In the Netherlands, Schenkeveld is adding an 11-hectare greenhouse. This tomato grower has two other greenhouses on site. But, unlike those, this one won't have lights. It will be equipped with a 'Het Nieuwe Telen' (The New Cultivation) system. Technokas developed this system. It's the second time this company will supply this system to a tomato farmer.
"The system is somewhat unique. The air handling units (AHUs) are also fitted with high-temperature heating. These boxes hang in the center of the greenhouse," explains Technokas' director, Maurice Hartman.
Schenkeveld approached several institutions for advice on how to obtain an optimal climate in their greenhouse. These include Wageningen University & Research (WUR). They asked WUR specialist, Dr. Feije de Zwart, to assess this type of system. With his input, Schenkeveld decided on the system developed by Technokas.
Fresh air intake via the roof
“We've installed our system for tomato cultivation once before," says Maurice. "It was at the Van den Belt tomato farm. There we installed a system in a seven-hectare greenhouse. It's used for lit tomato farming with fresh air intake via the roof. We'll soon be installing the same system at Schenkeveld. It has the same air intake method, but it can also heat the air."
Fitted with heating blocks
“We'll fit the AHUs at Schenkeveld with a heating block. The Van den Belt AHUs don't have that. That partly because Schenkeveld won't be using lighting in this greenhouse," Maurice adds.
"So, it's important to be able to heat the outside air that's sucked in. The AHUs can blow dry, outside air into the greenhouse at 5 m3/m2/h. Each one's heating block has a capacity of 20 watts/m2."
Optimal humidity regulation
According to Hartman, 'Het Nieuwe Telen' system means Schenkeveld will soon be able to regulate its greenhouse's humidity optimally. This structure is slightly overpressurized. Using the AHUs means you no longer need recirculation fans either.
This system should ensure a considerable decrease in the greenhouse's temperature differences. That's what both Dr. De Zwart and Technokas expect.
The 11-hectare greenhouse will be fitted with 16 double AHUs. It's expected to be put to use just before winter.
Read more about the construction at Schenkeveld here. Or you can keep up with the building updates on this website, which the grower maintains.
For more information:
Technokas
Email: info@technokas.nl
Website: www.technokas.nl