The phytotrons are conditioned by a tailor-made indirect cooling system. The energy-efficient compressors are equipped with capacity valves, so that the cooling capacity can be adjusted in steps. In addition, one of the compressors is equipped with a frequency controller, so that the cold production can be optimally matched to the current cooling demand. With air coolers blowing out on both sides, the conditioned air is optimally distributed over the total length of the cell.

The vernalization cell is connected to an existing chiller. The choice of air coolers has been adjusted accordingly. Accurate temperature control is achieved with a motor-controlled three-way valve and mixing control. A separate ventilation system ensures air exchange in the conditioned rooms. Supplied air is drawn in from the building, return air is discharged outside. The installation is controlled with the user-friendly Nijssen Control system with intuitive visualization.

The spaces realized by Nijssen are part of an expansion of climate chambers. With this investment Limagrain realized extra plant production capacity. This is necessary because breeders are demanding more and more plants for their crossing and selection work. Limagrain now has more growth chambers for the cultivation of so-called double haploid plants with which generation cycles can be accelerated, an expertise of the center in Rilland. The Limagrain site in Rilland develops new varieties of maize, grains, onions, legumes and flax for the Northwest European climate zone. In the coming decades, an important challenge is to develop new, resilient plant varieties that continue to yield a lot with less and less fertilizer and crop protection and are optimally adapted to the changing climate.

https://www.nijssen.com/en/references/176-limagrain-phytotrons-for-crop-testing-and-breeding

The specialized laboratories and climate chambers are equipped for diagnostic research - such as microbiological and DNA research. Part of the research gets a quarantine status, because in the future fewer tests can be held outside in the field. These rooms are equipped with a hygienic lock, underpressure in the climate chamber and HEPA filters in the air exhaust duct.

The rooms are conditioned with an indirect cold water system. This allows the cooling capacity to be precisely matched to the heat supply to facilitate good control over the temperature. The ultrasonic humidification system allows an RV up to 90%. Air humidification is ensured through the discharge of the air coolers. The air dehumidification unit also allows a low RH. The freezer room is separately conditioned with a DX cooling system. The Beetlab has also created space for special test field equipment and for preparing the work on the test fields.

Prior to construction, IRS tested various types of LED lighting in MyGrowthRoom, Nijssen's mobile research room. The choice fell on the Fluence RAZRx grow lights. This LED solution met the needs and proved the most cost-efficient.


IRS is now part of the new Cosun Innovation Center and has the sugar factory of Suiker Unie as a direct neighbor. Royal Cosun is an agro-industrial cooperative around the sugar beet and sugar industry. With companies Aviko, Duynie, Sensus, Suiker Unie, SVZ and Cosun Biobased Products, it has grown into a company with approximately 3,900 FTEs and a group turnover of approximately € 2 billion per year.

https://www.nijssen.com/en/references/171-irs-beetlab-modern-research-facilities-for-sugar-beet-cul