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Experimental and numerical study of cooling performance in a large geothermal greenhouse

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  • Mao, Qianjun
  • Ji, Chenchen

Abstract

Maximizing the use of renewable energy allows greenhouses to optimize crop growth patterns while reducing energy waste. In this study, a fan-coil air-conditioning system was introduced in a Venlo-type greenhouse. The system employs a ground-source heat pump unit to harness geothermal energy for water cooling and energy recovery. The cooling performance of the system was evaluated experimentally. To gain a deeper understanding of greenhouse thermal behavior, a three-dimensional dynamic model was established to predict the dynamic impact of fan coil air conditioning systems on the indoor environment during startup. Solar radiation was used as a heat source for the greenhouse and simulated using a discrete ordinate (DO) model. Climate data collected from weather stations were used as boundary conditions for the simulations. An experimental platform was set up in Wuhan to conduct physical experiments and collect data to verify the accuracy of the model. The results show that the air-conditioning system provides effective cooling, capable of reducing and maintaining the interior temperature within a suitable range for crop growth over a short period. The cooling performance coefficient of the system is 5.4. During the summer months, the electricity consumption of the entire greenhouse is 51,984 kWh.

Suggested Citation

  • Mao, Qianjun & Ji, Chenchen, 2026. "Experimental and numerical study of cooling performance in a large geothermal greenhouse," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 342(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:342:y:2026:i:c:s0360544225053459
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.139703
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    References listed on IDEAS

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