Astra Farms — 82% Lower Greenhouse Heating Operating Cost
At Astra Farms in Tabuk, greenhouse heating was converted from diesel to an industrial air-to-water heat pump system. System sizing was based on actual fuel purchase records and local heating-degree data rather than the installed boiler nameplate capacity, allowing the design to reflect the facility’s real thermal demand.
Phase 1 included 12 industrial air-to-water heat pumps rated at 200 kW each, providing a total installed capacity of 2,400 kW. The system was also designed to accommodate thermal storage and future integration with solar energy.
Performance was verified by comparing pre-conversion fuel purchase records with measured post-conversion electrical consumption over a defined 78-day operating period. The measured result showed an 82% reduction in operating cost.
Challenges
Converting greenhouse heating from diesel to heat pumps in Tabuk’s climate and across a large agricultural site, while maintaining stable greenhouse temperatures and avoiding risk to the crop during the transition.
Solutions
The system was sized using actual fuel purchase records and local heating-degree data rather than relying solely on installed boiler capacity. The conversion was implemented in phased stages, with each stage verified before proceeding to the next.
Phase 1 included 12 industrial air-to-water heat pumps rated at 200 kW each, for a total installed capacity of 2,400 kW, with provisions for thermal storage and future solar-energy integration.
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