In today’s modern world, infrared technology is commonly used in various industries for heating, cooking, and even medical purposes. However, did you know that ancient civilisations also utilised the power of infrared in their unique ways? One such civilisation was the Inca Empire, known for its advanced knowledge of agriculture and engineering. The Incas ingeniously utilised the warmth of infrared to enhance their crop production in high-altitude regions.
The Incas Innovative Agricultural Techniques
During their reign in the Andean region of South America, the Inca Empire faced the challenge of cultivating crops at high altitudes, where temperatures could drop significantly at night. To address this issue, the Incas devised a brilliant solution; they utilised the daytime heat from the sun to warm the brick walls surrounding their crops. By absorbing the heat during the day, these walls acted as natural thermal mass storage units. As the temperature dropped at night, the walls slowly released the stored heat, creating a microclimate that kept the crops warm and protected from frost. This innovative technique enabled the Incas to cultivate a wider range of crops at higher altitudes, resulting in increased harvests and enhanced food security.
How did the Incas Harness Infrared Heat?
One might wonder how the Incas were able to harness the power of infrared heat without the use of modern technology. The answer lies in their architectural prowess and understanding of thermal dynamics. The Incas built their walls using adobe bricks, a material known for its ability to retain heat. These bricks were strategically placed to capture the maximum amount of sunlight during the day. As the bricks absorbed the infrared radiation from the sun, they became warm to the touch, storing the heat for release later. Infrared radiant heater panels replace the sun as the energy source and do exactly the same thing inside a room.
The Incas innovative use of infrared technology in agriculture serves as a testament to their advanced knowledge and ingenuity. By harnessing the natural heat of the sun through brick walls, the Incas developed a sustainable and effective method for growing crops at high altitudes. Today, we continue to build upon their legacy by exploring new ways to incorporate infrared technology into our modern lives. As we look to the past for inspiration, we can learn valuable lessons from ancient civilisations like the Incas and their pioneering use of infrared heat.
