Numerical and experimental analysis of heat and moisture content transfer in a lean-to greenhouse

In this paper, heat transfer and moisture content in a lean-to passive solar greenhouse has been studied. A mathematical model based on energy equilibrium and a one-dimensional mathematical model for the unsaturated porous medium have been founded and developed to predict the temperature and moisture content in soil and the enclosed air temperature in the greenhouse. On the condition that plant and massive wall is neglected, the air is mainly heated by the soil surface in the greenhouse, which absorbs the incident solar radiation. With increase in depth, the variation of the temperature and moisture content in soil decreases on account of ambient, and the appearance of the peak temperature in soil postpones. All results should be taken into account for a better design and run of a greenhouse.