A Fresnel lenses based concentrated PV system in a greenhouse

The scope of this investigation is the development and testing of a new type of greenhouse with an integrated linear Fresnel lens, receiver module and an innovative system for tracking to exploit all direct radiation in a solar energy system. The basic idea of this horticultural application is to develop a greenhouse for pot plants (typical shadow plants) that do not like direct radiation. Removing all direct radiation will drastically reduce the need for cooling under summer conditions and the need for screens or lime coating of the glass to reflect or block a large part of the radiation. The removal of all direct radiation will block up to 81% of the solar energy, which will reduce the needed cooling capacity. The second measure is the integration of a solar energy system. When the (linear) Fresnel lenses are designed between double glass coverings and integrated in the greenhouse, the focused solar energy on the Thermal Photovoltaic (TPV) cell in the focus point delivers electric and thermal energy. The TPV module mounted in the focal point requires cooling due to the high heat load of the concentrated radiation (concentration factor of 50×). All parts are integrated in a greenhouse structure with a size of about 36 m2 and the electrical and thermal yield is determined for Dutch climate circumstances.