Mechanical Performance and Stress Redistribution Mechanisms in Photovoltaic Support Connections: A Finite-Element-Driven Design Optimization Study

The photovoltaic industry plays a critical role in promoting global sustainability. Enhancing the reliability of photovoltaic structures is essential for achieving sustainable development. This study involved the analysis of a photovoltaic power generation project in Hubei Province to compare differ...

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Main Authors: Deli Zhang, Ruwei Wang, Juan Liu, Xuanming Huang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Applied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/6/3174
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author Deli Zhang
Ruwei Wang
Juan Liu
Xuanming Huang
author_facet Deli Zhang
Ruwei Wang
Juan Liu
Xuanming Huang
author_sort Deli Zhang
collection DOAJ
description The photovoltaic industry plays a critical role in promoting global sustainability. Enhancing the reliability of photovoltaic structures is essential for achieving sustainable development. This study involved the analysis of a photovoltaic power generation project in Hubei Province to compare differences in the structural loads of photovoltaic supports as outlined in Chinese, American, and European codes. Additionally, the ABAQUS numerical simulation was used to investigate the mechanical characteristics of photovoltaic support joint connections and analyze the causes of structural deformation. Innovative joint connections were proposed to optimize the structural performance of photovoltaic supports. The results showed that photovoltaic supports designed using Chinese codes exhibit lower reliability compared to those designed using American and European codes. Specifically, at least three bolts should be installed at the purlin hanger to connect the purlin and the beam. Z-shaped and Π-shaped purlin hangers are recommended for connecting beams and purlins, as they reduce joint deformation while preventing excessive stress in L-shaped purlin hangers. C-shaped steel is suggested for braces, offering both ease of construction and structural reliability. The proposed connection design minimizes additional steel consumption while enhancing overall performance.
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institution Kabale University
issn 2076-3417
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publishDate 2025-03-01
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spelling doaj-art-1770cada90434384b6538d8ada86a6a12025-08-20T03:43:30ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-03-01156317410.3390/app15063174Mechanical Performance and Stress Redistribution Mechanisms in Photovoltaic Support Connections: A Finite-Element-Driven Design Optimization StudyDeli Zhang0Ruwei Wang1Juan Liu2Xuanming Huang3China Academy of Building Research, Beijing 100013, ChinaCABR Testing Center Co., Ltd., Beijing 100021, ChinaChina Institute of Building Standard Design & Research, Beijing 100048, ChinaChina Academy of Building Research, Beijing 100013, ChinaThe photovoltaic industry plays a critical role in promoting global sustainability. Enhancing the reliability of photovoltaic structures is essential for achieving sustainable development. This study involved the analysis of a photovoltaic power generation project in Hubei Province to compare differences in the structural loads of photovoltaic supports as outlined in Chinese, American, and European codes. Additionally, the ABAQUS numerical simulation was used to investigate the mechanical characteristics of photovoltaic support joint connections and analyze the causes of structural deformation. Innovative joint connections were proposed to optimize the structural performance of photovoltaic supports. The results showed that photovoltaic supports designed using Chinese codes exhibit lower reliability compared to those designed using American and European codes. Specifically, at least three bolts should be installed at the purlin hanger to connect the purlin and the beam. Z-shaped and Π-shaped purlin hangers are recommended for connecting beams and purlins, as they reduce joint deformation while preventing excessive stress in L-shaped purlin hangers. C-shaped steel is suggested for braces, offering both ease of construction and structural reliability. The proposed connection design minimizes additional steel consumption while enhancing overall performance.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/6/3174photovoltaic supportsjoint connectionsfinite element analysisdesign optimization
spellingShingle Deli Zhang
Ruwei Wang
Juan Liu
Xuanming Huang
Mechanical Performance and Stress Redistribution Mechanisms in Photovoltaic Support Connections: A Finite-Element-Driven Design Optimization Study
Applied Sciences
photovoltaic supports
joint connections
finite element analysis
design optimization
title Mechanical Performance and Stress Redistribution Mechanisms in Photovoltaic Support Connections: A Finite-Element-Driven Design Optimization Study
title_full Mechanical Performance and Stress Redistribution Mechanisms in Photovoltaic Support Connections: A Finite-Element-Driven Design Optimization Study
title_fullStr Mechanical Performance and Stress Redistribution Mechanisms in Photovoltaic Support Connections: A Finite-Element-Driven Design Optimization Study
title_full_unstemmed Mechanical Performance and Stress Redistribution Mechanisms in Photovoltaic Support Connections: A Finite-Element-Driven Design Optimization Study
title_short Mechanical Performance and Stress Redistribution Mechanisms in Photovoltaic Support Connections: A Finite-Element-Driven Design Optimization Study
title_sort mechanical performance and stress redistribution mechanisms in photovoltaic support connections a finite element driven design optimization study
topic photovoltaic supports
joint connections
finite element analysis
design optimization
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/6/3174
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AT ruweiwang mechanicalperformanceandstressredistributionmechanismsinphotovoltaicsupportconnectionsafiniteelementdrivendesignoptimizationstudy
AT juanliu mechanicalperformanceandstressredistributionmechanismsinphotovoltaicsupportconnectionsafiniteelementdrivendesignoptimizationstudy
AT xuanminghuang mechanicalperformanceandstressredistributionmechanismsinphotovoltaicsupportconnectionsafiniteelementdrivendesignoptimizationstudy