Empirical model for the condenser of the seawater greenhouse

ABSTRACT

Seawater greenhouses (SWGH) utilize seawater or saline/brackish groundwater for cooling the microclimate and providing freshwater for irrigation through a humidification–dehumidification desalination process. The overall effectiveness of the SWGH greatly depends on the effectiveness of its condenser. The present study provides a good review on the available simulation models of the SWGH condenser and proposes a multiple linear regression model to predict the dehumidification rate of the condenser in the Oman SWGH. Four climatic and operational input variables were considered, including solar irradiance, inlet moist air temperature, inlet humidity ratio, and inlet air mass flow rate. The results showed that the model accurately predicts the dehumidification rate when compared against experimental values [a mean predictive error (PE) = −0.127 kg/h and root mean square error (RMSE) = 4.691 kg/h]. The model also outperformed some other model in several accuracy indicators such as PE, mean absolute predictive error, RMSE, R², index of agreement and fractional variance.

KEYWORDS:

• Condenser
• dehumidification rate
• empirical simulation
• Oman
• seawater greenhouse

Acknowledgment

We would like to express our sincere thanks to Prof. Anvar Kacimov for the comprehensive proofreading of the manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.