Design Optmization of Tensile Structures integrating Thin-Film PV panels

Design Optmization of Tensile Structures integrating Thin-Film PV panels

The potential of incorporating thin-film photovoltaic (PV) technology into buildings makes it an ideal renewable energy solution not only for traditional structures but also for innovative designs featuring free-form envelopes, such as membrane structures. Integrating PV technology into these structures represents a significant advancement in the market. However, challenges and uncertainties have emerged regarding the feasibility of such systems, as they depend on a variety of complex factors that must be considered during the design phase. These factors include the diverse three- dimensional geometries of membrane structures, which influence the distribution, orientation, and shading of PV modules, as well as the stresses and deflections experienced by both the structure and the modules. Due to the complexity of these interactions, they are difficult to analyze without using parametric tools capable of assessing multiple parameters simultaneously. In response, a parametric PV model using Grasshopper was developed to examine the factors affecting the payback time of the PV system, such as layout orientation, shadowing effects, and the maximum deflection allowed for the membrane surface under different loading conditions. The model ultimately calculates the available clear surface area for placing PV modules. This paper demonstrates the efficiency of Grasshopper as a parametric tool for evaluating the viability of flexible PV systems on tensile structures.