Introduction: The Plight of Dutch Greenhouses Amidst the Energy Crisis
In 2023, a sudden global energy crisis swept across the world, posing unprecedented challenges to the energy-dependent Dutch greenhouse cultivation industry. A horticultural company with a 32-hectare large greenhouse faced severe survival challenges. Natural gas prices soared by 300%, drastically increasing the operating costs of their traditional heating and ventilation systems, pushing the company to the brink of bankruptcy. To make matters worse, imprecise temperature control led to a decline in tomato quality, directly threatening contract termination from major clients and jeopardizing the company’s future.
Figure: Inside the greenhouse, showing “Gas Price: Extremely High!”
Challenge: A Survival Crisis
At this critical juncture, the team from Ningbo Longwei Electric Appliance Technology Co., Ltd. (LONGWELL) stepped in, bringing a turning point for this Dutch greenhouse.
Figure: Production Cost Increase in Energy-Intensive Industries, H1 2023 (Netherlands, France, Germany)
LONGWELL’s Innovative Solution: Building a Climate Control Ecosystem
Facing the challenges of the Dutch greenhouse, the LONGWELL team proposed a bold and comprehensive solution. They recognized that merely replacing old fans was insufficient; a complete, intelligent climate control ecosystem had to be established to fundamentally address the greenhouse’s energy and quality issues.
LONGWELL’s innovative solution primarily included the following core elements:
- Installation of 280 LWAC450 Cross-Flow Fans:This formed the hardware foundation of the solution. These fans were not simple replacements; each possessed independent control capabilities, enabling precise climate management.
Figure: LONGWELL LWAC450 Cross-Flow Fan
- Integrated CO2 Supplement System:The LONGWELL team cleverly integrated a CO2 supplement system with the newly installed fans, ensuring that CO2 could be precisely distributed by the fans to various areas of the greenhouse, thereby optimizing plant photosynthesis and promoting growth.
Figure: LONGWELL Single, Double, and Triple Type Cross-Flow Fans
- Development of a Customized APP:To facilitate convenient management of the entire climate control ecosystem, LONGWELL developed a customized mobile application for the cultivation manager. Through this APP, the manager can remotely monitor environmental parameters in each area of the greenhouse and make real-time adjustments, significantly improving management efficiency and precision.
Results Achieved: Increased Yield, Reduced Energy Consumption, and Carbon Neutrality
LONGWELL’s integrated solution achieved significant results in just 6 months, helping this Dutch greenhouse make a splendid transformation from crisis to opportunity.
- Tomato Yield Increased by 18%: Through precise control of temperature, humidity, and CO2, the growing environment for tomatoes in the greenhouse was greatly optimized, directly leading to a significant increase in yield.
- Energy Consumption Reduced by 28%: The independent control and efficient operation of the smart fans, combined with precise CO2 distribution, effectively reduced energy waste, leading to a substantial decrease in the greenhouse’s overall energy consumption and alleviating the pressure of high operating costs.
Figure: Significant Transformation in 6 Months: Yield Increase and Energy Consumption Reduction
- Became the First “Carbon-Neutral” Greenhouse Enterprise in the Region: The improvement in energy efficiency and reduced reliance on fossil fuels enabled this greenhouse to become the first “carbon-neutral” enterprise in the area. This milestone achievement not only demonstrated its leading position in sustainable development but also brought immense commercial value.
- Attracted Long-Term Orders from Multiple Supermarket Chains: With higher tomato quality, more stable yields, and a “carbon-neutral” environmental image, the greenhouse successfully attracted long-term cooperation orders from several well-known supermarket chains, completely reversing the previous threat of customer loss and opening up new business opportunities.
√ Carbon Neutral Pioneer
Became the region’s first carbon-neutral greenhouse, enhancing brand image and environmental credentials.
√ New Business Acquired
Attracted long-term orders from multiple supermarket chains, transforming potential customer loss into significant business opportunities.
Figure: Business Impact: Beyond the Numbers
Conclusion: LONGWELL and the Future of Greenhouse Cultivation
This case study of the Dutch greenhouse fully demonstrates LONGWELL’s professional capabilities in smart ventilation and climate control, as well as the practical value of its solutions. In an era of fluctuating energy costs and increasingly stringent environmental regulations, LONGWELL, by providing innovative, integrated solutions, has helped greenhouse enterprises not only overcome immediate challenges but also achieve sustainable development and a significant enhancement in market competitiveness.
LONGWELL is committed to collaborating with global greenhouse cultivation partners to explore and build a more efficient and environmentally friendly agricultural future.
