A numerical simulation of the photovoltaic greenhouse microclimate

A detailed description of the thermal, dynamic and radiation fields inside the greenhouses was obtained and the analysis of data collected during this study show that (i) solar radiation is more evenly distributed in the Venlo greenhouse than in the Asymmetric greenhouse. On average, the mean solar radiation transmission in the Asymmetric greenhouse is 41.6% whereas that of the Venlo greenhouse is 46%. (ii) Compared to the straight-line arrangement, the checkerboard photovoltaic panel setup improved the balance of the spatial distribution of sunlight received in the greenhouse.