A novel approach for moisture recovery in greenhouses – Part I: influence of roof inclination on condensation efficiency through numerical analysis of temperature and humid airflow
摘要
Greenhouses are essential for sustainable crop production, particularly in regions with harsh climates. However, excessive heat and humidity often challenge Temperature and water management, limiting both efficiency and plant performance. This study proposes a novel approach for moisture recovery and thermal regulation in tunnel greenhouses, focusing on the impact of roof inclination and passive cooling strategies on condensation efficiency. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed and validated using reference data to simulate temperature, humidity distribution, and moist airflow under three configurations: (i) a conventional tunnel greenhouse, (ii) the same design with a localized cooling surface, (iii) a hybrid configuration combining roof inclination and localized cooling. The key governing equations were solved, including k-ε turbulence model, the discrete ordinates radiation model, and species balance equations for water vapor. Results showed that the conventional design suffered from severe thermal stratification and inefficient moisture removal. Adding a cooling surface improved temperature homogeneity and reduced stagnation zones. The inclined roof enhanced natural ventilation and shows potential for enhancement. The hybrid configuration significantly improved indoor conditions, lowering maximum temperatures by 6–12.5% and stabilizing humidity levels. Notably, it enabled effective moisture recovery through enhanced condensation on the cooling surface, particularly during evening hours, with temperature reductions of up to 12%. This work demonstrates the potential of combining architectural optimization with passive cooling techniques as a novel and efficient strategy for moisture management and climate control in greenhouses, offering valuable guidelines for sustainable agricultural practices in hot and humid environments.