Wind-Resistant Configuration of Double-Layer Cable-Supported Flexible Photovoltaic Array Based on Interference Effect Analysis

This study investigates the wind-resistant configuration of a seven-row single-span double-layer cable-supported photovoltaic (PV) array through conducting systematic analysis of the interference effect. Wind tunnel pressure measurement tests were conducted on a rigid model to obtain the wind force coefficients and torque coefficients under different wind directions. The time histories of wind pressure obtained from the tests were imported into a finite element (FE) model to calculate the vertical displacement and torsional angle responses. The wind-induced responses of different configurations with varying quantities and arrangements of longitudinal connections and wind-resistant cables were analyzed. The results indicate that in the case of head-on wind, wind force is the most unfavorable, and the correlation between wind force and torque is relatively low. In the case of oblique incoming flow, torque is the most adverse, and the correlation between wind force and torque increases. Directions of vertical displacement are opposite in windward and leeward wind scenarios, but directions of torsion angle remain consistent. Overall, the wind-induced responses at mid-span are greater than those at the edge, and the first-row response is more significant than that of the subsequent rows. The wind-induced vibration under windward flow conditions is more adverse when compared to that under leeward flow conditions. However, the downstream adverse interference effect caused by leeward incoming flow is more prominent. Based on the comprehensive analysis of wind loads and wind-induced responses, the whole structure is divided into three zones, namely, wind-induced response control zone, local wind pressure control zone, and wind effect transition zone. A wind-resistant configuration with longitudinal connection arrangements considering both safety and economic benefits is proposed, which provides a reference for the wind-resistant design of similar structures.