Zero Energy Farm (ZEF BETA)
lIn Summer 2013 FARM: will build their first patent-pending Zero Energy Farm on a rooftop in Folkestone. The farm will grow summer crops in the colds of winter in a pioneering energy and resource efficient greenhouse.
How it worksSeasonal insulation - The greenhouse skin will adapt to the weather, conserving heat in the winter months.
Heat recovery - Ventilation will be provided to the plants through a novel heat exchange system which maintains humidity levels. Efficient Lighting - The greenhouse will supplement the sun with full spectrum LED lighting. This will manage internal heat gains and provide light for plants in the winter months. Solar panels - Photovoltaics will be integrated into the greenhouse skin to power pumps, lights and fans and shade the plants in hot weather. Ecological Nutrient - Plant feed will be provided from waste food in a rapid aquaponic composting system using fish, bacteria and worms as a biological processor. Rainwater collection - Rain will be harvested from the greenhouse roof and used to feed plants. Natural pests control - Insects such as aphids will be controlled naturally with biological predactors living in the greenhouse. Crops will be distributed to local restaurants on bicycle within minutes of being picked, assuring top quality food is grown. |
Project PartnersSomething & Son - Designers and inventors of the greenhouse
Folkestone Trienalle - Funders and promoters of the ZEF InCrop Plant Science - Monitoring and evaluation of the greenhouses performance. Phytolux Lighting - British made full spectrum LED lighting Cambridge Solar or Polysolar - Integrated greenhouse photovoltaics Cocreate Passivhaus - Low energy construction and engineering specialists |