Project Description

Sedona Energy Labs has previously designed and prototyped two solar tracking systems: one for roof mounting and one for ground mounting. Wind loading analysis of the ground mounted tracking system needs to be conducted in order to comply with International Electromechanical Commission (IEC) standards. In order to be sure the system has a reliable structure it will be necessary to test the system to withstand the minimum requirements outlined in the IEC6xxxx, which is the most current specification document for solar tracking systems.  Backing these tests will be a set of theoretical calculations and virtual analysis.  The virtual analysis will be done using the finite element analysis software known as Geostar. The requirements for this project are detailed in the following list.

The requirements for this project include:

• The delivery of a detailed report containing the findings from the subsequent wind loading analysis performed on the system. This report will explain the theory and validity of the tests and their results.
  
• The delivery of a detailed report outlining a method for testing the system in a natural environment
• Technical drawings of the IT2000

The following is a proposal of our team’s services to Sedona Energy Labs. We plan to deliver an in depth wind loading analysis of the current solar tracking system, as well as make any recommendations regarding the improvement of the system.  We will ensure that all testing and analysis is done in order to meet the standard for functional operation of the arrays. We will also provide engineering drawings done in SolidWorks of the IT2000 system as well as submit any subsequent research.