A newly designed experimental solar greenhouse (200m
2) was constructed in the farming cooperative of Higashikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido In May, 1985. A new material (Light Transmissive and Thermally Insulated Walls) has been employed in the wall covering which is superior for insulating and retaining heat in winter, and reflecting heat in summer for the solar greenhouse. The test house structure was assembled entirely by fitting the new wall material to a pipehouse-type framework.
The solar system consists of a heat absorbing device, and an underground heat converter, as well as, a floor warming-cooling panel. Both the heat absorbing device and the floor warming-cooling panel are made of synthetic rubber. The underground heat converter consists of parallel warm water pipes which have been laid underground. The cultivation combines a watering system with the bed of inorganic fibers.
The solar greenhouse includes such special features as the ability to operate year-round, onservation of labor, and cleanliness, not to mention energy conservation year-round. Results from research carried out over a two year period confirm the energy conserving features of this system and verify the future possibility of harvesting fruits and vegetables, for example, melons, more than three times a year.
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