Utilizing air thermal energy during over-heated time in the greenhouse is a necessary component to save greenhouse heating costs for nighttime. However, there is no practical way to implement the related principles. Methods: In this study, a heating and cooling system which utilizes the surplus air thermal energy in a greenhouse was developed. Available air thermal energy and heating load for this experimental glasshouse were estimated based on temperature conditions of the plant growth and weather data. Results: Estimated values were 400 MJ/day for maximum surplus air thermal energy and 340 MJ/day for maximum heating energy which were target values of the design as well. The system consists of a heat pump, fan-coil units and heat storage tanks which are divided into low and high temperature tanks. Moreover, a new control logic was developed for surplus air thermal energy utilization. Conclusions: This paper explains the details of conceptual design process of the system. Results of test operations showed that the developed system performed the recovery and supply of the thermal energy according to design purposes.

Purpose The discrete element method (DEM) can be used in agricultural fields such as crop sowing, harvesting, and crop transportation. Nevertheless, modeling complex crops as appropriately shaped particles remains challenging. The modeling of particles and the calibration of input parameters are important for simulating the realistic behaviors of particles using the DEM. Methods In this study, particle models representing the morphological characteristics and size deviations of garlic cloves were proposed. Additionally, the coefficients of friction were analyzed as the contact parameters of the particles based on the heap formation experiments and simultations of the swing-arm method using 150 garlic cloves. Results The simulation results were analyzed that the residual number of particles, a bulk property that can be measured simply in the experiment, is related to the coefficients of friction. In the heap formation experiments with low particle counts, the bulk properties were more clearly differentiated by the residual number of particles than the angle of repose. Moreover, the bulk properties similar to the actual garlic could not be expressed as a spherical particle model. Thus, an equation for predicting the residual number of particles was derived for the non-spherical garlic clove particle model. Five sets of coefficients of friction were presented using the prediction equation, and all the simulation results were close to the actual residual number of particles and angle of repose of the garlic. Conclusions Although the sizes of garlic cloves have a wide distribution, appropriate inter-particle contact parameters could be predicted. Therefore, the calibration process of the DEM can be shortened using the proposed prediction equation for the residual number of particles with non-spherical particles.

The exhaust gas from combustion has been extensively used for greenhouse CO 2 fertilization. However, its toxic gases and thermal energy would generally limit the proper applicability. The aim of this study is to develop a technology to supply toxic gas-free CO 2 and to recover exhaust gas thermal energy. A combustion-type CO 2 generator was manufactured and connected to a heat pump system for greenhouse heating and cooling. Control algorithm for effective operation of the system was also developed and implemented. Greenhouse operation was run at the conditions under which values for CO 2 concentration and indoor temperature were maintained at 1200e1300 ppm and 25e27 C, respectively. Technical performance of the system was evaluated in cold, moderate and hot seasons.

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Purpose: Provision of accurate temperature measurement is an essential element to ensure a precise control in greenhouse environment. This study was organized to compare the effects of six solar radiation shields with different shapes for temperature measurement and find the most appropriate shield for greenhouse environment. Methods: A fan-aspirated radiation shield was designed and manufactured. Using the fan-aspirated radiation shield and five other shapes i.e., the cup shape, horizontal pipe, vertical pipe, parallel boards and commercial shields, temperature measurement was conducted over the lawn surface as well as greenhouse indoor environment. The measurement height varied at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m from the floor. Results: The measured temperatures by the fan-aspirated radiation shield were 1.30-1.49℃ lower than the values recorded by other different-shaped shields at 1.5 m of measurement height. As the measurement height decreases, observed differences between measured temperatures of the fan-aspirated radiation shield and other shields demonstrate a declining trend. However, at low measurement heights, the radiation emitted from the bottom surface would be the source of error in temperature measurement. Conclusions: The fan-aspirated radiation shield is a required tool for exact measurement of air temperature in greenhouse temperature control.