I stumbled upon an article which used the term greenhouse to describe a plane! "What a curious idea!" was my first reaction. That picked my interest, I decided to read on the article about agreenhouse plane.
To my disappointment, the article relates an incident involving a delayed flight in the UK, managed by the carrier Jet2. In the article, passengers were left 2hours in a plane and complained that the it was like being in a greenhouse. Instead on focusing on the article, let's focus on why the it got hotter and hotter in the plane, and what led people to compare the plane to a greenhouse!
WHAT IS THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT?
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that involves gasses, the sunlight and Earth's atmosphere.
To make it simple, the sun's light travels to Earth, warms our planet, and gasses absorb the thermal radiation that leaves the Earth to avoid it to keep it warm.
Does the greenhouse effect means it is going to get hotter and hotter?
Not necessarily, but in our case it is more likely so. With the increase in gasses that trap the thermal radiation, Earth's environment is getting hotter.
CAN A PLANE BE CONVERTED IN A GREENHOUSE?
What if the next greenhouse innovation was to use old planes to make greenhouses? Kidding right. Well not really since it's been done already! Have a look at the Grumman greenhouse, an amazing piece of art utilizing an old warplane as a hothouse.
The plane's body was fitted with LED grow lights powered through solar panels. It is said that the produce grown inside the cold frame of this plane/greenhouse is distributed to low income families.
The Grumman greenhouse utilizes only a small part of the submarine hunter to grow plant. But in the event an innovator, or daring DIY enthusiast would like to make it worth it, a plane body can be used as a greenhouse frame.
Because a greenhouse is a freestanding structure that creates a barrier with the outside, it creates a favourable climate as long as the following criterias are met :
1 - TO CREATE A MICROCLIMATE IN A PLANE'S CARCASS
Stripped from its wings, and seats, it would provide a large space for cultivation and enabling cultivation during colder months. Airplanes structure is made of lightweight but very strong material. The body of the plane is usually well insulated which is great to create a microclimate, enabling cultivation during colder months.
2 - VENTILATION LIKE IN A REAL GREENHOUSE
The plane's structural framework is made of aluminum which can be cut, welded. Fitting the ends of the body with powerful greenhouse fans and fit vents on the roof. Because a good ventilation participates to a healthy growing environment, it is important to ensure that the greenhouse is well ventilated.
3 - LETTING THE LIGHT IN WITH POLYETHYLENE OR POLYCARBONATE
Last, but not least, the roof of the plane's carcass should be removed. The roof structure can be replaced by inflated polyethylene, secured to the fuselage with spring wire and lock channel. Or another greenhouse DIY solution would be to fit polycarbonate panels to ensure both light exposure, and insulation from cold or hot weather.
In conclusion, an airplane can be converted into a greenhouse due to its large size and durability. There are various ways, which allows for the construction of a polytunnel or a glasshouse. Its aluminum body provides insulation from the outside and creates a microclimate that is suitable for growing plants. With vents and fans at each end of the aircraft, or by installing greenhouse doors, the inside of the greenhouse plane can be well ventilated. Additionally, by installing glass windows on both sides of the aircraft, or replacing the roof fuselage by greenhouse covers such as polyfilm or poly sheets, it increases light exposure. one transform it into a greenhouse-friendly environment.
If making a greenhouse out of an old plane is not so crazy afterall. What is the next step, a submarine greenhouse? ;-)
