Research & Development
Moyse Enterprises engages in R&D projects in certain fields.
Annualized Geo-Solar Thermal System for Passive Solar Greenhouse
This project seeks to develop, test and demonstrate a novel design for a passive solar greenhouse thermal management system.
The design seeks to resolve a significant shortcoming of all existing passive solar greenhouse designs: cold weather air exchange (venting) efficiency.
Passive solar greenhouses have been a fringe/hobby technology in North America since the 1970’s. More recently, they have seen widespread commercial adoption in Northern China. Passive solar greenhouse designs have well-demonstrated feasibility; but have still not seen commercial adoption within Canada. A fundamental weakness of the passive solar greenhouse concept is the requirement to limit fresh air circulation in cold conditions. Introducing fresh air compromises the heat-retention of the structure, so in cold weather, venting is typically kept to a minimum. Lack of adequate air exchange increases risks of mildew/mold in crops, limits the ability to properly manage humidity and can reduce C02 concentration within the greenhouse, which can compromise plant growth rates.
This project seeks to resolve the conflicting requirements of retaining heat while also allowing the exchange of fresh air through the integration of high-efficiency heat-exchange between incoming and outgoing air.
Industry
Sustainable Agriculture
Year
Feb 2023
Growers Wanted
Greenhouse growers/gardeners in the Cowichan Valley are encouraged to reach out regarding the opportunity to manage a demonstrator greenhouse at our site in Cowichan Bay. As our head grower, you will have free rental of our greenhouse, you keep all produce/revenue generated within the greenhouse, and we collaborate to set the growing plans/objectives. This opportunity may develop into full or part-time employment, depending on your level of interest. Demonstration greenhouses are used for collection of climate and thermal performance data.
Phase
Demonstrator Greenhouse
Timeline
2024-2025 build
Partners Wanted
Small-Scale Commercial Growers, Farms and Market Gardeners on Vancouver Island are encouraged to reach out regarding co-funded greenhouse opportunities at your site. We adapt the greenhouse design and size to your local microclimate, and growing needs. We assist or manage the build. You keep all produce/revenue generated within the greenhouse, and set the growing plans/objectives. In exchange, we expect close collaboration, detailed feedback, and the ability to visit you on site regularly. Field Trial greenhouses can be either temporary or permanent, and are used for collection of climate and thermal performance data, real-world feedback from growers, and limited media use.
Phase
Field Trial
Timeline
2025-2026 build