Climate control in a greenhouse is based on the principle of the exchange of energy between the air and the fog moisture supplied by the Balson Fogger. One calorie is the amount of heat necessary to raise the temperature of 1 cm³ of water by 1° C.
The conversion of water from liquid to vapor absorbs heat from the surrounding air, at a rate of 590 calories/1 gram of evaporated water. This process lowers the air temperature.
Efficient installation and operation can reduce the temperature in the greenhouse by 4 to 6° C, depending on the environmental conditions. The efficiency of the cooling system depends on two environmental factors:
Essential conditions for efficient cooling with the Balson Fogger are:
In our experience, fog precipitation of 2.5 to 3 mm/h is suitable in the majority of cases (3 mm/h = 30 m³/h per ha.)
The interval between fogging pulses is set at 10 seconds. The duration of fogging depends on the air velocity created by the ventilation system.
Determining the fogging duration
| Air velocity | Interval | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 0.10 m/s | 10 seconds | 1 - 2 seconds |
| 0.50 m/s | 10 seconds | 3 - 5 seconds |
| 1.0 m/s | 10 seconds | 10 seconds |
A controller will be installed to manage these pulsations. The controller will be connected to temperature and humidity sensors. Due to the short intervals between fogging pulses, the Balson Fogger should be installed with an anti-drainage device. This will ensure that all Foggers will start up and shut down quickly and simultaneously.
What a 7 l/h nozzle at 4 bars, the average fog droplet is 90 microns. These droplets evaporate without wetting the leaves or the greenhouse floor.
Humidification
If we need to increase the humidity, ventilation must be shut down. The duration of fogging should be as short as possible (1 second). The intervals between fogging vary according to the minimum relative humidity required. In the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity decreases, the humidity sensor will start the fogging system.
Determining the interval between fogging
| Air velocity | Interval | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 30 - 40% | 60 seconds | 1 second |
| 40 - 50% | 90 seconds | 1 second |
| 50 - 60% | 120 seconds | 1 second |
Spraying
Spraying pesticides through the Balson Fogger system has been tested successfully in various countries.