https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3631-0209
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ABSTRACT
This study investigates the practicality of integrating renewable energy systems to meet the electricity needs of a self-contained hydroponic greenhouse that functions as an environmentally friendly facility with reliable air conditioning and electrical infrastructure. The first step is to assess the greenhouse’s annual electricity consumption and design a renewable energy system that can sustain this year-round. The results show that daily electricity consumption is between 0.75 and 2 kWh, with thermal air conditioning accounting for over 50% of the total consumption. To address this issue, a simulation model is developed to evaluate the performance of a hybrid photovoltaic/wind system connected to an electric storage battery and to optimize its integration into the greenhouse. This causes the battery’s voltage to generally increase during charging (to 350.5 V) and its state of charge to change non-linearly depending on the battery’s chemical makeup. An Energy Management System (EMS) is then developed for the Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES), which works in two modes to ensure the energy balance for uninterrupted power supply. An economic and environmental analysis of three scenarios is developed and concludes that the systems are effective and sustainable, with an estimated payback period of approximately 6 to 8 years.
Acknowledgements
The authors especially thank the Thermal Processes Laboratory in the Research and Technology Center of Energy of Bordj-Cedria, Tunisia. Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research for creating favors in stakeholder communication, information collection, and funding provision during the implementation of the study.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Aymen Lachheb
Dr. Aymen Lachheb holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in electrical engineering from the High School of Sciences and Techniques of Tunis, earned in 2009 and 2011 respectively. He completed his PhD in Electrical Engineering at the National Engineering School of Carthage in 2019. Since 2014, he has been a Secondary teacher in the Ministry of Education, with a focus on Design, Modeling, and Control of Electrical Vehicles and Renewable Energy.
Safa Skouri
Dr. Safa Skouri holds a Master’s degree in Energy Engineering from the National School of Engineers of Monastir in Tunisia, and earned her PhD in energy in 2016. Her responsibilities include leading research activities, conducting training, disseminating knowledge, and promoting scientific information. Skouri specializes in solar concentration technologies, specifically parabolic and Fresnel lenses, and is adept at integrating Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) in various sectors such as steam production, hydroponic greenhouses, agricultural solar applications, and phase change materials. Her scientific contributions include 2 patents, over twenty articles in international journals, and presentations at international and national conferences.
Rabeb Ayed
Dr. Rabeb Ayed an energy engineer, completed her PhD in physics in 2024 and currently holds a postdoctoral position at the Energy Research and Technology Center (CRTEn). Her research is dedicated to enhancing thermally efficient building materials and integrating renewable energy into buildings using thermal solar and photovoltaic panels. She has contributed significantly to academia with 1 patent and over ten publications in prestigious international journals and conferences, on both national and international platforms.
Sidi Mohammed El Amine Bekkouche
Dr. Sidi Mohammed El Amine Bekkouche is a permanent researcher at the URAER research unit, since 2005. His doctorate awarded in June 2008 was focused on the experimentation and the modeling of some solar energy systems. He obtained his degree as research director in March 2016. He carried out his research work on renewable energies, in particular solar thermal and building physics. He headed a research division for 9 years. He has directed more than 10 doctoral theses and contributed to 92 research publications in different national and international journals and about 75 research communications.
Salwa Bouadila
Dr. Salwa Bouadila is a permanent Assistant Professor of Energetic Engineering at the Research and Technology Center of Energy (CRTEn). She holds a degree in Energy Engineering (2005), a master’s degree in Energy and Transfer (2010), and a PhD in Energy and Physics (2015). With over 17 years of experience in RE. Dr. Bouadila has supervised 8 PhD projects, and her research expertise includes hydroponic greenhouses, solar energy technologies for agricultural applications, phase change materials for thermal applications, and hybrid solar/gas pasteurization systems. She has contributed to 3 patents, published over 35 articles in international journals, and presented at various international and national conferences.