Using CFD to assess wind forces on a single-axis solar tracker

01 / THE CHALLENGE

Understand the load on a moving structure

Graphler Technology Solutions used Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) wind-tunnel modelling to investigate wind loading on a single-axis solar tracker. The assessment examined how the inclined modules affected the airflow and how pressure varied across the assembly.

A solar tracker changes its tilt to follow the sun. Its orientation to the wind therefore changes through operation, making the assessed position an essential part of any wind-load case.

The project connected a CFD assessment with finite element structural analysis. Wind-induced pressure fields were exported from the CFD model and mapped onto the structural model, providing spatially varying load inputs for the tracker assembly.

02 / OUR APPROACH

Place the tracker in a virtual wind tunnel

The wider assessment covered three wind cases. This case study focuses on the 45° configuration with a 17 m/s incoming wind shown in the project figures.

These speeds define the analysed cases. They are not presented as certified operating limits or a verified stow-transition threshold.

The full-scale virtual tunnel included space around the tracker and a boundary-layer representation of the incoming flow. GTS examined the flow around the inclined modules, the pressure field over their surfaces, and the associated loading for structural assessment.

The pressure-mapping step retained the spatial character of the aerodynamic loading for the structural analysis. The report also included the tracker's self-weight in its structural load assessment.

03 / THE FINDINGS

Pressure varied across the inclined modules

The predicted static-pressure contours showed a non-uniform distribution across the tracker modules. The full-assembly view and the close-up reveal how the pressure field changes over the module surface.

Flow around the tracker helps explain the loading

The velocity-vector view provides a complementary view of the airflow around the inclined panel and its support. Read together, the flow visualisation and pressure contours connect the surrounding air motion with the spatial loading on the geometry.

04 / ENGINEERING VALUE

Connect wind behaviour to component assessment

The assessment delivered spatial wind-pressure inputs for the structural model. This connected the CFD findings with the evaluation of the tracker components, including the posts, torque tube, rails and bearing assembly.

For a tracker project, this means defining each wind case around the relevant geometry, orientation and flow conditions, then carrying the resulting loads into the structural checks. The featured 45° case demonstrates that workflow.