Using energy to positively influence the climate

Energy and climate are connected. People all over the world try to control the climate and adjust it so we can benefit the most from it. We control the climate to create a pleasant living environment or to benefit products that require specific conditions.

Since the industrial revolution, the increase in energy consumption led to changes in climate, humidity, temperature and a rise in the anthropogenic heat (heat generated by humans' activity). Due to the relatively high energy consumption, the temperatures inside urban areas are higher than in the rural areas. Many studies dealt with the question of the impact of energy consumption on climate. Greenhouses are an example for local climate controlled by energy, growers put a lot of effort to influence the day and night growing conditions, to maximize the yield.

We can estimate the temperature difference and the humidity changes as a result of energy released. This ability is crucial knowledge for growers who grow in closed environments such as greenhouses. When a grower is using machinery inside the greenhouse, the operation energy is converted into heat released inside the greenhouse. The grower needs to know how the heat will influence the inside climate in his greenhouse. In some cases the released energy can be beneficial to the grower, for example, in cold areas the released energy may reduce the need for heating energy. In other cases - in warm climates, the released energy increases the temperature more than needed, which may harm the crops.

Moreover, the plants evaporate water constantly, as part of the photosynthesis process the transition of water from leaves to the air, not only increases the humidity level but also releases energy. The growing process alone affects the humidity levels and temperatures inside the growing facilities.

DryGair dehumidifiers are an excellent example of agro-technology that utilizes the energy consumption to improve and control climate inside closed growing facilities.

The humidity-temperature-energy triangle is complex. During DryGair's dehumidification process, energy is released (sensible and latent), this energy influences the temperature which influences the relative humidity. DryGair's head of R&D Eng. Dan Peltinov explains: "humidity and temperature are related, when the temperatures are higher the humidity is lower and vice versa. When DryGair offers a solution to a grower, we always take into consideration the outside humidity and temperature and the required climate conditions for growing in the greenhouse. We convert the differences in temperature and humidity into energy, then we know the energy balance and we can explain to the grower how to operate the DryGair unit, so he/she can benefit also the added values in addition to the humidity control; such as improved yield, growing tool, energy saving etc."

DryGair can either increase the heating effect from the released energy or eliminate it and contribute to a cooler environment. According to Dan, DryGair is the first unit ever built controlling both the humidity and temperature. Nowadays DryGair have different units, some allow the grower to control only the humidity (dehumidification), others allow dehumidification and heating. The latest development is a unit that can also cool the greenhouse. DryGair solution is energetic beneficial and contributes to reducing costs and to a healthier-green environment.

As in life, all is connected. Understanding the relationship between energy and climate can lead to efficient solutions for the growers.

For more information:
DryGair
Tel: +972-9-7730980
Info@DryGair.com
www.drygair.com