Solar Sync Stadium
September - November 2024
Group Project · Master Level · Industrial Design Engineering
Course: Sources of Innovation
A project-based course focused on developing sustainable, technology-driven concepts using structured innovation methods. In this project, we applied theoretical frameworks directly to a real-world challenge, exploring how emerging technologies can be leveraged to create innovative and sustainable product solutions.
Solar Sync Stadium is a sustainable energy solution designed for the Grolsch Veste football stadium. The project explored how emerging solar technologies—specifically Free-Space Luminescent Solar Concentrators (FSLSCs) combined with photovoltaic panels—could be integrated into stadium infrastructure to generate renewable energy without compromising architectural aesthetics. The goal was to create a modular, scalable energy system that supports the stadium’s energy demands while contributing to sustainable infrastructure development.
Methodology
The project followed a structured innovation methodology, applying six innovation models in sequence to develop a sustainable, integrated solar energy system for the Grolsch Veste stadium. The process was iterative and reflective, combining stakeholder analysis, contradiction-solving, risk assessment, and visual integration to ensure that the final solution addressed technical, functional, aesthetic, and societal requirements.
Delft Innovation Model
Using the Delft Innovation Model, we mapped the stadium’s stakeholders, energy demands, and architectural constraints. This analysis provided strategic direction for the project, identifying the stadium’s energy needs and defining the core design challenge: integrating renewable energy systems without disrupting the building’s visual identity.
TRIZ
TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving) was applied to resolve contradictions between maximising energy capture and preserving the stadium’s aesthetics. Through TRIZ tools like contradiction matrices and inventive principles, we developed solutions such as integrating transparent and colour-tuned FSLSC panels into underutilised vertical surfaces, without obstructing views or altering structural geometry.
Conceptual Foundation
The conceptual foundation combined findings from stakeholder analysis and TRIZ to define key design requirements. These included modularity, architectural harmony, scalability, and maintenance efficiency. This phase established the criteria that shaped material selection, structural configuration, and energy optimization throughout the system’s development.
Building on these requirements, three concepts were developed, each focused on using underutilised surfaces to maximise energy generation while maintaining architectural coherence and practical functionality.
Platform-Driven Product Development
Informed by previous innovation methods, we used PDPD to structure the FSLSC-PV energy system as a modular, adaptable platform. Core components—including FSLSCs, PV panels, mounting systems, and energy monitoring—were standardised for ease of installation, maintenance, and scalability. This modular architecture allows the system to adapt to varying surface geometries and building types, supporting customisation without sacrificing production efficiency.
Using PDPD, we defined distinct product families for stadiums, commercial buildings, public infrastructure, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and industrial complexes. Each product family retains the core platform while adapting scale, monitoring needs, and aesthetics to different market segments.
Risk Diagnosing Methodology
During the Risk Diagnosing Methodology (RDM) phase, we identified a wide range of risks related to technical, financial, operational, and external factors. To ensure focused resource allocation and effective mitigation, we prioritised the four most critical risks. These were selected based on their potential to directly affect the system’s performance, structural feasibility, and financial viability. By concentrating on the highest-impact risks, we strengthened the system’s technical reliability while supporting efficient project execution.
Design Evolution
Reflecting on our concepts and ideas using the four tools, we concluded that the roof has the most potential. We then proceeded with calculations and reviews of the roof concepts. Different configurations regarding placement on the roof and the mobility of the design were considered. This stage involved balancing performance metrics, with break-even points identified for optimisation during the finalisation phase.
Constructive Technology Assessment
In the CTA phase, we evaluated the broader societal and environmental implications of integrating the FSLSC-PV system into the Grolsch Veste stadium. This assessment focused on public perception, aesthetic integration, and long-term sustainability benefits. By considering stakeholder concerns about visual impact, installation disruptions, and energy independence, we ensured that the system would not only meet technical goals but also align with social expectations and environmental objectives. This reflective analysis confirmed that the concept enhances the stadium’s sustainable image while supporting public acceptance and long-term positive impact.
Innovation Design & Styling
In this phase, the focus shifted to the visual and aesthetic integration of the FSLSC-PV system within the stadium architecture. Material transparency, colour selection, and geometric alignment were carefully considered to ensure that the solar elements blended harmoniously with the existing structure. Red-tinted FSLSCs were chosen to reflect the stadium’s identity while maintaining a modern, unobtrusive appearance. This design approach ensured that the renewable energy system contributed not only to functionality but also to the stadium’s visual character.
Final Design
The final concept features a hybrid solar energy system:
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FSLSC panels are integrated into vertical facades and curved surfaces, capturing diffused light and redirecting it toward photovoltaic (PV) panels.
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Traditional PV panels are placed on horizontal and roof surfaces for direct solar energy capture.
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A modular snap-fit panel system, enabling easy installation, maintenance, and scalability across different parts of the stadium.
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Adjustable panel orientations to optimise solar exposure seasonally.
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Transparent and colored FSLSCs are designed to blend aesthetically with the stadium's facade while remaining functional.
To conclude, the system is designed to generate approximately 3.4 million kWh per year, with a projected payback period of under one year. Structural analysis confirmed the design could be safely integrated without exceeding load-bearing limits. Visually, the system complements the existing architecture, adding a subtle yet functional layer of sustainable technology.
Personal Contributions
In this project, I worked on key parts of the design process. I applied TRIZ to resolve design contradictions and develop solutions balancing energy generation with architectural integration. I also conducted the entire Risk Diagnosing Methodology, identifying and prioritising technical and structural risks to guide design improvements.
For the Innovation Design & Styling phase, I developed the complete visual and structural integration of the solar system, defining materials, colours, and geometric patterns to align with the stadium’s architecture.
In addition to technical work, I coordinated project tasks and handled the report compilation and graphic design, including the layout of the final report and the creation of the presentation poster.