Work

Computer Assisted Ventilation Optimization in Narrow and Long Single-span Greenhouses in Yangtze River Delta Via Cfd Simulation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In the Yangtze River Delta, weak summer wind conditions often lead to inadequate air circulation in greenhouses, particularly in narrow and elongated single-span structures, negatively affecting crop growth. This study combines computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations with experimental validation to optimize the ventilation performance of such greenhouses. The validated CFD model (RMSE = 1.55, MAE = 1.09) analyzed three cases: baseline (no side windows), and two designs with 45° and 90° side window openings. The original greenhouse design without side windows was called Case A. In Case A, the average indoor wind speed in the modeling condition was 0.38m/s; there were 9 points with less than 0.3m/s. Redesign simulation experiments were carried out by adding side windows to the greenhouse; the openings were set to 45° and 90°, respectively. The case with 45° side windows was called Case B, and the case with 90° side windows was called Case C. Results show significant improvements in airflow, with average wind speeds increasing from 0.38 m/s (baseline) to 1.71 m/s (90° window). Ventilation efficiency also varied with external wind speed and direction. When the vector of the direction in the east-west direction increases, the average wind speed in the greenhouse increases. In Case A, the east-west direction vector component increased from 34% to 99%, resulting in a slight rise of 0.15 m/s in greenhouse wind speed. In Case B, the same vector increase led to a substantial 1.21 m/s rise in indoor wind speed. Case C also saw the vector increase from 34% to 99%, contributing to a 1.03 m/s increase in average indoor wind speed. These findings offer practical design guidance to enhance natural ventilation in narrow single-span greenhouses in low-wind regions.

Source: Journal of Information System and Technology Management

DOI: 10.35631/jistm.1039018

Authors: WeiJian Zhang, Nurnida Elmira Othman, Azli Abd Razak

Institutions: Universiti Teknologi MARA System, Universiti Teknologi MARA

Language: English

Topic: Greenhouse Technology and Climate Control

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Universiti Teknologi MARA