Tag Archive for: Agrivoltaics

This article describes concepts and designs of a photovoltaic system for harvesting salt and electricity at salt farm floor, with attention given to waterproofing, salt resistance, material and electrical safety, maintenance, and economic feasibility. The authors found that the power generation of the salt-farm parallel system is comparable to that of conventional solar power plants and that the cooling effect by seawater contributes more to the increase in the crystalline silicon photovoltaic module performance than does the absorption loss due to seawater by maintaining a certain height above the module.

This paper reviews the fields of floatovoltaic (FV) technology (water deployed solar photovoltaic systems) and aquaculture (farming of aquatic organisms) to investigate the potential of hybrid floatovoltaic-aquaculture synergistic applications for improving food-energy-water nexus sustainability. In addition, several other symbiotic relationships are considered including an increase in power conversion efficiency due to the cooling and cleaning of module surfaces , a reduction in water surface evaporation rates, ecosystem redevelopment, and improved fish growth rates through integrated designs using FV-powered pumps to control oxygenation levels as well as LED lighting.

This North Dakota State University Extension publication provides an introductory checklist of energy efficiency opportunities for greenhouses. The checklist includes air leaks, double covering, energy conserving curtain, foundation and sidewall insulation as well as space utilization.

This North Dakota State University Extension publication provides energy efficiency information for grain drying. The checklist includes an overview of grain-drying energy, facts and actions on grain drying and additional resources for grain dryers.

This North Dakota State University Extension publication provides an introductory overview of energy auditing for a farmstead. The checklist includes tractor and field operation(s), details regarding grain drying practices, indoor and outdoor lighting and irrigation.

This Wisconsin Extension publication concerns energy conservation as a result of heat recovery in continuous flow column dryers. The publication includes details on heat recovery and cooling options for continuous flow dryers.

This NCAT ATTRA publication briefly discusses some of the considerations and potential benefits involved in the use of animal power and offers resources for further information and equipment. The publication includes an overview of uses and power potential for horses, mules, oxen and add-a-unit flexibility as well as considerations for safety and suitability and scarcity of knowledge and equipment.

This NCAT ATTRA publication provides an overview of how dairy farms can implement efficiency improvements and energy-saving technologies that can reduce energy consumption and energy-related costs. The publication includes details on the milking process, milk cooling systems, heating water and lighting.

This North Dakota State University Extension article concerns energy efficiency opportunities in tractors and field operations. The checklist includes a list of questions to ask related to proper tire inflation, RPM speed on larger tractors and shading for fuel storage. The document also includes a list of facts and actions regarding tractor maintenance, machine cost calculator and wheel slippage.

This NCAT ATTRA publication describes how to fi nd the net water application rate for any irrigation system. It further explains how to calculate the number of hours the system should be operated, describes several ways to measure flowing water in an open channel or pipeline, and offers suggestions for irrigating with limited water supplies.