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Demand-Side Optimal Sizing of a Solar Energy–Biomass Hybrid System for Isolated Greenhouse Environments: Methodology and Application Example

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  • Juan D. Gil

    (Department of Informatics, ceiA3, University of Almeria, Ctra. Sacramento s/n, 04120 Almería, Spain
    CIESOL Research Center on Solar Energy, Joint Center UAL-CIEMAT, University of Almeria, Ctra. Sacramento s/n, 04120 Almería, Spain)

  • Jerónimo Ramos-Teodoro

    (Department of Informatics, ceiA3, University of Almeria, Ctra. Sacramento s/n, 04120 Almería, Spain
    CIESOL Research Center on Solar Energy, Joint Center UAL-CIEMAT, University of Almeria, Ctra. Sacramento s/n, 04120 Almería, Spain)

  • José A. Romero-Ramos

    (CIESOL Research Center on Solar Energy, Joint Center UAL-CIEMAT, University of Almeria, Ctra. Sacramento s/n, 04120 Almería, Spain)

  • Rodrigo Escobar

    (Escuela de Ingeniería, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, 7820436 Santiago, Chile)

  • José M. Cardemil

    (Escuela de Ingeniería, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, 7820436 Santiago, Chile)

  • Cynthia Giagnocavo

    (Department of Economics and Business, ceiA3, University of Almería, Ctra. Sacramento s/n, 04120 Almería, Spain)

  • Manuel Pérez

    (CIESOL Research Center on Solar Energy, Joint Center UAL-CIEMAT, University of Almeria, Ctra. Sacramento s/n, 04120 Almería, Spain)

Abstract

The water–energy–food nexus has captured the attention of many researchers and policy makers for the potential synergies between those sectors, including the development of self-sustainable solutions for agriculture systems. This paper poses a novel design approach aimed at balancing the trade-off between the computational burden and accuracy of the results. The method is based on the combination of static energy hub models of the system components and rule-based control to simulate the operational costs over a one-year period as well as a global optimization algorithm that provides, from those results, a design that maximizes the solar energy contribution. The presented real-world case study is based on an isolated greenhouse, whose water needs are met due to a desalination facility, both acting as heat consumers, as well as a solar thermal field and a biomass boiler that cover the demand. Considering the Almerian climate and 1 ha of tomato crops with two growing seasons, the optimal design parameters were determined to be (with a solar fraction of 16% and a biomass fraction of 84%): 266 m 2 for the incident area of the solar field, 425 kWh for the thermal storage system, and 4234 kW for the biomass-generated power. The Levelized Cost of Heat (LCOH) values obtained for the solar field and biomass boiler were 0.035 and 0.078 €/kWh, respectively, and the discounted payback period also confirmed the profitability of the plant for fuel prices over 0.05 €/kWh. Thus, the proposed algorithm is useful as an innovative decision-making tool for farmers, for whom the burden of transitioning to sustainable farming systems might increase in the near future.

Suggested Citation

  • Juan D. Gil & Jerónimo Ramos-Teodoro & José A. Romero-Ramos & Rodrigo Escobar & José M. Cardemil & Cynthia Giagnocavo & Manuel Pérez, 2021. "Demand-Side Optimal Sizing of a Solar Energy–Biomass Hybrid System for Isolated Greenhouse Environments: Methodology and Application Example," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-22, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:13:p:3724-:d:579442
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Gil, Juan D. & Topa, A. & Álvarez, J.D. & Torres, J.L. & Pérez, M., 2022. "A review from design to control of solar systems for supplying heat in industrial process applications," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 163(C).
    2. Lizárraga-Morazán, Juan Ramón & Picón-Núñez, Martín, 2023. "Optimal sizing and control strategy of low temperature solar thermal utility systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 263(PC).
    3. Andrés Villarruel-Jaramillo & Josué F. Rosales-Pérez & Manuel Pérez-García & José M. Cardemil & Rodrigo Escobar, 2023. "Modeling and Performance Evaluation of Hybrid Solar Cooling Systems Driven by Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal Collectors—Case Study: Greenhouses of Andalusia," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-28, June.

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