Configuration Effects on Flow Dynamics and Convective Behavior in Large-Scale Solar Arrays

Effects of height and orientation within a model solar farm are studied with respect to heat transfer characteristics and flow mechanisms. Four configurations varying height and inclination were considered in a 4 × 10 unit, heated array. Temperature data compared panel surface convection, and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) captured corresponding velocity data. Array height increases produced greatest overall convection, promoting higher velocities and inducing sub-panel flow. Array reversal with respect to inflow captures high-momentum flow, increasing convective cooling on lower panel surfaces.