Analysis on flutter performance of flexible photovoltaic support based on full-order method

Abstract

Taking a three-cable flexible photovoltaic(PV)support structure as the research subject, a finite element model was established. Utilizing a full-order flutter analysis method, the flutter critical wind speed and flutter frequency of the flexible PV support structure at a tilt angle of 0° were calculated. The results showed good agreement with wind tunnel test data. Further analysis examined the pretension effects in the load-bearing and stabilizing cables on the natural frequency and flutter critical wind speed of the flexible PV support structure. The research findings indicate increasing the pretension in the load-bearing cables significantly raises the natural frequencies of the first four modes. Specifically, as the pretension in the load-bearing cables increases from 22 to 102 kN, the flutter critical wind speed rises from 17.1 to 21.6 m/s. By contrast, the pretension in the stabilizing cable has a smaller effect on the natural frequency and flutter critical wind speed of the flexible PV support structure. When the pretension in the stabilizing cable increased from 22 to 102 kN, the flutter critical wind speed increased from 17.1 to 17.7 m/s. For wind-resistant design of flexible PV support structures, it is recommended to prioritize increasing the pretension in the load-bearing cables to enhance the structural flutter performance.