Features Efficiency Energy
Ventilation system produces energy savings for semi-closed greenhouse

A compact ventilation concept resulted in 12 per cent energy savings and improved growing conditions in a semi-closed Belgian greenhouse, according to a new study.

The concept is based on intensive thermal screening, combined with controlled ventilation. The research team – which included scientists from the Flemish Institute for Technological Research, the Research Station for Vegetable Production and Ghent University’s Department of Applied Ecology and Environmental Biology – monitored indoor and outdoor climate parameters, energy flows, energy demand, and crop results.

Findings published in the journal Energy and Buildings report:

“The measured energy consumption of the concept was 9.6 per cent higher than the reference case in 2010, partly due to its location within the greenhouse complex. However, during the second growing season of 2011, two more similar compartments were compared, showing the potential of the ventilation concept with a 12 per cent energy saving.”

The team also noted that the installation allowed for better control of the greenhouse’s climate, which improved growing conditions for their test crops.