Research Greenhouse Success Story

Multi-Climate Zone Smart Glass Greenhouse at XX University’s State Key Laboratory

–Independent climate control units precisely meet the needs of plant science research

 

I.Project Background: The Demanding Challenges of a Leading Research Institution

 

The Institute of Plant Sciences at XX University, a State Key Laboratory, conducts research on the virology and physiology of major crops such as rice, wheat, soybeans, and tobacco. To support high-level scientific research, the institute has set extremely high standards for its greenhouse facilities:

Core Requirements	Technical Challenges
14 completely independent climate zones	Simultaneously conduct comparative experiments with different environmental parameters without interference
High-precision environmental control	Meet the daily light integral (DLI) requirement of 24 mol/m²/day for rice and wheat
Stable, high-transmittance glass structure	Ensure consistent light transmission and durability for long-term experiments
7-month delivery timeline	Multi-system integration project must be completed on schedule from contract signing to acceptance

II. Solution: A-Frame Research Greenhouse

 

2.1 Structural Parameters

Parameter	Specification
Building Area	448 m² (28 m×16 m)
Structure Type	7m span A-Frame light steel structure
Eave Height	4.5 m
Ridge Height	6.25 m
External Shading Height	6.9 m
Wind Load Capacity	0.50 kN/m²
Snow Load Capacity	0.30 kN/m²

2.2 Main Material Specifications

• Columns: 100×100×3 mm hot-dip galvanized rectangular steel tubes (Q235B)
• Roof purlins: 120×60×3 mm hot-dip galvanized square tubing
• Wall purlins: 100×50×3 mm hot-dip galvanized square tubing
• Cross beams: 100×50×3 mm hot-dip galvanized rectangular steel tubing
• Galvanizing Standard: GB/T13912-2020, zinc coating thickness 60–100 μm
• Connection Method: Galvanized bolts + self-tapping screws; no welds; aesthetically pleasing, corrosion-resistant, and easy to install

 

2.3 Glass Roofing System

Location	Glass Specification	Performance Features
Roof Covering	5mm Single-Layer Ultra-Clear Tempered Glass	Light transmittance 90%+, excellent support for photosynthesis
Exterior Walls	6+9A+6mm Ultra-Clear Double-Glazed Insulating Glass	Thermal insulation, reduces air conditioning energy consumption
Interior Partitions	5mm Single-Layer Ultra-Clear Tempered Glass	Visual isolation for 14 independent experimental zones
Frame System	6063-T5 Aluminum Alloy Profile	EPDM sealing gasket, excellent air tightness

 

III. Independent Climate Control System for 14 Zones

Each 28-square-meter climate zone is equipped with a complete independent control system:

 

3.1 Ventilation and Cooling System

• Variable-frequency negative-pressure fans: Airflow 0–27,500 m³/h, power 0.5 kW per unit
• Intelligent speed control: Automatically adjusts fan speed based on indoor temperature
• Air Exchange Efficiency: Air exchange rate of 1.5 times per minute or higher
• Electric Louvers: 1.0-meter-high side-opening windows are installed on corridor partition walls

 

3.2 Precise Temperature Control

Season	Control Target	Method
Summer	< 35°C	Fan ventilation + automatic switching to air conditioning cooling
Winter	Day: 25°C, Night: ≥ 16°C	Air conditioning heating + internal thermal screen energy saving
Transitional Seasons	Natural ventilation as primary	Side windows + fan coordinated control

 

3.3 Research-Grade Supplemental Lighting System

• Light Source: Full-spectrum LED plant grow lights
• Suspension Height: 4 meters (electrically adjustable to meet the needs of different growth stages)
• Design Basis: Daily cumulative light exposure of 24 mol/m² for rice and wheat
• Layout Options: Supports both seedling tray cultivation and ground-level cultivation

 

3.4 Shading and Insulation System

System Type	Quantity	Features
External Shading System	2 sets (north-south zone separation)	Shading rate 70-90%, energy saving rate 22%
Internal Thermal Screen	14 sets (independent per zone)	Rope and tube drive, separate motor control
Side Shading	Reserved interface	Expandable based on future needs

 

IV. Intelligent Control System: Enabling Greater Focus on Research

 

4.1 System Architecture

Central Host Computer (Master Control)

└── 14 Zone Microcomputer Controllers

├── Temperature Sensors

├── Humidity Sensors

├── Light Sensors

└── Equipment Actuator Modules (Fans/Shading/AC/Supplemental Lighting)

 

4.2 Core Features

• Operates in dual modes: Fully automatic control with manual intervention, flexibly adapting to experimental needs

• Real-time monitoring keeps you informed: Indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity, wind speed and direction, light radiation, rain and snow signals

• Historical data is fully traceable: Automatically stored with export and analysis capabilities to meet scientific data traceability requirements

• Anomaly alerts provide peace of mind: Automatic warnings for equipment failures or parameter deviations

• Coordinated Control: Intelligent integration of window opening, shading, fans, and HVAC systems for energy efficiency

V.Project Execution: Delivering Satisfactory Results in 7 Months

 

Date	Milestone
December 29, 2023	Contract signed, project initiated
January 17, 2024	All materials and equipment delivered to site
January 28, 2024	Main steel structure installation completed
March – June, 2024	Glass covering + equipment installation
June 28, 2024	Electrical equipment commissioning completed
July 10, 2024	Main structure and all equipment fully completed
August – September, 2024	Performance testing and final acceptance

Safety Record: 7-month construction period with zero safety incidents

 

VI.Acceptance Testing: Let the Data Speak for Itself

Temperature Control Accuracy Test

• Test Conditions: Equipment set to 25°C, continuous monitoring
• Test Results: Indoor temperature remained stable within ±1°C of the set value
• Verification Date: Multiple retests conducted on August 13 and August 15, 2024; data was consistent

System Operating Status

• 14 climate zones operate independently and normally, without interfering with one another
• Temperature, humidity, and lighting parameters for each zone can be independently set and adjusted
• The central control system maintains complete and traceable data records
• All equipment brands, models, and quantities are fully consistent with the contract

VII. Summary of Project Highlights

Key Metric	Achieved Result
Space Efficiency	448 m² accommodating 14 independent experimental zones, with corridor occupying only 56 m²
Control Precision	14 zones completely independent, temperature control accuracy of ±1°C
Energy Efficiency	External shading 22% energy saving + internal thermal screen for nighttime insulation
Research Support	Meets precise light and temperature requirements for crops such as rice, wheat, soybean, and tobacco
Delivery Speed	Complex multi-system integration project completed in 7 months

 

VIII. Customer Testimonials

“The complete independence of the 14 climate zones is exactly what we needed for our comparative experiments. The glass provides consistent light transmission, and the control system is intuitive to operate, which has greatly supported our virology research. From project initiation to delivery, the entire process was professional and efficient.”

— Project Team, Institute of Plant Virology, XX University

 

IX. More Research Greenhouse Case Studies

If you are planning a multi-climate zone research greenhouse, this project demonstrates our ability to deliver:

• Complex Zone Control: Integrated management of light, temperature, humidity, and air—not just temperature
• Academic-Grade Precision: Meets the stringent standards of National Key Laboratories
• Expertise in Glass Greenhouses: Structural sealing, thermal performance, and durability fully compliant with standards
• On-Time Delivery: Completed on schedule even with 14 independent systems