Thermal energy use for dehumidification of a tomato greenhouse by natural ventilation and a system with an air-to-air heat exchanger

Authors

  • Katarzyna Maslak Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Dept. of Biosystems and Technology, P.O. Box 103, SE-230 53 Alnarp, Sweden
  • Sven Nimmermark Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Dept. of Biosystems and Technology, P.O. Box 103, SE-230 53 Alnarp, Sweden

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23986/afsci.58936

Keywords:

Thermal energy use, greenhouses, humidity, dehumidification, ventilation, rotating heat exchanger

Abstract

The aim of the study was to estimate the amount of thermal energy used for dehumidification of a naturally ventilated tomato greenhouse and to estimate how mechanical ventilation with the use of a heat exchanger recovering heat from the exhaust to the supply air may decrease the energy use. Measured use of thermal energy in a naturally ventilated tomato greenhouse was compared to modelled values using Powersim® software. By the help of the model an estimation of the amount of energy used for dehumidification was made for the months April – September. A non-hygroscopic rotary air-to-air heat exchanger was studied, and its temperature and moisture efficiencies were measured. Modelling for leaf area index (LAI) 3.5 and 4.0 m2 m-2 indicated that 23 and 29% of the total thermal energy was used for moisture removal respectively. Modelling for the heat exchanger indicated thermal energy savings of 15 and 17% for the same LAI respectively.

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Published

2017-04-04

Issue

Vol. 26 No. 1 (2017)

Section

Articles

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How to Cite

Maslak, K., & Nimmermark, S. (2017). Thermal energy use for dehumidification of a tomato greenhouse by natural ventilation and a system with an air-to-air heat exchanger. Agricultural and Food Science, 26(1), 56-66. https://doi.org/10.23986/afsci.58936
Received 2016-07-22
Accepted 2017-03-12
Published 2017-04-04