– FTC's proprietary damper design eliminates torsional gallop and works like a shock absorber.
– The company worked with engineering and environmental engineering consultancies RWDI and Engineered Power Solutions (EPS) on data analysis and wind tunnel testing to independently validate structural stability.
– The 2P tracker is designed for modules from 550 watts.
– More than 1 GW of Voyager + installed, under construction or under contract in the southern United States.
– Company hosts Voyager + customer review event the week of 21st September in his training center for research and development in Denver, Colorado.
Austin, Texas, September 15, 2021 / CNW / – While the solar industry is relying on large-format modules, FTC Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FTCI) introduced the Voyager +, a new solar tracker in 2P design that optimizes energy recording while at the same time reducing the need for personnel and equipment the installation reduced. The tracker's ability to increase energy production with 46 percent fewer foundation piles and almost two percent higher energy density than its 1P competitors makes it a revolutionary product for utility solar projects. FTC currently has more than 1 GW of Voyager + installed or under contract.
Voyager + single axis tracker
“As the solar industry moves to large format modules of 550 watts or more, traditional modules in portrait tracking systems have difficulty supporting these new large ‘sails', while two in portrait designs have the experience of scaling to larger surfaces Because the static and dynamic wind loads on the structures are much larger, there is a constant need for improved tracking designs with these large formats, “said Nagendra Cherukupalli, Chief Technology Officer of FTC Solar. “To fulfill this reputation, our team developed Voyager + to take advantage of 2P designs with proper management of wind loads and the seamless integration of large, complex solar panels – resulting in a zero-stow design.”
The story goes on
While some 2P trackers in the industry are struggling to mitigate the effects of wind that can occur at low wind speeds from vortex shedding and torsional galloping, FTC Solar conducted extensive wind tunnel testing and modeling to develop a unique damper design that had a three times higher damping ratio as . delivers traditional systems. The tracker has been validated by RWDI Tunnel Testing and uses a robust design for long-term reliability of wind mitigation.
FTC Solar worked with RWDI and Engineered Power Solutions (EPS) on data analysis and wind tunnel testing to independently validate the structural stability of the product. FTC Solar first implemented code-based methods commonly used in engineering to understand static wind forces based on site design parameters, wind speed, exposure, and similar factors. Initial sensor-based tests were carried out with models of the Voyager 2P system to measure static wind loads and their effects on the structures.
“Using our fundamental findings from the RWDI model test, FTC developed a highly damped system design,” said Matthew Gilliss, CEO and President of EPS. “Through these tests, your engineering team has developed an understanding of common system failures in the design and the preventive measures needed to eliminate the risk of aeroelastic instability.”
FTC Solar currently has more than 2.5 gigawatts of solar trackers in use, supported by a global presence with 31 production partners in 12 countries.
FTC Solar is hosting a webinar with PV Magazine on Wednesday September 15, 2021, at 11 a.m. EST. The webinar will detail a new wind mitigation strategy that will help increase reliability and reduce material costs. It also covers storm damage in the tracker industry, congestion angles, aeroelastic stability of trackers, and wind tunnel reports. In addition, the webinar ends with a Q&A. Interested participants can register here.
About FTC Solar
FTC Solar is a rapidly growing, global provider of solar tracker systems, technology, software, and engineering services. FTC Solar's innovative tracker designs deliver compelling performance and reliability with an industry-leading cost-per-watt advantage to install. Founded in 2017 by a group of renewable energy industry veterans, FTC Solar is headquartered in Austin, Texasand has sales and support offices in the middle East, Asia, Europe, Australia, India, and Africa. Further information can be found at https://www.ftcsolar.com/
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are not historical facts but are based on our current expectations and projections about our business, operations and other related factors. Words such as “may”, “will”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “foresee”, “predict”, “potentially”, “continue”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “Projects,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions and as such are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict Actual results could differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the “Risk Factors” section therein.
FTC Solar assumes no obligation or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events, or changes in its expectations, except as required by law.
Media contact:
Technica Communications for FTC Solar
Gabrielle Reitano, Account Manager
ftcsolar@technicacommunications.com
(PRNewsfoto / FTC Solar, Inc.)
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