Greenhouse Shading Net Control for Condensation Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preventing condensation on greenhouse crops, such as using heaters and dehumidifiers, are inefficient and costly in terms of energy consumption, and there is a need for a more effective solution that does not rely on running these energy facilities.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a shading net controlled by a unit that adjusts based on insolation and weather information to manage the quantity of incident light and transpiration in greenhouses, thereby preventing condensation without the need for heaters or dehumidifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heaters and dehumidifiers are operated to prevent condensation, then condensation prevention is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the greenhouse's own resources (sunlight, natural temperature variations, crop transpiration) to prevent condensation. The control unit monitors temperature and humidity sensors, and automatically opens/closes the greenhouse opening to utilize natural convection and transpiration for moisture removal, eliminating the need for energy-consuming heaters and dehumidifiers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical energy-based systems (heaters and dehumidifiers) with a passive control system that uses natural physical processes. The control unit regulates the greenhouse opening to harness natural airflow, temperature differential-driven convection, and crop transpiration for condensation prevention, substituting mechanical energy consumption with passive environmental control.
2Reliability
If heaters and dehumidifiers are operated to prevent condensation, then condensation prevention is achieved, but economic cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the greenhouse's inherent resources including sunlight for heating, natural temperature fluctuations, and crop transpiration for moisture management. The control unit orchestrates opening/closing based on sensor data to maximize these free resources, eliminating payment for external energy services.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the greenhouse opening state based on real-time monitoring of temperature, humidity, and other parameters. By changing the opening parameter in response to environmental conditions, the system optimizes natural heat and moisture exchange, replacing expensive continuous operation of energy facilities with conditional passive control.
3Reliability
If the shading net is closed to control transpiration, then condensation is prevented, but light exposure for crops is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the greenhouse opening state based on real-time environmental conditions including temperature, humidity, light intensity, and weather forecasts. Rather than a fixed closed or open state, the system transitions between states to simultaneously manage transpiration control and light exposure, optimizing both condensation prevention and crop photosynthesis needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic monitoring and adjustment cycles, where the control unit regularly checks sensor data and weather information, then adjusts the opening state accordingly. This periodic control allows the system to respond to changing conditions throughout the day, preventing condensation during high-risk periods while maintaining light exposure during periods when condensation risk is low.
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 system effectively reduces energy costs by controlling transpiration and condensation through adaptive management of light exposure, improving accuracy with temperature, humidity, and weather data, and minimizing impact on crop growth.
Implementation Method 1
a control unit for controlling the open and close of the shading net based on the trigger information on insolation to control the transpiration of the crop
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~3(c)
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for preventing condensation on crops in a greenhouse, comprising: a shading net for controlling quantity of incident light in the greenhouse; and a control unit for controlling the open and close of the shading net based on the trigger information on insolation to control the transpiration of the crop. The present invention to control the transpiration of the crops for preventing condensation can reduce energy cost more than the former system to run energy facilities for preventing condensation.