Solar Heating of a Commercial Greenhouse (Phase IV final report, 27 May 1977 to 11 November 1978)

• Main Author: Cummings, G. J.
• Language: unknown
• Published: 2022
• Subjects: 14 SOLAR ENERGY; GREENHOUSES; SOLAR SPACE HEATING; SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS; PERFORMANCE TESTING; APERTURES; CIRCULATING SYSTEMS; DESIGN; EFFICIENCY; FREEZE PROTECTION; HEAT EXCHANGERS; HEAT GAIN; HEAT LOSSES; MASSACHUSETTS; OPERATION; BUILDINGS; ENERGY LOSSES; HEATING; HEATING SYSTEMS; LOSSES; NORTH AMERICA; NORTH ATLANTIC REGION; OPENINGS; SOLAR HEATING; SPACE HEATING; TESTING; USA; North Atlantic
• Online Access: http://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/5766387; https://www.osti.gov/biblio/5766387; https://doi.org/10.2172/5766387

Modular Systems Division has constructed what is believed to be the world's largest single solar collector. The collector, a site-built, cavity-type receiver, was assembled on the grounds of S.A. Peterson, Inc., Tewksbury, Massachusetts. It is a demonstration of the technical and economic feasibility of solar heating for a commercial greenhouse. The collector is 150 feet long, 30 feet high, 20 feet wide. Its cross section is that of a right prism with a 55° tilt and a 35 foot hypotenuse. It is capable of collecting 1 million BTU's per hour in its New England location. The module incorporates 10,000 gallons of water storage, which is housed within the collector cavity. The unit is designed to provide partial heating for a 15,000 square foot greenhouse. The University of Massachusetts carried out a plant health monitoring program. They provided the required botanical expertise and advice on the design of the plant/solar system interfaces.