Research from France shows that PV panel height influences airflow and evapotranspiration in agrivoltaic systems, with heights under 3 meters affecting crops. Scientists emphasize the need for accurate measurements and computational fluid dynamics for water and energy exchanges. Panel height is crucial for determining impact on agricultural yield and energy production. Airflow modifications can significantly affect energy, water, and gas exchanges, as well as photosynthesis. High panels with proper spacing can reduce panel temperature and enhance energy generation. The section discusses a study on an experimental agrivoltaic plant with bifacial PV modules mounted on trackers, showing that soil moisture in the agrivoltaic section remained above field capacity until spring, while the control zone experienced water stress by May. PV panels affected airflow, reducing wind speed and turbulence, with variations depending on panel tilt and wind direction. The researchers emphasized the need for a specific evapotranspiration formulation for agrivoltaic systems, considering panel geometry, airflow, radiation, and plant height, with computational fluid dynamics simulations confirming the qualitative trends observed in the study.
How airflow modifications in agrivoltaics affect crop yield, energy output
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