Renewable energy analysis in the agriculture–greenhouse farms: A case study in the mediterranean region (sidi bel abbes, algeria). Issue 3 (14th December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mostefaoui, Z.; Amara, S.
• Is Part Of: Environmental progress & sustainable energy. Volume 38:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-12-14
• Subjects: greenhouse -- heating and cooling systems -- photovoltaic water pumping system -- energy requirements -- irrigation -- economic feasibility analysis; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Sustainable engineering -- Periodicals; Environmental chemistry -- Periodicals; 333.7
• DOI: 10.1002/ep.13029
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1944-7442

Abstract

Abstract : Greenhouse cultivation is an essential activity for the development of the agricultural sector, and most of the energy consumption is in the agricultural industry. The increase in fossil fuels cost and their negative effects on the environment, limit the use of heating/cooling and irrigation applications. Renewable energy is an alternative solution for water pumping and irrigation of isolated and arid regions. This article analyzes the heating/cooling and irrigation requirements of a pilot greenhouse and provides two solutions by combining thermal energy storage with phase change material as well as photovoltaic systems for cooling and irrigation. Results have shown that monthly heating and cooling demands were at 2.25 kW and 2 kW, respectively. Monthly water consumption varies between 3.5 m 3 and 38 m 3 for the three sample products such as tomato, muskmelon, and watermelon. The technologies proposed can fully satisfy these heating/cooling and water requirements. Furthermore, an economic analysis for this technology has been carried out in contrast to a diesel system. The results obtained indicate that the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of a photovoltaic system is acceptable when compared with the diesel system, where LCOEPV = 0.068$/kWh and LCOEDiesel = 0.230$/kWh. Taking into account that the water price for a PV system amounts to 1.48$ whereas the cost for a diesel system is at 2.68$, the former can be declared more economically feasible. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13029, 2019