Unlike the truss structure, the members of a tensegrity structure are held apart creating a void between them.
-
« Home
Pages
-
RSS Feeds
Monthly Archives: February 2010
Tensegrity or tensional integrity is a property of structures with an integrity based on a balance between tension and compression components.(wikipedia)
In these structures tension and compression forces are completely separated and the result is a exceptionally rigid structure.
elastic bands = tension
chopsticks = compression force
When applying the same solar tracking response to a more curved surface , the kinetic aspect of the sytem is much emphasized.
flat surface solar tracking
01-Feb-10Neither optimisation in performance-as the sun angle remained the same throughout the surface- nor the desired emphasis on the tracking movement was achieved.
mimicking the sunflower
01-Feb-10The addt study begun with the study of sunflowers and their solar tracking ability-heliotropism. As a first step, the sunflower was taken literally, not only as a matter of function but in shape. The stem would grow and tilt towards the the sun to allow for optimal energy gain.
Dye Solar Cell Technology
01-Feb-10“Compared to conventional silicon based photovoltaic technology, Dyesol’s technology has lower cost and embodied energy in manufacture, it produces electricity more efficiently even in low light conditions and can be directly incorporated into buildings by replacing conventional glass panels rather than taking up roof or extra land area.” (from company website)
For the ADDT research, I was looking into ways, instead of having a ‘’static” fixed pv panel on a structure, to incorporate it in it. Photovoltaics using fabric turned out to be the ultimate solution providing the flexibility and performance as well as allowing the structure to ”move” and manoeuvre to sun path.