Work

Assessing the effectiveness of low-enthalpy geothermal energy for greenhouse temperature regulation towards enhancing desert agriculture

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates the viability and potential of the Earth-Air Heat Exchanger (EAHE) low-enthalpy geothermal system for greenhouse climate control in arid regions, specifically addressing the prevalent challenge of limited meteorological data. Our approach integrates ERA5-Land data with a subsurface soil temperature model, enabling accurate EAHE design and performance prediction in data-scarce environments like Bahariya Oasis, Egypt. The research confirmed the significant thermal stability of the subsurface soil, establishing its potential as a consistent heat source/sink. Initial simulations highlighted effective winter heating but revealed a need for enhanced summer cooling. We demonstrated that optimizing the EAHE system by increasing airflow successfully maintained greenhouse temperatures within near-optimal ranges (below 35[Formula: see text]C in summer, above 20[Formula: see text]C in winter) throughout the year. This achievement validates EAHE's effectiveness for dual heating and cooling in extreme climates. This work provides a robust, data-driven methodology for designing and implementing sustainable, climate-controlled greenhouses in challenging arid zones.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-22294-7

Authors: Anwar Hegazy, Ajit Govind

Institutions: Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport, International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas

Language: English

Topic: Geothermal Energy Systems and Applications

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Affordable and clean energy, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,690