NL: Taking dehumidification to the "next-level"

Active dehumidification is the control tool for positively influencing growing conditions, achieving substantial energy savings and also avoiding diseases.

Bosman Van Zaal has been realising customized dehumidification solutions for customers such as WUR Wageningen, Bayer Crop Science, B-Four Agro and Grow-up Farms since 2015.

Bosman Van Zaal's R&D department has now managed to translate these customized solutions into a series of dehumidifiers that are plug-and-play applicable for a wide range of crops and growing systems. Whether in high-tech climate chambers, growing potted plants or fruiting vegetable crops, the OptiDry dehumidifiers can be implemented seamlessly in any cultivation system.

F-gases regulation creates challenges in horticulture
The dehumidifiers used in horticulture typically operate with synthetic refrigerants that contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions due to their high GWP (Global Warming Potential).

According to the F-gases regulation EU 2024/573, the sale of dehumidifiers with these refrigerants within Europe will be phased out between 1 January 2025 and 1 January 2030. This means that the service and maintenance of such devices will become uncertain in the future, which may affect operational reliability.

Low-GWP refrigerants are also currently under fire in Europe due to the fact that these refrigerants contain PFAS. As a result, really only natural refrigerants are future-proof. That leaves only 3 applications; CO2, Ammonia and Propane.

This is the reason why Bosman Van Zaal started a development process for the OptiDry series of dehumidifiers several years ago. These models use the natural refrigerant R290 (propane), which, with a GWP of just 3, barely contributes to the greenhouse effect.

The OptiDry series offers a future-proof solution. Thanks to the use of R290, these dehumidifiers meet all current and future legal requirements. Moreover, R290 has more favorable energetic properties than synthetic refrigerants, resulting in lower energy consumption and operating costs.

The OptiDry Compact X
The Optidry Compact X is designed to dry air very efficiently and can be easily connected to an existing or new chilled water or freecooling circuit by drycooling or basin water. The X stands for cross-flow heat exchanger, which is integrated into the unit. Using this additional heat exchanger saves 30-50% on cooling capacity. The OptiDry Compact X is available in two different versions to suit every growing situation.

The OptiDry Advanced DX
The Optidry Advanced DX is a compact, efficient unit designed for drying, cooling and heating air in a plug-and-play format. These units can be easily installed in greenhouses or added to existing plant growth chambers for improved dehumidification.

As one of the first dehumidifiers to use natural refrigerant R290 (propane), the Optidry Advanced DX offers lower energy consumption compared to synthetic refrigerant models. R290 (propane) is therefore not only highly efficient and environmentally friendly, but also future-proof in contrast to synthetic refrigerants.

Features of the OptiDry Advanced DX include lightweight models (105 KG) for easy installation, high-efficiency dehumidification capacity of up to 4 l/h*KWh, environmentally friendly and future-proof refrigerant R-290 (propane), availability with airsock for use under cultivation gutters and/or container systems.

OptiDry Advanced DX is also available as a hydroloop version, with which heat can be removed as required via a water circuit. This also allows active cooling or heating, thus allowing active climate control.

'With the OptiDry series, growers are able to significantly reduce their energy consumption without having to make concessions on quality or cultivation security, regardless of the crop. Furthermore, we believe it is important to supply the sector with future-proof installations. With its R-290 natural refrigerant, the OptiDry Advanced is not only ready for the future, it is also technically at the top of its field,' says Edwin Snabel.