Adaptive Greenhouse with Thermochromic Material: Performance Evaluation in Cold Regions

Abstract

The intensive energy requirement is a major challenge for greenhouse producers, especially those located in cold regions. An adaptive greenhouse with thermochromic (TC) material has the potential to intelligently regulate solar radiation gain of the greenhouse in response to the outdoor environment, therefore abating energy demand of the greenhouse. This study evaluates the energy performance of an adaptive greenhouse with covering materials (TC glazing, TC film, TC film–TC glazing). The simulation results reveal that compared with normal glass, energy savings reaches up to 5%, 6%, and 13% with the application of TC glazing, TC film, and TC film–TC glazing to the greenhouse, respectively; the energy cost is correspondingly reduced by 7%, 17%, and 22% respectively; and the CO2 emission is reduced by 6%, 14%, and 20%, respectively. In comparison with low-emissivity glass, the total energy saving of the greenhouse reaches up to 3%, 3%, and 11% by employing TC glazing, TC film, and TC film–TC glazing, respectively. Moreover, the increase in envelope thickness increases energy efficiency of the adaptive greenhouse to 17%. TC film–TC glazing is recommended for use in heating energy–dominated scenarios. This research framework allows designers to optimize overall energy performance of the proposed adaptive greenhouse for different climates.