Modelling of Greenhouse using Parabolic Trough Collectors Thermal Energy

Abstract

The paper proposes a system developed to provide heat for a greenhouse using parabolic trough collectors (GHPTC) thermal energy. In order to ensure perfect conditions of growth for greenhouse plants, the GHPTC control system regulates the internal temperature of the greenhouse and it monitors the temperature of the conducting fluid through collector pipes. The GHTPC model is composed of two subsystems: the greenhouse model and the parabolic trough collector model. Each of these models were validated using real data, considering as a validation index the maximum error between the real and simulated data on a period of one day (24 hours). The proposed GHTPC model shows an energy gain by increasing the greenhouse internal energy even with no control applied on ether of the subsystems.