Effect of Greenhouse Orientation with Respect to E-W Axis on its Required Heating and Cooling Loads.

The paper presents a comparison between two different orientations of a vegetable greenhouse with respect to East-West axis in Romania. The solar irradiance received by the greenhouse is estimated based on isotropic clear sky analysis model. Interior air temperature profiles are numerically simulated all along a day, in winter and in summer. In order to maintain a constant interior air temperature during vegetation, heating and respectively cooling required loads are computed. Different profiles are obtained for the considered orientations. Based on these profiles, the numerical simulation reveal energy savings for the E-W orientation with respect to N-S one, both in summer and winter periods. The results might be used for designing the cooling and heating equipment ensuring the optimum microclimate inside the greenhouse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]