Process modelling for an efficient and dynamic energy consumption for fresh produce in protected cropping

There are significant research and knowledge gaps on how greenhouse vegetable production can be optimised and the energy consumption can be minimised. In this study, we conducted the analysis of crop production and energy consumption together with the greenhouse climate and local weather records for a capsicum crop in a national high-tech greenhouse facility at Western Sydney University, Australia. The analysis of energy consumption over the production cycle indicates that daily energy consumption varies, due to the seasonal nature of temperature and the need for maintaining desirable temperatures at different growth stages of the capsicum crop. Results also suggest that the system for maintaining temperature using for cooling and heating works within acceptable level of operations. The theoretical and practical implications of this research include the importance of assessing the impact of production cycle on overall performance, and complexities around setting optimum crop production cycles subject to the changing environment. It is concluded that protected crop production provides desired and quality products at estimated times and costs, but further analysis is required for making protected crop production can be adopted by growers in the region, under sustainable conditions of all aspect of resource sustainability. Future research will focus on developing a simulated process model to provide recommendations on appropriate greenhouse practices and crop management in order to effectively manage energy consumption in the protected cropping environment.