SUSTAINABLE GREENHOUSE HEATING IN AL-ZARQA: A GEOTHERMAL & HYBRID SYSTEM ANALYSIS

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2024-8
ahmed aldabbagh, al-sakoon moh'd abdallah alsayed
This study examines the feasibility and potential benefits of using geothermal heating pumps, both independently and in conjunction with solar thermal systems, for greenhouse agriculture in Jordan, addressing the country's climate-related agricultural challenges. Using GeoT*SOL and PV*SOL software, the study simulates how well these systems use energy and whether they are financially viable for growing cucumbers in greenhouses. It looks at how well they keep the right temperature for growing and how that affects crop yield. Findings reveal that while hybrid systems increase overall energy consumption, they significantly reduce reliance on the geothermal heat pump, leading to substantial primary energy savings and reduced CO2 emissions. For instance, the hybrid cucumber greenhouse (geothermal heat pump and solar water heating) achieved a 38.80% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the geothermal heat pump-only system, according to PV*SOL simulations. This equates to 2885.52 kg of CO2 avoided annually. This reduction in reliance on the geothermal heat pump translates to a smaller required PV system size for the hybrid system, yielding significant cost savings. We priced the PV system for the hybrid cucumber greenhouse at $14,580, a remarkable 60.3% reduction from the $36,456 required for a PV system solely supporting the geothermal heat pump. These findings highlight the environmental and economic benefits of integrating solar thermal energy with geothermal heat pumps for greenhouse agriculture, presenting a pathway toward a more sustainable yet economically viable industry.
Citation Formats
a.-s. m. a. a. ahmed aldabbagh, “SUSTAINABLE GREENHOUSE HEATING IN AL-ZARQA: A GEOTHERMAL & HYBRID SYSTEM ANALYSIS,” M.S. - Master of Science, Middle East Technical University, 2024.