Optimizing Light Transmission & Shading for Agrivoltaics

A solar system that enables simultaneous agricultural and photovoltaic energy production by using selective spectral absorbance and transmittance solar cells. The cells are designed to match the specific light requirements of crops, allowing for optimal plant growth while generating electricity. The system utilizes quantum dots and perovskite solar cells with tailored spectral tunability to achieve this balance, and employs non-toxic materials to ensure environmental safety.

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Suspended solar cell system for agrivoltaics that allows higher solar cell density above crops without shading. The system uses customized solar cells with tailored absorption and transmittance spectra to match plant light requirements. The cells are suspended above the crops to avoid shading. The cell base area covers a fraction of the crop area below to allow sunlight for growth. The cells are designed with specific materials and layers to absorb light for the plants while transmitting the needed wavelengths. This allows coexistence of solar cells and crops without significant light competition. The cells can also be made with non-toxic materials to minimize environmental impact.

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Transparent solar panels for agrivoltaics that enable simultaneous plant growth and energy harvesting. The panels feature wavelength-selective photoactive materials that allow for controlled light transmission to plants while generating electricity from absorbed light. The panels can be integrated into agricultural systems, including greenhouses and open-field arrays, to optimize crop growth and energy production. The technology enables flexible agrivoltaic systems that can accommodate diverse crops and growing conditions, with design parameters including daily light integral (DLI) and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC).

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A plant cultivation device and method that increases total phenolic compound content in plants through targeted light exposure. The device features a light source unit with multiple LEDs emitting different wavelength bands, including a primary light source for photosynthesis and a secondary light source emitting UV light for phenolic compound synthesis. The device controls light exposure to optimize growth stages, including germination, growth, and pre-harvest stages, to produce plants with enhanced antioxidant capacity.

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A three-dimensional plant growth lighting system that provides comprehensive lighting coverage for plants by integrating top, lateral, and bottom lighting modules. The system features a controller that adjusts lighting parameters based on plant species, growth stage, and environmental conditions, including CO2 concentration and illuminance. The lateral lighting module's lighting range is dynamically adjusted based on plant height, ensuring optimal photosynthesis and energy efficiency.

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Multisensory imaging system for controlled environment agriculture (CEA) that integrates multispectral imaging with integrated sensing to provide comprehensive crop monitoring. The system employs a distributed sensor grid that combines hyperspectral imaging with environmental monitoring, including lighting, temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels. This integrated approach enables comprehensive monitoring of crops across entire grow spaces, from large fields to individual plants, while maintaining high spatial resolution. The system's multispectral imaging capabilities capture detailed spectral signatures of crops, while the integrated sensing network monitors environmental conditions. This integrated approach enables farmers to gain detailed insights into crop health and environmental conditions through a single system, reducing the complexity and cost associated with multiple sensors.

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Since the development of Agrivoltaics with panels placed above the plants, a new system is tested with vertical mounted bifacial photovoltaic panels, of which we present the results of the first year of two experimental sites. Such installations bring a lower shading level on the plant compared to fixed tilt or single axis tracking systems and could potentially suit fields with crops having low demands of shading. However, unlike more standard PV systems, few studies have detailed the effects of such devices on field crops. In this first experimental year, bifacial vertically mounted PV system showed interesting results with a stable or even a slight increase in annual crop yields. Also, harvest quality indicators are maintained or present favorable evolution indicating a high potential of vertical PV systems for Agrivoltaics.

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A compact LED-based lighting fixture for controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems that enables higher light levels while minimizing environmental heat dissipation. The fixture incorporates a fluid-cooled design with a transparent tube structure that houses the LED light source, control circuitry, and coolant channel. The coolant system extracts heat generated by the LED during operation, which is then transferred to the cooling system through a thermally coupled coolant pipe. This innovative design enables higher light intensities while maintaining controlled environmental conditions, particularly in applications where traditional cooling systems may not be feasible.

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A grow light system for enhancing plant growth using a combination of LED and laser diodes. The system includes a housing containing red and blue high-power LEDs, UV and infrared laser diodes, and a controller for managing the light spectrum. The system allows for independent adjustment of the red and blue LED light output and incorporates a heat sink design that uses thermal differential to extract heat from the LEDs. The system also includes a magnetic crystalline scalar wave guide and an earthing attachment for grounding the plants. The system can be controlled remotely via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and includes a feedback loop to ensure the integrity of the earthing system.

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A crop cultivation device that optimizes lighting for crop growth while minimizing power consumption. The device features a movable frame with a sub-frame that houses a specialized lighting module. The sub-frame is designed with an inclined angle to direct light precisely onto the growing crops, while the frame itself is adjustable to accommodate different crop sizes. A separate refraction module with movable lenses enables precise control over light distribution. The device's control system analyzes crop dimensions and lighting conditions to dynamically adjust lighting intensity and direction.

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Increased global demand for food and energy implies higher competition for agricultural land. Photovoltaic installations contribute to more sustainable solutions to satisfying energy requirements, however, they also require land. To address this dilemma, agrivoltaics has been proposed, combining energy and agricultural production on the same area. Our objectives were to review and synthesise the current agronomic knowledge on agrivoltaics and its future development possibilities. A systematic literature search was conducted in Web of Science on 17 December 2022, resulting in 54 articles that met the inclusion criteria and concentrated primarily on food production. Most studies focused on combining electricity generation with crop production. Vegetables, especially lettuce and tomato, were the focus of many papers. The success of a crop under an agrivoltaic system depends on many factors, yet mainly on location and season. Additionally, even light-demanding crops such as maize could be grown under certain conditions. Therefore, we propose to define an optimal daily light integral for ... Read More

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The global population is experiencing rapid growth, leading to increased demand for energy and food resources, necessitating the expansion of cultivated land. The construction of photovoltaic power plants to meet energy needs may result in competition for land between the agriculture and energy sectors. To address this issue, agrivoltaics systems are perceived as a solution, allowing for the coexistence of agricultural and energy production in the same area. However, the shading caused by solar panels can potentially. Therefore, a model has been developed to determine the best configuration for maximising both crop yields and energy production from the photovoltaic field. The purpose of this paper is to develop a model that optimizes energy production and crop yield within an agrivoltaics system. The model integrates factors such as elevation, spacing, tilt, panel technology and size to enhance the radiation under the photovoltaic panels, as well as to increase crop yield and the efficiency of photovoltaic array. It is constructed based on the climatic condition and the relationship ... Read More

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A system for controlling plant growth through precise modulation of photon energy. The system uses LED emitters in combination with a control unit to deliver pulses of specific wavelengths and intensities to plants, synchronizing with their natural absorption patterns to optimize growth and minimize energy consumption. By controlling the timing, duration, and frequency of photon delivery, the system enables precise control over plant development, including germination, flowering, and reproduction.

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A solid-state lighting device for horticulture applications that targets primary chlorophyll absorption peaks while providing broader spectrum emissions between the peaks. The device comprises a first LED chip emitting a peak wavelength in the 600-700nm range, a second LED chip emitting a peak wavelength in the 400-480nm range, and a lumiphoric material converting the second LED chip's emissions to a third peak wavelength in the 480-600nm range. The aggregate emissions have a total photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) of 400-700nm, with the third PPF band accounting for 30-60% of the total PPF. The device achieves an efficiency of at least 3.1 PPF/W in the 400-700nm range.

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Solar agricultural tracker for agricultural land that pivots solar modules to avoid collisions with agricultural equipment while maintaining optimal solar exposure for crops. The tracker features a four-joint pivoting mechanism that enables controlled movement of the modules to accommodate different agricultural operations and terrain conditions. The system can be controlled centrally or in real-time with agricultural equipment, allowing for optimized power output while protecting crops from shading and weather conditions.

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A light source module for plant cultivation that increases phytochemical content through UV treatment, comprising a UV light source with adjustable wavelength and intensity, and a control system for setting treatment parameters. The module can be integrated into a light source device for plant cultivation that includes an input unit, setting unit, and controller for managing UV treatment conditions.

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A plant cultivation method that enhances photosynthesis by applying additional light with periodic intensity fluctuations, comprising a primary light source for photosynthesis and an additional light source that emits signal light with periodic intensity changes and relaxation light with gradual intensity changes. The additional light is applied during at least part of the cultivation period, and its intensity is controlled to optimize plant growth and secondary metabolism.

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Controlling agricultural systems in a way that allows for optimization and adaptation to the specific needs of plants. The system includes a number of processing lines that move a first plurality of plants through the agricultural system along a route, and a first growth condition to the first plurality of plants to satisfy a first active agent parameter for the first plurality of plants.

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A control apparatus that calculates an effective photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) value for a measured object, such as a plant, by considering environmental factors like CO2 concentration, temperature, and humidity, and uses this value to optimize environmental conditions for improved photosynthesis. The apparatus includes a sensing unit to measure the object's photosynthetic activity, an environment sensor to monitor environmental conditions, and a control unit to adjust environmental parameters based on the calculated effective PPFD value.

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Agricultural photovoltaic structure with controlled cooling for simultaneous electricity generation and crop cultivation. The structure features adjustable photovoltaic panels, glass, irrigation, and lighting systems, controlled by a central management system to optimize both energy production and crop growth. The system includes cooling mechanisms, such as nozzles, to lower panel temperatures during irrigation, and hail protection features to safeguard crops. The structure can accommodate various crop types and can be integrated with existing agricultural land, enabling efficient use of land resources while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

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Optomechanical system that allows for high efficiency conversion of light energy of direct incident light or transmission of the diffuse incident light to match the requirements for growing conditions of plants underneath the optomechanical system. The system includes optical layers and light collection layers with photovoltaic cells and a low-profile, low-deflection tracking system to control the collection and transmission of direct sunlight.

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A horticulture lighting system for preventing plant stress caused by sudden changes in light intensity. The system comprises a plurality of independently controllable light sources and a control unit that monitors and regulates the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) at specific locations within the horticulture production facility. The control unit prevents sudden changes in PPFD of more than 50 μmol/sec/m2 over a predetermined period of time, typically 5 minutes or less, by adjusting the contribution of the horticulture light to the local light. This ensures a stable and gradual increase or decrease in light intensity that is beneficial for plant growth.

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Method for enhancing yield of short-cycle plants, such as microgreens, by combining broad-spectrum white light with far-red light to promote leaf expansion and biomass accumulation. The method involves providing a broad-spectrum white light source and a far-red light source, and exposing the plants to a combined light with a photosynthetic photon flux density of about 200 and a far-red to photosynthetically active radiation ratio of about 5-30% for a predetermined time period each day for a predetermined number of days.

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System and method for synchronizing the emission of photons from multiple LED lights in an array, using a master clock signal transmitted to each light to synchronize their internal clocks and photon emission timing. The master clock signal contains timing information and unique identification of each light, allowing each light to compare its internal clock with the master clock and adjust its emission timing accordingly. The system can operate in a mesh network protocol, where each light broadcasts and receives clock signals from other lights to converge on a common timing.

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The introduction of renewable energy to mitigate climate change and the need for sufficient land to increase food production are mutually exclusive. Agrivoltaic systems (AVS) integrate the production of agricultural crops and electric power on the same piece of land but the main issue is the reduced availability of light to crops below the AVS, which restricts optimum crop growth and yield. This study examines the radiation and shade distribution over the crop surface among three densities of photovoltaic (PV) panels {Partial density (PD), Half density (HD) and Full density (FD)} under the AVS. Wheat variety GW 496 was chosen to grow under the AVS with line sowing and drip irrigation. Among three densities of photovoltaic (PV) panels, the proportion of shaded area over the crop surface was found highest in full density plot and lowest in partial density plot. The shaded area under AVS varied from 24.1% to 75.4% of the total area. The shaded area under different density plots, adversely affects the availability of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) over the crop surface. The re... Read More

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Agrivoltaics (AV) offers a promising solution to address both food and energy crises. However, crop growth under photovoltaic (PV) conditions faces substantial challenges due to insufficient light transmission. We propose a large-scale and cost-effective spectral separated concentrated agricultural photovoltaic (SCAPV) system. The system utilizes concentrator modules, cell components, and dual-axis tracking systems to enhance power conversion efficiency (PCE), achieving a maximum PCE of 11.6%. After three years of successful operation, a 10 kWp power plant achieved an average annual electricity generation exceeding 107 MWh/ha. The results showed higher yields of various crops, including ginger and sweet potatoes, and significant improvements in soil moisture retention compared to open air. The improvements in PCE and microclimate validate the scalability of the SCAPV, which provides better plant conditions and cost-effectiveness, with an estimated cost reduction of 18.8% compared to conventional PV power plant. This study provides valuable insights and directions for improvement in A... Read More

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Abstract Agrivoltaics (AV), conceived in the early 1980s, promise to ameliorate competition between solar energy generation and crop production for arable land. The premise behind AV is that excess light not used in photosynthesis can be used for energy production. There are opportunities for maximizing photosynthesis by targeting particular wavelengths (e.g., red) to be transmitted through semitransparent photovoltaic (PV) cells depending on crop type and environmental conditions. Camporese and Abou Najm (2022, https://doi.org/10.1029/2022EF002900 ) developed a numerical model that accommodates the various wavelengths of the incoming light spectrum to predict photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and transpiration. This commentary seeks to place those and other recent findings about the modifications to the plant microenvironment by PV cells in the context of maximum attainable aboveground biomass.

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In both agroforestry and agrivoltaics, crops are cultivated under the shade of a top story layer of trees and photovoltaic (PV) panels, respectively. However, the quality (i.e. spectral composition) of the transmitted radiation might differ between the two systems. Tree canopies are green and absorb different spectra selectively, while panels are black and thus should not alter the spectral composition of transmitted radiation. Consequently, plant growth and yield may differ depending on the spectral composition of light. In this study, the spectral composition of transmitted radiation (at ground level) was measured with a spectrometer along transects between adjacent rows of trees and PV panels. The transects crossed both sunlit and shaded areas. The radiation transmitted in sunlit areas was nearly identical, qualitatively and quantitatively, to the incident radiation above both systems. In the shaded areas, transmission was strongly reduced, as expected, and the spectral composition changed. Under tree canopies the percentage of green (G) and red (R) radiation decreased, while the ... Read More

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Agrivoltaics usage in the farmer fields is a new way to get profitable income as this system allows crops cultivation and electricity generation simultaneously on the same piece of land at the same time. This system enables the farmers to gain several benefits such as optimized land use, productivity improvement in the energy and water sector, economic benefits, etc. India receives ample supply of energy from the sun, but it is not yet utilized efficiently. In an agrivoltaic system, the output of crops will be affected by shade which is provided by panels as they allow very little solar radiation passage for fixation of CO2 by crop. Solar radiation, PAR, and Light Saturation Point are vital indices to enhance plant biomass. Generally shade-loving or tolerant crops are preferable under agrivoltaics. However, shade-intolerant crops can also be grown in interspaces where crops can capture a sufficient amount (> 50%) of sun-light. The shade provided by APV creates a microclimate suitable for practicing cultivation in arid regions, livestock (rangevoltaics) and aquaponics etc. Some of ... Read More

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Abstract In both agroforestry and agrivoltaics, crops are cultivated under the shade of a top story layer of trees and photovoltaic (PV) panels, respectively. However, the quality (i.e. spectral composition) of the transmitted radiation might differ between the two systems. Tree canopies are green and absorb different spectra selectively, while panels are black and, thus, should not alter the spectral composition of transmitted radiation. Consequently, plant growth and yield may differ depending on the spectral composition of light. In this study, the spectral composition of transmitted radiation (at ground level) was measured with a spectrometer along transects between adjacent rows of trees and PV panels. The transects crossed both sunlit and shaded areas. The radiation transmitted in sunlit areas was nearly identical, qualitatively and quantitatively, to the incident radiation above both systems. However, in the shaded areas transmission was strongly reduced and the spectral composition changed. Under tree canopies the percentage of green (G) and red (R) radiation decreased, while... Read More

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Agrivoltaic forecasting modeling system for integrated solar power generation and crop production, comprising: a weather information component; an agrivoltaic power generation facility with a crop and a structure (e.g. solar panel) positioned above it; a power generation calculation component; a crop yield calculation component; and an optimal condition selection component that derives optimal conditions for agrivoltaic power generation based on power generation and crop yield information.

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A plant grower for indoor and outdoor use that enables rapid plant growth while preventing light leakage. The grower features rotatable growing panels with plant holders, a vertically extending lighting bar that emits light towards the panels, and an image capture unit for monitoring plant health. The panels can be positioned to receive natural or artificial light, and the grower also includes automated water and nutrient delivery.

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Tandem selective spectral absorbance and transmittance solar cells for agricultural applications, where the solar cell's absorptance and transmittance properties are tailored to match the specific spectral requirements of crops grown at a particular latitude. The cells comprise multiple layers of absorbing materials, each optimized for the unique spectral characteristics of the target crop, with separate selective spectral thin-film solar cells integrated outside the active area. This monolithic design enables precise control over light absorption across the solar spectrum while maintaining non-toxic materials.

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Closed-loop controlled environment for plant growth using advanced hydroponic systems. The system employs precision temperature control, optimized lighting conditions, and precise CO2 enrichment through automated distribution systems. This integrated approach enables precise environmental management while minimizing energy consumption and maximizing plant growth. The system's closed-loop design ensures continuous nutrient and CO2 supply, eliminating waste and maintaining optimal growing conditions.

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Agrivoltaics, which integrate photovoltaic power production with agriculture in the same plot of land, have the potential to reduce land competition, reduce crop irrigation, and increase solar panel efficiency. To optimize agrivoltaic systems for crop growth, energy pathways must be characterized. While the solar panels shade the crops, they also emit longwave radiation and partially block the ground from downwelling longwave radiation. A deeper understanding of the spatial variation in incoming energy would enable controlled allocation of energy in the design of agrivoltaic systems. The model also demonstrates that longwave energy should not be neglected when considering a full energy balance on the soil under solar panels.

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A method and system for controlling horticultural lighting sources that enables seamless transition of lighting conditions for plants as they move between zones within a horticultural structure. The system monitors and adapts lighting scenarios in real-time to ensure optimal growth conditions for plants as they are relocated, utilizing a combination of zone-specific lighting control and transient zone management to maintain consistent growth conditions throughout the plant's lifecycle.

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A system for optimizing plant growth through periodic variation of artificial Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) in color, with cycles shorter than two days, and most commonly both hourly and diurnally. The system applies multiple narrowband PAR colors, each with independent timing and intensity, in a phased relationship to promote plant growth. This approach contrasts with traditional constant PAR illumination, and demonstrates that plants exhibit complex preferences for PAR color and timing that can be leveraged to enhance growth and productivity.

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Modern agriculture cannot be imagined without the introduction of smart and efficient technologies. These, undoubtedly, include technologies for directed regulation of the illumination of agricultural plants. Depending on the climatic conditions of cultivation, farmers shade or additionally illuminate the plants, and also change the spectrum of the light reaching the plants. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of solar light conversion methods and approaches for agricultural applications and discuss their advantages and limitations.

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A high-density, high-throughput hydroponic system for indoor crop production that integrates photon directional control and environmental conditioning. The system features a modular light bank with adjustable fins that create a light gradient to promote vertical growth, while also providing precise air delivery and temperature control through a network of apertures and channels. The light bank can be configured to advance as the crop grows, maintaining optimal light intensity and spacing throughout the growth cycle.

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As more nations move towards net-zero emission goals by 2050, research into the coupling of photovoltaics (PV) and agriculture has increased into a new sector of agrivoltaics (AV). Measurement of the Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) has allowed researchers to develop methods for optimizing the agrivoltaic system. Studies on innovative engineering technologies related to photovoltaic tracking along with new generation PV cells were reviewed to determine the factors that influence optimization. This review also considered AV farm layouts and how different spacing, height, and density impact the shading under the panels. As panels block the light from hitting the plants, the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) changes and alters plant growth. The shading, however, also creates micro-climates that have beneficial qualities in terms of water usage and PV efficiency. The overall review investigated the research of the last five years into AV optimization and the implications for future AV developments.

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A multi-use solar module that integrates photovoltaics for concentrating light on solar cells while allowing diffuse light to pass through to facilitate crop growth. The module incorporates both concentrated and diffuse photovoltaic cells in a single assembly, enabling both concentrated solar power generation and passive solar heating. This integrated design enables the module to provide both electricity and thermal energy, making it a versatile solution for agricultural applications.

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A system for controlling horticultural lighting that adjusts illumination based on real-time tracking of plant growth parameters and external factors such as weather and power consumption. The system uses a feedback loop to continuously monitor and adjust lighting conditions to optimize plant growth, incorporating data from sensors, weather forecasts, and power grid schedules to make informed decisions.

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A greenhouse-integrated photovoltaic system that enables simultaneous crop cultivation and electricity generation without compromising either function. The system features a modular, north-south oriented greenhouse structure with a tilting load-bearing frame that supports photovoltaic panels and a reflective system. The frame's design creates an open space between the panels, allowing for ventilation and heat dissipation while preventing overheating. This innovative configuration enables optimal crop growth while maintaining high photovoltaic efficiency, overcoming the limitations of conventional greenhouse-integrated solar systems.

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A smart lighting system for controlled environments that uses light sensors to detect intensity at a surface and a controller to adjust radiation sources to maintain a predetermined light distribution pattern. The system can be used for plants, incorporating UV-A, UV-B, and visible light sources, and can also be applied to other light-sensitive objects. The controller adjusts power to maintain a specified variation in intensity, enabling precise control of light delivery to achieve desired physiological responses.

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The paper presents experimental results on agrivoltaics and an optimized optical design. We show: (1) The water utilization benefit of an agrivoltaic module on crops could be quantified, which is the first time this is demonstrated in agrivoltaic literature; (2) Simultaneous benefits were observed across a range of different crops and impacts were compared on these different crops, which is also the first time this is demonstrated in agrivoltaic literature; (3) Optimal light for plants requires full sun early in the day and shade later in the day; (4) An optical design for the module achieves a light profile which also produces electrical generation that is comparable with conventional PV solar modules.

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A photovoltaic-powered greenhouse for growing plants in a variety of environments, utilizing solar energy to power grow lights and maintain a controlled growing environment. The system includes a framework, photovoltaic panels, a planting bed, and a lighting assembly, with features such as a misting system and wiper assembly to maintain optimal conditions for plant growth.

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A plant cultivation device and method that dynamically adjusts lighting intensity to maintain uniform illumination across multiple layers of plants. The device includes a holder with multiple cultivation layers, a lighting unit, an illuminance detector, and a control unit. The control unit continuously monitors illuminance levels and adjusts lighting intensity to maintain a target range, ensuring consistent growth rates across all plants.

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System and method for optimizing crop growth under high intensity LED lighting in indoor farming environments. The system includes sensors to monitor temperature and humidity, and a processor that adjusts these parameters in real-time to maintain optimal ranges when the lighting intensity is increased to 1500 μmol/m²/s. This enables growers to achieve higher yields while maintaining healthy plant growth.

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A lighting device for plant cultivation that automatically adjusts its position and light output based on plant growth stages. The device features a lamp with a light-emitting module, a lifting mechanism, and multiple sensing mechanisms that detect plant height and generate signals to control the lamp's position. The device also includes a control module that manages the sensing mechanisms, timing, and light output, and a power module that supplies power to the device's components.

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A reconfigurable light modulation system for controlling plant growth through dynamic light manipulation. The system comprises a light modulation arrangement with reconfigurable components, such as luminescent materials or light filters, that can be selectively combined and adjusted to modulate light intensity and spectrum. The system can be automatically reconfigured based on environmental conditions, plant growth data, or user input, enabling precise control over plant growth and development.

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