Enhancing Controlled Environment Agriculture in Desert Ecosystems with AC/DC Hybrid Solar Technology

Published Date
June 16, 2023
Type
Journal Article
Enhancing Controlled Environment Agriculture in Desert Ecosystems with AC/DC Hybrid Solar Technology
Authors:
Arash Nejatian
Abdoul Aziz Niane, Vinay Nangia, Amal Hassan Al Ahmadi, Tahra Saeed Ali Mohamed Naqbi, Haliema Yousif Hassan Ibrahim, Mohamed Ahmed Hamdan Al Dhanhani

Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable farming practices within the challenging climate of the Arabian Peninsula. Traditional CEAs, however, are confronted with excessive water and electricity consumption due to the region's elevated temperatures and humidity levels. To address these challenges, an innovative project was carried out at the Al Dhaid Research Station, United Arab Emirates, integrating solar-powered cooling and irrigation, closed hydroponic systems, net-house structures, root zone cooling, and ultra-low-energy drippers. The study employed a cooled greenhouse alongside two net houses, one equipped with a solar-powered cooling and irrigation system. Cucumber crops were cultivated within each structure, demonstrating that the combined technologies could prolong production periods despite increasing temperatures, while simultaneously reducing energy consumption by 95% and water usage by 80%, without compromising crop yield. The findings of this study suggest that the implementation of this novel approach holds significant potential for boosting crop productivity and water efficiency in desert agriculture systems.

Citation:
Arash Nejatian, Abdoul Aziz Niane, Vinay Nangia, Amal Hassan Al Ahmadi, Tahra Naqbi, Haliema Ibrahim, Mohamed Ahmed Hamdan Al Dhanhani. (16/6/2023). Enhancing Controlled Environment Agriculture in Desert Ecosystems with AC/DC Hybrid Solar Technology. International Journal of Energy Production and Management, 8 (2), pp. 107-114.
Keywords:
soilless production system
ultra-low-energy drip-irrigation systems
climate adaptation and mitigation
environmental health and biodiversity
nutrition, health and food security
poverty reduction, livelihoods and jobs
net-house
hybrid ac/dc solar energy
root zone cooling
solar energy
goal 2 zero hunger
goal 13 climate action
goal 12 responsible production and consumption
goal 7 affordable and clean energy