Parametric Analysis of Cold Surface Temperature for Enhanced Thermal Regulation and Moisture Recovery in Greenhouses

Year 2026, Volume: 29 Issue: 1 , 25 - 36 , 08.03.2026

Sabrina Taieb Bouderbal , Chakib Seladji , Houssem Hachemi

https://doi.org/10.5541/ijot.1778018

https://izlik.org/JA53KJ69HR

Abstract

Greenhouses in arid and semi-arid regions simultaneously face two major challenges: severe water scarcity and excess humidity, the latter causing condensation on the inner surfaces and the dripping of droplets onto crops, which encourages fungal diseases and physiological stress. Existing studies typically address these issues separately and often rely on energy-intensive cooling or dehumidification systems. In this work, we propose a fully passive and autonomous condensation-based strategy that combines a geometrically optimized roof inclination with a naturally cooled surface supplied by a Canadian well. The 7° inclination is selected based on a prior comparative study demonstrating its ability to channel buoyancy-driven humid air toward the roof apex of the greenhouse, where condensation can be maximized. A 3-D transient CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) model coupling airflow, heat transfer, radiation, and vapor transport is used to evaluate the impact of three cooling temperatures (20, 16, and 12°C) on the internal thermo-hygrometric dynamics. Results show that lowering the cooling temperature intensifies upward convection, enhances moisture accumulation at the roof apex, and significantly increases the condensation potential. The 12°C configuration produced the strongest airflow acceleration and the highest vapor recovery efficiency, aligning with the natural cooling potential provided by a Canadian well. This parametric analysis establishes the optimal operating temperature for future integration of a passive condensation–recovery system aimed at improving both microclimate regulation and freshwater generation in arid-climate greenhouses.

Keywords

Greenhouse microclimate , Computational fluid dynamics , Humidity control , Condensation , Passive cooling

Ethical Statement

This research did not involve human participants, animals, or any data requiring ethical approval. All the simulations and analyses were conducted using numerical methods and publicly available physical models.

Supporting Institution

Laboratory of Energy and Thermal Applied (ETAP), University of Tlemcen, B. P 230, Tlemcen 13000, Algeria

Project Number

1

Thanks

I would like to express sincere gratitude to theLaboratory of Energy and Thermal Applied (ETAP), University of Tlemcen,Algeria for providing academic support and resources. Special appreciation is extended to my superviseur Pr.C.Seladji for valuable guidance and insightful discussions during the preparation of this work and Dr.H.Hachemi for his help. I also thanks the editors and reviewers of Internationnal Journal of Thermodynamics for their time, careful consideration, and constructive feedback on the manuscript.

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