STRUCTURAL STABILITY AND FATIGUE ASSESSMENTS OF DUAL-AXIS SOLAR TRACKERS USING FINITE ELEMENTS ANALYSIS

Abstract

The use of advanced technologies to increase the amount of solar irradiance received,
using solar tracking systems, is an important development that will enhance the efficiency of solar
modules’ ability to produce energy. However, solar trackers are vulnerable to failure or collapse, due to
aerodynamic loads. This study analyses a dual-axis tracking model, using finite elements numerical
modelling, to assess its structural stability and fatigue under static and cyclic loads. A rectangular solar
tracker, with an area of 27.4 m² is investigated, using COMSOL Multiphysics 5.3 software. The results
demonstrate that the maximum von Mises stress obtained is 92.51 MPa, which is less than the yield stress
(200 MPa), and that the resulting safety value is 2.16. The maximum settlement obtained is 19 mm. In
addition, the maximum usage fatigue factor obtained is 0.046. The study therefore concludes that the solar
tracker structure satisfies the design requirements of the stability and fatigue criteria. Moreover, it
concludes the ground concerned is stable, and exhibits only a slight amount of settlement that falls within
the acceptable range, according to geotechnical engineering design.