Immediate solar-energy utilization using greenhouse bulk curing and drying system. Final report, January 1975--April 1976

Technical Report · Thu Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1976

OSTI ID:5342564

Huang, B K; Bowers, Jr, C G

Solar energy utilization in a greenhouse bulk curing system was investigated. The system used two basic approaches to the capture and storage of solar energy. First, as a bulk curing structure incorporating dehydration and electric power saving features, it was designed to directly collect, store and use energy from the sun to cure tobacco. Second, as a greenhouse solar energy was used for photosynthesis for maximum plant growth under a controlled environment. The collection, consumption, and storage of solar energy in this system was studied using air as the heat transfer medium. Two greenhouse bulk curing and drying systems were designed, constructed and field tested under this project. The basic parts of the systems are: bulk curing module with solar heat absorbers, portable frames to support tobacco, and a heating unit with temperature and air flow controls; and a specially designed greenhouse with curing and heating unit rooms, gravel energy storage channels, air flow controls, and an auxiliary fan for efficient movement of air over the solar absorbers and through the gravel. During greenhouse operation, the solar absorbers and portable frames are removed, and the facility is used to grow flowers and tobacco transplants.

• Research Organization: North Carolina State Univ., Raleigh (USA). Dept. of Biological and Agricultural Engineering
• OSTI ID: 5342564
• Report Number(s): PTP-74-17622
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140901 -- Solar Thermal Utilization-- Space Heating & Cooling
140905*
BIOMASS
BUILDINGS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CONSTRUCTION
DEHYDRATION
DEHYDRATORS
DESIGN
DRYERS
DRYING
ENERGY SOURCES
ENERGY STORAGE
GREENHOUSES
GROWTH
HEAT STORAGE
HEATING SYSTEMS
PASSIVE SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS
PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE TESTING
PHOTOCHEMICAL REACTIONS
PHOTOSYNTHESIS
PLANT GROWTH
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
ROCK BEDS
SENSIBLE HEAT STORAGE
SIMULATION
SOLAR DRYERS
SOLAR DRYING
SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS
STORAGE
SYNTHESIS
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
TESTING
TOBACCO