A Review on Wind Effects and Wind Resistance Performance Improvement of Flexible Photovoltaic Supports
Sun Xiang *
North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, China.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Flexible photovoltaic (PV) support systems are widely used in mountainous, tidal, and integrated land-use settings due to their large span, light weight, and strong site adaptability. However, their high flexibility and low damping make them prone to wind-induced vibration and aerodynamic instability under strong winds, which limits large-scale application. This paper reviews research on wind load characteristics, dynamic response, wind-resistance improvement strategies, and construction and monitoring technologies. Key parameters, including tilt angle, prestress, row spacing, and array scale, are identified. Aerodynamic optimization, structural modification, and supplemental damping measures are compared, and recent progress in construction control and intelligent monitoring is outlined. Although existing studies support structural design, gaps remain in understanding fluid–structure interaction in large arrays, multi-strategy optimization, and integrated construction–operation safety control. Future work should develop a comprehensive wind-resistant design and lifecycle safety framework to improve structural reliability and practical performance.
Keywords: Flexible photovoltaic support system, wind-induced response, wind-resistance enhancement, vibration control, structural monitoring