To investigate wind load characteristics of dual-slope photovoltaic arrays

wind tunnel tests with rigid models were conducted to study the effects of wind direction

inclination angle and spacing of photovoltaic modules on mean wind pressure coefficients

shape coefficients

interference factors

and extreme wind pressure coefficients. The mechanism of wind pressure distribution in the vulnerable areas of photovoltaic modules was discussed through the analysis of wind pressure spectra. Recommendations for wind loads were proposed by comparing the results with Chinese and American load codes. The results show that the most unfavorable wind directions for the shape coefficients of windward and leeward photovoltaic modules are 0° and 15°

respectively. In the case of inclination angle of 20°

the shape coefficient may be underestimated by Chinese code. Wind loads on photovoltaic modules are more sensitive to inclination angle and wind direction than to module spacing. The wind-induced interference effect of dual-slope photovoltaic arrays cannot be ignored. The shielding effect becomes more significant with increasing inclination angle; however

amplification effects may occur under specific conditions. Under the influence of vortices formed by separated shear layers

the extreme wind pressure and suction values are both found at the windward corners of dual-slope photovoltaic modules. The absolute value of extreme wind pressure coefficients increases with increasing module inclination angle

and the design wind loads for the envelope structures recommended by the codes tend to be conservative.