Overview of the benefits of tensile architecture; the integration of flexible, organic solar photovoltaic panels and SKYShades projects across the world.
4. US Tensile Beginnings
PTFE Fiberglass and NASA (1969)
First commercial projects (1972) Lightweight long‐span roofs (1975)
5. Basics
Conven&onal structures:
– Dependent on gravity and rigidity
– Walls and framing working in compression
Tensile structures:
– An>‐clas>c (bi‐axial) forms
– Membrane and cables working in tension
Thus, the fi5h building material:
– Wood, stone, metal, glass, and . . . membrane
6. Sustainability
• Light colored fabrics
• Small amounts of material
• Dayligh>ng
• Fabric recycling
• Steel is recycled
• New solar applica>ons
10. Fabric Characteris>cs
FABRIC TYPE HDPE PVC PTFE
Durability/Lifespan Medium Medium High/Long
Structural Capabilities Medium High High
Initial Cost Low Medium High
Performance Medium Medium High
Waterproof No Yes Yes
Translucency Low Medium High
Fabric Flexibility High Medium Low
Portability High Medium Low
Color Availability High Medium Low
Potential Creep No No No
Fire Performance
Pass NFPA 701 Limited Yes Yes
Pass ASTM E84, E108, E136 Limited No Yes
40. Solarbrella Specifications
General:
• 13’ x 13’ coverage
• Standard color is white /
addi>onal colors available
• 3 year warranty
• PVC fabric
• Aluminum body/pole
• 4 power outlets (DC) with
volt meter
• Power Plas>c organic
photovoltaic panels
• Bapery bank in base of unit
46. Environmentally
Traditional PV (OPV)
• Requires a huge • Panels use the
amount of energy input lowest carbon
footprint of all solar
• Toxic gases and panels and they
hazardous chemicals are biodegradable
such as arsenic,
cadmium, and titanium • Pose no threat to
the environment
• Larger carbon footprint;
high disposal costs
47. Economically
Traditional PV (OPV)
• Expensive due to • Roll-to-roll
the high production manufacturing
costs and the high process
price of silicon.
• Much lighter
• Extremely heavy
• Eliminates extra
• Roofing systems load requirements
require reinforcing to
carry the extra load
48. Efficiency
Traditional PV (OPV)
• Can never be • OPV panels bonded
more efficient than to membrane
the first day of
installation • Simple replacement
when energy
• Degrade at the demands increase
rate of 1%
(approx.) per year • May be used
effectively indoors
and outdoors
49. FAQs
How efficient are OPV panels?
Currently, OPV panels have ~7%
efficiency, with the theore>cal limit in the
region of 50‐60%
Since OPV panels generate energy from
any light, they generate electricity from
daybreak to sunset
Conven>onal PV is most effec>ve only
from 10am‐3pm and with no cloud cover
50. FAQs
What is the project life-span of the ‘bonding system’
which houses the Power Plastic?
High-grade ETFE membrane
Carries a 15-year warranty
What is the current useful life for Power Plastic?
The current life of our panels is 3 to 5 years
Over the past 3 years, no degradation identified
51. FAQs
What are the compara>ve costs between
conven>onal PV and Power Plas>c?
OPV u>lizes only dyes & chemicals on a plas>c
plauorm (vs. high cost tradi>onal PV)
OPV prin>ng press manufacturing process is
simpler and more cost effec>ve
Conven>onal panels repaid over 15‐17 years
(based on local electricity costs)
Power Plas>c expected to have 4‐5 year
payback period
