Vegetable Production in Arviat, NU, Canada

In this paper a new design is presented for an energy self-sufficient greenhouse located in Arviat, Nunavut, Canada. The goal is to produce vegetables that can be sold at competitive prices to those that are transported in. The design consists of a detailed layout of the facility, including building materials, grow- ing beds, an irrigation system, a heating and ventilation system, and a detailed description of how power will be supplied to the facility using renewable resources. The design meets all specifica- tions outlined by the client. The design was simulated with 2006 climatic data with an Excel model. The results indicate the design can be implemented. Northern Grow-op LTD has developed a comprehensive deign for an energy self-sufficient greenhouse that is to be located in Arviat, Nunavut, Canada. The facility will produce vegetables to be sold at a price that is competitive with produce imported from other parts of Canada. The extreme arctic cli- mate (i.e. high winds, extreme cold and permafrost) poses numerous challenges for the design of such a facility. Previous designs utilized propane burners for heat, but this is unfavor- able. This facility will be decommissioned over the winter months, and it is assumed no extra materials or labour will be required. Wind turbines are used to meet the need for a self- sustainable energy source as required by the isolated location. Energy generated by the wind turbines will power an air-source heat pump to meet heating needs not met by solar radiation. Cold-weather crops were chosen to maintain manageable heat- ing loads in the greenhouse. Transportation costs to the arctic are restrictive, so maximizing local resources used, such as sand and gravel for concrete is integral. A thorough model of the daily solar heat flux, additional heating requirements and wind turbine power production has been developed for submission as a milestone. The model allowed optimization of climate control components. Results from the model have proved the design can be successfully implemented.