Mechanical cooling is the answer to the demand for longer and improved storage of agricultural products such as carrots, onions, potatoes and leeks. In addition, the quality of apples, pears and soft fruit is also better preserved with an intelligent mechanical cooling solution. The computerised system continuously measures the temperature, humidity and CO2 in the storage unit and adjusts the cooling capacity and the storage program to the cooling demand of your product. Because you are no longer dependent on unpredictable outside air conditions, the storage conditions are always optimal for your product. The product quality is preserved and the increased storage period allows you to respond better to price developments in the market.
With traditional ventilation technology, effective cooling is not always possible because you are dependent on the outside air conditions. The outside air is often too hot or too humid to adequately cool your product. Air that is too dry also has disadvantages, because it causes your product to dry out too much. This dependence on the weather gods can be disastrous for your business. Due to this uncertainty and fluctuation in storage conditions, you are sometimes forced to put your products on the market early, even if the price is not optimal.
Mechanical cooling makes the process of drying, cooling and storage more efficient and minimizes product weight loss. Our specialists adapt the technology behind mechanical cooling to your product. The system adjusts if conditions, such as temperature and humidity, change. With product storage, you are no longer dependent on the outside temperature. Mechanical cooling continuously provides the required conditions to maintain a high-quality product.
Intelligent mechanical cooling is one of EQUANS' storage solutions for agricultural businesses. We offer a solution for short-, medium- and long-term storage for every budget, a solution that meets your needs, product-specific features, energy capacity and product quality preservation.
Growers looking for a solution to the ban on the chemical sprout inhibitor chlorpropham have found the necessary alternative in mechanical cooling. Stable storage conditions, and not sprout inhibitors, keep the potatoes from sprouting. With mechanical cooling less of the often more expensive alternative sprout inhibitors are needed. In addition, the closed storage environment ensures that the sprout inhibitor does not evaporate, which would be the case if you cool with outside air.
We build custom-made mechanical cooling concepts that allow you to store your products for longer without loss of quality. This is not only for potatoes and onions but also for other arable products such as carrots, cabbage, chicory, mushrooms, leeks, apples, pears and soft fruit.
Due to the use of natural refrigerants, such as ammonia and CO2, mechanical cooling enables considerable savings on energy costs. Many agricultural companies have already seen their energy consumption decrease through the use of natural refrigerants. These refrigerants are environmentally friendly, which means that you also contribute to sustainable production in the agricultural chain. And that is becoming increasingly important for the buyers of your product.
From 2022, no new cooling installations may be built with synthetic refrigerants. Our research department continuously conducts intensive research into suitable and safe applications of natural refrigerants in both small and large installations. The safe use of natural refrigerants requires a great deal of technical knowledge and experience.
By investing in storage cooling with natural refrigerants, you qualify for the Energy Investment Allowance (EIA). We will gladly assist to explore the possibilities for you.