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Mathematical Modeling of CO2 Enrichment, Capture and Utilization in Commercial Greenhouses

Research Authors
Mohammed B. Effat, Hamdy M. Shafey, A.M. Nassib
Research Member
Research Year
2013
Research Journal
Proceedings of the ICCE 2013: International Conference and Exhibition on Clean Energy, September 09-11, 2013, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Research Publisher
International Academy of Energy, Minerals, and Materials.
Research Rank
3
Research_Pages
pp. 426-442
Research Website
iaemm.com
Research Abstract

This paper investigates carbon dioxide enrichment in commercial greenhouses to improve CO2 capture and utilization. The paper develops and numerically solves a mathematical model that simulates the CO2 capturing process through the coupled-non steady- energy and mass species (CO2, H2O) balance equations in the greenhouse components. The model accurately treats the solar radiation transport inside greenhouse. The realistic photosynthesis sub model selected in the present work is a mechanistic one
applicable to the commonly planted C3 species. The present model allows strategies for CO2 enrichment
and for cooling air inside sealed and ventilated greenhouses. These strategies keep both CO2 concentration and air temperature inside the greenhouse at the required prescribed value within small
specified deviation. The validity and accuracy of the present mathematical model were verified through the agreement of its numerical results with the available experimental data in the literature. Numerical predictions of the present model was obtained for a case study to investigate the effects of environmental conditions, CO2 concentration enrichment level, and the cooling method on the cumulative amount of captured CO2 in the greenhouse that describe its performance.