MODELING OF THE THERMAL LOADS AND ENERGY CONSERVATION IN HYDRPONICS SPROUTS PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

Abstract

Sprouting green fodder production systems (SGFPS) are considered highly condensed agro-industrial systems in terms of electric energy consumption. Therefore, price rising or scarcity of electric energy of the traditional source “Public Network of Electricity” constitutes critical issue in the SGFPS management. Additionally, engineering criteria to determine the technical specifications of suitable electric solar system (ESS) as an alternative source of energy are not found. Therefore, the research main objectives were to construct mathematical model, to determine the thermal loads, to determine the best alternatives of energy conservation, and to develop an engineering criteria to specify suitable ESS. To execute these objectives a mathematical model was constructed and used in the determination of type and quantity of the thermal loads. Statistical trial was designed and executed to determine the best alternative for energy conservation. Engineering criteria were developed to determine the technical specifications of the ESS. The results showed that: The mathematical model is valid to use. The thermal equilibrium is going for cooling direction. The cooling loads are located between 5915.3 and 7739.9 BTU/h. The thermal properties of the building materials are responsible on saving 65% of the thermal loads. Operations management is responsible on saving 35% of the thermal loads, and the engineering criteria should be effective in order to determine the technical specifications of the electric solar energy source to reduce the reliance on conventional source “Public Network of Electricity” (PNE).