Title: Greenhouse heating efficiency through soap bubble insulation

Authors: Donald Tobi; Margaret Skinner; Arash Ghalehgolabbehbahani; Norman C. Rosberg; Cheryl F. Sullivan; Paul Reese; Bruce L. Parker

Addresses: Entomology Research Laboratory, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA ' Entomology Research Laboratory, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA ' Entomology Research Laboratory, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA ' Entomology Research Laboratory, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA ' Entomology Research Laboratory, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA ' Entomology Research Laboratory, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA ' Entomology Research Laboratory, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA

Abstract: In northern climates, heating greenhouses for crop production can be costly. The heating efficiency of a prototype soap bubble insulation system was investigated in a horticultural greenhouse in Northwestern Vermont, USA over two winters. Three greenhouses operated by a commercial grower of ornamental plants were compared: 1) a prototype soap bubble insulation system; 2) a commercially available thermal curtain; 3) an unmodified greenhouse as a control. The greenhouse with the soap bubble system was 29% and 25% more energy efficient than control and energy curtain greenhouses, respectively. These results demonstrate a soap bubble insulation system can reduce heating costs for commercial greenhouse operators in northern climates. This ultimately reduces the carbon footprint associated with greenhouses heated with fossil fuels. Further development is necessary to make the system commercially available and accessible to farmers.

Keywords: greenhouse horticulture; heating efficiency; thermal insulation; economics; soap bubble insulation; fossil fuels.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETM.2024.138247

International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, 2024 Vol.27 No.3, pp.242 - 254

Received: 08 Jul 2022
Accepted: 12 Oct 2023
Published online: 30 Apr 2024 *

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