A digital-twin framework for genomic-based optimization of an agrophotovoltaic greenhouse system
R. S. Isied, Emre Mengi, Tarek I. Zohdi
Abstract
Agrophotovoltaic systems combine solar energy generation with agricultural production. In this work, a computational framework is developed to trace light rays through agrophotovoltaic greenhouses, in order to calculate the power generated by greenhouse solar cells, as well as power absorbed by crops within the greenhouse. A geometric ray-tracing algorithm is developed to track the propagation, reflection and refraction of light interacting with a translucent greenhouse. Genomic-based optimization techniques are used to meet a target greenhouse power generation level, as well as a targeted photosynthetic power absorption by optimizing the geometry, translucency and material characteristics of the greenhouse. Representative numerical examples are provided. The framework can be used to generate tailored, temporal and location-specific greenhouse designs.