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Article . 2025 . Peer-reviewed
License: CC BY
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Article . 2025
License: CC BY
Research Collection
Article . 2025
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A Modular Agrivoltaics Building Envelope Integrating Thin-Film Photovoltaics and Hydroponic Urban Farming Systems: A Circular Design Approach with the Multi-Objective Optimization of Energy, Light, Water and Structure

Authors: Yihan Zhang; Tianyi Chen; Eugenia Gasparri; Elena Lucchi;

A Modular Agrivoltaics Building Envelope Integrating Thin-Film Photovoltaics and Hydroponic Urban Farming Systems: A Circular Design Approach with the Multi-Objective Optimization of Energy, Light, Water and Structure

Abstract

As cities confront multiple challenges such as climate change, urbanization, and food security, growing attention has been given to sustainable vertical farming and renewable energy solutions. Building facades, typically underutilized in high-density urban environments, present an opportunity for multifunctional buildings composed of both photovoltaic (PV) systems and vertical farming modules. However, on vertical surfaces, these two systems often compete for space. This research focuses on the development of a multifunctional agrivoltaics building envelope (ABE) system, combining building-integrated PV (BIPV) technology with hydroponic vertical farming. This ABE system adopts a modular design approach, where each unit can be prefabricated independently and assembled through an interlocking connection design and bolted fastening to ensure ease of construction and scalability. The design process includes the development of 2D cross-sectional technical design, assembly sequences, and an analysis of key design parameters through 3D modeling. The research adopts a combined Research through Design (RtD) and Research for Design (RfD) approach to bridge prototyping, testing, and performance optimization. This research highlights the potential of integrating renewable energy with agricultural production in building envelope systems. By addressing space optimization and multifunctionality, the research provides a practical framework for future applications in urban sustainability.

Country
Switzerland
Keywords

photovoltaic, facade design, BIPV, agrivoltaics, vertical farming, hydroponic, photovoltaic; BIPV; vertical farming; agrivoltaics; hydroponic; prefabricated design; facade design, prefabricated design

  • BIP!
    Impact byBIP!
    citations
    This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    3
    popularity
    This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
    influence
    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    Average
    impulse
    This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
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citations
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
3
Average
Average
Average
Green
gold
Related to Research communities
Energy Research