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High or low tilt angles for single-axis trackers in extreme winds – a different approach

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Ensuring the stability of solar tracking systems and modules during wind events is one of the top concerns of solar site owners, project developers, and EPC contractors. A poorly designed single-axis tracker can result in damage to solar trackers and modules, leading to costly downtime, insurance claims. Our webinar partner Array Technologies will detail its passive wind mitigation system, which allows individual rows to assume a 52° tilt position if winds pick up.

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Discover an innovative strategy to mitigate risk of damage from wind events

Ensuring the stability of solar tracking systems and modules during wind events is one of the top concerns of solar site owners, project developers, and EPC contractors. A poorly designed single-axis tracker can result in damage to solar trackers and modules, leading to costly downtime, insurance claims.

In this pv magazine webinar, our partner Array Technologies will detail its passive wind mitigation system, which allows individual rows to assume a 52° tilt position. Lucas Creasy and Jon Sharp from Array Technologies take us on a deep dive into Array’s patented approach to what, they say, is a failure-free wind mitigation system in both low and high wind events.

Also joining the webinar will be Matthew Brown from wind tunnel laboratory RWDI, who will share his insights on wind tunnel methodology concerning single-axis trackers. Additionally, Brown will tell us about the different flow patterns, turbulence, and vortices that manifest themselves in high-, medium-, and low tilt behavior during strong wind conditions. Brown will also explain the most common load effects that torture trackers in windswept fields.

Join our webinar for an explanation of scale model methods for deriving tracker wind loads in a wind tunnel, and of the dangers posed to solar assets by both low and high wind.

Webinar Content:

  • Most prominent load effects on single-axis trackers
  • Typical wind mitigation methods
  • Array’s patented approach to wind mitigation in both low and high wind events
  • Different flow patterns in different tilt angles

Be part of the conversation!

Questions can be submitted beforehand or during the webinar through a chat window.

Speakers

Lucas Creasy, Vice President of Engineering, Array Technologies

Lucas Creasy is in charge of Array’s engineering organization with a driving focus on growth through innovation. He has over 16 years of product design, development & engineering experience. Prior to joining Array, Lucas worked in the automotive industry where he managed high performing engineering teams and led a multi-million-dollar pilot program executing the world’s first co-created self-driving vehicle. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering from Western Illinois University, and an MBA from Quincy University.

Jon Sharp, Vice President of Advanced Technology, Array Technologies

Jon Sharp is the Vice President of Advanced Technology at Array Technologies. In this role he is responsible for evaluating new product ideas and business opportunities as the market continues to evolve. Sharp has over 25 years of grid interactive off-grid experience in the photovoltaics industry including solar cell device research, device measurements, thin film deposition, PV system design, PV system installation, sales, product marketing, performance modeling, customer training, project and program management, business analytics, and business development.

Matthew Brown, Technical Director/Principal, RWDI

Matthew Browne is a principal and technical director in RWDI’s Wind Loading Group and has been with the company for over 20 years. RWDI clients’ projects are enhanced by Matthew’s insights into wind loading on rooftop and ground-mounted solar energy systems from both technical and project management perspectives. In recent years, he has given special focus to wind effects on single-axis trackers. Matthew’s expertise in cladding and structural wind load studies of tall buildings, long-span roofs and unique structures including solar energy systems has been recognized at home in Canada and internationally. In addition to his specialized engineering capabilities, Matthew has a focused and effective style of leadership that helps drive projects to successful outcomes.

Moderators

Marian Willuhn | Editor, pv magazine

Covering news on power electronics, start-ups and inverters, Marian writes for pv magazine’s international, Australian and German news platforms. He also helps edit the German print magazine. Marian previously worked as a PR-advisor for different clients in the renewable energy business.

Tim Sylvia | Editor, pv magazine USA

Tim Sylvia is an associate editor at pv magazine USA. A graduate of Hood College, Tim has been with pv magazine since May 2018. Tim covers project development, legal issues and renewable energy legislation, as well as contributing to the daily Morning Brief.

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