Agrivoltaics is increasingly assimilated in the fields, that is, it is easy to see crop fields with solar panels. However, the issue of space continues to pose a challenge. What if there was a way to make more use of the expanse of territory and capture rainwater? A group of Colombian engineers have found a solution.
The study. Research from the National University of Colombia has presented a project that combines solar panels with hydroponic growing towers to take advantage of rainwater. The system seeks to optimize every square meter of crop land.
One of the researchers in a press release, Sebastián Cáceres, has stated that they seek to “avoid” the problems derived from the need to cultivate crops and energy production. Therefore, they have developed this system that allows both activities.
But how does it work? The system proposed by the engineers is through the use of modular hydroponic growing towers. Each tower has about a 20 cm space stacked for vegetables. For the prototype they are using lettuce, chard and spinach, which form a structure up to 2.5 m high. At the top of these towers we would find the solar panels.
On the one hand, the studio has detailed that thanks to this circular shape, space is optimized and up to 80 plants can grow in one square meter. Furthermore, the objective of these towers is that farmers do not have to constantly bend down, so the modular and vertical structure facilitates access to the plants.
On the other hand, the shadow projection of solar panels can be a problem for crops, but researchers are analyzing other types of semi-transparent solar panels so that they allow more light to pass through. These types of solar panels have been seen in a school in Japan and for greenhouses in the United Kingdom, among other places.
Other aspects. The towers have an innovative aspect which is their ability to collect rainwater and maximize its use in agricultural production areas. However, this project is also designed for livestock farming where solar panels can be installed where the cows are and thus produce energy and milk.
It still remains. The project, which is part of the Electrical Machines & Drives Research Group (EM&D), will now have to evaluate the resistance and durability of the structures against inclement weather.
The growth of agrivoltaics. There are more and more projects around agrovoltaics. From mathematical formulas to delimit the space so that problems do not arise, to the benefits of the shadow cast by the panels such as better quality wool or wine. Each study is one more step towards the coexistence between arable space and clean energy.
Image | UNAL
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