Florein Gerbera Save Energy, Prevent Botrytis, and Improve Crop with DryGair
Four years ago, Reinier Zuidgeest of Florein Gerbera installed the first four DryGair dehumidifiers in his greenhouse. Since then, he’s been able to control humidity effectively and efficiently, under a closed screen. “There are virtually no problems with moisture or rot. The climate has improved, and our energy costs have been reduced.”
The following is taken from an article published in Dutch horticulture magazine HortiPoint.
Gerbera Growers Struggle with Botrytis
Gerberas are highly sensitive to botrytis. So, managing humidity is very important. Especially in the early morning, when the lights are turned on, temperatures rise, and the plants start transpiring.
If moisture isn’t extracted at a sufficient pace, parts of the plants can get wet. That’s when botrytis gets a chance to develop and break out. Gerbera growers are very familiar with botrytis. Due to rising energy costs, many have adjusted cultivation protocols and strategies over the past few years, in order to combat this issue using less energy.
Using Dehumidification Under Thermal Screen to Prevent Mold
“Botrytis doesn’t bother us very much anymore” says Zuidgeest. “The main reason for that is that we already have four years of experience with dehumidification under a completely closed screen. We do this with DryGair dehumidifiers from Royal Brinkman.
“We start dehumidifying before the lights are switched on, based on a moisture deficit. We then gradually increase the light level and pipe temperature. This all takes place under a closed screen and virtually closed skylights. Thanks to DryGair, we don’t have to open cracks in the energy screen to release moisture, keeping all the precious heat inside.”
Significant Energy & Water Savings
While the dehumidifiers do require energy to run (12 kW each), the offset is much greater through natural gas savings. “We used to burn an average of 1.1 million m3 per year. Last year we only used 700,000 m3, and DryGair plays a big part in that.”
There have been many cold dark days this year, on which Florein uses only 50% of the gas required in the past. “Four years ago, we also had an energy screen installed under the existing blackout screen. We started to focus more consciously on energy efficiency. However, without DryGair, the savings would have been much lower, as we would have to open gaps in the screens to release moisture. I am sure that the investment has now more than paid for itself.”
There are 4 units running an average of 12 hours per day in a 2-hectare greenhouse, and an additional 4 units in a 1.5-hectare greenhouse. Each unit condenses 50 to 55 liters of water per hour. The water is collected and used as irrigation water.
“On an annual basis, this results in significant water savings”, says Zuidgeest.
Satisfaction with DryGair’s Operation, Guidance, and Support
“The DryGair units are no-nonsense devices that do exactly what they’re supposed to” says Zuidgeest. “They play a key role in our climate control and do so very efficiently. They also allow to use additional equipment more effectively, such as screen installations, and we save a lot of energy.”
After 4 years using DryGair, Zuidgeest says he is very satisfied with the investment. He’s also satisfied with the guidance from Royal Brinkman technical account manager, Eef Zwinkels.
According to Eef Zwinkels, Florein Gerbera’s story is illustrative of the increasing demand for DryGair. “Four years ago, quality benefits and the desire to achieve a more uniform climate were the most important motives for DryGair installations. Now, the dehumidifiers’ energy saving potential carries more weight. The great thing is that they continue to deliver all those benefits.”
DryGair’s Subsidy & Grant Eligibility
Royal Brinkman technical account manager, Eef Zwinkels, also notes that DryGair units are eligible for EC and EIA grants. The units are ready for use, simply and quickly (within a day), and there’s no hassle with air ducts, or fitting the units in the greenhouse.
