Column: Expansion to the cultivation of mushrooms

By Frans Olijhoek, Service technician – TS Group Holland

Normally we focus on the climate in stables with cows, chickens and pigs, but last year we have been asked as a company to make an expansion to the cultivation of mushrooms. The cultivation of mushrooms is a specialised process, which needs a lot of attention. As an addition to our experience with climate systems and optimisation, me and 4 other colleagues went to a four day course in September of 2015. It was a good way to get to know the equipment of our new client.

Last year November my colleague Damiën and I went to France to commission a climate system at a mushroom farm. This farm is located in the city of Soissons in the North of France. For this project we needed to install climate control in 5 cells, each existing of 6 temperature sensors per cell. During the day our tasks consisted of, for instance, combining the alarm system, placing the electricity and applying the communication to the frequency controller.

We also connected and combined the wiring of the flaps for the air and heating vents. Every of the mushroom farm cell has a length of 30 metres and a width of 5 metres. Per cell we have installed the computer and tested the sensors with hot water. Every cell has 5 temperature sensors and 1 sensor in the air vent. I believe the biggest difference between climate control in a stable with animals and a mushroom farm is the use of humidity and air humidity. In a stable with animals it is important that the air humidity is not too high and it is being monitored. Otherwise the animals will feel short of breath quickly. Opposite of that the climate for cultivating mushrooms thrives on humidity and high temperatures.

During our days in France we had one week to complete all 5 cells. For a while it was uncertain if we were going to make it. The installer of the motors for the air channels and the frequency controller had a few days off because of the national holidays. Luckily the installer decided to work on Friday, thanks to some pressure of our client. During the six days we were in France, we successfully completed the cells. It was a very educational and interesting job. Our next project starts this year in China. China, here we come!