Master Thesis - Crop and microclimate modelling in Agri voltaic systems
We are looking for two master thesis students who want to power the great shift together with us!
Use your skills to power the great shift. At OX2, you work for a professional and ambitious company that is committed to accelerating access to renewable energy to speed up the transition to clean energy. We are multi-specialists to the core, offering a dynamic and inspiring workplace and enabling seamless, cross-functional collaboration to achieve optimal results. At OX2 we empower you to take action, giving you the freedom and accountability to make great things happen, to make a lasting impact.
Background
OX2 is a large pan-European developer of renewable energy systems within wind, PV, and battery storage, with a core ambition to support a large-scale transition to renewable energy. Our project pipeline includes a substantial portfolio of AgriPV projects spread across several markets in various stages of development.
The generation of large volumes of cost-efficient renewable electricity is key in the transition from fossil fuels, with PV being a core technology in this context. However, as large scale PV often calls for soil as well appreciated for agriculture the land conflict between renewable energy generation and food production is increasing. In the ongoing development of our AgriPV projects the aim is to find an optimum balance between an efficient generation of electricity from the pv system and sustainable agriculture production.
Understanding how the crops are affected by the shading caused by the PV system and how the shade affects the microclimate under the PV modules is a key feature for a well-designed AgriPV system and will define the most adaptable crop to the AgriPV system. Hence the cross over modelling of PV system design vs shading caused vs crop impact is a crucial element of the work.
About the assignment:
OX2 have established a simulation platform for the crossover modelling from PV system to crop response. The platform allows the calculation of the shade caused by PV system configurations and produces among outputs the photosynthetic flux impact (PPFD reduction) for crops (the OX2 shade model).
The task is part of a combined work intended to extend this platform further by a/ select among various crop growth model the one that can be combined with the OX2 simulation platform, and b/ to integrate the simulation of microclimate as seen by the crops as a result of the introduction of PV structures placed on the field. With the data produced by the selected model it should be possible to simulate the response of the crops and the microclimate conditions under an AgriPV system.
The aim with the model is to produce results in line with what is needed and relevant to support OX2’s focus and ambitions in AgriPV. It will be important to plan the work and the coding to be able to successively adapt inputs and outputs to follow with increased learning and adjustments to business ambitions.
Given the high level of complexity we have split the work in two thesis, each reflecting a master level thesis. As they are closely interleaved the two are presented together in this document.
Thesis 1 – Crop growth models
Selection of most appropriate crop model to combine with OX2 shade model.
- Main input: selection of crop growth model that will fit with the OX2 shade model, Selection of target crops based on crop model, weather data e.g. TMY, selection of main input to insert in Python code.
- Output: A model that works in Python environment and produces excel output that includes crop output data, simulation of crop cycle in full light conditions (no AgriPV). Make a comparison on produced output of the crop growth models for a selection of OX2 target crops. Usability and fit for purpose (incl fit for integration with OX2 shade model). Suggested selection of the crop growth model, Output in Excel file format.
Thesis 2 – Microclimate modelling
Development of model for simulation of microclimate variation on ground, based on input from the work on thesis 1 and OX2 shade model.
- Main input: Script produce in Thesis 1 for the crop growth model. Radiation distribution and PPFD data (from OX2 shade model), ground conditions (soil on project area), crop parameters used to simulate crop cycle in full light conditions (from Thesis 1). The PV configuration will be an input to the shade model and by that included in the results.
- Output: Creation of “shade TMY” data that can feed the selected crop model. Integration of selected crop growth model with OX2 shade model including packaging the entire simulation model from both theses into one tool for calculation of crop cycle dependent to microclimate and shade conditions under AgriPV. Final output in Excel files together with plots and analysis of the data.
For both theses the work includes the set-up of the model including coding, and the definition of input and output parameters, including format. We believe it would be appropriate to study already established, often more advanced, models as input to the development of this more simplified model. The models shall be set up in an environment available at OX2. Coding in Python is required.
The execution of the two theses is expected to be made in connection with the two candidates collaborating, still with individual responsibilities as set out by the respective thesis description. Hence you will be working side-by-side with a student colleague on the related thesis, and as part of a wider OX2 international team, including highly skilled team members on all aspects.
We expect you to be self driven, curious, structured, and with an open and collaborative mindset. Sharing insights and asking questions being a natural way of working for you. Fluency in English is key.
Job Location
The candidate should plan to sit in an OX2 office, preferably Stockholm Sweden or Milano Italy, some days per week, together with working from remote. Each thesis is expected to be a full term (SE: 30 HP, in Italy according to the credits or period required by the University).
The position is open from now, and we would like get started as soon as possible.
Learn more about OX2: www.ox2.com
About OX2
OX2 is a fully integrated provider of renewable energy solutions at scale. We are an international multi-technology company bringing together the brightest minds and most ambitious team players to address the defining challenge of our time: the shift from fossil fuels to clean energy, the greater shift to a sustainable society and economy. We accelerate the access to renewable energy. The company has almost 500 employees and is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. OX2 is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm since 2022.
For more information visit: www.ox2.com
- Department
- Engineering
- Locations
- Stockholm, Malmö, Milano
About OX2
About OX2
OX2 is a fully integrated provider of renewable energy solutions at scale. We are an international multi-technology company bringing together the brightest minds and most ambitious team players to address the defining challenge of our time: the shift from fossil fuels to clean energy, the greater shift to a sustainable society and economy. We accelerate the access to renewable energy. Sales in 2023 was about 7,8 billion SEK. The company has almost 500 employees and is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. OX2 is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm since 2022.
For more information visit: www.ox2.com
Master Thesis - Crop and microclimate modelling in Agri voltaic systems
We are looking for two master thesis students who want to power the great shift together with us!
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