Gas Engines - CO2 Fertilization for Greenhouses

When used in greenhouses, GE’s Jenbacher combined heat and power (CHP) systems not only provide electricity for the public grid, but also heat and carbon dioxide (CO2) to fertilize plants and meet the requirements of an efficient greenhouse. Plants grow by converting CO2 —also found in air—to carbon through photosynthesis. With increased artificial lighting, as present in greenhouses, plants absorb even more CO2. If the greenhouse environment is enriched with CO2, the temperature kept constant, and sufficient lighting provided, plant growth and, consequently, the harvest yield can be increased significantly.

How it works

The energy created by gas engine cogeneration systems in greenhouses can be used in a number of ways. The electricity provides power for grow lights and/or can be fed into the public grid. The heat meets the environmental requirements of a greenhouse, and the CO2 from engine exhaust gas serves as a fertilizer for the plants.

  1. When natural gas is burned in gas engines, nearly 1.8 kg of CO2 is produced per m3 of natural gas. This CO2 is present in the exhaust gas in a concentration of approximately 5 to 6 percent by volume.
  2. After exhaust gas is purified with special catalytic converters (SCR and oxidation), it is cooled down by a heat exchanger to around 50°C and supplied to the greenhouse for CO2 enrichment.
  3. A measurement and guarding device provides a constant assessment of exhaust gas levels to ensure maximum safety for vegetation.

Features & Benefits

  • CO2 fertilization is suitable for nearly all plant types.

  • GE’s Jenbacher CHP systems offer e xcellent overall efficiency levels of up to 95 percent, with high contribution to resource conservation.

  • Offers t ime-independent supply of CO2 and heat through heat storage.

  • Enables a dditional flexibility with the option to supply electricity into the public grid.

  • LEANOX ® lean mixture combustion ensures mi nimum emissions.

  • DIA.NE ® XT engine management system offers maximum operational safety and availability, and improved reliability with integrated grow light controls.

  • Minimal application construction time due to highly standardized solution.

  • More than 800 units with greenhouse applicationhave been delivered globally.

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