Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1253-139X

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Spring 4-4-2025

Abstract

This study investigates wind load design methods for ground-mounted solar panels and arrays by comparing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations with design standards. A case study of a solar farm impacted by Hurricane Maria examines the effects of elevation height, tilt angle, and variations in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) standards on wind loads and structural failure. Turbulence models, including Reynolds Stress Model, k–ε Model, and Large Eddy Simulation (LES), are used to analyze wind pressures, lift, drag, and peak pressures. Results show Phase 1 experienced higher wind loads than Phase 2 due to design differences. A cost-benefit analysis reveals rebuilding after Hurricane Maria increased costs by 50%, whereas incorporating actual wind load considerations into the original design would have raised costs by only 2%. These findings highlight the critical importance of accurate wind load assessments in minimizing failure risks and optimizing lifecycle costs.

Comments

Aly, Aly Mousaad. “Advancing Solar Farm Resilience: CFD-Driven Wind Load Optimization.” WISE Research Lab, Louisiana State University, 2025.

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