COURSE CODE: ABE 580

COURSE TITLE: PROJECT

DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF AUTOMATIC SOLAR SYSTEM FOR REGULATION

OF TEMPERATURES IN A GREEN HOUSE FOR PRODUCTION OF TOMATOES.
PROPOSAL PRESENTED BY:
STEPHEN MUCHERU ABE/509/11
AND
JOHN KANENE ABE/516/11

Submitted to the department of agricultural and Biosystems engineering in partial fulfillment of

the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of engineering in Agricultural and Biosystems
Engineering of University of Eldoret.

2nd march 2016

DECLARATION

We declare that this proposal is our original work and best of our knowledge has not been
presented for a degree in any other university.

SIGN . DATE.
STEPHEN MUCHERU
ABE /509/11
SIGN . DATE.
JOHN KANENE
ABE/516/11

DECLARATION BY SUPERVISORS
This proposal has been submitted for recommendation with our approval as university
supervisors;
SUPERVISORS
1. Eng. Tonui sign date.

2. Mr. Toromo sign date.

DEDICATION
We dedicate this project to our parents and fellow colleagues for their encouragement and financial support.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to our project supervisors Eng. Tonui
and Mr. Toromo for giving us this opportunity to work under their esteemed guidance. We are
greatly indebted to them for their invaluable advice and support. We are grateful to Eng. Mulindi,
coordinator in charge of projects, department of agricultural and Biosystems engineering and we
also appreciate the efforts put in by our friends during various stages of our project proposal
work.

TABLE OF CONTENT

DECLARATION............................................................................................................. i
DECLARATION BY SUPERVISORS................................................................................. i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS............................................................................................. iii
ABSTRACT................................................................................................................. vi
1.1 INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................... 1
1.1.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION..........................................................................1
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM...........................................................................2
1.3 OBJECTIVES........................................................................................................ 3
1.3.1 MAIN OBJECTIVE............................................................................................ 3
1.3.2 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES..................................................................................... 3
1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS....................................................................................... 3
1.4 JUSTIFICATION................................................................................................... 3
1.5 LIMITATION AND SCOPE..................................................................................... 3
2.0LITERATURE REVIEW............................................................................................. 4
2.1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION................................................................................ 4
2.2 TYPES OF VENTILATION..................................................................................... 4
2.2.1 Natural Ventilation...................................................................................... 4
2.2.2 Open-Roof Greenhouses..............................................................................5
2.2.3 Evaporative cooling..................................................................................... 6
2.2.4 Fan Ventilation............................................................................................. 6
2.3 HEATING METHODS............................................................................................ 7
2.3.1 Unit Space Heater....................................................................................... 7
2.3.2 Hot Water Systems...................................................................................... 7
2.3.3 Steam Heating System................................................................................7
2.3.4 Unit Radiant Heaters...................................................................................8
2.3.5 Poly-Tube Systems....................................................................................... 8
2.4 Greenhouse heating requirements.............................................................................. 9
2.5

Working out how much heating is needed.................................................................9

2.5.1 Calculating the total heat load (Q T)...........................................................9

2.5.2 Heat load due to conduction (QC)..............................................................10

2.5.3 Heat transfer values..................................................................................10

2.6 Surface area of greenhouse..................................................................................... 11
2.6.1 Gable type greenhouse............................................................................. 11
2.6.2 Tunnel house............................................................................................. 11
2.6.3 Straight walled curved roof.......................................................................12
2.6 .4 Temperature difference ()......................................................................12
2.6.5 Calculating heat load due conduction.......................................................13
2.6.6 Heat load due to leakage (QL)...................................................................13
2.7 Calculating greenhouse air volume...........................................................................14
2.8 Heater capacity.................................................................................................... 15
2.9 FAN SELECTION:............................................................................................... 15
2.9.1Centrifugal Fans......................................................................................... 15
2.9.1Axial Fans................................................................................................... 15
2.9.3 Fan characteristics.................................................................................... 16
3.1METHODOLGY AND MATERIALS...........................................................................17
3.2 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................ 17
3.3 DESIGN OF THE ROCK BED..............................................................................18
3.3.1 Collector area, A........................................................................................ 18
3.3.2 Absorber plate........................................................................................... 18
3.3.3 Sizing the rock bed storage.......................................................................18
3.3.4 Sizing the delivery duct............................................................................. 19
3.4 CONSTRUCTION METHOD................................................................................ 20
3.4.1Greenhouse................................................................................................ 20
3.4.2Rock bed.................................................................................................... 20
3.4.3Fan selection.............................................................................................. 20
3.5 TESTING........................................................................................................ 20
Figure 1: A sketch of the rock bed.........................................................................21
Figure 2: A sketch of the greenhouse model.........................................................22
5.0 DURATION AND TIMELINE................................................................................... 22
6.0 BUDGET............................................................................................................... 23
7.0 REFERENCES....................................................................................................... 23

ABSTRACT
Green houses are designed to support growth of crops under a variety of regulated environmental
conditions such as temperature, humidity, light etc. Temperature being among them should be
maintained at levels optimum for growth of a specific crop. However, it may be expensive to
regulate the temperatures especially by use electricity means. Energy cost can be reduced by use
of automatic solar system. Solar energy can be harnessed by a variety of ways. In our case a rock
bed is used. The rock bed is a rectangular block constructed from sheet of metal and filled will
black stone pebbles. The top of the rock bed is covered by a transparent glass. During the day the
glass traps solar energy. The energy heats up the air which is then stored by the rock pebbles.
During the night when the temperatures are low in the green house, the valve on the delivery
duct is opened to allow warm air into the green house. The warm air once inside, is distributed
throughout the entire greenhouse by the fan. The whole set up is covered by a lagging material to
minimize heat loss. During the day temperatures are regulated by use of a thermostat controlled
fan. The fan runs once the set temperature is reached and cools the greenhouse up to a certain
point. The set point will be in accordance to the tomato crop requirements

CHAPTER ONE
1.1 INTRODUCTION
1.1.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Green house technology has come a long way since the time of ancient roman, but the concept of
the enclosed structure providing a special environment is essentially the same today. Green
houses have walls and roofs made chiefly of transparent material such as glass in which plant
requiring regulated climatic conditions are grown. The structures range in size from small sheds
to industrial sized buildings. The interior of the greenhouse exposed to sunlight becomes
significantly warmer than the external ambient temperature protecting its content in cold
weather. Solar energy has always been a viable option for the energy problems faced by the
world. Solar energy is the radiation resulted by nuclear fusion reactions in the sun. The 30% of
the solar power actually reaches the Earth, every 20 minutes the sun produces enough power to
supply the earth with its needs for an entire year1. This solar radiation can be directly converted
into heat. Many different kinds of equipment are available for this conversion. These can help
lessen the impact of domestic sector on the environment. Flat plate collectors have been in
service for a long time without any significant changes in their design and operational principles.
Energy can be stored in rocks or pebbles packed in insulated vessels. This type of storage is used
very often for temperatures up to100 C in conjunction with solar air heaters. It is simple in
design and relatively inexpensive. Typically, the characteristic size of the pieces of rock used
varies from 1 to 5 cm. An approximate rule of thumb for sizing is to use 300 to 500 kg of rock
per square meter of collector area for space heating applications. Rock or pebble-bed storages
can also be used for much higher temperatures up to 1000 C. storage of solar energy offers a
number of advantages in that the raw materials are safe, durable, easily obtained and stable over
a wide range of temperatures. Recently the author (Barton, 2012b) developed a new
computational for air blown thermal storage and used it to study thermal charging and
discharging of pebble beds. Presently most thermal storage devices use sensible heat storage and
a good technology is developed for the design of such systems. However, above 100oC, the
storage tank must be able to contain water at its vapor pressure and the storage tank cost rises
sharply for temperatures above this point. Organic oils molten salts and liquid metals do not
exhibit the same pressure problems but their use is limited because of their handling,

containment, storage capacities and cost. Between liquid materials, water appears to be the most
convenient because it is inexpensive and has a high specific heat.
The difficulties and limitations relative to liquids can be avoided by using solid materials for
storing thermal energy as sensible heat. But larger amounts of solids are needed than using water,
due to the fact that solids, in general, exhibit a lower storing capacity than water. The cost of the
storage e media per unit energy stored is, however, still acceptable for rocks.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Green houses play a crucial role in the agriculture sector especially in the production of
vegetables and horticultural products. Higher yields are realized in crops grown under regulated
climatic conditions as in the case of green houses. However, these temperatures may rise or fall
to extreme levels affecting normal growth of plants. In growth of tomatoes flowering is affected
when the night temperatures fall below 13. During the day when temperatures rises beyond
32, scorching and development of immature fruits is experienced. Therefore, it is important to
device a way of regulating the inside temperature to a level that is optimum for maximum crop
yields during the day and night. By construction of a solar regulation system that is cost effective
and reliable, problems associated with overheating and excess cold in the green house will be
averted and ensure there is uniform distribution of temperatures inside the green house for
maximum production.

1.3

OBJECTIVES

1.3.1 MAIN OBJECTIVE

The main objective is to design and fabricate automatic solar system for regulation of
temperatures in a greenhouse for production of tomatoes.
1.3.2 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
The specific objectives are:
1. To design a greenhouse model and a rock bed.
2. To construct a rock bed.
3. To test the solar regulation system.

1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

I.
What is the optimum temperature for proper growth of tomatoes?
II.
What are the temperature variations in the green house during the day and night?
1.4 JUSTIFICATION
The inside temperature of a greenhouse is a crucial determinant of the wellbeing of the
crops. This means it should always be maintained at levels suitable for growth of crops
during the day and night. However, it sometimes proves expensive to maintain the
temperature at required levels through use of methods like electric fans. With the use of
an automatic solar system expenses are greatly reduced in terms of power and
convenience is guaranteed. During the day solar energy is tapped and stored in a rock
bed. It is released at night into the green house when temperatures fall below a certain
level warming the green house. During the day when temperatures rises beyond a certain
level the fan automatically runs cooling the green house.

1.5 LIMITATION AND SCOPE

The use of solar regulation system is only limited to small scale green houses.

CHAPTER TWO
2.0LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Temperature regulation is one of the most important aspect in a successful green house. If
adequate temperature regulation is not provided plant can become prone to problems. The main
purpose of temperature regulation is to bring temperature and humidity to the optimum levels
during the day and night and to ensure movement of air and thus prevent buildup of plant
pathogens that thrive in still air conditions. Effective temperature regulation also ensures supply
of fresh air for photosynthesis and plant respiration and enable important pollinators to access the
crops. Regardless of the method of temperature regulation used, it is important to ensure that the
system is designed properly
2.2 TYPES OF VENTILATION.
2.2.1 Natural Ventilation
The concept of cooling a greenhouse with thermal buoyancy and wind goes back to the
beginning of controlled environment. All greenhouses built prior to the 1950's had some form of
vents or louvers that were opened to allow the excess heat to escape and cooler outside air to
enter. When polyethylene was developed, with large sheets covering the whole roof, placing
vents on the roof proved difficult. Engineers then came up with the concept of using fans that
draw outside air through louvers in one end wall and exhaust it out the opposite end. With
thermostatic control, this was, and still is, the accepted method for cooling many structures
where positive air movement is needed. Growers with high tunnels have found that roll-up sides
work well for warm season natural ventilation. Both manual and motorized systems are
available. A location with good summer breezes and plenty of space between houses is needed. It
helps to have greenhouses designed with a vertical sidewall up to the height of the attachment
rail to reduce the amount of rain that can drip in. Greenhouses with roof and sidewall vents
operate on the principle that heat is removed by a pressure difference created by wind and
temperature gradients. Wind plays the major role. In a well-designed greenhouse, a wind speed
of 2-3 miles/hour provides 80% or more of the maximum possible ventilation. Wind passing over
the roof creates a vacuum and sucks the heated air out the vent. If sidewall vents are open, cool
4

replacement air enters and drops to the floor level. If the sidewall vents are closed, cool air enters
the bottom of the roof vent and the heated are escapes from the top of the vent. Buoyancy, the
effect of warm, moist air rising, also aids ventilation. Heavy cool air near the floor becomes
lighter as it is heated and rises towards the roof. On cool days the large temperature difference
creates excellent air exchange. On hot days the temperature difference can be only 5 or 10
degrees and the buoyancy effect is almost nonexistent. The trend toward taller greenhouses have
helped in because it allows the hot air to be above the plants. Horizontal air flow fans should be
shut off to avoid destratifying the warm air. Roof and side vents on conventional greenhouses
need to be large enough to get good air movement. The American Society of Agricultural
Engineers recommends that the combined sidewall vent area should equal the combined ridge
vent area and each should be 15 to 20% of the floor area. The best orientation for the greenhouse
is to have the normal summer wind direction blow over the ridge so that it creates a vacuum on
the leeward ridge vent. For summer ventilation, the windward side vent opening should equal the
leeward ridge vent opening. Until the development of the open-roof greenhouse concept, cooling
large gutter-connected structures was difficult especially in southern climates. Area for sidewall
vents is usually limited, and passing cool outside air and warm inside air through the roof vents
usually results in uneven cooling.
2.2.2 Open-Roof Greenhouses
Open-roof greenhouses are structures that allow the entire roof to be retracted leaving the
plants open to the sky. These are available from most major manufacturers and have been
growing in popularity. Most designs use standard vent hardware and controls to operate the roof
system. Some maybe roof panels that are hinged at the gutter and open upward. Others have
panels that are hinged at the ridge and one gutter and slide sideways on Teflon bearings. The size
of the opening can be controlled from 0% to about 75%. Most designs use rubber gasketing to
seal the joints. During warm weather, the temperature inside the greenhouse can be maintained
within a degree or two of outside temperature with little or no energy needed. Many growers
have found that this shortens production time and produces a better quality plant. Depending on
design and orientation, the crops may receive more light during the middle of the day than in a
conventional greenhouse or less light in early morning or late afternoon due to more layers of
glazing that it has to pass through. Further research is needed in this area. To get adequate
cooling on hot, sunny days, a shade system may be needed. It should be porous so that the heat
5

generated below can escape up through the shade material. Evaporative cooling, either a fog
system or portable evaporative coolers, can give added cooling. A large number of hanging
baskets tends to reduce natural cooling.
2.2.3 Evaporative cooling
Evaporative systems for cooling greenhouses have been developed to provide the desired
growing conditions in the greenhouse during the hot period of the year. Various studies on
evaporative cooling systems applied to horticulture, mainly fog and pad and fan systems, were
already published, and among others, those by Montero et al. (1981, 1990) and Giacomelli et al.
(1985). Most of these works analyses the thermodynamic efficiency of the system and its
climatic effects. Seginer (1994) found that evaporative cooling systems are mainly effective
when crop transpiration is low, and Fuchs (1993) reported that a highly transpiring crop combine
with a proper ventilation rate is the most effective mechanism to keep leaf temperatures
moderate. A theoretical study was conducted by Arbel et al. (1999) to evaluate an evaporative
cooling system for greenhouses by installing uniformly distributed fog generating nozzles in the
space over the plants. More recently, Willits (2003) proposed a numerical model to predict air
and crop temperatures as a function of ventilation rate and external temperature.
The main advantage of fan and pad evaporative cooling system lies in its simplicity of operation
and control and also in that it does not entail any risk of wetting the foliage.
The main drawback is high cost and lack of uniformity of the climatic conditions which
expressed with large temperature and humidity gradients along the greenhouse from evaporative
pads to exhaust fans.

2.2.4 Fan Ventilation

Fan systems can provide well-controlled air movement through the greenhouse under all weather
conditions. As the fans exhaust the heated air, a slight vacuum is created that draws in cooler
outside air through louvers, open doors and cracks. The main advantage of fan systems over
natural ventilation is that they provide precise airflow that operates regardless of the outdoor
wind speed.
6

2.3 HEATING METHODS

Heating is used to provide optimal temperatures for crop growth and for management of the
humidity in the greenhouse. Heating may be needed throughout the year, not just in winter. Heat
should ideally be applied as low as possible in the greenhouse (with the exception of "grow
pipes") and distributing heat evenly is essential for optimal crop production.
2.3.1 Unit Space Heater
Unit space heaters, either floor mounted or supported, are normally fueled with natural or bottled
gas or fuel oil and use fans for heat distribution. This system requires a relatively moderate
capital investment, is easy to install, and provides for easy expansion of facilities. If unit air
heaters are used, they should be spaced and directed to blanket the entire area with heated air.
These units produce carbon dioxide gas, which is necessary for improved plant growth.
However, other gases that are harmful to humans (carbon monoxide) and many plants (ethylene,
Sulphur dioxide and unburned hydrocarbons) are also by-products of combustion. These can
cause serious problems if the exhaust gases from unit heaters are not properly vented to the
outside and if adequate intake air is not available for combustion
2.3.2 Hot Water Systems
Hot water systems utilizing piping that can be perimeter, under benches, or overhead fan forced
unit heaters can be used. These require a boiler, valves, and other necessary controls. However, a
hot water system is simpler to install and normally requires less maintenance than a steam
system. There are slower heating and cooling of pipes, but temperatures are normally more
uniform. Hot water systems are mainly used in smaller ranges.
2.3.3 Steam Heating System
A steam heating system needs a boiler, valves, traps and other controls depending upon the size
and type of boiler used. Steam provides rapid heating and cooling of the steam lines and usually
less pipe is needed. Lines may be smooth or finned, and about l/3 of the heat should be overhead
and about 2/3 along the side walls. Lines can also be arranged under benches or with overhead
fan-forced unit heaters. A steam system also allows the use of steam for soil pasteurization. A
7

steam system requires a high initial investment; however, it has a long life expectancy. Steam
heating systems are most often used in large ranges as steam can be transported long distances
efficiently.
2.3.4 Unit Radiant Heaters
Unit radiant heaters using gas of the "Salamander" grove heater (return stack) type and which use
fuel oil may be used for frost protection. These are not recommended for routine greenhouse
heating because they are not thermostatically controlled making temperature control difficult.
Also, because they are not vented to the outside of the greenhouse, combustion gases will
damage sensitive plant material.
2.3.5 Poly-Tube Systems
Poly-tube or fan-jet systems are frequently used to provide more uniform heat distribution, air
movement, and ventilation in greenhouses using any of the above heat source systems. However,
they are most frequently installed in conjunction with unit heaters. The velocity of air discharged
from openings in the tube should not exceed 1200 to 1800 feet per minute (fpm). The volume of
the openings (total) should be 1.5-2.0 times the cross-sectional area of the tube.

2.4 Greenhouse heating requirements

Three ways heat is lost from the greenhouse

1. Conduction direct movement through structural materials
2. Leakage hot air escaping through gaps and doorways
3. Radiation radiate energy moving directly through covering materials
The main basis for heating in a greenhouse is the replacement of lost heat. Heat can be lost
through conduction, leakage and radiation. Most heat is lost through conduction, where heat
energy is transferred directly through covering materials and the structure to the outside
atmosphere.
Leakage of air accounts for the next greatest amount of lost heat. In a well-constructed and
maintained structure as much as 10% of heat loss can still be due to leakage. In greenhouses with
poorly fitting doors, partially opened vents, other gaps or broken covering materials,
significantly more heat can be lost this way. The heat lost through radiation depends on the
covering material. It is often ignored. Glass will not allow much heat to be lost through radiation,
though polyethylene film is practically transparent to thermal radiation.

2.5

Working out how much heating is needed

Heat losses are worked out for the coldest expected night temperatures. This then gives the
maximum heating capacity needed. Heater capacity is calculated from the heat load (Q) of the
greenhouse and the heater efficiency.
2.5.1 Calculating the total heat load (QT)
The total heat load is the sum of the amount of heat loss through all three different processes
conduction (QC) + Leakage (QL) + Radiation (QR);
QT = QC + QL + QR
Radiation is the third way in which heat can be lost from the greenhouse. The heat load through
radiation (QR) depends on the cove ring material. Glass does not permit much heat to escape
through radiation, but basic polythene covering materials can. There are, however, a number of
plastic films are on the market today that restrict thermal radiation. These are known as thermic
films. The loss due to radiation is generally ignored, so the total heat load is;
9

QT = QC + QL

2.5.2 Heat load due to conduction (QC)

Conduction the transfer of heat through the structural materials is the main way that heat is
lost. Different materials have a different conduction values. These are referred to as U values or
heat transfer values. They are measured in Watts per square metre per degree Kelvin or you may
find them in Btu per hour per square foot per degree Fahrenheit. You also need to know the
surface area of the greenhouse and the difference between the temperature set point for your crop
and the coldest outside temperature.

2.5.3 Heat transfer values

Covering material

U value
Watts / m2
7.5 8.5
4.0 5.0
6.8
3.5
7.0 8.0
6.5
2.8

Single polythene plastic film

Double polythene plastic film
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate double walled
Glass 3 mm
Glass 6 mm
Thermal screen

Btu / hr. sq. F

1.2 1.5
0.7 0.9
1.2
0.6
1.2 1.4
1.15
0.5

2.6 Surface area of greenhouse

The amount of heat that can be transferred out of the greenhouse is dependent on the surface area
of the structure. A large surface area can lose more heat than a smaller surface area over the same
period of time. The surface area of the greenhouse is referred to as 'SA' and is measured in
square metres. The area includes the roof and all the walls of the greenhouse.
2.6.1 Gable type greenhouse

10

For a gable type greenhouse, you need to measure the total height to the roof peak (H), the height
of the gutter or eave (G), the width (W), the length (L) and the width of the roof slope (S).
The surface area is sum of the following:
Area of side walls = 2 x (L x G)
Area of sloping roof = 2 x (L x S)
Area of end walls = 2 x [(G x W) + (0.5 x (H - G)) x W]
Total surface area = Area of side walls + area of roof + area of end walls
2.6.2 Tunnel house

For a tunnel house, you need to measure the height (H), the width (W), the length (L) and the
length of the curved frame (C).
The surface area is sum of the following:
Area of curved roof and walls = L x C
Area of end walls = 2 x x (h x w)
where = 3.14
Total surface area = Area of curved roof and walls + area of end walls

2.6.3 Straight walled curved roof

11

For a straight walled curved roof greenhouse, you need to measure the height of the curved
section (H), the width (W), the length (L) and the length of the curved frame (C). You also need
the height of the vertical section of the side (S).
The surface area is the sum of the following:
Area of curved roof and walls = L x C
Area of curved part of end walls = 2 x x (h x w) where = 3.14
Area of rectangular side walls = 2 x L x S
Area of rectangular part of end walls = 2 x W x S
Total surface area = Area of curved roof and walls + area of curved part of end walls +
area of rectangular side walls + area of rectangular part of end walls

2.6 .4 Temperature difference ()

The temperature difference (), called "delta T", is the difference between the minimum required
temperature in the greenhouse and the lowest outside temperature. The required temperature in
the greenhouse is the set point that you want to achieve. This may be a compromise temperature
to reduce heating costs. For example, while you may want a minimum night temperature of
19C, to reduce your heating costs, you might decide to use a set point of 17C instead.
If the lowest outside temperature is 1C and your set point is 17C, the T is 16 degrees.
2.6.5 Calculating heat load due conduction
The heat load due to conduction (QC) in a greenhouse equals the heat loss (U) multiplied by
surface area (SA) multiplied by the temperature difference, divided by 1000. This will give you a
heat load in kilowatts (kW):
QC = (U x SA x T) / 1000
12

Additional accuracy in calculating the heat load can be achieved by including;

a) the effect of wind
Wind increases the removal of heat from the outside of the greenhouse so more heat can be
transferred faster. If you are in a particularly windy area, especially during winter, it is a good
idea to include it. The stronger the wind is, the greater the heat loss. A wind factor (W) is used in
the heat loss calculation.
QC = (U x SA x T x W) / 1000
b)

The amount of heat loss through the floor

the greenhouse floor is another surface where some heat can be lost. To include the loss of heat
through the floor, you will need a U value for the floor (e.g. poured concrete is about 1.1, black
plastic is about 2.7) and the surface area of the floor.
2.6.6 Heat load due to leakage (QL)
Air leakage is usually the second biggest source of heat loss from a greenhouse. To include the
heat load due to air leakage (QL), you will need to know the air volume of the greenhouse in
cubic metres (V), the number of air changes occurring (E) and the wind factor (W) and the
difference between your temperature set point and the outside minimum temperatures (T).
Leakage (QL) = 0.373 x T x V x E x W
For the wind factor (W), refer to the table below.

Table 2.6Wind Speed (km/hr.)

Wind factor (W)

< 25
30
35
40

1.0
1.025
1.05
1.075

13

2.7 Calculating greenhouse air volume

To calculate greenhouse air volume (V), imagine the structure as different shapes (rectangular,
triangular or half cylindrical) and use the following formulae.
Volume of a rectangular section
Formula:
Volume = Length x Width x Height

Volume of a gable section

Formula:
Volume = 0.5 x Length x Width x Height

Volume of a tunnel section

Formula:
Volume = Length x 6.28 x Width x Height
If the greenhouse is made up of more than one shape, work out the volume for each and add
them together. All dimensions should be in meters to give you a volume in cubic metres.
For the number of air changes (E), use the following table.

Greenhouse design

Air exchanges (E) (Leakage)

Single polythene film and metal frame

Double polythene film and metal frame
Single layer of glass and metal frame

1.0
0.7
1.08

14

2.8 Heater capacity

Once you know what the maximum heat load of your greenhouse is, you can work out what
capacity of heating system that you need. This is dependent on how efficient the heater is.
Heater capacity = Heat load of your greenhouse (Q) / Heater efficiency

2.9 FAN SELECTION:

2.9.1Centrifugal Fans
The centrifugal fans operate by throwing air away from the blade tips. The blade wheel is
mounted in housing and the blades can be forward curved, straight, or backward curved.
Backward curved blades are generally more efficient but forward curved blades are more "selfcleaning" and should be used in applications with high dust-concentrations, or where materials
are conveyed by the air. The centrifugal fans are preferred before axial fans where high airflow
rates and high static pressures are required.
2.9.1Axial Fans
Tube-axial fans consist of propeller-shaped blades and a drive motors mounted in tubes. The fans
are in general build to be implemented in the duct work. Vane-axial fans are variations of the
tube-axial fans with air straightening vanes added in front of or behind the propeller blades. A
propeller-axial fan consists of a propeller-shaped blade and a drive motor mounted on a flat
frame. The construction is often build to be installed in a wall or located individually in the
room.

2.9.3 Fan characteristics

15

Fan Type

Centrifugal

Wheel Type

Backward
Inclined

Static
Pressure
(inches Water
Gauge)
0 12

Backward
0 14
Inclined Airfoil

Wheel
Diameter
(inches)

Air Flow
Break Horse
(cubic feet per
Power
minute,
(bhp)
CPM)

10 75

500 - 125000

1/3 200

20 120

1500 - 450000 1/3 1500

Propeller Axial Direct Drive

01

10 50

50 - 50000

1/6 10

Tube Axial

Direct Drive

01

20 50

2500 - 50000

1/3 15

Tubular
Centrifugal

Backward
Inclined

0 10

10 110

500 - 350000

1/3 750

Vane Axial

Direct Drive

05

20 60

1200 - 150000 1/3 150

Centrifugal - flow within the fan is mainly radial to the shaft

Axial - flow within the fan is mainly parallel to the shaft

CHAPTER 3:

16

3.1METHODOLGY AND MATERIALS

3.2 INTRODUCTION
The project will involve design and construction of a greenhouse model, rock bed and a delivery
duct.
Materials for greenhouse model are:
i.
ii.

Polythene material.
Metal rods.

Materials for rock bed are;

i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.

Rock pebbles.
Metal sheet.
Lagging material.
Transparent glass.
Absorber plate.

The delivery duct will take the form of a pipe constructed from metal sheet. Other materials
include.
I.
II.
III.

Thermostat
Solar panel
fan

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3.3 DESIGN OF THE ROCK BED

3.3.1 Collector area, A
According to sukhatme (2008), collector rea varies from 1-2m2
In our design we chose a collector area of 0.25m2, both width and length being = 0.5m; giving an
effective collector area, A=0.25m2.
3.3.2 Absorber plate
The absorber plate is made of galvanized iron sheet (gauge 32) and is painted black to enhance
absorption of heat from the sun.
The sheet is also use as lining on the internal sides of the collector.
3.3.3 Sizing the rock bed storage
Mass of stone, m,
Using the collector area 0.25m2;
1m2ofcollector area uses 300kg of stones (Sukhatme, 2008)
Hence 0.25m2of collector area requires 0.25300=75kgof stones.

Volume of stones
According to (Ataer, 2006), approximate size of pieces of stones and recommended void ratio to
be used should be5-8cm and 30-33% respectively.
From (Sukhatme, 2008), density of stones, , =2245kg/m2, from our bedrock dimensions 75kg of
stones occupies 75/2245=0.0334m2.
Using e of 1.33; the design volume of stones, v, =1.330.0334= 0.0444m2.

Volume of rock bed storage

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From a research we conducted 75kg of stones were easily accommodated in a block measuring
1m0.5m0.5m.
Total volume=l h w=1m0.5m0.5m =0.25m2.

3.3.4 Sizing the delivery duct

Size of the duct should allow lamina flow of air to minimize heat and also enhance heat
absorption by the stone in the rock bed storage. In our design we use a 0.03m diameter duct.
Air velocity, v (m/s) in duct
Applying the continuity equation of flow i.e. Q1=Q2
Q=AV; hence V=Q/A
Where Q=volume of flow rate (m2/s),
A=cross sectional area of the pipe (m2),
V= velocity (m/s)
Therefore, air flow rate will be calculated using;
V=4Q/d2

3.4 CONSTRUCTION METHOD

3.4.1Greenhouse

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A gable type greenhouse model measuring 1m 1m0.8m will be constructed from metal bars
material. A polythene material will be fixed on the metal frames to cover the structure.

3.4.2Rock bed
A rectangular metal sheet block measuring 0.5m1m will be constructed. Black stone pebbles
will be filled in the block. The block will be covered on top by a transparent glass. The rock bed
will be connected to the green house by a duct measuring 1.5m length and 0.03m diameter. The
duct has a valve that will be opened at night when the temperature is low. During the day the
glass taps solar energy which is then stored in the rocks. During the night the warm air in the
rock bed is released in the greenhouse through the delivery duct. The whole structure will be
covered by a lagging material to reduce heat loss
3.4.3Fan selection
A centrifugal fan will be fixed inside the greenhouse to regulate the temperatures during the day.
The fan will be solar operated and automatically controlled by a thermostat. When the
temperatures go beyond a certain point the fan runs and cools the greenhouse up to the set point
depending on the tomato plant requirement. The fan will also distribute the warmth during the
night

3.5 TESTING
A thermometer will be used to determine the greenhouse temperatures during the day and night
and the response of the solar regulation system at different temperatures will be determined.

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Figure 1: A sketch of the rock bed

21

Figure 2: A sketch of the greenhouse model

5.0 DURATION AND TIMELINE

Duration
October-December
January-February

Activity
Introduce the project
Collection of data and estimation of
dimensions
Fabrication and testing

March- April

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6.0 BUDGET
DESIGN AND FABRICATION

KSH 10,000

FIELD AND DATA COLLECTION

KSH 3,000

MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES

KSH 2,000

TOTAL

KSH 15,000

7.0 REFERENCES
The Garden History Society, Garden History Advanced Horticultural Techniques
in Korea: The Earliest Documented Greenhouses. pp. 68-84. W. S. MANEY
AND SON LIMITED, 2007
A Dictionary of Physics (6 ed.), Oxford University Press, 2009, ISBN
9780199233991: "greenhouse effect"
http://www.cambridgeglasshouse.co.uk/news/history-of-the-greenhouse
"Sun Power e20 Module"
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 "Improving the efficiency of solar panels". The Hindu. 24 October 2013.

Retrieved 24 October 2013.
T. Tanaka, T. Tami, S. Sawata, K. Sakuta, and T. Horigome, Fundamental
studies on heat storage of solar energy, Solar Energy, vol. 19, no. 4, pp. 415
419, 1977. View at Google Scholar View at Scopus
E. Mohseni-Languri, H. Taherian, R. Masoodi, and J. R. Reisel, An energy and
exergy study of a solar thermal air collector, Thermal Science, vol. 13, no. 1, pp.
205216, 2009. View at Publisher View at Google Scholar View at Scopus
A. K. Bhargava, H. P. Garg, V. K. Sharma, and R. B. Mahajan, Investigation on
double-glazed solar air heater connected in series with rock bed solar collectorcum-storage system, Energy Conversion and Management, vol. 25, no. 2, pp.
139146, 1985. View at Publisher View at Google Scholar View at Scopus
Sukhatme SP Solar energy, McGrawHill, NY, 83-139, (1993)
S. P. Sukhatme (1991), Solar Energy, Principles of Thermal Collection and
Storage, Tata McGraw-Hill
Publishing Company Limited, New Delhi. [Solar engineering book with emphasis
on collection and storage of thermal energy.]

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