Wind resistance is a core indicator of the stable outdoor operation of solar street lights. Their design requires comprehensive consideration of multiple dimensions, including structure, materials, installation, and manufacturing processes, to ensure stability even in strong winds.
The light pole, as the load-bearing structure of the solar street lights, directly depends on its structural design for wind resistance. Common light poles are divided into round and tapered types. Tapered poles, with their tapered shape (thinner at the top and thicker at the bottom), have a lower center of gravity and a more stable structure, resulting in significantly better wind resistance than round poles. Furthermore, the ratio of wall thickness to diameter is crucial. A thicker bottom diameter and thicker wall result in higher bending strength, especially in coastal or windy areas where increased wall thickness or a larger bottom diameter is necessary to improve wind resistance. Some high-end products also incorporate internal reinforcing ribs or use seamless welding processes to further enhance structural rigidity and prevent deformation or breakage due to wind impact.
Material selection is another key aspect of wind-resistant design. Q235 steel is widely used due to its low cost and good machinability, but its yield strength is relatively low. Q345 steel, on the other hand, improves strength and toughness through the addition of alloying elements, making it more suitable for high-wind-speed areas. While fiberglass is more expensive, its excellent corrosion resistance and lightweight properties make it an ideal choice for coastal or humid environments. Furthermore, the surface treatment of the light pole also affects wind resistance; hot-dip galvanizing followed by powder coating not only prevents rust but also enhances surface hardness and extends service life.
Solar panels, as the largest windward component of streetlights, have a significant impact on wind load due to their size and installation angle. While large-area panels improve power generation efficiency, they also increase wind resistance, especially when perpendicular to the wind direction, where the increased windward area can lead to uneven stress on the light pole. Therefore, the design should optimize the panel size based on local wind speed data or use adjustable brackets to allow the panels to automatically adjust to the minimum windward position during strong winds, reducing wind pressure. Meanwhile, the connection between the solar panel and the light pole must be secure, typically using high-strength bolts and equipped with anti-loosening devices to prevent loosening due to vibration.
The installation method is the "foundation" of wind-resistant design. The foundation depth and dimensions need to be determined based on the light pole height and geological conditions. For example, streetlights under 6 meters often use precast concrete foundations, buried 0.5 to 1 meter deep; streetlights 8 to 12 meters require cast-in-place concrete foundations, buried 1 to 1.5 meters deep, with internal anchor bolts to secure the light pole. The foundation concrete strength must reach C25 or higher and be fully cured to ensure strength meets standards. Furthermore, the verticality error of the light pole must be controlled within 1‰ to avoid uneven stress due to tilting, which would further weaken wind resistance.
The center of gravity distribution also affects wind resistance stability. If the light fixture is too heavy or the battery is installed at the top of the light pole, the overall center of gravity will be raised, reducing wind resistance. Therefore, the weight distribution needs to be optimized during the design phase, for example, by burying the battery underground or placing it at the bottom of the light pole to lower the center of gravity. Meanwhile, the length of the lamp arm and the weight of the lamp must be properly matched to avoid swaying due to a "top-heavy" design.
Detailed craftsmanship is the "hidden guarantee" of wind-resistant design. Welding quality directly affects the strength of the lamp post; seamless welding is superior to ordinary welding, reducing stress concentration points. Anti-corrosion processes are crucial for long-term durability; hot-dip galvanizing forms a dense oxide layer, effectively resisting salt spray corrosion. Furthermore, the surface coating of the lamp post must be uniform to prevent rust caused by coating peeling, which would weaken the structural strength.
The wind resistance of solar street lights is not determined by a single factor, but is the result of the combined effects of structure, materials, installation, and craftsmanship. By optimizing the tapered pole design, selecting high-strength materials, controlling the size of the solar panels, reinforcing the installation foundation, balancing the center of gravity distribution, and improving manufacturing precision, the wind resistance of street lights can be significantly improved, ensuring stable operation even in extreme weather conditions and providing reliable protection for outdoor lighting.
