A Novel Approach for An Advanced Sustainable Greenhouse Using Spectral-Splitting Material and A Solar Desalination Unit

The use of greenhouses in food production can improve water utilization and reduce water withdrawals by approximately 70% compared to traditional fields, along with energy savings. The number of greenhouses is rapidly increasing and currently they provide about 20% of vegetables grown in the United States. Greenhouses situated in arid regions are well suited for using a humidification/dehumidification system to secure an alternative source of purified water from compromised waters such as produced water (water extracted along with oil and gas). In the present research, in addition to a humidification/evaporation system, a new spectral-splitting material is being developed to divide the solar radiation into two main portions: a spectral band adjusted for efficient photosynthesis, and another spectral band suitable for preheating water for the humification/dehumanization system. The new material improves the thermal conditions and ease of control of the greenhouse environment by reducing the infrared light trapped in the greenhouse. Preheated water is then used in a humidifier-dehumidifier desalination system, which is designed to partially provide the fresh water required by crops in the greenhouse. The current work employs a lumped thermal model of a greenhouse and incorporates historical weather data to evaluate the potential for energy and water savings of using such advanced greenhouses in specific locations over a one-year period. The potential for desalination/cleanup of compromised water is then introduced to the model based on the regional availability of saline or produced water. Finally, the potential of this advanced greenhouse technology is assessed across the United States by taking into account regional opportunities and local climate.