A Decision Support Tool for the Optimal Monitoring of the Microclimate Environments of Connected Smart Greenhouses

Abstract

In this paper, a comprehensive decision support tool based advanced monitoring system is developed to support transition to smart greenhouses for sustainable and clean food production. The decision framework aims to optimally control and manage the microclimate environments of smart connected greenhouses, where each greenhouse is defined as a self-water producing through an enhanced water desalination process. The main advantage of the current approach lies in the ability of the greenhouses to produce their water loads locally. This paper aims to develop an efficient decision tool able of performing specific monitoring and control functionalities to optimize the operation of the greenhouses where the aim is the energy and water savings. A decision model is implemented for the precise regulation and control of the indoor microclimate defining the optimal growth conditions for the crops. Furthermore, a predictive algorithm is developed to simulate in real time the operation of the greenhouses under various conditions, to assess the response of the system to storage dynamics and renewable sources, as well to control the complex indoor microclimate, energy and water flows, as well to optimize the crops growth. The developed tool is tested through a case study where the influences of climate data on the operation of the whole network are analyzed via numerical results. INDEX TERMS Smart network of greenhouses; microclimate monitoring; decision support tool, energy management system; sustainable food production This article has been accepted for publication in a future issue of this journal, but has not been fully edited. Content may change prior to final publication.

A Systematic Review of Optimal and Practical Methods in Design, Construction, Control, Energy Management and Operation of Smart Greenhouses

“…With the increase in population and decrease in agricultural land, the importance of sustainable production of agricultural products has become especially significant. The design, construction, and operation of suitable places where agricultural products can be produced in a controlled manner during the year with minimal energy consumption, has become one of the issues discussed by researchers [1]. To address this issue, GHs have been built and expanded.…”

“…Some of the calculations related to this issue are given in the reference [126]. To calculate the heating issues of the greenhouse, the first equation that should be considered is the heat transfer equation of the building envelope, which is shown in equation (1).…”