Articles
A SOLAR POND – POLYSTYRENE BEAD SYSTEM FOR HEATING AND INSULATING GREENHOUSES
Article number
87_31
Pages
291 – 300
Language
Abstract
Energy conservation and solar energy utilization can make greenhouse structures more energy efficient.
Over 80% of all supplemental greenhouse heating is required at night.
An experimental polystyrene bead nighttime insulation technique is projected to reduce nighttime energy requirements by 80–90%. This same bead insulation system could also be used for daytime shading and photoperiod control.
A solar pond could supply the remaining energy.
An experimental solar pond at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) is 8.5 x 18.3 x 3 meters deep and has the same surface area as the bead-insulated greenhouse to be heated.
The pond is capable of attaining and holding temperatures up to 80°C even with winter ice on the surface.
Heat is taken from the bottom of the solar pond by circulating brine to greenhouse heat exchangers which includes a heat pump when the pond is below 40°C.
Over 80% of all supplemental greenhouse heating is required at night.
An experimental polystyrene bead nighttime insulation technique is projected to reduce nighttime energy requirements by 80–90%. This same bead insulation system could also be used for daytime shading and photoperiod control.
A solar pond could supply the remaining energy.
An experimental solar pond at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) is 8.5 x 18.3 x 3 meters deep and has the same surface area as the bead-insulated greenhouse to be heated.
The pond is capable of attaining and holding temperatures up to 80°C even with winter ice on the surface.
Heat is taken from the bottom of the solar pond by circulating brine to greenhouse heat exchangers which includes a heat pump when the pond is below 40°C.
Authors
Ted H. Short, P. C. Badger, Warren L. Roller
Keywords
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