engleski

Aquavoltaics - floating solar panels in synergy with aquaculture

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is the most widely accessible sustainable and clean source of energy that can be scaled to meet humanity’s energy needs. Floatovoltaic (FPV) represent an emerging power generation technology utilizing idle water and solar energy systems - comprising floating photovoltaic panels over water. In terms of the environment and other variables, it is possible to install various forms of FPV on water surfaces, such as reservoirs used for irrigation purposes - motivated by the increasing demand for energy in modern irrigation systems and agriculture. Other potential applications include quarry and natural lakes, wastewater tanks, oceans and fish ponds - integrated into aquacultures as aquavoltaics (AquaPV). The goal of AquaPV is the efficient use of water with the dual benefit of food and energy production. The cultured species have different requirements, confirming that the essential parameters must vary depending on the species and the husbandry system. The AquaPV approach aims to maintain parameters such as water and air temperature, light availability, water pH, dissolved oxygen, feeding system, and predator pressure, and improve the system by exploiting synergies between aquaculture and FPV systems. There is limited knowledge of the effects of FPV on the receiving water body. The addition of floating modules will most likely complicate aquaculture system maintenance, and aquatic life may also slow or disrupt PV module maintenance. To avoid the increasing consumption of land, the approach of aquavoltaics offers a solution for the dual use of land. In addition to the advantageous shading for aquatic animals in summer, the strong reduction of water loss due to lower evaporation rates is particularly interesting. Aquavoltaics is a new concept that combines two areas where significant research is needed. Predicting changes in water body processes, characteristics, and services as a result of FPV implementation is a critical knowledge gap that can lead to poor societal decisions and poor management of water bodies. With a suitable system approach, AquaPV can contribute to sustainable water use and fulfil the concept of the food-water-energy nexus.

aquavoltaics, floating photovoltaic, aquaculture, sustainable, water

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