Study of Temperature Fields Inside a Canarian Greenhouse

Abstract

The climatic factors that influence the climate inside the greenhouse are temperature, humidity, solar radiation, wind and plant cover. Temperature is the most important factor in the growth and development of vegetation. Thus, a well controlled temperature allows the physiological development of the plants. This study presents an analysis and simulation of temperature fields in canarian greenhouse equipped with anti-insect nets. The site is located in the coastal area of southern Morocco. The study is carried out during two period daytime and night to determine cooling or heating requirements, with consideration of the long and short wavelength balance and the radiative convective coupling. The fundamental calculation of climatic conditions is based on CFD. The dynamic influence of the insect screens and tomato crop on airflow movement, was described ,using the concept of the porous medium approach proposed by Darcy and Forchheimer. The coupling of convective and radiative exchanges at the plastic roof cover is considered. This CFD study assisted for exploration of inside climate and allows for a better assessment of the overall climate and plant activity. A good agreement was observed between the measured and simulated values for inside temperature. The results clearly showed the heterogeneity of the greenhouse’s internal climate, which infects agricultural production in quantity and quality.