ISHS Acta Horticulturae 456: II Modelling Plant Growth, Environmental Control and Farm Management in Protected Cultivation
MANAGEMENT SUPPORT FOR ENERGY-EFFICIENT CLIMATE CONTROL: A MANAGEMENT TOOL |
| Authors: | R. Uffelen, R. Bakker |
| Keywords: | greenhouse culture, energy saving, climate control, decision support system |
| Abstract:
To reduce the environmental pollution the Dutch greenhouse growers have established a Gentleman's Agreement with the government which commits them to reduce the energy-consumption per unit of production. Registration data show considerable differences in energy-consumption (up to 50%) between nurseries with similar equipment, caused by differences in operational decision making for climate control. It seems worthwhile to support this decision making process in order to realize more energy saving. In this research project a management tool for energy-efficient climate control has been developed and it was tested on six nurseries to determine its usefulness. The growers indicated that the management tool leads to a more conscious climate control which can result in higher production and lower energy-consumption. However, the paper version of the management tool is not inviting enough for using it in practice. The research project will therefore be continued with the development of a prototype computer programme. | |
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