Modeling an integrated all-season passive greenhouse design

Mao, Rui

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/122262 Copy

Description

Title

Modeling an integrated all-season passive greenhouse design

Author(s)

Mao, Rui

Issue Date

2023-12-01

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Wang, Xinlei

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Wang, Xinlei

Committee Member(s)

• Lei, Tian
• Maghirang, Ronaldo
• Dokoohaki, Hamze

Department of Study

Engineering Administration

Discipline

Agricultural & Biological Engr

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• greenhouse
• energy modeling
• self-regulating
• passive design
• sustainable energy

Abstract

Passive solar greenhouses have been highly valued and studied in recent years due to their energy-saving features. However, the research is disconnected, the models are parameter-dependent, and the experimental sites are distributed sporadically. The analysis of new materials and designs is also fragmented. Greenhouse modeling and simulation has progressively incorporated an increasing number of factors. With the development of remote sensing technology, ”big data,” and machine learning, based on the numerous existing cases, we developed a general greenhouse model for all the passive greenhouse designs. Energy analysis of the construction and performance for new designs can add to cost analysis to form an integrated design of passive solar greenhouses for all four seasons. We built a mathematical model of the integrated greenhouse in Python. The preliminary case studies indicated the validity of the model. The general performance of the greenhouse was first analyzed, then set as the reference to study the existing designs (climate battery, earth shelter, and heat-sink wall) and the innovative designs (half-soil roof and double-layer roof). A four-season passive solar greenhouse was finally developed by integrating all these concepts with energy and construction cost considerations. Our project indicated that shallow geothermal heating and cooling systems have limitations; backwall primarily serves as insulation and is unsuitable for thermal energy storage. A solid roof segment at appropriate angles can ensure winter daylighting while blocking excessive radiation during summer. A double-layered roof enhances insulation performance and allows for better compatibility with additional internal control designs. Proper cover and ground designs can genuinely achieve a self-regulating mechanism for greenhouse winter warmth and summer coolness.

Graduation Semester

2023-12

Type of Resource

Thesis

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2023 Rui Mao

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