Climate
Grupo IEP offers advanced solutions to optimize greenhouse environments and ensure maximum crop performance in any climate. Our systems range from double-layer inflation for heat retention in cold areas to evaporative cooling (pad-and-fan or fog systems) for hot climates, along with water, air, or radiant floor heating and CO₂ enrichment technologies.
These precision systems control temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels while integrating seamlessly with ventilation and automation equipment to maintain an ideal, sustainable microclimate.
General Characteristics
Grupo IEP’s climate systems are designed to create optimal greenhouse microclimates, adaptable to diverse conditions and crops. The systems feature double-layer inflation for thermal insulation, evaporative/fog cooling for temperature and humidity control, and hydronic/air/radiant floor heating for cold climates. They also include CO₂ enrichment to enhance photosynthesis, plus humidification/dehumidification systems that stabilize humidity levels—ensuring a stable, efficient, and sustainable environment for maximum agricultural productivity.
Double-Layer Inflation Systems
These systems are used in double-covered greenhouses, typically in cold climates, to reduce energy loss and retain heat. They create an insulating air chamber between the two plastic layers, improving airtightness.
The inflation process uses low-pressure turbines that draw external air to prevent internal condensation. Turbine operation is controlled by the greenhouse’s climate management system.
Cooling Systems
By Water Evaporation
These cooling systems consist of a combination of evaporative panel units and ventilation extractors that evaporate water inside the greenhouse to lower the temperature and increase humidity.
The extractor fans force outside air through permeable panels that are continuously moistened with water, thereby humidifying and cooling the air as it enters the greenhouse. The panels are connected to a pump that ensures a constant drip of water over them.
By Humidification or Misting
Misting systems are based on spraying water inside the greenhouse in the form of fine droplets (with diameters ranging from 2 to 60 μm), aiming to increase the water surface area in contact with the air. They are used both to reduce temperatures inside the greenhouse and to maintain an acceptable level of humidity, while also serving as irrigation systems.
These systems consist of a network of misting nozzles placed above the crops and near the greenhouse roof; each nozzle can cover an area of up to 4 m².
IEP Invernaderos installs misting systems that can be high-pressure (with water pressure between 40–60 bar) or low-pressure (a mix of compressed air and water at 2–4 bar), depending on the crop’s requirements.
Heating Systems
By Hot Water
These are central heating systems especially recommended for use in very cold climates or when it is necessary to increase the ambient temperature over prolonged periods. Water is heated in a boiler using propane gas or diesel burners (biomass boilers can also be used), and the hot water is distributed throughout the greenhouse via a steel pipe network strategically laid beneath the crops. The combustion gases can later be used in carbon enrichment processes.
This type of system achieves uniform heat distribution and allows for the maintenance of a constant temperature regime. The standard hot water system installed by IEP Invernaderos includes a fuel tank, a boiler room (operated through the climate control system), a burner unit, a circulation pump, the pipe network, a thermostat, expansion vessels, insulation materials, and safety control devices. The water outlet temperatures range between 60–80°C.
By Hot Air
These systems enable rapid heating of the greenhouse due to the low thermal inertia of air. They are suitable for greenhouses located in climates where there can be sudden drops in temperature (frost), making a quick response necessary. In addition to serving as occasional frost protection, their installation is also recommended for projects where there is no constant high demand for heating.
IEP Invernaderos installs various models of hot air generator units, either direct or indirect combustion, typically consisting of a burner and one or two axial fans, including a thermostat to regulate the system’s automatic operation. The distribution of hot air from the generators is carried out through a perforated plastic duct.
IEP’s equipment is available for use with LPG, diesel, kerosene, and methane gas.
By Radiant Floor Heating
This heating system consists of a set of polyethylene pipes buried at shallow depth over a layer of thermal insulation, through which hot water circulates in a closed circuit. Typically, the water temperature in the circuit does not exceed 40°C, and various energy sources can be used for heating: electric, gas, or diesel boilers, with the possibility of using alternative energies such as geothermal and solar power.
Dehumidification Systems
Humidity plays a crucial role in plant metabolism and respiration, as well as in the development of diseases. For this reason, controlling it is essential to ensure optimal production. In cases where it is not possible to reduce relative humidity inside the greenhouse through other means, dehumidification systems provide optimal performance in this regard.
CO₂ Enrichment Systems
Introducing CO₂ into the greenhouse atmosphere is an effective method for increasing crop production, as it prevents the decline in photosynthetic activity during times of the year with greater solar radiation (when more light leads to increased photosynthesis and, consequently, higher CO₂ consumption).
IEP Invernaderos uses systems that deliver CO₂ directly at the base of the plants. The standard CO₂ enrichment installation includes the following components: a liquid CO₂ storage tank, a gas conversion unit (expansion vessels that transform liquid CO₂ into gas), a piping system for gas transport and distribution over the crops, and a set of control and safety devices.
