Authors:

Eshaana Aurora

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About Paper:

As space exploration advances, the establishment of sustainable habitats on extraterrestrial bodies, such as the Moon, becomes a critical objective. Integrated agrivoltaic systems, which combine agricultural cultivation with photovoltaic (PV) energy production, offer a promising solution for renewable generation of power, food, and oxygen in these environments. The Lunar surface poses distinct challenges, including varying sunlight intensity, extreme temperature variations, and limited oxygen, water, and soil nutrients. Designing efficient agrivoltaic systems in this context necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the complex interdependencies between plant growth, energy production, and environmental factors. The limited number of prior studies and lack of relevant simulation tools both inhibit the development and optimization of agrivoltaic systems for such extraterrestrial environments. In this study, we build upon the Ag-PV MATLAB code, incorporating lunar-specific parameters and constraints derived from the JPL Horizons software tool. Through extensive data analysis, numerical modeling, and simulations, we assess the feasibility and performance of integrated agrivoltaic systems on the Moon, focusing on the shadow depth parameter, which directly impacts total solar irradiation. Additionally, we explore various crop options for potential lunar agricultural systems, considering their compatibility with the unique lunar environment. This study therefore provides insight into how close photovoltaic panels can be co-located with agricultural production in these exotic environments. Our findings underscore the need for customized solutions to leverage the potential of agrivoltaics on the Moon, contributing to the development of sustainable and self-sufficient habitats for long-term space exploration, with potential long-term implications for similar systems here on earth.

Source:

Purdue University / 2023

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Co-authors:

Eshaana Aurora