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Modeling of forced airflow in a greenhouse

Abstract:

Currently, greenhouses are built according to technical guidelines that prevent the spread of environmental diseases in crops. These guidelines make it possible to control the variables involved in crop growth, such as temperature, humidity, radiation, among others. At present, mathematical models are being developed to control the behavior of these variables in greenhouses. In this research, the modeling of forced airflow from the temperature and humidity in a greenhouse is carried out. The selected greenhouse is in the Yuyucocha experimental farm of the Universidad Técnica del Norte in the city of Ibarra-Ecuador. Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) of the variety colloquially called "superchola"are grown in the greenhouse using aeroponics. High-quality seeds are obtained; however, it is necessary to improve the minimum temperature conditions for the warm months of the year. A model was developed to determine how the airflow is distributed inside the enclosure. The model is validated by comparing the results obtained with experimental samples in June from a network of sensors. It is observed that the forced airflow in the enclosure needs external elements to reach the minimum temperatures required for the potato crop in the months of higher environmental temperature.