Articles
CLOSED GREENHOUSES FOR SEMI-ARID CLIMATES: CRITICAL DISCUSSION FOLLOWING THE RESULTS OF THE WATERGY PROTOTYPE
Article number
797_2
Pages
37 – 42
Language
English
Abstract
The Watergy first prototype of a closed greenhouse minimizes the use of water and energy.
It has been operating since autumn 2004 in the semi-arid region of El Ejido in Almería, Spain.
A balance with the main conclusions from the evaluation of the prototype is presented.
A healthy crop has been maintained inside the greenhouse during all seasons, improving the production with respect to traditional open greenhouses and achieving a drastic reduction of the water consumption (about 80%). One of the main challenges has been to keep the temperature below 35°C with its passive cooling system.
Several strategies have been followed and the results are outlined.
Another sensitive point has been the short durability of the anti-fog property of the plastic cover material.
The implications of both aspects in further designs are discussed.
It has been operating since autumn 2004 in the semi-arid region of El Ejido in Almería, Spain.
A balance with the main conclusions from the evaluation of the prototype is presented.
A healthy crop has been maintained inside the greenhouse during all seasons, improving the production with respect to traditional open greenhouses and achieving a drastic reduction of the water consumption (about 80%). One of the main challenges has been to keep the temperature below 35°C with its passive cooling system.
Several strategies have been followed and the results are outlined.
Another sensitive point has been the short durability of the anti-fog property of the plastic cover material.
The implications of both aspects in further designs are discussed.
Publication
Authors
G. Zaragoza, M. Buchholz
Keywords
closed greenhouse, water conservation, CO2 enrichment, anti-fog cover
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