Preliminary investigation into the use of biocomposites for a solar panel support truss system

Global hurricanes create a unique clean energy production opportunity – namely to build electricity resiliency into solar energy infrastructure for weather ravaged areas of the world. Terrasol is an industry leader in the design and construction of truss systems to support such solar panel systems for energy generation. In particular, the company’s flagship system is designed to be Category 5 Hurricane resilient and have a 20-year life expectancy. This MITACS research explores different bio-derived fibres and bio-resin material options for design and manufacture of the solar systems. Unlike current solar products in the hurricane belt that are often destroyed during violent storms, the new, environmentally-friendly, lightweight composite solar canopy is aimed to withstand hurricane winds and remain electrically sound after being completely submersed during storm surge floods.

Faculty Supervisor:

Abbas Milani

Student:

Reeghan Osmond

Partner:

Terrasol Geosolar Inc

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

University of British Columbia