- FTC's proprietary damper design eliminates torsional
galloping, working like a shock absorber.
- Company collaborated with engineering and environmental
engineering consulting firms 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 550 watts and
higher.
- More than 1GW of Voyager+ installed, under construction, or
under contract in the South Central US.
- Company to host Voyager+ customer appreciation event the
week of September 21 at its research
and development training facility in Denver, Colorado.
AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As the solar
industry drives toward Large Format Modules, FTC Solar, Inc.
(Nasdaq: FTCI) unveiled the Voyager+, a new 2P-design solar tracker
that optimizes energy capture while simultaneously reducing the
manpower and equipment needed for installation. The tracker's
ability to enhance energy production levels with 46 percent fewer
foundation piles and achieve nearly two percent higher energy
density than its 1P competitors makes it a revolutionary product
for utility-scale solar projects. Currently, FTC has more than 1GW
of Voyager+ installed or under contract.
"As the solar industry moves toward large-format modules of 550
watts or higher , traditional one module in portrait tracking
systems have difficulty supporting these new large 'sails' while
two in portrait designs have already had this experience of scaling
to larger surface areas. Because the static and dynamic wind loads
are much greater on the structures, with these large formats, there
is an ongoing need for improved tracking designs," said
Nagendra Cherukupalli, Chief
Technology Officer of FTC Solar. "To answer this call, our team
developed Voyager+ to tap into the benefits of 2P designs with
proper management of wind loads and the seamless integration of
large, complex solar modules - resulting in a zero-stow
design."
While some industry 2P trackers struggle to mitigate the effects
from wind that may happen at low wind speed from vortex shedding
and torsional galloping, FTC Solar conducted extensive wind tunnel
testing and modeling to develop a unique dampener design to deliver
a dampening ratio three times higher than traditional systems.
Validated by RWDI Tunnel Testing, the tracker utilizes a robust
design of wind mitigation long-term reliability.
FTC Solar collaborated with RWDI and Engineered Power Solutions
(EPS) on data analysis and wind tunnel testing to independently
validate the product's structural stability. FTC Solar first
conducted code-base methods used commonly in engineering to
understand static wind forces based on design parameters at the
site, wind speed, exposure, and similar factors. Initial
sensor-based testing was performed with models of the Voyager 2P
system to measure static wind loads and how they affected the
structures.
"Utilizing our baseline understanding from the RWDI model test,
FTC developed a highly damped system design," said Matthew Gilliss, CEO, and President of EPS. "By
undergoing these tests, their engineering team developed an
understanding of common system flaws in design and what preventive
measures were necessary to eliminate the risk of aeroelastic
instability."
Currently, FTC Solar has deployed more than 2.5 Gigawatts of
solar trackers, supported by a global footprint with 31
manufacturing partners in 12 countries.
FTC Solar will be hosting a webinar with PV Magazine on
Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at
11 am EST. The webinar will detail a
new wind mitigation strategy that helps increase reliability and
unlock lower material costs. It will also cover storm damage in the
tracker industry, stow angles, aeroelastic stability of trackers,
and wind tunnel reports. Additionally, the webinar will finish with
a Q&A. Interested participants can register here.
About FTC Solar
FTC Solar is a fast-growing, global provider of solar tracker
systems, technology, software, and engineering services. FTC
Solar's innovative tracker designs provide compelling performance
and reliability, with an industry-leading installation
cost-per-watt advantage. Founded in 2017 by a group of renewable
energy industry veterans, FTC Solar is headquartered in
Austin, Texas, and maintains sales
and support offices in the Middle
East, Asia, Europe, Australia, India, and Africa. For more information,
please visit https://www.ftcsolar.com/
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains
forward looking statements. These statements are not historical
facts but rather are based on our current expectations and
projections regarding our business, operations and other factors
relating thereto. Words such as "may," "will," "could," "would,"
"should," "anticipate," "predict," "potential," "continue,"
"expects," "intends," "plans," "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 may differ materially from those in the forward looking
statements as a result of a number of factors, including those
described in more detail in our filings with the U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission, including the section entitled "Risk
Factors" contained therein.
FTC Solar undertakes no duty or obligation to update any
forward-looking statements contained in this 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
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SOURCE FTC Solar