Greenhouse Glazing Functional Layer for Light and Heat Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Greenhouse glazing materials face challenges in providing optimal light transmission and insulation, leading to energy inefficiencies and potential UV-induced burns in plants, with existing materials either lacking in light transmission or being inefficient in insulation.

Innovation Solution

A greenhouse system with a functional layer comprising metal and metal oxide layers, such as silver, tin oxide, and zinc oxide, adapted to specific plant cultures to optimize light transmission in the Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR) range and reduce infrared radiation, while also improving insulation through layered structures and materials like laminated safety glass.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If insulating glass is used for glazing greenhouses, then insulation performance is improved, but light transmission is reduced by about 10%

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsulation performanceVSAvoidlight transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The glazing is divided into multiple functional layers: outer glass pane, PVB film with UV absorbers, inner glass pane, and low-E coating. Each layer performs a specific function - the PVB film blocks UV radiation while the low-E coating maintains infrared transmission, collectively achieving both protection and energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite structure combining different materials (glass, PVB polymer film, metal oxide coatings) to achieve properties that individual materials cannot provide alone. The PVB film provides UV absorption while maintaining visible light transmission, and the low-E coating provides thermal reflection while allowing infrared penetration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by moving object

If glass-like polymer materials are used for glazing, then light transmission and durability are improved, but UV protection is insufficient causing plant burns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight transmissionVSAvoidUV protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The PVB film acts as an intermediary layer between the glass panes and the plants. It contains UV absorbers that intercept and absorb harmful UV radiation before it reaches the plants, while still allowing visible light to pass through for photosynthesis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical composition of the PVB film by incorporating UV absorbers and adjusting the indium oxide content (0.1-10 wt%) to optimize the balance between UV absorption and visible light transmission, creating the desired spectral filtering effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If sandwich panels or twin-wall sheets are used for glazing, then structural strength and safety are improved, but insulation efficiency is reduced compared to insulating glass

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidinsulation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The glazing system is segmented into multiple panes and layers with air gaps between them. The insulating glass unit with PVB interlayer creates thermal barriers that reduce heat transfer, achieving better insulation than single-pane or simple sandwich structures while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The system achieves balanced light transmission for efficient photosynthesis and reduced energy costs by adapting to the PAR range of specific plants, minimizing UV damage and enhancing insulation, thus creating optimal growing conditions while reducing heating and cooling needs.

Implementation Method 1

at least one functional layer adapted to this plant culture... can be transparent to UV light and can therefore contribute to burns on the plant cultures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

optimize light transmission in the Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR) range

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotosynthesis: Photosynthesis

Implementation Method 3

reduce infrared radiation... enhancing insulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared Radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 4

functional layer comprising metal and metal oxide layers, such as silver, tin oxide, and zinc oxide... optimize light transmission

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP2042031B1Greenhouse system

Publication Date: 2010.03.31 SCHEUTEN S A R L

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~3B

AI summary

The present invention relates to a greenhouse system comprising at least one plant crop, wherein at least one part of the glazing of the greenhouse system comprises at least one functional layer adapted to this plant crop.