Design and drawing support system for photovoltaic array structure

Abstract

This paper describes a design and drawing support system for a photovoltaic (PV) array structure. The operator inputs data (e.g. structure type, tilt angle, load conditions, etc.) into the system, which computes stress on each element of structure and outputs the calculated results. If the results are within the tolerance limit, a skeleton drawing of the structure is produced. The weight list of materials is also outputted on paper. When the results are beyond the limit, the data is modified by the operator and re-computed until the satisfactory results are shown.