Hydroinnovations - CO2 Calculator

This calculator is designed to give you the co2 generator run time and amount of co2 needed to bring co2 levels from ambient levels (350 ppm) to desired levels (usually 1500 ppm). However we can not calculate for variables such as how well the garden is sealed, how much co2 is being consumed by the plants, periodic venting, etc. This calculator assumes that the garden is vented once per hour. If there is more venting or air escape than that, the generator might run more often than calculated. If there is less venting or air escape than that, the generator might run less often than calculated. The longer the generator runs, the more heat it will produce, and the greater your cooling requirements will be.

After calculating your co2 needs use the charts below to figure chiller size, reservoir size, or water usage for the various means of cooling. Remember that the recommendations are based on venting once per hour, and you should keep your specific environment in mind. If CO2 escape or venting is minimal, cooling requirements and water usage could be much less, and if there is excessive venting or air escape causing the generator to run excessively you could need more.

Enter the grow room length in feet		Feet
Enter the grow room width in feet		Feet
Enter the grow room height in feet		Feet
Desired CO2 level (Parts Per Million)		PPM *
Select generator output

* To calculate chiller requirements for your specific garden, install the unit on a temporary recirculation system first. Run the generator on the lowest setting for a few hours and note the generator run time to reach your desired PPM's for each hour. On the lowest setting the generator's output is roughly 12,000 BTU of heat, so if it were to run for one full hour it would require 12,000 BTU (1 hp ) of cooling. If your generator runs for 15 min per hour then 3,000 BTU (1/4 HP) of cooling would be needed, if it ran for 5 minutes 1000 BTU (1/12 HP) of cooling would be needed, and so on. A good rule of thumb is to size the chiller that you purchase about 20% above what you absolutely need. This will give you better energy efficiency, and longer chiller life. * Co2 is only useful to your plants when the lights are on. It is best to vent at the end of the light cycle to return co2 levels to atmospheric normals. * Ambient outdoor co2 levels are usually between 350-500 but can be higher in cities and in colder climates where propane or natural gas is used to heat homes. * 1500 PPM is the widely accepted norm for optimal plant growth.