Greenhouse Auto Vent

An alternate system uses a fog or great mist injected into the intake air stream. Although several commercial systems can be found, growers can assemble and install their own system using a high pressure piston pump and fog nozzles. The basic components are proven in Fig. 1. A two-stage system managed by a two- stage thermostat allows more water to be employed on excessively warm, shiny days. Temperature settings should be 5-10°F apart.

Algae growth in the pads can become a problem that will decrease the effectiveness of the system and lead to accelerated deterioration of the pads. The addition of an algaecide to the water supply will help in control.

It is desirable, especially in hard drinking water areas, to add a wetting agent to the drinking water to obtain more uniform wetting of the pads. A commercial material or liquid home detergent at the rate of 2 tablespoons per 100 gallons may be used.

Drinking water for the pads should be clean and lower in mineral content to avoid clogging and coating of the pads. A pump, pipes and gutters are accustomed to recirculate the water. A flow rate 113 gallon each and every minute per linear foot of pad system should be provided to make sure adequate wetting.

In the most common coolant system (fan and pad), the fans draw air through wet pads that lengthen the length of one endwall or sidewall. Aspen and covered cellulose are common pad materials that always have life of 1 to 3 years. Approximately one sq . foot of pad are is needed for 20 square feet of floor area.

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