A Realistic Structural Tree Model for Light Simulations in Agri-PV Orchards
The Impact of Tree-training on System Performance
E. Coomans (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
Odysseas Alexandros Katsikogiannis – Mentor (TU Delft - Photovoltaic Materials and Devices)
R. Santbergen – Mentor (TU Delft - Photovoltaic Materials and Devices)
H. Ziar – Mentor (TU Delft - Photovoltaic Materials and Devices)
Ivan Gordon – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Photovoltaic Materials and Devices)
Eleonora Brembilla – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Environmental & Climate Design)
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Abstract
This thesis investigates the integration of agrophotovoltaic (agri-PV) systems into apple and pear orchards, focusing on how orchard structure and PV array configuration influence light availability. Agri-PV offers a promising solution to improve land-use efficiency by combining food and energy production, while elevated PV modules can also protect high-value orchard crops from extreme weather. Given the light sensitivity of fruit production, accurate light modeling is essential to ensure agri-PV systems maintain both productivity and energy yield.
The main objective was to develop a flexible, modular 3D orchard model suitable for integration into a ray tracing-based light simulation framework. The study focuses on two tree-training systems compatible with agri-PV integration—Tall Spindle and Narrow Orchard System (NOS)—due to their narrow, vertically oriented canopies. Using PyVista, a customizable tree modeling framework was created, supporting seasonal development and adaptable to various training systems and species. Simulations were conducted under both open-field and agri-PV scenarios, with irradiance quantified on the canopy and PV modules for each system and array configuration.
The results showed that while total seasonal light availability was similar across systems in open-field conditions, vertical light distribution varied due to differences in canopy structure. Agri-PV simulations revealed a near-linear relationship between ground coverage ratio (GCR) and canopy light reduction, with narrow-row systems like NOS experiencing greater losses. PV array design also affected both total light availability and its vertical distribution
In conclusion, orchard geometry and PV design jointly influence light availability and distribution in agri-PV systems. Tailoring agri-PV layouts to specific orchard structures is therefore crucial, and the 3D orchard model developed in this thesis provides a valuable tool for identifying optimal design combinations.
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