干旱区生态环境知识资源中心

The Watergy first prototype of a closed greenhouse minimizes the use of water and energy. It has been operating since autumn 2004 in the semi-arid region of El Ejido in Almeria, Spain. A balance with the main conclusions from the evaluation of the prototype is presented. A healthy crop has been maintained inside the greenhouse during all seasons, improving the production with respect to traditional open greenhouses and achieving a drastic reduction of the water consumption (about 80%). One of the main challenges has been to keep the temperature below 35 degrees C with its passive cooling system. Several strategies have been followed and the results are outlined. Another sensitive point has been the short durability of the anti-fog property of the plastic cover material. The implications of both aspects in further designs are discussed.