Investigation on load distribution characteristics and zoning method for large-scale PV arrays under varying wind conditions

Accurate assessment of the wind load on photovoltaic (PV) modules is essential to ensure the structural safety and economic performance of PV power plants. Current studies primarily focus on small-scale PV arrays, such as single-row or eight-row configurations, whereas wind loads on large-scale arrays remain insufficiently investigated. The present study sought to elucidate the wind pressure distribution characteristics of large-scale PV arrays. To this end, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation methods were employed to analyze the wind pressure distribution of PV arrays with different numbers of rows under a perpendicular wind direction, as well as that of a 32-row array under various tilt and wind direction angles. The results indicate that the number of rows has a limited effect on the mean wind pressure coefficient of the row but significantly influences pressures at the array edges. At β = 20 °, as the number of rows increased, the wind pressure coefficient of the components at the edge position increased by 42%. At β = 30 °, it increased by 35%, at β = 10 °, it increased by 24%. Oblique wind direction is a key factor influencing wind load zoning and the magnitude of wind pressures on PV arrays. Under oblique wind conditions, extreme pressures occur at the array edges, particularly at P1R1 and P32R1, where the maximum value is 555% higher than the minimum. For PV arrays with small tilt angles, a 165° wind direction induces localized flow acceleration, leading to increased negative pressure on the leeward module surfaces within the affected region. Based on the non-uniform characteristics of wind pressure distribution, a four-zone model is proposed, along with recommended wind pressure coefficients that balance economic efficiency and structural safety.