Uneven Span Greenhouse integrated Semitransparent Photovoltaic Thermal (GiSPVT) System for Agricultural Applications

Subcategory (under Clean Energy): Solar (Thermal)
Technology Readiness Level (TRL): TRL 6 - Full prototype at scale
Technology Outline (Process Description)

It is well known that food and energy requirement for human being is increasing day by day due to fast increasing of population in the world. This can be met by (i) increasing yield of crop per unit area. (ii) reducing post harvest losses and (iii) using the barren land The barren land consists of desert (unfertilized), dry salt flats, beaches, sand dunes, and exposed rocks. etc. The barren land can be used by erecting self-sustained greenhouse integrated semi-transparent photo-voltaic thermal (GiSPVT) system which can provide both electrical powers as well crop/vegitables yield through channel/pot cultivation. We have designed, installed a 30 kWp semi-transparent photo-voltaic module with different packing factor as south roof of uneven glass house over unfertilized land with an effective area of 80 feet by 120 feet. The six crops namely bottle gourd, cucumber, tomatoes, capsicum, broccoli and French beans have been chosen for off-season cultivation (winter month) inside GiSPVT. The cultivation has been carried out by using brick channel as well pot as manure storage over unfertilized land. Parametric studies namely temperature, relative humidity, solar intensity, growth of each plant, root media preparation etc for maximum yield have been experimentally studies for maximum each crop over period of October, 2020 to February, 2021. The GiSPVT system is still producing electrical power with peoper maintenance.

Salient Features/Advantages

  • The overall electrical energy produced by the system is 30482 kWh for the period July 2020 to June 2021 for 208 clear days.
  • Even in complete cloudy condition, GiSPVT produces an electrical power which meets the basic need like Fridge and few fans etc.
  • Erection of north walls avoid any damage due to strong wind at any time.
  • It can be used for germination of any vegetables seed in harsh cold climatic condition for summer crop.

Key Outcomes

  • Packing factor area of 25% of semi-transparent PV module of GiSPVT is the best for production of bottle gourd and cucumber.
  • The ratio of soil, sand and organic fertilizer as 40%, 40% and 20% for root media in brick channel and pot should be prepared in six month advance.
  • The temperature inside GiSPVT is maintained by earth heat source, burning local dung cake and reducing heat losses from GiSPVT to ambient air.
  • The overall electrical energy produced by the system is 30482 kWh for the period July 2020 to June 2021 for 208 clear days. This production can be further increased for yearly more blue sky condition.

IP Protection details

  • Patent filed (Title, national/International): Nil
  • Patents Granted: Nil
  • Copyrights obtained /progress on commercialization /Pl. specify connect with industry: Still in progress

Contact details (for more information)

  • Nodal Person name: Prof. G.N.Tiwari
  • Email ID: gntiwari@ces.iitd.ernet.in
  • Organisation name (Relevant link/web page): Bag Energy Research Society (www.bers.in)
Supporting Photographs/Images

Organizations involved in the development (logo/name)

Bag Energy Research Society (www.bers.in)

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