What Are The Characteristics of Mushroom Room Air Conditioner

What Are The Characteristics of Mushroom Room Air Conditioner

The core feature of a mushroom house air conditioner is the simultaneous, independent, and precise control of temperature, humidity, ventilation, and CO₂.

Mushroom growth is divided into the mycelial growth stage and the fruiting stage, which have distinct and very strict temperature requirements.

Mycelial growth (cultivation) stage:

A higher temperature is required, typically between 22-26°C (varies by variety, for example, Agaricus bisporus is approximately 24°C).

The temperature must be uniform to avoid localized excessive temperatures that could "burn the fungi."

Fruitment (bud induction and growth):

A lower temperature is required, typically between 14-18°C (for Agaricus bisporus, approximately 16°C).

The cooling process itself is a sign of fruiting. The air conditioning system must be able to quickly and smoothly lower the temperature from the cultivation stage to the fruiting stage, with a temperature difference of up to 8-10°C.

Air conditioning features: Powerful cooling and heating capabilities, and fast and precise switching between operating modes.

The fruiting body of a mushroom (the edible part) is over 90% water, requiring a consistently high humidity environment.

Humidity Requirements:

Mycelial Stage: Humidity requirements are lower, typically between 80-85% RH.

Fruiting Stage: Humidity requirements are extremely high, maintaining a constant 90-95% RH.

Challenges: In such high humidity, condensation must be prevented from dripping directly onto the mushrooms, as this can cause bacterial spot.

Air Conditioner Features: An integrated high-pressure mist or steam humidification system provides sufficient humidification to maintain 95% RH, with fine mist particles that evaporate quickly.

Independent, powerful dehumidification function

This is the most overlooked yet crucial feature of a mushroom house air conditioner.

Why Dehumidification Is Required:

Although high humidity is required during the fruiting stage, mushroom respiration produces a large amount of water vapor.

When the outside temperature fluctuates, condensation may form on the cooling coils of the air conditioner. However, this dehumidification method also lowers the temperature, and sometimes dehumidification is simply not necessary. Solution: An independent dehumidification system must be integrated, the most common being a rotary dehumidifier. This system reduces humidity without changing the room temperature, enabling precise control.

Air Conditioner Features: A dual system of "cooling and dehumidification + rotary dehumidification" allows for independent control of temperature and humidity.

Precise CO₂ and Ventilation Management

CO₂ is a key regulator of mushroom growth.

Mycelial Stage: Higher CO₂ concentrations (>5000 ppm) favor mycelial growth.

Fruitment Stage: CO₂ concentrations must be lowered to induce primordium formation and stipe growth.

Primordium formation: A lower CO₂ level of 800-1200 ppm is required.

Fruiting Stage: CO₂ concentrations must be controlled according to the species. For example:

Agaricus bisporus: 1000-1500 ppm

King Oyster Mushroom: Extremely high CO₂ levels (>2000 ppm) are required to inhibit cap growth and promote stipe expansion. Air Conditioning Features:

Integrated CO₂ sensor and ventilation control system (fresh air valve, return air valve, exhaust valve).

CO₂ is diluted by introducing fresh air ("exchange ventilation") or accumulated through internal circulation.

The system must automatically adjust the air damper according to the CO₂ setpoint.

Ensures uniform and gentle airflow

Purpose:

Maintains consistent temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels throughout the mushroom house.

Promotes transpiration, which drives cell expansion and growth.

Dries moisture from the mushroom surface to prevent bacterial diseases.

Method: Through carefully designed air ducts and outlets, ensures a low, uniform breeze at all levels of the mushroom bed, avoiding strong direct winds that can cause scaling or desiccation of the mushroom caps.

High corrosion resistance: Mushroom houses are exposed to high temperatures, high humidity, and high CO₂ levels for extended periods, and disinfectants (such as chlorine) are used. Air conditioner internal components (coils, fans, dampers) must be made of corrosion-resistant materials such as epoxy-coated copper tubes/aluminum foil, stainless steel or plastic parts.