Dynamic modeling and verification of an energy-efficient greenhouse with an aquaponic system using TRNSYS

Date of Award

2015

Degree Name

Ph.D. in Engineering

Department

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Advisor/Chair

Advisor: J. Kelly Kissock

Abstract

Currently, there is no integrated dynamic simulation program for an energy efficient greenhouse coupled with an aquaponic system. This research is intended to promote the thermal management of greenhouses in order to provide sustainable food production with the lowest possible energy use and material waste. A brief introduction of greenhouses, passive houses, energy efficiency, renewable energy systems, and their applications are included for ready reference. An experimental working scaled-down energy-efficient greenhouse was built to verify and calibrate the results of a dynamic simulation model made using TRNSYS software. However, TRNSYS requires the aid of Google SketchUp to develop 3D building geometry. The simulation model was built following the passive house standard as closely as possible. The new simulation model was then utilized to design an actual greenhouse with Aquaponics. It was demonstrated that the passive house standard can be applied to improve upon conventional greenhouse performance, and that it is adaptable to different climates. The energy-efficient greenhouse provides the required thermal environment for fish and plant growth, while eliminating the need for conventional cooling and heating systems.

Keywords

Greenhouses Design and construction, Aquaponics Design and construction, Greenhouses Simulation methods, Aquaponics Simulation methods, Architecture and energy conservation, Engineering, Energy, Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Agriculture, Alternative Energy, Environmental Science, Energy-Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Greenhouse, Aquaponics, Efficient-Building, Dynamic Simulation

Rights Statement

Copyright © 2015, author

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