Assessment of Shallow Geothermal Energy for Greenhouse Cooling in a Hot Arid Climate Using Measured Subsurface Temperatures
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Greenhouse cooling in hot arid regions such as Qatar is challenged by high ambient temperatures and solar loads. This study evaluates shallow geothermal coupling as a heat rejection mechanism for greenhouse cooling using measured subsurface temperature data and numerical modeling. Underground measurements indicate thermally stable soil conditions at approximately 30 °C below a depth of about 7 m. These data are integrated into a COMSOL Multiphysics model of a mechanically cooled greenhouse operating under cooling-dominated conditions. For the modeled reference case, a peak sensible cooling load of approximately 14 kW is considered. Simulations show that geothermal coupling reduces the effective heat rejection temperature by approximately 15 °C compared to air-based rejection, thereby moderating peak cooling demand under extreme summer conditions.
Authors: Mohammed Al-Azba, Ahmed Abotaleb
Institution: Hamad bin Khalifa University
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7167036189
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