Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Greenhouses: Gas-Radiant Heating with Preheated Ventilation

Abstract

This paper presents an engineering methodology for calculating the heating system of a cultivation facility, employing ceiling-mounted infrared radiators as the primary heat source. The methodology addresses the challenge of maintaining consistent soil surface temperature amidst fluctuating weather conditions. Gas-fired air heaters supplement the system, preheating incoming air to achieve the desired thermal regime within the space. This approach enables designers to swiftly estimate the required heating equipment capacity and water consumption for soil irrigation under specified conditions. However, for more precise calculations encompassing the full spectrum of microclimate parameters and heat fluxes within the facility, advanced computational tools are necessary. The article details the essential input data for the engineering calculations (including approximate values where applicable) and analyzes the key findings. A case study of the “Farmer 7.5” industrial greenhouse in Moscow, Russia, demonstrates the application. The calculated results for the gas-radiant heating system capacity (34.0 kW), preheating energy consumption (38.9 kW), and irrigation water requirement (32.0 kg/h) were validated through computational analysis.