Effect of Shape and Orientation of Greenhouse on Received Solar Radiation: A Case Study of Tabriz City

Solar energy is the most important source of renewable energies. Using solar energy in greenhouse heating during the cold season could be of great importance. In this study, six most commonly used shapes of greenhouses including: even span, uneven span, vinery, single span, arch and quonset types were selected for comparison from received solar radiation point of view for Tabriz city climate condition. These greenhouses were investigated for both east–west and north–south orientations, built all in the same dimensions. Results showed that the single span greenhouse received the maximum and quonset one received the minimum solar radiation. The single span greenhouse in east–west orientation received more radiation as compared to other greenhouses during the winter months. In summer months north–south orientation of an arch shape greenhouse received the most solar radiation. The single span greenhouse in east–west orientation appeared to be the best year-round greenhouse productions in Tabriz region. This shape received 8% more radiation as compared to an average amount of a normal greenhouse and can be used for crop production in winter. Results also showed that in the single span greenhouse oriented in east–west direction, about 60% of the incoming radiation was intercepted by the southern faced greenhouse roof.