Energy Minimisation in a Protected Cropping Facility Using Multi-Temperature Acquisition Points and Control of Ventilation Settings

Energy management in protected cropping is critical due to the high cost of energy use high-tech greenhouse facilities. The main purpose this research was investigate optimal strategy reduce cooling consumption, by regulating settings (opening/closing) either vents or curtains during day, at facility Western Sydney University. We measured daily changes air temperature and consumption under four treatments (open/closed combinations shade screens) developed an for using multi-temperature acquisition points different heights within a compartment. treatment (vents open/curtains closed) reduced load rooftop, thereby maintaining desirable plant canopy profile, reducing energy. Daily lowest closed (70.5 kWh) highest closed/curtains open (121 kWh). It also found that delaying operation opening closing until reached 25 °C decreased heating morning (e.g., 08:00 10:00). estimated savings 1.83 kWh per 1 between least open) conditions had potential significant 494 over crop cycle nine months warm weather conditions. However, selection utilising control must account impact from other environmental factors, including light, humidity, CO2 concentration, which may be specific.