Greenhouses, Photobioreactors, Storage Technology and Irrigation

44B0705

Bachelor

German

5.0

only winter term

A postponement to the summer semester is possible depending on the module situation.

1 semester

The module deals with production systems for intensive plant production - greenhouses, photobioreactors, storage systems, climate control and irrigation systems.

The module consists of two parts. The basic features of the systems are presented in a lecture, familiarized with in small demonstrations in experimental operations and specified using key figures and planning parameters. In the second part of the module, students have to solve planning tasks and design questions relating to the systems in exercises. In doing so, they will first acquire basic and later advanced skills in the use of Excel as a calculation, planning and simulation tool.

Technical systems covered, especially greenhouses (GWH) and photobioreactors (PBR), storage and irrigation. The following topics are covered in the lectures and exercises. 

1. GWH and PBR - construction, roofing, interior fittings. Exercise: Technical drawing of an experimental greenhouse at the university with its construction components and key figures.

2. GWH and PBR - basics of plant lighting, artificial lighting systems, air conditioning systems. Exercise: Analysis of the light transmission of the experimental greenhouses and determination of artificial light parameters.

3. GWH and PBR - basics heat supply, heating systems and energy supply. Exercise: Outline of the energy supply at the Haste site and design of the heating system using Excel and U' model.

4. GWH and PBR - basics of regulation and control, climate control strategies with a special focus on humidity.  Exercise: Implementation and evaluation of a dynamic temperature control strategy for greenhouse systems with Excel and Mollier hx diagram. 

5. storage methods - basics of storage factors, storage systems, cooling, CA storage. Exercise: Outline of the CA storage system in the experimental facility at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences with a special focus on heat, Co2, O2.

6. storage process - algorithms and control systems for dynamic CA storage.
Exercise: Design of a large apple storage facility including energy supply and operation with Excel calculations and U'-model.

7. irrigation and fertilization systems - hydraulic basics, irrigation methods, water supply, water treatment, water storage, calculation of plant evaporation.
Exercise: Creation of a nozzle characteristic curve on the spray stand, calculation of drip irrigation systems

8. irrigation systems: large area irrigation and frost protection systems. Exercise: Design and planning of an irrigation system with water storage system, soil water simulation with Penman model and Excel.

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

• oral exam and Learning diary

Weighting of partial achievements: oral examination 50% + learning diary 50%

Oral examination 15 min., two examiners

none

The module teaches the technical details of intensive crop production.

In the module, the application of previously acquired knowledge is learned through weekly exercises. Planning, design and simulation in Excel are learned and practiced.

Through lectures and exercises, students learn the use and background of the
U' model, the Penman model and the Molier hx diagram.

The calculation methods learned are basic skills in the field of horticultural engineering and biosystems engineering. The application of these skills in conjunction with a sound knowledge of Excel are indispensable in all further modules, Bachelor's or Master's theses and in later professional practice when working in the field of technology. 

By learning and using plant cultivation-oriented simulation techniques, subsequent innovation opportunities are stimulated.  

By deepening their knowledge in the field of intensive plant cultivation technology, students acquire the necessary knowledge to be able to communicate with others in a well-founded manner at conferences, advisory discussions and educational lectures, etc. 

By creating their own simulations, calculation algorithms and plans, students strengthen their professionalism and scientific self-image. The module enables them to solve new and unfamiliar tasks. 

• Rath, Thomas

• Rath, Thomas