Control systems for geothermal greenhouses in Tunisia : a study based on dynamic simulation

Abstract

This paper describes the design and simulation of a complete typical geothermal project in Tunisia, including well, tank, water distribution, greenhouse and connection with the oasis irrigation. It presentes a design study based on dynamic simulation focussing on the development of control systems for a geothermal utility installation for a greenhouse heating and cooling and oasis irrigation project. The hierarchical and interconnected features of the process are first discussed, leading to appropriate problem formulation. The aspects of modelling, simulation and development of a control systems for interconnected large-scale greenhouse projects are then presented in a methodological form. Thereafter, the technical subsystems, namely, geothermal water production and distribution, greenhouse heating and climate controls are described. The report demonstrates that simulating the geothermal installation and its computer control systems is a realistic and useful step in a pre-feasibility and management study for a project of this kind. One key finding of the simulation work is that the greenhouse area can potentially be doubled through the addition of a buffer tank and suitable control equipment.