Western Kentucky University
Bio-Generated Greenhouse Heating System Phase II
Institution
Western Kentucky University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Joel Lenoir
Abstract
The project goal was to construct a greenhouse that uses thermal energy from an active compost heap to heat beds of sand within the greenhouse that potted plants will set upon. This design should reduce the amount of electricity that is required to keep the greenhouse warm in the winter while using energy that otherwise would be lost to the atmosphere. The design project was sponsored by the Western Kentucky University Agricultural Department and funded by the USDA/ARS. Major goals of the project included: construction of the greenhouse and the plant beds which occupied it, construct an external concrete pad to capture the waste heat from the compost, construct and test a functioning flow control system, and design a control system to monitor flow and temperature of the working fluid.
Bio-Generated Greenhouse Heating System Phase II
The project goal was to construct a greenhouse that uses thermal energy from an active compost heap to heat beds of sand within the greenhouse that potted plants will set upon. This design should reduce the amount of electricity that is required to keep the greenhouse warm in the winter while using energy that otherwise would be lost to the atmosphere. The design project was sponsored by the Western Kentucky University Agricultural Department and funded by the USDA/ARS. Major goals of the project included: construction of the greenhouse and the plant beds which occupied it, construct an external concrete pad to capture the waste heat from the compost, construct and test a functioning flow control system, and design a control system to monitor flow and temperature of the working fluid.