Understanding Flexible Supports for Solar Energy

With the rise of the new energy industry in recent years, PV land resources are becoming increasingly tense, in order to realize the effective use of PV multiple application scenarios, flexible brackets came into being. 

In the face of complex and changing application scenarios, how to select the flexible bracket has become the focus of attention.

Structural Characteristics of Flexible Supports

1. Large Span 

By applying prestress to the cables, the structure gains initial stiffness. This prestress can counteract the load on the upper structure, allowing the achievement of a large span by controlling the cable forces and overall deformation of the structure.

2. Multi-Scenario 

Flexible supports offer a variety of designs, making them suitable for diverse scenarios such as mountainous areas, water treatment plants, fish ponds, reservoirs, agricultural greenhouses, factories, and parking lots.

3. Multi-Span 

Flexible supports can be arranged in a continuous multi-span configuration according to the terrain conditions, without the need for breaks in between. The array length is extended, with swing columns placed within a certain span range, and supporting structures installed at the ends.

4. High Capacity 

Flexible supports can fully utilize site conditions by following the principle of "multi-span, multi-row" arrangements. This allows for a rational layout of the structure, maximizing land use efficiency.

5. High Clearance 

Flexible supports can use elevated column designs to meet site clearance requirements. For projects such as water treatment plants, factories, and corridors, heights can exceed 10 meters.

6. Low Steel Content 

Compared to traditional rigid frames or trusses, flexible supports feature a low steel content. By replacing conventional tensile components with high-strength cables, the structural self-weight is significantly reduced, thereby decreasing the overall steel usage. The cables provide overall stiffness to the structure while also contributing to its stress stiffness.

Given the diverse forms of flexible supports, it is essential to summarize their applicable conditions based on their structural forms and load characteristics. This summary can then serve as a basis for selecting the appropriate structure.