Using existing fences as near-zero-cost racking solution for PV deployment – pv magazine International
American researchers have proposed utilizing metal zip ties to connect photo voltaic modules to the fences of animal farms as an inexpensive racking resolution for agrivoltaic functions. They discovered that the proposed technique is technically and economically possible, if cautious wind load exams are carried out on the fences.
A gaggle of US-Canadian scientists has proposed using current fences in animal farms as an inexpensive racking resolution for photo voltaic modules.
“That is most likely the lowest-cost technique of racking,” corresponding writer of the analysis, Joshua M. Pearce, stated. pv journal. “What we did was present that no less than one PV module between two straight posts is mechanically acceptable for each kind of standard farm fence. On this case, racking is sort of free. “
Researchers have recognized three predominant fence sorts: fences based mostly on a number of battens positioned between predominant posts to help the fence wire; fences utilizing posts to which wires or fence mesh are connected; and fences that use prefabricated meshes in several designs that go well with the wants and generally aesthetics. “Often for fences, excessive tensile metal wire and gentle metal wire are generally used,” they stated. “Their diametric dimensions are normally 4 mm, 3.15 mm and a pair of.5 mm for prime tensile (HT) wire and gentle metal wires.”
To find out if an current fence can be utilized for photo voltaic deployment, builders should first examine whether or not the fence can face up to a sure wind load in a sure location with the addition of PV panels. , in addition to the topological, geographical and climatic challenges of the area. . Concerning this, the group stated that particular consideration needs to be given to the road submit measurement and distance play, including that the primary issues to contemplate are the peak of the fence, footing depth, design and mesh measurement of the mesh, in addition to the fabric power of the poles.
The scientists additionally defined that wind load measurements needs to be made utilizing the Principal Wind Power Resisting System (MWFRS) and Parts & Cladding (C&C) strategies, in addition to the Open Supply Wind Load Calculator, which is a software used to calculate wind. load on a fence in a given area of the USA. “This system outputs wind masses by way of base shear pressure in pound pressure (lbf) and base second in ft pound pressure (ft-lbf),” they specified, including that they calculated a spread of wind masses from 80 mph. to 150 mph (129 km/h to 241 km/h).
The lecturers performed a sequence of discipline exams utilizing three Cheetah HC 72 M monocrystalline PERC panels manufactured by China-based JinkoSolar. They are saying their set up is definitely completed by two individuals, with mounting a module requiring seven minutes and a complete of 4 zip-ties.
Additionally they carried out a sequence of simulations for retrofitting current farm fencing for a variety of farms, together with sheep, goats, pigs, cows, and alpacas, and located photo voltaic tasks based mostly on the proposed technique that might be economical in the USA.
“The price of the racking retrofit is simply the price of 4 chrome steel zip ties per module, which may be bought in 120 packages for $11 or about 37 cents per module,” they defined. “If the modules have energy from 250 to 500 W then the price of racking an current fence is lower than a penny a Watt.”
Pearce stated the analysis staff additionally outlined what can be the very best inverter technique relying on how a lot vitality a farmer wants. “Small farmers can use the free e-book to arrange the design for the system, do the set up with steel zip ties themselves, after which simply have to name an electrician. to connect to the grid,” he concluded.
The scientists offered their findings within the paper “The potential for fencing for use as low cost photo voltaic photovoltaic racking,” printed in Photo voltaic Power. “Future work is required to find out the complete scope of the advantages of this technique of vertical PV agricultural fencing on a worldwide scale,” they stated, wanting ahead to how the proposed technique may be improved.
The analysis staff consists of lecturers from Western College in Canada and Michigan Technological College in the USA.
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