Strong R&D in homogeneous climate search
Wednesday 2 April 2025
"The Caeli climate system is a data-analytical sensor network in a small fan solution that results in homogeneous climate distribution. Practice proves that energy savings and higher production through more uniform growth are major benefits of the system. By using the greenhouse construction and a relatively small fan housing, light incidence is minimally obstructed. This system comes into its own best in new buildings, but is also applicable in existing greenhouses," says Sven van Heijningen of Alcomij, developer and producer of greenhouse solutions. Adésys developed customised electronics for the Caeli for the data flow and control of the fans.
The relatively small housing and powerful fan mounted in the greenhouse column immediately catch the eye of the Caeli climate system. The greenhouse column is used as an air duct and the fan has a capacity of 300 cubic metres per hour. Van Heijningen: "Above the screen cloth, we suck in relatively dry air along the greenhouse roof, which is then forcefully blown out horizontally just above the crop. The advantage is that this allows the screen cloth to remain closed for longer. The algorithm autonomously controls each individual fan based on settings from the climate computer. This results in a more uniform temperature and humidity."
Proven reliable and scalable
Hans Damen of Adésys is proud of the cooperation with Alcomij: "We originated in the horticultural sector, still feel a strong connection with that sector and deliver applied customised electronics to a number of customers. By thinking constructively with Alcomij in this innovative development, we really had a match." For Adésys, the challenge lay in finding a proven reliable and scalable network that could connect thousands of sensors and send the data collection of measurements to the Cloud.
Every few minutes, the Caeli sends measurements from the sensors to the Cloud. This data is visualised in a map and thus translated into information. The algorithm linked to it provides autonomous control per fan, thus ensuring an even climate.
Effective precision climate
The relatively young ventilation system was developed by R&D manager Sven van Heijningen at Alcomij for The New Cultivation. The algorithm has already been proven to work well in practice, achieving a significantly more homogeneous temperature and humidity. This allows the screen cloth to stay closed longer and saves energy.
"We started developing 20 prototypes ourselves. As a result, we mainly learned to understand ourselves what is happening. We did a test of each step in the development. As a result, you immediately measure and know the impact. From that basis, very good results clearly emerged and we knew that we had in our hands an answer to a major demand in the horticultural sector with this," Van Heijningen explains.
"The Caeli contains multiple sensors per unit that measure temperature and humidity above the screen, just below the screen and near the ground. You can read these individually and the measurement data is sent wirelessly to the Cloud at each interval. Each infinitely adjustable valve and fan are then controlled autonomously. So you really are talking about precision climate. In addition, the Caeli is designed in such a way that natural pollinators and other natural crop protection agents are not sucked into the ventilation unit. The housing is dust and splash-proof and meets the IP55 standard," Van Heiningen explains. "A cold corner, a wet spot or a broken window greatly affects the greenhouse climate. With the Caeli, you signal these quickly. Together, the network of fans ensures a more homogeneous climate distribution. We secure our independent position by having this proven climate solution communicate with all climate computers."
