Analytical Formulation and Optimization of the Initial Morphology of Double-Layer Cable Truss Flexible Photovoltaic Supports

With the rapid development of the photovoltaic industry, flexible photovoltaic supports are increasingly widely used. Parameters such as the deflection, span, and cross-sectional dimensions of cables are important factors affecting their mechanical and economic performance. Therefore, in order to reduce steel consumption and cost and improve application value, it is crucial to design and optimize their initial morphology. In this paper, the mechanical behavior of a single-cable structure is introduced, and the simplified analytical formulations for internal force and displacement are deduced based on the geometric nonlinear characteristics and small strain assumption of the flexible photovoltaic supports. On this basis, the analytical expressions for the cable force and displacement of a convex prestressed double-layer cable truss flexible photovoltaic support structure under a uniform load are derived, and the correctness of the analytical formulations is verified by comparing the values with the finite element analysis results. In order to reduce the construction costs of the flexible photovoltaic support, a mathematical model for optimizing the initial structure’s morphology is established according to the analytical formulations. The initial morphology of the double-layer cable truss flexible photovoltaic support is optimized, and the optimization results of different deflection deformation limits and whether the lower load-bearing cable is allowed to relax are compared. The results indicate that the errors of the displacement formulation and cable force formulation, when compared with the finite element results, are less than 3% and 4%, respectively, which verifies the accuracy of the analytical formulations. By analyzing the cable force and displacement of the structure under static action, it is suggested that the deflection limit of the double-layer cable truss structure should be 1/100 of the single span. The lower load-bearing cables of the double-layer cable truss flexible photovoltaic support are highly susceptible to relaxation under wind suction loads, and, by comparing the optimization results, it is suggested that slack should be allowed in the lower load-bearing cables for a better economic effect. When choosing the most economical structure morphology, it is recommended that the total height of the mid-span struts should be 1/20~1/15 of the single span. The analytical formulation and the mathematical model for the optimization of the initial morphology proposed in this paper can provide certain theoretical references and bases for the design of practical engineering projects and play an important role in promoting its application and promotion.

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