EVALUASI KINERJA COOLING SYSTEM DALAM MENSTABILKAN SUHU DAN KELEMBABAN PADA SMART GREENHOUSE DI KEBUN PERCOBAAN WAILAN

Abstract

Research aims to evaluate the performance of the cooling system in stabilizing temperature and humidity inside a smart greenhouse at the Wailan Experimental Farm, Tomohon. The method used was direct observation, with data on temperature, humidity, and light intensity collected three times a day (morning, noon, afternoon) for seven consecutive days in June 2025. Data was obtained from smart greenhouse sensors and a Digital Thermo-hygrometer HTC 2. Results showed that the cooling system (consisting of a cooling pad, exhaust fan, drum fan, blower, and automatic ventilation) significantly affects the microclimate. The system has proved effective in drastically reducing high daytime temperatures (average 31.2°C, peak 40.5°C) within 10-30 minutes, bringing them close to the optimal range of 20 - 28°C in the afternoon (average 24.28°C). The system was also able to recover humidity that dropped during the day (average 59%, lowest 49%), maintaining morning and afternoon averages within the ideal range of 70 - 80%. The environmental conditions (such as temperature 20 - 30°C, humidity 65 - 80%, light intensity 10,000 - 20,000 lux) are suitable for the optimal growth of various horticultural crops such as lettuce, pakcoy, water spinach, mustard greens, and spinach. It is concluded that the cooling system performs effectively in stabilizing the microclimate, although a lower setpoint adjustment and optimization of daytime humidification are recommended for more optimal results.

Keywords:     Microclimate, humidity control, smart greenhouse, cooling system, temperature stability