Greenhouses Produce, Sell Excess Heat

Using GE’s new Lexan ZigZag sheet polycarbonate roofing material, Hydro Huisman and Corn. Bak BV are constructing greenhouses in the Netherlands that will produce more energy than they use. Lexan ZigZag sheet double-wall roofing panels provide higher light transmission than single glass, and insulation similar to multiwall glass or PC sheet. These energy-efficient properties will enable approximately two-thirds of the heat generated in the greenhouses to be sold as surplus.

ZigZag sheet roofing raises light transmission levels above those of single glass, especially during non-peak hours/seasons, while ensuring outstanding insulation to retain heat. The material is also lighter weight than glass, has excellent flame retardance and easy installation.  It offers a number of key properties. First, its angled design enables the capture of light reflected from the sides of the roof surface, thus increasing the total amount of light transmitted into the greenhouse to 90.9 percent – one to two percent higher than with single glass. Further, when the sun is low on the horizon – during winter months and at dawn and dusk – the material’s channels catch more light than flat glass. Second, the sheet offers insulation properties that are similar to those of double-wall glass; the material retains 45 percent more heat than single glass for substantial savings on energy demand: these savings can range from 20 percent to 40 percent.

Further, the material provides resistance to UV light on the exterior side, an Easy Clean coating, and anti-condensation properties. It is more than 50 percent lighter than glass and virtually unbreakable, making it resistant to hail and easy and safe to work with.  The material is guaranteed for 10 years against breakage and includes a provision that the light transmission may not decrease by more than 2% over 10 years.

The Corn. Bak renovation includes three wide-span roof greenhouses, 12,80m wide and 96m long with a planting height of 3,50m. The design incorporates large double sided, continuous ventilation windows of 1,95m in length fitted with insect-proof netting.  Furthermore, for each slope of the roof only three roller curtains are installed compared to four in a standard greenhouse, thus reducing the number of roller curtain motors and girders to three per roof side.

Hydro Huisman selected Lexan ZigZag sheet roofing panels for an experimental, energy-producing section of a new greenhouse - an area of 6,000 m2 within the 26,000-m2 building. The greenhouse will be equipped with special heat exchangers that can either heat or cool water for climate control; the excess energy will be used to heat the conventional areas of the structure and can be sold to nearby greenhouses.

Moving toward energy independence, GE Plastics press release, November 16, 2005
New Polycarbonate Panels for Greenhouse Roofing, GE Plastic press release, November 18, 2005

More blogs about solar, greenhouses, energy

Comments

[Ames Tiedeman]

If you like to garden then check out Rion Greenhouses..

[Alex]

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(3) not easy aging
(4) Good fireproofing
(5) Resist Impact
(6) Excellent watertightness and artightness
(7) Weight light, easy instalation.

I introduce this factory to you, their website

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information about PVC windows.

[Water Filtering System]

I dunno, is greenhouse building getting too complicated. With all the lateset innovations it sure cuts into the profit.

My two cents,

Chris

[Dave Rongey]

SIP - Styrofoam Insulated Panel Homes
SIP's are a great way to build an Energy Efficient Home.
From an electrician's point of view, wiring a SIP-Home is a little more challenging, however once you understand what you have to work with the wiring goes just fine. The Key is timing and the other contractors understanding that everyone must be willing to have what I call "Occupational Courtesy", that is being considerate of what components need to be installed before the next phase begins. If you don't have this, something will be left out or worse something will not have a vital connection.
I really believe that SIP homes will out perform standard stick-frame homes when it comes to energy savings.
You can see a SIP Home being built at:
http://www.ask-the-electrician.com/SIP_1/SIP_1.htm

[Bucket Trucks]

The construction field always has it ups and downs and is always changing but progress will never stop.Even in a questionable economy there is always room for growth and expansion. The will and strength of the people is what makes us all able to move forward and accomplish great feats together. and construction has always been the backbone of this country no matter the economic status.

[Toefco]

This was interesting. Check out http://www.toefco.com.

[Account Deleted]

A lot of people could benefit from a small greenhouse to start plants in or to carry them over the winter. I had been thinking of doing a posting on my blog of a simple design, but you’ve done such a great job that I may just link to yours instead.
http://greenhousehowto.com

[Account Deleted]

A lot of people could benefit from a small greenhouse to start plants in or to carry them over the winter. I had been thinking of doing a posting on my blog of a simple design, but you’ve done such a great job that I may just link to yours instead.
how to build a greenhouse

[direct response television advertising agency]

The very key here is timing and the other contractors understanding that everyone must be willing to have Occupational Courtesy, that is being considerate of what components need to be installed before the next phase begins.

Daniel Ferris

[balers]

Who wouldn't agree with this? Sometimes government officials should put up a great heap of effort just to implement this thing!

[Invertir en oro]

I think that this post is very good, i would like to read more information about this topic.

[plumbing]

Green Houses really releases heat energy. That will be a good help in our surroundings. I enjoyed reading your blog. Keep it up !

[JOHNCINA]

This is a wonderful post. The things given are unanimous and needs to be appreciated by everyone.
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johncina
Bolton Builders