Greenhouse Thermal Regulation with Subsurface Heat Tanks
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal regulation systems in agricultural greenhouses are insufficient in maintaining a stable temperature range, relying on energy-intensive heating systems and heat accumulator tanks that fail to adequately compensate for temperature variations.
Innovation Solution
A thermal regulation device with heat accumulator tanks placed under the cultivation surface, air inlet and outlet ducts strategically arranged for efficient heat diffusion and circulation, and a control method that adjusts air suction and discharge based on temperature differences to optimize heat distribution and retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If heat storage tanks are used to reduce temperature fluctuations, then temperature stability is improved, but the system performance is insufficient to compensate for temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The heat storage system is segmented into multiple tanks distributed throughout the greenhouse rather than using a single large tank. This segmentation allows heat to be stored and released at multiple locations, improving both temperature stability and system performance by addressing localized temperature variations more effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from horizontal heat storage to vertical heat distribution by placing tanks at different heights and using vertical air circulation. This dimensional change allows heat to be delivered from upper regions to lower growing areas, improving temperature compensation reliability
2Reliability
If a heating system is equipped to solve temperature compensation, then temperature control reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Heat is stored in advance during the day when solar radiation is available and temperatures are high. This preliminary heat storage eliminates the need for energy-intensive heating during nighttime, maintaining temperature control reliability while dramatically reducing energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful effect of excessive daytime heat into a beneficial resource by storing it in the heat tanks during the day. This stored heat is then released at night to compensate for temperature drops, replacing the need for active heating and reducing energy consumption
3Device complexity
If heat storage tanks are placed away from the growing surface, then system complexity is reduced, but heat loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
Heat storage tanks are placed in close proximity to the growing surface and air circulation systems. This localized placement ensures that heat is delivered directly where it is needed, minimizing heat loss during transfer while maintaining manageable system complexity through strategic positioning
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 enhances temperature regulation within the greenhouse by minimizing heat loss and maintaining optimal growing conditions with reduced energy consumption, using a combination of heat accumulator tanks and controlled air circulation to manage temperature fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
heat storage tanks that store heat when the temperature inside the greenhouse is high or directly from solar radiation
Implementation Method 2
an air intake duct (11a) comprising at least one first air inlet (3a), said first air inlet (3a) being intended to be placed between a ridge (5) of the greenhouse and the growing area (15), at least one air discharge duct (11b) passing through at least one heat storage tank (2), said at least one air discharge duct (11b) comprising at least one air outlet (9) opening into the agricultural greenhouse (1), and an air redistribution system (13) configured to draw air into the agricultural greenhouse (1) at the level of at least one first air inlet (3a) of the air intake duct (11a) and to discharge the drawn air at the level of at least outlets air (9) of the air discharge duct (11b)
Implementation Method 3
air temperature stratification occurs within the greenhouse, with warmer air rising to the top and cooler air below
Implementation Method 4
an air redistribution system (13) configured to draw air into the agricultural greenhouse (1) at the level of at least one first air inlet (3a)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a thermal regulation device (200) for an agricultural greenhouse (1), said device comprising at least one regulation unit (A), said regulation unit (A) comprising: ∘ at least one heat storage tank (2) intended to be disposed under a growing surface (15) of said agricultural greenhouse (1), ∘ at least one air intake duct (11a) comprising at least one first air inlet (3a), said first air inlet (3a) being intended to be disposed between a ridge (5) of said greenhouse and the growing surface (15), ∘ at least one air discharge duct (11b) passing through at least one heat storage tank (2), said at least one air discharge duct (11b) comprising at least one air outlet (9) opening into the agricultural greenhouse (1),and ∘ an air redistribution system (13) configured to draw air into the agricultural greenhouse (1) at the level of at least one first air inlet (3a) of the air intake duct (11a) and to discharge the drawn-in air at the level of at least one air outlet (9) of the air discharge duct (11b).