Proposal of FEM analysis model with three-dimensional elastic beam element in order to design the support structure for ground installation type of photovoltaic power generation system

Abstract

In recent years, the use of renewable energy has been dramatically increased all over the world. Especially the photovoltaics power generation system is attracting wide attention, and the scale of market is expanding. In Japan, the introduction of photovoltaic system is beginning to advance, and the number of large-scale solar power plants has been rapidly increasing because the Feed-in Tariff Law (FIT) for renewable electric energy takes effect from July 1, 2012. However, accidents have frequently occurred under the rapid spread of photovoltaic power generation system. The support structures of the system were deformed or destroyed due to strong wind or heavy snow when the support structure was designed improperly. The main cause is considered to be a mistake in the structural calculation model, especially the model for joint parts. In this study, we conducted a full-scale experiment by simulating wind load and snow load on photovoltaic system. Furthermore, it was examined whether the joint parts model proposed by the Authors is valid for safety design of the support structure. In addition, we examined the stress condition and deformation of a member where buckling occurs, then, the buckling load was obtained by using the FEM model.

Keywords

• fem analysis
• photovoltaic power generation system
• support structure design
• buckling of member