Seminar: Advanced tensegrity structures for building-integrated photovoltaics

Prof. Fernando Fraternali, Università degli Studi di Salerno

Rana Nazifi Charandabi, Università degli Studi di Salerno

A Sun-Tracking Tensegrity Solar Roof for a Sports Stadium (Fernando Fraternali)

Abstract: This talk introduces a tensegrity design approach for a small-to-medium-sized sports stadium, featuring a roof equipped with sun-tracking solar modules. A novel tensegrity structure forms the modular roof, with its members optimized using a minimal-mass strategy. The stability of the entire stadium structure, along with the deflections of the cantilever roof, is analyzed under vertical, seismic, and wind loads through detailed finite element analysis. Electrical power production is estimated over the course of one year for the Salerno area. The results demonstrate that the tensegrity solar roof exhibits minimal deflections and exceptional solar energy harvesting capabilities, employing sun-tracking strategies customized for different sectors of the grandstands.

Prof. Fernando Fraternali is a Professor of Structural Mechanics in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Salerno (Diciv), Italy. He received his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Salerno, and a Ph.D. in Multiscale Mechanics from King's College London. F. Fraternali has participated as a PI or co-PI in various research projects funded by the Italian National Research Council, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (Italy-USA scientific cooperation), and US research agencies. Most of his research work concerns multiscale modeling and simulation of solids and structures, the nonlinear dynamics of materials and structures, and the design and engineering of sustainable materials and structures at multiple scales. See the scientific website and the research group webpage below for more information. Prof. Fraternali was awarded a Fulbright Research Scholarship for the 2005/06 academic year. As a Fulbright Scholar, he served as a Visiting Professor at the Graduate Aerospace Laboratories of the California Institute of Technology. Prof. Fraternali is currently an Associate Editor for Mechanics Research Communications (ISSN: 0093-6413), Frontiers in Materials (ISSN: 2296-8016), and Ingegneria Sismica - International Journal of Earthquake Engineering (ISSN: 0393-1420).

Building-Integrated Mashrabiya PV Windows with Tensegrity-Origami Architecture (Rana Nazifi Charandabi)

Abstract: Mashrabiya are oriel windows characteristic of Islamic architectural tradition, historically integrated into buildings in arid climates. This paper proposes a novel tensegrity design for Mashrabiya systems, incorporating origami modules equipped with photovoltaic cells ("Tmas windows"). The examined oriel window complements the traditional functions of a Mashrabiya with solar energy harvesting. A primary folding motion of the origami modules, designed to tessellate the surface, allows sunlight to pass through the system in a controlled manner. A secondary tilting motion of the photovoltaic cells on these modules enables the system to harvest solar energy and generate electric power. This talk explores the architectural and mechanical design of the Mashrabiya window, as well as its energy-harvesting capabilities, using both numerical simulations and experimental methods.

Rana Nazifi is a visionary architect and dedicated Ph.D. candidate specializing in photovoltaic technology and its integration into building design. With a profound passion for energy-efficient and sustainable architecture,  Rana is committed to advancing green design principles that align with environmental stewardship and urban sustainability. At the core of Rana's research is the optimization of solar energy systems and their seamless incorporation into architectural and engineering frameworks. By focusing on innovative strategies to enhance the efficiency of photovoltaic systems, she aims to revolutionize the way solar energy is utilized in modern buildings, fostering a harmonious balance between functionality, aesthetics, and environmental impact.  Driven by a mission to shape a sustainable urban future, Rana combines academic rigor with practical design expertise to develop solutions that elevate the performance of solar systems while addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and energy consumption. Through cutting-edge research and creative design thinking, she aspires to redefine the role of architecture in driving sustainable progress.