An Optimization Model for Selecting Combinations of Crops that Maximize the Return Inside Self-sustainable Greenhouses

Author's Department

Construction Engineering Department

Second Author's Department

Construction Engineering Department

Third Author's Department

Mechanical Engineering Department

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https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-35471-7_71

All Authors

El Nahas Eman, Hosny Ossama, Serag Eldin Amr

Document Type

Research Article

Publication Title

Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering

Publication Date

1-1-2024

doi

10.1007/978-3-031-35471-7_71

Abstract

The main purpose of this research is to outline the development of an optimization model for selecting a combination of crops that have the maximum equivalent annual cash flow (EACF) inside a self-sustainable greenhouse. A self-sustainable greenhouse will require to provide the total energy required for irrigation (pumping energy) for the combination of crops that will be selected. Photovoltaic (PV) energy is chosen as the source of renewable and sustainable source of energy. The research was conducted by establishing the required database, generating different scenarios, assessing the economic performance along the project life, forming the optimization model using genetic algorithm (GA), and systemizing the model using Microsoft-Excel. The database includes two main parts: data on the crops’ requirements and data on the PV pumping system. Typically, irrigation experts provide the required pumping energy, and then, the designer sizes the PV system based on the given value by the available solar energy/m2. This leads to over design of the system which leads to higher cost. In this research, the impact factors, i.e., location, soil type, water source, crop types and their planting season, and PV water pumping (PVWP) system characteristics, were considered for developing the optimized model. As PVWP system depends on available solar energy which fluctuates overtime, the output (water) also fluctuates. Therefore, optimizing the relation between the output (pumping energy required) and input (solar energy available) will lead to meet the requirements for irrigation in the best manner possible. This study has led to the development of a general model for optimal sizing for a ground mounted PV systems that meets the required energy needs for irrigation for a combination of crops that maximize the return.

First Page

1015

Last Page

1036

Comments

Conference Paper. Record derived from SCOPUS.

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