Energy screen
An energy screen is a more or less transparent part of a greenhouse . It serves both to reduce the radiation of heat to the environment, as well as shading to reduce solar radiation .
function
An energy screen primarily saves energy by reducing heating costs and cooling costs. It serves as an air conditioner . In its function as a shading screen, however, it primarily serves to prevent direct radiation on the plants - and therefore their heating. The air temperature is hardly affected.
The umbrella is usually closed at night and opened like a blind during the day . In this way, with very good insulating materials, energy savings of up to 50 percent can be achieved, comparable to significantly more expensive double glazing .
In practice, two-layer umbrella systems are often installed today, with one umbrella serving more for shading and being more permeable to air than the other. An air cushion is created between the screens, which insulates well against the cooler air in the gable area.
Construction / materials
Energy screens are made from substances of plant and synthetic origin. They are available in different versions. The main component, in addition to the actual fabric, is aluminum , which is woven in thin strips or glued on as a composite material. The use of aluminum reduces the incidence of light or reflects heat radiation.
The use of flame-retardant plastics is of particular importance today , after the energy screen in the past ensured that small fires could quickly develop into large fires with catastrophic consequences.