Researchers in Italy have developed a Sun-Tracking PV system design for stadium covers. The proposed approach would offer both a strong structural response and a high energy yield compared to systems based on fixed structures.
Researchers from the University of Salerno and the University of Naples Federico II in Italy have developed a new PV system design for small to medium-sized sports stadiums.
The system is based on the combination of metal roof modules with lightweight, flexible PV panels and is claimed that it has a lightweight construction and “remarkable” stiffness properties. “The usable structure used to activate the solar tracking mechanism is designed in such a way that it can be easily applied to existing stadiums,” the corresponding author of the research, Fernando Fraternali, told PV Magazine. “It Can be applied to any stadium roof by connecting the bus cable to a suitable connection with a supporting structure on the existing roof. “
In the newspaper “A Tensegrity structure for a roof of the solar city with a sun-surrendering power“Published in Thin -walled structuresThe research team described the proposed design as a class-4 Tensegrity system, where The integrity of the structure depends on the balance of the tension members.
It also explained that the roof structure presented in the study is the so-called V-Expander, which refers to the use of a V-shaped rigid strut in a Tensegrity structure. “The original V-Expander was introduced by René Motro in his known textbook as a V-shaped system consisting of eight bars arranged in two different sets of four bars each, with an equal length,” explained it further. “Our variant is a class-4 tensegrity structure consisting of eight bars and seven cables.”
The proposed PV roof covering is based on triangular metal roof modules with Sun-Sming PV panels. The movement that drives the tilt mechanism is activated by a winch that is in a suitable position and by adjusting the rest length of the bus cable, making a movement with reportedly very low energy consumption possible.
“The Sun tracking strategy uses a Tensegrity control technique, which is arranged by adjusting the rest length of a bus cable that is connected to Stutten,” the researchers said. “With this mechanism, the lightweight roof plates, covered with PV strips, can optimally tilt for maximum absorption of solar energy. The PV strips can be made from amorphic thin film cells, organic PV cells or flexible PV panels. In addition, more standard PV panels could be used, provided that their weight is accurately accounted for in the structural analysis. “
The proposed approach is said to increase the annual production capacity of electrical energy from the sunroof to 54% compared to a sunroof with a fixed Hell. “The local variable strategy for following sun is particularly effective during the winter months, which achieves production production increases up to 80%,” the academics emphasized. “At rest, the lifting structure behaves like a lightweight Tensegrity system.
The research group said that the system could be further optimized by using its sub-units with different tilting angles or by using two-axle solar rackers. “Additional improvements in the Solar Stadium design strategy can include acceptance of highly efficient silicon solar cells that offer efficiency of up to 27%-28%, as well as the use of bifacial cells,” concluded it. “Moreover, the concept of Tensegrity stadium can be scaled up for large-scale stadiums.”
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