For years, we have been doing cooling and ventilation for potato storage with VOS technics. Due to rising energy prices and demand for sustainability in this sector, we came up with an innovative way of cooling by using cooling under the grids in the pressure corridor, combined with a thermal battery (cold buffer) for more energy efficiency.

Date of market introduction in Belgium (if still in development: expected date of launch)
1/10/2024

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- Glycol cooling via grids in the pressure corridor of potato storage locations - Energy storage in a thermal battery (cold buffer) when there is an energy surplus (or when energy prices are low) and withdrawal from this battery when energy prices are high - Intelligent coupling with sustainable energy sources such as solar panels or wind energy, but also with energy trading platforms such as Epexspot

Added value for the user (in commercial terms, user-friendliness ...)
- Quality assurance of cooling remains paramount - Simple control via control panel - Continuous view of the status of the thermal battery (cold buffer) - Low dehumidification in the room, which benefits the storage and quality of the potatoes - Possibility of subsidising this project because of its sustainability

Added value for the further sustainability and professionalization of the potato sector.
- Due to less consumption of energy, a positive impact on the ecological footprint of the potato sector - Due to the cost-saving effect, this benefits the profitability of the sector, as well as competitiveness with neighbouring countries - Potato growers are contributing to the following SDGs thanks to this technology: o SDG 7 Affordable and sustainable energy o SDG 13 Climate action