Simulation model of a greenhouse with a heat-pipe heating system

A simulation model has been developed in this paper to predict the performance of greenhouse that is heated with a heat-pipe system. The model is validated with experimental data and is found to be in close agreement. The simulation can provide estimations of the influence of the maximum height, the heating power required in cold weather and the heat losses from the greenhouse.

► We developed a simulation model which can predict the performance of the greenhouse.
► The model was validated with the experimental data, which had shown the accuracy was acceptable.
► The conclusions demonstrated that the model was valuable to the operations of greenhouses in winter.
► The model can be used to study further the micro-climate of greenhouses.