametal, through wind tunnel tests conducted at CPP Wind (USA). The primary objective was to evaluate the structure's stability and inform the stow position strategy. Around 50 configurations were tested, covering various tracker characteristics and wind conditions. The results showed high critical wind speeds (Ucr), confirming the high torsional rigidity and structural damping of the HexaTracker. This allows for stow positions with low tilt angles, reducing structural demands on foundations, torque tubes, and PV modules.

Keywords

solar tracker, wind tunel, aeroelastic stability.

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