Performance of an Infrared Heating System in a Production Greenhouse

Abstract The performance of an Infra-Red heating system using gas fired IR radiators is demonstrated in a full scale production greenhouse for vegetable seedlings. Outside meteorological data and the greenhouse thermal conditions have been monitored for a heating period of 60 days, to assess the quality of the canopy climate and the potential in energy savings. Results indicate that the seedlings are kept at optimum thermal conditions while the greenhouse air is maintained at lower temperature, by 2-3 °C, indicating a significant reduction in energy requirements. During operation, plant growth seemed to be positively affected by the IR radiation, whereas no plant infections by pests and / or diseases were observed.