Offset-Gable Greenhouse Layout With GAHT for Temperature Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing greenhouse temperature regulation systems are costly, require maintenance, and struggle to manage large temperature fluctuations, especially in high-altitude and high-latitude regions where temperature can vary significantly throughout the day, affecting plant growth.
Innovation Solution
A greenhouse design incorporating a ground-to-air heat transfer system (GAHT) with an offset gable layout, extensive south-facing windows, reflective surfaces, and phase change materials to regulate temperature and humidity, utilizing buried air manifolds to store heat and maintain a stable environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional temperature regulation systems are used in greenhouses, then temperature control is achieved, but system cost and maintenance requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses phase change materials that automatically absorb and release heat at specific temperatures, and ground-to-air heat transfer that naturally moderates temperature without requiring active mechanical control systems. The greenhouse structure itself performs the regulation function through passive thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces active mechanical temperature control systems with passive thermal regulation mechanisms including phase change materials and ground-to-air heat transfer, eliminating the need for complex heating/cooling equipment while maintaining effective temperature control.
2Illumination intensity
If extensive south-facing windows are used to maximize light input, then plant growth is improved, but temperature stability deteriorates during large temperature swings
Solution Approach 1:
Phase change materials are incorporated into the greenhouse structure to absorb excess heat during the day when sunlight is intense and release it during nighttime when temperatures drop, stabilizing temperature fluctuations while maintaining extensive window areas for light input.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the thermal properties of the greenhouse structure by using phase change materials that alter their state at specific temperatures, thereby dynamically adjusting heat storage and release characteristics to maintain temperature stability despite varying light conditions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If ground-to-air heat transfer system is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground-to-air heat transfer system is implemented through segmented manifolds buried at different depths in the ground, allowing separate heat exchange zones that can be independently managed while maintaining overall system simplicity and energy efficiency.
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 efficiently moderates temperature and humidity, promoting plant growth by stabilizing the greenhouse environment and reducing energy costs through effective heat management and minimal outside air exchange.
Implementation Method 1
ground to air heat transfer system (GAHT)
Implementation Method 2
utilizing buried air manifolds to store heat
Implementation Method 3
The inside surface of the north wall may comprise a light reflective surface so that sunlight entering from the south wall and the south extension of the roof will reflect into the greenhouse enclosure
Implementation Method 4
phase change materials to regulate temperature and humidity
Implementation Method 5
The north wall may be insulated to keep heat generated during the day from escaping and to thermally insulate the interior of the greenhouse from the cold temperatures at night
Data Source
AI summary
A greenhouse, for cold weather climates, is configured with a gable that is offset toward the north wall and therefore the south extension of the roof, from the gable to the south wall is longer than the north extension. A greater amount of light can enter through this south extension and the inside surface of the north wall is configured with a reflective surface to allow light to be more uniformly distributed around the plants. The north wall may have no widows and may be thermally insulated to prevent the greenhouse from getting too cold during the night. A ground to air heat transfer (GAHT) system may be configured to produce a flow of greenhouse air under the greenhouse for heat transfer, to moderate the temperature of the greenhouse. A thermal medium may flow to a thermal reservoir for heat exchange with the conduits of the GAHT system.