Agrivoltaic Panel Cooling Through Sensor-Guided Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural photovoltaic systems are complex to build and maintain, requiring technical skills not commonly found in farmers, and they do not efficiently integrate solar energy conversion with agricultural land use while effectively managing extreme weather and greenhouse gas emissions.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural photovoltaic structure comprising a support structure for photovoltaic panels and glass, irrigation means with sensor-activated nozzles for cooling and irrigation, and control systems to manage light and water distribution, allowing for efficient electricity production and agricultural cultivation with minimal land invasion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If photovoltaic panels are installed over agricultural land, then electricity production is achieved, but the efficiency decreases due to high panel temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of hot water (waste heat from irrigation) into a beneficial cooling effect for the photovoltaic panels. The irrigation system sprays hot water on the panels to reduce their operating temperature, thereby increasing electricity production efficiency while the water subsequently irrigates the crops below
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation system serves dual functions: it cools the photovoltaic panels to maintain their efficiency and simultaneously irrigates the agricultural land beneath them. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by making the same water delivery infrastructure serve both thermal management and agricultural needs
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex photovoltaic systems with multiple technologies are implemented, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the irrigation system and photovoltaic support structure into a single integrated system. The support structure serves both as structural support for the panels and as the framework for the irrigation system, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying maintenance while maintaining multiple functions
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure performs multiple functions: it supports the photovoltaic panels, provides the framework for irrigation nozzles, and enables both electricity generation and agricultural cultivation. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate systems for each function
3Productivity
If photovoltaic panels are installed over agricultural land, then land use efficiency is improved, but agricultural cultivation is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into modular segments with standardized spacing that accommodates both photovoltaic panels and agricultural equipment. The structure is segmented in a way that allows farm machinery to pass underneath for planting, maintenance, and harvesting operations while still providing sufficient shade and support for the panels above
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates adjustable and movable elements that can be adapted to different agricultural operations. The design allows for dynamic adjustment of panel angles and positions to optimize both electricity generation and crop growth conditions, and facilitates ease of access for agricultural machinery
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The structure increases electricity and agricultural production by 0.35% per degree Celsius reduction in panel temperature, reduces land use, protects crops from extreme weather, and optimizes water usage, making it suitable for lands at risk due to climate change.
Implementation Method 1
glass implementing a cover over the agricultural land partly suitable for diffusing light on the underlying agricultural land by the glass (4)
Implementation Method 2
the irrigation means include nozzles able to wet the lower part of the photovoltaic panels thus cooling them
Implementation Method 3
photovoltaic panels and glass supported by said support structure
Implementation Method 4
the water then falling, by gravity, on the agricultural land
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural photovoltaic structure (1) is described comprising at least one support structure (2), photovoltaic panels (3) and glass (4) supported by the support structure (2), irrigation means (7) for an underlying agricultural land (6), lighting means (5) of the underlying agricultural land (6), and control means. The support structure (2) comprises at least one frame (23) able to support, side by side, both the photovoltaic panels (3) and the glasses (4), implementing a cover over the agricultural land (6) partly suitable for diffusing light over the underlying agricultural land (6) by the glass (4), The irrigation means (7) include nozzles able to wet the lower part of the photovoltaic panels (3) thus cooling them, the water then falling by gravity onto the agricultural land (6). The control means are able to activate the irrigation means (7) and the lighting means (5) on the basis of sensors.