Performance Evaluation of a Commercial Greenhouse in Canada Using Dehumidification Technologies and LED Lighting: A Modeling Study

Alexander Nauta, Jingjing Han, Syeda Humaira Tasnim and William David Lubitz ()
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Alexander Nauta: School of Engineering, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
Jingjing Han: School of Engineering, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
Syeda Humaira Tasnim: School of Engineering, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
William David Lubitz: School of Engineering, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 3, 1-23

Abstract: In this study, a lumped parameter model, developed and extensively validated by the authors, is used to simulate the impact of three different dehumidification technologies (mechanical refrigeration dehumidifier, liquid desiccant dehumidifier, and a heat recovery ventilation unit), at a commercial greenhouse growing potted roses in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Typical meteorological year (TMY) data from nearby Vineland, Ontario was used to provide the external weather data used in the model. Each greenhouse bay containing a dehumidification unit was simulated for spring, fall, and winter conditions. The potential reductions in energy use (kWh), greenhouse gas emissions (kg CO 2e ), and operating cost were estimated for each test case. The potential energy savings from switching from high-pressure sodium (HPS) to light-emitting diode (LED) lights were also examined. The simulation results showed that switching to LED lamps could reduce the electrical energy usage by up to 60% but would increase the space heating requirements. The expected energy-savings from using dehumidification equipment and switching from HPS to LED lighting in Canadian greenhouses is underrepresented in the literature. With the industry growing in the region, this study provides insight into the expected impact that these systems will have on the energy use in commercial greenhouses.

Keywords: greenhouse microclimate; dehumidification; mechanical refrigeration dehumidifier; liquid desiccant dehumidifier; heat recovery ventilation (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: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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