AUSTIN, Texas, March 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As solar
adoption reaches new levels, FTC Solar (NASDAQ: FTCI) has
co-authored a whitepaper with wind engineering
experts RWDI and structural engineering firm Engineered
Power Solutions (EPS) on the wind mitigation strategy of
FTC's unique single axis tracker, Voyager. This strategy -
combining a zero-degree wind stow position with proprietary
dampening technology – was independently characterized through wind
tunnel testing carried out by RWDI. The result is a solar tracker
platform that alleviates the effects of static and dynamic wind
loading, preventing catastrophic failure and revenue loss.
"Due to the high level of torsional damping in the model from
the dampers, divergent oscillations indicative of aerodynamic
instability were not observed in the configurations with at least
one damper per half." - Page 13 of RWDI's report RWDI #1802993,
July 30, 2021
Through testing wind speeds between 105 and 150 mph, RWDI
determined that the Voyager tracker remains stable. This unique
damping technology is essential as it prevents wind from affecting
the surface of the modules, which can ultimately lead to
catastrophic failures.
"These large surface area modules with the frames at the outer
edge, behave dynamically in new ways that traditional design
approaches can't analyze. This can lead to microcracking and cell
failure that is not visible to the naked eye," said Nagendra Cherukupalli, Chief Technical Officer
at FTC Solar. "To alleviate these issues, FTC Solar is pioneering
the use of multi-body dynamics simulation to fully characterize the
dynamic behavior of Single Axis Trackers (SATs)."
To prevent wind damage during PV plant construction FTC Solar
attaches dampers to each row before the modules and sets the row to
zero-degree stow, meaning no power or commissioning is required to
protect the row from wind effects. Ultimately, this allows each row
to be shielded and keeps installers in the field safe.
FTC Solar unveiled its newest Voyager+ Tracker in
September 2021, which brought 2P
tracking technology to the market to support the transition toward
larger format modules and more complex sites.
To view the complete FTC Wind Mitigation whitepaper, visit
www.ftcsolar.com/wind. .
About FTC Solar Inc.
Founded in 2017 by a group
of renewable energy industry veterans, FTC Solar is a fast-growing,
global provider of solar tracker systems, technology, software, and
engineering services. Solar trackers significantly increase energy
production at solar power installations by dynamically optimizing
solar panel orientation to the sun. FTC Solar's innovative tracker
designs provide compelling performance and reliability, with an
industry-leading installation cost-per-watt advantage.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains
forward looking statements. These statements are not historical
facts but rather are based on our current expectations and
projections regarding our business, operations and other factors
relating thereto. Words such as "may," "will," "could," "would,"
"should," "anticipate," "predict," "potential," "continue,"
"expects," "intends," "plans," "projects," "believes," "estimates"
and similar expressions are used to identify these forward looking
statements. These statements are only predictions and as such are
not guarantees of future performance and involve risks,
uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Actual
results may differ materially from those in the forward looking
statements as a result of a number of factors, including those
described in more detail in our filings with the U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission, including the section entitled "Risk
Factors" contained therein.
FTC Solar undertakes no duty or obligation to update any
forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of
new information, future events or changes in its expectations,
except as required by law.
Media Contact:
Technica Communications for FTC
Solar
Gabrielle Reitano, Account
Manager
ftcsolar@technicacommunications.com
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SOURCE FTC Solar