Intro & background

Conventional agriculture contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and the depletion of finite
resources by frequently using fossil fuels for space and water heating. By using sun thermal
technologies, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering provides a remedy. Farms' operational
expenses and environmental effect are decreased by these systems, which use solar energy to
generate heat.
The history of solar thermal technology for agricultural water and space heating may be traced
back to developments in heat transfer materials and solar collector design.
Solar thermal systems allow water and space heating by collecting solar radiation. The most
popular type, flat plate collectors, are affordable and effective in temperate climates. Increased
efficiency is provided by evacuated tube collectors, which make them perfect for applications
requiring high temperatures or colder climates. The heat from the sun is captured by these
collectors and is then transferred to a fluid that flows through a storage tank. Subsequently, this
heat is converted to a fluid (such as water or antifreeze) and sent to a storage tank or used
immediately for heating.
Space and water heating are essential elements in agricultural engineering that are necessary to
sustain ideal conditions in a variety of agricultural operations. For longer growing seasons and
crop protection, greenhouses use heating systems such as radiant heating, hot water or steam
systems, and gas or electric heaters to control temperature. In agricultural operations, boilers,
furnaces, and radiant floor heating systems are frequently used to heat buildings and water tanks.
Heat pumps provide energy-efficient solutions by drawing heat from the ground, the air, or water
sources; solar heating uses sunshine to provide sustainable heating. Optimizing heating
operations and reducing heat loss require the implementation of energy management systems and
insulation. Heating systems are essential in livestock production to maintain the comfort, health,
and productivity of the animals.

In addition to saving money on heating, solar thermal systems provide a clean, renewable
alternative to traditional energy sources.