Heat Production in Greenhouses

Greenhouse environments stand out as highly suitable arenas for the application of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) technology. The precise control of temperature within greenhouses is paramount due to the sensitivity of plants to this vital factor. Maintaining a consistent temperature, aligned with the optimal growth conditions for plants, plays a crucial role in preserving product quality, enhancing competitiveness, and mitigating production risks.

 

Heating and cooling facilities are integral components of greenhouses, requiring significant investments for their establishment. The vast energy consumption to sustain the required temperature across expansive greenhouse areas makes the industry highly dependent on energy prices. In this context, the survival and competitiveness of the greenhouse industry hinge on reliable and economical energy supplies. Notably, industrial greenhouses worldwide have pioneered the adoption of simultaneous electricity and heat production.

 

Simultaneous electricity and heat production liberates greenhouse owners from energy price fluctuations by installing power plant generators and utilizing recycled heat. This approach not only ensures a stable energy supply but also generates dual income streams for industrial units. The surplus electricity produced by these units can be sold, providing added value to their operations and insulating them from energy market dynamics.

 

Technological advancements have brought an additional advantage to these units by utilizing the extraction of 2CO gas from generator exhausts and introducing it into the greenhouses. This globally implemented strategy enhances product quality. The diagram below illustrates the general scheme of simultaneous electricity, heat, and 2CO gas production for an industrial greenhouse.

 

The implementation of absorption chillers or advanced thermal-refrigeration systems within this energy cycle enables the provision of necessary cooling for greenhouses even during hot seasons. The choice of the cooling and heating system is contingent upon the specific crop under cultivation and its characteristics. The meticulous design of simultaneous electricity, heat, and cold production for greenhouses takes into account various factors such as temperature, relative humidity, construction site elevation, cultivation type, and initial greenhouse facility design. It also considers regional limitations in terms of energy resource supply, access to power grids, and other factors, necessitating in-depth studies for precise implementation.