CFD modeling of an even-span greenhouse dryer under natural and forced convection modes

Abstract

In this study an even-span greenhouse dryer was designed and simulated under two different drying modes, natural and forced convection modes. The CFD simulation was carried out taking into consideration the weather conditions at the mean day of January (winter season) in Marrakech, Morocco. CFD was employed to predict the air velocity, temperature and relative humidity distribution inside the greenhouse dryer. Under forced convection mode the air temperature and relative humidity were uniformly distributed inside the dryer. The highest air temperature and lowest air relative humidity was recorded at the mean hour of the simulation day, under forced convection mode. They were 37 °C and 12%, respectively. These results reveal that under forced convection mode the greenhouse exhibited significant thermal performances.