Development and Optimization of a Building Energy Simulation Model to Study the Effect of Greenhouse Design Parameters

Abstract

Abstract:Energy management of the greenhouse is considered to be one of the most important challenges of greenhouse farming. Energy saving measures need considered, besides applying energy supplying techniques. To address this issue, a model was developed to simulate the thermal environment of a greenhouse using a Transient Systems Simulation Program (TRNSYS 17) as a building energy simulation (BES) platform. The model was calibrated by modifying the input parameters to minimize the uncertainties obtained from the results. Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficients of 0.958 and 0.983 showed good agreement between the computed and experimental results. The proposed model was used to evaluate the effects of greenhouse design parameters, including roof shape, orientation, double-glazing, natural ventilation, coverings and their thickness, on its energy conservation capacity. It was found that the most suitable design for a greenhouse located in Daegu (latitude 35.53 • N, longitude 128.36 • E) South Korea would be east-west (E-W) oriented, with a gothic-shaped roof and double-glazing of PMMA (Polymethylmethacrylate) covering. Natural ventilation reduced the inside temperature of greenhouse, thereby reducing the energy demand of cooling. The model developed can help greenhouse farmers and researchers make pre-design decisions regarding greenhouse construction, taking their local environment and specific needs into consideration.

Experimental investigation on operation parameters of 3Å molecular sieve desiccant coated total energy recovery wheel for maximum effectiveness

“…Rapid enhancement of energy efficiency is essential for a reduction in energy use and promotion of sustainable environment. Accordingly, improving energy performance of the building will significantly reduce the energy consumption [1][2][3]. Investments in these units are feasible, as it reduces the operating costs and improve more the energy efficiency [4,5].…”

Optimization of Greenhouse Thermal Screens for Maximized Energy Conservation

“…TRNSYS stands for "Transient System Simulation program". It is a versatile component-based program that provides tools to simulate both simple and complex energy flows in buildings [18]. It was developed by University of Wisconsin's Solar Energy Lab and has been commercially available since in 1975 for the simulation of thermal systems, but has since undergone continuous development to become a hybrid simulator by including photovoltaic, thermal solar, and other energy systems [19].…”

Heat Pump Heating System Development of Educational Building based on Energy, Economical and Environmental Impacts

“…The EU Directive 2010/31/EU requires buildings, or parts of buildings, to meet a minimum energy performance or be subject to a retrofit or refurbishment [4][5][6]. These requirements may be met by renovating a building's envelope and HVAC systems [7][8][9][10][11]. The stability of indoor air parameters is also a very important factor, essential for such institutions, schools, hospitals and also museums.…”