Structural design methodology for solar concentrators subjected to wind loads

This paper develops and applies a new methodology for the structural design of solar concentrators under wind loads using the method of Finite Element Analysis (FEA), in order to obtain information on the structural characteristics to guarantee that the concentrator operation works under high wind loads. This methodology is applied to design a Scheffler Type Solar Concentrator (STSC) coupled to a Stirling engine in the city of Mexicali, B.C and the numerical results of this analysis allow to establish the materials dimensions and structural characteristics of solar concentrator with reflector area of 12.4 m2, subjected to wind loads up to 180 km/h, showing minor structural deformations of 0.005 m and a maximum stress of 27 MPa. In relation to the suggested methodology, this was verified by the deformation measurement of the concentrator. Finally, the methodology can be extrapolated to other regions adjusting wind loads. 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of ISES.