Pneumatic Solar Trackers

This research proposes building-integrated solar tracking systems aided by soft robotics as an hinge-free adaptive structure. Photovoltaics on the market are typically standardized and often left unseen once installed on site. While there are tracking solar panels, they are an investment compared to their stationary counterparts. Their stiff mechanical connections often require excess components that hinder opportunities for smoother generation of movements.

By redefining the context of compliant mechanisms in architecture, we can customize and adjust motions with ease through pneumatic actuations. The inspiration stems from heliotropic characteristics of sunflowers is achieved by tailoring individual geometries of internal cellular cavities to control pneumatic performance across a network. The result of this study is a series of lightweight kit-of-parts to produce aesthetic and dynamic hybrid assemblies that can be contextualized into agri-voltaic or residential sectors.