Greenhouse cooling systems: A systematic review of research trends, challenges, and recommendations for improving sustainability

Abstract

Sustainable Greenhouse Cooling Systems (SGCS) incorporate environmentally friendly technologies to maintain optimal plant growth conditions while reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. These technologies include natural ventilation, shading techniques, and evaporative cooling. By decreasing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing resource efficiency, SGCS contribute to improved sustainability of greenhouse production. Despite numerous review studies on greenhouse cooling systems, there is a notable lack of comprehensive, actionable recommendations for incorporating renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and minimizing water usage within SGCS. Additionally, there is a gap in assessing the holistic sustainability of these systems across environmental, energy, and water conservation dimensions. This review examines the intersection of SGCS research with the Food-Energy-Water (FEW) nexus by addressing key gaps through a systematic literature review of SGCS from 1973 to 2024, providing an in-depth overview of research trends, highlighting challenges and opportunities, and offering practical recommendations to enhance sustainability. A bibliometric analysis was performed using co-authorship, bibliographic coupling, citation, and co-occurrence metrics to objectively assess the literature. This analysis covered 473 documents to address key research questions, track publication trends, and identify evolving themes in SGCS. Results reveal a consistent upward trajectory in SGCS research, with a significant surge in publications post-2006, driven by increased global awareness of climate change and sustainable agriculture practices. Key research themes include the development of passive and active cooling technologies, innovations in material science for thermal management, integration of renewable energy systems, and the use of alternative water sources. Emerging trends also highlight the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time climate control and optimization in greenhouses. This study offers a systematic roadmap for future research in SGCS, emphasizing key concepts and trends. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding the evolution of SGCS research and guiding future studies in this area.