The design of equipment for producing accurate control of artificial aerial environments at low cost

Abstract

An account is given of the considerations which have been found in practice to govern the design of a small cabinet for growing plants under closely controlled conditions of atmospheric environment. Starting with questions of size, shape and material, the connexion between size of chamber and type of illumination is considered, followed by general policy on air supply. The main outlines of design having been laid down in this way, the various environmental factors to be controlled are reviewed. These include: (a) composition of the air, with particular reference to carbon dioxide; (b) light intensity. Various possible sources are reviewed, and the difficulties of imitating natural conditions of illumination are discussed, together with methods of measuring the illumination and checking for stability; (c) temperature. The degree of control needed for various purposes is considered, particularly in connexion with control of humidity, followed by systems of control, and the most advantageous arrangements for them. The cycle of operations of a control system is considered in some detail, and division of the system into a small relay-operated heater and a background heating or cooling system is advocated; (d) humidity. A similar division between background and relay-operated humidifiers is also advisable, and methods of achieving this are outlined. Dew-point control is shown to be most suitable for the background humidity, while a hot wick of low thermal capacity suffices for the relay-operated device. Finally, the principal uses of such cabinets are dealt with: (a) as adjuncts to field experimentation; (b) for work on plant pathology; (c) for producing standard plant material at any time of year; and rough estimates of running costs are given.