ISHS Acta Horticulturae 115: Symposium on More Profitable Use of Energy in Protected Cultivation
THE POTENTIAL OF AN ACTIVE SOLAR SYSTEM FOR HEATING OF COMMERCIAL GREENHOUSES IN ONTARIO |
| Authors: | F.J. Ingratta, Th.J. Blom |
| Abstract:
Total consumption of natural gas and electricity as well as crop production were compared in three (200 m2) freestanding greenhouses. Two of the structures were covered with double polyethylene while the third greenhouse was glazed with acrylite SDP. One of the polyethylene units was fitted with the Rutgers active solar heating system utilizing a collector area of 91 m2. The air temperature in the greenhouses was maintained by natural gas-fired unit heaters. Only marginal total energy savings were obtained with the solar house and the acrylite greenhouse compared to the standard double polyethylene house. The transmission of photosynthetically active radiation in the three double glazed units was significantly reduced when compared to a standard glasshouse. Details of construction and calculations on the efficiency of the solar system are presented. | |
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