Development of three-dimensional visualisation technology of the aerodynamic environment in a greenhouse using CFD and VR technology, Part 2: Development of an educational VR simulator. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kim, Rack-woo; Kim, Jun-gyu; Lee, In-bok; Yeo, Uk-hyeon; Lee, Sang-yeon; Decano-Valentin, Cristina
• Is Part Of: Biosystems engineering. Volume 207(2021)
• Page Start: 12
• Page End: 32
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: Computational fluid dynamics -- Greenhouse -- Visualisation technology -- Virtual reality -- Virtual reality simulator; Bioengineering -- Periodicals; Agricultural engineering -- Periodicals; Biological systems -- Periodicals; Génie rural -- Périodiques; Systèmes biologiques -- Périodiques; 631
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2021.02.018
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1537-5110

Abstract

Abstract : The aim was to develop a virtual reality (VR) simulator to help educate greenhouse farmers and consultants. In this second paper a VR simulator that visualises the aerodynamic environment inside greenhouses was developed using VR technology. The three-dimensional greenhouse simulated was designed following the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) computed cases of Kim et al. (reference required). Specifically, the three-dimensional tomato crop models used were created using a three-dimensional scanner. The virtual space was constructed based on the real image models of the greenhouses and the tomato crops. To visualise the aerodynamic environment in the virtual space, a C language-based code was developed to extract the CFD-computed results. Visualisation of the aerodynamic environment was performed using contour plots, two-dimensional vector flows, and three-dimensional vector flows. Contour plots visualised the air temperature and relative humidity through the colours on the active plane. Two-dimensional vector flows represented two-dimensional flows on the active plane. From streamline data, three-dimensional vector flows were developed to represent the overall airflow of the greenhouse. A tablet-shaped user interface (UI) was created so that the user can directly select the desired cases to display. A set of surveys were conducted using random users to optimise the developed VR simulator. From the results of surveys, the final VR simulator to educate the aerodynamic environment in the greenhouse was developed. It is intended to disseminate the VR simulator to various organisations such as educational institutions, research centres, and consulting companies. Highlights: Three-dimensional image models were developed for inputting in a virtual space. The CFD-computed data were extracted to link to the virtual space. A VR simulator was developed to visualise the aerodynamic environment in the greenhouse.