Combined heating and power (CHP) systems consist of an engine, which drives a generator, to simultaneously produce heat, electricity, and CO2 using natural gas (hence the name ‘co-generator’).
The heat produced is used to heat the water for the heating pipes;
The electricity produced can be used internally, e.g. for supplementary lighting, or sold to the grid;
The CO2 produced is supplied to the greenhouse to be used by the crops.
Contribution to energy balance and resource use of greenhouses:
The CHP supplies heat to the water running in the heating pipes, which adds energy to the greenhouse.
The electricity supplied by the CHP might also be used for artificial illumination, which in turn will add further energy to the greenhouse. Electricity generated by the CHP can be sold to the grid, reducing the net electricity usage/expenses.
The CHP process consumes natural gas.
As a by-product of the CHP process, CO2 can be supplied to the greenhouse.
Possible steps towards sustainable fossil-free greenhouses
As the basis of the CHP process is fossil fuels, there is a limit on how sustainable this installation can be made. However, the energy generated in excess over the greenhouse energy demand can be stored in a buffer tank for later use, outside the CHP operating hours.