An isogeometric analysis of solar panels with a bio-inspired substrate

We in this paper propose a high-performance design using bio-inspired metamaterials for multilayered perovskite solar cell (MPSC) plates. The static bending and free vibrational responses of the newly designed MPSC panels with the presence of the triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) substrate are subsequently investigated numerically. The displacements of the present plate model are then approximated by five-variable higher-order shear deformation theories (HSDTs). The weak forms are established for both the static bending and free vibration problems and subsequently derive the discrete forms using the NURBS-based isogeometric approach. To enhance the operational efficiency of solar panels in challenging environments, we integrate advanced lightweight architectures based on bio-inspired TPMS structures as a substrate layer into the original solar panel design. In this research, three widely employed TPMS structures: Primitive, Gyroid, and I-graph and Wrapped Package-graph (IWP), are examined in conjunction with two functional grading patterns implemented through the thickness direction. For the first time, the static bending performance of MPSC plates integrated into a TPMS-based substrate layer and subjected to wind pressure as well as thermal conditions is comprehensively studied. In addition, the influence of several significant factors on the free vibration behavior of MPSC plates is also elucidated. The findings show a promising and intriguing design avenue, particularly in the application of high-performance metamaterials to address contemporary challenges in renewable energy usage and environmental protection.