This project seeks to develop, test and demonstrate a novel design for a passive solar greenhouse thermal management system.

The design seeks to resolve a significant shortcoming of all existing passive solar greenhouse designs: cold weather air exchange (venting) efficiency.

Passive solar greenhouses have been a fringe/hobby technology in North America since the 1970’s. More recently, they have seen widespread commercial adoption in Northern China. Passive solar greenhouse designs have well-demonstrated feasibility; but have still not seen commercial adoption within Canada. A fundamental weakness of the passive solar greenhouse concept is the requirement to limit fresh air circulation in cold conditions. Introducing fresh air compromises the heat-retention of the structure, so in cold weather, venting is typically kept to a minimum. Lack of adequate air exchange increases risks of mildew/mold in crops, limits the ability to properly manage humidity and can reduce C02 concentration within the greenhouse, which can compromise plant growth rates.

This project seeks to resolve the conflicting requirements of retaining heat while also allowing the exchange of fresh air through the integration of high-efficiency heat-exchange between incoming and outgoing air.

Industry
Sustainable Agriculture, Controlled-Environment Agriculture, Geothermal Heating & Cooling

Project Start
Feb 2023