Regulation of microclimate and temperature conditions in winter gardens

If you imagine a glass house facing the sun, glazed with insulating glass with a standard energy transmittance level, it is quite clear that, depending on the weather, the temperature inside can rise to unusually high levels due to the so-called greenhouse effect. One must also take into account the fact that changes in light and temperature levels can occur very quickly, within a matter of minutes.

If these factors are not considered and measures for shading and ventilation are not taken, the sunroom can turn into an oven. This will have a detrimental effect on both people and plants. Without proper air intake and exhaust, such a structure would be suitable for living in summer only early in the morning and in the evening, as well as on cloudy days. On the other hand, in winter months, as little energy as possible should escape through the glass roof slopes.

In the absence of functional sun protection, direct sunlight must be intercepted at the glass roof level, thus preventing the floor, furniture, plants, and internal surfaces from heating up to high temperatures during the summer months.

Conservatories and sunrooms should be equipped with a thermostat in summer to automatically control the ventilation process

42 ии р Е. ЕЯ | (0 ее ОО ГЕ, 1 у ГРА р Ё | УТ, 100 со ий | Temperature controller for awnings / Hydrometer for measuring air humidity so as to reduce the levels of humidity and temperature inside the room.

The external surfaces of glass structures (glass and frames), especially roof coverings, must have a low thermal conductivity coefficient to limit heat loss at night and during the day and to limit the risk of moisture condensation from the air.

On sunny summer days, in the absence of shading and ventilation, the temperature inside a conservatory can rise to 70 °C.

Microclimate in a conservatory

The microclimate depends on ventilation and sun protection. The low thermal conductivity of the external walls of a glass extension, achieved through the use of heat-insulating and thermally separated profile structures in combination with energy-saving glass, is due to the level of modern technology. The second task is an automatic, thermostat-controlled ventilation system, as well as reliable sun protection.

To avoid overheating of the air in a conservatory, there is a very effective solution. It consists of incorporating windows and/or doors into the vertical glass surfaces and installing roof windows. According to experts, the surface area that can be opened for ventilation should be about 40% of the total area. Additionally, blinds, curtains, and other shading devices should be provided.

It must be kept in mind that external shading provides better protection against heating during the day, but it is more expensive than shading located inside the room.

External sun protection

Along with sufficient ventilation, the conservatory plan should also include sun protection elements, especially since there is a close relationship between them. Reliable sun protection is impossible without a proper ventilation system. The quality and functionality of sun protection are indicated by the S-coefficient, which shows what percentage of solar energy passes through the sun protection system. The lower this coefficient, the more effective the sun protection.

Ventilation control in conservatories

Air intake and exhaust is one of the main tasks facing a conservatory architect. When solving this task, it is necessary to consider how much time one will be able to spend in the extension.

In summer, the indoor temperature should not exceed 30 °C, which is only possible provided there is multiple air exchange in the room every hour.

Requirements for sun protection systems

In general, the requirements for sun protection are as follows:

• when installing shading, solar energy entering the room in the morning and evening through vertical surfaces must also be taken into account;
• sun protection must ensure an even distribution of sunlight in the room and prevent glare.

In the absence of the homeowners, the sun protection system must be guaranteed against damage from hail, rain, strong wind, etc. When doors and windows are open, the sun protection elements must also be secured against damage. Sun protection devices should operate automatically and be easy to operate.