Energy needs and energy saving in Mediterranean greenhouses

Abstract

A fully-automated and climate-controlled greenhouse requires heating, ventilation, cooling, dehumidification and shading systems to control the microclimate conditions and create an optimal environment for crop growth and development. Furthermore, irrigation and fertilization systems and product sorting, packing and storage systems as well as several other auxiliary systems are needed. All the above systems require energy to operate that may be an important part of the total operating cost of the greenhouse. In this paper, the energy needed to operate the above systems in a Mediterranean greenhouse is calculated and analysed and methods to reduce these energy needs are suggested.