GRAITEC Advance Design: Generator for photovoltaic panel support structures
As everyone becomes more aware of the need to obtain energy from renewable sources, the presence of photovoltaic installations is also increasing. Looking around, it is clear that photovoltaic panels can be seen more often, whether on the roofs of buildings, home gardens, parking spaces or, finally, in dedicated solar farms. In all cases, PV panels are supported on a structure made mostly of steel profiles, and the geometry of the support structures is in the vast majority of cases similar. At the same time, for reasons of the need to adapt to the conditions of a given location and the need to obtain an economical solution, these structures are usually individually designed. Unsurprisingly, more and more Advance Design users are designing these types of structures, taking advantage of its capabilities, including easy modeling, fast load definition, as well as the ability to optimize steel structures. To further save valuable user time during the most labor-intensive part, which is modeling the structure, the latest version of Advance Design software introduces a new geometry generator tailored for photovoltaic (PV) panel support structures. The introduction of the new generator marks a significant advancement in Advance Design, empowering engineers to design PV panel support structures efficiently.
Key features of a new generator
• Versatile geometry modeling: The generator allows users to model nine different types of geometries, covering the most common solutions used in PV panel support constructions. These geometries are adaptable, enabling the definition of various geometric subtypes to suit diverse project requirements.
• Wide editing capabilities: Most geometric parameters can be modified, allowing for modeling flexibility. For example, columns can be moved and inclined as desired, and can be reinforced by additional bracing bars. In addition, you can define any number of spans, any number of purlins, as well as extensions or shortenings of purlins and beams.
• Wide range of applications: The generated geometries are applicable across a spectrum of projects, including large-scale solar farms, residential rooftop installations, and carport structures. This versatility ensures that engineers can utilize the tool across different contexts, promoting widespread adoption of solar energy solutions.
• Efficient and intuitive interface: Designed for ease of use, the module offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies the modeling process. Engineers can quickly navigate through the options and customize the geometry according to specific project needs, saving valuable time and resources.
• Comprehensive output generation: In addition to generating geometric models, the generator produces load areas, supports, as well as material data and design template, making the design process much faster. Supports can be defined as rigid or pinned, placed at the ends of columns, and in the case of vertical columns, it is possible to define the length of the ground embedment and the definition of an elastic linear support.
• Customization and reusability: Users have the flexibility to save their input data as custom templates for future use. Any number of customized versions of the entered data can be saved, building a custom library of typical solutions. This feature streamlines the design process for similar structures, enhancing productivity and consistency in project delivery.
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