A numerical simulation of the photovoltaic greenhouse microclimate

Fatnassi, H.; Poncet, C.; Bazzano, Marie Madeleine; Brun, Richard; Bertin, Nadia

doi:10.1016/j.solener.2015.07.019

Cited by 88 publications

(35 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…However, most zones close to the side walls and the gable walls were the least affected by shading when considering the effects on all canopy heights. Fatnassi et al [14] [15] . On the other hand, the financial benefits of PV systems compared with diesel generators showed that the costs of off-grid hybrid PV systems were 19%…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Influences of greenhouse-integrated semi-transparent photovoltaics on microclimate and lettuce growth

Hassanien

2017

International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering

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Shading in greenhouses is a simple and cheap method usually used to reduce the intensity of solar radiation and air temperature. Moreover, combining Photovoltaic (PV) panels and crops on the same cropland could alleviate the increasing competition for the agricultural land between food and energy production. In addition, the integration of PV with greenhouses could reduce, or partially replace the energy consumption for greenhouse crop production. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the shading effect of semi-transparent mono-crystalline silicon double glazing photovoltaic panels (STPV), mounted on top of an agricultural greenhouse, which occupied 20% of the roof area, on the microclimate conditions and the growth of lettuce plants inside a greenhouse. Results showed that the combination of STPV and polyethylene cover decreased the solar radiation by 35% to 40% compared to the use of polyethylene cover only for clear days which was in the acceptable range of photosynthetically active radiation for lettuce plants. Moreover, STPV shading decreases the air temperature by 1°C-3°C and had no effect in the relative humidity under natural ventilation. Furthermore, there were no significant differences (p0.05) in the growth of lettuce plants between the shaded greenhouse by the STPV and the unshaded. Shading insignificantly increased the fresh weight, leaf area and the chlorophyll contents (p0.05). In conclusion, the integration of STPV modules can decrease the solar irradiation and the internal air temperatures as well as generate electric energy for environmental control systems without significant influence on the growth of lettuce plants. Meanwhile, it can decrease the water consumption by decreasing the evapotranspiration rate.

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confidence: 99%

Influences of greenhouse-integrated semi-transparent photovoltaics on microclimate and lettuce growth

Hassanien

2017

International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering

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“…In recent years, photovoltaic (PV) panels on greenhouse roof surfaces have been popular in European Union countries, particularly Mediterranean countries, for generating solar energy while providing shade during summer months [151]. Driven by high public incentives, some growers covered most of the roof with PV panels without factoring in plant requirements, resulting in poor growth and productivity [152,153]. To test the efficacy of this method, Cossu et al [154] investigated the light distribution of one fully covered and uncovered greenhouses located in southern Italy.…”

Section: Passive Cooling Technologies: Shading and Reflectionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Protected Cropping in Warm Climates: A Review of Humidity Control and Cooling Methods

2019

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The projected increase of the world’s population, coupled with the shrinking area of arable land required to meet future food demands, is building pressure on Earth’s finite agricultural resources. As an alternative to conventional farming methods, crops can be grown in protected environments, such as traditional greenhouses or the more modern plant factories. These are usually more productive and use resources more efficiently than conventional farming and are now receiving much attention—especially in urban and peri-urban areas. Traditionally, protected cropping has been predominantly practised in temperate climates, but interest is rapidly rising in hot, arid areas and humid, tropical regions. However, maintaining suitable climatic conditions inside protected cropping structures in warm climates—where warm is defined as equivalent to climatic conditions that require cooling—is challenging and requires different approaches from those used in temperate conditions. In this paper, we review the benefits of protected cropping in warm climates, as well as the technologies available for maintaining a controlled growing environment in these regions. In addition to providing a summary of active cooling methods, this study summarises photovoltaic (PV)-based shading methods used for passive cooling of greenhouses. Additionally, we also summarise the current humidity-control techniques used in the protected cropping industry and identify future research opportunities in this area. The review includes a list of optimum growing conditions for a range of crop species suited to protected cropping in warm climates.

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“…Again in the same year [41], a number of authors analyzed whether installing a photovoltaic greenhouse was indeed a positive investment opportunity or if it was even viable. Finally, in 2015 [42] various authors studied two different types of glass greenhouses (Venlo and asymmetrical) with the goal of modeling microclimate.…”

Section: Normative Context and Photovoltaic Energy Policy In Spainmentioning

confidence: 99%

Policy and Environmental Implications of Photovoltaic Systems in Farming in Southeast Spain: Can Greenhouses Reduce the Greenhouse Effect?

et al. 2017

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Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have grown in popularity in the farming sector, primarily because land area and farm structures themselves, such as greenhouses, can be exploited for this purpose, and, moreover, because farms tend to be located in rural areas far from energy production plants. In Spain, despite being a country with enormous potential for this renewable energy source, little is being done to exploit it, and policies of recent years have even restricted its implementation. These factors constitute an obstacle, both for achieving environmental commitments and for socioeconomic development. This study proposes the installation of PV systems on greenhouses in southeast Spain, the location with the highest concentration of greenhouses in Europe. Following a sensitivity analysis, it is estimated that the utilization of this technology in the self-consumption scenario at farm level produces increased profitability for farms, which can range from 0.88% (worst scenario) to 52.78% (most favorable scenario). Regarding the Spanish environmental policy, the results obtained demonstrate that the impact of applying this technology mounted on greenhouses would bring the country 38% closer to reaching the 2030 greenhouse gas (GHG) target. Furthermore, it would make it possible to nearly achieve the official commitment of 20% renewable energies by 2020. Additionally, it would have considerable effects on the regional socioeconomy, with increases in job creation and contribution to gross domestic product (GDP)/R&D (Research and Development), allowing greater profitability in agrifood activities throughout the entire region.

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A numerical simulation of the photovoltaic greenhouse microclimate

Cited by 88 publications

References 18 publications

Influences of greenhouse-integrated semi-transparent photovoltaics on microclimate and lettuce growth

Influences of greenhouse-integrated semi-transparent photovoltaics on microclimate and lettuce growth

Protected Cropping in Warm Climates: A Review of Humidity Control and Cooling Methods

Policy and Environmental Implications of Photovoltaic Systems in Farming in Southeast Spain: Can Greenhouses Reduce the Greenhouse Effect?

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