Net force on a solar panel array

[Billduck]

It would be particularly useful if in using Flow Design with in Inventor Pro, that the net forces be available for an object. For example, In stress analysis  in Inventor, you can probe for the value of stress at different locations. I realize that a net force on an object is the integral of the pressure distribution over an area. Short of getting a net force on an object, being able to probe for different pressures over the area, and then do the integration manually.

[Billduck]

I just tried the Cd view. That is good. Let me pose this question. Suppose I have an array on a roof. I need to include the roof structure because if defines the flow paths. But I only want the forces on the array on the roof, but not the roof structure. I do not think that can be done presently. Does anyone have any suggestions? Also, How can I post a screen shot?

[ujaashomeltd]

The content you shared is valuable but i want some more on this topic. Can you please sharing some more content on solar rooftop panel array?

[Billduck]

ASCE 7 is the specification for calculating wind loads on structures. It's
complicated. But the solar racking companies (Ironridge and Unirac, for
example) have online calculators that implement what is in the
specification. SEAOC has published papers on estimation wind loads on big
box buildings. I think the loads for residential solar, as estimated by
ASCE 7 are way high. It would be an interesting project to instrument a
solar panel in an array with strain gauges and an Arduino , to see what
the actual loads are. But you have to wait for a high wind event.

I am not sure the Autodesk product for turbulent flow could be cited / used
for pressures in estimating the forces to get a building permitt.
--
Thanks, Bill Swann
Ph 832-338-3080
www.watt-tracker.com