Greenhouse Automation Systems

VENTILATION

Greenhouse ventilation is a vital operation that must be performed year-round, regardless of season, to ensure healthy plant growth. The purpose of ventilation can be explained as follows: excessive sunlight can cause high internal temperatures, which must be reduced to ideal levels through ventilation. This prevents heat stress from slowing down plant development.

Ventilation also introduces the carbon dioxide (CO₂) that plants need for photosynthesis. Additionally, it balances the relative humidity inside the greenhouse. High humidity levels can lead to plant diseases and hinder transpiration. When a plant cannot transpire, it cannot absorb water and nutrients from the soil, which negatively impacts growth.

In the implemented greenhouse model, internal humidity is maintained at an optimal E RH level. If the internal humidity rises above this threshold, the ventilation system is activated.

HEATING

Heating systems are especially critical in greenhouses during winter months. Temperature inside the greenhouse is one of the key factors affecting both plant development and susceptibility to disease. Ideal temperature levels must be maintained, and in winter, this is only possible with a proper heating system.

It is recommended that the ambient temperature for cultivated crops remain above 15°C and below 30°C. Temperatures outside this range can slow plant growth.

In the designed greenhouse model, temperature is monitored using a built-in sensor. If the temperature drops below 15°C, the shading curtain and infrared heater are activated. If the temperature exceeds 30°C, the ventilation fan turns on and the shading curtain retracts, thereby cooling the interior. This function is especially important during summer months to protect plants from extreme heat.

SHADING

Light and temperature are among the most influential factors affecting plant development and crop yield. Therefore, controlling light and temperature inside the greenhouse is essential. During summer—particularly at midday—sunlight hits at a steep angle, potentially causing leaf burn. This reduces plant development and crop quality.

Similarly, greenhouse temperatures in summer, especially in the Mediterranean and Aegean regions, may range between 35°C and 50°C—levels harmful to plant health. Conversely, in cold winter months, nighttime temperatures inside the greenhouse may fall between 0°C and 10°C, adversely affecting growth and reducing flower and fruit count.

To mitigate these issues, our greenhouse model is equipped with a shading curtain, which also functions as a thermal screen. This curtain reflects approximately 50% of excess sunlight and prevents overheating. When the internal temperature drops below 10°C, the shading curtain closes to reduce the internal air volume. This helps retain heat, saves energy, and allows the internal temperature to rise more effectively.

If the temperature exceeds 35°C, the shading curtain reopens to help cool the greenhouse. In summary, the goal is to maintain the internal temperature within optimal ranges and prevent excessive cooling or heating during extreme weather conditions.