DV-80-02-1 -- Research on Conservation and Solar Energy Utilization in Greenhouses PDF

Energy conservation in greenhouse management without significant reduction in light levels is important for continued economical production. When using solar energy as a source for heating, conservation is mandatory because of the high initial costs of solar collection systems. This paper describes the Rutgers solar heating system for plastic covered greenhouses, which includes the following components: Low-cost warm water solar collectors, in-floor storage of the water in a vinyl lined, aggregate filled floor with a 75 mm cap of porous concrete, movable thermal screens which are drawn at night to reduce heat loss, and low cost vertical curtain heat exchangers which utilize the warm water stored in the floor. A 0.54 Ha greenhouse demonstration facility which utilizes 1000 m2 of solar collector will also be discussed.