Previously, De Jong used two separate systems: a gas-fired heating system and a freon (R507)-based cooling system. Not only were these systems expensive to run, but they also made De Jong dependent on refrigerants that were becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. This led him to decide to switch to a new, sustainable system.
The result is an NH₃ (ammonia) system capable of cooling and heating four storage cells, depending on the requirements of the flower bulbs. The entire system, including the supply fans, damper control and air exchange, is managed by a single central control unit programmed by Equans. “With the old systems, we had two separate systems operating independently of one another; one for cooling and one for heating. Now we have a single system that can combine both functions”, explains Cyprian de Jong. “And it works brilliantly.”
Flower bulbs such as tulips and lilies require specific conditions for optimal storage and drying. Tulip bulbs require 25°C and low humidity, whilst lily bulbs thrive at temperatures just above freezing. The new system enables flower bulb growers to manage these differing requirements with a single installation.
The storage cells are also fitted with ethylene sensors. These form part of the air-exchange system designed to keep ethylene levels below a certain threshold. “Ethylene, which is mainly released by tulip bulbs, builds up in the cells. High concentrations are harmful to the bulbs, as they then start to sprout in order to reproduce. To keep the ethylene level under control, we need to ventilate the cells”, De Jong explains. “The Equans system automatically regulates the air supply and extraction, keeping everything within the desired parameters for temperature, humidity and ethylene.”
One of the most striking features of the new installation is that the heat pump unit is located outdoors. In horticulture, heat pumps are often housed indoors in a plant room, which entails a range of safety measures and additional costs. “By installing the heat pump outdoors, we can make significant cost savings. No plant room is required, and the system – which still meets all requirements – can operate safely without us having to implement any additional safety measures”, explains Eric van Miltenburg of Equans.
The system itself is robust and durable, featuring stainless steel components that ensure a long service life and minimal maintenance requirements. This contributes to the overall efficiency of the system, which requires far less maintenance than the old systems.
With the new installation, De Jong has made significant progress in saving energy and reducing CO₂ emissions. Cooling and heating requirements are now fully met by the ammonia cooling system. Furthermore, De Jong has invested in solar panels on the roof of the storage shed, enabling the company to generate all the electricity it needs itself. The result is a significant reduction in costs.
“The savings on gas and electricity are enormous”, says De Jong. “We used to consume 50,000 cubic metres of gas a year. In the new storage cells, we no longer use any gas at all. Furthermore, ammonia cools much more efficiently than freon, ensuring high efficiency. We can now generate the electricity we need ourselves. The investment in a battery to store that electricity ensures that we can also cope with peak demand without incurring additional costs.”
The decision to use ammonia as a refrigerant was not only financially advantageous, but also complies with the strict legislation that will eventually ban synthetic refrigerants, such as R507. This switch contributes to De Jong’s ambition to run a future-proof business, one that not only complies with regulations but also optimises its energy consumption through its technology.
De Jong is very satisfied with the new cooling and heating system. “The system is running perfectly, and the bulbs are being stored correctly. With this solution, I no longer have to worry about ageing technology or scarce refrigerants.”
