Modeling and simulation of a root-zone heating in greenhouse using solar collectors

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 MSc student, Department of Mechanical Engineering of Biosystems, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering of Biosystems, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran

3 Lecture, Department of Mechanical Engineering of Biosystems, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran

4 Assistant Professor, Department of Horticulture Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran

Abstract

Heating the soil temperature can improve seed germination and plant growth. Using renewable energy for greenhouse heating is recommended due to environmental concerns and the possibility of fossil fuel scarcity. This study analyzed the heat transfer relationships of pipes and solar collectors using Python software to determine the most optimal mode. This research aims to heat a specific type of greenhouse (with a surface area of 10 m2 out of 500 m2 in Shahtekord, Iran) using root-zone installations. The results indicate that the diameter and depth of the pipe placement from the root have a significant impact on the amount of heat supplied from the collector side. Increasing the pipe diameter results in higher system heat requirements while decreasing the depth of the pipes leads to a decrease in the supplied heat from the collector side. After analyzing these parameters, it was determined that the optimal distance for placing the pipe from the root is 30 cm. Also, in December, which is the coldest month, 16 collectors are required to meet the necessary heat supply.

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References

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Environmental Resources Research
Volume 12, Issue 1
July 2024
Pages 131-146

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