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2025 Vol.7, Issue 4

Research Article

Energy-saving potential of a high-temperature dual-tank air-source heat pump for greenhouse heating: a field study in Korea
Kyoung-Joong Kim13
,
Kyu-Ho Lee23
,
Md Nasim Reza23
,
Dae-Hyun Lee23
,
Sun-Ok Chung23*†
,
Hee-Bok Lee4*†
1Boryeong Agricultural Technology Center, Boryeong 33483, Republic of Korea
2Department of Agricultural Machinery Engineering, Graduate School, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
3Department of Smart Agricultural Systems, Graduate School, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
4Agricultural Corporation Cheongmyeong Co., Ltd., Buyeo 33202, Republic of Korea
*Corresponding Author
†These authors equally contributed to this study as corresponding author.
31 December 2025. pp. 303-313
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Abstract

Smart greenhouse technologies are rapidly expanding, significantly increasing the demand for stable and economically feasible heating solutions, for subtropical crops requiring precise temperature management. This study evaluates the field performance and economic feasibility of a dual thermal storage high-temperature air-source heat pump (ASHP) system implemented in a smart greenhouse located in Boryeong, Chungnam, South Korea. Prior to 2018, the facility used a traditional diesel boiler in combination with electric radiators to maintain optimal indoor conditions for subtropical crops such as coffee and bananas. In 2018, this conventional system was replaced with an advanced dual thermal storage ASHP system, specifically designed to effectively manage variable heating loads and ensure consistent indoor environmental conditions. Field evaluations were conducted over a 57-day period from January 5 to March 2, 2025, during which critical parameters including indoor temperature stability, system energy efficiency (Coefficient of Performance, COP), and operational costs were meticulously monitored and analyzed. Despite external temperature variations ranging between 0°C and 20°C, the ASHP system maintained stable greenhouse temperatures consistently above the target threshold of 20°C. The average COP recorded during this period was approximately 1.28, indicating robust energy efficiency. Moreover, the economic analysis demonstrated substantial cost savings, revealing a reduction of approximately 67% in operating expenses compared to the previous diesel boiler system. These results highlight the practical applicability and economic advantages of dual thermal storage ASHP systems in smart agricultural environments. The findings further support the broader implementation of sustainable and energy-efficient heating solutions in smart greenhouse operations, emphasizing their potential for significant reductions in operating costs and enhancements in environmental sustainability.

Keywords
Smart greenhouse
Heat pump
Energy
Thermal performance
Heating efficiency
Renewable energy
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Information
  • Publisher :Korean Society of Precision Agriculture
  • Publisher(Ko) :한국정밀농업학회
  • Journal Title :Precision Agriculture Science and Technology
  • Journal Title(Ko) :정밀농업과학기술
  • Volume : 7
  • No :4
  • Pages :303-313
  • Received Date : 2025-09-01
  • Revised Date : 2025-10-06
  • Accepted Date : 2025-10-13
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.22765/pastj.20250021
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