VB has achieved Level 3 on the CO₂ Performance Ladder
Sustainability is central at VB, which means we also critically examine our own CO₂ emissions.
Menu
Contact us
Greenhouses USA
Heat buffer tanks
Energy storage for commercial greenhouses. Lower energy costs, peak load management and a stable climate.
What is a heat buffer tank en why is it important?
A heat buffer tank is a large, insulated water tank used to temporarily store thermal energy. It acts as a bridge between energy production and heating demand: it reduces strain during peak loads and stores excess renewable heat for later use. The result: lower energy costs through off-peak usage and stable temperatures for crop quality.
Materials and insulation
- Steel construction, mineral wool or foam insulation of at least 200 mm
- Recommended U-value below 0.3 W/m²K
- Vapor-tight outer layer to prevent condensation
Serving U.S. growers
Heat buffer tanks integrate with heat pumps and geothermal systems: a stable climate, lower operating costs and less CO₂
QUICK TO
Heat storage in practice
VB built the largest heat storage tank in the USA. Supplying heat to current and future greenhouse phases.
INTERGROW GREENHOUSES, ONTARIO, NY (USA)
Size: 11.3 hectares (27 acres), tomatoes year-round
Delivered: heating systems, CO₂ systems, heat storage tank
The heat storage tank holds 10,000,000 liters of water and supplies heat to the current greenhouse and future expansion up to 25 hectares (62 acres).
Want to see some results?
Check out the details behind the Intergrow story. VB also realised other major sustainable energy projects throughout the U.S.
VB loves smart energy storage
High-tech solutions realised worldwide
Locations
Heat buffer tanks FAQ's
What is a heat buffer tank and why is it important?
A heat buffer tank is a large, insulated water tank used to temporarily store thermal energy. It helps growers reduce energy costs through off-peak usage, adds flexibility in managing supply and demand, and maintains stable temperatures for crop quality.
How large should a heat buffer tank for my greenhouse be?
The size of a buffer tank depends on the greenhouse surface, crop type, and energy source. For a 5-hectare greenhouse in the USA, tanks typically hold 1,500 to 2,500 m³. VB performs a custom calculation for each project.
How does a heat buffer tank help with peak loads and renewable energy?
A heat buffer tank acts as a bridge between energy production and heating demand. It reduces strain on the heating system during peak loads and stores excess renewable heat for later use.
What materials and insulation are used for heat buffer tanks?
Heat buffer tanks are typically made of steel and insulated with high-grade mineral wool or foam insulation of at least 200 mm. VB recommends U-values below 0.3 W/m²K, with a vapor-tight outer layer to prevent condensation.
Can a heat buffer tank be combined with heat pumps or geothermal energy?
Yes. Integration with heat pumps and geothermal systems delivers a stable greenhouse climate, lower operating costs, and a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions.
Gecertificeerd volgens VCA** | ISO 9001 | ISO 14001 (VB Geo Projects b.v.) | CO2-prestatieladder
Certified according to VCA** | ISO 9001 | ISO 14001 (VB Geo Projects b.v.) | CO2 Performance Ladder