Heat transfer in three-dimensional single-span greenhouses containing a roof ventilator

Sunita Kruger, Leon Pretorius

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Greenhouses are used worldwide to grow various types of plants in climates and seasons not usually adequately suited for optimum growth. The microclimate inside greenhouses is of major importance as it directly affects the quantity and quality of crop production. Ventilation is a vital mechanism for maintaining an acceptable indoor climate for optimum plant production. A three-dimensional CFD model of a single span greenhouse with roof ventilators is presented. CFD results from a twodimensional version of the model are compared with appropriate previous experimental results. The role of the Standard versus Low-Reynolds number k-epsilon turbulence model is emphasized. The addition of a ventilator to the roof of a singlespan greenhouse was found to have an influence on the heat transfer inside the cavity. Various configurations of threedimensional CFD models of the greenhouse with different ventilator opening sizes for zero and 45 degrees roof angle were investigated. Additional Nusselt-Rayleigh number relationships for specific Rayleigh number ranges were deduced, and can be useful for a greenhouse designer.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHeat Transfer and Thermal Engineering
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ISBN (Electronic)9780791858431
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017
EventASME 2017 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2017 - Tampa, United States
Duration: 3 Nov 20179 Nov 2017

Publication series

NameASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Proceedings (IMECE)
Volume8

Conference

ConferenceASME 2017 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityTampa
Period3/11/179/11/17

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Mechanical Engineering

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