Citation:
Abstract:
As compared to a fixed Photovoltaic (PV) system, a two axis solar tracker system can increase electrical energy production from 35% to 45% in a year. Vibration characteristic is an essential factor in evaluating the reliability and stability of solar tracker structure during operating course. In this paper, the free vibration behaviour (modal analysis) of 12 kW two axis PV solar tracker structure is investigated numerically. The modal analysis by using commercial finite element package (SOLIDWORKS SIMULATION) to identify the modal parameters of the tracker structure (natural frequencies and corresponding modal shapes). The simulation results obtained for tracker structure at maximum elevation angle (60deg) indicate that no resonant problem (according to ASHRAE Standard) during solar tracker operation under wind load (from 0 to 36 m/s).