What is cable-supported photovoltaic (PV)?

Cable-supported photovoltaic (PV) modules have been proposed to replace traditional beam-supported PV modules. The new system uses suspension cables to bear the loads of the PV modules and therefore has the characteristics of a long span, light weight, strong load capacity, and adaptability to complex terrains.

Why are flexible PV mounting systems important?

Traditional rigid photovoltaic (PV) support structures exhibit several limitations during operational deployment. Therefore, flexible PV mounting systems have been developed. These flexible PV supports, characterized by their heightened sensitivity to wind loading, necessitate a thorough analysis of their static and dynamic responses.

What is a flexible PV support structure?

The baseline, unreinforced flexible PV support structure is designated as F. The first reinforcement strategy involves increasing the diameter of the prestressed cables to 17.8 mm and 21.6 mm, respectively. These configurations are named F1-1 and F1-2 for ease of comparison.

Why do we need flexible PV support systems?

The traditional rigid PV support systems face several issues and limitations, such as the requirement for large land areas, which constrain their deployment and development, especially in eastern regions . In response to these challenges, flexible PV support systems have rapidly developed.

What is a supporting cable structure for PV modules?

Czaloun (2018) proposed a supporting cable structure for PV modules, which reduces the foundation to only four columns and four fundaments. These systems have the advantages of light weight, strong bearing capacity, large span, low cost, less steel consumption and applicability to complex terrain.

What are the characteristics of a cable-supported photovoltaic system?

Long span, light weight, strong load capacity, and adaptability to complex terrains. The nonlinear stiffness of the new cable-supported photovoltaic system is revealed. The failure mode of the new structure is discussed in detail. Dynamic characteristics and bearing capacity of the new structure are investigated.