Phase Change Materials (PCM) heat battery

Project goal

In this demonstration project, the energy savings of the Phase Change Materials (PCM) heat battery and its impact on the growth and quality of green foliage plants in two greenhouse sections at the Delphy Improvement Centre will be determined. The heat battery’s effect on climate, temperature, ventilation requirements, and CO2 dosing will also be monitored. The results will be processed into a digital twin, allowing translation to larger greenhouses and other crops.

Project description

The research will provide insight into the operation of the Phase Change Materials (PCM) Heat Battery and its effect on the greenhouse climate compared to a reference unit. The goal is to achieve a 15% reduction in heating energy and a 7.5% reduction in CO₂ emissions by reducing ventilation during a six-month cultivation of green plants. Furthermore, the effects on climate homogeneity, humidity, light, and insulation value resulting from the heat battery’s integration into the facade will be investigated.

The project is divided into four work packages:

Work Package 1:
In this work package, a digital twin will be developed to translate the results from the relatively small test greenhouses to larger greenhouses. The heat battery’s operation will also be integrated into the KASRO greenhouse climate simulation model for other crops with different temperature profiles. During the cultivation trial, the model will include calculations for both sections to track deviations and translate energy consumption into a practical situation. Because the heat battery is installed in various locations within the greenhouse, some of which receive direct sunlight, this will affect light distribution. These effects will be calculated using the Raypro simulation model.

Work Package 2:
This work package involves the preparation and installation of the heat battery in the greenhouse, including the installation of sensors. The sensors are crucial for monitoring the heat battery’s operation and its effects on the greenhouse climate.

Work Package 3:
Work Package 3 involves conducting the greenhouse trial. From January 1st to July 1st, 2026, green plants will be grown in 17 cm pots on the ground. During this period, all relevant outdoor climate conditions will be present, and thus all the effects of the heat battery on the climate and crop. In both sections, the target temperature regime for this crop is 20 to 21°C, both day and night. Growth will be monitored, and at the end of the cultivation period, the plant quality will be determined.

Work Package 4:
Work Package 4 includes evaluation, communication, and reporting. Using the digital twin developed in Work Package 1, a year-round simulation will be performed to determine the total savings potential.

Research period: January 2026 – June 2026

This project/research was developed within the framework of the “Greenhouse as Energy Source” program, the innovation and action program of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, and Greenhouse Horticulture Netherlands.