Summary
This study develops and tests an optimised greenhouse climate control strategy that integrates temperature and CO2 management to minimise energy use whilst maintaining or improving crop production. Rather than following conventional pre-set schedules, the optimised system adjusts diurnal temperature profiles and CO2 supply in response to light and heat availability. Greenhouse trials with sweet pepper confirmed simulation predictions, achieving 6% energy conservation with equivalent production and quality to standard climate protocols.
Regional applicability
The findings are directly applicable to United Kingdom glasshouse horticulture, particularly protected cropping of peppers and other high-value crops. The integrated climate control approach addresses energy efficiency—a persistent concern in UK greenhouse operations—and the methodology could inform design of control systems in UK horticultural enterprises, though crop-specific validation would strengthen local applicability.
Key measures
Energy use (kWh or equivalent), crop production yield (kg or tonnes), fruit quality parameters, heat demand, photosynthesis rate, diurnal temperature profile, CO2 concentration.
Outcomes reported
The study reports energy savings and crop production outcomes from an optimised greenhouse climate control system that manipulates temperature and CO2 concentration. Simulation results showed 7% energy savings with 2.5% increased production; greenhouse trials with sweet pepper demonstrated 6% energy conservation with maintained production and fruit quality.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Ask about this record, its theme or its relevance to UK farming and policy. Pulse AI uses selected catalogue evidence and cites the sources it draws on.