Air is introduced to greenhouses via plumbing, high pressure pumps, filtration, nozzles and other such systems.
Humidity is simply defined as moisture in the air. Environments high in humidity have heavy, moist air and are prone to rain, while environments low in humidity have thin, dry air and are often desertic. Humidity is important in greenhouse growing because moisture in the air provides a necessary water source for plants. However, the degree of humidity in such an environment must be closely monitored for the benefit of the plants. Control equipment includes switches and sensors.
Computer Systems
Computer programs used to control humidity levels in greenhouses are generally part of larger automated control systems that also monitor carbon dioxide levels, temperature, light, fertilization and water filtration, among other things. Such computer systems can be programmed to "know" the requisite amount of humidity for a greenhouse as a whole or for particular regions of a greenhouse. Sensors placed throughout the greenhouse relay humidity level information to the central computer, which in turn determines whether this level is sufficient. If humidity levels are too high or too low, the computer will make necessary adjustments via humidifying or dehumidifying equipment.
Fans
Certain fans are specifically designed to control the level of humidity in a greenhouse. These fans are intended for use in place of all other humidity control equipment, including induction and reduction systems such as pumps, pipes, filters and more. Humidity control fans are built so that water and other fluids can be fed into the mechanical system. The water is then combined with air that is drawn through the fan and projected into the surrounding area with power generated by an engine. These fans are built to create horizontal airflow that is thick with moisture. Manufacturers of humidity fans make no mention of the fans' ability to reduce humidity levels. Fans are manually controlled.
Switches
Humidity switches are electrically powered controls designed for connection with humidity induction and reduction systems that are already in place. Such switches allow users to humidify or dehumidify environments in a wide spectrum of degrees, measured in percentages. The equipment connects to the power source of air moisture control systems in such a way that, when a user requests a change in moisture, the switch is able to monitor the level of power provided to the humidifying or dehumidifying equipment so that the users' command is accurately executed. Humidity switches are sometimes combined with temperature control switches.
Sensors
Humidity sensors work in much the same way as computer control systems, but don't require greenhouse custodians to install a full complement of computers, sensors and software programs. Rather, such monitors can be purchased individually and connected directly to humidity induction and reduction systems. Sensors are then programmed to know the proper amount of moisture the air of any given environment should contain. If the amount of humidity in an environment deviates significantly from the desired range, the sensor will make required adjustments via the induction or reduction system.
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