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Wind Effects of Sun Tracking PV Cell Solar Panels

Energy is vital to the national security of the Unites States, both in terms of economic prosperity and operations of the military forces. In short term it is important that focus be placed on achieving higher energy efficiency and increasing supplies from all forms of renewable and alternative energy. Two of the most advanced renewable energy systems are wind systems and photovoltaic systems. However their potential is far from being fully explored and many challenges need to be resolved. The objectives of these project are to design and manufacture wind resistant photovoltaic systems capable of withstand a 3-second gust wind speed of 150 mph without the use of adhesives or additional ballasts, and to develop accelerated weathering tests in order to validate that the design products will last up to 20 years functioning under the appropriate design requirements.
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
Office of Naval Research
Navy
2016