A Study on the Greenhouse Water Curtain System: Heat Transfer Characteristics

Energy balance equations Were developed to describe the heat transfer mechanisms in a double layer plastic greenhouse with a water curtain system. Heat transfer variables were determined by using various temperature data measured in a conventional prototype semicircular cross-section greenhouse over a range of water temperatures and water flow rates. The heat transfer coefficient between flowing water and greenhouse air was independent of water flow rates. But the heat transfer coefficient between water surface and the stagnant air space within the double plastic layer was dependent on water flow rates. Substituting the heat transfer coefficients, determined from the energy balance equations in the heat transfer equations, demonstrated various relationships among ambient air temperature, greenhouse air temperature, water temperature, and water flow rates. The heating benefits were linearly related to not only the inside and outside air temperatures but also to the water temperature. The energy conservation effects of the water curtain system were found even initial water temperatures were considerably lower than the greenhouse setting temperatures. Sensitivity analysis for heat transfer coefficients demonstrated that the heat transfer coefficient between greenhouse air and the stagnant air within the plastic layers was the most significant coefficient in the estimation of heating effects.