Project Team
Student(s)
Derek Dierolf
Engineering Science and Mechanics
Penn State University
Mentor(s)
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Project Video
Project Abstract
The solution of distributed and utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for electricity generation replaces conventional electricity-generating technologies such as coal, oil, and natural gas power plants. Solar PV panels are not maintenance-free. A comprehensive investigation is conducted on the solar PV panels to maximize the chance of survival during a natural disaster, such as hurricane. We performed a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis with high-fidelity on a single PV panel with different panel design options (angles, shapes, w/ protrusions). Based on the computational wind tunnel test result, we output the maximum wall shear, pressure and velocity profile, and provide suggestions to optimize and enhance the current structural design of the existing solar PV panel. This project aims to decline in costs for PV installation and operation, making them competitive with conventional generating sources in many parts of the world.
Project Poster
https://sites.psu.edu/climatedrawdown2020/files/formidable/6/Drawdown-Final-Poster-.pdf