ISHS Acta Horticulturae 87: Symposium on Potential Productivity in Protected Cultivation
A SOLAR POND - POLYSTYRENE BEAD SYSTEM FOR HEATING AND INSULATING GREENHOUSES |
| Authors: | Ted H. Short, P. C. Badger, Warren L. Roller |
| 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. | |
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