Controlled Environment Performance Analysis
Ponix MicroAg now offers computer modeling, analysis, and design support for optimizing greenhouse performance.
Whether you are designing, setting up, or want to improve the performance of an existing commercial greenhouse, we can help you optimize:
- local temperature control
- airflow management throughout the greenhouse
- ventilation strategies and control
- airborne particulate and pathogen isolation and remediation
- humidity management
- glazing selection and treatment
- annual energy cost reduction
to maximize your production while reducing maintenance and energy costs.
Ponix MicroAg has extensive experience in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling and energy analysis of all types of buildings, controlled environments, and greenhouse related applications. We can provide insights into local interior conditions of any size or style of greenhouse and identify opportunities for improving growing conditions throughout the structure and make equipment utilization recommendations to increase the versatility and productivity of your greenhouse for all types of CEA crops.
Ponix MicroAg's modeling and analysis capabilities using CFD include:
- creating a detailed 3-D map of temperature, air flow, humidity, particulate/chemical concentration, and solar intensity at any given point in a greenhouse; and with transient analysis, can show changes in conditions over time and track the movement of particulates, droplets, and chemicals.
- modeling of glazing to show the thermal interaction between the glass/plastic panels and the interior air flowing across them.
- find the best locations for vents and fans, especially for greenhouses dependent on natural ventilation.
- modeling sunlight at any angle and intensity making it especially useful for determining basic greenhouse positioning and initial wall design.
Fans, heaters, air conditioners, and humidity control equipment are included in each model to show their effectiveness and help select the right equipment and how it should be used in your greenhouse.
Ponix MicroAg currently uses FloEFD for CFD modeling and THERM for some detailed heat transfer analysis.
Ponix MicroAg's greenhouse analysis services are headed by Christopher Wark, founder of Ponix MicroAg LLC. Chris has been doing built and controlled environment computer modeling and analysis since starting SHADE Consulting when he developing the first heat transfer calculator for vegetated roof systems and subsequently created an energy primer for Greenroofs.com. In 2006, Chris became Technical Sales Manager for Flomerics Inc, providing consulting and technical support for Flovent CFD software and has continued to provide CFD modeling and associated analysis for all types of built environments. Chris has also done whole-building energy modeling and analysis on nearly 200 buildings of all types throughout the world.
Relevant projects include:
- Custom window CFD modeling and analysis of window replacement selections for the entire Rockefeller Center complex.
- CFD modeling of a concourse at New Doha Intl Airport
- Multiple natural ventilation CFD studies for various applications including 2 greenhouses
- First CFD modeling of an entire Safeway grocery store to identify local discomfort points in aisles
- Multiple data center cooling CFD models including the NCAR-Wyoming Super Computer for climate studies
- Natatoriums for 3 schools and a private owner.
- Article for Controlled Environments Magazine, 2007, "Case Study: Airflow Simulation Ensures +/-1 F Temperature Range"
- Webinar for the USGBC Education series, 2016, "Big Windows, Comfort, and Energy"
- Invited guest lecturer and course mentor on 2 architectural design projects at Stanford U, 2008