Sponsor
Portland State University. Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering
First Advisor
Raúl Bayoán Cal
Term of Graduation
Summer 2025
Date of Publication
9-10-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.) in Mechanical Engineering
Department
Mechanical and Materials Engineering
Language
English
Subjects
PIV, secondary flows, solar energy, surface roughness, turbulence, turbulent boundary layer
Physical Description
1 online resource (vii, 55 pages)
Abstract
This study investigates Prandtl's secondary flows of the second kind within the turbulent boundary layer over a newly defined type of surface roughness, e-type, which is characterized by roughness elements that are elevated from the wall. This e- type roughness is modeled after photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and its study driven by establishing a more robust understanding into how flow moves through solar arrays as the demand for renewable energy continues to grow.
Wind tunnel experiments using particle image velocimetry (PIV) were conducted over a scaled array of panels and explored how shifting the yaw angle of the array (angle at which the oncoming flow impacts the front of the panel) influences secondary flow structure development, size, strength, and spatial distribution. Fundamental turbulence statistics were analyzed to identify mechanisms of momentum transfer and energy transport as well as identify the generation and spatial persistence of secondary flow structures within the array and into the boundary layer. Results show that shifting yaw angle causes these secondary flow structures to grow and morph when compared to arrays that are aligned with the streamwise flow. These results indicate that yaw angle affects secondary flow structure generation, size and strength and may provide practical implications for optimizing array configuration to generate these motions within and above the array.
Rights
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Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/44125
Recommended Citation
Taylor, Katie Nicole, "Characterizing Secondary Flow Structures Over Scaled Solar Arrays and Investigating Impact of System Yaw Angle" (2025). Dissertations and Theses. Paper 6935.