Hi I am a studying for a design and innovation degree and have been working on a concept for a garden product that combines a growbox and composting bins and incorporates transparent photovoltaic glass (a fairly recent development in solar panels). I was wondering if you could let me have some feedback on my idea? Love it, hate it? Any suggestions that would make it better?
Here is a picture of the concept:
- The glass of the GrowBox contains transparent Photovoltaic cells that allows light through to the plants inside and also generates electrical energy to power growlights so that plants can be started early in the season (when daylight hours may be shorter). The glass also provides a degree of shading as only 50% of light filters through - trials have shown that this is sufficient for plant growth whilst also providing some shade.
- The GrowBox has waterbutts built into the sideboxes to collect water for irrigation. (This also provides thermal mass (absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night) to help protect plants from frost.
- The back of the growbox is formed from two large compost bins - again this provides insulation ans releases heat as the compost decomposes - again helping to protect plants early in the season.
- An automatic ventilation hing ensures that the upper skylights open automatically to provide ventilation once the Growbox becomes warm to release excess heat.
Your feedback will be really helpful and much appreciated.
Here is a picture of the concept:
- The glass of the GrowBox contains transparent Photovoltaic cells that allows light through to the plants inside and also generates electrical energy to power growlights so that plants can be started early in the season (when daylight hours may be shorter). The glass also provides a degree of shading as only 50% of light filters through - trials have shown that this is sufficient for plant growth whilst also providing some shade.
- The GrowBox has waterbutts built into the sideboxes to collect water for irrigation. (This also provides thermal mass (absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night) to help protect plants from frost.
- The back of the growbox is formed from two large compost bins - again this provides insulation ans releases heat as the compost decomposes - again helping to protect plants early in the season.
- An automatic ventilation hing ensures that the upper skylights open automatically to provide ventilation once the Growbox becomes warm to release excess heat.
Your feedback will be really helpful and much appreciated.