Hi Dave,
Yup you're thinking of the right Andrew! I had it pictured as one large case, not three separate sections. There are a two issues that I can think of but can probably be dealt with with some trial and error.
Heat will definitely be a problem in a small enclosed space and the lights from below will heat the top enclosures even more, especially with the T5's. If you had an exhaust fan in each space heat could probably be dissipated easily, but you wouldn't want to be growing any cool growers for sure! T8's are cheaper to purchase and produce less heat so that is another option too. They are not as powerful as T5's though and would probably need 4 bulbs over the plants vs two. Since it is 8' long, this would mean 8 bulbs total per section. Some orchids don't need this much light though so it really depends what orchids you choose in the end. I haven't tried LED's yet, but have some coming in the next few months to test out. I do know some people have been having great results with them so that is always another option too!
The other problem I see is the height may become an issue with some of the flower spikes. You would have to take this into consideration when purchasing orchids and make sure their spikes wont grow too tall for the space. I'm not sure if this is an option, but removing the middle shelf would give you tons of space for most orchids, and would also mean less heat overall for the top section. The bottom would also stay much cooler, and you wouldn't have to limit yourself to warm growers only. This is probably what I would do if it's possible. Would also mean there is more room for vining plants like Nepenthes
I think the cabinet is definitely usable and would work great once you get the kinks figured out, the main one being heat. PVC is great too, and I assume the corners are sealed somehow so run off from watering wont be a problem. If it was me, I would have an exhaust fan for each section, then a smaller fan running all the time inside each section to keep the air moving. I haven't had any problems with lights or fans in a humid environment, but they have only been there for 2 years. Humidity ranges from 60% at its lowest, to 90% + at the highest in my set up. Generally humidity is between 70% and 80% though.
Andrew
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