Portable Photovoltaic Power Solar Array / Structure

Description

Photovoltaic solar structure is a portable power generation system and habitat for use in circumstances oriented to temporary urbanism.

A portable photovoltaic power system that employs 1200 watts of solar panels. The system design was a result of an exercise to fuse habitable structure design with power generation capability. The flat roof of the structure consists of six 200 watt panels arranged in a format to result in a octagonal (near circular) structure footprint. All supporting elements are arranged along the perimeter of the structure to create a large, unobstructed, living area.

The sides of the structure are comprised of modular canvas panels. The panels can be zip-tied to the structural frame to create either a partially or fully enclosed living space. When panels are attached to the structure, the lower portion of the panels reach to the ground surface and then fold inward, to lie beneath an additional canvas flooring. This design strategy reduces the amount of wind-driven dust and debris into the enclosed area.

General Specifications

Free-standing shelter with 1200 watts of photovoltaic power
PV panel dimensions: 1 7/8″ high, 65″ long, 37.5″ wide, 200 W, standard solar panel plug/socket connectors
Rigorously tested, nine years evolving at various outdoor venues
Octagonal design, yurt-like structure, but with flat roof
Wind loading can be controlled by changing positions of detachable canvas panels
Structure dimensions: 151″ wide x 153″ long x 78″ high
Lowest interior height: 73″ (includes sag) – using structure clogs
Structure can easily accommodate different PV panel dimensions: 36″- 42″ wide, 56″- 72″ long, 0.5″ – 4″ thick

Modular aluminum structure can also accommodate panels of extended dimensions, beyond the ranges specified, but compromises may be required with regards to structure effective shading, fit of canvas panels and structural integrity.

Fabric Panels

7 canvas panels – can be stenciled, size: 68″ wide x 82″ long
1/2″ ID grommets placed every 14″, canvas reinforced at grommets

Canvas panels’ lower ends sit on the ground and underneath structure brown canvas floor. Improves structural integrity, stabilizes and wind-swept debris is trapped at wall instead collecting into living space. Can leave panels on or off as required. Typical installation uses 5-6 panels, to allow for entry and vehicle access.

Low Voltage Lighting

12vdc fixtures (color programmable or white) – includes remotes

Tie directly to solar storage unit.

Aluminum structural elements from McMaster-Carr:

8 of 72″ beam plus flange
8 of 72″ beam standard
8 of adjustable feet
2 of 48″ span adjustment beams standard

Other Elements

8 structure clogs, to stake feet of structure via 3/8” to 1/2″ diameter rebar
8 of 5/16″ x 2″ eyebolt x 3/4″ ID
100 feet of 100 pound test nylon or polypropylene rope
16 stakes, 3/8″ dia x 16″ long with curved bend
1 – 3lb sledgehammer
1 – crowbar

Miscellaneous Hardware

5/16″ bolts, 2″ – 3.5″long, with nuts and washers
Hooks included for clothes or equipment hanging
Vanity mirror, attaches to multiple points in structure: 15″ wide x 5″ deep x 19″ tall
Storage bins: 4 total, 20″ x 29″ x 16″ high
Two plywood flat covers (20″ x 60″ x 3/4″) to allow for seating, and/or low tables, for 1-6 people.
120 inches of seating, 20″ width per person for 6 people, seating is at 16.5″ high, can employ unused canvas panels as seating covers