Entries by Victorian Tilley

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Performance Analysis of Thermoelectric Generator Implemented on Non-uniform Heat Distribution of Photovoltaic Module

The PV–TEG hybrid system is widely discussed nowadays as an alternative way to maximize solar-radiation energy, which is from both light and heat. This study explains the electro-thermal effects that occur in series and parallel arrays of TEG that are exposed to non-uniform temperature gradients. The study included three experiments: Individual preliminary tests for thermoelectric module-type selections, series and parallel array configurations, and sampling on PV-TEG hybrid applications. The results of these experiments can be used as a tool for optimizing the design and development of components of agrisolar operations.

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Feasibility study of a blind-type photovoltaic roof-shade system designed for simultaneous production of crops and electricity in a greenhouse

This study investigated the feasibility of a greenhouse roof with an integrated semi- transparent PV-blind system to provide moderate shading conditions to greenhouse crops along with simultaneous electrical energy generation. The results in this study can be used to optimize variations of agrivoltaic operations and their development in the future.

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Balancing crop production and energy harvesting in organic solar-powered greenhouses

This study shows that adding semitransparent organic solar cells (ST-OSCs) to a greenhouse structure enables simultaneous plant cultivation and electricity generation, thereby reducing the greenhouse energy demand. To lower the energy footprint of greenhouses, there has been growing interest in integrating solar cells onto the greenhouse structure. In this approach, a portion of light is captured by the solar cells to generate power, while the remaining light transmits into the greenhouse for crop production. The results of this study can benefit development of agrivoltaic operations by maximizing the amount of sunlight reaching plants grown in greenhouses.

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An Algorithm for the Calculation of the Light Distribution in Photovoltaic Greenhouses

This study introduces a novel algorithm to estimate the accumulated global radiation inside photovoltaic (PV) greenhouses at desired time intervals. These features have been considered in the design of agrivoltaic systems, which integrate energy and food production on the same land unit. The PV greenhouse achieves this goal by integrating the PV panels on the roof. This is useful especially in locations where the land resource is limited.

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Agrivoltaic Systems Design and Assessment: A Critical Review, and a Descriptive Model towards a Sustainable Landscape Vision

This study reviews and analyzes the technological and spatial design options that have become available to date implementing a rigorous, comprehensive analysis based on the most updated knowledge in the field, and proposes a thorough methodology based on design and performance parameters that enable us to define the main attributes of the system from a trans-disciplinary perspective. Agrivoltaic systems have been the subject of numerous studies due to their potential in the food–energy nexus. Demonstrative projects with new conceptual designs based on PV modules for covering open fields have shown promising results through optimizing light availability while reducing the need for irrigation and protecting from extreme weather phenomena.

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Advances on the Semi-transparent Modules Based on Micro-solar Cells

This study addresses spherical micro-cells that are a semi-transparent photovoltaic (PV) technology which can contribute to improve the sustainability of greenhouse systems. The prototype STM is promising for greenhouse roof applications and its performance can be improved by increasing the conversion efficiency. Results of the study show that the balance of the light distribution for plant growth and electricity production should be designed carefully according to the nature of the light requirements of cultivated plants in the greenhouse.

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A Photovoltaic Greenhouse with Variable Shading

The purpose of this study is to present the potentiality of an innovative prototype photovoltaic greenhouse with variable shading to optimize energy production by photovoltaic panels and agricultural production. The results show how the shading variation enabled regulation of the internal radiation, choosing the minimum value of necessary radiation, because the internal micro-climatic parameters must be compatible with the needs of the plant species grown in the greenhouses. In agrivoltaic systems, these considerations could be useful in optimization of the operations identified in this study.

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A Study of Solar Electric Tractors for Small Scale Farming

In an effort to help to improve the returns of farming in an environmentally acceptable way, the project’s objective is to investigate the feasibility of a small size electric farming tractor, which shall be able to use locally generated renewable energy. The project’s aim is to evaluate the feasibility of an electric micro tractor system for small-scale family farming that can be propelled by locally generated renewable energy. These applications could be applied in agrivoltaic developments, which include producing renewable energy and crops.