Design and Performance Testing of a Solar Power Generation System (SPGS) for a Smart Greenhouse with Tower Hydroponic Support

Abstract

This study presents the design and implementation of a solar power generation system (SPGS) to harness solar energy as an alternative power source for greenhouse operations. The system is developed to support vertical hydroponic crop cultivation while operating independently through an off-grid configuration. The specific objectives of this research are to optimize the energy efficiency of the SPGS, ensure the reliability of power supply for hydroponic operations, and evaluate the system's effectiveness in supporting sustainable agricultural practices. The SPGS utilizes solar panels to convert solar radiation into direct current (DC), which is stored in batteries or converted to alternating current (AC) to power various loads. The results showed that the SPGS operated effectively and was capable of supplying consistent energy to the greenhouse. The highest recorded solar irradiance was 1072.82 W/m2, resulting in a voltage of 42.8 V and current of 6.9 A. The maximum power output reached 295.32 W, with the solar panel system achieving an efficiency of 18.72%. The combination of a solar energy system specifically created and fine-tuned for greenhouse use, along with a vertical hydroponic system. This research offers a customized energy approach that guarantees effective energy collection, storage, and delivery, perfectly aligned with the fluctuating energy needs of a greenhouse setting.