Project Description:
The problem we got from our sponsors was how to create a low cost greenhouse heating specifically for starting seeds and extending the growing season? After conducting preliminary research we found that the most important aspects of this solution is low cost both up front and for operation, renewable energy based, and small foot print. From there we came up with many different ideas iterating upon our solutions until we came upon solar powered partial greenhouse heating system using an air source heat pump and lithium ion battery storage. After running simulations we determined that heat the whole greenhouse would take an inordinate amount of energy for little use when the plants are only located in a small area low to the ground. We found if we used temporary covers we could significantly increase the efficiency of the heating and lower the costs significantly. So with 15 550 megawatt bifacial solar panels and mounting, a 150 kwh lithium ion battery, a 3 zone 16,000 btu air source heat pump, inverter, 3 temperature sensing units 3 temporary covers with supports, and a microcontroller we could create a cost effective system for extending the growing season for small farmers
