Greenhouse CHP, a growth industry for Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce reports that its medium speed reciprocating engines are now providing heat and power for 30 greenhouses in Holland, Belgium, Russia and the UK. The engines are deployed in some 52 CHP plants supplied since 2005, with a total electrical installed capacity of 270 MW.

The latest project has involved provision of two CHP plants in a new tomato greenhouse operated by Maxburg BVBA in Meer, Belgium.

Back in 2008 and 2010, Rolls-Royce delivered two CHP plants to the greenhouse operator John Vermeiren in Loenhout and in Merksplas in Belgium. Based on this experience Rolls-Royce engines were selected for the CHP facilities at a third greenhouse, that in Meer.

The gensets are based on the medium-speed Rolls-Royce Bergen B35:40 V12 AG2 engine, which is rated at 5650 kWe/6545 kWt. The electric power is used primarily for the greenhouse lighting and can also be fed into the grid. The greenhouse, which extends over an area of 10.2 ha, is heated using heat extracted from the engines’ exhaust gas and cooling systems. The cleaned exhaust gases from the engines are also injected into the greenhouses to increase the level of CO2 and boost plant growth.

Rolls-Royce delivered the complete CHP plants, consisting of the gensets, the exhaust gas systems, including SCR units for NOx control, and heat exchangers. Control systems are also included in the scope of supply. Operator John Vermeiren and Rolls-Royce have concluded a long-term service agreement for the combined heat and power plants, which anticipates 4500 hours of operation per year over the next 10 years.