Multi-objective optimisation of available solar energy inside a greenhouse in northern Iran

Abstract

This research aimed to find an optimal dimension and orientation of the even-span greenhouse to harness the efficient amount of solar energy. An anisotropic model is used to calculate the transmitted solar energy inside the greenhouse. Since the solar radiation loss in the greenhouse is significant, the total solar fraction is evaluated for possible dimensions and orientations to estimate the loss of solar radiation from different sections accurately. A script developed in MATLAB and integrated into a multi-objective optimisation procedure to optimise the available solar energy in the winter and summer simultaneously. The results showed by increasing the length to width ratio, solar energy inside the greenhouse increases in the winter. The southern wall receives and transmits higher solar energy in the winter and blocking solar radiation entering from the north roof decreases the available solar radiation inside the greenhouse in hot seasons and keeps it in a same range in most months of the year.

KEYWORDS:

• Greenhouse design
• solar energy
• optimal dimensions
• genetic algorithm
• total solar fraction

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).