Cascade converters of solar radiation based on polyethylene film and functional ceramics have been developed. The composite film significantly enhances the process of solar energy transfer.
A polymer film containing 0.1–1% of ultrafine impulse ceramic powder, designed for solar drying, increases the drying speed with ceramics by 30–50% (Germany). This is based on the fact that a photon with an energy of 1.5–2 eV in the primary solar spectrum can theoretically generate more than 10 photons with an energy of 0.1–0.2 eV, which is exactly what the ceramics do. As a result, drying efficiency increases by 1.3–2.0 times.
A special polymer film for greenhouses has been developed, containing 0.5–2.5% of ultrafine impulse ceramic powder. Its use in a solar air heater significantly increases air temperature compared to regular polyethylene film by converting part of the visible and ultraviolet spectrum—mostly unused for photosynthesis—into infrared radiation. The maximum light transmission is selected in the 620–720 nm range, which not only ensures effective plant photosynthesis but also activates phytochrome, thereby stimulating plant growth and development. Studies have shown that this composite has a certain ability to stabilize temperature, which can be used not only in greenhouse farming but also in cases where excessive overheating due to high solar radiation is undesirable.
A polymer film containing 0.1–1% of ultrafine impulse ceramic powder, designed for solar drying, increases the drying speed with ceramics by 30–50% (Germany). This is based on the fact that a photon with an energy of 1.5–2 eV in the primary solar spectrum can theoretically generate more than 10 photons with an energy of 0.1–0.2 eV, which is exactly what the ceramics do. As a result, drying efficiency increases by 1.3–2.0 times.
A special polymer film for greenhouses has been developed, containing 0.5–2.5% of ultrafine impulse ceramic powder. Its use in a solar air heater significantly increases air temperature compared to regular polyethylene film by converting part of the visible and ultraviolet spectrum—mostly unused for photosynthesis—into infrared radiation. The maximum light transmission is selected in the 620–720 nm range, which not only ensures effective plant photosynthesis but also activates phytochrome, thereby stimulating plant growth and development. Studies have shown that this composite has a certain ability to stabilize temperature, which can be used not only in greenhouse farming but also in cases where excessive overheating due to high solar radiation is undesirable.
A three-layer composite with cascade conversion based on functional ceramics and polyethylene film significantly enhances the process of solar energy transfer and has the following advantages compared to regular film:
It has a certain ability to stabilize temperature. (Research results have shown that the use of the developed composite films at low ambient temperatures ensures a temperature 5-11 degrees higher compared to regular film, while at relatively high ambient temperatures, it maintains a temperature 9-14 degrees lower.)
Allows for more efficient use of solar energy when growing plants under the film.
Its temperature efficiency in the chamber is higher compared to ordinary film, which is especially important during cloudy and overcast weather.
Unlike ordinary polyethylene film, the composite does not fog up, as the ceramic layer heats up to higher temperatures under solar energy, making it difficult for moisture to condense on it.
Significantly better retains the temperature inside the chamber after sunset.
Allows the use of the ultraviolet part of the spectrum, which simultaneously increases the lifespan of the composite film.
The maximum transmission of radiation in the visible range is in the 620-700 nm region, which is essential for plant photosynthesis. This promotes the transition of plant phytochrome to its active form, significantly accelerating rehabilitation processes.