DESIGN CRITERIA FOR

GREENHOUSE - COOLING AND HEATING

Why Green house Temperature is important?

- Greenhouse temperature affects plant growth:
It influences the rate of photosynthesis, which is essential for plant growth and development.
- Temperature regulates plant metabolism:
Different metabolic processes within plants, such as respiration and nutrient uptake, are temperature-
dependent.
- Maintaining optimal temperatures enhances yield:
Proper temperature control can maximize crop yield by promoting healthy growth and minimizing stress
on plants.
- Temperature impacts plant health:
Extremes in temperature can lead to heat stress or cold damage, affecting plant health and susceptibility
to diseases and pests.
- Temperature influences flowering and fruiting:
Certain plants require specific temperature ranges to initiate flowering and fruit development, affecting
overall productivity.
- Consistent temperatures promote uniformity:
Maintaining stable temperatures throughout the greenhouse ensures uniform growth and maturity among
plants, leading to better quality produce.
How can we control environment inside green house ?!
Greenhouse environments are primarily influenced by external climate conditions but can be effectively
managed through strategic greenhouse design and meticulous operational management.
Through strategic planning and careful implementation of heating, cooling, ventilation, and other
techniques, optimal conditions for plant growth can be achieved regardless of external factors.

Why Greenhouse Cooling is needed ?

• Solar radiation is the "heat input" for the earth.

• Up to 85% of this radiation may enter the greenhouse (most of the IR heat becomes trapped inside
and greatly increases the greenhouse temperature)..

• The cover of the greenhouse is designed to allow sunlight to enter easily (high transparency to
sunlight) while limiting the escape of infrared radiation (low transparency to far infrared radiation
emitted by the crop, soil, and inner greenhouse elements).

• This selective transparency helps to trap heat inside the greenhouse, creating a warmer
environment for the plants.

• The structure of the greenhouse, with its walls and roof, reduces the exchange of air with the
outside, further trapping heat inside.

• Mechanism is needed to remove this trapped heat.

Green house cooling systems
Greenhouse cooling systems are essential for maintaining optimal growing conditions, especially during
periods of high temperatures. Here's a brief overview:

1. Natural ventilation:
Utilizes vents, louvers, and roof openings to allow fresh air circulation, reducing heat buildup inside
the greenhouse.

2. Forced ventilation:
Fans and blowers are employed to enhance airflow, expelling hot air and bringing in cooler air from
outside.

3. Evaporative cooling:
Water is evaporated into the air through misting systems, fogging systems, or wet pads, which
cools down the greenhouse environment through the latent heat of vaporization.

4. Shade systems:
Shade cloths or shading paint are used to reduce solar radiation, preventing excessive heating
within the greenhouse.

5. Air conditioning:
In larger or specialized greenhouses, air conditioning units can be installed to regulate temperature
and humidity levels precisely.

6. Thermal screens:
Deployed during hot periods, thermal screens act as insulation, reflecting excess heat back out of
the greenhouse and maintaining a cooler environment.

7. Heat sinks:
Water tanks or other thermal mass materials absorb excess heat during the day and release it at
night, helping to stabilize temperature fluctuations.
By employing these cooling systems, greenhouse operators can effectively manage temperature levels,
ensuring optimal growing conditions for plants and maximizing crop yields.
Fan and Pad System
The fan and pad cooling system, also known as evaporative cooling, is a widely used method in
greenhouses to regulate temperature. Here's how it works:

1. Components:
- The system consists of porous pads installed on one end of the greenhouse wall.
- Fans are placed at the opposite end to draw outside air through the pads and into the greenhouse.

2. Evaporative Cooling Process:

- Water is continuously pumped onto the pads, saturating them.
- As the outside air passes through the wet pads, it evaporates water, which absorbs heat from the air.
- The cooled air is then circulated inside the greenhouse by the fans, lowering the temperature.

3. Benefits:
- Cost-effective: The system utilizes water and electricity efficiently, making it a cost-effective cooling
solution.
- Effective cooling: Evaporative cooling can significantly reduce greenhouse temperatures, especially in
dry climates.
- Increased humidity: While cooling, the system also increases humidity levels, which can benefit certain
crops.

4. Considerations:
- Effectiveness depends on climate: This system is most effective in regions with low humidity.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance, including cleaning pads and checking water levels, is necessary for
optimal performance.
- Compatibility with other systems: It can be integrated with other cooling methods for enhanced
temperature control.
Fog/Misting system
The fog or misting system is a method commonly used in greenhouses to control
temperature and humidity. Here's an overview:

1. Operation:
- The system consists of a network of pipes or tubing with misting nozzles strategically placed throughout
the greenhouse.
- Water is pumped through the system and sprayed out of the nozzles in the form of fine droplets,
creating a mist or fog.

2. Cooling Effect:
- As the fine water droplets evaporate into the air, they absorb heat energy from the surrounding
environment, leading to a cooling effect.
- This process is similar to natural evaporative cooling, but with more controlled and localized application.

3. Humidity Control:
- In addition to cooling, misting systems can increase humidity levels in the greenhouse, which is
beneficial for certain crops, especially in dry climates.

4. Automation:
- Misting systems can be automated to activate based on preset temperature and humidity levels,
ensuring consistent environmental control.

5. Advantages:
- Effective cooling: Misting systems can rapidly reduce greenhouse temperatures during hot periods,
providing relief to plants.
- Energy-efficient: Compared to air conditioning, misting systems consume less energy, making them a
cost-effective cooling solution.
- Compatible with ventilation: Misting systems can complement natural or mechanical ventilation systems
to enhance overall climate control.

6. Considerations:
- Water quality: High-quality water is essential to prevent clogging of nozzles and ensure consistent
misting performance.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance, including cleaning nozzles and checking for leaks, is necessary to
keep the system functioning efficiently.
HEATING SYSTEMS INSIDE A GREENHOUSE
Active heating systems inside greenhouses are designed to maintain optimal temperatures for plant
growth, especially during colder seasons or in regions with harsh climates. Here's an overview:

1. Forced-air heaters:
These systems utilize fans to distribute heated air throughout the greenhouse. They can be
powered by natural gas, propane, or electricity. Forced-air heaters are effective for quickly raising
temperatures and ensuring uniform heat distribution.

2. Hot water or steam systems:

Boilers heat water or produce steam, which is then circulated through pipes or tubes installed
throughout the greenhouse. This method offers efficient heat distribution and can be integrated
with other heating systems for comprehensive temperature control.

3. Radiant heating:
Radiant heaters emit infrared radiation, which warms objects and surfaces directly. This creates a
comfortable environment for plants without significantly heating the air. Radiant heating systems
are energy-efficient and provide consistent warmth throughout the greenhouse.

4. Heat pumps:
Heat pumps extract heat from the outside air, ground, or water sources and transfer it into the
greenhouse. They can provide both heating and cooling, making them versatile solutions for
maintaining desired temperatures year-round.

5. Thermal curtains:
These insulating curtains are installed inside the greenhouse to trap heat during colder periods.
They prevent heat loss and create a barrier against cold air infiltration, helping to maintain warmer
temperatures inside the greenhouse.
UNIT HEATERS
• Unit heaters are standalone heating devices commonly used in greenhouses.
• They are typically powered by natural gas, propane, or electricity.
• Unit heaters consist of a combustion chamber or heating element and a fan to distribute heated air.
• These heaters are often mounted on walls or ceilings for efficient heat distribution.
• They provide localized heating, allowing growers to target specific areas within the greenhouse.
• Unit heaters are versatile and can be used in conjunction with other heating systems for
comprehensive temperature control.
• They are available in various sizes and capacities to suit different greenhouse sizes and heating
requirements.
• Regular maintenance, including cleaning and inspections, is necessary to ensure optimal
performance and safety of unit heaters.

CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS

Steam or Hot Water Generation:
Utilizes steam or hot water as the primary heat source for the greenhouse.
Radiating Mechanism:
Implements a system, such as pipes or radiators, to evenly distribute heat throughout the greenhouse
and maintain a consistent temperature.
Targeted Heat Delivery:
Directs a portion of the heat to the root and crown zone of crops, enhancing growth and disease
control.
Importance of Placement:
Emphasizes careful positioning of heating pipes or radiators to minimize heat loss and ensure efficient
heat distribution within the greenhouse.
Firebox:
where fuel is burned.
Flue:
provides a way for smoke, from the firebox, to vent to the outside air.
Heat exchanger:
network of tubes either filled with or surrounded by water