Cooling system for greenhouse structures

A cooling system for a greenhouse comprising a plurality of water pipes mounted over the exterior surface of the structure to carry water from a source, with water outlets in the pipes to enable water to spray over the exterior surface, and controls associated with the pipes to control and regulate the amount of water and duration of spray received by the exterior surface of the structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates to a cooling system for greenhouse structures, and 
more particularly to such a system which cools the fabric and interiors of 
stressed fabric structures. 
In my co-pending U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 947,636, filed Dec. 30, 
1986, I have described a structure for environmental control of plants 
grown within. The structure is a stressed fabric structure wherein the 
fabric is technically woven polyvinyl chloride coated polyester scrim with 
about a 95.degree. light translucency. While such fabric is conductive to 
heat, when exposed to solar radiation in spring or summer conditions, it 
results in a tremendous build up of heat in the space within the 
structure. It is necessary to have a means to control this tremendous heat 
build up, since plants grown within the greenhouse may wilt or die if 
exposed to continued extreme conditions of heat. Because the environment 
within such a structure is virtually sealed, so that proper control of 
various factors of the environment within, such as temperature, relative 
humidity and carbon dioxide can be properly controlled, it is impractical 
to use fans, open windows or doorways or the like to assist in cooling the 
space within such structures. 
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an efficient 
system for cooling the interior of such a stressed fabric structure. While 
the invention will be described in conjunction with such a stressed fabric 
structure of the type described and illustrated in my co-pending U.S. 
Patent application Ser. No. 947,636, filed Dec. 30, 1986, it is not 
intended to limit the invention to such a structure. Clearly the invention 
has application to cooling of other types of structures, whether of 
stressed fabric construction or otherwise, and whether for use as 
greenhouses or other otherwise. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
According to the present invention there is provided a cooling system 
particularly well-suited for a stressed fabric structure having fabric 
held under tension between arched ribs. The cooling system comprises a 
plurality of water pipes mounted over the exterior surface of the 
structure to carry water from a source. Water outlets in the pipes are 
provided to enable water to spray over the exterior surface. Control means 
are associated with the pipes to control and regulate the amount of water 
and duration of the spray received by the exterior surface of the 
structure. 
In a preferred embodiment temperature sensors are provided in the fabric in 
each section to monitor the temperature of the fabric. The sensors are 
associated with microprocessor means electronically associated with 
solenoid valves to actuate the water flow and spraying when the 
temperature of a section of the fabric exceeds a predetermined value. 
Other sensors monitor the mean ambient temperature within the structure. 
These sensors also are electronically associated with the microprocessor 
means to activate the water flow and spraying when the internal mean 
ambient temperature within the structure exceeds a predetermined value. 
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, temperature control means 
are electronically associated with the microprocessor means for the space 
within the structure. The temperature control means comprise mist 
generation means. The mist generation means are positioned within the 
structure and operate to produce periodically a mist cloud over the plants 
in the space within the structure. The microprocessor means activates the 
mist generation means when the internal mean ambient temperature in the 
space within the structure exceeds a predetermined value or on a timed 
basis. 
It will be understood from the foregoing that the external cooling system 
of the structure according to the present invention, either alone or in 
conjunction with the internal cooling system described above, is an 
effective and efficient way to cool the interior space of the structure. 
As well, this external cooling system also helps to keep the exterior 
surface of the structure dust free, further enhancing the translucency of 
the fabric and hence the amount of light being received by plants within 
the structure.

While the invention will be described in conjunction with example 
embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the 
invention to such embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover 
all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within 
the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
In the following description, similar features in the drawings have been 
given similar reference numerals. 
Turning to FIGS. 1 and 2 there is illustrated a full schematic plan view 
and a partial schematic plan view, of a structure 2 incorporating an 
external cooling system in accordance with the present invention and 
showing many of the features of the structure which permit the control of 
environment within the elongated, radially positioned production areas 4 
and immature crop development areas 6 in central annular corridor 7 of 
structure 2. Structure 2 has a central control area 8 where a 
microprocessor 10, the function of which will be described in more detail 
hereinafter, is located. Each production area 4 is connected as 
illustrated to central corridor area 7 and may be sealed from the corridor 
and other production areas, e.g. in case of infestations in that area 4. 
The production and immature crop development areas 4 and 6 are enclosed by 
a translucent impermeable stressed fabric shell 12 (FIG. 3) situated on a 
base 14, the shell and base enclosing predetermined spaces (e.g. 
production areas 4 or immature crop development area 6). Shell 12 is 
preferably made of a technically woven polyvinyl chloride coated polyester 
scrim fabric, with about a 95% light translucency. Such a fabric is highly 
effective in providing natural light inside the structure and is heat 
conductive. The fabric is preferably lightweight (e.g. 18 ounces per 
square yard) and flame resistant, as well as resistant to oil, chemicals, 
greases, rot, mildew and certain types of bacteria which attack polyvinyl 
chlorides and which are prevalent in a moist environment. The shell 12 is 
made of sections, each of which is preferably held between arched rib 
members 15 which rest on the base, the rib members being spread to tension 
the fabric for example as described in my U.S. Pat. No. 4,137,687 issued 
Feb. 6, 1979. 
In addition, as can be seen in FIG. 3, the delivery of light to the 
interior of the structure is further enhanced by the fact that there are 
very few pipes, waterlines or other physical obstructions allowed above 
the growing root area. Also, illustrated in FIG. 4 base 14 for production 
area 4 is elevated and surrounded by reflective surface 16, which may be a 
light coloured surface e.g. of reflective plastic, or water ponds (as 
shown), ice surfaces (in below-freezing temperatures) or the like. In this 
manner, even when there is a low solar angle, light is transmitted by 
reflection, as well as directly, into the structure through shell 12. As 
can be seen in FIG. 3, the sides which make up shell 12 extend upward, 
from base 14, in convex fashion and meet at crest 18, forming two sides 20 
and 22 for the shells of each of the elongated production areas 4. 
The shells 12 extend over corresponding bases 14 of each of the areas 
illustrated in FIG. 1 to seal the environment within such areas against 
external environmental air conditions. This is important since it makes 
possible the close control of environmental conditions within each of the 
areas of the structure, such as humidity and carbon dioxide concentration. 
Otherwise, this would not be possible. 
A series of temperature monitors 24 are provided for the interior 
atmosphere within each of the production areas 4 and immature crop 
development areas 6 in question (FIG. 3). As well, in the shell covering 
each of the areas 4 and 6 are embedded temperature sensors 30. 
Microprocessor 10, electronically connected to monitors 24 and 30, 
controls the temperature of shell 12 and the space within shell 12, as 
will be described in more detail hereinafter. 
The temperature within each of the production areas 4 and immature crop 
development areas 6 is controlled, in part, by external spray system 40 
consisting of a series of pipes 42 supplying water which may be, for 
example from a source (not shown) in central control area 8 or from ponds 
16, and feeding the water through these pipes to spray nozzles 44 (FIG. 3) 
to spray a thin film of water over the exterior surface of shell 12 to 
cool it as required. To achieve this end the water is first sprayed from 
nozzles 44 through the air and onto the exterior of shell 12 into a 
dispersed pattern as illustrated. This spraying through the air provides 
for evaporative cooling of the water, thereby supplying additional cooling 
potential to shell 12. Sensors 30 in shell 12 are electronically connected 
to microprocessor 10 and, either on a timed sequence or as the temperature 
of the shell builds up to a certain range, it activates solenoid valves 46 
(FIG. 2) to cause water to be sprayed through nozzles 44 over exterior 
surface of the shell to cool it. The shape of shells 12 over production 
areas 4 and immature crop development areas 6 is such that this water film 
will run down the exterior surface of the shells. Nozzles 44 are 
preferably directed to provide an even spray over most of the exterior 
surface of shell 12 over production areas 4 and 6, as required. Water so 
sprayed over shells 12 may be collected, for example, in the external 
ponds 16 forming the reflective surface, or by any other appropriate 
retrieval means. 
As can be seen in FIG. 6, the nozzles 44 in pipes 42 may simply be 
diamond-shaped holes 110 punched along the pipe, for example, off-centre 
opposite to each other (FIG. 5). When water is supplied under adequate 
pressure, it covers the surface area of the fabric in a flat spray, 
extruding the distance between the ribs 15, to which ribs the edges of the 
stressed fabric sections 111 are secured (FIG. 5). This spray also comes 
in contact with the ribs, which are usually made of aluminum, to cool 
them. Pipes 42, for example, may consist of a one-half inch diameter 
polyvinyl chloride pipes complete with ultraviolet inhibitors. The pipes 
are mounted, preferably, on each rib 15 of the structure (see for example 
FIG. 2 for a suitable system layout of pipe 42). Pipes 42 are fastened to 
corresponding ribs 15 using a special bracket 114 made, for example, of an 
aluminum angle. These brackets 114 each contain an oversized hole 116 for 
the pipe to run through. This hole allows for expansion and contraction of 
pipe 42. Otherwise the pipe would twist completely out of shape during 
heating and expansion encountered during normal conditions. 
The operation of this external spray system 40 may alternatively or 
additionally controlled by a timer associated with microprocessor 10. The 
timer or temperature sensor 30 dictates the operation of the system 40, 
based on weather conditions, inside temperature and fabric temperature. 
The timer means controls and regulates the amount of water and duration of 
spray, the external surface of the structure, or each section thereof, 
would receive. The sensors 30 monitor both the skin temperature of shell 
12 and the mean ambient temperature inside the structure. The sensors are 
monitored by microprocessor 10 which controls valve means 46 operating the 
flow of water through pipes 42. When either or both temperatures exceed a 
set limit, then the system is turned on. 
It will be understood that the external spray system 40 cools in several 
ways: 
(1) The cooler temperature of water passed through pipes 42 is transferred 
into the fabric and maintained, if not lowered, while the water evaporates 
off the fabric of the structure. This cooling effect is in turn 
transferred into the interior of the structure thereby reducing the latent 
heat load. 
(2) The water spray on the ribs 15 cools them to a point that no heat is 
transferred into the interior of the structure. Instead, they absorb heat 
from inside the structure and transmit it outside. 
(3) The evaporation and cool up-draft from ponds 16 creates a cooler 
surrounding around the structure 2. This cool air in turn draws the heat 
away from the structure and further reduces the internal temperature. 
Internally, temperature control is also achieved through internal mist 
generation system 48 (FIG. 4) which comprises water supply pipes 50 
feeding fog nozzles 52, which nozzles produce, as required, a fine mist or 
vapour cloud in the atmosphere in the space over plants 54 (FIG. 4). This 
internal mist generation supply system is activated by temperature 
monitors 24 electronically connected to microprocessor 10, which 
microprocessor activates the internal mist generation supply system when 
the temperature within the immature crop development or production area 
exceeds a predetermined level, or on a timed sequence. The production of 
the mist or cloud facilitates cooling in several ways. Firstly, it impedes 
the passage of rays of sunlight to the plants, thereby cooling by shading. 
Secondly, as the mist or cloud evaporates under the heated conditions 
within the shell, the evaporation draws heat from the environment in the 
space in the shell. The evaporated water vapour condenses on the cooler 
shell surface (cooled if necessary by external vapour system 40), passing 
the heat of condensation into the shell fabric. The shell fabric is of a 
heat conductive material and heat is thereby passed from the internal to 
the external side of the shell and out of the internal environment of 
production area 4 or immature crop development area 6. Also the 
temperature differention between fabric and internal air because of the 
extenal spray system enhances the internal convective air transfer to the 
fabric, which increase the condensation of water vapour onto the skin, 
thus further reducing the latent heat load in the structure. 
Water vapour thus condensing on the interior surface of shell 12 (which may 
include water vapour from transpiration of the plants 54) travels down the 
sides of the shell and is collected by means of collection skirts 56 
passing into slots 57 in collection pipes 58 (FIG. 4), collection pipes 58 
returning this condensed water to a central location where it may be used 
as required, preferably being mixed with nutrient in tanks 38. This system 
thus acts as a large scale water distillation system, the water received 
by the plants in solution with the nutrient having been purified by means 
of this distillation process. 
As well, as one can imagine, one of the problems of adapting a greenhouse 
structure in which the internal environment is sealed against external 
environmental air conditions, when applied to large scale production from 
crops within the greenhouse, is the build up of water vapour in the air. 
This build up results from transpiration from the plants. If it is 
permitted to continue unchecked, the relative humidity in the greenhouse 
structure will build up to the point that transpiration of the plants is 
significantly impeded. As plants require transpiration for example to cool 
their leaves and to draw nutrient solution through the plant system, the 
growth of the plant is thus adversely affected. While the structure could 
be opened to the outside environment to permit the humidity which has 
become built up within the structure to escape, this may create unwanted 
temperature differentials within the greenhouse structure and be quite 
impractical, for example in winter conditions. It will be readily 
understood, therefore, that the condensation of water vapour on the 
interior surface of shell 12 and the removal of that condensed water by 
means of collection skirts 56 and collection pipes 58 helps to control the 
humidity conditions within the greenhouse structure so that proper 
transpiration of the plants is continuously permitted without requiring 
the greenhouse structure to be opened up to the outside environment. 
Because of the computerized control of the various aspects of the internal 
environment in production areas 4 and immature crop development areas 6, 
temperature may be adjusted to suit the particular type of plant being 
grown or the stage of growth of that plant. The microprocessor 10 may be 
appropriately programmed to modify the temperature and other environmental 
conditions within the shell 12 for the plants over the life of the plants, 
to ensure optimum plant growth. As well, it is preferred to provide an 
appropriate alarm signal so that when such environmental conditions exceed 
a desired range for proper plant growth, the alarm will sound and, if 
required, a manual override and manual adjustment of such conditions may 
take place. 
Thus it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the 
invention a cooling system for greenhouse structures that fully satisfies 
the objects, aims and advantages set forth above. While the invention has 
been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is 
evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be 
apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing 
description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, 
modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of 
the invention.