Parametric and performance analysis of a naturally ventilated floriculture greenhouse using a thermal model

Greenhouse technology is a method of cultivation of flowers, vegetables and medicinal plants under a controlled environment. The main objective of the greenhouses located in the plains of India is to protect the plants from excessive sensible heat from the solar radiation and ambient temperature. The structure also protects the plants from the storm and pest. Natural ventilation (along with shading screens) can be employed to regulate the required greenhouse microclimate in a cost effective manner. In the present paper the authors analyze the performance of a greenhouse from the view point of cultivation of varieties of Gerbera flower using a thermal model developed and presented earlier. Parametric analysis has been done to understand the effect of various crop, design and climatic parameters on the performance of the system. From the performance analysis of the greenhouse, it is revealed that the plant leaf temperature could be maintained within the permissible limit for the cultivation of the target flowers for various seasons of a climatic cycle. The study reveals that the natural ventilation along with shading in a greenhouse can lead to the sustainable cultivation of target flowers in the region under consideration. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.