To address the problems of large terrain variation, limited foundation construction, and poor adaptability of conventional supports in mountain photovoltaic projects, this study establishes finite element models of four flexible photovoltaic support systems, including one single-layer cable system and three double-layer cable systems. Under the same span, module layout, and loading conditions, the deflection, cable force, support reaction, equivalent steel consumption, and torsional performance of the different systems are compared under symmetric and asymmetric loading. The results show that the single-layer cable system has the lowest material consumption and better constructability in mountain terrain, but its torsional stiffness is relatively weak. The double-layer systems provide better overall stiffness and torsional resistance, but require more steel and impose larger foundation reactions. The single-layer cable system is then selected for further analysis. To ensure geometric nonlinear convergence, the structural analysis relies on established catenary cable and beam element formulations under incremental loads. Based on the parameter analysis, a combination of 40° for the bottom ground cable and 50° for the top ground cable is recommended to reduce structural reaction moments. Finally, as a simplified structural analysis approach to avoid exhaustive global modeling, a two-span equivalent model for intermediate columns, a single-span equivalent model for edge columns, and a table-based selection procedure are proposed, providing a reference for the rapid design of mountain multi-span flexible photovoltaic supports.
Diao et al. (Thu,) studied this question.