Experimental investigation of the mechanical behavior of photovoltaic modules at defined inflow conditions

The mechanical behavior of a photovoltaic (PV) module induced by aerodynamic loads is analyzed in a wind tunnel for three different wind velocities at varied azimuthal and inclination angles. The deformations and flow-induced vibrations of the PV module have been monitored by a displacement sensor. The frequencies of the monitored vibrations are analyzed by Fourier transformation. Finally, the damage potential at cell level caused by wind loads is investigated by electroluminescence. The aim of this work was to study the mechanical transfer behavior of the coupled fluid-structure interaction between the aerodynamic loads and the deformations and vibrations of the module, which is one aspect of the mechanically induced degradation of PV modules. (c) 2012 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). [DOI: 10.1117/1.JPE.2.022002]