A Neurofuzzy Structure Modelling Evapotranspiration in a Greenhouse Crop

Abstract

This paper shows the applicability of a neurofuzzy method applied to a tomato plant (Lycopersicon esculentum, Mill), in order to obtain a model of the instantaneous evapotranspiration. Two operational dynamics (diurnal and nocturnal) are defined in a hierarchical fuzzy model by a Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) type with linear consequents. The fuzzy selector of the two dynamics is the solar radiation measure. The fuzzy C-means algorithm is used to identify the fuzzy rules premises. The hierarchical fuzzy modelling is used to obtain a multi-model of the evapotranspiration cycles. In order to simplify the model structure, the variable of vapour pressure deficit (VPD) is introduced, and thus, a physical interpretation of the interior climate is obtained. VPD helps to preserve the quality and production level in the greenhouse crop.