Engineering OverviewPresenter’s Name

00. 00. 2014

Introduction× Engineering Background

× Services Provided

× Racking Design

× Two Horizontal Rack (2HR)

× Portrait Utility

× Module Fastening Methods

× Tilt Brackets

× Ballast Foundations

Engineering Team Consists of…× Three Licensed Professional

Engineers (2) Structural Discipline(1) Mechanical Discipline

× Civil Engineers× Mechanical Engineers× Process Engineers× Research and Development

Engineers× Onsite Field Technicians× Professional Geologist

Engineering Staff

Engineering Services

“Value Engineer” racking structure for specific site conditions× Work directly with customer throughout quoting process and

project× Understanding customer’s wants and needs× Full rack design at the quoting stage× Provide an economical solution while maintaining structural

stability

Design Foundations × On site pull tests – Provided by SFR× Geotech Report – Provided by customer

Racking Design

× Racks are designed using local environmental loads (wind, snow, and seismic) per the International Building Code (IBC) and/or local building codes

× Finite Element Modeling (FEM)

× Designs are based on 3rd party testing such as Wind tunnel, Structural connections testing, and ground bond testing

× Multiple full scale load tests have been conducted to confirm theoretical calculations

× Design Considerations- Structural Integrity, Preassembly, and Installation Simplicity

Racking Design

Risa 3D × Ability to model entire rack× Apply various loading conditions× Analyze multiple load combinations× Perform code checks × Analyze deflections× Generate Structural reports

Racking Design

Racking Design

CFS - RSG Software

× Specializes in cold form steel design

× Ability to perform code checks on various cold form shapes

× Analyze complex cold-form shapes

Racking DesignStructural Connection Testing

× Per Chapter F - Cold Form Design Manual

2HR Landscape Rack

2HR Feature and Benefits× Maintains SFR’s trademark pre-assembled rack design.

× Integrated direct bolt and smart clip bonding solution. (ETL/UL approved)

× Can accommodate any project loads and tilt angle

× Adaptable to any pile solution; SFR Smart Post, Wide Flange, and Round Post

× Lift beam installation reduces field rigging and installation time

× The introduction of the Horizontal Rail Bracket creates safe and easy installation practices

Cold Form C-Shapes Horizontal Rails

C-shape maximizes shipping density, reducing shipping cost

Vary in size depending on project loads; × 6” to 10” deep members, 16 gauge – 14

gauge - Optimizes steel use and cost

Top C-Shape allows for wire management along the length of the rack

× Pre punched access holes allow for zip ties to restrain cables

Rib Stiffeners result in lighter gage material and more cost effective design

2HR Rack Components

Cold Form C-Shapes Vertical Rails

C-shape maximizes shipping density, reducing shipping cost

Vary in size depending on project loads; 2.5” to 4” deep members - Optimizes steel use and cost

Clip or Direct Bolt Panel Mounting× Clips use proprietary thread extruding screw for

bonding while minimizing corrosion exposure × Access holes in bottom flange allow direct bolt

panel mounting

Pre-punch lift holes for use with lift beam for installation

2HR Rack Components

Diagonal Bracing

× Diagonal bracing minimizes lateral deflection & squares rack

× Minimizes “sagging” and maintains even panel spacing

× Takes lateral forces from torsion braces back to tilt bracket

× Braces Weak Axis of Horizontals

Torsion Braces

× Works in conjunction with diagonal bracing and vertical rails to effectively brace the horizontal from torsion.

2HR Rack Components

The use of bracing ultimately results in a lighter, stiffer, and more cost efficient rack

Benefits Of Bracing

Competitor’s Rack-No Bracing

Solar Flexrack

2HR Rack Components Horizontal Rail Brackets

× Enables the horizontal rail to connect to the top chord of the tilt at the same elevation; eliminating “roll-over” and preventing twist of the horizontal rail

× Seat allows the rack to be set in place on tilt brackets without the need to install bolts while rack is suspended

× Allows the rack to be easily adjusted in E-W direction

Portrait Utility Rack

Portrait Utility Feature and Benefits× Maintains SFR’s trademark pre-assembled rack design

× Reduces loose rack components during installation

× Integrated direct bolt bonding solution. (ETL/UL approved)

× Can accommodate any project loads and tilt angle

× Adaptable to any pile solution; SFR Smart Post, Wide Flange, and Round Post

× Integrated wire management

× The use of bracing allows for lighter, stiffer, and more cost effective racks

Cold Form Z-Shapes Horizontal Rails

Allows for racks to be nested tightly together to maximize shipping density, reducing shipping cost

Vary in size depending on project loads; × 5” deep members, 14 gauge – 12 gauge

o Optimizes steel use and cost

Wire management along the length of the rack

Z-shapes can be spliced together for longer cost effective racks

Portrait UT Components

Portrait UT Components Horizontal Bracing

× Minimizes lateral deflection & squares rack

× Minimizes “sagging” and maintains even panel spacing

× Braces weak axis of horizontals

Connecting Channel

× Connects horizontals purlins together

× Pre-assembled

× Works in conjunction with horizontal bracing to effectively brace the horizontal rail

Kicker Brace

× Effectively braces compression flange of tilt bracket

Smart Bonding Clips× 2HR Rack

Direct Bolt× Portrait UT Rack× 2HR Rack

Module Fastening Methods

Tilt Brackets

“Two Member” Tilt Bracket

Reduces number of components

Top Chord size varies × Optimizes steel use and cost

Adaptable to SFR Smart Post, Wide Flange and Round Posts

Allows tilt bracket to be pre-assembled × Eases tilt bracket installation

Tilt BracketsTilt Bracket Assembly

× Allows plate to be attached & leveled to post easily

× Followed by tilt bracket assembly. (Pre-assembly is available)

Ballast Foundations× Eliminates post weldments

× Anchor bolt & leveling nuts allow for ballast to be installed on sloping terrain

× Reduces block height requirements

× Adaptable for any ground clearance

× Reduces installation time

ON BEHALF OF EVERYONE AT SOLAR FLEXRACK

THANK YOU VERY MUCH

Have additional questions? Drop us a line at: 888.380.8138

or visit: solarflexrack.com