Speaker
Description
The performance of greenhouse cultivation hinges on precise control of its internal microclimate, particularly under urban and variable climatic conditions. In this study, we used computational fluid dynamics to model the environmental conditions in a double-roof sawtooth greenhouse located at the University of Johannesburg. The temperature, pressure and humidity distributions in the greenhouse with different vents opening were predicted. A three-dimensional geometry of the greenhouse was developed, meshed, and simulated using ANSYS Fluent v24r1 to assess the effects of temperature, pressure, airflow, and relative humidity under different ventilation configurations (Configuration 1 vent open, Configuration 2 vent closed). The simulations revealed that configurations 1 and 2 produced different environmental conditions, from uneven temperature and relative humidity distributions to more uniform conditions suitable for specific crop production. It was also observed that the greenhouse’s ability to regulate temperature and humidity was highly dependent on external environmental conditions, and reliance on natural ventilation alone was insufficient to maintain optimal growth conditions throughout. These findings highlight the importance of careful configuration selection, targeted crop placement within the greenhouse, and consideration of additional climate-control measures, such as HVAC systems. The results provide a foundation for future studies on greenhouse optimisation, including variations in vent and window placement, transient environmental conditions, and the impact of solar radiation on internal microclimates, supporting more efficient and sustainable crop production.
| Apply for student award at which level: | Honours |
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| Consent on use of personal information: Abstract Submission | Yes, I ACCEPT |