Climate control in fermentation cellars at Flensburger Brauerei

"It was particularly interesting for us that the system works more efficiently compared to previously installed dehumidifiers. NEXT uses significantly less electricity, and installation was also very simple."

User case
Flensburger säkerställer optimal klimatkontroll i jäscellare med Airwatergreens NEXT 400. Läs om hur vår banbrytande teknologi stabiliserar fuktighetsnivåer.

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Background information

Flensburger Brauerei operates two interconnected fermentation cellars (known as the "Gelber Raum" and "Roter Raum") with a total volume of approximately 11,000 m³ (7,500 m³ of air space due to tank volumes).

The facility faced serious humidity issues with room temperatures of 10-15°C and tank temperatures of 5°C. Prior to installation, humidity levels varied between 60-95% RH, with frequent peaks above 75% RH depending on external conditions and cleaning schedules.

As a brewery with high quality standards, Flensburger wanted to be at the forefront of climate control in the production environment. The goal was to create optimal conditions for the fermentation process while ensuring long-term building sustainability through proactive humidity control.

What problems did the Airwatergreen dehumidifier solve?

The main problem was uncontrolled humidity, which caused condensation, especially on cold tanks. NEXT 400 was placed outside the ice rinks and connected via duct-fed air circulation to both rooms, delivering dry air with a maximum of 40% RH. This configuration was necessary because the machine could not physically enter the rooms (due to narrow 90 cm doorways).

With NEXT 400 operation since May 2025, the climate has stabilized dramatically. Room humidity is now consistently maintained at 60±5% RH, with the system removing between 5-13 kg of water per hour. Before and after data show a clear change: fluctuations of 60-95% RH prior to installation have been replaced by stable control at 60±5% RH.

Operational advantages

Since installation in May 2025, Flensburger Brauerei has achieved the following concrete improvements:

Humidity control

  • Stable conditions: Consistent 60±5% RH (down from 60-95% RH fluctuations)
  • Room 1 performance: 70±5% RH at 14°C (sensor 1 controlled)
  • Room 2 performance: 60±5% RH at 15°C (sensor 2 monitoring)
  • Elimination of condensation on cold fermentation tanks

Maintenance and cost reduction

  • Mold prevention: Zero mold growth since installation
  • Lower building maintenance work
  • Reduced cleaning frequency required for mold removal
  • Lower maintenance on cooling and fermentation equipment

Why the Airwatergreen solution made a difference

The brewing industry has unique requirements for humidity control. Traditional dehumidifiers struggled with Flensburger's challenges: low temperatures (10-15°C), limited installation space, and the need to manage two separate spaces simultaneously.

The benefits of CVP technology in brewing environments

Airwatergreen's patented CVP technology works effectively in the challenging 10-15°C environment typical of fermentation cells, where conventional dehumidifiers struggle or fail completely. Without effective dehumidification, breweries risk product quality issues from mold contamination, increased operating costs from constant cleaning and repainting, and potential equipment corrosion from persistent moisture.

Flexible installation that overcomes practical obstacles

NEXT 400 external placement solution overcame the physical installation challenge (narrow doorways) while still delivering effective coverage of two rooms through optimized air distribution ducting. Air ducts were placed through existing windows (by removing the glass panes), 32A power was connected from the inside, and drainage was easily resolved during the test period.

Long-term value creation

For Flensburger Brauerei, the solution not only eliminated an acute problem, but also fundamentally improved production conditions. Stable climate conditions ensure optimal yeast quality, while protecting the building from moisture damage and providing staff with a healthier, mold-free working environment.

The system is monitored via the cloud-based AWG Climate Control System, which provides real-time data on humidity levels, water removal, and energy consumption. This makes it a reliable and efficient choice for breweries that need to maintain strict climate control for yeast quality while reducing maintenance costs and ensuring the longevity of buildings.