Reconfigurable linkage structures and photovoltaics integration

Abstract

A type of reconfigurable building structures is presented which comprises an arrangement of multilink planar linkages. Interconnections are applied to allow for the individual linkages to move together and the control action to be transferred between them. The linkages constitute the skeleton structure and define the building envelope. The elementary planar linkages include a central sliding member on an elevated midspan structural mechanism. On either side of the slider connects a chain of serially-connected members, the other end of which is pin-connected to the ground. Actuation is directly applied on the sliding member, while all rotational joints are equipped with brakes as required to implement a multistep reconfiguration control method. In each step, a selective application of the brakes appropriately modifies the kinematic structure of the linkage to resemble a dual version of a crank–slider mechanism. This is a 1-DOF system which is favorable from a control perspective. Simulations are employed to demonstrate the concepts. Finally, thin-film photovoltaic modules integrated on the spatial structure highlight potential benefits enabled by reconfigurable buildings with regard to the solar irradiance and energy production. • A reconfigurable building structure has been investigated. • The spatial structure consists of connected multilink planar linkages. • The system reconfiguration is based on the dual effective crank–slider concept. • Actuation is applied on the sliding member on an elevated midspan mechanism. • The study involves a photovoltaics integration in the building envelope.