The Ridder CO2 Optimizer has been nominated for the 2018 GreenTech Concept Award. The CO2 Optimizer assesses the cost-effectiveness of injecting CO2 into the greenhouse automatically on the grower’s behalf.

The optimum CO2 level is calculated based on the relevant costs and benefits, including the price paid for the CO2, the intensity of the sunlight and ventilation in the greenhouse. The grower only needs to enter a few simple parameters, such as the expected price of the crop after harvesting and the price paid for CO2 in euros per kilo. It is possible to include multiple sources of CO2 with different prices in this calculation. The system even produces easy-to-read graphs and tables to enable the grower to see the optimum level of CO2 and the influence of costs and yields. The system makes wasted CO2 a thing of the past, and contributes directly to the grower’s bottom line! And it is beneficial for the environment too.

No more guesswork when it comes to CO2 supplementation
Managing the CO2 level in your greenhouse can be a complicated business. The existing climate computer has more than 10 CO2 settings relating to a range of factors. Many growers end up supplementing CO2 through a process of educated guesswork. This can lead to difficulties, especially in the international horticulture sector, where people often understand less about all the processes at play in the greenhouse. And up until now, it was never possible to measure the efficiency of the CO2 added. ‘This changes everything,’ explains Ad de Koning, Innovation Officer at Ridder. He collaborated with Wageningen University to develop the first software module for greenhouse financial optimization. Several trials have been carried out in recent months, and the results have been very positive. The CO2 Optimizer is expected to be launched in October 2018.

Announcement of the winner
Three other concepts will be competing for the award in the ‘Concepts’ category. The winners in all categories will be announced at the opening of GreenTech 2018 on Tuesday 12 June. You can find out more about the CO2 Optimizer at the upcoming GreenTech event on 12-14 June. You can find us at Stand 12.210.