Numerical Analysis of Time Dependent Temperature Distribution inside a Solar Greenhouse

Abstract

In the present study, a numerical model is developed to predict time-dependent temperature variations inside a solar greenhouse by solving the continuity, Navier-Stokes, and energy Equations using ANSYS Fluent. This paper considers all heat transfer mechanisms into and out of the greenhouse, including convection, radiation, and conduction. The surface-to-surface model and SIMPLE method are employed to analyse thermal radiation between surfaces within the greenhouse and to couple pressure and velocity in solving the flow-field Equations numerically, respectively. This study specifically investigates the unsteady temperature distribution within a solar greenhouse located in Makran, Iran (latitude: 25.3054°N, longitude: 60.6411°E). The numerical method of this study is validated by comparing its results with experimental data. The high accuracy demonstrated by this approach supports the conclusion that the model can effectively study the flow field and thermal behaviour inside solar greenhouses. It is demonstrated that fluctuating boundary conditions cause the thermal conditions inside the greenhouse to vary dynamically over time. The results depict the spatial variation of temperature distribution at different levels from the soil surface at 13:00 on the first and second days of modelling in Makran. These insights are expected to play a crucial role in improving greenhouse design and management practices in agriculture.

Keywords

• heat transfer
• iran
• makran
• numerical model
• surface-to-surface model
• solar greenhouse
• time-dependent temperature variations