Distributed network for measuring climatic parameters in heterogeneous environments: Application in a greenhouse

Abstract

In Mediterranean countries of Southern Europe, the climatic conditions are usually favourable to cultivate greenhouse vegetables but not always for workers. The aim of this study was to design a network of weather stations capable of gathering data of environmental parameters related to the wellbeing of workers in greenhouses in south-eastern Spain. The unevenness of the thermal environment was studied both vertically as well as horizontally following guideline ISO 7726. The results indicate that the greenhouse should be considered a heterogeneous environment, implying that, for an evaluation of the environmental conditions related to thermal stress of the workers inside the greenhouse, measurements should be taken at different points within the greenhouse at three heights (ankle, abdomen, and head).