The Use of Geothermal Energy to Heating Crops under Cover: A Case Study of Poland

Sławomir Kurpaska, Mirosław Janowski, Maciej Gliniak, Anna Krakowiak-Bal and Urszula Ziemiańczyk
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Sławomir Kurpaska: Department of Bioprocess Engineering, Power Engineering and Automation, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza Av. 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland
Mirosław Janowski: Department of Fossil Fuels, AGH University of Science and Technology, Mickiewicza Av. 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Maciej Gliniak: Department of Bioprocess Engineering, Power Engineering and Automation, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza Av. 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland
Anna Krakowiak-Bal: Department of Bioprocess Engineering, Power Engineering and Automation, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza Av. 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland
Urszula Ziemiańczyk: Department of Bioprocess Engineering, Power Engineering and Automation, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza Av. 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 9, 1-25

Abstract: Among the many different applications of geothermal energy, its use for agricultural production purposes is noteworthy. The use of geothermal water in greenhouse cultivation is the most modern form of production; it enables the implementation of the production cycle throughout the year while reducing energy costs. In this paper, based on basic heat transfer relations, the heat demand of modern greenhouse constructions was determined. The monthly and year-round heat demand was determined for facilities with diversified heights of the side walls. Depending on the type of unit of greenhouse area analysed (1 ha), the calculated annual heat demand ranged from 11.05 to 12.46 TJ. Based on data on the geothermal energy potential in Poland, investment costs and payback periods were determined for the analysed locations. The locations of the facilities were selected based on traditions of plant cultivation in the greenhouse facilities and the availability of geothermal energy. The analysis showed that, under the adopted conditions, without additional co-financing, and in one of the considered locations, the investment will result in positive financial effects after 15 years. In the case of co-financing, at the level of currently existing values, all locations—irrespective of the assumed period of exploitation—showed satisfactory financial effects.

Keywords: greenhouse; heat exchange; geothermal energy; payback period (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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