Ying Zhang
0000-0003-2943-8527

Specialist

assistant professor, controlled environments, UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Gainesville, FL

ABE profile

Publications

Fans For Greenhouses

Y. Zhang, J. A. Watson, D. E. Buffington, R. A. Bucklin, R. W. Henley, and D. B. McConnell

Fans are used in processing applications involved with drying, ventilating, heating, cooling, aspirating, elevating, and conveying. Processing and other agricultural activities requiring fans are greatly increasing. Costs are becoming more and more important; therefore, it is necessary that a person be able to select and apply the best fan for any installation, taking economic factors into consideration. This article introduces some important fan properties that you should consider when select a

Greenhouse Heating Checklist

Y. Zhang, J.A. Watson, R.A. Bucklin, P.H. Jones, B.A. Barmby, D.B. McConnell, R.W. Henley

Heating requirements inside greenhouses are affected by outdoor climates, structure characteristics, types of heating systems, and the strategies of operation and management. A properly maintained greenhouse can reduce the energy consumption and thus contribute to energy savings. This article addresses the issues that might lower the system efficiency and provides a checklist to ensure the best performance of the system.

Maintenance Guide for Greenhouse Ventilation, Evaporative Cooling Heating Systems

Y. Zhang, J.A. Watson, R.A. Bucklin, R.W. Henley, D.B. McConnell

Heating, cooling and ventilation are three main environmental control methods to maintain the desired growing environments. Regular maintenance of the equipment is the key to an effective performance. Any small changes or a minor downtime could reduce the overall efficiency of these systems which could lead to crop failure. This fact sheet will emphasize corrective and preventive maintenance procedures for ventilation, evaporative cooling and heating systems.

Auxiliary Power Units For Greenhouse Operations

Y. Zhang, J. A. Watson, R. A. Bucklin, and R. W. Henley

Greenhouses require energy to thrive. Most greenhouses require fans, water pumps, heating equipment for operation. A backup generator will keep a greenhouse operational with uninterruptible power supply. When selecting a generator, it is crucial to know how much power the backup generator needs to maintain the essential operations of the greenhouse. Besides, choosing a proper unit and installing and operating it correctly are critical for success. This article provides guidelines for generator s

Florida Greenhouse Design

Y. Zhang, J. A. Watson, R. A. Bucklin

Greenhouse design considerations are critical in regulating optimal climatic conditions where plants are grown. The structural systems, building components and materials, and machinery equipment play a central role in greenhouse efficiency. Yet, many design considerations vary greatly with region and geography. This article describes greenhouse design considerations specific to Florida’s unique environment. It a includes descriptions of framing types and materials, design load consideration with

Physical Greenhouse Design Considerations—Florida Greenhouse Vegetable Production Handbook, Vol 2

R. A. Bucklin

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s).

Ying Zhang 0000-0003-2943-8527