Antonio García-Chica

Dr. Antonio García-Chica

Engineering, University of Almería, Almería, Andalusia, Spain
orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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11 September 2024 in Hydrology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Ángel Mariano Rodriguez PerezÁngel Mariano Rodriguez Perez
Ángel Mariano Rodriguez Perez
Antonio García-ChicaAntonio García-Chica
Antonio García-Chica
JMJulio José Caparrós Mancera
Julio José Caparrós Mancera
CGCésar Antonio Rodríguez González
César Antonio Rodríguez González
This study addresses the need for sustainable and energy-efficient agricultural practices by integrating turbine systems into greenhouse irrigation setups that utilize water from storage basins or ponds. The purpose is to harness excess pressure to generate electricity, enhancing overall system efficiency. This study involves designing a scalable turbine system that adapts to different greenhouse sizes and water pressure conditions. Key methods include a novel 3D design and implementation of a turbine outlet, using CAD modeling and high-precision 3D printing, and the experimental characterization of the system’s power–pressure relationship and pressure losses. Results demonstrate that a single Banki-type turbine generates nearly 12 W at a maximum pressure of 1.4 bar, 0.98 m3/h of flow, pressure 92% loss performance, and 32% efficiency. Scalability tests in the study case reveal that up to eight turbines can be installed in series without dropping below the critical pressure threshold, that is, above 0.6–0.7 bar, the minimum pressure expected for adequate irrigation, and the turbines collectively produce around 60 W, considering the pressure losses with respect to production. These findings confirm the system’s potential to enhance sustainability and energy efficiency in greenhouse operations. This study lays a foundation for future research to optimize 3D-printed components, integrate renewable energy sources, and conduct long-term performance studies, aiming to further improve the system’s applicability and performance in agricultural settings.

13 March 2025 in Smart Cities
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MJMartínez-Lao Juan
Martínez-Lao Juan
Antonio García-ChicaAntonio García-Chica
Antonio García-Chica
SSSilvia Sánchez-Salinas
Silvia Sánchez-Salinas
EGEduardo Viciana Gamez
Eduardo Viciana Gamez
ACAlejandro Cama-Pinto
Alejandro Cama-Pinto
Spain’s National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) addresses the policies and measures needed to contribute to the European target of a 23% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. To this end, the decarbonization of the transport sector is very important in order to increase electric mobility. Electric mobility depends on the conditions of the electrical infrastructure. This research focuses on the electrical distribution network in terms of its current capacity for recharging electric vehicles, which are estimated to account for 20.7% of vehicles, which is about 4 million vehicles. This, therefore, illustrates the need to legislate to improve the electrical infrastructure for recharging electric vehicles, with the aim of deploying electric vehicles on a larger scale and, ultimately, allowing society to benefit from the advantages of this technology.

22 May 2025 in Smart Agricultural Technology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
Antonio García-ChicaAntonio García-Chica
Antonio García-Chica
RCRosa María Chica
Rosa María Chica
JCJulio J. Caparros-Mancera
Julio J. Caparros-Mancera
AGAntonio Gimenez
Antonio Gimenez
JTJose Torres
Jose Torres

20 January 2026 in Hydrology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JMJulio José Caparrós Mancera
Julio José Caparrós Mancera
Antonio García-ChicaAntonio García-Chica
Antonio García-Chica
RCRosa María Chica
Rosa María Chica
CGCésar Antonio Rodríguez González
César Antonio Rodríguez González
Ángel Mariano Rodriguez PerezÁngel Mariano Rodriguez Perez
Ángel Mariano Rodriguez Perez
The exploitation of hydrokinetic resources represents a sustainable and efficient alternative for renewable energy generation. This study presents the design and real-world implementation of a compact hydrokinetic system capable of converting rainwater runoff into electricity within smart homes. Unlike conventional large-scale hydrokinetic technologies, this system was specifically engineered for intermittent, low-flow conditions typical of residential rainwater collection networks. The turbine was manufactured using 3D-printed biodegradable materials to promote environmental sustainability and facilitate rapid prototyping. Through CFD simulations and laboratory testing, the system’s hydraulic behaviour and energy conversion efficiency were validated across different flow scenarios. The complete system, consisting of four turbines rated at 120 W each, was integrated into a real smart home without structural modifications. From an academic perspective, this study contributes a quantitatively validated hybrid hydrokinetic–low-head framework for residential rainwater energy recovery, addressing intermittent and low-flow urban conditions insufficiently explored in existing literature. Field tests demonstrated that the hydrokinetic system provides complementary energy during rainfall events, generating up to 6000 Wh per day and enhancing household energy resilience, particularly during periods of low solar availability. The results confirm the technical feasibility, sustainability, and practical viability of decentralized hydrokinetic energy generation for residential applications.

17 March 2025 in Applied Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Antonio García-ChicaAntonio García-Chica
Antonio García-Chica
JTJose Torres
Jose Torres
AGAntonio Gimenez
Antonio Gimenez
MGMarta Gómez-Galán
Marta Gómez-Galán
RCRosa María Chica
Rosa María Chica
Greenhouse cultivation in Almería, Spain, has experienced continuous growth over the last five decades, and this area has established itself as one of Europe’s leading vegetable-producing regions. With 8201 hectares under cultivation, tomatoes are the most important crop, accounting for 63% of the total value of greenhouse tomato production in Spain. The aim of this study is to design and develop a tool that facilitates tomato trellising under greenhouse conditions and allows it to be carried out at the ground level. An operating principle is developed, and a static analysis of the tool is carried out. Time, costs, and risk of falling from height are compared with traditional methods (ladders, stilts, manual wheeled scaffolding, and motorized scaffolding). The tool incorporates a telescopic carbon fiber mast, a direct-current motor, and electromagnets. The results indicate that the tool is the second fastest method (4′38″) and has the second lowest cost (EUR 8026.93). It is concluded that it is a viable option for trellising, since it eliminates the risk of falling from height while maintaining competitive times and reasonable costs.

4 November 2025 in Journal of Agricultural Engineering
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Antonio García-ChicaAntonio García-Chica
Antonio García-Chica
ARAngel Mariano Rodriguez-Perez
Angel Mariano Rodriguez-Perez
RCRosa Maria Chica
Rosa Maria Chica
JMJulio Jose Caparros Mancera
Julio Jose Caparros Mancera
CGCesar Antonio Rodriguez Gonzalez
Cesar Antonio Rodriguez Gonzalez
This study explores the design and adaptation of a shipping container into a portable irrigation control station for agricultural operations. The project leverages the structural durability and mobility of containers to offer a versatile and sustainable solution for irrigation management. By integrating irrigation equipment, control systems, and energy storage, this unit provides an efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional irrigation stations. A key advantage of this innovation is its mobility, allowing the container to be easily relocated between farms using a crane truck. This feature optimizes its use in seasonal crop rotations and in agricultural operations spread across different locations. The system operates autonomously, harnessing photovoltaic solar energy stored in batteries, thereby eliminating reliance on fossil fuels and significantly reducing the environmental impact of agricultural irrigation. The system was designed to irrigate 4 hectares, with a pump flow rate of 26 L/s, a total power load of 3.47 kW, and the capacity to supply a crop area of up to 4 ha under typical operating conditions. Beyond its operational efficiency, the study emphasizes the environmental benefits of repurposing shipping containers, contributing to waste reduction and mitigating ecological degradation. This approach aligns with sustainability principles in agriculture, promoting the responsible and efficient use of water and energy resources in decentralized irrigation systems.