Case study
Energy savings with the DryGair in potted and bedding plants
Wouters Nursery in Ens cultivates annual potted and bedding plants under 47 hectares of glass. The growing company has been active for nearly 70 years. Coen and Frido Wouters, directors at Wouters Nursery, explain the challenges they are currently facing at the nursery. 'In the production of primulas and poinsettias, as well as the cultivation of young plants, energy savings have been a challenge in recent years.' Additionally, Coen explains that greener cultivation, with less chemistry and more biology, is also a focus for the nursery. A meeting with Eef Zwinkels, a specialist in DryGair dehumidification, led to an effective approach.
The project in brief
What was the challenge?
Kwekerij Wouters wanted to save energy. With rising energy costs, including gas prices, this is the biggest challenge. Additionally, sustainable cultivation is becoming increasingly important for Kwekerij Wouters. Relative humidity (RH) also plays a role here. A high RH is not beneficial for the plants. With better control of RH, there are more opportunities for resilient cultivation. The desire for energy savings, the need for better control of RH, and the wish to cultivate more sustainably initiated the search for a solution.
How did we approach this?
At the IPM in Essen, Coen Wouters spoke with Eef Zwinkels, a DryGair specialist from Royal Brinkman. After their initial conversation, they set up a meeting where Eef explained the various benefits of DryGair, particularly how it can help save energy. DryGair dehumidifies the greenhouse, leading to immediate reductions in energy costs. By keeping the windows closed, it also reduces CO2 emissions. Additionally, DryGair extracts water from the air that can be reused. Following this consultation, we provided a quote for an initial DryGair unit, which was then installed in one section of the greenhouse. Both Royal Brinkman and an independent company monitored the results through measurements.
What are the results?
At Kwekerij Wouters, energy savings of 30% to 40% have been achieved since implementing DryGair. Within just a few months, impressive results were evident. In other sections of the greenhouse, more heating was required to maintain the right temperature and humidity levels, but the area equipped with DryGair remained tidy and well-regulated. The windows and the covering stayed closed, and the humidity levels were optimal. An independent company also observed positive outcomes. The climate and consistency were in good shape, and the climate control system showed improved manageability of humidity levels. In the section with DryGair, humidity was consistently 6% to 8% lower than in the section without it. With better humidity control, plants are less susceptible to molds and botrytis. Thanks to this enhanced control, there are now opportunities for more resilient cultivation. Additionally, the reduced energy consumption has led to a smaller environmental footprint. Due to these excellent results, a second quote for four additional DryGair units quickly followed.
Results
DryGair delivers impressive results at Kwekerij Wouters
30% - 40%
Energy savings
6% - 8%
Lower humidity
5 DryGairs
installed
Written on August 26, 2024
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We are a global specialist in horticulture, with over 135 years of experience. 'Let’s improve together' reflects our approach. We believe that we can enhance horticulture 'only together' with growers, suppliers, and other partners. Our international network forms the foundation of our work. In our various areas of expertise within protected horticulture, we act as a knowledge partner. With more than 135 years in the horticultural sector, we understand the industry like no one else. Armed with this knowledge and a dedicated team of specialists, we assist growers worldwide in their continuous improvement.
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Case study
Energy savings with the DryGair in potted and bedding plants
Wouters Nursery in Ens cultivates annual potted and bedding plants under 47 hectares of glass. The growing company has been active for nearly 70 years. Coen and Frido Wouters, directors at Wouters Nursery, explain the challenges they are currently facing at the nursery. 'In the production of primulas and poinsettias, as well as the cultivation of young plants, energy savings have been a challenge in recent years.' Additionally, Coen explains that greener cultivation, with less chemistry and more biology, is also a focus for the nursery. A meeting with Eef Zwinkels, a specialist in DryGair dehumidification, led to an effective approach.
The project in brief
What was the challenge?
Kwekerij Wouters wanted to save energy. With rising energy costs, including gas prices, this is the biggest challenge. Additionally, sustainable cultivation is becoming increasingly important for Kwekerij Wouters. Relative humidity (RH) also plays a role here. A high RH is not beneficial for the plants. With better control of RH, there are more opportunities for resilient cultivation. The desire for energy savings, the need for better control of RH, and the wish to cultivate more sustainably initiated the search for a solution.
How did we approach this?
At the IPM in Essen, Coen Wouters spoke with Eef Zwinkels, a DryGair specialist from Royal Brinkman. After their initial conversation, they set up a meeting where Eef explained the various benefits of DryGair, particularly how it can help save energy. DryGair dehumidifies the greenhouse, leading to immediate reductions in energy costs. By keeping the windows closed, it also reduces CO2 emissions. Additionally, DryGair extracts water from the air that can be reused. Following this consultation, we provided a quote for an initial DryGair unit, which was then installed in one section of the greenhouse. Both Royal Brinkman and an independent company monitored the results through measurements.
What are the results?
At Kwekerij Wouters, energy savings of 30% to 40% have been achieved since implementing DryGair. Within just a few months, impressive results were evident. In other sections of the greenhouse, more heating was required to maintain the right temperature and humidity levels, but the area equipped with DryGair remained tidy and well-regulated. The windows and the covering stayed closed, and the humidity levels were optimal. An independent company also observed positive outcomes. The climate and consistency were in good shape, and the climate control system showed improved manageability of humidity levels. In the section with DryGair, humidity was consistently 6% to 8% lower than in the section without it. With better humidity control, plants are less susceptible to molds and botrytis. Thanks to this enhanced control, there are now opportunities for more resilient cultivation. Additionally, the reduced energy consumption has led to a smaller environmental footprint. Due to these excellent results, a second quote for four additional DryGair units quickly followed.
Results
DryGair delivers impressive results at Kwekerij Wouters
30% - 40%
Energy savings
6% - 8%
Lower humidity
5 DryGairs
installed
Written on August 26, 2024
Let's Improve Together
We are a global specialist in horticulture, with over 135 years of experience. 'Let’s improve together' reflects our approach. We believe that we can enhance horticulture 'only together' with growers, suppliers, and other partners. Our international network forms the foundation of our work. In our various areas of expertise within protected horticulture, we act as a knowledge partner. With more than 135 years in the horticultural sector, we understand the industry like no one else. Armed with this knowledge and a dedicated team of specialists, we assist growers worldwide in their continuous improvement.
Tags: