Control of Electrostatic Effects in a Polystyrene Pellet Variable Shading Greenhouse Glazing

ABSTRACT Asystem for pumping polystyrene pellets into and out of the channels of acrylic greenhouse glazing panels has been devised. This system provides variable daytime shading and nighttime insulation capabilities for greenhouse operation. A test greenhouse has been built, and the effective operation of the system has been demonstrated. This effectiveness is dependent on control of electrostatic effects, and two antistatic treatments (a commercial spray and glycerin) were studied. Glycerin was shown to adequately prevent build up of electrostatic charge under all operating conditions.