Gradient PV Greenhouse Roof for Light and Power Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photovoltaic greenhouses face inefficiencies in both electricity production and agricultural cultivation due to the need for balanced light exposure and air circulation, with existing solutions being costly and lacking in overall effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic greenhouse design featuring a roof with a portion free from panels for optimal light irradiation and a gradient of panel absorption from minimal to maximum, combined with a sloping extension for enhanced air circulation through natural and forced convection, allowing for adjustable light and ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If photovoltaic panels cover the entire roof surface to maximize electricity production, then energy yield is improved, but light irradiation to crops deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different zones on the roof with different panel densities. The boundary zone has minimal panel coverage to allow light transmission to crops, while the ridge zone has maximum panel coverage for optimal electricity production. This spatial differentiation of panel absorption characteristics resolves the contradiction between power generation and agricultural lighting needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If photovoltaic panels are arranged in a chessboard pattern with transparent panels to allow light transmission, then crop cultivation is improved, but electricity production efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a uniform chessboard pattern, the patent implements a gradient pattern where panel density varies continuously from the boundary toward the ridge. This local differentiation allows optimized light transmission in crop-growing zones while maintaining high electricity generation in ridge zones, improving overall system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability through movable boundary zones that can be repositioned based on seasonal requirements. This allows the system to adapt the balance between light transmission and electricity generation according to changing agricultural and power production needs throughout the year.
3Power
If the roof is completely covered with photovoltaic panels to maximize energy absorption, then electricity yield is improved, but air circulation and thermal homogeneity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a boundary zone with minimal panel coverage that facilitates air circulation and thermal exchange, while the ridge zone maintains maximum panel coverage for electricity generation. This spatial differentiation resolves the contradiction between energy absorption and air circulation requirements.
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
This design improves electricity production and cultivability by optimizing solar ray absorption and air circulation, reducing costs and dynamic load losses while maintaining structural solidity and thermal homogeneity.
Implementation Method 1
the remaining portion of said roof is provided with photovoltaic panels that have a capacity of absorption of incident solar rays that increases from a minimum value at the boundary with said portion of the roof that is free from photovoltaic panels, to a maximum value at the ridge of said roof
Implementation Method 2
the circulation of air in the greenhouse can occur both by means of natural convection and by means of forced convection
Implementation Method 3
the circulation of air in the greenhouse can occur both by means of natural convection and by means of forced convection
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A photovoltaic greenhouse (1), comprising a structure (2) for supporting a roof (3) of at least one pitch, the roof (3) having at least one portion (3a) thereof that is totally free from photovoltaic panels in order to permit the incident solar rays to irradiate the bottom surface (3b) of the greenhouse, the remaining portion (3c) of the roof (3) being provided with photovoltaic panels (10) that have a capacity of absorption of incident solar rays that increases from a minimum value at the boundary with the portion (3a) of the roof that is free from photovoltaic panels, to a maximum value at the ridge (6) of the roof (3).