Design and Analysis of a Solar Panel Mount for Existing Utility Scale Wind Turbines

Abstract

This project consists of a design and analysis of a solar panel mount for existing utility scale wind turbines. This project aims at a design that will attach to an existing wind turbine tower and hold an array of ten solar panels without causing serious deflection or stress onto the wind turbine tower. First, small scale examples were researched and discussed by the senior design team. The advantages and disadvantages of each example were analyzed to aide in creating a final design for this project. Then, four critical design iterations were considered before coming to the final design. Design Iteration 1 has solar tracking capabilities and therefor required too much maintenance. Design Iteration 2 was bulky and above the allowable weight. Design Iteration 3 was reduced in weight by almost 75% and unnecessary stress points were removed. This design had too much deflection on the solar panel frame when applicable loads were applied according to load analysis and FEA. The final chosen design, Design Iteration 4, had a reduced solar panel frame deflection, as the upper and lower arms were spread apart to evenly distribute the loaded weight. A finite element model of the final mount was made to ensure the mount’s structural integrity under normal loading and 90 mph wind loads. The project resulted in a designed solar panel mount for existing utility scale wind turbine towers that: weighs less than 15,000 pounds, fits a specific wind turbine (GE 1.5 MW), holds 10 individual solar panels, angles the solar panels 50 degrees form horizontal, has a factor of safety greater than 6, and does not cause damage to the wind turbine tower.