During the Hightech Greenhouse 2020 knowledge meeting, TNO presented a futuristic glasshouse design, which uses a layer of water on top of the glasshouse roof in order to control the climate, energy and light strategy. The layer of water on the flat glasshouse roof may be used to influence light passing through and the temperature, but can also be used to collect heat. Another important aspect of the so-called 'Aqua Top', is according to TNO the aesthetic value of the glasshouse. The glasshouse makes it possible to cultivate below the surface of the field. The Westland area in The Netherlands with this futuristic design could look completely different.
The Aqua Top project is being carried out by a consortium of TNO, KEMA, Bosvariant and IDeeuwes. Aqua Top makes it possible to use a layer of water on top of the glasshouse in an efficient way. The grower can actually fence with a layer of water. He can influence the temperature, light intensity and plant development by controlling the water. It is possible to influence photo synthetic radiation (PAR) by adding lime and can be made infra-red when filtered with cloornatrium as an additive.
Also the use of water as a source of energy has been researched by TNO. The grower can use the cold water of the Aqua Top as a cooling aid in warmer periods. The water, which is warmed by the sun, can also be stored. This is slightly more complicated according to TNO, because a heat pump is required then to heat the water to be suitable for glasshouse warming. Also one must reckon with evaporation on the glasshouse roof. TNO is carefully looking at the feasibility of all possibilities. Not only the construction of the glasshouse roof has been researched, but also other incidentals, such as condensation in the glasshouse has received attention.
TNO developed the concept with EOS-subsidies. These are given for long term innovations. In the project much knowledge in the form of models, designs and test results has been obtained, which can now already be used in many projects in, but also outside the glasshouse horticultural sector. "The Aquatop-concept is a vision, it forms a picture of future possibilities. However, some of the research results we already have from a guideline for present developments," Leonart Baart de la Faille of TNO tells. "It should be seen as an endeavour, but we try and translate part of our vision into reality. All knowledge obtained in this research we also use in other branches in various sectors."
TNO developed the concept with EOS-subsidies. These are given for long term innovations. In the project much knowledge in the form of models, designs and test results has been obtained, which can now already be used in many projects in, but also outside the glasshouse horticultural sector. "The Aquatop-concept is a vision, it forms a picture of future possibilities. However, some of the research results we already have from a guideline for present developments," Leonart Baart de la Faille of TNO tells. "It should be seen as an endeavour, but we try and translate part of our vision into reality. All knowledge obtained in this research we also use in other branches in various sectors."