Description:

DryGair DRG-154G-AC dehumidifier

DryGair DRG-154G-AC dehumidifier

• Treats 13,000 cubic metres of air
• Removes up to 45 litres/12 grams of water per hour from the air
• Can provide up to 50% energy reduction

Machines are available from January 2023

2 units available, price per unit

New price currently 33.500,- euro

Dehumidification and humidity control

Reducing energy consumption in agriculture is one of DryGair's core missions. Our line of DG dehumidifiers offers growers the most efficient solution for humidity, saving 50% on energy compared to alternative solutions.

What is humidity?

Humidity is water vapour in the air.

In any closed or semi-closed growing facility, humidity is created by plant evaporation and soil evaporation, in addition to the humidity naturally present in the air. Humidity is a critical factor in climate control in horticulture. It plays an important role in plant metabolism and respiration, as well as in the development of common greenhouse diseases and fungi.

Dehumidification is a necessity

Humidity and temperature are linked and influence each other, making humidity an important part of climate control. When air becomes saturated with water vapour, meaning it reaches the dew point, liquid water begins to appear. Condensation can occur due to an increase in the amount of water vapour or a decrease in temperature. Dangerous moisture levels can be detected by the appearance of water on leaves or structural elements of the greenhouse. When this happens, it halts plant growth and triggers the development of fungi and diseases.

With DryGair, professional growers have full control over their climate.

High humidity causes mould and disease outbreaks

Moisture-related diseases and fungi, such as botrytis and downy mildew , are often found in greenhouses and closed growing facilities , causing high rates of yield loss. Symptoms of dangerous moisture levels are often ignored and only responded to when diseases begin to affect production. It is extremely difficult to eradicate diseases in such situations, and much easier and cheaper to avoid their appearance completely, by denying them the humidity they need.

Moisture-related diseases

Eliminate moisture-related diseases through dehumidification

Moisture-related diseases and fungi, such as botrytis cinerea, also known as grey mould, and powdery mildew, are commonly found in commercial greenhouse and indoor crops. These diseases affect almost all crops, including vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers and cannabis, and can lead to severe crop damage and reduced output quality. All the diseases listed below need high humidity, even if only for a short time, to break through. Uneven climate conditions and fluctuations in humidity and temperature result in high relative humidity in greenhouses and indoor growing spaces.

Air circulation

DryGair's unique 360° air circulation

DryGair's dehumidification systems are designed to create optimum air circulation in commercial greenhouses and growing spaces. One DG unit can cover as much as 4,000 m² (40,000 ft²) and treat up to 22,000 m³ (13,000 CFM) of air per hour. Multiple DG units can be used for larger spaces.

This is achieved through several patented design features:

• Humid, cold air from below the plants enters the DryGair unit
• Dry (warm/cold) treated air exits the DryGair unit

These two features combine to create an air flow from above to below, in an inward movement to the unit in the centre of the greenhouse. DryGair units take in moist air from the bottom and release warmer dry air from the top. The dry air slowly descends downwards as it cools, providing air with controlled humidity at all height levels, while focusing on the upper level of the plant, where growth takes place. DryGair units have a specially designed roof, ground to distribute the outgoing air evenly in all directions. This feature, combined with built-in fans, allows dry air to flow past the thermal screen and reach all corners of the greenhouse.

How air circulation affects climate control

Air circulation is used to improve climate control systems, achieve an even climate and promote active plants. With good air circulation, growers can effectively achieve homogeneous climate parameters. Maintaining uniform humidity, temperature and optimal VPD. Reducing condensation, improving plant transpiration and maintaining uniform growth while increasing energy efficiency.

DryGair air circulation benefits:

• Climate uniformity throughout the greenhouse
• Plant stimulation for better growth and health
• Additional ventilation saves energy
• Circulation at all heights, including between foliage
• Large air capacity

Air circulation can be activated with dehumidification on or off, allowing optimum circulation even when dehumidification is not required.

Air circulation measurement

To measure the effect of air circulation efficiently, it is best to use a proxy, such as temperature, as air movement itself is difficult to measure accurately. In a grow room, several microclimates exist simultaneously, with different conditions, making it impractical to measure with just one sensor. To properly measure homogeneity and thus the effectiveness of circulation, it is recommended to use multiple heat sensors or a thermal camera to create a heat map of the facility. Thermal images show temperature differences that are partly due to good air circulation.

Heating and cooling

Greenhouse dehumidification combined with heating and cooling.

Temperature & humidity are two of the most important greenhouse climate parameters. To grow healthy, active plants and produce large, high-quality yields, growers need the right tools to control both. DryGair has designed an innovative greenhouse heating and cooling solution to control both humidity and temperature in an energy-efficient manner. This solution offers a way to control climate conditions, using a significantly simplified infrastructure compared to alternatives.

The DryGair solution combined with heating and cooling - how it works.

Our growing concept is based on closing the greenhouse, fully deploying thermal screens (if applicable) and operating the DryGair unit in the room. DryGair treats the air and circulates it through the greenhouse, creating optimal, uniform conditions.

The DryGair solution combined with heating and cooling - how it works.

Our growing concept is based on closing the greenhouse, fully deploying thermal screens (if applicable) and operating the DryGair unit in the space. DryGair treats the air and circulates it through the greenhouse, creating optimal, uniform conditions.

While operating in heating or cooling mode, the air passes through the hot or cold coil. The temperature is determined by the temperature of the water supplied to the unit:

Heating mode:

Hot water is supplied by the hot water source and passes through the coil. The air passing over the heated coil is heated before leaving the unit. DryGair recommends supplying water at 85°C (185°F), with a flow rate of 80 L/min (21 G/min).

Cooling mode:

Cold water is supplied from the cold water source and passes through the coil. Air passing over the cooled coil is cooled before leaving the unit. DryGair recommends supplying water at 7°C (45°F), with a flow rate of 80 L/min (21 G/min).

Heating and cooling capacity

The heating or cooling capacity depends on 3 variables:

• Temperature of the water placed in the unit
• Water flow rate
• Existing climatic conditions

Heating

DryGair in combination with heating has a high heating capacity and can be used as an alternative to heating systems. The heating capacity of the unit increases with lower cabinet temperatures. This simple system can replace the heavy infrastructure, maintenance and costs associated with alternative, conventional heating systems, and provides comprehensive climate control.

Cooling

The DryGair cooling function offers a solution for plants experiencing heat stress due to high temperatures. The cooling solution provides cooler night conditions contrasting with hot days, creating daily temperature averages that promote better plant development. The cooling capacity of the unit increases with higher temperatures. Part of the cooling capacity is used to neutralise the heat released during unit operation. Cooling the greenhouse at night allows plants to reduce their respiration rate, directing more of the valuable resources it produces during the day to the parts it needs most, such as flowers and fruit. DryGair combined with cooling can provide a gradual reduction in temperature during nighttime use. This is a big advantage over alternatives, such as wet pad and fan systems that increase humidity and can lead to mould and disease outbreaks, or expensive HVAC systems, which require large amounts of energy to lower cabinet temperatures.

Heating mode:

• Greenhouse climate conditions of 18°C (64°F) and 80% RH
• Hot water delivered at 85°C (185°F), with a flow rate of 80 L/min (21 G/min)
• DG-12 combined with heating will produce a heating capacity of ~115 kW (392,000 BTU/h).
• DG-6 combined with heating will produce a heating capacity of ~90kW (307,000 BTU/h).

Cooling mode:

• Greenhouse climate conditions of 24°C (75°F) and 80% RH
• Cold water delivered at 7°C (45°F), with a flow rate of 80 L/min (21 G/min)
• DG-12 combined with cooling delivers a cooling capacity of ~32kW (110,000 BTU/h).
• DG-6 combined with cooling delivers a cooling capacity of ~26kW (88,700 BTU/h).

Advantages of DryGair in combination with heating and cooling

• Simple, minimised infrastructure, DryGair requires less greenhouse space and less maintenance compared to alternatives such as HVAC or heating pipes.
• Energy efficiency, DryGair's high water extraction efficiency (4.5 L/kWh or 1.2 G/kWh), combined with temperature control and air circulation, makes it extremely energy efficient.
• Lower costs, Lower initial investment and operating costs compared to alternative heating and cooling systems.
• Easy integration, DryGair units can be placed and suspended along aisles, as part of rows or at the side of the greenhouse. The unit can operate stand-alone or be connected to the climate control system. Heating and cooling is available in standard, small and split units.
• 1 unit with many functions, Combine dehumidification, heating, cooling and DryGair's patented air circulation in one unit.
• Optimal climate conditions, DryGair uses air circulation to bring the treated air to all corners of the greenhouse, passing through the foliage where it is most crucial.

Summary:

The ability to control humidity and temperature in complex agricultural environments in an energy-efficient manner is DryGair's speciality. Its heating and cooling units provide a growing tool that supports all aspects of climate control required for commercial growing. The unique design optimises growing conditions - increasing yield and quality, while saving on energy and preventing disease.