Plastic film greenhouses are cost-effective and easy to install and use. However, they have poor insulation, making them unsuitable for cold winters.
Is there a plastic film greenhouse that can be used in winter as well?
Yes, there is—it's the plastic film arch greenhouse with an insulating quilt.
In modern greenhouse types, the plastic film arch greenhouse with an insulating quilt is a common and practical option.
Plastic film arch greenhouse with an insulating quilt
The structure diagram of a plastic film arch greenhouse with insulation blankets.
Compared to regular plastic film arch greenhouses, it offers:
• A larger span and more internal space
• Better insulation
• The ability to operate normally without any artificial heating, even when the outdoor temperature is as low as -14°C in winter.
It requires no additional heating while offering strong insulation, resulting in low operating costs. This type of greenhouse is especially popular for growing vegetables, flowers, and fruits.
Structural Components
1. Support Steel Frame
Typically made from corrosion-resistant hot-dip galvanized steel, the frame has excellent rust resistance and a long service life, while being able to withstand significant pressure.
The steel frame ensures the greenhouse’s sturdiness, stability, and durability.
The framework of a plastic film arch greenhouse with insulation blankets.
The span of a typical plastic film arch greenhouse with an insulating quilt is between 10 and 20 meters, with lengths varying depending on the site and planting needs, generally ranging from 30 to 100 meters.
2. Greenhouse Plastic Film
The greenhouse arch is covered with transparent plastic film.
This film blocks external environmental factors while maintaining the greenhouse's internal temperature and humidity.
Nowadays, PO film is commonly used, which offers good light transmission, allowing ample sunlight to enter the greenhouse to support plant photosynthesis. It also provides insulation, wind resistance, and rain protection, effectively shielding crops from adverse weather.
3. Insulating Quilt
During the day, the insulating quilt is rolled up, allowing sunlight to pass through and ensuring good light conditions inside the greenhouse.
At night, it unfolds to cover the plastic film, providing insulation.
The new type of insulating quilt is made from multiple layers of materials such as non-woven fabric, pearl cotton, and waterproof cloth. It is not only lightweight and highly insulating but also waterproof and durable.
The quilt reduces heat loss at night, helping to maintain the internal temperature of the greenhouse.
4. Quilt Rolling Equipment
During the day, the quilt is rolled up to allow sunlight to enter the greenhouse.
At night, it unrolls to cover the plastic film for insulation. The quilt rolling equipment controls whether the cover is rolled up or unfolded.
The appearance of the greenhouse with the top insulation blanket unfolded.
5. Ventilation System
The greenhouse has ventilation openings on the top and sides, used for regulating temperature, humidity, and air composition.
When the temperature inside the greenhouse gets too high, the humidity too great, or the carbon dioxide level too low, the vents are opened to bring in fresh air and expel stale air, creating an ideal environment for plant growth.
The size of the vents can be adjusted based on the actual conditions.
Working Principle
During the day, sunlight passes through the plastic film, heating the floor and objects inside the greenhouse.
The plastic film covering the greenhouse traps the heat, preventing it from escaping and maintaining a warm environment inside.
Meanwhile, the moisture in the greenhouse evaporates and condenses into water droplets on the film, reducing water loss and maintaining humidity.
At night, without sunlight, the greenhouse begins to slowly cool.
The insulating quilt plays a crucial role at this time; it forms an insulating layer over the film, slowing the heat transfer to the outside, preventing the temperature from dropping too much, and providing a relatively stable night-time temperature for the plants.
The ventilation system adjusts the temperature, humidity, and air composition as needed throughout the process, ensuring optimal growth conditions for the plants.
Ideal Usage Conditions
Plastic film arch greenhouses with insulating quilts are typically used in areas where there is good sunlight during the winter and where insulation is required.
Specifically, they are ideal for temperate regions with good daylight in winter and outdoor night temperatures not lower than -12°C.
In such conditions, these greenhouses can function at their best.
In general, when the outdoor temperature does not fall below -14°C in winter, and no artificial heating is used
A plastic film arch greenhouse with an insulating quilt can support normal plant growth.
