Dynamic Simulation and Energy, Economic and Environmental Analysis of a Greenhouse Supplied by Renewable Energy Sources

Abstract

This paper presents the design and dynamic modelling of a greenhouse coupled with renewable energy technologies, such as PV panels, solar thermal collectors, biomass auxiliary heater. The system is also coupled with a pyrogasifier, supplied by wood and agricultural wastes in the framework of a biocircular economic approach. In order to match the real load of power and heat of the investigated user, a “green farm” located in Naples (South of Italy) reducing the energy consumption and operating cost, all the main components of the plant were suitably designed. The operation of the designed components was simulated by a dynamic simulation model developed in TRNSYS environment and validated by means literature results. A comprehensive energy, economic and environmental analysis of the greenhouse was presented. Main results suggest that the proposed renewable system is able to reduce the total equivalent CO2 emissions of 148,66 t/y. Considering the high current increase of the energy prices due to energy crisis due to the war, the system shows a very significant profitability with a simple payback of only 1.7 years.