scholarly journals Experimental Results of Pitching Moment Tests on Parabolic-Trough Solar-Collector Array Configurations

1984 ◽  
Vol 106 (2) ◽  
pp. 223-230
Author(s):  
D. E. Randall ◽  
R. E. Tate ◽  
D. A. Powers

Two wind-tunnel tests were conducted to investigate specifically the pitching moment characteristics of parabolic-trough solar-collector modules deployed within a collector array. The collector modules were located within various rows of a simulated array configuration to investigate shielding effects from upstream collector rows and/or windscreen fences. Selected fence configurations and fence spacing upstream from the initial array row were studied. The test results demonstrate that pitching moment is significantly reduced by shielding provided by upstream fencing or collector rows.

1981 ◽  
Vol 103 (4) ◽  
pp. 313-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. E. Randall ◽  
D. D. McBride ◽  
R. E. Tate

Two wind-tunnel force and moment tests have been conducted on parabolic-trough solar collector configurations. The two tests were conducted in different flow field environments, one a uniform flow infinite airstream, the second a simulated atmospheric boundary layer flow with the models simulating a ground-mounted installation. The force and moment characteristics of both isolated single-module troughs and of trough modules within array configurations have been defined over both operational and stow attitudes. The influence of various geometric design parameters for collector modules and arrays has been established. Data indicate that forces and in general the pitching moment increase with mounting height and with trough aspect ratio. Collector modules interior to large arrays experience wind force reductions as high as 50–65 percent, while appropriate fences or berms surrounding the arrays can provide exterior modules with protection of this order.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 1596
Author(s):  
Xin Xu ◽  
Qiang Li ◽  
Dawei Liu ◽  
Keming Cheng ◽  
Dehua Chen

A special V-shaped support for blended wing body aircraft was designed and applied in high-speed wind tunnel tests. In order to reduce the support interference and explore the design criteria of the V-shaped support, interference characteristics and geometric parameter effects of V-shaped support on blended wing body aircraft were numerically studied. According to the numerical results, the corresponding dummy V-shaped supports were designed and manufactured, and verification tests was conducted in a 2.4 m × 2.4 m transonic wind tunnel. The test results were in good agreement with the numerical simulation. Results indicated that pitching moment of blended wing body aircraft is quite sensitive to the V-shaped support geometric parameters, and the influence of the inflection angle is the most serious. To minimize the pitching moment interference, the straight-section diameter and inflection angle should be increased while the straight-section length should be shortened. The results could be used to design special V-shaped support for blended wing body aircraft in wind tunnel tests, reduce support interference, and improve the accuracy of test results.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document