Renewable Energy, Vol.159, 506-518, 2020
The investigation of energy production and mushroom yield in greenhouse production based on mono photovoltaic cells effect
The purpose of this study is to present the potentiality of an innovative cooling system and mono passivated emitter rear contact photovoltaic cells (Mono PERC PV) with shading to optimize energy production, the microclimatic conditions and Pleurotus mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus)production. The off-grid PV system consisted of 12 modules (6 mono bifacial PERC PV (Mono BPERC PV) modules and 6 Mono PERC PV modules) which provide higher efficiency, absorb more light, and the high performances lead to lower system costs. Three Mono PERC PV panels were installed facing south and at a tilt angle of 30 degrees, covering 20% of the roof area. Each module had a peak power of 365 Wp and an efficiency of 18.8%. The results revealed that the annual generated electric energy by the off-grid PV system was around 6288 kWh/year and it is enough to supply the greenhouse's energy needs 3164.0 kWh/year. The highest mushroom productivity 1600 g was recorded with the cooling system in the PV area at 1.0 m height treatment. The reduction in solar radiation in the Mono PERC PV area was 31.9%-38.25% higher than that in the control area on clear days. The cooling system ensured that the environmental conditions were suitable for mushroom growth. The optimum temperature and relative humidity for growing Pleurotus mushrooms ranged from 18 degrees C to 25 degrees C and 80%-95%, respectively under controlled conditions. (c) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords:Off-grid PV system;Pleurotus mushroom;Fogging cooling system;Natural ventilation system;Microclimate condition