Energy consumption estimation for a dome greenhouse under different climatic conditions in Algeria

Abstract

The ongoing work focuses on studying the dome greenhouse to maintain a suitable temperature for crop environments throughout their growth period by using renewable energy sources to increase the required heat or cool down in cases of extreme heat. To this end, we have studied the effect of the different climates that Algeria has on the amount of energy required by the dome greenhouse to maintain favorable temperatures for crops, utilizing the EnergyPlus simulation tool. The results reveal that the total annual energy delivered to the dome greenhouse reaches its highest value of 14,931.68 kWh in a humid subtropical climate (Tebessa), while its lowest value is 10,396.68 kWh in a hot semi-arid climate (South of Oran). In contrast, to maintain suitable temperatures for growing most crops, the cooling energy (both sensible and latent) provided to the greenhouse in the hot desert climate (Ghardaïa) reached a high percentage of 63.24% of the total annual energy supplied. Meanwhile, the humid subtropical climate has the highest total heating energy at 69.4%. Also, the total cooling energy and total heating energy in the cold semi-arid climate regions (Saida) and the cold desert climate regions (Mecheria) reached 37.35%, 62.65%, and 34.39%, 65.61%, respectively. These percentages are also quite close in both the Mediterranean climate with a hot summer (Algeria) and the hot semi-arid climate. This analysis will provide critical insights into effective greenhouse management strategies tailored to Algeria's diverse environmental contexts, ultimately promoting sustainable agricultural practices.