Análise da corrosão em elementos de fixação de uma usina fotovoltaica de solo

Abstract

A ground solar plant is supposed to have a lifespan of decades, with providers giving warranties of 25 to 30 years for photovoltaic modules - however, the oldest plants in Brazil are barely ten years old. Possible accidents in such a structure may interrupt prematurely its operation, bringing serious loss which could be avoided with preventive actions. This paper proposes a study about a common phenomenon that may harm the integrity of metallic structures - corrosion - performing corrosion tests in materials which are commonly used in photovoltaic plants. Corrosions tests with saturated humidity and with nitric and sulfuric acid solutions were conducted for aluminum, raw carbon steel and galvanized carbon steel, besides analysis through optical microscopy - allowing an observation of these materials - behavior in a corrosive environment. These results were then compared to the case of a real ground photovoltaic plant, located in the campus UCS CARVI, which presents instances of corrosion. After analyzing the results, and conducting Eletronic Microscopy Through Dispersion in EDS Energy, it was possible to conclude that the corrosion in the plant was caused by the usage of material without the appropriate protection of zinc in some fastening elements. [resumo fornecido pelo autor]