How does it work ?
Pad and fan system cools down greenhouse temperature, using evaporative cooling (absorption of a large amount of heat, by the water, in order to evaporate). During hot summer days, it is an effective way, for small greenhouses, to cool, putting plants in the best climate conditions. Besides, this system uses exhaust fans to absorb air from outdoors into the greenhouse. Firstly, the air is blown through the pad, which constantly evaporates water, creating a cooling effect. Then, the fans blow the cool air into the greenhouse, leading to an overall drop in temperature.
Some greenhouses do require cooling at night, mostly in tropical regions. However, wet pad and fan system may not provide the desired results in tropical regions, where absolute humidity is often high during the night.
Indeed, when conditions outside are humid, pad and fan system loses effectivity and provides a much lower cooling capacity. This is because evaporative cooling relies on the difference between outdoor and indoor conditions.
What are the Hortinergy parameters ?
Pros :
-it keeps the greenhouse’s inner temperature cool permanently, providing lower temperature even during hot periods of the year
-it decreases temperature and increases humidity, thereby reducing transpiration of plants
Cons :
-the distance from pad to fan reflects uneven cooling pattern
-if the system operates unceasingly, the growth of crops will be probably uneven
-it is not effective in areas with high humidity (ex : coastal areas)
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