Norwegian startup Over Easy has validated the wind resistance of a vertical solar photovoltaic system on roofs using CFD simulations. Simulations performed by the IFI Institut für Industrieaerodynamik GmbH confirm that the system does not experience an increase even at wind speeds of up to 47 meters per second.
The German IFI Institut für Industrieaerodynamik GmbH supported the company in measuring the wind resistance of the system.
“Wind tunnel tests on a 1:50 scale model equipped with 360 pressure taps were carried out in the large boundary layer wind tunnel laboratory at IFI Aachen”, managing director Trygve Mongstad told pv magazine. “Tests were done for different building heights and different impact angles of the building.”
The German institute certified that the vertical system has no lift even at wind speeds of up to 47 meters per second, according to Mongstad.
“All measurements and analyzes are in accordance with the German standards DIN EN 1991-1-4:2010-12, DIN EN 1991-1-4/NA:2010-12 and the German/Austrian/Swiss wind tunnel testing guideline. The Wind Engineering Association, WtG, and EN 1991-1-4:2005,” he said. “In addition, they comply with international codes such as ASCE 7-22 and ASCE 49-21.”
Currently, the company uses PERC cells with 77-81 percent bifaciality or HJT cells with 90 percent bifaciality in its demonstrations. The PV system, which includes the mounting system and the solar panels, comes in one pre-assembled package, so they are easy to install. Each unit measures 1,600mm x 1,510mm x 350mm, weighs 24.5kg and features an IP68 enclosure rating and 3.2mm double tempered glass.
Over Easy plans to work with manufacturing partners in China and Spain to start manufacturing solar modules. It currently uses solar cells from undisclosed Asian manufacturers.
