This project aims to demonstrate how agricultural production can adapt to climate change and limited water supply through a closed greenhouse system in Cyprus. The system utilizes geothermal energy from shallow boreholes for heating and cooling and introduces a water recycling method to minimize fresh water usage. A central control unit automates the greenhouse's subsystems, including the geothermal, water recycling, and hydroponics subsystems, to maintain optimal growing conditions while conserving resources. The project has been implemented since 2012 and is funded by the EU LIFE+ program to support environmental policy.

1. APPLICATION FOR THE HEAT
PUMP CITY OF THE YEAR
AWARD 2020 EDITION
http://hpcy.ehpa.org/

2. “Adapt agricultural production to climate
change and limited water supply”
Contact details of the applicant:
Title Mr Name Yannis FILIPPIDIS
Email filippidisioannis@gmail.com
Phone +306977470302
Organization: ENERGIA INNOVATION Ltd
www.be.net/filippidisioannis
Project ID:
Project title: Adapt2Change
Sector of application:Greenhouse heating & cooling
City & Country where it‘s implemented:
Exact address: CYPRUS
https://www.google.gr/maps/@34.7418071,33.3273656,209m/data=!3m1!1e3?
hl=en
When the project started: 2012
APPLICATION HEAT PUMP CITY OF THE YEAR AWARD 2020
Cover picture of the project (please
insert here)

3. Other pictures of the project
Heat pumps machinery room Geothermal collector User plant collector
Geothermal drilling AHU Air handling unit

4. • Short description of the overall project is:
To demonstrate the ability to adapt agricultural production to climate change, limited water
supply and use of renewable energy sources for heating and cooling
• What is its purpose?
1. Minimize fresh water use for agricultural production and introduce water recycling method in
a close greenhouse system.
2. Demonstrate how shallow geothermal energy may be used in water recycling process.
3. Introduce renewable energy in agricultural sector.
4. Produce a management automation system for greenhouse maximization production.
• How is it funded?
The LIFE + programme is one of the most important EU financial instruments funding projects that
contribute to the development and implementation of policy and governance in the field of
environment.
• Does it have an environmental relevance? Can you give us some data?
Grant agreement no: LIFE09 ENV/GR/000296
APPLICATION HEAT PUMP CITY OF THE YEAR AWARD 2020
Project Description:

5. The Adapt2change Prototype Greenhouses that are established at Larissa (Greece) and Zygi
(Cyprus), consist of distinct subsystems that during cultivation periods will control and
define the environment inside the greenhouse and will play a crucial role towards water and renewable energy
conservation. The Prototype Greenhouse Overall System is consisted of the following subsystems:
• Geothermal Energy Subsystem
• Environmental control Subsystem, which is composed of the following systems:
1. Water/air recycling subsystem
2. Ventilation subsystem
3. Inlet Shutter subsystem
4. Top Windows subsystem
5. Air Handling unit (AHU)
6. Cooling subsystem - Evaporative cooling pad
• Central Control Unit
• Hydroponics Subsystem
APPLICATION HEAT PUMP CITY OF THE YEAR AWARD 2020
Technical Details:

6. APPLICATION HEAT PUMP CITY OF THE YEAR AWARD 2020
Geothermal Subsystem
• Technical specifications
The greenhouses’ energy needs for cooling, heating and conversion of water vapour are
being covered by a vertical closed loop geothermal system which is built next to the
greenhouses, exploiting the available shallow geothermal energy field. This system offers
significant advantages over other forms of energy as it is a renewable energy source which
does not burden the environment with additional pollutants, reducing carbon emissions
footprint. Using common energy production methods only as an additional input, when
needed, an energy source that in the future could be also provided by a renewable energy
source like wind, photovoltaic panels, etc., gives the greenhouse a clean energy solution and
an environmental friendly label. The credibility of this system is much greater than other
systems because no combustion, in the form of chemical energy, takes place which in most
cases produces residues and blocks combustion sites requiring continuous cleaning and
repairs.
Based on studies and on site calculations, it is estimated that the required total power to
cover the prototype greenhouse operation is 70KW. In specific, the geothermal field in the
relevant area has an estimated capacity of 70W/m, therefore, 10 boreholes of 100m depth
each, have been opened in order to meet the greenhouses energy needs. The distance
between each hole is at least 5m to avoid thermal short circuit. The geothermal system is
closed loop, therefore, plastic pipes made of polyethylene (RE100) of diameter of 40mm are
be placed into the opened holes. Finally, the boreholes are filled with quartz sand to
optimize the contact of conductors with the subsoil’s natural rocks maximizing the induction
of heat to and from the plastic tubes.
The geothermal system uses two heat pumps which are designed for indoor operation.
Together they deliver 70 KW

7. APPLICATION HEAT PUMP CITY OF THE YEAR AWARD 2020
Environmental Control Subsystem
The integrated environmental control subsystem ensures that the greenhouse’s internal
environment is the optimum for plant growth and development. This optimum inside
environment is achieved through the operation of distinct sub-subsystems which operates
with the assistance of the geothermal component and in conjunction with the central
control unit.
Water/air recycling subsystem
The prototype greenhouses are constructed as a closed/hybrid system equipped to capture
water vapour. The purpose of this system is to minimize water consumption and optimize the
indoor greenhouse environment through the application of water recycling and reusing
techniques.
Technical Specifications
The water recycling system is consisted of a rectangular galvanized steel sheet airway with
1m x 1m dimensions which will be constructed outside the greenhouse. A fork-shaped tau
(T-junction) with a motorized valve selection automatically selects whether to recycle or not
the air by opening and/or closing the air valve, depending on the requirements of the inside
environment. After branching into the airway, the first heat exchanger with the support of HP cools the outgoing air
from the greenhouse in order to achieve its dehumidification.
At that point a special designed construction for the collection of condensate water is
established with a plastic water tank with a submersed pump. The produced water is used
for watering the greenhouse through the hydroponics head. The system is able to deliver
30Lt of water/hour of operation. Moreover, the necessary hydraulic system that transfers
the water to the irrigation system is constructed.

8. APPLICATION HEAT PUMP CITY OF THE YEAR AWARD 2020
After the linear demarcation of the greenhouse construction site, three trenches were
opened for the installation of polyethylene water tanks. The first tank is constructed at the
point of the cooling panels having 2m x 2m x 2m dimensions. The second tank is constructed
beneath the collecting water way (gutter) (moisture dehumidification system) with the same

9. • Why is it a best practice example?
The overall project objective is to show the adjustment of agricultural
production to climate change and limited water supply. In particular, it aims to reduce the
water used in agricultural production by introducing a method of recycling water through a
closed, fully automated hydroponic greenhouse system while at the same time reducing the
fossil fuel energy demands by using renewable geothermal energy sources.
APPLICATION HEAT PUMP CITY OF THE YEAR AWARD 2020
Replicability Potential:

10. APPLICATION HEAT PUMP CITY OF THE YEAR AWARD 2020
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