Zoning the heating and cooling requirements of several major greenhouse plants in Iran

Considering the spatial variability of climatic conditions across Iran and water scarcity, it is important to investigate whether the heat and cooling requirements of greenhouses are met for their improved and efficient operation and energy management. In this study, using long-term temperature data of selected stations of entire country, the heating and cooling requirements of seven major greenhouse vegetable crops and flowers including cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, chrysanthemums, roses and nations were estimated. The results of this study revealed a significant variation in cooling and heating requirement across Iran. The average values of heating demand for the studied plants are 3322, 4206, 3598, 3598,3059, 3894, and 2322 degree-days respectively. The corresponding mean cooling demand were 1850, 1850, 2052, 2261, 2052, 2476 units respectively.