Telebayev E.E., Zakiruly O., BeisembekovZh.Zh.
Zhetysu State University named after I.Zhansugurov, Taldykorgan.,
ok_zhgu@mail.ru
Abstract:
The main reason for applying microclimate control in greenhouses is to
achieve optimal growing environment. Because of its complexity, excessive control in
greenhouses can adversely affect the cultivation of crops. Moreover, we have optimum
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«ЗАМАНАУИ СЫН-ТЕГЕУРІНДЕР МЕН ҚОҒАМНЫҢ ЖАҺАНДАНУ ЖАҒДАЙЫНДА ҚАЗАҚСТАНДАҒЫ
БІЛІМ МЕН ҒЫЛЫМНЫҢ ИННОВАЦИЯЛЫҚ ҼЛЕУЕТІ»
халықаралық ғылыми-тәжірибелік конференция материалдары
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control to achieve these challenging goals, including lower emissions and reduced production
costs. The most important stage in the research of algorithms of management of technological
objects is to develop a model of the object, which reflects the processes occurring in the
object. Typical solutions for managing objects are based on simple models, operating with
abstract parameters. Such models, in connection with the abstract nature of the parameters do
not allow in-depth study and changes in the characteristics of the object. For more in-depth
research and synthesis of automatic control systems of interest are models that reveal the
physical basis of operation of the facility. This article describes a practical approach
aboutgreenhouse control system
Keywords: parameters of microclimate, thermos greenhouse, optimal environment
1. Introduction
The world population is expected to grow by one more billion people within the next
13 years. Conventional agricultural methods show obvious limitations and are not efficient
enough to produce sufficient food for everyone. Land that is unprofitable for traditional
farming contributes to shortages, by urban conditions that prevent self-sufficiency. Drought
conditions and the lack of access to certain resources exist all over the world and are the most
important cause of food insecurity on the continent. There is, however, enough sun light and
water to sustainably feed the world population.
Development of small-scale and even large-scale greenhouses all over Kazakhstan can
have a significant impact on food security, malnutrition and economic development in
Kazakhstan. The national government of Kazakhstan is in support of projects like these and it
is critical to ensure that the outcome is successful and sustainable. Several different types of
greenhouse structures are available in Kazakhstan. However, there is limited sufficient
scientific information available on the performance of different types of greenhouses, cooling
systems, heating systems and climate control installations. Since the typical climate of
Kazakhstan generally causes supra-optimum temperatures in greenhouses, the focus of studies
should be on comparing the performance of different cooling systems in the country.
Similarly, there are no comprehensive studies aimed at screening and analyzing the low-cost
greenhouses concerning the sustainability of producing food crops, with less intensive climate
control. Typical cooling systems installed in Kazakhstan include evaporative cooling
(fogging, pad and fan) and natural ventilation (roof/side or roof and side ventilation or the use
of shade netting). Based on the above analysis, a study on the engineering of sustainable and
appropriate greenhouse technologies in Kazakhstan needs to be undertaken, in order to
identify or develop the best greenhouse technologies that can be the best-fitted to the different
agro-climatic conditions in the country.
2. Substantiation of parameters of microclimate in greenhouses
2.1 Greenhouse climate parameters
Plants require specific factors that enhance growth resulting from photosynthesis.
Physiological fluxes are optimized by limiting plant stress caused by unfavourable climate
parameters. These parameters, namely, temperature, relative humidity, light and carbon
dioxide, are given in the sections below.
Temperature
Temperature has a direct impact on the physiological development phases (flowering,
germination, development) of the plant, controls the transpiration rate and, in turn, controls
the plant water status through stomatal control during the photosynthesis. Temperature
requirements in a greenhouse depend largely on the type of crop to be grown.
Each crop and its development process responds differently to temperature. High
temperatures generally cause an escalation in plant growth rates, with an increase in leaf area.
It then stimulates a greater transpiration rate in the plants, which try to cool down, and this
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«ЗАМАНАУИ СЫН-ТЕГЕУРІНДЕР МЕН ҚОҒАМНЫҢ ЖАҺАНДАНУ ЖАҒДАЙЫНДА ҚАЗАҚСТАНДАҒЫ
БІЛІМ МЕН ҒЫЛЫМНЫҢ ИННОВАЦИЯЛЫҚ ҼЛЕУЕТІ»
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can result in water loss and an imbalance of the distribution of photosynthesis. This can, in
turn, cause physical disorders and restrict the reproductive development of plants.
The difference between day and night temperatures, as well as the average 24-hour
temperatures can also affect plant growth. Low temperatures can have a significant effect on
growth rates and can influence fruit and seed production. As further described in Section 6,
Kazakhstan is characterized by several different climatic conditions. Temperature of climate
area plays a large role in greenhouse design. When it comes to greenhouse production,
Kazakhstan generally has very high temperatures that can limit the success of all-year-round
greenhouse crop production. This will be carefully considered when designing structures and
control systems.
Relative Humidity
It is critical that the correct balance of temperature and humidity kept in the
greenhouse. Humidity control remains a challenge and high or low humidity levels affect
plant development. Vapour pressure deficit (VPD) is the difference between the air‘s moisture
content and the amount of moisture air can hold when it is saturated. High VPD usually
caused by high temperatures and low humidity and affects plant growth by causing high
stomatal resistance and plant water stress and the plant transpires more water than it can
absorb. Low VPD, in turn, caused low plant transpiration and associated physical disorders.
The main challenge with humidity control is the interaction with temperature. Many
greenhouse operations are moving towards controlling the greenhouse according to VPD or
moisture deficit, which measure the combined effect, rather than controlling only the relative
air humidity (RH). Areas specifically on the Kazakhstan‘s line have very high humidity and
the effect of such external conditions can have detrimental implications on greenhouse crops.
Designs and control systems have thus to be adjusted for these specificconditions. Moreover,
the effectiveness of different greenhouse designs and control systems in terms of maintaining
the optimum inside relative air humidity needs are understood.
Light Intensity
The growth of plants is controlled by three light (photo) processes, namely
photosynthesis, photomorphogenesis and photoperiodism. Every variation in light has a direct
effect on these processes. Light is part of the photosynthesis process, by converting carbon
dioxide into organic material and then releasing oxygen in the presence of light.
Photomorphogenesis is the way of plants developing under the influence of different types of
light and photoperiodism is how the plant reacts to different day-lengths and whether it will
seed or flower. The most important process is photosynthesis and light is the primary energy
source to enable this process. In Kazakhstan, light levels are generally sufficient for effective
plant production and artificial lighting is only for crops that need longer day lengths.
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary substrate for the creation of photosynthates
during photosynthesis. It accelerates plant growth by increasing net photosynthesis in plants.
A well-ventilated greenhouse in Kazakhstan with healthy gas exchange rates and air
circulation should ultimately have CO2 levels of approximately 300ppm. Increasing CO2
levels from the natural level to a concentration of between 700 and 900 μ11-1 enhances plant
growth. Recent studies have shown that plants do not really benefit much from dosing when
CO2 levels exceed 1000 μ11-1. CO2 is absorbed via stomata in the plant and effective
absorption of CO2 in a greenhouse is, therefore, strongly dependent on other climate factors
affecting the stomata openings in the plant.
2.2 Climate control installations
Cooling Systems
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«ЗАМАНАУИ СЫН-ТЕГЕУРІНДЕР МЕН ҚОҒАМНЫҢ ЖАҺАНДАНУ ЖАҒДАЙЫНДА ҚАЗАҚСТАНДАҒЫ
БІЛІМ МЕН ҒЫЛЫМНЫҢ ИННОВАЦИЯЛЫҚ ҼЛЕУЕТІ»
халықаралық ғылыми-тәжірибелік конференция материалдары
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A big challenge of greenhouse growing and greenhouse production is cooling of the
internal climate. High summer temperatures directly influence the success of year-round
greenhouse crop production. Greenhouse designers should consider the economic viability of
a cooling system that successfully controls the microclimate of the greenhouse in relation to
external climatic conditions. A brief description of the different technologies and challenges
are provided in the subsections below.
Greenhouse ventilation systems
The greenhouse structure will be specifically designed to the choice of ventilation and
cooling. Net solar radiation in a greenhouse can reach values ranging between 500 and 600
W.m-2. To maintain the inside temperatures of the greenhouse close to the outside
temperatures, about 200-250 W.m-2 of sensible heat will be removed.
Ventilation will provide temperature control to prevent the extreme build-up of heat
during the summer months, to control excessive humidity in the greenhouse and to ensure
sufficient air exchanges size outside and inside of a greenhouse (to manage carbon dioxide
and oxygen levels in the greenhouse).
Natural ventilation is the result of pressure differences created by wind and
temperature gradients between the inside and outside of a greenhouse. It occurs through
openings in the greenhouse structure. It controls humidity and temperature build-up within the
greenhouse and can ensure sufficient air exchange. It requires less energy, in some cases no
energy (fixed ventilation openings), and is, therefore, the cheapest method for cooling
greenhouses. Natural ventilation works better than other cooling technologies for
greenhouses, especially in humid, tropical and subtropical regions.Ventilation openings will
be optimized in order to attempt to cool of the greenhouse, even in low wind speed
conditions. Ventilation areas should at least be 25-30% of the greenhouse floor area for most
of our local Kazakhstan regions. However, limited data is available in Kazakhstan on which
designs and ventilation systems are scientifically proven the most effective, with specific
outside conditions.
Forced ambient air ventilation will be also implemented by installing exhaust fans and
blowers. Forced ventilation can reduce the internal air temperature of the greenhouse and
improve greenhouse conditions. Certain experiments, however, have shown that forced
ventilation without evaporative cooling pads might actually increase internal greenhouse
temperatures with outside conditions of low humidity and hightemperatures.
In several regions of Kazakhstan, closed greenhouses have been built, where forced
ventilation is used, but because of rising electricity costs in the country, developers are
moving away from this concept. The cost-effectiveness and performance of certain designs
will be, therefore, be evaluated in detail, prior to deciding on a system. Scientific empirical
data and accurate modelling are required to property evaluate this.
Shading
Direct solar radiation is the primary source of heat gain in greenhouses. This should be
controlled by shading or reflection. Shading will be done using several different approaches,
such as internal and external shade screens, paints and nets. Shading might negatively
influence plant development and photosynthesis because of the reduction of light and the
possible effect on ventilation rates/gas exchanging. Hence, care will be taken, when deciding
on the type of shading and associated control strategies. Partially reflected internal shade
screens will be installed and have been proven to reduce the greenhouse air temperature by
6˚C, compared to ambient temperatures. The screens contain highly reflective aluminized
materials, usually woven with plastic thread. The screens reflect the unwanted solar radiation
from the greenhouse roof, while still allowing some light transmittance.
Many producers use paint/whitening on the roofs of the greenhouse for the cooling
effect. It is an inexpensive method, has proven to effectively reduce the VPD, air temperature
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«ЗАМАНАУИ СЫН-ТЕГЕУРІНДЕР МЕН ҚОҒАМНЫҢ ЖАҺАНДАНУ ЖАҒДАЙЫНДА ҚАЗАҚСТАНДАҒЫ
БІЛІМ МЕН ҒЫЛЫМНЫҢ ИННОВАЦИЯЛЫҚ ҼЛЕУЕТІ»
халықаралық ғылыми-тәжірибелік конференция материалдары
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and canopy-to-air temperature, and has a positive effect on the microclimate of the
greenhouse. Whitening also transforms a large part of the direct radiation into diffused
radiation, which willbeen proven to increase the absorbed radiation by the crop. Another
benefit of this cooling method is that it does not influence the ventilation rate of the
greenhouse.
External mobile shade clothes are also used for shading and have been proven to
reduce crop transpiration and internal VPD. They are preferable because it prevents the heat
input in the greenhouse. External screens have to withstand all atmospheric conditions and are
therefore expensive to install. Internal shade screens are often used in Kazakhstan‘s
greenhouses, but they also have a negative effect on light and ventilation rates, as described
above.
Evaporative cooling
Evaporative cooling does not only decrease the air temperature in greenhouses, but
also increases the absolute internal humidity and is therefore often more desirable in certain
regions than the other cooling technologies. Fan-pad systems, fogging systems and roof
evaporative cooling systems are generally the most common and effective evaporative
cooling installations for greenhouses. Its suitability is restricted to certain regions due to
limited evaporation in most humid regions and it seldom suits tropical and subtropical climate
regions. With evaporative cooling, water evaporates and absorbs the heat from the air and, in
turn reduces the air temperature. It is as the most effective way to control temperature and
humidity inside a greenhouse.
The fan-pad system consists of a fan on one gable end and a wet pad on the opposite
end. A small stream of water runs over the pad continuously and air is drawn through the pad
by the fans, absorbing heat and water vapour in the greenhouse. It also increases the humidity
of the internal air. This installation has shown a reduction in air temperature of up to 12˚C,
even under very high ambient temperatures. The length of the greenhouse will be considered,
as the efficiency might decrease and large temperature gradients can be expected across
greenhouses of longer lengths. Other disadvantages are that it is an expensive installation with
high operation costs, namely, freshwater supply, electricity and the maintenance costs.
Fogging installations are used to increase relative humidity and cooling inside of
greenhouse.Water is pumped through high pressure nozzles and sprayed as extremely fine
droplets into the air. The decrease in droplet size increases the surface area per unit mass of
water, which increases the heat and mass exchange between water and air and, in turn,
increases the evaporation rate. The evaporation effect causes cooling, as well as
humidification. Nozzles are usually installed just below gutter height and can be distributed
throughout the greenhouse to ensure a uniform effect, which has proven more effective than
the fan-pad system in terms of variations in temperature and humidity across the greenhouse.
Roof evaporative cooling includes spraying water onto the external surface of a roof
and this creates a thin water layer on the surface. This decreases the solar radiation
transmissivity to the greenhouse and increases the evaporation rate, which consequently
decreases the water temperature and closely surrounding air. Again, this system will work
most effectively in hot, dry climate regions. Literature shows that evaporative cooling
(fogging, and pad and fan) has potential for controlled farming under the arid and semi-arid
conditions of Africa, as well as Kazakhstan.
Solar radiation filtration
Global solar radiation enters a greenhouse as three different types of radiation, namely,
ultraviolet radiation (UV), photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) and near infrared radiation
(NIR). Most of the UV radiation is absorbed by the Earth‘s atmosphere. The extreme
exposure of plants to UV can result in the degradation of the photosynthetic process. PAR is
absorbed by the plant and is important for photosynthesis and plant growth. NIR is less
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«ЗАМАНАУИ СЫН-ТЕГЕУРІНДЕР МЕН ҚОҒАМНЫҢ ЖАҺАНДАНУ ЖАҒДАЙЫНДА ҚАЗАҚСТАНДАҒЫ
БІЛІМ МЕН ҒЫЛЫМНЫҢ ИННОВАЦИЯЛЫҚ ҼЛЕУЕТІ»
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absorbed by the plant and more by the greenhouse structure and equipment, causing the
increase in ambient temperature in the greenhouse. Cooling of greenhouse is by modifying
covering materials has been investigated and implemented for many years. NIR-filtering is
also done by using specific plastic cellophanes, glass for greenhouses, moveable screens or
NIR filtering shading paint.
Internal Air Circulation System
Internal air velocities of a greenhouse are recommended to be between 0.5 to 0.7 m.s-1
for optimal plant growth, by facilitating gas exchange (CO2 and water vapour). To ensure
this, fans are often installed above the crop. The number of fans that have installed in the
greenhouse calculated to ensure 0.01m3.s-1 per m
2
and have installed in the direction of the
ridge. Distances between the fans should not exceed 30 times the diameter of the fans.
Air Humidification
Other than using fogging installations for cooling and humidity control, the following
systems are also generally used for humidification only:
a) Steam,
b) High pressure humidifiers, and
c) Pulsators.
Steam boilers are often used in colder countries to supply heat or for humidity control
in greenhouses. Heaters will be used to create saturated vapour that is then pumped into the
greenhouse.
For high pressure humidifiers, compressed air is used to split water into tiny droplets
and then propel through the greenhouse in an air stream. Pulsators are generally used for
irrigation, but are often used for overhead irrigation and then also serve for humidification of
the greenhouse. Pulsator drops are thus much larger than high pressure humidifiers, but will
still be successful.
Carbon Dioxide Control
As previously described, carbon dioxide (CO2) enrichment systems have shown
positive effects on plant growth for many years. CO2 enrichment is usually a source of fuel
combustion. A brief description of some CO2 enrichment systems that are available are given
below:
- Liquid CO2: Pure CO2 pumping from containers to the greenhouse is the purest type
of CO2 enrichment. Like many other systems, it does not have the greenhouse heating effect.
The disadvantage of this system is the high cost of transporting gas containers.
- Fuel combustion: Burning liquid kerosene, propane-butane gas or natural gas
produces CO2 as part of the gas emissions through the burners. Heat is also produced by this
type of operation and is often the primary reason for the installation. The constraint of these
systems is that CO2 can only be dosed when heat is also required in the greenhouse. The
choice of the type of fuel is general based on availability and cost per unit and the purity of
the gas emissions.
Dosing will be specifically controlled according to light levels, temperature and
ventilation in greenhouses, to ensure the efficiencies are optimized.
3.Uundergroundthermos-greenhouse
Underground thermos-greenhouse has been installed in the training and production
phase of Zhetysustate University named after I. Zhansugurov, Almaty region,Taldykorgan.
(Fig. 5).
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