Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Greenhouse Heating
Renewable Energy
Harrier Garden Developments recognises the need to tackle climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. In addition, working with our customers on green projects makes them more energy efficient and saves money, which can be invested into other areas of the greenhouse.
Our team have installed ground source and air source heat pumps, biomass solutions and even worked on projects utilising hydro electric power.
We worked with Logan Botanic Gardens, to deliver a new energy self-sufficient conservatory installing air source heat pumps and the heating system itself. This project is still seen as an example of how to successfully deliver an eco-friendly glasshouse project.
We are passionate about delivering the most effective solutions to ensure our customers can optimise their greenhouse spaces now and for the future.
Greenhouse Heat Pumps
Heat Pumps deliver heat by extracting it from outside of the glasshouse and moving it inside. Air Source draws heat from the air whilst Ground Source draws heat from the ground.
Depending on the type of heat pump used they can be up to 400% more efficient than a gas boiler.
Air Source Heat Pumps
- This works using a fan to pull in the air that is then absorbed by a refrigerant. As the liquid warms it turns into gas and is compressed which generates heat, which is then passed into the system running through the greenhouse.
- Air source heating can run up to 400% more efficient than a standard gas boiler.
- They are at there most efficient when running at lower temperatures for the flow and return (e.g. 55 Deg C).
- Where a warmer temperature is needed, we often use more pipes than when installing a traditional boiler as this will ensure the system generates to the target temperature lift.
- We often recommend that thermal screens are installed alongside the heat pump to maximise thermal efficiency.
- Significantly less space is needed for an air source solution than for a ground source one.
Ground Source Heat Pumps
- This works by collecting energy from the ground using buried pipework with a liquid which is warmed as it flows and returns. The refrigerant in the pump then absorbs this energy, turns it into a gas, is compressed which generates heat and is then passed into the system running through the greenhouse.
- It is also possible to run systems through water (lakes or rivers) with an open or closed loop system.
- Ground source heating can run up to 400% more efficient than a standard gas boiler.
- They are at their most efficient when running at lower temperatures (similar to an air source heat pump)
- Ground source systems tend to require a lot more space and work to install than air source.
- We recommend that thermal screens are installed alongside the heat pump to maximise the thermal efficiency of the heating solution.
Biomass
Biomass is another renewable option and is considered environmentally friendly if its energy source (wood chip / pellets / logs) comes from sustainably managed sources. It is a lower carbon solution than traditional boilers and is able to maintain higher temperatures than heat pumps.
- Can run at temperatures up to 90 Deg C (in line with a traditional boiler).
- Biomass is typically used in larger systems requiring 20kw of heat upwards.
- Chip Burners are very good on an estate with plenty of access to wood.
- Pellet burners are a better solution if the fuel has to be bought in.
- Although large systems can self fill; ensuring fuel is supplied into the system consistently can be time consuming.
Electric Boilers
When looking for the right solution for a smaller greenhouse our clients often consider an electric boiler as an alternative to a fossil fuel system. This is because the electric boiler itself is a low carbon solution. It is also now possible to buy ‘green energy tariffs’ from electricity suppliers to help ensure you are as environmentally friendly as possible, whilst still delivering an efficient heating solution into the greenhouse.