Researchers from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have published a study titled “Field measurements reveal insights into the impact of turbulent wind on loads experienced by parabolic trough solar collectors” in TIB Open Publishing. The study highlights the influence of wind conditions on the optical efficiency and structural integrity of solar collectors in concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP) plants. By analyzing field measurements of wind and structural loads from an operational CSP plant, the research reveals significant alterations to the wind field within the collector area, particularly under perpendicular winds to trough rows. These changes include reduced wind speeds, shifts in wind direction, turbulence variations, and vortex shedding, which lead to higher wind loads compared to wind tunnel tests. The findings aim to inform the development of improved design tools and models for next-generation parabolic trough systems, enhancing structural integrity and optical performance.
NREL Study Sheds Light on Wind’s Impact on Solar Collectors
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