(2024) Numerical analysis of snow distribution on greenhouse roofs using CFD-DEM coupling method
Journal : Biosystems Engineering, Vol. 237, 196-213
Author : Young-Bae Choi, Rack-Woo Kim, In-bok Lee*
Abstract
Recently, owing to abnormal climate caused by climate change, the frequency of heavy snow has increased, resulting in increased damage to horticultural facilities. Therefore, considering the characteristics of snow distribution, simulating the distribution of snow on the greenhouse is required. Additionally, because it is difficult to artificially design the experimental environment for measuring snow loads in the field experiment, a computer simulation technology approach is necessary as an alternative. In this study, the characteristics and distribution of snow on the greenhouse roof were identified through an artificial snow experiment, and a numerical analysis model was designed using the discrete element method (DEM). The designed model was verified through the results of artificial snow load tests. Using this validated model, the pressure distribution characteristics on the roof surface of the greenhouse for snow cover were analysed. Moreover, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques was integrated to account for the impact of wind. According to the analysis results, the average load was highest at 59.33 Pa in the pitched-roof multi-span, and the maximum load was 193.62 Pa in the arched-roof multi-span greenhouse. CFD–DEM coupled model was developed to simulate the distribution of snow cover based on wind conditions. The simulation results revealed that the snow load on the leeward roof exhibited an increase compared to the windward roof. However, the snow load on the leeward roof tended to decrease as the wind speed increased. These simulation results could be utilised as a reference for greenhouse design standards.
Keywords : Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), CFD-DEM coupling, Greenhouse, Snow distribution, Snow load
Download Link : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2023.09.01
Journal : Biosystems Engineering, Vol. 237, 196-213
Author : Young-Bae Choi, Rack-Woo Kim, In-bok Lee*
Abstract
Recently, owing to abnormal climate caused by climate change, the frequency of heavy snow has increased, resulting in increased damage to horticultural facilities. Therefore, considering the characteristics of snow distribution, simulating the distribution of snow on the greenhouse is required. Additionally, because it is difficult to artificially design the experimental environment for measuring snow loads in the field experiment, a computer simulation technology approach is necessary as an alternative. In this study, the characteristics and distribution of snow on the greenhouse roof were identified through an artificial snow experiment, and a numerical analysis model was designed using the discrete element method (DEM). The designed model was verified through the results of artificial snow load tests. Using this validated model, the pressure distribution characteristics on the roof surface of the greenhouse for snow cover were analysed. Moreover, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques was integrated to account for the impact of wind. According to the analysis results, the average load was highest at 59.33 Pa in the pitched-roof multi-span, and the maximum load was 193.62 Pa in the arched-roof multi-span greenhouse. CFD–DEM coupled model was developed to simulate the distribution of snow cover based on wind conditions. The simulation results revealed that the snow load on the leeward roof exhibited an increase compared to the windward roof. However, the snow load on the leeward roof tended to decrease as the wind speed increased. These simulation results could be utilised as a reference for greenhouse design standards.
Keywords : Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), CFD-DEM coupling, Greenhouse, Snow distribution, Snow load
Download Link : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2023.09.01