This Project Grant award, provided by the United States Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture under the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (CFDA 10.310), aims to investigate the potential of utilizing climate-smart retractable photovoltaic screens (RPVs) to enhance the functionality of greenhouses. The primary goal is to explore how optimized RPVs with automated control systems can synergistically reduce energy and water demands while maximizing power conversion efficiency (PCE) without compromising crop yields. The $603,216 award, with a performance period from August 1, 2024 to July 31, 2027, will fund the following key activities: (1) developing a digital twin model and optimizing the RPVs for greenhouses, (2) designing pilot testbeds and investigating the PCE and crop performance, (3) conducting techno-economic feasibility and life-cycle assessments, and (4) developing educational and outreach programs. The project seeks to provide a climate-smart solution for achieving net-zero food production with reduced energy and water demand, as well as clean power generation.
Mod # | Description | Reason For Modification | Federal Obligation (Click to sort descending) | Date (Click to sort ascending) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not listed | $603.2k | 8/1/24 |