High-tech climate control for potatoes

Terralog AG has built a new logistics centre for potatoes at Rüdtligen-Alchenflüh (Canton of Bern). In the hall, which measures about 200 metres in length, the potatoes are sorted automatically by size and quality, cleaned, stored and packaged for onward dispatch. Basler & Hofmann planned the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and sanitary installations (abbreviated as HVACS) and coordinated all the installations in the high-tech hall (electricity, water, compressed air, cooling and control in addition to HVACS).

High requirements for climate control

Demanding requirements are set by up to 20,000 tonnes of potatoes that are stored here. To prevent wrinkling and discoloration during the storage period, they need ideal room temperature and air humidity levels as well as a precisely defined CO2 concentration in the air. The logistics centre's advanced forced-air ventilation, cooling and control systems make it one of the most modern facilities in Switzerland.

Forced-air ventilation as a freshness factor

A fresh breeze can always be felt in the high-bay storage area. The hall was deliberately designed so that all the stored potatoes can be kept fresh by a constant airflow. Another key element in the accurate climate management system is the groundwater heat pump. The heat given off from the cold storage rooms and compressed air plants is put to further use in order to save energy resources.

Clients

Client: Terralog AG, Kirchberg-Alchenflüh
Construction engineer: Wälchli & Partner AG, Burgdorf
Planning of building services technology / HVACS: Basler & Hofmann AG, Zollikofen