Elstatik-Stiftung supports project: Prof Mathias Rudolph and team present results of Organic Photovoltaic
On 16 December 2024, Wolfgang Schubert, Chairman of the Elstatik Foundation, and Beate Schubert visited the Faculty of Engineering at HTWK Leipzig. Professor Mathias Rudolph and his team presented the results of the "Organic Photovoltaic" research project funded by the foundation. The event also included a live demonstration of the developed test rig.
For the Organic Photovoltaic project, a student developed a concept for a laboratory test stand as part of their bachelor's thesis, which enables the integration of organic photovoltaic modules into crop production. The concept was then implemented as part of the Master's project, with the test stand being set up and tested. The aim of the project was to investigate the influence of organic modules on plant growth in greenhouses and to develop new utilisation potential through the combination of photovoltaics and plant production. The scientific monitoring and analysis of the project was carried out by young scientists who supported the construction and experiments and analysed the data collected.
The developed test stand comprises three greenhouses. Two of them are equipped with organic modules on the roof, one of which also has LED lamps to compensate for shading. The test stand is monitored using suitable sensor technology that enables data to be analysed.
The organic photovoltaic modules used are characterised by their low weight, flexibility and semi-transparency, allowing around 60 percent of the incident light to reach the plants. Their flexibility and low weight facilitate installation, even on surfaces that are unsuitable for crystalline silicon modules.
The results of the project were published in the trade journal "photovoltaik" (issue 12/2024). Link: https://www.photovoltaik.eu/landwirtschaft/opv-gut-fuer-pflanzen
The Elstatik Foundation
The Elstatik Foundation, founded by Sylvia and Günter Lüttgens, promotes research and science in the fields of static electricity and electrical energy efficiency. It provides around 35,000 euros annually for this purpose. In addition to "Organic Photovoltaic", the foundation has previously supported projects such as "OptiPlant", "Solar Web Optimisation", "Switch-based Optimisation of Photovoltaic Systems" and "Energy Harvesting in Practical Application".
