Wind Uplift-Solar Panels
Wind Uplift-Solar Panels
(OP)
Please see the attached rough sketch. Existing prefab building, built in mid 80s, new solar panels to be installed @ one corner.
My question is how would I determine wind pressure, specifically uplift, on these panels. The panels are not sitting right on top of the roof, there is a 3" gap. I was wondering if the leeward wind pressure on the roof could then be applied to these panels. So in essence I would double my leeward uplift on some portion of the roof.
My question is how would I determine wind pressure, specifically uplift, on these panels. The panels are not sitting right on top of the roof, there is a 3" gap. I was wondering if the leeward wind pressure on the roof could then be applied to these panels. So in essence I would double my leeward uplift on some portion of the roof.






RE: Wind Uplift-Solar Panels
Beyond that, if there's budget, you could try a wind tunnel approach.
RE: Wind Uplift-Solar Panels
If it is placed that close I would tend to think from a basic fluid mechanics standpoint that your suction would not be THAT much higher than normal roof pressures for those zones, but what does that mean- 10%? 20%?
If placed a few feet off the roof surface, I would tend to model it as a separate open monoslope roof structure. But I will keep listening if others have good ideas...
RE: Wind Uplift-Solar Panels
RE: Wind Uplift-Solar Panels
This follows the same principle that has us put vents in our eaves, to allow pressures to equalize.
Michael.
Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.
RE: Wind Uplift-Solar Panels
RE: Wind Uplift-Solar Panels
RE: Wind Uplift-Solar Panels
RE: Wind Uplift-Solar Panels
RE: Wind Uplift-Solar Panels
RE: Wind Uplift-Solar Panels
Actually it acts towards the centre of the earth so if you look at the ends of the panel the components of gravity are inclined towards each other and will actually induce a compression in the panel from the force component.
RE: Wind Uplift-Solar Panels
RE: Wind Uplift-Solar Panels
I have been providing it to code agencies that question my calculation methods, and all of them (so far) have been quite receptive.
Mike
RE: Wind Uplift-Solar Panels