Energy use for tulip cultivation in a subtropical zone

Abstract

Tulip growth involves a warm–cold–warm cycle and this work addresses the possibility of carrying out the final warm step of this cycle during the winter months of a subtropical country where electric power has a low price — Paraguay. This is a result of an abundance of renewable energy resources mainly due to the presence of two large hydroelectric power plants. This final cultivation step requires temperatures between 16 °C and 20 °C during a period of about five months. Historic climate data suggest that the city of Encarnación is suitable for tulip cultivation in Paraguay. However, because of temperature fluctuations, air conditioning may occasionally be necessary for cooling or heating. Using a transient model, we simulate the thermal conditions of the nursery to find the energy needed for air conditioning. Good thermal insulation and injection of external ambient air to control the nursery’s temperature whenever possible reduce the use of electrical energy.