Calentamiento de Invernaderos con Energía Geotérmica en el Páramo Ecuatoriano

Abstract

This study establishes the feasibility of using geothermal energy to heat small scale greenhouses to improve food security, poverty reduction and páramo conservation. As part of the methodology, a mathematical model is established to design the greenhouse which has a heat exchanger made of pipe without fins. Tomatoes are chosen as a case study crop and geothermal energy considered to come from naturally occurring hot springs or surplus from existing or future applications such as pools and power plants. The heat exchanger´s power is determined from an energy balance for the greenhouse considering cover losses and air infiltration. The greenhouse structure and irrigation-fertilization system are sized so the financial feasibility could be determined. After calculating the financial indicators for different scenarios, this study concludes that is technically and financially feasible to produce greenhouse tomatoes using a heat exchanger made of PVC.