Hybrid Solar-Wind and Shallow Geothermal Energy for Net-zero Energy Plant Factory
2015
Context
The high operational costs of plant factories, mainly due to electricity consumption for lighting and air-conditioning, pose significant challenges to sustainable agriculture. Traditional plant factories rely heavily on non-renewable energy sources, leading to high operational expenses and environmental impacts. To address these issues, this research proposes an innovative approach that integrates renewable energy sources—specifically, a stand-alone hybrid solar-wind power system and a shallow geothermal energy system—to develop a net-zero energy plant factory. This system aims to reduce energy consumption and operational costs while maintaining optimal conditions for plant growth, promoting sustainability in agricultural practices.
Content
We designed and implemented a plant factory model that integrates renewable energy systems to minimize energy consumption. The methodology involves:
Renewable Energy Integration: A hybrid solar-wind power system provides stable, grid-independent DC power to the plant factory, reducing reliance on traditional power sources. The shallow geothermal energy system utilizes a mat foundation heat exchanger to replace conventional air-conditioning, using low-temperature groundwater for cooling circulated by low-power pumps.
Cooling Mechanisms: The system employs seasonally adapted cooling strategies to maintain optimal temperatures for plant growth. Cooling fans and geothermal heat exchangers are used effectively in different seasons to achieve the desired indoor environment.
Energy Efficiency: By supplying more energy from renewable sources than the plant factory consumes, the goal of a net-zero energy facility is achieved. The integrated system significantly reduces energy consumption compared to traditional methods, leading to substantial energy conservation and operational cost savings.
Conclusion
The integration of a stand-alone hybrid solar-wind power system and a shallow geothermal energy system into plant factories effectively reduces energy consumption and operational costs. By utilizing renewable energy and efficient, seasonally adapted cooling mechanisms, this approach maintains optimal conditions for plant growth while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The system not only enhances energy efficiency but also reduces environmental impact associated with traditional energy use. This research provides valuable insights for designing and operating sustainable plant factories, paving the way for greener and more efficient agricultural solutions. Future work will focus on further experimental validation and comprehensive performance testing to enhance the system’s efficiency and reliability, contributing to the advancement of sustainable agriculture.