Greenhouse Automation

Greenhouse Automation: embracing technology

The primary function of a greenhouse it to protect valuable crops from outside conditions, while maintaining transparency to allow crucial sunlight to reach the crops. The greenhouse structure protects crops from the weather and benefits from the well-known "greenhouse-effect".

From their humble beginnings as a means of protection from external factors, Dutch greenhouses have evolved into high-tech cultivation facilities. This transformation has been significantly propelled by advancements in greenhouse automation systems. These technological strides have enabled the cultivation of out-of-season crops, providing food and flowers to global markets every day of the year.

Not just a climate computer but an automated greenhouse

Greenhouse automation refers to the sophisticated software created to automate the actions of technical installations within a greenhouse. This aspect of greenhouse automation systems emerged in the industry less than 50 years ago, initially manifesting as simple systems for opening ventilation windows in response to temperature increases.

As greenhouses are designed to be as cost-effective as possible, the Dutch greenhouse construction has numerous multi-function elements. The best example for the structures' multi-purpose function, is the way the roof is designed. It's typical V-shape directly serves as a rainwater discharge system and is therefore completely integrated into the greenhouse structure. Cladding, whether it is glass, polycarbonate or sandwich panels, therefore also serves its function as part of a gutter.

Greenhouse Construction

From the bottom up, the greenhouse construction is comprised out of the below structural elements, all with numerous options and variations:

Foundation: Utilizing materials such as concrete and reinforcement steel.
Sub- & Superstructure: Comprised of a steel and aluminum frame, respectively.
Roof & Side Cladding: Options include glass, polycarbonate, dibond, or sandwich panels, integral to greenhouse automation solutions.
Ventilation: Featuring glass panels that can open, optionally fitted with insect netting, to regulate the internal environment.
Rainwater Discharge: Efficiently managed through the steel structure or with downpipes, further enhancing the effectiveness of greenhouse automation systems."

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