Integrated interdisciplinary design and development of an adaptive canopy with thin-film photovoltaic modules

To enhance the deployment potential and architectural integration of photovoltaic technologies in open public spaces, the design and development of an actuated, lightweight and unitized prototype canopy structure is presented. The system incorporates thin-film photovoltaic modules mounted on aluminum substrates, configured to track the solar trajectory for optimized energy generation. The structural assembly comprises a primary cable net coupled with a secondary system of struts and control cables, anchored to a perimetric frame. The design emphasizes structural and technical simplicity, low self-weight and a minimal number of actuation elements. The integrated interdisciplinary process followed encompasses iterative phases of geometrical system development, and analysis of the load-deformation behavior, associated kinematics and energy performance, as well as the fabrication and experimental verification of a scaled 1:5 prototype. The process is anticipated to contribute to technological innovation in future real case applications, addressing key architectural, structural, kinematic, control and energy performance parameters.