The effect of sensor errors on production and energy consumption in greenhouse horticulture

The accuracy of sensors used in Dutch greenhouses for climate control has been assessed and the influence of sensor errors on the energy consumption and crop production has been determined using model simulations. It is shown that currently used sensors are prone to errors exceeding current standards set for practice. The extra energy consumption, due to sensor inaccuracy, is mainly caused by the sensors for global radiation and relative humidity. Sensor errors may result in a higher crop production but at the expense of a higher energy consumption resulting in a loss in economic return of the crop production process. Results indicate that sensor maintenance is economically feasible because the resulting energy savings exceed the costs of the maintenance operation.

► Sensors used in greenhouse climate control do not meet required levels of accuracy.
► Sensor errors may result in higher crop production.
► Higher crop production is obtained at the expense of a higher energy consumption.
► Sensor errors may result in loss of economic return.
► Sensor maintenance is economically feasible.