Energy performance and climate control in mechanically ventilated greenhouses: A dynamic modelling-based assessment and investigation

Controlled environment agriculture in greenhouse is a promising solution for meeting the increasing food demand of world population. The accurate control indoor environmental conditions proper greenhouses enhances high crop productivity but, contemporarily, it entails considerable energy consumption due to adoption mechanical systems. This work presents new modelling approach estimating climate mechanically ventilated greenhouses. novelty proposed model lies its integrated simulating dynamics, considering dynamic thermal and hygric behaviour building response cultivated crops variation solar radiation. presented simulates operation systems performance, also variable angular speed fans that are energy-efficient technology this productive sector. main outputs hourly electrical use conditions. was validated against dataset acquired case study fully controlled during long-term monitoring campaign. present contributes increase knowledge about dynamics greenhouses, can be valuable decision support tool industry, farmers, researchers properly address an efficiency optimisation reach overall objective decreasing rising agricultural