Objective This study aims to systematically investigate the wind load characteristics and aerodynamic interference mechanisms of large-scale photovoltaic arrays, addressing the discrepancy between values specified in design codes and the actual wind-induced stresses experienced by the arrays.

Method Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was employed, focusing on a large array comprising 96 photovoltaic panels. The SST k-ω turbulence model was used to simulate the flow field characteristics under five typical wind angles of attack.

Result The study reveals significant variations in the wind pressure distribution across the array surface under different wind directions. Notably, oblique wind angles induce pronounced spatial pressure gradients along the diagonal. The shape coefficient exhibits strong variability across the array: while the shape coefficient values in the windward zone are close to code-specified values, the maximum shape coefficient in the transitional and shielded zones decreases by over 50% compared to the code specifications. Concurrently, the windward panels exert a significant shielding effect on subsequent rows, effectively reducing wind loads on the middle and rear panels.

Conclusion The analysis indicates that the effect of wind direction should be considered in the structural wind design of large-scale photovoltaic arrays. Load zoning should be implemented, and reduction factors applied to the wind loads on the middle and rear panels. This approach not only ensures structural safety but also yields significant economic benefits, providing a reference for the optimized design of photovoltaic power plants.