Design and Optimization of a Hybrid Solar–Wind Power Generation System for Greenhouses

Abstract

The climate crisis and energy price increases make energy supply a crucial parameter in the design of greenhouses. One way to tackle both these issues is the local production of energy from renewable sources. Since the permitted photovoltaic power installation on a greenhouse roof is limited by the need for an adequate amount of photosynthetically active radiation at the crop level, the necessity of designing a hybrid production system combining different renewable sources, storage systems, and conventional sources arises. The present work addresses the multifactorial problem of the optimal design (in terms of energy production quality, produced electricity price and CO2 emissions) of a hybrid power generation system (photovoltaics/wind turbine/accumulators/oil generating unit) to meet greenhouse needs. The design accounts for the needs of production (for tomato cultivation) for different combinations of production and energy equipment (for microclimate management). Extended parametric studies for available solar and wind potential and energy demand are used to generalize the conclusions. Special attention is given to the contribution of various wind turbine sizes. The effect of greenhouse orientation and of photovoltaic modules arrangement on arched roofs is also examined and the different greenhouse energy systems are assessed in terms of energy cost and environmental footprint.