Bergschenhoek is home to one of the leading Dutch energy clusters. The Bergschenhoek Cluster, established in 2000, is a co-operative association of 5 nurseries pioneering in the area of energy efficient and economic growing. Together, they produce their crops under 20 hectares of glass. The 6th cluster partner is energy manager Arjanet BV, a. o. responsible for collective gas and electricity purchases. With continued investment into energy-saving measures and practice tests, the cluster partners strive to make their knowledge and innovations available sector-wide. 

Challenge
When launching their Innovation Program 2.0 in 2014, the Bergschenhoek Cluster invested in various installations resulting in a potential efficiency improvement of 10% per cluster partner. For instance, new heat pumps, double curtains and a high-pressure misting system were installed. Hoogendoorn partner Patron Agri Systems also installed vertical ventilation for dehumidification, with the advantage that you can screen as much as possible without humidity gaps. The purchase of these installations also created a need for a new process computer with more setting options and a higher level of intelligence. Arjan van der Spek, cluster participant and working as an energy manager for Arjanet B.V., says: “Through frequent participation in practical tests, e.g. at Wageningen UR, we use the latest installations in the market. We therefore looked for a process computer able to control these installations in the most efficient way.”

Solution & Results
Arjan van der Spek: “Just like our 5 growers, I have been using a Hoogendoorn climate computer since last December. For me, one big advantage of the iSii software is that you can customize a multitude of controls, e.g. when setting thresholds (ViPs), you can add influences of your own choosing. This flexibility provides much freedom. I also have positive experiences with trainers and help desk staff. There is much in-house expertise.”