2026-10-29

Design of an Intelligent Multi-Span Glass Greenhouse for Year-Round Crop Growth

Year-round crop growth is the best indicator of greenhouse utilization efficiency. Modern agriculture demands that crops continue to grow regardless of external weather conditions. For commercial growers and large-scale agricultural operations, it is essential to have a greenhouse tailored to the local climate. In this regard, intelligent multi-span glass greenhouses effectively prevent crop losses caused by sudden cold spells; their design focuses on actively controlling the environment rather than merely providing passive protection for the crops.

Many traditional greenhouses offer only basic protection for crops; when a cold snap hits, temperatures inside can drop rapidly, forcing growers to scramble to activate heating systems or deploy thermal curtains. This reactive approach often leads to delayed flowering or the shedding of fruit. Such a protection model can only mitigate losses rather than ensure consistent, year-round crop growth. To address these inherent shortcomings, Zheyang has developed intelligent glass greenhouses that utilize active climate control, providing users with customized solutions tailored to their specific local environments.

External shading system: During the summer, shading screens reflect excess sunlight, allowing diffused light to enter the greenhouse. This ensures optimal crop growth while reducing heat accumulation inside, thereby protecting crops from scorching caused by intense light. Various types of screens can be selected to achieve different shading percentages, catering to the specific light requirements of different crops;
Cooling system: This system utilizes the evaporation of water to achieve cooling. As air passes through the evaporative cooling pad, it undergoes a heat and moisture exchange with the pad's surface, which lowers the air temperature. A fixed insect screen is installed on the exterior of the cooling pad to effectively prevent insects and debris from entering and causing blockages;
Irrigation System: A head unit is installed at the entrance of each smart greenhouse unit. The system utilizes high-quality, clog-resistant micro-sprinklers that ensure uniform flow, offer excellent resistance to clogging, and have a service life of over 8 years. Each unit is equipped with two (or three) PE pipes, spaced 4 meters apart, with sprinklers also positioned at 4-meter intervals. The head control system includes components such as manual ball valves, filters, and pressure gauges. The system can also be fitted with solenoid valves to enable automated control.

Requirements for Intelligent Multi-Span Glass Greenhouses for Year-Round Cultivation in Cold, Snowy Regions

For growers in cold, snowy regions, achieving year-round cultivation presents significant challenges. Low temperatures and heavy snowfall pose a constant threat to crops. Even when heating systems are installed, high energy costs and unstable internal temperatures can still damage plants. When utilizing intelligent multi-span glass greenhouses in such environments, it is essential to focus on structural integrity, thermal insulation, frost protection and drainage, and intelligent control systems to ensure the successful growth of crops.

Structural Load Design: The roof of a intelligent glass greenhouse is subject to long-term pressure from accumulated snow. Therefore, it is essential to account for heavy snow loads, basic wind pressure, and data on snow sliding. By adjusting the specifications of the main columns, purlins, and diagonal braces, the roof slope can be optimized to allow accumulated snow to slide off naturally.
Glass Sealing System: Double-layered, insulated, tempered horticultural glass is the preferred choice for most cold, snowy regions. The sealed air space between the two glass panes creates an insulating barrier, which effectively reduces heat transfer compared to single-pane glazing. The glass itself is tempered safety glass, capable of withstanding impacts from ice chunks and small hailstones. Every joint between the glass and the frame, as well as expansion joints in the gutters and gaps around ventilation windows, is meticulously sealed to minimize the infiltration of cold air.
Thermal Insulation System: For intelligent multi-span greenhouses, relying solely on glass for thermal insulation is insufficient. When temperatures drop sharply—such as at night or during snowy weather—the intelligent system works in tandem with an external shading system to reduce heat loss through the roof, while also utilizing thermal insulation screens to maintain warmth.
Intelligent Control: The system simultaneously monitors outdoor and indoor temperatures, snow depth, wind speed, and light intensity. When snow depth reaches a preset threshold, the system triggers an alarm. In the event of a sharp drop in outdoor temperature, the system automatically closes all ventilation windows, lowers internal thermal curtains, and activates the heating system for pre-warming—ensuring heating begins proactively rather than waiting until the indoor temperature falls to a dangerous critical level.