Irradiance models for agrivoltaics layouts

Hugo Sánchez¹, Sebastian Dittmann¹’², Carlos Meza¹, Ralph Gottschalg¹’²

1 Hochschule Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, 06366 Köthen (Anhalt)
2 Fraunhofer-Center für Silizium-Photovoltaik CSP, Halle (Saale)

Introduction
For Agrivoltaic layouts, agriculture and solar energy production are not mutually exclusive. Nevertheless, most of publications are done on either Agriculture or Photovoltaic.
It is not well described how the light changes and whether it could affect -or enhance- the production of energy and crop yield.
This project aims to find a validated integration model of PV and agriculture, focusing on the solar radiation split. And with that, the generation of tools allows other stakeholders to adopt these production schemes.

Aim of the Project
Study the irradiance behavior due to the light competition presented in the synergy between solar PV modules and crops. It will result in models that serve as input for simulation, design and planification of agrivoltaics installations that helps stakeholders to understand the benefits and implications through the development of agrivoltaics systems.
Consist in the proposal for composition models light for Agrivoltaics installation and its validation using the demonstrator network of BIODIV project.
Target:
Vertical, Tracking Systems, Fixed solar modules PV Plants Layouts

Research Questions
R.Q.1. What is the light-sharing trade-off between crops and photovoltaic in an agrivoltaic system?
R.Q.2. How the microclimate generated due to the light-sharing trade-off impacts energy production?
R.Q.3. What is the impact on the energy yield of various PV plants layouts in agrivoltaic systems?

Light Sharing Trade-off

  • The project will analyze other layouts such an elevated tilt angle and solar trackers.

Microclimate characterization
Fig. 2 presents a monitoring system proposal designed to determine the effects of vertical-oriented AgriPVplus[1] on crop evapotranspiration and photovoltaic energy yield measurements.

Fig. 2: Instrumentation concept for monitoring of a AgriPVplus concept
Fig. 3: Implementation of the monitoring system, Holstedt AgriPV

Layout optimization

Fig. 4: Layout optimization for the desing of AgriPV installations

References
[1] H. Sánchez, S. Dittmann, S.Tosello, C. Meza, S.Dullau, M. Meyer, P. Scholz, S. Tischew, R. Gottschalg, (2022). Novel Measurement Concept for AgriPVPlus Systems- A Triple Approach. In: 8th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion. Milan. Italy.
[2] R. Bruhwyler, H.Sánchez, C.Meza, F. Lebeau, P. Brunet, G. Dabadie, S. Dittmann, R. Gottschalg, J.J. Negroni (2022) Assesment of a vertical agrivoltaics installation in the area of Chanco, Maule Region in Chile. In: ICSC-CITIES 2022: V Ibero-American Congress of Smart Cities. Cuenca. Ecuador.
[1] H. Sánchez, S. Dittmann, S.Tosello, C. Meza, S.Dullau, M. Meyer, P. Scholz, S. Tischew, R. Gottschalg, (2022). AgriPVplus – Ein multifunktionales Landnutzungskonzept und deren Herausforderung bei der Energievorhersage. In: PV Symposioum. Bad Staffelstein. Germany.