ISHS Acta Horticulturae 174: Symposium Greenhouse Climate and its Control
A KNOWLEDGE BASED SYSTEM FOR THE CONTROL OF A GREENHOUSE ENVIRONMENT |
| Authors: | C.M. Leung, D.R. Wilson, C.J. Marquand, S.A. Tassou |
| Abstract:
An experimental greenhouse has been constructed from Melinex panels which are air inflatable. Unlike a conventional glasshouse which is subjected to infiltration and constant air changes, the Melinex greenhouse creates a sealed unit which accumulates humidity through plant transpiration. Excessive water vapour, whilst being detrimental to the healthy growth and quality of the crop, is a valuable source of heat energy. Dehumidification of the greenhouse is achieved by a heat pump which also provides the basic heating load. Excess latent heat is stored in a water heat store for use in adverse weather conditions. The system components are linked through a microprocessor based controller. An experimental control algorithm has been designed and implemented on a Z80 based microcomputer, and data related to the internal and external environment has been recorded. The control algorithm includes facilities to react to a set of changing conditions which are incorporated as control strategies within the algorithm. Results from the algorithm's performance are presented. | |
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