Hybrid, energy-efficient farming by combined greenhouse and vertical growth

Hybrid, energy-efficient farming by combined greenhouse and vertical growth (HybriGrowth) HybriGrowth is a collaborative research project between SINTEF (SINTEF Energi, SINTEF Ocean and SINTEF Industry), two greenhouse companies (Viken and Snarum Gartneri), and the Norwegian Growers Association (Gartnerforbundet). The overall aim is to develop and investigate the potential of a novel hybrid, energy-efficient greenhouse concept that combines vertical and traditional greenhouse farming. At the two greenhouses, vertical farming systems have been installed in combination with traditional greenhouse facilities. In a hybrid cultivation approach, young plants grow for a few weeks in the vertical section before they are moved to the traditional greenhouse for their final growth. This has the benefit of a consistent and controlled growing environment while the plants are young and most vulnerable, while their growth into strong and healthy plants require more nutrients, light, and CO2 and is better taken care of in the traditional greenhouse. The hybrid facilities are unique in Norway, and the concept has been tested and analysed to a limited extent around the world. In the project, the Viken and Snarum facilities will act as in-depth case studies. A challenge today is that the artificial growth lights in the vertical system generate large amount of heat, which calls both for efficient cooling and an improved utilization of the surplus heat. Operational data from the hybrid greenhouses will be modelled and analysed in detail to optimise the use of waste heat from the vertical section for heating of the adjacent traditional greenhouse. Specific measures will be applied for optimised operation and energy savings, in addition to reduced usage of fossil fuels for a minimal carbon footprint. Systems with use of integrated heat pumps will be studied, together with the feasibility of thermal energy storage to reduce the overall energy consumption of the hybrid greenhouses.

At Viken and Snarum greenhouses, vertical farming systems have already been installed in combination with their traditional greenhouse facilities. The hybrid farming facilities are unique in Norway, and the concept has been tested and analysed to a limited degree around the world. In HybriGrowth, the Viken and Snarum facilities will act as in-depth case studies, and the potential of hybrid farming systems will be investigated in detail. The main challenge today is that the artificial growth lights in the vertical farming systems generate large amount of heat, which calls both for efficient cooling and an improved recovery of the surplus heat. In the project, operational data from the hybrid greenhouses will be modelled and analysed in detail to optimise the use of waste heat from the vertical section for heating of the adjacent traditional greenhouse. Specific measures will be applied for optimised operation and energy savings, in addition to a minimal carbon footprint by a reduced use of fossil fuels. Systems with use of integrated heat pumps will be studied, together with the feasibility of thermal energy storage to reduce the overall energy consumption in the greenhouses. The aim is to demonstrate a sustainable concept for increased productivity and profitability in Norwegian greenhouses by energy-efficient operation and optimised control of the indoor growth conditions.