Controlled Environment Engineering (CEE) Lab

This project aims to address the humidity and temperature regulation challenges in enclosed indoor farming facilities, known for high energy consumption, by utilizing a high-efficiency heat pump-powered solid desiccant dehumidification system and an indirect evaporative cooling system. The system’s performance will be evaluated in the Controlled Environment Engineering Lab at UC Davis, and a model will be developed to project system performance under different operating and climate conditions.

In this project, the organization will provide technical assistance for on-farm support to evaluate the irrigation or fertigation system efficiency and provide the recommended measure to increase the water and nutrient use efficiency, including techniques for water recycling systems with precision monitoring and management of water and nutrient. The organization will also provide in-person and virtual training about efficient water and nutrient management for controlled environment agricultural producers.

Dr. Ahamed is selected as one of the Hellman Fellows for 2023! This program supports our concept to develop an innovative approach to energy harvesting in indoor vertical farming, which will greatly boost the sustainability of this agricultural method.

https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/ag-animals-art-new-hellman-fellows-study-b…

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772375522000454

https://ece.ucdavis.edu/news/improving-agricultural-production-slowing-…