Thermofluid Modelling of Large-Scale Orchards for Optimal Design and Control of Active Frost Prevention Systems

Abstract

Accurate modelling and simulation of temperature dynamics in large-scale orchards is important in many aspects, including: (i) for the calculation of minimum energy required to be used in optimal design of active frost prevention energy systems (fully renewable or partially renewable) to prevent freezing of fruit flowers, buds, or leaves; (ii) for testing frost prevention control systems before real-implementation which regulate active heating systems inside orchards targeted to prevent frost. To that end, in this study, first, a novel and sophisticated parametric computational thermofluid dynamics (CTFD) model for orchard air thermal dynamics for different orchard parameters (such as fruit type, climate, number of trees, their sizes, and distance between them) and boundary/initial conditions was developed and validated with field data from the literature. Next, the use of the developed parametric CTFD model was demonstrated through a case study to calculate the minimal thermal energy required to prevent frost under different frost levels in a test Prunus armeniaca orchard located in Malatya, Turkey, which is the world capital for dry apricot production.

Agricultural Engineering Technologies in the Control of Frost Damage in Permanent Plantations

“…It is stated that the cost of a wind machine per 10-12 acres (4.4-4.8 ha) is 1500-1800 US dollars, for over-tree and under-tree sprinklers 900-1200 US dollars, under-tree sprinklers 1000-1500 US dollars, for oil heaters 400-450 US dollars, and for propane pressure heaters 2500-4000 US dollars. For accurate modelling and simulation of temperature dynamics, i.e., for calculating the minimum energy required for the optimal design of an energy system for active frost prevention, Atam, E. et al [78] used thermofluid modelling of large-scale orchards. According to this model, each system must generate a sufficient amount of energy to raise the temperature in the plantation and reduce frost damage.…”

Using Small Wind Turbine Technology to Design an AntiFrost Fan

“…Most studies of AFFs have been of their field performance, e.g. [1]- [3], which show remarkable effectiveness; according to [1], a single AFF can protect an orchard area of up to 5 ha. There is, however, very little information available on the basic blade design, e.g., Wenye et al [4].…”

A Review of Methods and Techniques for Detecting Frost on Plant Surfaces

“…Recently, technologies and methods related to frost detection continue to appear, but there has never been a relatively mature program suitable for the detection of frosting leaf surfaces. In addition, the difficulty of frost detection is also the main reason for the inefficiency of frost protection, especially in agriculture [23][24][25].…”