There are many internal environments that need a controlled atmosphere. Recent developments in both vertical farming and smart commercial greenhouses are creating great interest across the world and here in the UK. The desire to create these indoor environments is driven by the need to increase crop yields of fast-growing, high-value low-biomass crops such as herbs, salads, small fruits, and vegetables. However, growing food in a factory-style environment does require efficient and effective control of air quality and temperature to optimise growth and improve crop productivity.
The controlled air flow needed for vertical farms will be delivered from one or several air handling units (AHUs), drawing in fresh air from the outside to help enhance photosynthesis and promote plant growth. This is where AirCraft Air Handling can help. Our quality manufacturing facilities in Stafford, England, produce a range of customer-focused AHU solutions ideal for vertical farms. These solutions help ensure high-quality, controlled air delivery whilst also assisting with unit energy efficiency.
AirCraft Air Handling AHU options for vertical farming and smart commercial greenhouses:
Energy Saving Heat Recovery
AirCraft Air Handling’s heat recovery AHUs will recover upwards of 73% of the thermal energy from the extract air stream and input this directly back into the fresh air supply prior to it being distributed via the farm’s ventilation system. Our supply and extract heat recovery AHUs can be configured to include reverse cycle direct expansion (DX) heating/cooling coils. An added benefit of a fully operational heat recovery AHU is the significant decrease in heating and cooling loads as a direct result of the energy recovered.
Filtration
Unless it is a closed-off controlled environment, the AHU will draw air from the outside environment and then push it over the filters to remove dust, pollen, fungal spores, bacteria and other contaminants. AirCraft Air Handling can supply HEPA & Activated Carbon cell filters, along with Panel and Bag filters, to help create a clean environment for healthy plant growth.
Humidity
The enclosed environment of a vertical farm will be warm and likely to have higher levels of humidity than found outside, making it corrosive to equipment and fittings. To help address this, AirCraft Air Handling can manufacture AHUs with corrosion-resistant materials, including stainless steel or goosewing grey plastisol inner panel finish.
Smart Control Systems
AirCraft Air Handling offer basic standalone packaged controls to completely bespoke AHU control solutions, including fully integrated BMS compatibility. Our systems support BACnet, TREND, Modbus, MBus, and Crestron, providing automation and precise control of the farm’s environmental crop requirements.
