Solar Energy System in Order to Control the Micro-Climate from the Horticulture in Greenhouses

Summary

In the field of greenhouse-cultures, the energy crisis struck hard. This resulted in the fact that almost 15% of the enterprises were closed. Because greenhouses use direct solar energy, investigation of the ways to use this energy-source in a rational way is evident.

The aim of the system is to use the warmth, supplied by the sun and the greenhouse-effect as a substitute of the classic energy. The system has proved that from March until September under normal climate-circumstances near autonomy can be reached and during the other months, the system works as a supply to the classic heating system or to hold the greenhouse frost-proof.

The expense for materials amounted to ± 40.000 Belgian Francs. The work to build the system was done by three men during nine days. The functioning of the system has been followed electronically by a datalogger and a microcomputer. The results are 80% energy savings for grapefruit cultures and 70% annually.

Moreover it is possible to reach other fields with the same system: dwellings horticulture, cattle-breeding inside whereas the solar energy system can be built around or near the construction.