Energy saving potential of dynamic climate control

摘要

New schemes are being developed to reduce energy consumption. One novel approach is to control the climate based on the resources available for photosynthesis. Experiments in Denmark show that it is possible to save between 25% and 48% of energy consumption without affecting plant quality and production time. Danish researchers have been developing a climate control system for greenhouses (IntelliGrow) aimed at supplying heat and carbon dioxide when plants can make optimal use of these resources. This is in contrast to traditional climate control which attempts to keep constant levels of air temperature, CO2-concentration and humidity, irrespective of light conditions. In this new way it has been possible to save energy with only a limited change in plant growth. In fact, Danish pot plant growers, who have been using the dynamic climate system in varying degrees, claim that it is the major reason for a decline in the total energy use in their greenhouse industry over recent years.