Cold Climate Solar Greenhouse Design Grant MacEwan University April 27, 2011 Andy Smith P. Eng. Rob Harlan
Year Round Food Production in Alberta?
Why? Greenhouse gas footprint of imported food Vulnerability to: peak oil, peak natural gas Fuel price instability Support the local economy Fresh, safe and nutritious food Food security
Cold Climate Solar Greenhouse Project Dr. Mohyuddin Mirza Glen Sweetman Dr. Nick Savidov Belinda Choban Dr. Huiqing Guo Mike Hill Dan Langford Gwen Simpson Shanthu Mano Godo Stoyke Jessica Roder Eva Bogdan William DeKramer Eckhart Stoyke Rob Avis Anaya Gene-Webb Henry Neufeld Peter Amerogen Brian Johnston Ed Weiss Paul Cabaj Steffan Bertelsen Alberta Greenhouse Growers Association Greenhouse Specialist Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Greenhouse Specialist Crop Diversification Centre South Greenhouse Specialist Crop Diversification Centre North University of Saskatchewan Solar Energy Society of Alberta SolNorth Engineering Inspired Market Gardens Carbon Busters Carbon Busters Canada Green Builders Association Community Futures Organic Master Gardener Programme Carbon Busters Verge Permaculture Amitola Design Concepts United Fabrication and Welding Habitat Studio Workshop SolNorth Engineering Solar Energy Society of Alberta Taktika Sustainability Strategies Saskatchewan Greenhouse Growers Association
Thanks to: Alberta Agriculture Growing Forward Programme University of Alberta Devonian Gardens Alberta Crop Diversification Centre North
China has over 650,000 acres of solar greenhouses 90% of Northern China s winter vegetables are grown in solar greenhouses
Q. Zhang University of Mannitoba
Summer Shading
Coal Heating
University of Manitoba
University of Manitoba Solar Greenhouse Project
Solar Greenhouse Temperature Monitoring Q. Zhang -University of Manitoba
Chinese Style Solar Greenhouse in Elie, Manitoba Feb. 19, 2005
Limitations of the Chinese Design: Labor intensive Exterior insulation - challenge of snow removal Significant heat loss through the glazing Soil thermal storage system is uninsulated Planting medium has been limited to soil Poly glazing wasteful, not very ecological Limited seasonal/annual storage capability
Active Solar Heating System Oneida First Nation - Wisconsin Richard Lane and Chuck Marten
The Community Greenhouse Project Invermere. BC Active Solar Heating System Annual Storage Photovoltaics
Active Solar Heating System www.greenhouse365.ca A -35 o C Day
Hardy Crops Kale Spinach Arugula Scallions Parsley Mizuma Endive Dandelion Claytonia Swiss Chard Green Chicory Internal Insulation Blanket Grow Tunnels
SOUTH R-40! insulation R-30 movable insulating blanket 8" concrete single pane glazing 8' R-5 R-5 movable movable insulating insulating blanket blanket 7' 15' 4" concrete R-40! insulation
Northern Alberta Solar Greenhouse 80 70 60 72 Insulated + Thermal Mass Increase mass+ R-30 vertical cover 60 50 50 48 GJ 40 30 35 20 16 16 10 0-10 5 4 6 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May -1-3 Jun Jul -1-4 -6-5 Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Dan Langford - Sol North Engineering
Earth Charging System LED Lighting University of Manitoba
Design Parameters for the Edmonton Region 53 degrees North Latitude 5400-6000 heating degree days Winters are cold but often sunny 55%-65% clear Significant direct beam winter radiation 70-80% of total Challenging winter sun angles December Conditions 7.5 hour day Solar radiation is is limited to 400 watts/m2 14 degree sun altitude on winter solstice solar noon 11 degree weighted average altitude month of December
Incident Angle
Lighting and Energy
Lighting and Energy
Lighting and Energy
Lighting and Energy
Glazing Insulation (Internal)
Glazing Insulation (External)
Shutter Examples
Shutter Examples
Preliminary Recommendations - Charette Results 1 Chinese Design Build and Monitor Three Options: Interior curtain - highest R-value, no shading Reduced overhead glazing - double plastic Roof access for snow removal and reglazing Heating system required 11 Concentrating Solar Design with Stacked Clearstory Double low-iron glass, punched windows 4 X8 9 frame spacing - 70% open Shutters - awning type 111 Concentrating Solar Design with Vertical Curtainwall Double low-iron glass in an aluminum frame 12 frame spacing - 80% open Shutters - bifold or casement type
Preliminary Recommendations - Charette Results System Tests: Light bar reflector (vertical glazed options) Ground dehumidification with heat storage Earth tube preheat/precool Dual Core HRV LED lighting
Thank You (780) 378-6178 office@solaralberta.ca