greenhouse

Greenhouse Horticulture

...TNO’s role in the market

Greenhouse horticulture

July 31 2008Greenhouse Horticulture2

Contents

• Greenhouse horticulture in the Netherlands

• Activities of TNO in the Greenhouse Horticulture

• Field lab Horticulture

• Issues in horticulture

• Examples of projects


Horticulture in the Netherlands - figures

• Total turnover horticulture sector 40 mrd EUR• 600.000 people employed• 10500 ha glasshouses in the Netherlands• Most companies are SME• Technological driven sector• Greenhouse builders’ export share approx 40%• The Netherlands are world leading in:

• Glasshouses and technological installations• High production horticulture• Infrastructure and logistics


Horticulture in the Netherlands - Issues

• Problems in the sector:• Increasing costs of natural gas• Increasing costs of work• Increasing ground prices

• Survival of the Dutch sector by innovations in the field of:• Added value in products• Efficient energy use greenhouses• Reduction of Work, mechanization• Import of components• “Open Innovation” with complementary SME’s


Greenhouse horticulture – mission TNO

TNO makes knowledge from various disciplines both inside

and outside the horticultural/market gardening sector usable

to improve the competitive edge and the innovative character

of the greenhouse horticulture industry.


Greenhouse horticulture - TNO technologies

Agro logistics (BenO)• Logistic processes in greenhouse, and auction• Logistic strategy (Supply Chain Management)• Product distribution networks

Compact Greenhouse horticulture (IenT, DenV)• Inspection technologies (eg. 3D vision)• Sensors and control (eg. Röntgen)• Multi layer growing systems and robotics

CO2 techniques (BenO, IenT)• Production and cleaning of CO2• Storage systems• Transport en CO2 supply in the greenhouse

Daylight and artificial lighting (BenO, IenT)• Greenhouse cladding materials• Efficient lighting techniques, LED• Light transmission of greenhouse structure

Energy-efficient climate conditioning (BenO, IenT)• Application of heat pumps• Refrigeration techniques, moisture control and modeling• (Semi) closed greenhouses


Greenhouse horticulture - TNO technologies (2)

ICT in greenhouse and supply chain (ICT, IenT)• (wireless) data communication and infrastructure• Sensor networks and technology• Information exchange in the supply chain based on standards

Greenhouse construction (BenO)• Engineering of greenhouses, innovative materials and joints• Structural testing• Computer program CASTA/Greenhouses

Work (KvL)• Ergonomics and physical strain• Health and safety at work• HR policy and health and safety management, Social innovation

Applied plant research (Fytagoras BV)• Cultivar design• Seed physiology• Roots and their environment

Water supply chain (BenO)• Water quality (sensors)• Separation techniques• Water storage systems


Greenhouse horticulture – Contact

Account manager [email protected] logistics [email protected] greenhouse horticulture: [email protected] techniques [email protected] and artificial lighting [email protected] efficient climate conditioning [email protected] in greenhouse and supply chain [email protected] construction [email protected] [email protected] supply chain [email protected]

www.tno.nl/[email protected]


Greenhouse horticulture – Customers of TNO

• Growers• Greenhouse builders, suppliers• Collectives (growers associations, AVAG, PT• Advisors• Auctions, transport companies • Insurance companies, banks


Greenhouse horticulture – Role of TNO

National:1. Integrator of technological knowledge to help the growers

innovate2. Application of knowledge in cooperation with companies, from

IP to market introduction3. Building consortia (both pre- and competitive)4. R&D partner for selected suppliers5. Knowledge transfer to SME Field lab6. Independent test institute

International:1. Help Dutch companies to export better products 2. Scouting for new technologies / partnering with complementary

research institutes


Field lab horticulture

• Located at “Demonstration greenhouse Metazet”• 8 units, 180 m2 each, suitable for demonstration/testing• School facility, mechanical workshop, meeting rooms and office• September 10th 2008 official opening by minister van der Hoeven


Field lab horticulture - partners

• Fytagoras • Applied plant research• Spin out company of TNO

• DLV Plant• Plant related research

• Inholland University• Cooperation between TNO research and Bsc program• Student internships in Field lab

• Demonstration greenhouse Metazet


Field lab horticulture - Open innovation practice

• Open innovation: grower, supplier, research and university

• a facility located in the Westland area, where growers can discuss the R&D needs

• Testing in demonstration greenhouse to reduce financial risks

• Demonstration of technical solutions co-developed by TNO

• Market place for growers to discuss their ideas, together with TNO and suppliers


TNO Technologies

1. Agro logistics 2. Compact greenhouse horticulture3. CO2 techniques4. Daylight and artificial lighting5. Energy efficient climate conditioning6. ICT in greenhouse and supply chain7. Greenhouse construction8. Work9. Water supply chain


Agro logistics


Supply Chain Management

ClientAuction Aalsmeer, the Netherlands (VBA)

DescriptionStrategic advice concerning VBA’s logistic process. Calculation of quantitative and qualitative effectsdue to changing mondial market

ResultStrategic advice how to react to the changingmarket

TNO’s rolAdvisor logistic strategy


Optimalisation logistic networks (RESPONSE™)

ClientThe Greenery

DescriptionDesign of European logistic network for food and flowers

ResultOptimised logistic structure and practical approachhow to reach the desired situation

TNO’s roleCalculation of logistic network with TNO’sRESPONSE™ model tool, translation results intopractical advise


Logistical process optimisation

ClientTerberg Machines, the Netherlands

DescriptionScan of logistical processes. Central question: howdesign new logistical processes that fit’s to the future situation

ResultDetermination of logistical processes and bottlenecks. Advice concerning stock strategy, reductionof process time, logistical organisation and production lay-out.

TNO’s roleThorough analysis of Process and bottle necks, practical advice


Information exchange in the flowering chain

ClientTen companies: growers,trading companies, ICT companies

DescriptionTo grow flowers in a demand driven way the growers need more insightin the complete supply chain and how to determine the future demandof flowers.

ResultTNO designed a ICT system where the stakeholders in the market canexchange data.

TNO’s roleDesign of the information management system based on a processanalysis, financial feasibility and compatibility to existing standards and interfaces

Transport klussenbakTransport klussenbakFloraMatchFloraMatch Order status informatieOrder status informatie

Sierteeltbarometer


Compact greenhouse horticulture


Greenhouse in Space

CustomerESA.

DescriptionFeasibility study into a Food Production Unit

suitable for future manned space missions to Mars.

ResultUnderstanding of the scale, weight and energy

consumption of an autonomous FPU.

TNO’s roleTranslation of “menu“ into a schedule of

requirements for the FPU.Design of the FPU.Modification of the FPU for use on Mars.


Tulip batcher

CustomerConsortium of 10 tulip growers, Bercomex.

DescriptionBatching tulips is labour-intensive work, requiring extreme

precision. The aim is to design a machine which can produce a batch (in which all the buds/flower heads vary by a maximum of 10 mm) every 2.5 seconds.

ResultIntroduction to the market is scheduled shortly.

TNO’s roleTNO developed the concept for the system and test

arrangements for the main functions of the machine, including the in-feed and batching system, and the inspection module which monitors the length of the individual tulip stems.


Pepper training robot

CustomerConsortium of pepper growers, PRIVA

DescriptionPepper plants are trained along a wire for support. This

is currently done by hand, 12 – 14 times per year. The aim is to develop a robot to do this mechanically.

ResultThe preliminary study having been successfully finished,

the project is now in the feasibility stage.

TNO’s roleAdministering the project and developing the vision

system that guides the robot in laying the wire for training, without damaging the plant (3D-vision).


Vine tomato picker

CustomerInternal.

DescriptionThe project is aimed at the essential factors involved in

successful mechanical picking of tomatoes and vine tomatoes: seeking out harvestable vines, determining the cutting point (3D-vision) and the actual cutting/removal of the vine.

ResultAn initial functional model is being tested in the

greenhouse.

TNO’s roleDevelopment of the demonstrator model and initiating a

form of collaboration.


Mushroom harvesting

CustomerMushroom grower.

DescriptionClass I mushrooms are harvested selectively. In

order to economize on labour costs, the grower is looking for a mechanical harvesting system.

ResultA functional model demonstrating the working of

the concept developed.

TNO’s roleTNO developed the concept for a picking

movement and designed the gripper and vision system for selecting and picking prime mushrooms.


Bulb-sorting equipment

CustomerHavatec B.V. (machine manufacturer).

DescriptionIf it were possible to remove diseased or sick

bulbs during the sorting process, the quality of the end product would be enhanced. This system is suitable to seek out diseases that are not outwardly visible.

ResultThe machine is commercially available from

Havatec B.V.

TNO’s roleTNO developed an inspection system based on

X-ray technology.


X-ray sorting system for seeds

CustomerInternal.

DescriptionUsing X-ray technology to show the inside of seeds, it

becomes possible to tell whether the seed in question will grow into a strong, healthy plant. The machine’s purpose is sorting out good and bad seeds.

ResultA test arrangement demonstrating the principle of seed

selection using X-ray technology.

TNO’s roleTNO developed the X-ray system, which can make X-ray

pictures of seeds at high speed in high resolution.


CO2 techniques


Daylight and artificial lighting


Greenhouse light pollution

CustomerHorticultural Marketing Board, GLAMI.

DescriptionLight pollution is an unfortunate side-effect of the

increasing use of grow lights in greenhouses. By establishing a dose/effect ratio, light pollution can be quantified.

ResultTesting and modification of the policy pursued thus far in

relation to light pollution (covenant and strategic plan).

TNO’s role• Measuring light emissions/pollution• Considering the issues with policy makers and agencies• Paving the way for companies which develop products

for combating light emissions


New light on growth

CustomerMarket Gardening Board/Ministry of Agriculture, Nature

and Food Standards (LNV)/Lights Interaction.

DescriptionImprovement of efficiency of grow lights in greenhouses by

developing better light fittings/armatures and spreading the same over the area in question more effectively.

Result10% less energy consumption compared with current grow

lights.

TNO’s roleMeasurements and modelling for grow lights in

greenhouses, using 3D ray-tracing technology. Supporting the light fitting manufacturer at the R&D stage.


The best greenhouse roof profile


and Food Standards (LNV).

Description• Design procedure resulting in the best greenhouse roof

profile for diffuse light, taking into account the light situation all year round

• Measurement method for calculating the angle of transmission through covering material.

ResultUnderstanding of options for increasing light in alternative

greenhouse roof profiles and covering material.

TNO’s roleImplementation of 3D ray-tracing daylight studies.


LED lighting and control

• Aim: development of a LED lighting system which applies wavelength specific lighting based on crop activity and light sensor feedback

• Status: preliminary design and first tests in Fieldlab

• Fieldlab tests: currently small scale tests, next autumn big scale testing

• Results: first commercial LED lighting system available in 2009. Cofinancedproject by Ladon


Energy efficient climate conditioning


Energy III


and Food Standards (LNV).

DescriptionClarification of energy performance of greenhouses. New

components, wide-roofed greenhouses, protection, anti-insect gauze, alternative covering materials.

ResultThe project will result in calculation tools that can be used

by suppliers to get the best energy efficiency from greenhouses and for achieving green label points.

TNO’s roleSetting up calculation methods, transfer of know-how to

suppliers, implementation in green label programme.


Heat pumps feasibilitycalculator

CustomerSenterNovem.

DescriptionFeasibility calculator to show individual market

gardeners the benefits of heat pumps.

ResultDesign tool can be downloaded at:www.warmtepompenindeglastuinbouw.nl

TNO’s roleCombine know-how into one calculation tool.


Innogrow closed greenhouse

CustomerEcofys.

DescriptionDevelopment of a closed greenhouse for an existing

installation design. Specifications to be considered: no ventilation ports, curved profile. Integration of emergency ventilation systems and roof-mounted furrow irrigation.

ResultOptimized greenhouse construction for a closed

greenhouse.

TNO’s roleDevelopment of the greenhouse design. Specification

of the profile in collaboration with the greenhouse builder (Dalsem).


Quickscan Geothermalheat

• Advise based on TNO’sgeological database

• Thorough research to set up a risk analysis

• Advise regarding use of geothermal heat in the greenhouse energy system


ICT in greenhouse and supply chain


Sensiplant

PartnerHoogendoorn (Growlab Instruments)

AimWatering plants is more difficult using Moving cultivation systems. With a wireless moisture sensor network the grower can monitor the root zone moisture.

ResultHoogendoorn devleoped together with TNO Sensiplant. The product is a commercial product of Hoogendoorn.

Role of TNOImplementing the wireless communication technique and auto arranging and setup of the network,


Multi-oxygen sensor in the greenhouse

CustomerGrowlab, DLV.

DescriptionMulti-oxygen gauge for complete measurement and

control of a complete cultivation system.

Result• Measurements in practice using oxygen in Rockwool,

and measurements of other greenhouse parameters. • Data analysis, and optimization of a model to calculate

and probably predict the oxygen profile in Rockwool. • Construction of prototype oxygen sensor software

(functional model)• Other prototype software

TNO’s roleMeasurements of oxygen and related parameters plus

creation of a model.


Phyto-monitoring “early warning system”

CustomerHorticultural Marketing Board.

DescriptionPhyto-monitoring.

ResultThe development of an “early-warning system”

for the horticultural industry, based on warnings of abnormalities in the relationships between a large number of parameters which can be measured in the greenhouse.

TNO’s roleMeasurements of greenhouse parameters and

modelling using a principal component analysis.

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Scale Gives Value of R for Each Variable Pair

Correlation Map, Variables Regrouped by Similarity

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Grow-Navigator

CustomerVan der Lans Tomaten, PRIVA.

DescriptionIn an attempt to be in a better position to control the

process of cultivation there is a need, among growers, for a system to control it better. That system must be mechanical, objective and reproducible, while being able to establish the situation of the plant.

ResultThe project was started recently.

TNO’s roleEvaluating known and new sensor technology and

inspection methods.


Greenhouse construction


Calculation methods for greenhouse insulation

CustomerSystem suppliers workgroup.

DescriptionWorking out and putting into practice constructional

requirements which greenhouse roofs must meet in accordance with the appropriate standard.

ResultSimple method of optimizing new greenhouse roofs.

TNO’s rolePrecise implementation of the requirements laid down

in NEN 3859, in collaboration with companies. Inclusion of know-how in a set of calculation tools. Maintenance contract to absorb new developments in the software.


CASTA/greenhouse construction

CustomerSTOREKA collective foundation.

DescriptionDevelopment of calculation methods for the greenhouse

construction industry.

ResultTop-quality bespoke greenhouses.Fair competition.

TNO’s roleDevelopment of software and calculation

models.


Floating greenhouse

CustomerMinistry of Housing, Planning and the Environment

(VROM).

DescriptionDevelopment of know-how in terms of greenhouse

construction on floating platforms.

ResultRequirements which greenhouses on floating surfaces

must meet, designs for floating platforms.

TNO’s roleDeveloper.


‘Greenhouse on stilts’

CustomerMinistry of Housing, Planning and the

Environment (VROM).

DescriptionAlternative design for water storage in combination with

greenhouses. Greenhouse construction on stilts with floating floor.

ResultLow-cost alternative,

combining greenhouses with peak storage for water.

TNO’s roleDeveloper.


Work


Assessment of exposure to pesticides

CustomerMinisterie van SZW (Ministry of Social Affairs and

Employment).

DescriptionAssessment of exposure to pesticides due to

spraying of various cultivars (cut flowers, bulbs, fruit crops, trees and shrubs).

ResultA range of exposure models and options in relation

to health and safety.

TNO’s roleMeasurements of the effect of various pesticides on

cultivars and skin.Recommendations for proper working methods.

Plaatjes/filmpjes


More intelligent glazing

CustomerGlazier’s trade association.

DescriptionFrom analysis of the problem to

deployment of new devices/tools.

Result• Productivity increases due to economizing

on staff in the work process.• Cost of acquisition of new resources can be earned back in

approx. one year, according to a study.• By making industry-wide agreements and providing good

information, nearly 50% of companies will have one or more device/tool in use.

TNO’s roleInclusive consultative role with all involved plus contributions from

ergonomic expertise.


Importance of proper tools

CustomerInternationally operating vehicle glass repair

and replacement service.

DescriptionEvaluation of new working methods and tools

relating to productivity, ergonomics and physical strain.

ResultProof that working with new tools is more

effective and more healthy. Concrete, clear recommendations for deployment of tools and possible improvements to working process.

TNO’s roleMeasurements of physical strain and advice

on ergonomic working method.


Developing ergonomic tools

CustomerTool manufacturer.

DescriptionResearch into suitability of various pairs

of pliers for cutting/pruning various materials.

ResultSound advice for most suitable pair of

pliers and recommendations for improvements to the basic design.

TNO’s roleUser tests, both in the laboratory and in

practice, into comfort, ergonomic aspects and strain on hand/arm.


Healthy ratio between work and rest

CustomerVarious studies commissioned by assembly plants.

Description1. Research into extended working days.2. Research into a healthy/productive

ratio between work and rest time.

ResultUnderstanding of effects on output, physical/mental fatigue, and pain

experienced in neck and shoulders.Rotating break system and extra moments of rest mean satisfied

workers, fewer physical complaints and increased production.

TNO’s roleSetting up experiments and measuring the effects. Making firm

recommendations about the best configuration of the work/rest regime.

5 min. 15 min. 30 min. 10 min. 10 min.

Break 1st pair

Break 2nd pairetc

Break 1st pair

Break 2nd pairetc

10 min.


Water supply chain


Gaasboxx

ClientHewitech

descriptionAlternative water store concept

undder the greenhouse. Possibilities for water and heat storage

ResultEasy to use concept, without

concrete shell

Role of TNOR&D partnership


Questions?

www.tno.nl/glastuinbouw

greenhouse

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