scholarly journals A Case Study of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon var. Legend) Production and Water Productivity in Agrivoltaic Systems

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 2850
Author(s):  
Hadi A. AL-agele ◽  
Kyle Proctor ◽  
Ganti Murthy ◽  
Chad Higgins
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Water Productivity ◽  
Growth Characteristics ◽  
Solanum Lycopersicon ◽  
Land Area ◽  
Tomato Plants ◽  
Field Control ◽  
Total Crop ◽  
Reduced Water

The challenge of meeting growing food and energy demand while also mitigating climate change drives the development and adoption of renewable technologies ad approaches. Agrivoltaic systems are an approach that allows for both agricultural and electrical production on the same land area. These systems have the potential to reduced water demand and increase the overall water productivity of certain crops. We observed the microclimate and growth characteristics of Tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicon var. Legend) grown within three locations on an Agrivoltaic field (control, interrow, and below panels) and with two different irrigation treatments (full and deficit). Total crop yield was highest in the control fully irrigated areas a, b (88.42 kg/row, 68.13 kg/row), and decreased as shading increased, row full irrigated areas a, b had 53.59 kg/row, 32.76 kg/row, panel full irrigated areas a, b had (33.61 kg/row, 21.64 kg/row). Water productivity in the interrow deficit treatments was 53.98 kg/m3 greater than the control deficit, and 24.21 kg/m3 greater than the panel deficit, respectively. These results indicate the potential of Agrivoltaic systems to improve water productivity even for crops that are traditionally considered shade-intolerant.

scholarly journals Recycling Irrigation Water on Ornamental Nursery Operations: Could Consumer Premiums Compensate for Grower Adoption Costs?

HortScience ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (12) ◽  
pp. 1780-1789
Author(s):  
Xiang Cao ◽  
Darrell Bosch ◽  
James Pease
Keyword(s):  
Water Productivity ◽  
Retail Price ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Crop Water ◽  
Study Region ◽  
Bedding Plants ◽  
Production Water ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Reduced Water

The U.S. nursery and greenhouse industry is facing twin challenges of reduced water availability and increased pressure to mitigate pollution from horticultural production. Water-recycling technology (WRT) has been adopted by some nursery producers to improve crop water productivity and to enhance water supply security. This study estimated the economic feasibility of WRT adoption if producers received some portion of retail price premiums for eco-labeled products. Three annual bedding plants, Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.), Petunias (Petunia spp.), and Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.) and three broadleaf evergreen plants, Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.), Holly (Ilex spp.), and Boxwood (Buxus spp.) were analyzed based on their sales in the study region of Virginia (VA), Maryland (MD), and Pennsylvania (PA). Of the eight case study nurseries and two synthesized nurseries examined, five showed increased net costs with recycling. However, in almost all cases for which at least a portion of a retail consumer premium was returned to growers, the premium was adequate to compensate for recycling investment costs.

scholarly journals A Computer Vision-Based Occupancy and Equipment Usage Detection Approach for Reducing Building Energy Demand

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 156
Author(s):  
Paige Wenbin Tien ◽  
Shuangyu Wei ◽  
John Calautit
Keyword(s):  
Deep Learning ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Internal Heat ◽  
Electrical Equipment ◽  
Building Energy ◽  
Hvac Systems ◽  
Equipment Usage

Because of extensive variations in occupancy patterns around office space environments and their use of electrical equipment, accurate occupants’ behaviour detection is valuable for reducing the building energy demand and carbon emissions. Using the collected occupancy information, building energy management system can automatically adjust the operation of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems to meet the actual demands in different conditioned spaces in real-time. Existing and commonly used ‘fixed’ schedules for HVAC systems are not sufficient and cannot adjust based on the dynamic changes in building environments. This study proposes a vision-based occupancy and equipment usage detection method based on deep learning for demand-driven control systems. A model based on region-based convolutional neural network (R-CNN) was developed, trained and deployed to a camera for real-time detection of occupancy activities and equipment usage. Experiments tests within a case study office room suggested an overall accuracy of 97.32% and 80.80%. In order to predict the energy savings that can be attained using the proposed approach, the case study building was simulated. The simulation results revealed that the heat gains could be over or under predicted when using static or fixed profiles. Based on the set conditions, the equipment and occupancy gains were 65.75% and 32.74% lower when using the deep learning approach. Overall, the study showed the capabilities of the proposed approach in detecting and recognising multiple occupants’ activities and equipment usage and providing an alternative to estimate the internal heat emissions.

scholarly journals Passive Solar Solutions for Buildings: Criteria and Guidelines for a Synergistic Design

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 376
Author(s):  
Giacomo Cillari ◽  
Fabio Fantozzi ◽  
Alessandro Franco
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Passive Systems ◽  
Extrinsic Factors ◽  
Solar Systems ◽  
Final Performance ◽  
Passive Solar ◽  
Energy Simulations

Passive solar system design is an essential asset in a zero-energy building perspective to reduce heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation loads. The integration of passive systems in building leads to a reduction of plant operation with considerable environmental benefits. The design can be related to intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence the final performance in a synergistic way. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive view of the elements that influence passive solar systems by means of an analysis of the theoretical background and the synergistic design of various solutions available. The paper quantifies the potential impact of influencing factors on the final performance and then investigates a case study of an existing public building, analyzing the effects of the integration of different passive systems through energy simulations. General investigation has highlighted that latitude and orientation impact energy saving on average by 3–13 and 6–11 percentage points, respectively. The case study showed that almost 20% of the building energy demand can be saved by means of passive solar systems. A higher contribution is given by mixing direct and indirect solutions, as half of the heating and around 25% of the cooling energy demand can be cut off.

scholarly journals Equitable Allocation of Blue and Green Water Footprints Based on Land-Use Types: A Case Study of the Yangtze River Economic Belt

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 3556 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gang Liu ◽  
Lu Shi ◽  
Kevin Li
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Optimal Allocation ◽  
Water Footprint ◽  
Agricultural Water ◽  
Land Area ◽  
Lexicographic Optimization ◽  
The Impact

This paper develops a lexicographic optimization model to allocate agricultural and non-agricultural water footprints by using the land area as the influencing factor. An index known as the water-footprint-land density (WFLD) index is then put forward to assess the impact and equity of the resulting allocation scheme. Subsequently, the proposed model is applied to a case study allocating water resources for the 11 provinces and municipalities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB). The objective is to achieve equitable spatial allocation of water resources from a water footprint perspective. Based on the statistical data in 2013, this approach starts with a proper accounting for water footprints in the 11 YREB provinces. We then determined an optimal allocation of water footprints by using the proposed lexicographic optimization approach from a land area angle. Lastly, we analyzed how different types of land uses contribute to allocation equity and we discuss policy changes to implement the optimal allocation schemes in the YREB. Analytical results show that: (1) the optimized agricultural and non-agricultural water footprints decrease from the current levels for each province across the YREB, but this decrease shows a heterogeneous pattern; (2) the WFLD of 11 YREB provinces all decline after optimization with the largest decline in Shanghai and the smallest decline in Sichuan; and (3) the impact of agricultural land on the allocation of agricultural water footprints is mainly reflected in the land use structure of three land types including arable land, forest land, and grassland. The different land use structures in the upstream, midstream, and downstream regions lead to the spatial heterogeneity of the optimized agricultural water footprints in the three YREB segments; (4) In addition to the non-agricultural land area, different regional industrial structures are the main reason for the spatial heterogeneity of the optimized non-agricultural water footprints. Our water-footprint-based optimal water resources allocation scheme helps alleviate the water resources shortage pressure and achieve coordinated and balanced development in the YREB.

scholarly journals Hydrokinetic Energy Opportunity for Rural Electrification in Nigeria

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ogunjuyigbe Ayodeji Samson Olatunji ◽  
Ayodele Temitope Raphael ◽  
Ibitoye Tahir Yomi
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Optimal Investment ◽  
Rural Electrification ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Energy Potential ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Hydrokinetic Energy ◽  
Potential Site

This paper is part of the ongoing research by the Power, Energy, Machine and Drive (PEMD) research group of the Electrical Engineering Department of the University of Ibadan. The paper presents various sites with possible hydrokinetic energy potential in Nigeria with the aim of quantifying their energy potential for rural electrification application. Overview of hydrokinetic technology is also presented with the view of highlighting the opportunities and the challenges of the technology for rural electrification. A case study of using hydrokinetic turbine technology in meeting the energy demand of a proposed civic center in a remote community is demonstrated.  Some of the key findings revealed that Nigeria has many untapped hydrokinetic potential site and if adequately harnessed can improve the energy poverty and boost economic activities especially in the isolated and remote rural communities, where adequate river water resource is available. The total estimated untapped hydrokinetic energy potential in Nigeria is 111.15MW with the Northern part of the country having 68.18MW while the Southern part has 42.97MW. The case study shows that harnessing hydrokinetic energy of potential site is promising for rural electrification. This paper is important as it will serve as an initial requirement for optimal investment in hydrokinetic power development in Nigeria.Article History: Received November 16th 2017; Received in revised form April 7th 2018; Accepted April 15th 2018; Available onlineHow to Cite This Article: Olatunji, O.A.S., Raphael, A.T. and Yomi, I.T. (2018) Hydrokinetic Energy Opportunity for Rural Electrification in Nigeria. Int. Journal of Renewable Energy Development, 7(2), 183-190.https://doi.org/10.14710/ijred.7.2.183-190

scholarly journals Development Model on Prevention of Land and Forest Fire in the Peat Land Area with Empowerment Society Approach (Case Study in West Kalimantan)

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 185-195
Author(s):  
Maswadi ◽  
Shenny Oktoriana ◽  
Rini Hazriani ◽  
Maulidi
Keyword(s):  
Regression Models ◽  
Agricultural Extension ◽  
Change Model ◽  
Land Area ◽  
West Kalimantan ◽  
Household Level ◽  
Burning Behavior ◽  
The Social ◽  
Land Cultivation

Land fires are an annual agenda in Indonesia, especially in areas covered by peatlands. Peatland management using fire is the main cause. The general paradigm for land fires is that the farmers' economy is low. In fact, the factors that cause land fires are not only from the economic aspect, but from the social and institutional aspects which affect the behavior of farmers. Therefore, the purpose of this study is (1) to analyze the correlation of factors that influence land burning behavior, and (2) to determine the model for the changing of burning behavior into non burning farm land cultivation, in order to prevent land fire in Kuburaya Disrict and Bengkayang District, West Kalimantan. The research involved farmers farming on peatlands in both districts. Regression models was used for the correlation analysis. Based on the results of the regression analysis, a land burning behavior change model was determined based on the influencing factors descriptively. The result of the analysis showed the factors that significantly influence land burning behavior at the household level are knowledge level (consist of farming problems faced by farmers, agricultural extension materials and the application of technology), observance of rules, activeness of mutual assistance, cosmopolitan level, appraisal on burning behavior, and imitation level. The resulting model for changing the behavior of burning land is implementing activity of assistance, social capital stimulus and positive agreements/ pressure to the land users.

scholarly journals ASSESSMENT OF ENERGY PERFORMANCE GAP OF AN OFFICE BUILDING

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (0) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Rasa Džiugaitė-Tumėnienė ◽  
Domas Madeikis
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Internal Heat ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Energy Model ◽  
Indoor Climate ◽  
Performance Gap ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Climate Parameters

The high share of global energy costs to create an indoor climate has been of increasing interest to the global community for several decades and is increasingly the focus of policy. This paper analyses the energy performance gap between actual energy consumption and energy demand obtained during the dynamic energy simulation and building certification. To identify the energy performance gap, an existing office of energy efficiency class B was selected as a case study. The simulation program IDA Indoor Climate and Energy was used to create a dynamic energy model, based on the designed documentation and the actual indoor climate parameters recorded by the building management system. The results of the case study showed that the accuracy and reliability of the results presented by the dynamic energy model of the building directly depend on the assumptions. The correct values of the internal heat gains, indoor climate parameters, human behavior, air quality levels at different times of the day and season, HVAC system operation parameters and operation modes, specific fan powers of ventilation systems, the seasonal energy efficiency of cooling equipment and characteristics of sun protection measures have to be selected.

scholarly journals Improving Daylight Availability in Heritage Buildings: A Case Study of Below-grade Classrooms in Tehran

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 120-133
Author(s):  
Kamyar Soleimani ◽  
◽  
Nastaran Abdollahzadeh ◽  
Zahra Sadat Zomorodian ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Critical Issue ◽  
Natural Light ◽  
Classroom Space ◽  
Educational Spaces ◽  
Visual Tasks ◽  
Heritage Buildings ◽  
Heritage Building ◽  
Daylight Performance

Refurbished heritage buildings usually lack in meeting the required standards defined for the new function especially when reused as educational buildings. Therefore, they are usually equipped with different post-occupancy retrofit strategies to achieve an acceptable level of environmental quality and energy demand. Daylight quality and the distribution of natural light is a critical issue in educational spaces, given that the low level of illuminance in classrooms can decrease students' performance and disrupt visual tasks. In this study, daylight performance of below-grade south-facing classrooms in a heritage building in Tehran, Iran is investigated by implementing 57 different daylighting retrofit strategies using climate-based daylight simulations, in relation to the metric Useful Daylight Illuminance 300-3000lux (UDI-Autonomous). The research proposes the use of reflectors on the interior ceiling and exterior side of the windows (on the ground) to achieve the highest result possible. Although, applying these two systems individually, can boost the spatial distribution of daylight to 75 % and 71%, respectively, the combination of them provide users with UDI-Autonomous in 99% of the classroom space for more than half of the occupancy time.

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