The Raypro model is based on ray tracing, a method where a light beam is being followed from the source through the material. The result is visualised in 3D. Based on this method, transmission, reflection and absorption from the sunbeam through the material can be calculated.
Researchers of the LightLab of Wageningen UR first defined the transmission per angle of incidence. Over a wide range, from 0 to about 70 degrees it turns that glass with AntiReflect transmits constantly 3 to 4% more light than ordinary uncoated glass.
Model greenhouse
These data are then used for the ray tracing. For this it is first necessary to define the greenhouse. Researchers have taken a Venlo greenhouse with a roof slope of 23 degrees and 4 meter spans, with the usual structural elements, all of which play a role for the light which ultimately could benefit the crop. Subsequently, they have to calculate the ray tracing model for each hour of the year, for both greenhouses, one with AntiReflect and one uncoated.
Big light gain in all seasons
The incoming light consists of direct and diffuse (= hemispheric) light. By direct light is the angle of incidence is important, with diffuse light it is not. For each day of the country is known how the position of the sun, and thus the angle of incidence is positioned. Further, the ratio between direct and hemispheric light throughout the year is different so for every day the long-term average is taken.
The underlying computer models and calculations are ingenious, but the outcome of the calculations is surprisingly simple: in any season, the light gain in the greenhouse is the same. Compared to an uncoated greenhouse, an AntiReflect coated greenhouse gives 3,3 to 3,4% more light on the crop. This result is not surprising because, moreover, the measured gain over a large part of the angles of incidence is very stable.
Mardenkro will introduce AntiReflect at the international horticultural exhibition GreenTech, to be held on 14, 15 and 16 June in Amsterdam RAI. AntiReflect is nominated for the GreenTech innovation award 2016.
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