Energy consumption for different greenhouses' structures

Abstract

In this paper influence of greenhouses' structure was estimated for four different double plastic covered greenhouses in winter lettuce production. Plastic coverings are introduced as mean of making this kind of plant production more efficient. Also, as a mean of lowering energy consumption, the tunnel structures are proposed. Four different double plastic covered greenhouses were used for energy analysis. Two tunnel types, 9 x 58m and 8 x 25m covered with double PE folia, and two gutter connected plastic covered greenhouses. One greenhouse is 2 x 7 m wide and 39 m long and the other 20 x 6.4 m wide and 42 m long. Results have shown the lowest energy consumption for gutter connected greenhouses. Energy out/in ratio was also higher in gutter connected greenhouse. Highest energy consumption was obtained in tunnel greenhouse 8 x 25m.

Keywords

• plastic covered greenhouse
• tunnels
• gutter connected structures
• lettuce
• energy
• energy productivity