As the core supporting structure of a photovoltaic (PV) power generation system, the thermal stability of the photovoltaic bracket directly affects the power generation efficiency of PV modules and the system's lifespan. In environments with high temperatures and strong sunlight, the photovoltaic bracket is prone to issues such as material thermal expansion and structural deformation, leading to module tilt angle shifts, poor contact, and even damage. Therefore, structural optimization design is necessary to reduce the thermal impact and improve system reliability.
Material selection is fundamental to optimizing the thermal stability of the photovoltaic bracket. Among metallic materials, aluminum alloys are the preferred material for high-temperature environments due to their low thermal conductivity and strong corrosion resistance. Their low coefficient of thermal expansion results in minimal dimensional changes after heating, reducing stress concentration caused by thermal expansion and contraction. While non-metallic materials such as high-strength plastics are inexpensive, their poor heat resistance makes them prone to aging and deformation under prolonged high-temperature exposure, thus limiting their use in low-temperature or shading scenarios. Through material performance comparison, aluminum alloys significantly reduce the risk of bracket deformation due to temperature fluctuations while balancing strength and thermal stability.
Optimizing the structural layout can improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the photovoltaic bracket. A well-designed surface area and ventilation gaps can accelerate air convection and reduce heat accumulation. For example, using an overhead installation method, with air circulation channels between the modules and the ground, can reduce the temperature on the back of the modules. Furthermore, adjusting the tilt angle and spacing of the brackets can prevent localized overheating caused by mutual shading between modules, while optimizing the wind load transfer path reduces the structural vibration and thermal stress superposition effects caused by increased wind resistance.
Optimizing the heat conduction path is key to reducing the thermal impact. Photovoltaic brackets must ensure rapid heat transfer from the modules to the environment, preventing heat accumulation within the structure. This can be achieved by adding thermally conductive materials or optimizing contact surface design. For example, using thermally conductive pads at the connection between the bracket and the module can improve heat conduction efficiency; simplifying the structural layers and reducing thermal resistance points allows heat to be more evenly distributed throughout the bracket system, reducing the impact of localized temperature rises on module performance.
Environmental adaptability design must be considered in conjunction with specific climatic conditions. In hot and rainy regions, photovoltaic brackets must simultaneously consider waterproofing and heat dissipation requirements. Surface treatment processes such as anodizing or spraying anti-corrosion coatings can improve the weather resistance of aluminum alloy brackets and prevent corrosion problems caused by humidity changes. Furthermore, by simulating temperature changes across different seasons, the preload and connection methods of the support structure are adjusted to prevent bolt loosening or structural deformation caused by thermal expansion and contraction of materials, ensuring long-term operational stability.
The application of dynamic adjustment technology can further reduce the thermal impact. Tracking photovoltaic brackets reduce the duration of direct sunlight by adjusting the component angle in real time, thereby lowering component temperature. For example, dual-axis tracking brackets can simultaneously track the solar altitude and azimuth angles, ensuring the components maintain the optimal tilt angle and reducing localized overheating caused by angular deviations. While this design increases initial costs, it significantly improves the overall system benefits by enhancing power generation efficiency and reducing heat loss.
Vibration damping measures can alleviate structural fatigue caused by thermal stress. In high-temperature environments, changes in material properties can alter the vibration frequency of the support structure, increasing the risk of resonance. By adding rubber damping pads or elastic supports at critical connection points, displacement caused by thermal deformation can be absorbed, reducing structural fatigue damage. Simultaneously, optimizing the modal frequencies of the support structure avoids overlap with wind-induced or mechanical vibration frequencies, further enhancing the dynamic stability of the system.
Optimizing the design of photovoltaic bracket structures requires a comprehensive approach encompassing multiple dimensions, including material selection, layout design, heat conduction optimization, environmental adaptability, dynamic adjustment, and vibration reduction measures. Through systematic optimization, the impact of thermal effects on photovoltaic systems can be significantly reduced, improving power generation efficiency and operational reliability, thus providing technical support for the large-scale application of photovoltaic power generation.
