DUYGU KUZKAYA

Designing Agrivoltaic Systems for High-Value Crops: A Sustainable Approach for Tropical and Arid Regions

Abstract

Agrivoltaic (AgriPV) systems offer a compelling pathway toward co-producing food and electricity on shared land, yet early-stage designs rarely align photovoltaic (PV) geometry with crop-specific light thresholds and local hydro-climatic conditions. This study develops and evaluates a crop-aligned design framework across two contrasting Turkish climatic zones—Harran (hot semi-arid, Köppen BSh) and Manavgat (hot semi-tropical Mediterranean, Köppen Csa). Standard bifacial c-Si modules were configured in A-shaped (ridge) and V-shaped (valley) typologies at three cover ratios (CR = 35, 50, 60%). Ground-level irradiance fields were simulated using Rhinoceros 3D with Ladybug/Honeybee extensions; monthly means were extracted at six virtual sampling points and converted to sub-panel photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) for comparison with crop thresholds: avocado 400–700, coffee 200–400, saffron 200–400, and black cumin 350–500 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹. Increasing CR systematically depressed PPFD; V-shaped frames produced more spatially uniform shade via a central corridor, whereas A-shaped frames generated lateral shade lobes with greater intra-row dispersion. Saffron was best supported at CR ≈ 50–60%, black cumin at CR ≈ 35–50%, coffee at CR ≈ 50–60%, and avocado at CR ≈ 35–50%. Integrated rainwater-harvesting channels offer operational co-benefits for irrigation and module cleaning. The framework identifies moderate coverage with typology-appropriate geometry as a practical compromise between crop light requirements, bifacial PV performance, and water management in arid and warm-Mediterranean settings.

Biography

Dr. Duygu Kuzyaka is a senior researcher at ODTÜ-GÜNAM, specializing in photovoltaics, nanotechnology, and agrivoltaic systems. She received her Ph.D. in Micro and Nanotechnology from Middle East Technical University in 2019, following her M.Sc. in the same field and a B.Sc. in Physics Education from Hacettepe University. Her doctoral research focused on photocatalytic thin films and advanced nanostructured materials, while her earlier work contributed to improving the efficiency of organic solar cells through nanoparticle integration. She has extensive research and industry experience. Her expertise spans photovoltaic systems, thin-film technologies, nanomaterials, photocatalysis, and energy storage systems, with a recent strong focus on agrivoltaic system design and optimization. She has also contributed to academia through teaching undergraduate physics courses and supervising research activities. Dr. Kuzyaka has authored numerous high-impact journal publications and conference presentations in the fields of photovoltaics, nanomaterials, and sustainable energy systems. She is actively involved in international research collaborations, including Horizon Europe projects, where she contributes to innovative solutions integrating solar energy with agriculture. Her work combines experimental research, system design, and simulation-based analysis, supporting the development of sustainable and efficient energy technologies.