Greenhouse Air Distribution Tubes for Uniform Climate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional greenhouse air distribution systems often result in unequal distribution of air or gas along the length of the greenhouse due to pressure differences and turbulence, leading to non-homogeneous conditions that can affect temperature and humidity control.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an air distribution system with tubes having varying hole sizes and arrangements along their length to ensure equal air distribution, combined with fans and heat exchangers for temperature control, and louvers for regulating airflow, allows for efficient and uniform climate management within the greenhouse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional air distribution systems are used in greenhouses, then the system is simple and cost-effective, but the air distribution is unequal along the length of the greenhouse due to pressure differences and turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the hole sizes and arrangements along the length of the air distribution tubes to compensate for pressure differences and turbulence at different locations. The tube system includes multiple zones with different hole configurations, where holes are larger and more spaced out in regions with higher pressure, and smaller and more densely arranged in regions with lower pressure, ensuring uniform air distribution throughout the greenhouse.
2Manufacturing precision
If air distribution tubes with varying hole sizes are used, then uniform air distribution is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by systematically varying the hole diameter and spacing parameters along the length of the air distribution tubes. The tube system is divided into multiple sections with different hole configurations, where the hole size and spacing are adjusted as parameters to compensate for pressure gradients and turbulence effects, achieving uniform air distribution while maintaining manufacturability through standardized hole patterns in each section.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides a cost-effective and efficient means to control greenhouse climate, reducing temperature variations and enhancing crop health and growth by ensuring uniform air distribution and temperature regulation, as demonstrated by reducing temperatures from 33°C to 26°C without expensive cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
conduits carrying air or gas having different pressures along the length of the conduits
Implementation Method 2
Conventional greenhouse air distribution systems often result in unequal distribution of air or gas along the length of the greenhouse due to pressure differences and turbulence
Implementation Method 3
a closed-system heat exchanger having a plurality of spaced water-impermeable water flow passageways through which water flows by gravitational forces and having a means for blowing air between the water flow passageways such that the air does not contact the water and such that the air is either heated or cooled by the water
Implementation Method 4
The spray systems can lower the temperature in the space while at the same time increasing humidity
Data Source
AI summary
A greenhouse is disclosed that generally comprises an enclosed growing section with an enclosed end gable adjacent to the growing section. The end gable is arranged to flow air into the growing section. Air distribution tubes are included within the growing section with the tubes arranged to provide for substantially uniform air flow into the growing section. The air tubes can also be arranged to compensate for heat differential between the air in the tubes and in the growing section.