Q: How many greenhouses specification forms ?

The form, easy to fill out , is divided into 7 parts represented by tabs:

Question 1

Types de couverture transparente prise en charge par le logiciel ?

Accepted Answer

Avec hortinergy vous pouvez simuler plusieurs revêtements de mur pour votre projet de serre :

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6337" src="https://www.hortinergy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/roof-cover-EN.png" alt="" width="485" height="579" />

Question 2

types d'écrans pris en charge

Accepted Answer

Avec Hortinergy vous pouvez simuler votre projet de serre avec plusieurs types d’écran :
-3 niveaux d’écrans horizontaux
-2 rangées d’écrans verticaux

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6335" src="https://www.hortinergy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/qxcreeen.png" alt="" width="359" height="261" />

Question 3

Types de serres gérées par le logiciel

Accepted Answer

Notre logiciel propose différents types de serre :

Notre logiciel propose différentes architectures de serre (les serre semi fermée, les serres fermées, les serre traditionnelles) :

Question 4

Quels types de cultures prise en charge ?

Accepted Answer

Notre logiciel propose une vaste variété de légumes et plantes disponibles pour vos simulations :

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6329" src="https://www.hortinergy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cr.png" alt="" width="394" height="335" />

Question 5

Comment concevoir une serre de cannabis ?

Accepted Answer

Pour en apprendre plus sur comment concevoir une serre de cannabis, vous pouvez trouver ici un article détaillé sur le sujet : Comment concevoir une serre de cannabis ?

Question 6

Climate settings

Accepted Answer

Each crop shall have its own climate conditions to grow in a good environment. In response to that, Hortinergy takes into account 3 settings : heating, humidity and vents opening. Heating system will be activated to prevent the inner temperature to drop below these settings. Then, due to insolation, inner temperature could go up fast. In that time, vents opening settings will be turned on to cool the inside of the greenhouse.

When humidity is higher than the settings, vents, active ventilation or dehumidification are activated. Heating settings

Heating system is turned on when temperature will not drop below the required inner temperature of the greenhouse. Hereabove the different temperature regulation modes :

Constant during a period

First, the “Constant during a period” option, as indicated, means that the minimum temperature to heat the greenhouse during a day will be the same. However inner temperature can be higher due to external clilmate. Mostly used for pot plants.

2.Day-Night Then, with the “Day-Night” option, you need to insert the minimum required inner temperatures during the day and night. It is based on two parameters : the delta temperature inside/outside and the solar radiation, which will be used to deploy the thermal screen. Daytime setpoint temperature is usually higher than nightime one, so as to ensure a good growth of the crop and a better return on energy saving. Mostly used for the crop of cannabis.

3.Pre-Post night Finally, the “Pre-Post night” option is used to split the night in two. For instance, if the night lasts 8 hours, it will be composed of a 4 hours pre-night, followed by a 4 hours post-night. Pre-night setpoint temperature is usually lower than post-night one. Mostly used for tomato crop.

The duration of a period is set by the customer. For instance, a period may be from 12/01/2021 to 13/01/2021 or from 15/03/2021 to 18/09/2021. Moreover, in one year, 6 periods may be chosen.

Question 7

Crop settings

Accepted Answer

Crop library With Hortinergy, it is possible to choose a crop among others, thanks to its library.

Crop transpiration : Crop transpiration is calculated according to Penman-Monteith equation.based on crop type, LAI (Leaf Area Index), light (solar/supplementary), temperature, humidity and air velocity. The higher solar radiation and inner temperature are, the higher crop transpiration is. But the higher relative humidity is, the lower crop transpiration is. LAI is the link between leaf area and soil area covered by the leaves. The higher LAI is, the more important crop transpiration become.

The LAI is pre-defined in Hortinergy based on the type of crop, its transplantation date and seedling age. Cultivation starting and ending dates are also required.

The seedling age at transplanting is the age, in weeks, of seeds before they get transplanted inside a greenhouse. The older seeds are, the faster crop growth and LAI will be, which means a transpiration more significant in a short period of time. Results Hortinergy shows the water transpiration by the crop (that is more /less than irrigation needs-substrate transpiration (that is very low)).

Evapotranspiration is the water transpiration by the crop. It is put in W/m² to show direct relation with solar radiation. The higher solar radiation and inner temperature are, the higher crop transpiration is. Evapotranspiration for 1 l water = approx 0.68 kWh energy (depending on temperature) These results are accurate for tomato in winter, but are theoretical in peak summer when other factors can limit transpiration (hydric stress, leaf temperature too high…).

Question 8

How many time it takes to fill a simulation form ?

Accepted Answer

It takes between 5 and 15 minutes

Question 9

Time to receive the simulation

Accepted Answer

Once, you filled forms, you'll receive the simulation results within an hour.

Question 10

What about results ?

Accepted Answer

The report is sent to you about 20 minutes after you submitted your form. It is available in PDF format, easy to download. You will receive three reports on your account. These reports contain all the results of the calculation and many specifications about your project.

A PDF report summarizes specifications about your project and let you know:

Energy consumption for heating,
Inner climate (temperature, humidity, PAR reaching canopy),
Energy consumption, cooling and dehumidification,
PAR reaching canopy and artificial light required to reach day light integral,
Climate analysis,
Estimation of greenhouse Gas emitted

You also receive two Excel reports with detailed data:

Monthly summary
Hourly values during two typical year

Question 11

How many greenhouses specification forms ?

Accepted Answer

The form, easy to fill out, is divided into 7 parts represented by tabs:

Question 12

How does Hortinergy work ?

Accepted Answer

Before you start your project, here are some meanings on the icons on the "profile" page. A project is the geographical coordinates of your greenhouse. Each variation you make on this project is a scenario. Innovative algorithms take into account specific greenhouse parameters. Our weather file includes a typical year on an hourly basis based on the GPS coordinates with parameters such as:

Temperature,
Relative humidity,
Wind,
Solar radiation (global, diffuse, PAR…)

Greenhouse covering includes :

Type and shade of the greenhouses project (Venlo, gothic…)
Orientation and dimension,
Covering materials of each wall,
Climate screens…

Hortinergy has a large material library. It is updated with the latest branded materials. Hortinergy also takes into account the crop evapotranspiration. For this purpose, parameters about crop management have to be filled in: crop types, growing medium types, transplanting date and uprooting date, etc… Hortinergy also considers climate control settings just as a climate computer would do:

Temperature setpoints and relative humidity control,
Screen regulation types,
Morning revival

We can model standard and innovative equipment such as:

Semi-closed and closed greenhouse,
Pad and fan,
Assimilation light (LED, HPS) …

For heat production and storage, hortinergy includes:

Energy source for primary and secondary systems,
Heat production and distribution yield,
Buffer tank: volume, regulation…

Question 13

Time to fill a simulation form

Accepted Answer

It takes between 5 and 15 minutes and if you create a second scenario it will take less than 5 minutes.

Question 14

Data in the greenhouse design software

Accepted Answer

You are the owner of your data in all circumstances. We only use your data to simulate your greenhouse project. They are not communicated to third parties or reused in our calculations or for any other purpose.

Your data are stored for 1 year in a secured server of the greenhouse design software then they are deleted. You keep your hand on it: if you ask for it we can delete all your data anytime.

Question 15

Difference between projects and scenarios

Accepted Answer

A project corresponds to the location of your greenhouse project. A scenario is a variant of a project in which you can modify all the parameters of the simulation (type of greenhouse, type of crop, type of cooling system, type of heating system) but not the location of the project. To change the coordinates you have to create a new project.

Question 16

Help in using the software?

Accepted Answer

We can show you how the software work in a half our meetings for free. This offer is available for all users so don't hesitate! We can also provide you with a manual and documentation are available to support you in your project.

If you need more, we offer customised assistance: "Hortinergy Expert Consulting", where we help you develop your greenhouse project and make strategic choices to optimise the design and equipment in the analysis of your results.

Question 17

Method and reliability of the software

Accepted Answer

The climate modelling and energy consumption calculations are performed using proven algorithms. The 10% accuracy has been validated through measurement campaigns carried out at CTIFL; Astredhor and Wageningen University (WUR) in Mediterranean, ocean and semi-continental climates in conventional and semi-closed greenhouses.

Hortinergy, our greenhouse simulation software, was developed by Agrithermic in partnership with the CTIFL (French Interprofessional Technical Centre for Fruit and Vegetables) and the Astredhor (Institute of Horticulture Technology), the Agrocampus Ouest and the lycée agricole de La Cote saint André (CFPPA) in La Cote Saint André.

Question 18

How does Hortinergy work part 2?

Accepted Answer

The picture below shows how Hortinergy works :

You start by entering the characteristics of your project online. After 20 minutes of calculation by our servers, you receive the results with : A complete detailed PDF report, An Excel file with hourly-based data for a full representative year, An Excel file with daily-based average data for each month. You can compare different scenarios online. For example, here is the comparison of the hourly heating power according to the number of screens on an average day in January.

Find out more about how Hortinergy works.

Question 19

What does Hortinergy do for you?

Accepted Answer

Hortinergy is a greenhouse simulation software. It models the climate and energy consumption of greenhouses around the world. It allows you to optimize the climate and energy performance of your greenhouse project.
Hortinergy allows you to :
- Compare the different technical solutions available for your project
- Find the optimal configuration for your needs
- Reduce your energy costs in the long term

Question 20

Glossary T-Z

Accepted Answer

Thermal screen : used to maintain inner temperature of the greenhouse, when the sunlight is weak. Indeed, in wintertime or at night, after being deployed, it is used to keep heat and radiation. On the opposite, it is able to prevent the greenhouse from radiation and heat during hot periods of the year. Ventilation capacity : maximum volume of air exchanged by a fan in m³/h or m³/m².h. Ventilation - natural/forced : used to exhaust heat and moisture in order to refresh the air within the greenhouse. Therefore, it is the exchange of inner air and external air of the greenhouse. Natural ventilation depends on wind, temperature differences and vents dimensions, while forced ventilation refers to technical methods such as fans and vents opening characteristics. Ventilation rate : volume of exchanged air in m³/m².h or m³/h. Vents : ventilation windows located in the roof or the side walls of the greenhouse.

Question 21

Glossary M-S

Accepted Answer

Pad and fan system : pad and fan system cools down greenhouse temperature, using evaporative cooling. The pads are installed on one side of the greenhouse, with the fans on the other side. These fans blow air from inside to outside, absorbing outdoor air through the pad. Thanks to the wet pads, dry outdoor air becomes colder and more humid, ideal for the growth of plants. PAR light : radiation with a wavelength in the range from 400 to 700 nm that is used by photosynthetic organisms in the process of photosynthesis. Polycarbonate : plastic film presenting in two forms : a single layer and a multi layer. Here are the different features of polycarbonate in multi layer: -for 8 or 10mm of polycarbonate thickness, 1 air gap with a double layer are used -for 16mm of polycarbonate width, 2 air gaps with a triple layer are used -for 32mm of polycarbonate width, 3 air gaps with a fourfold layer are used Relative humidity : percentage of the saturated/maximum water vapour content at the actual temperature. RH = (actual water vapour content) / (maximum water vapour content) x 100. Semi-closed system : a corridor, located on the outer gable of the greenhouse, uses outside air for dehumidification and cooling. Thus, the corridor is used to mix inner air with external air. This system uses also air tubes below gutters bringing air from the corridor to the crop. Sensible cooling : it is the process in which only the sensible heat of the air is removed so as to reduce its temperature, without any change in the moisture content of the air. Sensible heat : it is the amount of heat exchanged, without any physical stage transition, between several bodies forming an isolated system. Shade and open screen : with its highly reflective quality and open structure ideal for ventilation, shade and open screen shelters plants from sunlight, which makes it suitable for shading in hot climates or to manage more sensitive plants. Solar radiation : radiation coming from the sun on an area in the range from 1 and 1400 W/m², depending on location and season.

Question 22

Glossary F-L

Accepted Answer

Fog system : as the pad and fan system, it uses evaporative cooling method to cool down greenhouse temperature. Clear water is pushed through a stainless steel nozzle. Then, the particles of this water are evaporated before they reach the crops. This system works with a pump unit fitted with a high pressure pump. Humidity deficit : difference between the maximum water vapour content at the actual temperature and the actual water vapour content. Unit in g.kg or g/m³. Latent cooling : it is the capacity to remove the moisture from the air. Latent heat : it is the amount of energy exchanged between an object and its environment during a change of state, i.e. during solidification, fusion or boiling. Leaf Area Index (LAI) : it characterizes plant canopies (aboveground portion of a crop or plant)

Question 23

Glossary A-E

Accepted Answer

Hereunder a pair of words that will certainly help you to better understand Hortinergy’s parameters. Absolute humidity : actual water vapour content of air. Units are either in g/kg, g/m³ or kPa. Absolute humidity difference inside/outside : AH inside – AH outside à in g/kg or g/m³, determines the amount of moisture expelled by ventilation. Adiabatic cooling : process of cooling down air with very fine droplets of water. The variation of enthalpy is void, because of the same amount of latent heat created and energy withdrawn from the air. Assimilation lighting : used to adjust the light intensity of a greenhouse to the desired level during the darkest days of the year. Black out screen : under hot conditions, shading prevents the plants from heat to 99%, thus letting just 1% of incoming solar radiation reach them. It is mostly used for the control of photoperiod and the growth of cannabis crops and ornamental plants. Crop transpiration : mutation of the water from the crop to the air, in the vapour phase. Distribution efficiency : heat losses in the transport between the boiler and the greenhouse. Enthalpy : energy content of dry air expressed in kJ / kg. Based on two components : sensible heat (energy required to raise the temperature of a substance) and latent heat (energy required to evaporate the present water content). ETFE : a plastic film that is clearer and lighter than glass. Even though the lifespan of this product is higher, it stays noisy while dealing with wind and rain. Evaporation : conversion of liquid water to water vapour, due to the removal of water from evaporating area.

Question 24

Screen types

Accepted Answer

A screen works as a curtain which can be installed vertically or horizontally. It aims to regulate inner temperature and humidity, reduce heat losses and control solar radiation, whatever the external climate surrounding the greenhouse. What are the Hortinergy parameters ?

Transparent thermal screen : the major aim is to reduce energy loss. For instance, in order to maintain inner temperature during dark and cold period, it is deployed, thus keeping heat and radiation.

Hereunder a greenhouse composed with a transparent screen.

Thermal screen can be regulated according to 2 parameters:

External solar radiation
Temperature difference between outside and inside

During the night, morning, evening or cloudy days, when the incoming solar radiation is below 100 W/m², it is deployed to reduce heat losses and to let the solar radiation get in. On the other hand, when the incoming solar radiation is above 100 W/m², the thermal screen is undeployed. As regards the temperature difference between outside and inside, the screen is deployed if the difference is higher than the setting and undeployed if the difference is lower For tomato crop, standard values for a temperate climate such the Netherlands are:

External solar radiation: 100 W/m²
Temperature difference between outside and inside

Shading screen : it is used to reduce direct radiation and the overall light level in the glasshouse to reduce overheating and to avoid burning leaves. There are 2 types of materials for shade screen:

aluminum
white strips diffuse

There are also 2 types of structure for shade screen:

open: space is open between shade strips -> good for ventilation, limited thermal effect
closed: high thermal effect, chimney is required for ventilation

Hereabove a thermal and shading screen inside a greenhouse in northern Europe. For instance, when incoming solar radiation is above 500 W/m², the shade screen is deployed. Hereunder a shade and open screen with aluminum strips.

With an open shading screen, a natural ventilation of your greenhouse is possible. However, as regards the closed shading screen, a chimney is required to get a natural ventilation. Hereunder an example of thermal shading screen with a chimney :

With Hortinergy, in order to choose the shade and thermal screen, you may tick the box yes to the question following question :

Black out screen : this screen prevents the plants from incoming solar radiation, from 99 to 100%. It is mostly used for the control of photoperiod and the prevent of light pollution to ensure an ideal growth of cannabis crops and ornamental plants.

Let’s take as an example the crop of cannabis, which needs 12h of lighting a day. In summer, the day light period is higher than 12h, therefore blackout screens are deployed to day length to 12h in the greenhouse In winter, the day light period is lower than 12h, therefore assimilation lighting is required to reach 12h. Then black out screen is required to prevent the environment from light pollution. Thereby, the black out screen is pulled when light intensity is below 20 W/m².

Question 25

Greenhouse cover

Accepted Answer

Hortinergy offers you the possibility of choosing several solutions of greenhouse cover. Hereunder the two parameters used for roof and vertical faces :

Covers : -4mm clear glass -4mm clear glass 1AR coating -4mm clear glass 2AR coatings -4mm diffuse glass -4mm diffuse glass 1AR coating -4mm diffuse glass 2AR coatings -6mm clear glass -double inflated plastic film -double glazing with thermal break -double inflated ETFE -double glazing -low-E 4mm clear glass -ETFE -glass and ETFE -single plastic film -polycarbonate 8mm -polycarbonate 10mm -polycarbonate 16mm -polycarbonate 32mm -PMMA 16mm -corrugated transparent PVC -waved polycarbonate -retractable plastic cover -opaque (5cm insulation) -opaque (10cm insulation) -opaque 33% (5cm insul) - clear glass 66% -opaque 50% (5cm insul) - polycarbonate 6mm (50%) -opaque 50% (5cm insul) - polycarbonate 16mm (50%) -opaque 50% (10cm insul) - polycarbonate 16mm (50%) -polycarbonate 8mm opaque -partition wall Roof cover selection is automatically duplicated to the 4 vertical covers. Gable cover selection is automatically duplicated to all other 3 vertical covers. Length 2 cover selection is automatically duplicated to Length 4. Frame percentage : It is the opaque part of the roof, that is not transparent. It is usually 10% for glass greenhouse and 8% for plastic greenhouse. User can modify manually its selection.

Question 26

Orientation

Accepted Answer

How to set up greenhouse dimensions ?

Hereunder the orientation setup of a greenhouse : -Gable 1 : South wall. -Gable 3 : North wall. -Length 2 : East wall. -Length 4 : West wall. Orientation is based on gutter axis or Gable 3. For instance, it is negative if Length 2 is towards North-East, and positive if Length 2 is towards South-East. Examples :

If Gable 3 is perfectly north-facing, then your greenhouse’s direction in degrees will be 0. It also means that Length 2 is totally east-facing, while Length 4 is west-facing.

If Gable 3 is west-facing, then your greenhouse’s direction in degrees will be -90. It also means that Length 2 is north-facing, while Length 4 is south-facing.

If Gable 3 is east-facing, then your greenhouse’s direction in degrees will be 90. It also means that Length 2 is south-facing, while Length 4 is north-facing.

If Gable 3 is perfectly south-facing, then your greenhouse’s direction in degrees will be 180. It also means that Length 2 is west-facing, while Length 4 is east-facing.

If Gable 3’s direction is N-30°E, then Length 2’s direction is N-120°E and Length 4’s one is N-60°W.

If Gable 3’s direction is N-30°W, then Length 4’s direction is N-120°W and Length 2’s one is N-60°E.

Question 27

Greenhouse types

Accepted Answer

Hortinergy offers you the best solution of greenhouse type for the greatest optimization of your installation. Hereunder the greenhouse types : -Venlo greenhouse : fitted with glass, polycarbonate or ETFE. Usefull for large projects. Span width : post to post distance 8 or 9.6m / gutter to gutter distance 3.2 or 4m. This type of greenhouse is cheaper than large span one.

-Large span greenhouse : fitted with glass, ETFE or polycarbonate. Suitable for small-area planting. Span width : from 6 to 17m.

-Flat arch and gothic greenhouses : fitted with plastic. Suitable for large or small area planting.

Question 28

Supplementary lighting

Accepted Answer

Principle Supplementary lighting is used to increase the total daily light. Light intensity, spectrum and duration affect several plant growth and processes. There are several reasons for providing supplementary lighting:

When natural light is scarce, it helps to increase yield and production quality such as tomato …
Supplementary lighting is also applied for day length control in ornamental crops.

With Hortinergy, you have two types of lighting systems : the first one is called “High Pressure Sodium” (HPS) and the second one “Light Emitting Diode” (LED). LED light :

Pros : -long life expectancy -almost no excess heat, which allows it to be placed very close to plants -low operating/maintenance cost -high yield per Watt Cons : -high initial cost HPS light :

Pros : -low initial cost Cons : -the high intensity of light from this lighting system generates a lot of heat -additional cooling system is needed -high operating cost Input parameters with Hortinergy Input parameters are:

LED and HPS specification: lighting intensity, efficiency…
Regulation setpoints:
- Day Light Integral (DLI) and minimum hours of ‘’night’’ per day,
- or fixed monthly schedule above which solar radiation intensity lighting is switched off.

You first define you lighting system: FAQ supplementary lighting parameters

Then you define the regulation settings: FAQ supplementary lighting DLI parameters

Results Hortinergy simulates your project during one year like a virtual greenhouse. Outputs are :

Solar radiation transmitted by the transparent cover and reaching canopy,
Assimilation lighting required according to regulation setpoints (mol/m²/day):
Electricity consumption,
Impact on the inner climate and energy consumption: heating, cooling, dehumidification.

The reports are:

a pdf document with typical days and monthly summary tables
an Excel file with hourly data for deeper analysis.

Solar radiation reaching canopy and additional assimilation lighting required Hortinergy simulates on hourly basis the solar radiation reaching canopy and the additional assimilation lighting required to reach the DLI. The example below shows a monthly summary. FAQ supplementary lighting solar radiation and PAR

FAQ supplementary lighting solar radiation and PAR

Impact on the inner climate and energy consumption (heating, cooling, dehumidification) Hortinergy models the impact of assimilation lighting on the inner climate and energy consumption (heating, cooling, dehumidification). The example below shows the crop transpiration and a higher inner temperature when HPS assimilation lighting is switched on from to 9 to 11 AM and 4 to 9 PM to reach DLI. FAQ supplementary lighting hourly climate

FAQ supplementary lighting hourly climate

Electricity consumption and expenditures Hortinergy shows also the electricity consumption and expenditures. FAQ supplementary lighting energy consumption

FAQ supplementary lighting energy consumption

Question 29

Heat production

Accepted Answer

Hortinergy offers two heat production settings : - Hortinergy’s estimate - User defined (advanced parameters)

On the one hand, Hortinergy’s estimate takes into account one energy system, accompanied by its type and cost, considering also an efficiency of 95% of the boiler. Max power of the boiler is also calculated by the software. With it, you might choose one main energy and its cost, followed by its currency.

On the other hand, the option user defined puts forward two energy systems. Each of them can have different types of energy and advanced parameters : heating period, the maximum power that will be used, the presence of a condenser or not and the boiler efficiency.

As said before, for each system, you have the choice between several types of energy. The most common ones are gas and biomass.

If there is not any open buffer and the demand is superior than the maximum energy power of the main system, the second type of energy is turned on. In case there is an open buffer, if the request is superior than the maximum energy power of the main system, then it will unload. Once it is void, the second energy is engaged to replace it. Heat pump enters COP as an efficiency and chooses electricity. For instance, a COP that is equal to 4 represents an efficiency of 400%. CHP is based on heat production efficiency, generally set at 44%. Besides, it also calculates overall gas consumption. Regarding water buffer tank, there are two utilisations : the first one with gas boiler and the second one with biomass/waste heat boiler. 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. For more information about water buffer tank, you can have a look at our support documentation. Distribution efficiency : It represents the heat losses in the transport between the boiler and the greenhouse. By default value, these losses amount to 5%, which represents a distribution efficiency of 95%.

Question 30

Closed or sealed greenhouse

Accepted Answer

Principle A greenhouse is « sealed » or « closed » when there is not any air exchange with outdoor air. In order to maintain inner temperature and relative humidity of a closed greenhouse, heating, cooling and dehumidification systems have to be implemented, so that crop production can be realized in good conditions.

Cooling and dehumidification are usually done via heat-exchangers in the greenhouse. This enables higher CO2 concentrations in the greenhouse and consequently a higher crop production rate. In some cases, a sealed greenhouse is linked to underground aquifer or very large buffer. During sunny or hot days, the surplus heat is stored in the short term (diurnal) buffers or long term (seasonal) storage in underground aquifers. During nightime or cloudy days, warm water from the aquifer or buffer heats the greenhouse. What are the Hortinergy parameters ? The maximum temperature and humidity settings, such as relative humidity and humidity deficit, have to be filled.

Once inner relative humidity is exceeded by relative humidity sets, latent cooling is engaged.

Cooling system will be activated so that inner temperature will not go above this set. For instance, even though solar radiation is expected to rise the inside temperature significantly, the cooling temperature, set at 28°C during the day will prevent from exceeding this temperature. Results In turn, Hortinergy calculates the sensible and latent cooling needs to control the greenhouse inner climate (temperature and relative humidity). Sensible cooling : it is the process in which only the sensible heat of the air is removed so as to reduce its temperature, without any change in the moisture content of the air. Latent cooling : it is the capacity to remove the moisture from the air, without any change in the temperature of the air. Based on the results, the engineer can design the best HVAC system and calculate energy consumption. Hereunder a typical example from a report. Results are shown in three different ways. First, as a monthly synthesis.

Then, as an hourly synthesis of a typical month.

Finally, hourly values during a typical year are referenced as OX-24h. Sensible heat : it is the amount of heat exchanged, without any physical stage transition, between several bodies forming an isolated system. Latent heat : it is the amount of energy exchanged between an object and its environment during a change of state, i.e. during solidification, fusion or boiling.

Question 31

Thermodynamic dehumidification solution

Accepted Answer

Humid air is taken in from the greenhouse, through the side panels, and travels over the cooling coils, which circulate the cold refrigerant. Then, water vapor condenses as it comes into contact with the cold coil. The liquid water that forms is channeled out of the unit. This distilled water may be collected and reused. The dry air is then transported over hot coils, made hot by compressed and heated refrigerant. Passing through this second coil heats the air back up to greenhouse temperature. The dry air is released through the top of the unit, hitting the canopy, which spreads the dry air above the plants. This system is more suitable in cold regions than hot ones.

For more details : http://www.drygair.com

Question 32

Semi-closed greenhouse

Accepted Answer

How does it work ? The corridor, located on the outer gable of the greenhouse, uses outside air for dehumidification and cooling. Thus, the corridor is used to mix inner air with external air. This phenomenon represents the air treatment of semi-closed greenhouses, mostly used for Venlo glass (Kubo, Van der Hoeven, Richel, CERTHON…) and plastic (CMF, Richel…) ones.

This system aims to : -dehumidify the atmosphere of the greenhouse by renewing and drying out the air inside, due to outdoor air (during the night and in the morning) -cool dry inner temperature with pad cooling system, on external side of the corridor -reduce the amount of harmful insects, thanks to overpressure -control the climate of the greenhouse avoiding the gap of temperatures -optimize the use of energy and CO2 Heating system is composed of : -air ducts below crops’ gutters for the diffusion of warm/cold air -low temperature network (30-40°C) placed in vegetation -high temperature network (70-80°C) placed on the ground to ensure heating Cooling system could be composed of : -pad and fan system using evaporative cooling -fog system using evaporative cooling

Question 33

Water buffer tank

Accepted Answer

Imagine a battery of energy that is ready to be distributed at any time.

There are two utilisations of a water buffer tank : the first one with gas boiler and the second one with biomass/waste heat boiler. How does it work ? 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. What are the Hortinergy parameters ?

The volume of a buffer tank 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.

On the one hand, the periods during which heating demand is under the main energy allow the water buffer tank to warm up. For instance, in this graphic, the water 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, water buffer tank is providing continuously heat energy to the system in which it is installed.

Question 34

Fog system

Accepted Answer

As the pad and fan system, it uses evaporative cooling method to cool down greenhouse temperature. How does it work ? Clear water is pushed through a stainless steel nozzle. Then, the particles of this water are evaporated before they reach the crops. This system works with a pump unit fitted with a high pressure pump. Nevertheless, it has to be mounted at the right height, according to climate conditions. Lastly, nozzles should be mounted alternately for a homogeneous coverage.

What are the Hortinergy parameters ?

Pros : -natural cooling (it regulates temperature to a very high extent in situations where ventilation is not enough, thereby decreasing inner temperature when needed + less C02 will get lost and a higher amount will be available for crops to grow) -minimal water use (thanks to the regulation of temperature and humidification) -optimal humidity -small droplets (micron) lead to a higher droplet density Cons : -this technology hugely depends on climatologic conditions. Indeed, if it is too wet, the system does not work effectively.

Question 35

Pad and fan system

Accepted Answer

How does it work ? Pad and fan system cools down greenhouse temperature, using evaporative cooling (absorption of a large amount of heat, by the water, in order to evaporate). During hot summer days, it is an effective way, for small greenhouses, to cool, putting plants in the best climate conditions. Besides, this system uses exhaust fans to absorb air from outdoors into the greenhouse. Firstly, the air is blown through the pad, which constantly evaporates water, creating a cooling effect. Then, the fans blow the cool air into the greenhouse, leading to an overall drop in temperature. Some greenhouses do require cooling at night, mostly in tropical regions. However, wet pad and fan system may not provide the desired results in tropical regions, where absolute humidity is often high during the night. Indeed, when conditions outside are humid, pad and fan system loses effectivity and provides a much lower cooling capacity. This is because evaporative cooling relies on the difference between outdoor and indoor conditions.

What are the Hortinergy parameters ?

Pros : -it keeps the greenhouse’s inner temperature cool permanently, providing lower temperature even during hot periods of the year -it decreases temperature and increases humidity, thereby reducing transpiration of plants Cons : -the distance from pad to fan reflects uneven cooling pattern -if the system operates unceasingly, the growth of crops will be probably uneven -it is not effective in areas with high humidity (ex : coastal areas)

Question 36

What does the annual subscription offer me?

Accepted Answer

Through the annual subscription you will have access to an unlimited number of projects and scenarios creation. So you can test as many project simulations as you want.

Question 37

Project and scenario pack

Accepted Answer

To order a project and scenario pack you need to go to the “our offers” page, choose your offer, create your account and then you can order. You can then choose the offer that best suits your needs.

Discover our offers in the page Our offers.

You will receive your projects and scenarios in your account directly after your purchase and you can start creating your first project from the profile page.

Question 38

Where I can find my projects?

Accepted Answer

To access your projects you have to go to your profile page (when you are logged in) thee you may start your project.

Question 39

How can I create an account?

Accepted Answer

To create an account you must choose your offer on the page our offers, then before the payment you can create your account.

Creating an account without purchasing a package does not give access to simulations. The purchase of a pack is required to use Hortinergy.

Question 40

Abonnement annuel et autres packs

Accepted Answer

Grace à l’abonnement annuel vous pouvez créer des projets et des scénarios en illimité. Vous pouvez donc réaliser autant de simulations de projets et de scénarios que vous voulez.

Question 41

Pack de projets et de scénarios ?

Accepted Answer

Pour commander un pack de projet et de scénarios, - allez sur la page « nos offres », - choisissez l’offre la plus adaptée à vos besoins. - créez votre compte - passez commande. Découvrez nos offres dans l’onglet : Trouvez votre offre Vous recevrez vos projet et scénarios sur votre compte directement après votre achat et vous pouvez commencer à créer votre premier projet à partir de la page Profil.

Question 42

Où puis-je trouver mes projets ?

Accepted Answer

Pour avoir accès à vos projets ou pour en créer un nouveau, connectez-vous puis rendez-vous sur votre page Profil.

Question 43

Comment puis-je créer un compte ?

Accepted Answer

La création de compte sans achats préalable ne donne pas accès à des simulations. L’achat d’un pack est donc nécessaire pour utiliser Hortinergy. Vous commencez par choisir votre offre sur la page "Trouvez votre offre", puis vous créez un compte, payez en ligne et vous accédez à vos projets.

Question 44

Temps pour remplir les données du projet

Accepted Answer

Cela prend entre 10 et 20 minutes et crée un second scénario prend moins de 5 minutes.

Question 45

Que deviennent mes données ?

Accepted Answer

Vous restez propriétaire de vos données en toutes circonstances. Nous n’utilisons vos données que dans le cadre du calcul de l’efficacité énergétique de votre serre. Elles ne sont ni communiquées à des tiers, ni réutilisées sans votre accord dans des calculs, ou de quelque manière que ce soit.

Vos données sont conservées sur un serveur sécurisé pour une durée de 1 an. Vous gardez tout de même la main: nous pouvons supprimer vos données à votre demande.

Question 46

Qu'est ce que vous apporte Hortinergy ?

Accepted Answer

Hortinergy est un logiciel de simulation de serre agricole. Il modélise le climat et les consommations énergétiques de serre partout dans le monde. Il vous permet d’optimiser le climat et les performances énergétiques de votre projet de serres. Hortinergy vous permet de :

Comparer les différentes solutions techniques disponibles pour votre projet
Trouvez la configuration optimale en fonction de vos besoins
Réduire durablement vos coûts énergétiques

Question 47

différence entre un projet et un scénario

Accepted Answer

Un projet correspond à une géolocalisation de votre projet de serre. Un scénario est une variante d’un projet où l’on peut modifier tous les paramètres de la simulation (type de serre, de culture, de système de refroidissement, ou de chauffage) sans pouvoir modifier les coordonnés du projet. Pour pouvoir changer les coordonnés, créer un nouveau projet est nécessaire.

Question 48

Aide pour utiliser le logiciel

Accepted Answer

Pour vous aider à l'utilisation du logiciel, nous pouvons vous former à l’utilisation d’Hortinergy en visio gratuitement pendant 30 min. Cette offre est disponible pour tous les utilisateurs alors n’hésitez pas !
Un manuel et de la documentation est disponible vous accompagner dans votre projet.
Si vous avez besoin de plus, nous proposons ‘’Hortinergy Expert Consulting" avec un accompagnement sur mesure dans l’élaboration de votre projet de serre, optimisation du design et les équipements ainsi que l'analyse de simulations.

Question 49

méthode et fiabilité du logiciel ?

Accepted Answer

Les calculs d’efficacité énergétique de la serre sont effectués avec des algorithmes prouvés. La précision de 10% a été validée par des campagnes de mesure dans des centres techniques maraichers (CTIFL) et horticoles (RATHO/ASTREDHOR) dans les climats méditerranéens, océaniques et semi-continentaux dans des serres classiques et semi-fermées. Voici un article scientifique téléchargeable sur la méthode de calcul et la validation des résultats : Article scientifque Hortinergy

Question 50

Comment fonctionne Hortinergy ?

Accepted Answer

Le schéma ci-dessous présente le fonctionnement de Hortinergy : [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="921"]

Fonctionnement Hotinergy[/caption] Vous commencez par entrer en ligne les caractéristiques de votre projet. Après 20 minutes de calcul de nos serveurs, vous recevez les résultats avec : -Un rapport PDF complet et détaillé, -Un fichier Excel contenant les résultats horaires d'une année complète -Un fichier Excel contenant les résultats hebdomadaires et mensuels. Vous avez la possibilité de comparer différents scénarios en ligne. Voici par exemple la comparaison de la puissance de chauffage horaire en fonction du nombre d’écrans sur une journée moyenne de janvier.

Découvrez plus de détails sur le Fonctionnement d’Hortinergy.

Question 51

Where can i find the report ?

Accepted Answer

Once, your report is ready, you'll be notified by email, you 'll find the pdf report by clicking on "my Account " button.

Question 52

Meteonorm

Accepted Answer

The weather file is generated by Meteonorm based on GPS coordinates of the greenhouse. Meteonorm is a Swiss software generating weather files, used worldwide by designed of solar plants and buildings. Meteonorm is embodied into Hortinergy. Combining satellite data and interpolation of weather stations, Meteonorm generates weather file for a typical year. Weather file includes on an hourly basis for a typical year;

Temperature
Relative humidity
Solar radiation: global horizontal, diffuse, normal
PAR
Wind direction and velocity
Sky temperature
Nebulosity

We show below maps of weather station of most of location worldwide. Europe :

USA :

Canada :

Mexico :

China :

Turkey and MENA Countries :

India :

South East Asia :

Russia :

Japan :

Korea :

Australia and New Zealand :

Africa :

Central America :

South America :

For more details : https://meteonorm.com/

Question 53

Climate change model

Accepted Answer

According to GPS coordinates of the greenhouse, Hortinergy displays in the report a typical year on an hourly basis including weather parameters, such as temperature, relative humidity, wind and solar radiation. How does it work ? A Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) is a greenhouse gas concentration and emission adopted by the IPCC. In order to assess these pathways, a number has been set up, based on the planet’s radiative balance. Radiation balance (W/m²) = (solar radiation received) – (infrared radiation re-emitted) The higher the value of radiation balance is, the less energy the planet re-emits, thereby keeping it into the atmosphere. What are the Hortinergy parameters ? With Hortinergy, it is possible to compare scenarios (RCP 2.6 – RCP 4.5 – RCP 8.5) of your installation.

For more details : http://sedac.ipcc-data.org/ddc/ar5_scenario_process/RCPs.html

Question 54

Screens your software support?

Accepted Answer

With Hortinergy you can simulate your greenhouse project with several screen types:

-3 horizontal screen layers

-2 vertical screens layers

 

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6335" src="https://www.hortinergy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/qxcreeen.png" alt="" width="359" height="261" />

Question 55

Types of greenhouses with this software

Accepted Answer

Our software supports different types of greenhouses:

Our software supports different greenhouse architectures (semi-closed greenhouses, closed greenhouses, traditional greenhouses):

Question 56

What types of crops does your software support?

Accepted Answer

Our software offers a wide variety of crops available for your simulations:

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6329" src="https://www.hortinergy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cr.png" alt="" width="394" height="335" />

Question 57

How to design a cannabis greenhouse?

Accepted Answer

To learn more about how to design a cannabis greenhouse you can find a detailed article on how to design a cannabis greenhouse.

Question 58

Time to fill a simulation form

Accepted Answer

It takes between 5 and 15 minutes and if you create a second scenario it will take less than 5 minutes.

Question 59

Data in the greenhouse design software

Accepted Answer

You are the owner of your data in all circumstances. We only use your data to simulate your greenhouse project. They are not communicated to third parties or reused in our calculations or for any other purpose.

Your data are stored for 1 year in a secured server of the greenhouse design software then they are deleted. You keep your hand on it: if you ask for it we can delete all your data anytime.

Question 60

Difference between projects and scenarios

Accepted Answer

A project corresponds to the location of your greenhouse project. A scenario is a variant of a project in which you can modify all the parameters of the simulation (type of greenhouse, type of crop, type of cooling system, type of heating system) but not the location of the project. To change the coordinates you have to create a new project.

Question 61

Help in using the software?

Accepted Answer

We can show you how the software work in a half our meetings for free. This offer is available for all users so don't hesitate! We can also provide you with a manual and documentation are available to support you in your project.

If you need more, we offer customised assistance: "Hortinergy Expert Consulting", where we help you develop your greenhouse project and make strategic choices to optimise the design and equipment in the analysis of your results.

Question 62

Method and reliability of the software

Accepted Answer

The climate modelling and energy consumption calculations are performed using proven algorithms. The 10% accuracy has been validated through measurement campaigns carried out at CTIFL; Astredhor and Wageningen University (WUR) in Mediterranean, ocean and semi-continental climates in conventional and semi-closed greenhouses.

Hortinergy, our greenhouse simulation software, was developed by Agrithermic in partnership with the CTIFL (French Interprofessional Technical Centre for Fruit and Vegetables) and the Astredhor (Institute of Horticulture Technology), the Agrocampus Ouest and the lycée agricole de La Cote saint André (CFPPA) in La Cote Saint André.

Question 63

How does Hortinergy work part 2?

Accepted Answer

The picture below shows how Hortinergy works :

You start by entering the characteristics of your project online. After 20 minutes of calculation by our servers, you receive the results with : A complete detailed PDF report, An Excel file with hourly-based data for a full representative year, An Excel file with daily-based average data for each month. You can compare different scenarios online. For example, here is the comparison of the hourly heating power according to the number of screens on an average day in January.

Find out more about how Hortinergy works.

Question 64

What does Hortinergy do for you?

Accepted Answer

Hortinergy is a greenhouse simulation software. It models the climate and energy consumption of greenhouses around the world. It allows you to optimize the climate and energy performance of your greenhouse project.
Hortinergy allows you to :
- Compare the different technical solutions available for your project
- Find the optimal configuration for your needs
- Reduce your energy costs in the long term

Frequently asked questions :

Generals questions about the software

Time to fill a simulation form

Data in the greenhouse design software

Difference between projects and scenarios

Help in using the software?

Method and reliability of the software

How does Hortinergy work part 2?

What does Hortinergy do for you?

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Offers, account creation and payment

What does the annual subscription offer me?

Project and scenario pack

Where I can find my projects?

How can I create an account?

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What can hortinergy simulate

Screens your software support?

Types of greenhouses with this software

What types of crops does your software support?

How to design a cannabis greenhouse?

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