Energy Access
Agrivoltaics Greenhouse: Light Intensity Dependence of Crop Growth
Agrivoltaics is a joint development land-use concept integrating solar photovoltaic energy production and agricultural cultivation within the same land area. This project aims to simulate plant growth in an agrivoltaic greenhouse while considering the effects of light intensity on crop growth. Modeling the relative crop growth as a function of power conversion efficiency could help optimize the greenhouse environment for sustainable and efficient agricultural practices underneath photovoltaic panels. If the model presents favorable results compared to the conventional approach, it could encourage the adoption of this agrivoltaic technology and improve energy access.
Supervisors:
- Dr Piers Barnes, Physics
- Professor Jenny Nelson, Physics
Agrivoltaic energy modelling in Sub-Saharan Africa - a case study in a Zimbabwe farming community
Zimbabwe faces a complex dilemma of food insecurity issues due to the effects of climate change. In addition to this, the country has a low electrification rate of about 49% as of 2021. Zimbabwe, however, obtains high levels of solar irradiation during the year.
This research looks at the technical and economic feasibility of an agrivoltaic energy system, modelled as an off-grid solution for a wheat farming community in Zimbabwe. The aim is to investigate the potential dual benefit of land use for energy generation and food production, providing an avenue to solve the energy and food security challenges.
Supervisors:
- Dr Philip Sandwell, Department of Physics
- Mr Hamish Beath, Department of Physics
- Mr Benedict Winchester, Department of Physics
- Professor Jenny Nelson, Department of Physics
A Techno-Economic Analysis of Battery Swap Stations in Nairobi
In this project the CLOVER simulation model was used to assess and optimise a battery swap station used by motorbike taxis in Nairobi.
Supervisors:
- Mr Hamish Beath, Department of Physics
- Mr Benedict Winchester, Department of Physics
- Dr Oytun Babacan, Department of Physics
Techno-economic potential of promoting rural electrification through mini-grid solutions in Yemen
Despite hosting more than two thirds of the country's population, only 23% of the rural population had some access to the national grid prior to the conflict of 2015, leaving a large proportion of Yemeni's isolated from electrical services. In the context of Yemen, solar PV systems have been the preferred technology and therefore this project aims to assess the techno-economic potential of PV mini-grid systems to help improve electricity access of pre-electrified communities. The combination of qualitative methods and quantitative modelling into the domain of cost-effective and sustainable mini-grid deployment can be useful to inform all relevant stakeholders.
Supervisors:
- Dr Fei Teng, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Dr Philip Sandwell, Department of Physics
- Pudong Ge, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Assessment of the biomass potential in Zambia under Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs)
Zambia is blessed with abundant biomass sources like woodlands, forests, and agricultural residues, supplying over 70% of its energy needs. However, current extraction methods have led to deforestation and climate change due to the loss of carbon sinks. This project aims to map the biomass potential using GIS and to estimate the potential bioenergy that could be harnessed to help Zambia achieve its 2030 vision, satisfying the country's food and energy demands. The project also looks into climate scenarios where biomass production is altered based on different carbon mitigation pathways.
Supervisors:
- Professor. Adam Hawkes, Department of Chemical Engineering
- Dr. Ariane Millot
- Dr. Vignesh Sridharan
Power to the People: Can Renewable Energy Cooperatives Reduce Household Energy Bills in England?
The mounting energy bills have left many households in England feeling helpless. Renewable energy cooperatives (RECs) may be the solution to their problem - through RECs, households can collectively own a renewable energy project that aids in the reduction of household energy bills. Additionally, RECs strengthen bonds between local households and local sustainability. This study investigates the potential of scaling up RECs in England to reduce household energy bills through quantitative research, data analysis, and a policy study to inform policy-making that will foster the growth of RECs in England.
Supervisors:
- John Callaghan, Imperial College Business School