| Title |
Performance Analysis of Thermal Energy Storage Tanks and Chillers for Optimizing Cooling Efficiency in Smart Greenhouses under Hot and Humid Climates |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.6110/KJACR.2024.36.12.619 |
| Keywords |
냉동기; 냉방부하; 스마트온실; 축열조 Chiller; Cooling load; Smart Greenhous; Thermal energy storage |
| Abstract |
This study addresses strategies for optimizing cooling systems of smart greenhouses to tackle food security issues caused by climate change and population growth. In hot and humid regions like Indonesia, the need for smart greenhouses is increasing and the development of effective cooling systems is essential. This research emphasizes that the performance of air-cooled chillers is highly dependent on outdoor air temperatures. As outdoor air temperatures rise, the efficiency of a chiller decreases. The coefficient of performance (COP) of a chiller drops by about 2% for every 1℃ increase in outdoor air temperature, which leads to reduced cooling efficiency and energy performance. To address this issue, the study proposed the use of thermal energy storage (TES) systems. This strategy involves storing chilled water during the night and using it during the day to reduce cooling energy consumption. Results indicated that increasing the TES capacity to 45% could reduce annual energy consumption by up to 21%. Additionally, a TES capacity of 70% was found to be effective in reducing peak cooling loads of chillers. However, this study also shows that exceeding a 45% TES capacity could lead to increased energy consumption. In conclusion, to efficiently operate cooling systems in smart greenhouses in hot climates, it is crucial to set an optimal TES capacity and implement control strategies that account for changes in outdoor air temperatures. |