Numerical simulation of wind loads on an offshore PV panel: The effect of wave angle

Abstract

This numerical simulation determines the wind loads on a stand-alone solar panel in a marine environment. The initial angle of tilt is 20° and 40° and the wind is incident at an angle of 0-180° (in increments of 45°). The wave angle affects the motion of a pontoon. For a wave angle of 0-180° (in increments of 45°), the variation in the surface pressure pattern and the lift coefficient with the angle of incidence of wind and waves in a single period is determined. The lift force is determined by competing the tilt angle for the upper surface with respect to wind and variation in roll angle for a specific wave angle. The data are pertinent to structural design for photovoltaic systems in a marine environment.