A Volterra model of the greenhouse temperature using natural ventilation

Abstract

Model-based control techniques are commonly applied to control the greenhouse climate. As well-known, these techniques require accurate models for adequate results. Several first-principle models have been developed for the greenhouse climate control problem considering all the physical and physiological processes. However, these models are too complex to be used for control purposes. On the other hand, empirical models based on input/output real data allow to obtain better results and less complex model structures. In the Mediterranean areas the main problem is cooling the greenhouse and this leads to natural ventilation as a standard tool. This paper presents the development and the results of a Volterra model for the greenhouse temperature including the crop effect and using natural ventilation.