Emission products

Combined Heat and Power generation and CO₂ production for greenhouse facilities

For a successful operation of a greenhouse complex a defined microclimate for the plant growth is needed. To increase production yield CO₂ is used as nutrient substrate for plant growth. Special co-generation plants may boost greenhouse efficiency since they are capable to produce electric energy, heat and cold, as well as the needed carbon dioxide.

The use of carbon dioxide from exhaust gases of a stationary gas engine requires an effective removal of impurities like CO, NO_x, CH, HCHO, C₂H₄, which are not only dangerous for the people working in the green house but also are effective poisons for the plants. Thus, a catalytic treatment system including SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) is needed for a significant reduction of this substances. Emission Partner does offer this kind of systems enabling the operator of a greenhouse to use exhaust gases for his benefit.

No doubt, the catalytic treatment system means a capital investment and also an increase for operating costs but the economic benefits justify such an investment.

Depending on the plant type an average harvest increase from 15 % up to 70 % with 800-1000 ppm CO₂ can be achieved.

Summarizing the benefits of a co-generation unit with catalytic treatment system would be following:

Economic benefits

Investments made into the purchase of an energy generation centre increase overall business capitalization (unlike any connection to independent power grids pursuant to technical specifications).
Consumption of natural gas as the principal type of fuel, as the growth pace of its rates is behind that of electricity
Business reliability improvement due to the growth of fixed assets and product cost reduction
Loosened dependence on “arbitrary” regional power rates
Electric power consumption reduction during peak demand hours
Lower electric power expenses versus independent systems of heat and electric power generation
Supplementary benefits brought by the cash saved for plant nutrition
Potential revenue growth due to the resale of electric energy to other consumers

Technical and technological benefits

Energy efficiency of the plant → 90 %
Use of natural gas combustion by-products (CO₂ in the exhaust gases) to stimulate plant growth and increase crop yield
Lower emissions compared to independent systems of heat and electric power generation
Full integration of the unit into a greenhouse facility in operation if the main controller is in use
If the tri-generation unit is employed, the process will be free from any hazardous chemical pollutants due to the use of water as a cooling agent

Operational benefits

Operational flexibility ensures independence from changes in heat and electric energy demand
Continuous supply of carbon dioxide, heat and electricity to the greenhouse to light plants
Rapid construction process, including construction and pre-commissioning works
Safe operation
Absence of any specific foundation requirements
Easy integration into the greenhouse electricity and heating system
Compactness, i.e. the possibility of installation in a limited space available
Easy scalability
High degree of automation, allowing the system to be operated without the constant presence of service staff

Source:

Gnezdova O.E., Chugunkova E.S. “Thermal/electric energy generation and CO2 production for greenhouse facilities”, Power and energy equipment. Stand-alone systems. 2019. B. 2. Vol. 2. 3. Pp. 141–151. DOI: 10.32464/2618-8716-2019-2-3-141-151.

Emission products

COMBINED HEAT AND POWER PLANTS

Combined heat and power plants are the backbone of the energy revolution. If wind and solar power fail, they are switched on to cover the residual load.

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