Experimental Validation of Tensegrity Solar Photovoltaic Racking

Abstract

In the pursuit of low-cost solar photovoltaic (PV) racking systems, several theoretical studies have suggested that tensegrity designs are promising solutions, characterized by the potential for affordability and lightweight construction. This study provides a comprehensive open hardware design enabling replication of tensegrity bridges for PV racking to suit various locations and sizes. First, the total load of the system is calculated, which considers the number and size of PV, as well as external variables such as weather conditions and geographic location. Mathematical modeling is used to determine the optimal complexity number necessary for achieving a minimal mass tensegrity structure. Experimental tensegrity structures are constructed with widely available commercial materials and monitored during extreme weather events. Economic analysis found proprietary racking costs were 38% higher than equivalent sized tensegrity structures. Although the optimal tilt angle leads to a 16% increase in energy production compared to the horizontal tensegrity structure tested, the levelized cost of electricity was still 30% higher for proprietary racking compared to the tensegrity system. The results showed the tensegrity racking is technically and economically viable. In addition, the ability to construct tensegrity structures with minimal resources and technical expertise makes it a promising solution for low-resource settings.

Keywords: racking, Solar photovoltaic, tensegrity, open hardware, mechanical design, balance of systems