A full-scale climate solution at Aarhus University enables advanced plant research necessary for the future of horticulture and commercial greenhouses. Innovative functionality is essential for the complex setup at the university, as is stable and reliable operational processes. Therefore, Aarhus University chose DGT by Senmatic as the main supplier of climate control technology and the subsequent maintenance of the installation.
To meet the demand for advanced horticultural research, a new 26-bay growth building was built as part of the research facilities at Aarhus University (AU) in 2019. The in-depth research at the university is key to future industry insights, which is why AU needed a complex full-scale installation.
“Several different researchers need to be able to use the setup for each of their research areas – both now and in the future. Therefore, it was imperative for us to ensure a solution where climate, fertilizer and irrigation are all connected. ”
Jørgen Rosager Consulting Engineer at Aarhus University
The installation has high-quality climate control, including water and fertilizer mixers, LED grow lights, humidity, electrical installations and control of all parts of the greenhouse. All functions are controlled via climate computers that are managed and monitored from the office buildings next to the growth chambers.
“Both small and large experiments are carried out in the 26 chambers, where several different aspects of the growth process are controlled and monitored,” explains Jørn Rosager, consulting engineer at Aarhus University, and continues: “Therefore, it has been necessary to install functionalities such as ventilation, shade, light, humidity and Co2.” In addition to these functions, irrigation and fertilizer management is installed; two fertilizer mixers in each department.
“At the university, they had a specific requirement for return water control through an osmosis system. This allows the researchers to control the water and return basins for each production table. The system was specifically built for the setup – and therefore customized to their specific needs. This kind of task is not unknown to DGT by Senmatic, as we are always able to adapt our solutions to the specific business case”
Johnny Rasmussen Business Development Manager at DGT by Senmatic
A high-capacity climate computer for combined functionality control
Due to the complex setup with different growth focus areas, multiple departments and multifunctional technology, Aarhus University needed high capacity climate control. Therefore, they invested in two LCC4 climate computers with SuperLink. LCC4 computers provide researchers with advanced data management and an extremely high degree of control – which is necessary for the high level of research they conduct.
“When conducting growth research, we need to be able to have in-depth data collections and clear historical data displays shown through graphs and curves. Climate computers from DGT by Senmatic give us just that – and all in Danish, which is an important aspect that many of the competing suppliers were unable to provide,” explains Jørn Rosager.
“DGT by Senmatic’s climate computer is able to communicate with the LED lamps. This is an advanced detail that we could not find from other suppliers and it emphasizes the innovation and high quality of DGT by Senmatic products. We have been very pleased to work with such a reputable company as DGT by Senmatic. ”
Jørgen Rosager Consulting Engineer at Aarhus University
Ultimate climate control for all greenhouses
Greenhouses contain ecosystems that need high-quality climate control to ensure the best growing conditions. The different climate components and processes are effectively adapted to each other through electronic climate control. Electronic and automated climate control is relevant for all commercial greenhouses and other types of grow setups, bringing numerous benefits:
- Increased yield
- Higher plant quality
- Improved efficiency and resource savings
- Prevents waste of energy, water and nutrients
- Increases the precision of growth through accurate control
- Ensure a minimum of errors with user-friendly and data-driven climate control.
Advanced yield management with LED growth light
LED grow lights are essential when high controllability is required in a horticultural installation. LED lamps have controllable spectral distribution and light intensity to best stimulate plant growth, allowing manufacturers to control the spectral distribution to optimally adapt the light to the photosynthetic action spectrum. The key benefits of LED grow lights are:
- Fine-tuning the spectral distribution
- Expand or change production
- Lower energy costs
- Increase product quality
DGT by Senmatic as your partner throughout the process
The complex installation required thorough planning and advice. As an expert in both small and large greenhouse installations, DGT by Senmatic appointed a project management team for Aarhus University who took responsibility for planning, drawings, advice, quotes, installation and subsequent maintenance.
DGT by Senmatic started the construction process by installing pipes in the floors – and finished the process by installing all necessary climate installations. After 3 months, the growth building and the new research facility are ready, but Senmatic’s role is not over.
“Now the focus is on maintenance, service, sensor calibration and advice on the general use of functions – and we are very pleased with both the collaboration with Aarhus University and the final result. We look forward to initiating the research processes with proper onboarding,” says Flemming Hansen from DGT by Senmatic.
The installation contains several advanced features with automations and operational dependencies.
“To be able to utilize these most effectively, we need the right training and guidance from DGT by Senmatic,” explains Jørn Rosager and continues: “But we are ready for the researchers to start using the setup and experience the new possibilities. Maybe a feature like adjusting the spectral distribution will lead to new relevant insights for the industry.”
“This project illustrates how we always work regardless of the installation scale: as installation partners from initial advice to technology that meets quality requirements. And always with the specific needs of the manufacturer in focus. ”
Johnny Rasmussen Business Development Manager at DGT by Senmatic
Learn more today….
Are you interested in learning more about full-scale climate installations? Or are you looking to expand with smaller installations? At DGT by Senmatic, we are experts in both processes and we look forward to talking to you about your options. So please feel free to contact us!
