Determination of Convective Coefficient at the Outside Cover of a Monitor Greenhouse in Indonesia

Abstract

This research determined convective heat transfer coefficient at the outside cover of a monitor greenhouse by means of in situ method. The method was based on the energy balance of the greenhouse cover. The convective heat transfer coefficient at the outside cover (ho) was a function of the air velocity outside the greenhouse for daytime with continuous roof vent and low wind speed of less than 3 m sec-1. The results of ho values were in agreement with the fundamental calculation. This study revealed that mixed convection was the prevailing convection heat transfer mechanism at the outside cover. Inside or outside cover heat transfer coefficient could be determined for other specific greenhouse geometry under similar climatic conditions.