In the dry landscape, such as the GCC region, a solution lies in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) and vertical farming. Danfoss, as a silver sponsor at GVFS 2023, presented its solutions for higher energy efficiency and better performance in HVAC systems.
CEA and vertical farms create controlled ecosystems where light spectrum, temperature, humidity, airflow, CO2 levels, and nutrients are meticulously balanced to optimize crop yield. This precision is key to achieving maximum output at minimal cost, a vital factor for competing with imported goods and securing profitability.
Energy consumption is a significant concern in indoor farming, with lighting and HVAC systems being major contributors to operational costs. While strides have been made in lighting efficiency, HVAC systems’ energy-saving potential has been overlooked.
Designing an HVAC system for indoor farming is complex. Heat loads fluctuate throughout the day, night, and crop growth cycles. De-humidification is also critical.
An efficiently designed HVAC system, leveraging energy-saving technologies, can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%. It not only cuts costs but ensures consistent growth conditions for crops.
Tremendous resources in the CEA industry are spent to research crops’ optimal growth conditions. Often, research is done in smaller research facilities, and farms are facing the unable to reach the optimal conditions when they scale to commercial production, resulting in a lower production output than expected
Danfoss, with 90 years of expertise in energy-efficient climate solutions, and strong presence in the MENA region, is ready to support the GCC’s journey towards sustainable food supplies. By applying its expertise and technologies to the CEA industry, Danfoss contributes to the region’s food security and sustainability efforts.
For more information, visit www.danfoss.com.
