The challenge
The manufacturer needed to qualify a tracker for sites with higher design wind speeds than its existing product, satisfy lender's engineers, and reduce steel weight to remain competitive.
Our approach
We developed wind-load cases from wind-tunnel-derived coefficients, ran static, buckling, fatigue and modal analyses of the full tracker row, optimised the torque tube section and bearing design, and audited the fabrication supplier's welding and galvanising quality.
The outcome
The tracker was qualified for 45 m/s sites with a documented design report accepted by the project's lender's engineer, with a reduction in steel per megawatt compared to the previous design.
Representative engagement. Client identity and certain project details are withheld or generalised under confidentiality agreements.