Analysis of nocturnal microclimate in single skin cold greenhouses in mediterranean countries

So as to be able to evaluate the behavior of cold greenhouses during the night in Mediterranean area, a representative mathematical pattern of the nocturnal energetic balance of single plastic skin greenhouses is proposed. Such mathematical pattern allowed a forecasting analysis of the thermal level inside the greenhouse for short time intervals; the results obtained in this way were compared to the measured values of a small frame type greenhouse without any artificial energetic contribution. A special attention was given to the elaboration of temperature data during the clear sky nights in the winter, whereby the thermal gradient inversion between inside and outside occurs.