Water Buffer Tank Design Guide with Hortinergy

water buffer tank design hortinergy

Imagine a Water Buffer Tank Design as an Energy Battery Ready for Your Greenhouse

There are two uses of a water buffer tank : the first one with gas boiler and the second one with biomass/waste heat boiler.

 

Water buffer tank design is a critical component in optimizing greenhouse heating systems. By integrating a water buffer tank, you can store excess heat generated during low-demand periods and release it during peak heating times, ensuring a consistent and efficient climate for your crops.

1- How does a water buffer tank design work in greenhouse heating?

Gas boiler : the container stores the heat energy generated in the gas boiler during daytime CO2 supply, when heating demand is the lowest.

Waste heat boiler : it uses the heat in flue gases from combustion processes or hot waste air flows from industrial processes to generate hot water.

Whether you’re utilizing gas boilers, biomass, or waste heat sources, our water buffer tank design services provide a reliable means to manage thermal energy effectively. By incorporating a well-designed water buffer tank, you can improve system performance, extend equipment lifespan, and contribute to a more sustainable greenhouse operation.

2-What Are the Hortinergy Parameters in Water Buffer Tank Design?

water buffer tank design parameters

The volume of a water buffer tank in a greenhouse is generally around 300 m³ per hectare.

As regards temperature variation, it is calculated according to the difference between the heat production temperature and the heat emission temperature of the boiler.

For instance, if the heat production of the boiler is 85°C and the heat emission temperature is 60°C, the temperature variation equals 85-20=65°C.

Hereunder a case study of biomass boiler’s heating demand, the buffer tank running on 410 kW.

At Hortinergy, we specialize in advanced water buffer tank design tailored for greenhouse applications. Our approach considers various factors, including the type of heating system, greenhouse size, and specific crop requirements, to create a customized solution that enhances energy efficiency and reduces operational costs.

water buffer tank design hourly heating demand
On one hand, the time period during which heating demand is under the main energy allows the buffer tank to warm up. For instance, in this graphic, the buffer tank is storing heat energy from 10 am to 3.30 pm. On the other hand, during the rest of the day, when heating demand is above the main energy, buffer tank is providing continuously heat energy to the system in which it is installed.
With Hortinergy, you can simulate screens, sustainability, cannabis greenhouse , supplemental lighting, and calculate carbon tax rebate.  We provide also trainings on energy  consumption to be a greenhouse designer. Hortinergy is an online software. You can choose your offer, create an account and start your project.
Our consulting company Agrithermic can also support you in the design and calculations.
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