Desenvolvimento e avaliação de um protótipo para resfriamento evaporativo em casa de vegetação

Abstract

Greenhouses are extremely important devices for world agriculture, including researching and cultivation of cultures that need protection from climatic adversities. In most greenhouses in hot climates, the control of the microclimate is performed by pad-fan type evaporative air systems. In this condition, this work aimed to develop a small-scale prototype of a system where the conventional fan is replaced by a rotating turbine ventilator, aiming to evaluate cooling efficiency and air humidification. The prototype was developed at Federal University of Mato Grosso, Rondonópolis – MT, Brazil, and was composed of two structures (greenhouses) with approximate volumes of 9 m³, each with a type of material in its evaporative panel (cellulose and expanded clay). The structure was monitored by temperature and humidity sensors, in order to record the local microclimate for one month. Graphs and isotherms were generated that allowed the analysis and comparison of the structures. The results showed that the materials used in the evaporative cooling panel were not very efficient. When compared, the cellulose panel had a better cooling efficiency compared to the expanded clay.