Heat recovery technology in Dutch greenhouse trial

Source Domain: www.hortidaily.com

Dutch startup Thermal Compost Systems has begun validating its technology for extracting heat from the composting process. The trial is supported by a validation voucher from the HortiScience Innovation Center (HIC), based in the Netherlands.

The technology developed by Thermal Compost Systems focuses on capturing heat generated during composting. The approach allows organic residual material to serve a dual purpose: conversion into usable compost and as a source of sustainable heat.

For the validation trial, a container housing the Thermal Compost Systems installation is being placed alongside the HIC demonstration greenhouse. TechnoKas is connecting the installation to the greenhouse’s heating system. This setup allows researchers to assess in a practical environment how much heat can be extracted from the composting process, how consistently that heat is available, and how integration with a greenhouse heating system performs under real conditions.

“The greenhouse industry faces a significant energy challenge. Innovations that contribute to sustainable heat supply and the circular use of residual streams are therefore of great importance,” said Loet Rummenie, Managing Director of the HortiScience Innovation Center. “With our validation vouchers, we aim to help startups bring promising technologies from concept to practical application more quickly. The Thermal Compost Systems demonstration fits well with that ambition.”

For Thermal Compost Systems, the validation offers an opportunity to demonstrate system performance under practical conditions and to work with the sector on what is needed for further scale-up.

“It is essential for us to validate our technology in an environment where research, practice, and industry come together,” said Nathan van den Dool, co-founder of Thermal Compost Systems. “By placing the container at a partner such as Wageningen University & Research and connecting it to a working demonstration greenhouse,…

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