Periodic Reporting for period 1 - PV4Plants (AgriPV system with climate, water and light spectrum control for safe, healthier and improved crops production)
Reporting period: 2023-01-01 to 2024-04-30
PV4Plants boosts the energy-agricultural synergy of agriPV technologies to enhance growth conditions and increase land-use efficiency, crop yield and renewable energy generation. This is achieved by optimising the light transmission of PV panels through cutting edge nanoparticles spraying on the PV glass surface. PV4Plants system is specifically designed to meet healthy harvesting and to be adaptable to different climatic conditions and crop varieties that will be demonstrated in 3 highly replicable demo sites in Turkey, Spain and Denmark. PV4Plants optimises the system parameters (panels tilt, irrigation level, amount of fertilisers, etc) based on a multi-indicator real-time monitoring system that allows a continuous improvement of the microclimate underneath the agriPV panels to increase crop health and yield. Recyclability and reutilization of components and materials both for the manufacturing and End of Life of the PV4Plants system are central aspects of the project. The PV4Plants system will be certificated through the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), compliance with ISO 14021 and the Sustainability Excellence Label by UNEF. Finally, PV4Plants will boost its market penetration and uptake through innovative farmers' engagement strategies to enhance their acceptance and trust in innovative agriPV systems; new financing schemes and business models to improve investment performance and through a set of policy recommendations that will be developed together with public authorities to create new mechanism designed to accelerate the uptake of agriPV systems in Europe.
A methodological framework to involve end-users in AgriPV implementation decision-making processes and promote the potential synergies between agricultural infrastructure and photovoltaic installations with the citizens, civil society, public authorities and NGOs is established. Questionnaires are developed, integrating system usability, acceptance, and end-user expectations. A semi-structured interview guideline is prepared and shared with partners. Partners conducted surveys and interviews at the three pilot sites. Then, the pre-implementation survey and interview results are analysed. System usability scores are computed, and text analysis of interviews is conducted; highlights for follow-up in post-implementation are identified. Demographics reveal a varied group of 13 respondents across three pilot sites in Spain, Denmark, and Türkiye. SUS scores indicate overall positive expectations, with Spain reaching the "Acceptable" range. Perceptions on cost, benefit, and risk factors show varied expectations, while interference with daily activities scores demonstrate positive expectations.
A generalised methodology for measuring the physiological indicators of crop physiological performance under the GCC panels (D2.1) was prepared. The methodology is based on growing crops indoors within controlled environment chambers that can simulate field climatic conditions, using lamps with multiple LED channels that can artificially control the light quality to achieve spectral adjustments. Measurements of plants centre on the known physiological and developmental responses to alteration of light quality: first, the absorption of light by leaf pigments and its utilisation in photosynthesis; and secondly, the perception of light by photoreceptors (photosensitive pigments) and consequent changes to plant development and morphology.
We finalised an agriPV design based on GCC spectrum down converting powders using perovskite nanoparticles embedded in glass and Bursa’s (Turkiye) irradiance data. The system is capable of storing 10.000 litres.
A generalised methodology for measuring the physiological indicators of crop physiological performance under the GCC panels (D2.1) was prepared. The methodology is based on growing crops indoors within controlled environment chambers that can simulate field climatic conditions, using lamps with multiple LED channels that can artificially control the light quality to achieve spectral adjustments. Measurements of plants centre on the known physiological and developmental responses to alteration of light quality: first, the absorption of light by leaf pigments and its utilisation in photosynthesis; and secondly, the perception of light by photoreceptors (photosensitive pigments) and consequent changes to plant development and morphology.
We finalised an agriPV design based on GCC spectrum down converting powders using perovskite nanoparticles embedded in glass and Bursa’s (Turkiye) irradiance data. The system is capable of storing 10.000 litres.
GCC powder capable of converting blue-green spectral region to red (tunable between 550 – 650 nm). Solar PV Panels with down conversion and high diffusivity capabilities are developed and 216 panels are produced to be installed in TAT’s field.