Volume 2: Innovative Solutions for Energy Transitions: Part I

Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) Modelling of Solar Panel Installations in Buildings for Typhoon Resilience Conrad Allan Jay Pantua, John Kaiser Calautit, Yupeng Wu

Abstract

Current renewable energy mounting technologies with its different installation methods, and mounting locations are consequently affected by wind loads differently. Using the FSI approach, this study evaluated solar panels attached to the gabled roof of a single detached low-rise building. The building was subjected to typhoon strength winds in an urban environment using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis. A typhoon’s Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL) flow simulation was conducted to predict the pressure coefficient distribution around the structure. A validated structural model of the support attached to the roof was then developed, and the analysis performed using FSI to predict deflections, stress concentration areas and potential failure in the structural supports and attachments. The results of the study showed the weaknesses in the current design considering the roof shape, pitch, structural support, arrangements and materials. Results show areas of failure in the panels with regards to wind angle direction and installation location.

Keywords Typhoon, Computational Fluid Dynamics; Finite element analysis, Fluid structure interaction, Urban environment, Buildings