Maximum Yield Cannabis USA August / September 2017

grow Another reason this system is so energy efficient is because air handlers and chillers work independently of one another. The chiller, which uses the most energy in any cooling system, only needs to turn on when the temperature of the water it circulates drops below a certain point. And because of the high heat absorption rate of water, the water inside these systems can stay much cooler much longer than air would. Cold air can then be delivered to desired locations through an independent air handler without needing to engage the chiller compressor, saving significant energy. GEOTHERMAL Geothermal cooling is a great, energy efficient alternative to using the energy intensive chiller, but it does have some down sides. Geothermal cooling works by harnessing the ground’s constant cool temperature of about 55°F. This system works by pumping water down into piping that is laid underneath the ground. The water picks up heat from your rooms and then rejects that heat into the cool ground, cooling the water. That water can then be used in air handlers to cool the air in the room. However, it is important to note that despite this being an ex- tremely energy efficient option, some people find it can be quite costly to install this type of system and that the payback period on a system like this just too long to make it worth it. It also pro- duces water for your cooling system at about 55°F, which will still cool your rooms significantly but will not allow for as much dehumidification, which is critical for an indoor garden. DRY COOLERS Another way to use a hydronic cooling system while minimiz- ing your energy consumption is through using a dry, or free, cooler. This is basically a compressor-less chiller that uses am- bient temperatures to cool water. Its employs a cooling tower style fan, which draws much less energy than a compressor. It works to supplement the chillers when the outside temperature is between 35°F and 45°F and can completely replace a chiller when the outside temperature is at or below 35°F. In places like Alaska and Colorado, it can be a great option for the winter and could cut energy consumption by as much as 75 per cent. LED LIGHTS LED lights are a great way to reduce your energy consumption in an indoor cultivation environment because they can create the same amount of usable light with less wattage (and thus less electricity) than other types of bulbs. This is because all bulbs convert electrical energy to light and heat energy, but some are simply more efficient at making that conversion than others. For example, a high pressure sodium (HPS) bulb is about 31 per cent efficient whereas light emitting diodes (LEDs) a re about 53 per cent efficient. This means that with the same amount of electrical energy, the LED produces more usable light than the HPS. Kind of a no-brainer if you can get comfortable working with them. Just be sure you check the spectrum on whatever light you choose to be sure it’s in line with what your plants need. ADDING SOLAR Obviously, adding additional, renewable sources of power can save significant amounts of energy. Solar is a great option for those who want to be able to cultivate off the grid or who just want to supplement their power usage. Solar is becoming increasingly popular among growers in areas with frequent blackouts as a way to ensure plants always have access to power and light. If you can swing the initial investment, and you’re in a sunny place, it is highly recommended. WATER RECLAMATION LED lights are a great way to reduce your energy consumption in an indoor cultivation environment because they can create the same amount of usable light with less wattage. 34 grow. heal. learn. enjoy. Energy consumption is often the most talked about part of designing a sustainable operation, but resource consumption should not be overlooked. Indoor gardens use an enormous amount of water every day. Depending on how you're cultivating, you can be looking at between two and five gallons of water per light, which can add up quickly in larger, commercial cultivations. To conserve water, it is recommended a water reclamation system, which works by collecting condensate from dehumidifiers and air handlers and turning it back into usable water, is used. These systems are powerful because they not only cut down on how much water you have to bring in from outside, but they will also oxygenate, pH, sterilize, and filter your water. This allows you to have reverse osmosis level water with- out having to waste so much of it in the process. myhydrolife.com

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