September 2, 2017

Greener Greenhouses

Recently evolved greenhouse technology is making it much easier for growers to maintain constant temperatures in their greenhouses. A simple cylinder, filled with fluid that thermally expands, hydraulically forces the windows of the greenhouse open, and similarly, when temperatures drop the fluid in the cylinder compresses, allowing the windows of the greenhouse to close.

The fluid that fills these cylinders varies. Some product specifications report oil, some wax, and some gas. However, regardless of the fluid used in the cylinder, most descriptions of this new technology report that at a temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit windows are fully opened, and at 55 degrees Fahrenheit windows are fully closed.

Before this technology evolved, growers were forced to monitor
temperature in greenhouses with thermometers, and to manually open
and shut greenhouse windows according to fluctuations in temperature.
Or use expensive electric systems with thermostats. This made it
difficult to maintain a constant temperature. With these new window openers, temperature can be regulated automatically, allowing for better growing conditions without the use of any electricity.

The Danish company J. Orbesen Teknik ApS, was the first commercial distributor of these window openers but production has expanded and they are currently distributed in the United States as well. The technology is simple and affordable, they retail for between $35 and $60. Furthermore, these window openers are easy to install and are used widely. Customers report satisfaction, whether as commercial growers or as recreational gardeners. However, according to consumer reviews, some models of these window openers do not stand up to high wind speeds well. Some consumers also report that it is best to remove the openers during cold winters to keep the hydraulic pump from freezing up.

Overall, the technology is effective, affordable, and satisfactory to consumers. The elegant solution makes for easy temperature monitoring in the greenhouse, while simultaneously keeping electricity use down. With more research and product development, perhaps this type of passive temperature control can be extended to other types of buildings in the future. The extension of the innovative technology into homes, businesses and other buildings would allow for major reductions in electricity and gas use in residential and commercial buildings.