Abstract
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 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.
Claims
1-47. (canceled)
48. A greenhouse system comprising: a) a greenhouse comprising an enclosure comprising: i) a south wall comprising south wall windows; ii) a north wall comprising an inside surface; iii) a reflective surface configured along the inside surface of the north wall; iii) an east wall; iv) a west wall; v) a roof; and vi) a gable; vii) an odor reducing compound configured within the interior of the greenhouse to react volatile organic compounds; viii) a south extension comprising south extension windows; wherein the gable is offset and is configured closer to said north wall than to said south wall; wherein the greenhouse is oriented with the south wall facing substantially south, within about 15 degrees of south and the gable length within about 15 degrees or east/west.
49. The greenhouse system of claim 48, wherein the odor reducing compound is configured along the north wall.
50. The greenhouse system of claim 48, wherein the odor reducing compound is configured on a reflective sheet.
51. (canceled)
52. The greenhouse system of claim 1, further comprising a around to air heat transfer (GAHT) system comprising: a) a greenhouse enclosure ceiling; b) a greenhouse enclosure floor; c) an inlet conduit that extends from an inlet opening within the greenhouse enclosure to a heat exchange manifold to that is configured below floor of the greenhouse; the inlet opening configured to receive an inlet flow of greenhouse gas; d) a heat exchange manifold comprising an extension conduit coupled with the inlet conduit and extending under the floor of the greenhouse; e) an outlet conduit coupled with the extension conduit and extending up and into the greenhouse enclosure; the outlet conduit having an outlet opening for exhausting greenhouse gas that has flowed through the heat exchange manifold back into the greenhouse enclosure; f) an air moving device configured to a flow of greenhouse gas from the greenhouse enclosure, through the inlet opening of the inlet conduit, through the heat exchange manifold and back into the greenhouse enclosure through the outlet opening; g) a controller; h) a thermometer configured to measure a greenhouse temperature within the greenhouse enclosure; wherein the air moving device is turned on when the greenhouse temperatures exceeds an upper threshold temperature to produce a hot flow of greenhouse gas; wherein the air moving device is turned on when the greenhouse temperatures drops below a lower threshold temperature to produce a cool flow of greenhouse gas; i) a heat reservoir configured in thermal communication with the heat exchange manifold that stores heat from the hot flow of greenhouse gas that is later transferred to the cool flow of greenhouse gas: thereby moderating the temperature of the greenhouse gas wherein the heat exchange manifold comprises; a) an inlet traverse conduit coupled to the inlet conduit and having a plurality of extension openings, b) a plurality of extension conduits coupled with the extension openings of the inlet traverse conduit; and c) an outlet traverse conduit having a plurality of extension openings and coupled with the plurality of extension conduits.
53. The greenhouse system of claim 52, wherein the heat exchange manifold comprises an upper heat exchange manifold and a lower heat exchange manifold, each comprising: a) an inlet traverse conduit coupled to the inlet conduit and having a plurality of extension openings; b) a plurality of extension conduits coupled with the extension openings of the inlet traverse conduit; c) an outlet traverse conduit having a plurality of extension openings and coupled with the plurality of extension conduits.
54. The greenhouse system of claim 53, wherein a reservoir distance of at least 50 cm is configured between the upper plurality of extensions conduits and said lower plurality of extension conduits.
55. The greenhouse system of claim 53, wherein the heat reservoir is configured between the upper and lower heat exchange manifolds.
56. The greenhouse system of claim 53, wherein the upper heat exchange manifold is coupled with an upper inlet conduit that extends into the greenhouse enclosure and having an upper inlet opening for receiving an upper inlet flow of greenhouse gas and an upper outlet conduit that extends from said upper heat exchange manifold into the greenhouse enclosure having an upper outlet opening to provide a flow of upper outlet flow of greenhouse gas into the greenhouse enclosure; and wherein the lower heat exchange manifold is coupled with a lower inlet conduit that extends into the greenhouse enclosure and having a lower inlet opening for receiving a lower inlet flow of greenhouse gas and a lower outlet conduit that extends from said lower heat exchange manifold into the greenhouse enclosure having a lower outlet opening to provide a flow of lower outlet flow of greenhouse gas into the greenhouse enclosure.
57. The greenhouse system of claim 56, wherein the upper and the lower inlet openings are configured more proximal to the ceiling of the greenhouse enclosure than the upper and lower outlet flow openings.
58-73. (canceled)
74. The greenhouse system of claim 52, further comprising a thermal medium system comprising: a) a thermal medium conduit for receiving a flow of thermal medium from outside of the greenhouse enclosure; wherein the thermal medium conduit extends to the heat reservoir and transfers heat to the heat reservoir.
75. (canceled)
76. The greenhouse system of claim 74, wherein the thermal medium is air.
77. The greenhouse system of claim 74, wherein the thermal medium is water.
78. The greenhouse system of claim 74, wherein the thermal medium is heated by heat transfer with a photovoltaic cell.
79. The greenhouse system of claim 74, wherein the thermal medium is heated by heat transfer with compost.
80. The greenhouse system of claim 74, comprising a thermal reservoir for receiving the thermal medium from the thermal medium conduit, and wherein the thermal reservoir is in thermal communication with the manifold.
81. (canceled)
82. (canceled)
83. (canceled)
84. A greenhouse system comprising a around to air heat transfer (GAHT) system comprising: a) a greenhouse enclosure ceiling; b) a greenhouse enclosure floor; c) an inlet conduit that extends from an inlet opening within the greenhouse enclosure to a heat exchange manifold to that is configured below floor of the greenhouse; the inlet opening configured to receive an inlet flow of greenhouse gas; d) a heat exchange manifold comprising an extension conduit coupled with the inlet conduit and extending under the floor of the greenhouse; e) an outlet conduit coupled with the extension conduit and extending up and into the greenhouse enclosure; the outlet conduit having an outlet opening for exhausting greenhouse gas that has flowed through the heat exchange manifold back into the greenhouse enclosure; f) an air moving device configured to move the greenhouse gas from the greenhouse enclosure, through the inlet opening of the inlet conduit, through the heat exchange manifold and back into the greenhouse enclosure through the outlet opening; g) a controller; h) a thermometer configured to measure a greenhouse temperature within the greenhouse enclosure; wherein the air moving device is turned on when the greenhouse temperatures exceeds an upper threshold temperature to produce a hot flow of greenhouse gas; wherein the air moving device is turned on when the greenhouse temperatures drops below a lower threshold temperature to produce a cool flow of greenhouse gas; i) a heat reservoir configured in thermal communication with the heat exchange manifold that stores heat from the hot flow of greenhouse gas that is later transferred to the cool flow of greenhouse gas; thereby moderating the temperature of the greenhouse gas; wherein the heat exchange manifold comprises; a) an inlet traverse conduit coupled to the inlet conduit and having a plurality of extension openings, b) a plurality of extension conduits coupled with the extension openings of the inlet traverse conduit; and c) an outlet traverse conduit having a plurality of extension openings and coupled with the plurality of extension conduits.
85. The greenhouse system of claim 84, wherein the heat exchange manifold comprises an upper heat exchange manifold and a lower heat exchange manifold, each comprising: a) an inlet traverse conduit coupled to the inlet conduit and having a plurality of extension openings; b) a plurality of extension conduits coupled with the extension openings of the inlet traverse conduit; c) an outlet traverse conduit having a plurality of extension openings and coupled with the plurality of extension conduits.
86. (canceled)
87. The greenhouse system of claim 85, wherein the heat reservoir is configured between the upper and lower heat exchange manifolds.
88. The greenhouse system of claim 85, wherein the upper heat exchange manifold is coupled with an upper inlet conduit that extends into the greenhouse enclosure and having an upper inlet opening for receiving an upper inlet flow of greenhouse gas and an upper outlet conduit that extends from said upper heat exchange manifold into the greenhouse enclosure having an upper outlet opening to provide a flow of upper outlet flow of greenhouse gas into the greenhouse enclosure; and wherein the lower heat exchange manifold is coupled with a lower inlet conduit that extends into the greenhouse enclosure and having a lower inlet opening for receiving a lower inlet flow of greenhouse gas and a lower outlet conduit that extends from said lower heat exchange manifold into the greenhouse enclosure having a lower outlet opening to provide a flow of lower outlet flow of greenhouse gas into the greenhouse enclosure.
89. The greenhouse system of claim 88, wherein the upper and the lower inlet openings are configured more proximal to the ceiling of the greenhouse enclosure than the upper and lower outlet flow openings.
90-105. (canceled)
106. The greenhouse system of claim 84, further comprising a thermal medium system comprising: a) a thermal medium conduit for receiving a flow of thermal medium from outside of the greenhouse enclosure; wherein the thermal medium conduit extends to the heat reservoir and transfers heat to the heat reservoir.
107. The greenhouse system of claim 106, comprising a thermal medium pump to pump the thermal medium through the thermal medium conduit.
108. The greenhouse system of claim 106, wherein the thermal medium is air.
109. The greenhouse system of claim 106, wherein the thermal medium is water.
110. The greenhouse system of claim 106, wherein the thermal comprises glycol.
111. The greenhouse system of claim 106, wherein the thermal medium is heated by heat transfer with a photovoltaic cell.
112. The greenhouse system of claim 106, wherein the thermal medium is heated by heat transfer with compost.
113. The greenhouse system of claim 106, comprising a thermal reservoir for receiving the thermal medium from the thermal medium conduit, and wherein the thermal reservoir is in thermal communication with the heat exchange manifold.
114. The greenhouse system of claim 113, wherein the heat exchange manifold extends around the thermal reservoir to exchange heat with the thermal reservoir.
115. The greenhouse system of claim 113, wherein the thermal reservoir is an enclosure having an inlet and an outlet.
116. (canceled)
117. (canceled)
118. The greenhouse system of claim 115, wherein the thermal medium is heated by heat transfer with a photovoltaic cell.
119. The greenhouse system of claim 115, wherein the thermal medium is heated by heat transfer with compost.
120. (canceled)
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.
[0034] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary greenhouse having an offset gable between the north extension and south extension of the roof.
[0035] FIG. 2 shows an east wall view of an exemplary greenhouse having an offset gable roof.
[0036] FIG. 3 shows an east wall view of an exemplary greenhouse having an offset gable roof and a reflective sheet actuator for controlling a reflective sheet depth along the interior of the north wall.
[0037] FIG. 4 shows an east wall view of an exemplary greenhouse having an extended height north wall.
[0038] FIG. 5 shows a west wall view of an exemplary greenhouse having an offset gable roof.
[0039] FIG. 6 shows a south wall view of an exemplary greenhouse having an offset gable roof.
[0040] FIG. 7 shows a north wall view of an exemplary greenhouse having an offset gable roof.
[0041] FIG. 8 shows a top view of an exemplary greenhouse having an offset gable roof.
[0042] FIG. 9 shows a perspective cut-away view of an exemplary greenhouse having an offset gable roof and a reflective surface on the north wall to reflect the sun.
[0043] FIG. 10 shows the general shape and design of the exemplary greenhouse described in Example 1.
[0044] FIG. 11 shows the light intensity in the greenhouse of Example 1, compared to the light intensity on the ground and in a conventional greenhouse as a function of the month of the year.
[0045] FIG. 12 shows a table of data comparing the light intensity of the exemplary greenhouse of Example 1, to the light intensity on the ground and in a conventional greenhouse as a function of the month of the year and located in Calgary, Alberta.
[0046] FIG. 13 shows a graph of the data from data in FIG. 12, showing the percentage increase in the light intensity of the greenhouse of Example 1 with the ground and a conventional greenhouse.
[0047] FIG. 14 shows a table of data comparing the light intensity of the exemplary greenhouse of Example 1, to the light intensity on the ground and in a conventional greenhouse as a function of the month of the year and located in Boulder, Colo.
[0048] FIG. 15 shows a graph of the data from data in FIG. 12, showing the percentage increase in the light intensity of the greenhouse of Example 1 with the ground and a conventional greenhouse.
[0049] FIG. 16 shows an exemplary GAHT system having an upper manifold and lower manifold that extend under the greenhouse to control the temperature within the greenhouse.
[0050] FIG. 17 shows an exemplary GAHT system with thermal reservoirs configured between and upper and lower manifold.
[0051] FIG. 18 shows an exemplary GAHT system with GAHT conduits extending around the thermal reservoirs for heat exchange through conduction with the thermal reservoirs, and a thermal medium inlet reservoir and a thermal medium outlet reservoir.
[0052] FIG. 19 shows a diagram of the airflow from a GAHT system into a greenhouse.
[0053] FIG. 20 shows a table of the energy usage of an exemplary greenhouse located in Colorado.
[0054] FIG. 21 shows a table comparing the energy usage of an exemplary greenhouse and a commercial building.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
[0055] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the figures. The figures represent an illustration of some of the embodiments of the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. Further, the figures are not necessarily to scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.
[0056] As used herein, the terms comprises, comprising, includes, including, has, having or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Also, use of a or an are employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.
[0057] In cases where the present specification and a document incorporated by reference include conflicting and/or inconsistent disclosure, the present specification shall control.
[0058] Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described herein and are illustrated in the accompanying figures. The embodiments described are only for purposes of illustrating the present invention and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention, and certain modifications, combinations and improvements of the described embodiments, will occur to those skilled in the art and all such alternate embodiments, combinations, modifications and improvements are within the scope of the present invention.
Definitions
[0059] Windows, as used herein, is a light transmission material and may comprise glass panes, double wall and inert gas filed glass panes, hard and soft polymer sheets, such as polycarbonate and the like.
[0060] A wall or a north or south extension of an exemplary greenhouse consisting essentially of windows has a surface area that is at least 90% windows and comprises windows and may comprise supports configured between the windows that have a width that are no more than 10% of the width of the window and preferably not more than 5% of the width of the windows.
[0061] Power Light, as used herein, is light that has a portion of the wavelengths removed and preferably is a wavelength spectrum(s) that is easily absorbed by plants and is conducive to plant growth and health.
[0062] A gable, as defined herein, is the support for the south extension and may be the top of the north wall or may be offset from the north wall. An offset gable is configured closer to the north wall than the south wall, as described herein.
[0063] A diffusive reflective surface, as used herein, is a reflective surface that reflects light across a span of at least 130 degrees and preferably at least 150 degrees.
[0064] A heat reservoir, as used herein, is a reservoir for thermal heat transfer with the GAHT system and particularly with the heat exchange manifold. A heat reservoir may transfer or receive heat with the GAHT system. A heat reservoir may be configured under the greenhouse and may comprise soil, stone, gravel, thermally conductive additives such as metal, water, a thermal reservoir that receives a thermal medium and the like.
[0065] A thermal reservoir, as used herein is configured to receive a thermal medium and is configured to exchange heat with the GAHT system.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 1, an exemplary greenhouse 10 has an offset gable 22 between the north extension 24 and south extension 20 of the roof 12, or an offset gable roof 15. The gable is offset toward the north wall 50 of the greenhouse enclosure 13. The south extension 20 is longer and has a lower south rise angle 25 than the shorter north extension 24 having a higher or larger north rise angle 27. The angle between the south extension and the north extension, or the gable angle 23 is greater than 90 degrees in this embodiment. The south and north rise angles are measured from a horizontal line or a line connecting the intersection of the south extension interface with the south wall 40 and the north extension interface with the north wall 50, respectively. The south wall 50 has a plurality of south wall windows 41. The south wall windows may be configured over a majority of the south wall, or make up at least 50% of the south wall surface area. The east wall 60 has a south wall window 61 and a door 19. The door has a window as well, which is an east wall window, as it lets light in through the east wall. The east wall windows 41 are configured more proximal to the south wall than the north wall. The portion of the east wall proximal to the north wall may be thermally insulated and may comprise a light reflective surface, or an actuator for a reflective sheet on the inside surface of the east wall. The same may be true for the west wall. The roof has roof windows 84, or south extension windows 21 to allow sunlight to pass through the south extension of the roof. The north extension does not have any windows. Also shown in FIG. 1 is a turntable 96, a rotation feature to allow the greenhouse to be rotated depending on the time of year, as described herein. The greenhouse is support by the turntable and could be rotated manually or with the aid of a motor.
[0067] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, an exemplary greenhouse 10 has an offset gable roof 15. The greenhouse enclosure 13 has a south wall height 42 and gable height 38, or height to the gable 22 of the roof 12. The enclosure has a width or depth 32 from the south wall 40 to the north wall 50. The east wall 60 has an east wall window 61 and a door 19. The door has a window 61. The windows on the east wall extend to an east wall window depth 67, or the distance from the south wall 40 to the furthest window on the east wall. The east wall window 61 has a depth 37 from the south wall 40. The south rise angle 25, or the angle from the top of the south wall to the south extension 20 is shown. The north rise angle 27, or the angle from the top of the north wall 50 to the north extension 24 is shown. The gable angle 23, or the angle from the south extension 20 to the north extension of the roof is shown. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the south rise angle is less than the north rise angle as the height of the north and south walls are substantially the same. The height of the north wall 52 in FIG. 4 is greater than the height of the south wall 42.
[0068] The north wall 50 has insulation 56 to prevent heat loss from the greenhouse, such as at night. In addition, the north extension 24 has insulation 28 to prevent heat loss. The sunlight or natural light 120 enters through the south extension windows 21 and is interior light 122 within the greenhouse. This interior light is incident on the inside surface 54 of the north wall 50 which has a reflective surface 58 and reflects off as reflected light 124. Reflected light 124 reflects off the inside surface of the north wall to provide multidirectional sunlight within the interior of the greenhouse. Note that the interior light or reflected light may be power light 126, as described herein. As described herein, this is beneficial for plant growth. Sunlight or natural light 120 also pass through the south wall windows 41 as well as the east wall windows 61, 61. A door 19 may be configured on the east and/or on the west wall, or any of the other wall for additional light transmission. As shown in FIG. 2, an odor reducing material 86 is configured on the inside surface of the greenhouse to reduce smells associated with some plants, such as volatile organic compounds. The odor reducing material may be titanium dioxide that acts as a photocatalyst to react and destroy VOC's in the presence of heat or light.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 3, a sheet reflective sheet 55 extends down a reflective depth 57 from a sheet actuator 53, a take-up/unwind roller. The reflective sheet may be rolled up in a spool 65. The reflective sheet extends down along the north wall from the top or proximal the top of the north wall. As the requirements change, the reflective sheet may be actuated to provide a larger reflective area, or have a greater reflective depth, such as when the temperatures are cooler. The reflective area of the reflective sheet is the product of the reflective sheet depth and width of the reflective sheet, which may be about the width of the north wall. Alternatively, when the temperature of the greenhouse rises, a reflective sheet may be indexed up to reduce the reflective depth. The inside surface 54 of the north wall may be a reflective surface 58 that comprises a reflective material that may have different reflective properties from that of the reflective sheet, or may be less reflective, or light absorbing surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the reflective sheet reflects some light and allows a portion of the incident light to pass therethrough. An exemplary reflective sheet comprises a diffuse reflective material or surface that creates a diffuse reflective light, to increase the amount of light incident on plants within the greenhouse. Also, an exemplary reflective surface or reflective sheet may be a Power Light reflector 66, that produces power light, or light conducive for absorption by plants. The inside surface of the north wall may comprise a light absorbing surface 69 and the amount of reflectance may be controlled by the amount of the reflective sheet that is exposed by the actuator. The control of the actuator may be automatic and may be a function of the temperature in the greenhouse as measured by a temperature sensor 73 or the light intensity within the greenhouse as measured by a light sensor 75, and these sensors that relay the information to a controller 74 or to the actuator. The north wall may have one or more north wall windows 51.
[0070] As shown in FIG. 3, a phase change material 100 may be configured with the north wall and may absorb heat during daylight hours and then emit heat at night as the material changes phases due to temperature drop. The phase change material may absorb heat from direct light exposure, from the interior of the green house and from light or heat passing through a reflective sheet.
[0071] The interior of the greenhouse may comprise an odor reducing compound 85, such as TiO2, that will react with VOCs to reduce odor. The odor reducing compound may be configured along the north wall, the south, east and/or west walls, or along the inside surface of the north extension, and/or south extension. It may be preferred to have the odor reducing compound in an area where it will have direct light exposure and it may be configured on a reflective sheet or sheet that is configured, in some cases, to be actuated along the north wall. The wavelength of light may be about 380 nm for reacting the VOCs in the presence of the odor reducing compound.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 4, the height 52 of the north wall 50 is greater than the height 42 of the south wall 40 by an extension 87 having an extended height 88. This north wall extension provides a greater area for reflectance of light from the interior of the north wall and a greater area for phase change material. Also shown in FIG. 4 is a headhouse 110 coupled to the north wall. As described herein, a headhouse may provide additional thermal insulation along the north wall.
[0073] As shown in FIG. 2 to 4, an actuating insulation 82 is configured along the inside of the south extension and is shown rolled up or retracted in FIGS. 2 and 3 and deployed or actuated out from the actuator in FIG. 4. As described herein, the actuation insulation may comprise pleats or corrugations that enable the insulation material to fold and lay flat when retracted and that may open to increase the thickness of the actuating insulation when deployed, as shown in FIG. 22. As shown in FIG. 22, the actuating insulation 82 has a much greater thickness in a deployed state, as shown on the right side than in the retracted or stored state, as shown on the left side. The pleats 83 fold down over each other in the retracted state.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 5, an exemplary greenhouse 10 has an offset gable roof 15. The west wall 70 has a west wall window 71 that allows sunlight to pass Into the interior of the greenhouse. The west wall has a west wall window depth 77 that is the distance from the south wall 40 to the edges of the furthermost west wall window 71 from the south wall.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 6, an exemplary greenhouse 10 has a south wall 40 having a plurality of south wall windows 41. The surface area of the south wall is predominantly windows, wherein more than 50% of the south wall surface area is made up of windows. The greenhouse enclosure 13 has a length 30 from the east wall 60 to the west wall 70. The length 30 may be the length of the gable. The south extension 20 has a plurality of south extension windows 21 that make up the majority of the surface area of the south extension. The south extension windows may be configured more proximal to the south wall than the gable, leaving a gap that may be used for a phase change material 100, as this elevated position will have a larger temperature change throughout the day and night. The portion of the south extension from the south extension windows to the gable may be insulated to prevent heat loss.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 7, an exemplary greenhouse 10 has a north wall 50 with no windows. The north wall may be insulated having insulation 58 to prevent heat loss. The north wall comprises wall supports 59, such as studs to provide structural support and weight bearing of the roof. The north extension 24 may also have no windows and may comprise insulation 26 and roof supports 29, such as rafters that extend from the top of the north wall to the gable 24. The north wall has a height 52 and a length 30. As described herein, a headhouse may be configured along at least a portion of the north wall.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 8, an exemplary greenhouse 10 has an offset gable roof 15, wherein the gable depth 33, or distance from the south wall 40 to the gable 22, is greater than the distance from the north wall 50 to the gable. The south extension 20 has a south extension window depth 92 that is a distance from the south wall to the furthermost south extension window 21 from the south wall. As described herein, the south extension windows may be configured more proximal to the south wall than to the gable for improved light transmission into the greenhouse enclosure 13 and for insulation of the top portion of the greenhouse. A phase change material may be configured in the gap between the south extension windows and the gable and may be configured on the north extension. The south extension area may be substantially south extension windows, wherein at least 75% of the area is windows, or at least 85% or 95% of the area is windows.
[0078] As shown in FIG. 9, an exemplary greenhouse 10 has an offset gable roof 15 and a reflective surface 58 on the north wall 50, or inside surface 54 to reflect that the interior light 122 that passes through the south extension windows 21. The reflected light 124 from the inside surface 54 of the north wall 50 provides diffuse reflected light to the plants 90, configured in the greenhouse. The unique geometry of the greenhouse described herein, provides reflected light 124, that may be multi-directional or diffuse reflected light to plants located in any location in the interior of the greenhouse, such as proximal the south wall and proximal the north wall. A reflective sheet 55 is shown extending down a portion of the depth of the north wall and may comprise a reflective surface 58 and/or a Power Light reflector 66. A Power Light reflector 66 is configured as a panel or sheet within the greenhouse and along a row of plants 90. This Power Light reflector will receive light reflected from the plants and from the rest of the greenhouse and transmit Power light 126.
[0079] FIG. 10 shows the general shape and design of the exemplary greenhouse 10 described in Example 1. The greenhouse is configured with the south wall 40 facing south and the south extension 20 having south extension windows 21 extending from the south wall to the gable 22. The south extension consists essentially of windows, wherein the south extension surface area is at least 90% window and comprises windows and supports that are no more than about 10% of the width of the window, or preferably no more than about 5% of the width of the window, measured from east to west, as shown. A headhouse 110 is located along the north wall. The depth of the greenhouse is about 12.8 m (42 ft) and the length along the south wall is 22 m (72 ft). The ratio of length to depth is almost two. The north wall height is 6.1 m (20 ft) and the south wall height is 3.05 m (10 ft). The headhouse has a width of 3.05 m (10 ft) and a length of 22 m (72 ft). The headhouse does not have to have the same length as the greenhouse.
[0080] FIG. 11 shows the light intensity in the greenhouse of Example 1, compared to the light intensity on the ground and in a conventional greenhouse as a function of the month of the year in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. As shown the greenhouse of Example 1 produces a much higher light intensity than what is incident on the ground or within a conventional greenhouse, such as described in the Comparative Example. Both the Example 1 and conventional greenhouse have similar dimensions: length 30 m (100 ft), width 7 m (23 ft) and height 4.9 m (16 ft). In this case, the Example 1 is a single slope greenhouse with the highest point at the north wall
[0081] FIG. 12 shows a table of data comparing the light intensity of the exemplary greenhouse of Example 1, to the light intensity on the ground and in a conventional greenhouse as a function of the month of the year and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The production difference percentages for the greenhouse of Example 1 are very high, as shown in FIG. 13. As shown in Table 2, the production difference over a conventional greenhouse, as detailed in the Comparative Example, is about 200% over the entire year and about 250% over the winter months. This is a dramatic improvement in light intensity and therefore production. In this calculation we assume the same light transmission material for both greenhouses (80%). There is no light absorption for the outdoor light since it is not covered by glazing materials.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Production Production Difference between Difference between Example 1 and ground and Example conventional 1 Greenhouse greenhouse AVG 159% 198% AVG Winter Months 198% 248% (October-March)
[0082] FIG. 14 shows a table of data comparing the light intensity of the exemplary greenhouse of Example 1, to the light intensity on the ground and in a conventional greenhouse as a function of the month of the year and located in Boulder, Colo. The production difference percentages for the greenhouse of Example 1 are very high, as shown in FIG. 14. As shown in Table 3 the production difference over a conventional greenhouse, as detailed in the Comparative Example, is 120% over the entire year and 130% over the winter months. This is a dramatic improvement in light intensity especially in the winter months in which any Improvement in light Increases production by equal amounts.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Production Production Difference between Difference between Example 1 and ground and Example conventional 1 Greenhouse greenhouse AVG 113% 120% AVG Winter Months 122% 130% (October-March)
[0083] It is to be understood that the GAHT system may be configured with any of the greenhouses shown in FIGS. 1 to 10. The GAHT system is shown separately for ease of illustration only. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, an exemplary GAHT system 210 has an upper manifold 250 and a lower manifold 260 that extend under the greenhouse to control the temperature within the greenhouse. The upper manifold comprises a series of extension conduits 254 that extend under the floor 223 of the greenhouse 212. The upper manifold is connected with an inlet conduit 241 having an inlet 240 for drawing air in from the interior of the greenhouse enclosure 220. The inlet 240 may be configured proximal to the top or ceiling 221 of the greenhouse, wherein the air may be warmer than air more proximal to the floor 223 of the greenhouse. The inlet conduit may extend to the inlet transverse conduit 252, having the extension conduits 254 extending therefrom. The extension conduits 254 extend under the floor to the outlet transverse conduit 256 which is coupled with the outlet conduit 271 having an outlet 270 within the interior of the greenhouse and more proximal to the floor than the inlet 240. An exemplary GAHT system may also have a lower manifold 260 that extends under the greenhouse a greater depth from the floor of the greenhouse than the upper manifold. The lower manifold may extend a depth from the floor wherein the temperature of the soil is more consistent than the upper manifold. The lower manifold may be used to cool the greenhouse when the temperature approaches an upper threshold limit. The lower manifold comprises a series of extension conduits 264 that extend under the greenhouse floor 223. The lower manifold is connected with an inlet conduit 243 having an inlet 242 for drawing air in from the interior of the greenhouse 212 enclosure 220. The inlet 242 may be configured proximal to the top or ceiling 221 of the greenhouse, wherein the air may be warmer than air more proximal to the floor 223 of the greenhouse. The inlet conduit 243 extends to the inlet transverse conduit 262, having the extension conduits extending therefrom. The extension conduits 264 extend under the greenhouse to the transverse conduit 266 which is coupled with the outlet conduit 273 having an outlet 272 within the interior of the greenhouse and more proximal to the floor than the inlet 240. The exemplary GAHT system may be used to control the temperature within the greenhouse, by pumping air from the greenhouse through one or more of the upper and lower manifold. The manifolds are in thermal communication with the heat reservoir 285 and exchange heat with the heat reservoir to change the temperature of the greenhouse air flow as it moves through the GAHT system. An air moving device 213, 213 such as a fan or pump may be coupled with an inlet 242, 240, or outlet 270, 272 to move air through the GAHT system. A controller 74 may turn on the GAHT system when the temperature, as measured by a temperature sensor 73 indicates that the temperature has reached an upper or lower threshold limit. For example, when the temperature approaches an upper threshold limit during daylight hours, the lower manifold may be used to reduce the temperature within the greenhouse by pumping air from an inlet 270, proximal to the ceiling of the greenhouse, through the lower manifold, and out an outlet more proximal to the floor of the greenhouse than said inlet.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 17, an exemplary GAHT system 210 comprises thermal reservoirs 290 configured between and upper manifold 250 and the lower manifold 260. The thermal reservoirs may be water reservoirs 292, such as barrels. The thermal reservoirs 290 may be connected with a thermal medium inlet reservoir 300 and a thermal medium outlet reservoir 302. A thermal medium pump 313 may move the thermal medium to the thermal medium conduit 350 and may be a pump, fan or any other device for moving a fluid through a conduit. The thermal medium conduit 350 may be in thermal communication with the heat reservoir 285, such as the soil in and around the GAHT manifold or may be coupled with any of the conduits of the GAHT system. Valves may open and dose coupling with the GAHT conduit to allow a flow of thermal medium therein or therearound. A thermal medium conduit may have apertures to allow a release of thermal medium into the heat reservoir, such as into the soil or thermal mass configured around the GAHT conduits. A thermal medium, or hydronic fluid, such as water, glycol or a solution containing glycol, may be pumped into the thermal reservoirs from the thermal medium inlet reservoir 300 and out of the thermal reservoirs to the thermal medium outlet reservoir 302 to control the temperature within the greenhouse. The thermal medium inlet reservoir may be temperature controlled, such as by being heated above ambient temperatures or cooled below ambient temperatures, to control the temperature inside of the greenhouse. For example, on hot days the greenhouse may approach an upper threshold temperature and cool water from the thermal medium inlet reservoir 300 may be pumped into the thermal reservoirs 290 to reduce the temperature within the greenhouse, wherein the GAHT system 210 provides cooling air as it is circulated through the upper and/or lower manifolds. A thermal medium may be heated by a hot water heater, or by flowing it through a photovoltaic panel 310 to draw heat from the photovoltaic panel, or by flowing it through compost 320 which generates heat as the part of the degradation process. Note that the flow of thermal medium to and from the GAHT may flow direct from the heating sources, such as the compost or photovoltaic panels or may flow to a thermal medium reservoir 300 and then to the GAHT as shown. A thermal medium may be air, such as from the exterior of the greenhouse or interior of the greenhouse, and may be heated or cooled by flowing through a thermal exchange device.
[0085] As shown in FIG. 18, an exemplary GAHT system 210 comprises GAHT conduits 294 extending around the thermal reservoirs 290 for heat exchange through conduction with the thermal reservoirs. As shown, four water reservoirs 292 have GAHT conduits that spiral around the barrels to provide conduction with the thermal reservoirs. Also, a thermal medium inlet reservoir 300 and thermal medium outlet reservoir 302 are coupled with the thermal medium reservoirs to provide a flow of thermal medium, such as water from the thermal medium inlet reservoir 300 to the thermal medium outlet reservoir 302. This arrangement provides an inlet and outlet flow of thermal medium 304 to and from the thermal reservoirs. The thermal medium inlet reservoir 300 and/or the thermal medium outlet reservoir 302 may be configured inside or outside of the greenhouse. Also, the thermal reservoirs may be configured in dose proximity to or in contact with floor 223 of the greenhouse.
[0086] FIG. 19 shows a diagram of a solar dehumidification system using liquid absorbents. Humid air inside the greenhouse is dried in a vertical counter flow absorber. The dried air is released into the greenhouse. The liquid is pumped outside of the greenhouse into an horizontal solar heater. Once the liquid is heated above 60 C (140F) the liquid releases the water to the outside air. The dried liquid is pumped back to the greenhouse.
[0087] FIG. 20 shows a table of the energy usage of an exemplary greenhouse located in Leadville. Colo, at an altitude of 3200 m (10500 ft) (see FIG. 10). The electricity use for this greenhouse is relatively high because grow lights (Gavita Brand 1000 W) are used to increase production in this greenhouse between 4 to 6 hrs/day. The energy use for the operation of the GAHT fans is less than 1000/mo. The average nighttime temperature in Leadville in the winter months is 15 C. The GAHT system is the main source of heating in this greenhouse.
[0088] FIG. 21 show a table comparing the energy usage of an exemplary greenhouse and a standard commercial building. Both buildings energy usage has been calculated using the Sefaira energy calculation software. We are comparing a standard commercial building with the greenhouse because the municipality would not allow construction of the greenhouse unless it had a similar energy use to a standard commercial building. The Sefaira software did not allow the inclusion of the GAHT system into the model. The actual energy usage of the greenhouse as seen in FIG. 20 is very close to the predicted usage.
Example 1
[0089] An exemplary greenhouse of the present invention as generally shown in FIG. 10, having a length along the south wall of about 30 m (100 ft) and a width of about 10 m (30 ft) was used for light modeling as detailed in FIGS. 12 to 15. For the model, the north and south walls were 2.4 m (8 ft) tall and the gable was 4.3 m (14 ft) and offset. The south extension portion of the roof was about 7.2 m (23.5 ft) long and the north extension portion of the roof was about 2.1 m (7 ft). The gable was offset much closer to the north wall than the south wall. The bottom 0.6 m (2 ft) of the south was insulated and the remainder of the south wall as well as the entire south extension was windows, having a 2.5 R value. The east wall, west wall and north wall were closed and insulated for the model. All areas that were insulated had a 21R value, for the model.
[0090] For modeling and calculations as detailed in FIGS. 20, and 21, the air infiltration in Example 1 was 0.5/hour which means half of the inside volume of the greenhouse was exchanged with outside air per hour. Also, the GAHT system and phase change material system was used in the model to provide a reduction in power consumption by 75%. In most greenhouses similar to Example 1 the energy savings over conventional greenhouses in cold climates is 75% up to 95% and even 99%.
Comparative Example
[0091] A standard greenhouse having a length of 30 m (100 ft) and width of 10 m (30 ft) but oriented with a center gable extending east/west was used for the comparative model. The entire structure was windows having a 1.5R value. Also, for the models as detailed in FIGS. 20 and 21, the air infiltration was 3.0, or six times that of Example 1.
[0092] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Specific embodiments, features and elements described herein may be modified, and/or combined in any suitable manner. Thus, it is Intended that the present invention cover the modifications, combinations and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
