• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.245-251
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• 2012

Purpose: Provision of accurate temperature measurement is an essential element to ensure a precise control in greenhouse environment. This study was organized to compare the effects of six solar radiation shields with different shapes for temperature measurement and find the most appropriate shield for greenhouse environment. Methods: A fan-aspirated radiation shield was designed and manufactured. Using the fan-aspirated radiation shield and five other shapes i.e., the cup shape, horizontal pipe, vertical pipe, parallel boards and commercial shields, temperature measurement was conducted over the lawn surface as well as greenhouse indoor environment. The measurement height varied at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m from the floor. Results: The measured temperatures by the fan-aspirated radiation shield were 1.30-$1.49^{\circ}C$ lower than the values recorded by other different-shaped shields at 1.5 m of measurement height. As the measurement height decreases, observed differences between measured temperatures of the fan-aspirated radiation shield and other shields demonstrate a declining trend. However, at low measurement heights, the radiation emitted from the bottom surface would be the source of error in temperature measurement. Conclusions: The fan-aspirated radiation shield is a required tool for exact measurement of air temperature in greenhouse temperature control.