In the quest for sustainable energy, researchers have developed a groundbreaking innovative foundation to support photovoltaic (PV) projects in challenging environments. This novel approach introduces a serpentine pile foundation designed specifically for desert gravel areas, providing a renewed avenue for enhancing the bearing capacity of solar energy installations.
The study, published on March 20, 2025, marks a significant advancement in the field of renewable energy. As global awareness of environmental issues and the need for clean energy sources rises, the performance and stability of photovoltaic systems have become crucial. The new serpentine pile foundation is engineered to withstand the unique challenges posed by desert gravel soils, ultimately optimizing the efficiency and longevity of solar power installations in arid conditions.
The researchers employed bionic principles, drawing inspiration from nature to develop this innovative foundation design. The distinctive structure of the serpentine piles mimics the function of certain living organisms, maximizing their frictional interaction with the soil, thereby enhancing their uplift and compressive bearing capacities. The key parameters analyzed in this study include pile embedment depth, width, and spacing between the snake-skin bodies and their effects on the foundation’s performance.
Conducting extensive tests with desert gravel samples sourced from a photovoltaic industrial park in Qinghai Province, they found that burial depth plays a pivotal role in the capacity of these foundations. The ultimate tensile bearing capacity increased to a peak of 80.33kN at a burial depth of 1700 mm, showcasing the significant improvement this design offers compared to traditional foundations.
The results emphasize that both the burial depth and the width of the serpentine structure have substantial impacts on performance metrics. By implementing a controlled variable method, the research confirmed that varying the embedment depth, width, and spacing not only influences the ultimate bearing capacity but also the unit-volume concrete bearing capacity, pile displacement, and stresses along the pile's body.
One of the remarkable findings includes that as the width of the snake-skin body increases, the uplift bearing capacity of the serpentine pile remarkably rises, culminating at 74.89 kN with a width of 380 mm. However, while increasing the width enhances tensile performance, it simultaneously leads to a decline in compressive capacity, implying vital trade-offs that need consideration in practical applications.
This research highlights the effectiveness of numerical analyses using ABAQUS software to simulate various conditions under which the piles function. The detailed modeling facilitated insights into tension and compression stresses while providing a solid theoretical foundation for future enhancements in the design of photovoltaic support structures.
The study offers crucial insights that could revolutionize the design and installation of photovoltaic systems, particularly in regions with challenging soil conditions. This innovation not only aims to ensure the structural integrity of solar installations but also enhances their economic viability, thus contributing to the broader shift towards renewable energy solutions.
Moving forward, as the demand for solar energy continues to grow, understanding how to optimize foundation designs will be imperative. This study serves as a pivotal reference for research and engineering practices, encouraging further investigations into the application of bio-inspired designs across various types of foundations.
In conclusion, the introduction of the photovoltaic bracket serpentine pile foundation showcases a promising future for solar energy applications, particularly in desert environments. With sustainability at the forefront of scientific endeavors, the findings of this research underscore the importance of innovative solutions to meet the energy demands of the future while maintaining ecological integrity.
