A modular photovoltaic enclosure

Abstract

Present disclosure relates to a modular photovoltaic enclosure (100). The modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) comprises a base (2) and includes at least one frame (4) detachably mounted on the base (2) and extends an upward direction from the base (2) and defined with a plurality of receiving spaces (4a). The enclosure (100) includes a plurality of walls (6) disposable within the receiving spaces (4a) of the at least one frame (4). The enclosure (100) includes at least one top portion (8) connectable to the plurality of walls (6), where the at least one top portion (8) and the plurality of walls (6) are configured to displace relative to the at least one frame (4) to selectively allow air circulation and diffused solar radiation. With such configuration, the modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) provides regulates and provides adequate air circulation and diffused solar radiation for crops within the modular photovoltaic enclosure.

Description

A MODULAR PHOTOVOLTAIC ENCLOSURETECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Present disclosure generally relates to the field of photovoltaic power generation. Particularly but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to photovoltaic panels. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a modular photovoltaic enclosure of an agricultural field for regulating solar radiation being incident on crops enclosed therein.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Generally, solar panels are used to generate photovoltaic power using sunlight. The generated power may be used for various purposes such as heating water, charging electrical equipment / devices, powering illumination devices, pumping water, etc. Further, to meet current demand for electricity, large solar parks are set up usually in common lands from where solar energy may be harvested and transmitted as usage energy across distances. Furthermore, for operation of such solar parks, acquisition of large tracts of land may be required, which may result in displacement of local livelihood, whereby adversely impacting local ecological systems.

[0003] Using land below the solar panels would increase the overall productivity & reduce competition on resources. However, because of the shade under the panels, only few crops which may grow even under shade could be considered. Crops in an agricultural field require certain amount of sunlight for photosynthesis. During noon time of summer periods of year, the plants may receive higher intensity of sunlight than required, which may result in lower chloroplast, wilting of plants, and loss of yield, among others. Therefore, conventionally, large tracts of land are utilized solely for either generating photovoltaic power or to grow crops. Hence, there is a necessity to utilize large tracts of land for generating photovoltaic power as well as to grow crops. In other words, in order to avoid wastage of such large tracts of land, water wastage from cleaning of solar panels, integration of agricultural systems with solar power generation is considered.

[0004] With advent of technology, efforts have been made to facilitate production of both photovoltaic power as well as to grow crop in the same land. Such may be achieved by installing a series of solar panels above cultivated crops and by maintaining required distance between adjacent solar panels, which ensure sunlight reaches the cultivated crops. Such technique is generally termed as “Agrivoltaics” or “Agrophotovoltaics”. However, in conventional technology, the series of solar panels tend to create complete shade on the cultivated crops below, which may restrict incidence of direct sunlight on the crops that are below the series of solar panels. In other words, the cultivated crops that are under the solar panels may receive minimal to no sunlight when compared with the cultivated crops beyond such shade of the solar panels, which inherently affect plant physiology yield and / or growth of the cultivated crops in the land. To curb such light deficiencies and / or over-incidence of solar radiation on crops, some crops are grown in artificial enclosures by creating artificial lighting among others, where such enclosures are expensive to maintain and require additional equipment for temperature control, humidity control and the like.

[0005] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with thereto. Further, the aspects of ‘Background’ should not be construed as a limitation of the present disclosure.

[0006] The drawbacks / difficulties / disadvantages / limitations of the conventional techniques explained in the background section are just for exemplary purpose and the disclosure would never limit its scope only such limitations. A person skilled in the art would understand that this disclosure and below mentioned description may also solve other problems or overcome the other drawbacks / disadvantages of the conventional arts which are not explicitly captured above.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0007] One or more shortcomings of the conventional techniques are overcome by a modular photovoltaic enclosure as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the modular photovoltaic enclosure as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the presentdisclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

[0008] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a modular photovoltaic enclosure is disclosed. The modular photovoltaic enclosure comprises a base mounted on ground and defined by a plurality of longitudinal members and defined with a plurality of extensions extending from the plurality of longitudinal members in a downward direction to transmit load of the modular photovoltaic enclosure to the ground. The enclosure includes at least one frame detachably mounted on the base and extends an upward direction from the base and defined with a plurality of receiving spaces. The enclosure includes a plurality of walls disposable within the plurality of receiving spaces of the at least one frame. The enclosure includes at least one top portion connectable to the plurality of walls, where the at least one top portion and the plurality of walls are configured to displace relative to the at least one frame to selectively allow air circulation and diffused solar radiation.

[0009] In an embodiment, the at least one top portion is a slanted roof defined by a second set of walls including at least two inclined walls to define the at least one top portion.

[0010] In an embodiment, the ratio of length of the at least two inclined walls is in a range of 0.6: 1 to 0.4 to 1.

[0011] In an embodiment, the at least one top portion is defined with a plurality of vents to selectively vent out hot air from the modular photovoltaic enclosure to external environment.

[0012] In an embodiment, the modular photovoltaic enclosure comprises a plurality of racks disposed on the base, the plurality of racks include at least one reflector disposed between the plurality of racks to direct a portion of the regulated sunlight to the crops based on requirement.

[0013] In an embodiment, the modular photovoltaic enclosure comprises a slider mechanism to slide the plurality of walls relative to the at least one frame to selectively allow air circulation.

[0014] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of walls comprises a plurality of photovoltaic modules.

[0015] In an embodiment, the at least one top portion includes a plurality of beams and a plurality of purlins in a spaced apart configuration corresponding to the plurality of photovoltaic modules.

[0016] In an embodiment, the at least one top portion comprises one or more concentrators to receive and direct solar radiation to the plurality of racks.

[0017] In an embodiment, the modular photovoltaic enclosure comprises at least one guide member disposed between the one or more concentrators and the plurality of racks to guide the solar radiation from the one or more concentrators to the plurality of racks.

[0018] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

[0019] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0020] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunctionwith the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[0021] Figure la illustrates an exploded view of a modular photovoltaic enclosure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure lb illustrates a perspective view of the modular photovoltaic enclosure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 1c illustrates a left side view of the modular photovoltaic enclosure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure Id illustrates a right side view of the modular photovoltaic enclosure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure le illustrates a rear view of the modular photovoltaic enclosure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2a illustrates a top view of the modular photovoltaic enclosure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 2b illustrates a bottom view of the modular photovoltaic enclosure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 3 illustrates a sectional view of a top portion of the modular photovoltaic enclosure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of a photovoltaic module of the modular photovoltaic enclosure of Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 5a illustrates a left side view of the modular photovoltaic enclosure depicting a wall of a plurality of walls in a first position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 5b illustrates a left side view of the modular photovoltaic enclosure depicting the wall of the plurality of walls in a second position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the device may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by the way of examples in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0034] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that a device, assembly / apparatus, mechanism, system, process, or method that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a device / system / assembly proceeded by “comprises. . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the process or apparatus or system or method.

[0035] Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a modular photovoltaic enclosure. The modular photovoltaic enclosure comprises a base mounted on groundand defined by a plurality of longitudinal members and defined with a plurality of extensions extending from the plurality of longitudinal members in a downward direction to transmit load of the modular photovoltaic enclosure to the ground. The enclosure includes at least one frame detachably mounted on the base and extends an upward direction from the base and defined with a plurality of receiving spaces. The enclosure includes a plurality of walls disposable within the plurality of receiving spaces of the at least one frame. The enclosure includes at least one top portion connectable to the plurality of walls, where the at least one top portion and the plurality of walls are configured to displace relative to the at least one frame to selectively allow air circulation and diffused solar radiation. With such configuration, the modular photovoltaic enclosure provides regulates and provides adequate air circulation and diffused solar radiation for crops within the modular photovoltaic enclosure.

[0036] The disclosure is described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figures 1 to 5b. In the figures, the same element or elements which have the same functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

[0037] Figures la to 1c refers to a modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) may be at least one of but not limited to, a green house, a hot-house, or a glasshouse, structured to enclose a crop to regulate and control growing conditions for the crop. The photovoltaic enclosure (100) may be positioned on ground (30). In an embodiment, the photovoltaic enclosure (100) may be a portable enclosure and may be movably disposed / secured to the ground (30). In another implementation, the photovoltaic enclosure (100) may be fixedly secured to the ground (30). In an embodiment, the modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) may be defined by one of a lean- to configuration, a ridge and furrow configuration, even span configuration, gothic arch configuration, uneven span configuration, etc. For sake of explanation, shape of the modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) is depicted to resemble a green house. However, such shape of the modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) shall not be construed as a limitation as the shape may be varied based on requirement.

[0038] The modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) may comprise a base (2) that may be mounted on the ground (30). The base (2) configured as a floor panel is defined by a plurality of longitudinal members (2a) that may be detachably connectable to each other as can be seen in Figure la to allow assembly and disassembly of the modular photovoltaic enclosure (100). The base (2) includes one or more ribs (21) disposed within the base (2) and extending across the plurality of longitudinal members (2a) to receive and support a base panel (22). The base (2) includes the base panel (22) configured to abut the one or more ribs (21) to receive and accommodate (2) a plurality of racks (14) containing crop as can be seen in Figure la. The base (2) is defined with a plurality of extensions (2b) extending from the plurality of longitudinal members (2a) in a downward direction. The plurality of extensions (2b) structured to position the base (2) at an elevation from the ground (30) and configured to support the base (2) at the elevation from the ground (30) and transmit load of components of the modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) to the ground (30). In an embodiment, profile of the plurality of extensions (2b) may be selected from at least one of a cylinder, cube, cuboid and the like. In the illustrative embodiment, the plurality of extensions (2b) are depicted with a cuboidal profile having wide flanges on an end being positioned on the ground (30) to maximize stability of the modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) as can be clearly seen in Figures 2a and 2b.

[0039] Referring again to Figures la to 1c, the modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) includes at least one frame (4) detachably mounted on the base (2) and extending from the base (2). The frame includes a first frame structure (41) and a second frame structure (42). The first frame structure is configured to extend upward from the base and the second frame structure (42) is disposed on the first frame structure (41) forming the top portion (8). The frame (4) extends in an upward direction from the base (2) and is defined with a plurality of receiving spaces (4a) to accommodate a plurality of walls and the second frame structure (42) extends in the upward direction from the first frame structure (41) to accommodate the at least one top portion (8). In an embodiment, profile and number of receiving spaces (4a) of the at least one frame (4) is defined based on shape and design requirements of plurality of walls and the at least one top portion (8).In an embodiment, the at least one frame (4) is made of materials such as, aluminium, cast-iron, steel, copper, glass, porcelain, ceramic, plastic, dry wood, rubber, and the like. However, other materials not illustrated above may also be contemplated herein without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. The at least one frame (4) is connected to the base (2) on one end and is connected to the at least one top portion (8) on the other end. The at least one frame (4) is configured to receive the at least one modular photovoltaic panel (10) in each receiving space of the plurality of receiving spaces (4a) to define the plurality of walls (6). In the illustrative embodiment, the modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) is depicted with four walls (6) detachably coupled to the frame (4) and extending longitudinally from the frame (4) to receive the at least one top portion (8) for ease of assembly and disassembly as can be seen in Figure lb. However, the number of walls (6) and number of top portions (8) may be varied based on design requirements.

[0040] Further, the plurality of walls (6) and the at least one top portion (8) are operatively coupled to the at least one frame (4) by at least one mechanism [not shown explicitly in figures]. The at least one mechanism may include, but not limited to, hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, slider mechanism, and the like. In the illustrative embodiment, the mechanism is illustrated as a slider mechanism to prevent damage to the photovoltaic panels and allow displacement of the photovoltaic panels relative to the frame (4) with ease. The slider mechanism may include one or more rails defined on the at least one frame (4), while the plurality of walls are defined with one or more slots [not shown explicitly in figures] to allow sliding of the plurality of walls. The plurality of walls (6) are configured to displace relative to the at least one frame (4) to selectively allow air circulation and diffused solar radiation. In the illustrative embodiment, the at least one frame (4) is fixedly connected to the base (2) and the at plurality of walls (6) are slidably disposed on the at least one frame (4). In an embodiment, one wall of the plurality of walls may be slid to a first position as can be seen in Figure 5a, where at least a portion of one photovoltaic module overlaps with a subsequent photovoltaic module. In an embodiment, two photovoltaic modules of the wall may be slid to a second position, where two subsequent photovoltaic modulesoverlap with a third photovoltaic module as can be clearly seen in Figure 5b to increase air circulation within the modular photovoltaic enclosure.

[0041] In an embodiment, the at least one modular photovoltaic panel (10) is a solar panel. Each wall of the plurality of walls (6) is defined by at least one modular photovoltaic panel (10) configured to receive solar radiation and generate power. The at least one modular photovoltaic panel (10) is defined with a plurality of photovoltaic cells having predefined gaps between each other to allow solar radiation through the predefined gaps to the crops accommodated in the racks (14) within the modular photovoltaic enclosure (100). Also, the plurality of photovoltaic cells is arranged within the at least one modular photovoltaic panel (10) in a predetermined pattern to achieve desired shading for area below the at least one modular photovoltaic panel (10) as can be seen in Figure 4. Further, the at least one modular photovoltaic panel (10) may include at least one fluid. The at least one fluid may include air or vacuum or inert gases and combination thereof and among others. The at least one fluid may be configured to filter predetermined frequency range of the solar radiation to prevent harm to crops because of other unwanted frequence range of the solar radiation. Further, the at least one modular photovoltaic panel (10) may include a control system [not shown explicitly in Figures] configured to regulate the at least one fluid. In an embodiment, regulating the at least one fluid may include, but not limited to, varying viscosity of the at least one fluid, varying flow of the at least one fluid and the like. Regulating the fluid medium by the control system may be based on parameters including but not limiting to the outside temperature and intensity of solar radiation.

[0042] Referring now to Figure le, the at least one top portion (8) is structured to direct regulated solar radiation towards the crop. The at least one top portion (8) is defined by a predetermined profile including but not limited to, open gable, box gable, dormer, gambrel and the like to allow optimal solar radiation and air circulation into the modular photovoltaic enclosure (100). For sake of explanation, the at least one top portion (8) is depicted to be a box gable to accommodate the at least one modular photovoltaic panel (10) and the same shall not be considered a limitation. In the illustrative embodiment, the at least one top portion (8) is a slanted roof defined by a second set of walls (8a, 8b)including at least two inclined walls to define the at least one top portion (8). The at least two inclined walls are structured to form the box gable, where ratio of length of the at least two inclined walls is in a range of 0.6: 1 to 0.4 to 1 to receive the solar radiation and direct diffused solar radiation to the plurality of racks as can be clearly seen in Figure 3.

[0043] In an embodiment, the at least one top portion (8) includes one or more concentrators (16) to receive and direct solar radiation to the plurality of racks (14). The one or more concentrators (16) includes one or more lenses to direct solar radiation toward the crops. The one or more lenses may include, but not limited to, a Fresnel lens, simple spherical lens and the like to converge solar radiation to ensure sufficient light to the crops accommodated at various positions in the rack. Various positions in the rack () includes the top of the plurality of racks, the bottom of the plurality of racks (14) and a middle portion defined between the top and the bottom of the plurality of racks (14). The solar radiation may also be supplemented to the lowermost and the centre-most parts of the plurality of racks (14). In an embodiment, the modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) includes at least one guide member disposed between the one or more concentrators (16) and the plurality of racks (14) to guide the solar radiation from the one or more concentrators (16) to the plurality of racks (14). The at least one guide member includes an optical fiber to receive and transmit the concentrated solar radiation to the plurality of racks (14). Further, the modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) allows maximizing yields of the crop in each rack receiving a converged gradient of light, where crops in each rack are selected as per Day Light Integral [DLI] received at each rack & hence the vertical series of two or more racks (14) may accommodate two or more crops. The plurality of racks include at least one reflector [not shown explicitly in Figures] disposed therebetween to direct a portion of the diffused radiation / regulated sunlight to the crops in the plurality of racks based on requirement. For example, the plurality of racks may include one or more steps while the reflector is disposed in at least one of the one or more steps. In an embodiment, the reflector may redirect the regulated sunlight to centre-most portion of the plurality of racks to provide required sunlight to the crops.

[0044] Referring again to Figures lb to Id, the at least one top portion (8) may be disposed on the first frame structure (41) and form a ceiling or roof for the enclosure (100), thus, enclosing crop within the modular photovoltaic enclosure (100). In an embodiment, a portion of the plurality of walls (6), the at least one modular photovoltaic panel (10) and the at least one top portion (8) is either transparent or translucent or combination thereof to allow solar radiation into the modular photovoltaic enclosure (100). The at least one top portion (8) may comprise a plurality of vents (20) defined on a portion of the at least one top portion (8) to vent out hot air from the modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) to external environment.

[0045] Referring now to Figure 3, the at least one top portion (8) is defined with at least one first inclined wall (8a) and at least one second inclined wall (8b) defined with the plurality of vents (20). The at least one first inclined wall (8a) and the at least one second inclined wall (8b) may form an open gable configuration, closed gable configuration and the like. In the illustrative embodiment, the at least one top portion (8) is depicted with the open gable configuration, where area of the at least one first inclined wall (8 a) is greater than area of the at least one second inclined wall (8b) to receive at least one of maximal solar radiation and maximal air circulation by the at least one top portion (8). Further, the modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) is positioned on ground (30) in a specific orientation relative to air flow direction and solar radiation such that the at least one first inclined wall (8a) is aligned in a direction of air to receive at least one of maximum air circulation and maximum solar radiation by the at least one top portion (8). The modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) is configured to regulate temperature, air circulation and shading within the modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) for the crop by regulating solar radiation and air flow through the plurality of walls (6) and the at least one top portion (8). The top portion (8) includes a plurality of beams (81) and a plurality of purlins (82) in a spaced apart configuration corresponding to the plurality of photovoltaic modules (11) to overlap shade of the photovoltaic modules with the shade of the purlins and beams (81). For example, purlins may extend parallel to the plurality of photovoltaic modules in the first surface and second surface to overlap shade andprevent double shading on the crops. Such configuration maximizes the solar radiation within the modular photovoltaic enclosure.

[0046] In addition, the at least one modular photovoltaic panel (10) may include at least one coating on at least one side to absorb heat from solar radiation and reduce internal temperature of the modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) by 7 to 15 degrees. Moreover, the plurality of photovoltaic panel is displaced within the at least one frame (4) to achieve different patterns. Also, the at least one modular photovoltaic panel (10) includes predefined gaps being maintained between series of photovoltaic cells to allow solar radiation to pass through the plurality of walls (6).

[0047] In an embodiment, the at least one modular photovoltaic panel (10) may include at least one sensor to sense various parameters, such as, but not limited to, solar radiation intensity, temperature, photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), frequencies of solar radiation, and the like. Further, the at least one modular photovoltaic panel (10) may provide various shade to light transmittance ratio, i.e., 30% 40%, 50%, 60%, etc. depending on the Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD) required for the crops underneath the at least one modular photovoltaic panel (10). Also, this configuration of the at least one modular photovoltaic panel (10) helps in maintaining intensity of solar radiation reaching the area below the at least one modular photovoltaic panel (10).

[0048] In an embodiment, the at least one modular photovoltaic panel (10) facilitates in arrangement and re-arrangement of the at least one modular photovoltaic panel (10) within the at least one frame (4) in a predetermined pattern to achieve desired shading for area below the at least one modular photovoltaic panel (10). Further, the at least one modular photovoltaic panel (10) filters predetermined frequency range of the solar radiation passing through the at least one modular photovoltaic panel (10) thereby regulating intensity of solar radiation passing through the at least one modular photovoltaic panel (10).

[0049] In addition, the combination of at least one sensor and the control system may be configured to sense and assess the solar radiation, so as to reduce shading in themornings and evenings and increase shading during high solar intensity period such as midday and summer days. The control system may also be configured to control pivoting of the plurality of walls (6) of the modular photovoltaic enclosure (100).

[0050] Furthermore, the modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) may provide complete shade, i.e., 100% shade, during a juvenile phase of plants lifecycle and decrease shading gradually upon growth of such plants.

[0051] In an embodiment, the modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) enables lower evapotranspiration & lower root temperature than ambient by adopting cocoponics as method of growing in the plurality of racks (14) in combination with shaded growing space.With respect to the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and / or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and / or application. The various singular / plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, evenwhen the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and / or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system (100) having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system (100) having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects andembodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.REFERENCE NUMERALS:

Claims

We Claim:

1. A modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) for crops, the enclosure (100) comprising: a base (2) mounted on ground (30) and defined by a plurality of longitudinal members (2a), the base (2) is defined with a plurality of extensions (2b) extending from the plurality of longitudinal members (2a) in a downward direction to transmit load of the modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) to the ground (30); at least one frame (4) detachably mounted on the base (2) and extending in an upward direction from the base (2), the at least one frame (4) is defined with a plurality of receiving spaces (4a); a plurality of walls (6) disposable within the plurality of receiving spaces (4a) of the at least one frame (4); at least one top portion (8) connectable to the plurality of walls (6), and wherein the at least one top portion (8) and the plurality of walls (6) are configured to displace relative to the at least one frame (4) to selectively allow air circulation and diffused solar radiation.

2. The modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one top portion (8) is a slanted roof defined by a second set of walls (8a, 8b) including at least two inclined walls to define the at least one top portion (8).

3. The modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein ratio of length of the at least two inclined walls is in a range of 0.6: 1 to 0.4 to 1.

4. The modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one top portion (8) is defined with a plurality of vents (20) to selectively vent out hot air from the modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) to external environment.

5. The modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a plurality of racks (14) disposed on the base (2), the plurality of racks (14) includeat least one reflector disposed between the plurality of racks (14) to direct a portion of the regulated sunlight to the crops based on requirement.

6. The modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a slider mechanism (18) to slide the plurality of walls (6) relative to the at least one frame (4) to selectively allow air circulation.

7. The modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of walls comprises a plurality of photovoltaic modules (11).

8. The modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one top portion (8) includes a plurality of beams (81) and a plurality of purlins (82) in a spaced apart configuration corresponding to the plurality of photovoltaic modules (11).

9. The modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least one top portion (8) comprises one or more concentrators (16) to receive and direct solar radiation to the plurality of racks (14).

10. The modular photovoltaic enclosure (100) as claimed in claim 9, comprises at least one guide member disposed between the one or more concentrators (16) and the plurality of racks (14) to guide the solar radiation from the one or more concentrators (16) to the plurality of racks (14).

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