[QUOTE=solarix;n410602]1) I've never seen a problem due to expansion/contraction. Maybe in a commercial installation where the runs are much longer. There was a famous fire years ago on a big rooftop installation where they did not use expansion joints on the 100'+ runs of EMT conduit and and it pulled apart enough to cut into the wiring. Poof.
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I haven't either - at least not on solar equipment.
In one sense, I think the whole question of small thermally induced dimensional differences in PV arrays is not the first thing that can cause a problem compared to all the other stuff that gets designed and checked when doing a good mechanical design on a PV system.
However, since Bruce asked the question, and since I believe I have some things to offer on the subject based on training and experience in the power/process industries that may be clarifying in nature, I mouthed off.
IMO only, your example is a good one of what happens when head's up engineering as well as common sense are not practiced, or at least an example of a little knowledge being a dangerous thing.
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I haven't either - at least not on solar equipment.
In one sense, I think the whole question of small thermally induced dimensional differences in PV arrays is not the first thing that can cause a problem compared to all the other stuff that gets designed and checked when doing a good mechanical design on a PV system.
However, since Bruce asked the question, and since I believe I have some things to offer on the subject based on training and experience in the power/process industries that may be clarifying in nature, I mouthed off.
IMO only, your example is a good one of what happens when head's up engineering as well as common sense are not practiced, or at least an example of a little knowledge being a dangerous thing.
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