• Korean Journal of Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering
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• v.26 no.9
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• pp.416-423
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• 2014

To verify different boundary conditions on the borehole wall, which are commonly used for generating g-function, the well-known TRNSYS simulation model, DST (Duct STorage), is employed. By letting the fluid circulation determine the borehole wall conditions, a DST-based g-function is induced with numerical processes proposed in this work. A new TRNSYS module is also developed to accommodate g-function data and predict dynamic outlet fluid temperatures. Results showed that the modified g-function, which is different from Eskilson's original g-function, is closer to the DST-based g-function. This implies that the uniform heat transfer rates over the height can be used for good approximation. In fact, simulations with the modified g-function showed similar results as the DST model, while Eskilson g-function case deviated from the DST model as time progressed.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.294-301
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• 2018

In winter, thermal screens are widely used to reduce heat loss from greenhouse to save energy. Unfortunately, not much data are available to the farmer to compare thermal screens while selecting the one that meets their specific requirements. Thus, there is a need to investigate the thermal performance of thermal screens. To address this issue, the Building Energy Simulation (BES) model of a hot box was used to calculate the overall heat transfer coefficient (U-value) of the thermal screens. To validate the model, computed and experimental U-values of single-and double-layered polyethylene (PE) material were compared. This validated model was used to predict the U-values of the selected thermal screens under defined weather conditions. We quantified the U-values of each selected material and significant changes in their U-values were noted in response to different weather conditions. Notably, the thermal properties of the tested screens were taken from the previous literature to calculate U-values using the BES model. The U-values of the thermal screens can help researchers and farmers evaluate their screens and make pre-design decisions that suit their investment capabilities.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.317-325
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• 2015

This paper attempts to present a review about simulation of different greenhouse parameters and energy supplying techniques by using building energy simulation, to find out the optimal solution for keeping greenhouse microclimate favorable for the crop production. The objectives of conducting this study were, to describe the various energy systems and techniques used for the greenhouse energy management and efficiency analysis of these technologies by using building energy simulation. We describe different models to understand the behavior of the energy saving technologies with respect to the resources available and different outside climatic conditions. We identified main features of the building energy simulation software, that enable users, to simulate hybrid agricultural building projects by using user defined parameters. At the end of the paper we draw some important concluding remarks on the basis of reviewing all the investigators contributions for the developments of simulation model of agricultural greenhouse energy management, using a building energy simulation software specifically TRNSYS. In conclusion, this paper provides information that TRNSYS have great potential for agricultural buildings energy simulation along with the renewable energy resources and energy saving techniques. This review paper provides aid to greenhouse researcher and energy planner for the future studies of greenhouses energy planning.