Analysis of the Possibilities of Using a Heat Pump for Greenhouse Heating in Polish Climatic Conditions—A Case Study

Artur Nemś,Klaudia Świder,Magdalena Nemś

doi:10.3390/su10103483

Artur Nemś, Klaudia Świder + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su10103483

Copy DOI

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of selecting a seasonal heating system for an existing greenhouse. The analyzed object is located in Poland near Wroclaw, where summer flowers are grown. Appropriate thermal conditions must be ensured continuously for four heating months. The primary source of heat in the examined flower greenhouse was a coal-fired furnace. The analysis presented in the article shows a method of thermal balancing the object, determining heat demands in the analyzed period using the experiment plan, and also selecting a new heating system in the form of a heat pump. The analysis of the operation of the heating system was performed for air and ground source heat pumps to determine the profitability of their application in Polish climatic conditions. An economic analysis was also included and the investment impact on pollution emissions was calculated.

Highlights

In Poland, agricultural and horticultural production, including greenhouse facilities, has a long tradition
This research allows the temperature in a greenhouse to be lowered by about 12.1–21.6 ◦C, and relative humidity to be increased from 8% to 62% when compared to the ambient temperature [21]
The analysis presented in the article concerned the heating of a greenhouse facility in Polish climatic conditions

Summary

Introduction

In Poland, agricultural and horticultural production, including greenhouse facilities, has a long tradition. From a legal point of view, regulations that are currently in force, such as European Union Directive 3 × 20 that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency and increase the share of renewable energy sources in relation to final energy, tend to search for less energy-intensive and more effective methods of heating greenhouse facilities [22]. This is influenced by the constantly increasing prices of energy carriers and, at the same time, the declining prices of final products.

Thermal Balance of the Greenhouse

Calculation of the Temperature Inside the Greenhouse

Simulation of the Operation of a Ground Source Heat Pump

Emission of Pollution

Findings

Summary and Conclusions