Configuration Effects on Flow Dynamics and Convective Behavior in Large-Scale Solar Arrays

Authors

Sarah E. Smith, Portland State University
Andrew Glick, Portland State University
Naseem Ali, Portland State UniversityFollow
Juliaan Bossuyt, Portland State University
James S. McNeal, Portland State UniversityFollow
Gerald W. Recktenwald, Portland State UniversityFollow
Marc Calaf, University of UtahFollow
Raul Bayoan Cal, Portland State UniversityFollow

Published In

2020 47th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference (PVSC)

Document Type

Citation

Publication Date

6-15-2020

Abstract

Effects of height and orientation within a model solar farm are studied with respect to heat transfer characteristics and flow mechanisms. Four configurations varying height and inclination were considered in a 4 × 10 unit, heated array. Temperature data compared panel surface convection, and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) captured corresponding velocity data. Array height increases produced greatest overall convection, promoting higher velocities and inducing sub-panel flow. Array reversal with respect to inflow captures high-momentum flow, increasing convective cooling on lower panel surfaces.

Rights

© Copyright 2021 IEEE - All rights reserved.

Locate the Document

https://doi.org/10.1109/PVSC45281.2020.9300740

DOI

10.1109/PVSC45281.2020.9300740

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/34874

Publisher

IEEE

Citation Details

Smith, S. E., Glick, A., Ali, N., Bossuyt, J., McNeal, J., Recktenwald, G., Calaf, M., & Cal, R. B. (2020). Configuration Effects on Flow Dynamics and Convective Behavior in Large-Scale Solar Arrays. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). https://doi.org/10.1109/pvsc45281.2020.9300740