August 2023 - 24

CLIMATE CONTROL
Picking the Right Solution
Heating systems are a fundamental part of greenhouse
growing throughout the year.
BY JAMIE TUINSTRA
T
he commercial greenhouse business is booming.
According to Precedence Research, the global
commercial greenhouse market size is expected to
hit around $78.9 billion by 2030. In 2022, the market size
hit $38.11 billion. Other key takeaways from the report state
that the vegetable segment hit a market share of over 43%,
while the fruits segment garnered a market share of over
25.5% in 2021.
According to a report from Path to Purchase Institute,
BDSA projects legal U.S. cannabis sales to reach $46 billion
in 2026, a compound adjusted growth rate of approximately
14% from 2021.
Commercial greenhouses are a staple of the U.S. economy.
For these entities to be successful, mechanical HVAC units
are a necessity to ensure the proper climate is available to
encourage plant growth. Without these systems, growers
would not be able to produce products during the cold winter
months. It would be especially difficult for growers in Alaska,
who have to combat colder temperatures year-round.
PICKING THE RIGHT HEATING SOLUTION
When looking for an HVAC product to produce adequate
and permanent heat for greenhouses, it's important to
consider efficiency. While providing a controlled climate
for your product is the highest priority, ensuring you don't
break the bank to do it is also important. High-efficiency
unit heaters provide the desired heat growers are looking for
while generating savings on the backend.
A high-efficiency commercial gas-fired unit can operate
up to 97% thermal efficiency thanks to the coupling of the
secondary heat exchanger technology with a tubular primary
heat exchanger design. The unit can decrease CO2
emissions
by venting combustion fumes outside the greenhouse. This
type of unit has energy saver controls that disable the gas as
temperatures increase and turn it back on once temperatures
24
AUGUST 2023 GPNMAG.COM
Jamie Tuinstra has been in the heating and cooling industry for
25 years and is a product manager at Modine Manufacturing.
For more information about Modine, visit modine.com.
drop. Equipment like this provides growers with a pivotal
heating solution, and helps decrease the utility costs
associated with running a commercial greenhouse.
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
While picking the right solution for your greenhouse is
paramount, it is important to take measures to ensure the
unit is continually operating at peak performance. This
includes having the unit serviced regularly. One of the worstcase
scenarios is to have the system break down in winter,
threatening large amounts of product. Facility managers
need to develop a plan that includes scheduled maintenance
by a trained, certified professional.
During an inspection, commercial growers can expect the
professional to:
* Inspect the heat exchanger for cracks or rusting.
* Check the vent pipe for any rusting or blockages.
* Clean the burners on the heating unit.
* Check the water traps and condensate lines on highefficiency
units for any dirt or debris.
A technician will likely check for other common repairs
that may be associated with the environment the heating
unit operates in. With greenhouses, there is a higher
level of moisture in the air, so it's important for a certified
professional to check for any mold that may be on the unit.
The unit is also being used more often, so it's vital to check
the motors and make sure they are in good working order.
By being proactive and servicing your heating solution
regularly, you are creating an atmosphere that promotes
plant growth while also ensuring permanent heat and a
controlled climate during the colder months.
http://www.modine.com http://www.GPNMAG.COM
August 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of August 2023
