Predicting sunlight availability for vertical shelves using simulation

Abstract

Abstract Vertical farming (VF) allows for a higher number of plants to be grown in a limited land area, maximizing agricultural land use. VF employs multiple vertical shelves. Each shelf consists of several levels. This paper aims to develop a computer simulation model. The computer model could predict the sunlight availability received at each level of the shelves. The model was developed using RHINO (RHINOCEROS) software with Grasshopper plug-in. The VF shelf was constructed for the experiment in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The experiment data is used to validate the computer model. The validated computer simulation model is then used to predict the daily averaged Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD) received by each level of vertical shelves. Year-round daily averaged PPFD provides insights into the seasonal variations of sunlight availability. For the VF shelf constructed for experiment in Chiang Mai, it was found that the top level of the shelf would receive a yearly average of 1275.17 PPFD. The middle and bottom would receive 781.29 and 617.67 PPFD, respectively. The month with the lowest amount of sunlight is in January. This computer simulation model will help predict solar radiation received by each vertical farming shelf. The farmers could identify suitable shelf designs to provide enough PPFD for specific crops to be grown.