Challenge: Innovative transitional hybrid power plant
Describe your solution
Solution Title
Integrated power generation plant and greenhouse
Abstract
An integrated power generation plant and greenhouse comprises a power generation plant having a thermal engine and an electric generator, and at least one greenhouse for growing plants such as fruits and vegetables by a photosynthesis process.
Description
A method for integrating a power generation plant and a greenhouse comprising the steps of:
generating power, including the substeps of:
generating thermal power with a thermal engine which burns a mixture of fuel and an oxygen-containing gas such as air, produces exhaust gases containing carbon dioxide, and generates steam from water and waste heat;
generating electricity with an electric generator driven by the thermal engine;
controlling and distributing the electricity through electrical wiring;
controlling and distributing the exhaust gases containing carbon dioxide through piping; and
controlling and distributing the steam through piping; and
growing plants such as fruits and vegetables by a photosynthesis process in a plurality of interconnected dome-shaped greenhouses, including the substeps of:
using the electricity in order to light the internal space of the greenhouse;
using the exhaust gases containing carbon dioxide in order to grow plants such as fruits and vegetables placed in the internal space of the greenhouse;
using the steam in order to heat the internal space of the greenhouse; and
releasing an oxygen-containing gas coming out of the greenhouse to the atmosphere;
each dome-shaped greenhouse retaining a greater proportion of exhaust gases containing carbon dioxide from the thermal engine by minimising the escape of carbon dioxide molecules due to the greater molecular weight of carbon dioxide (CO2) than the molecular weight of air (N2, O2).
Criticalities
Optimising the integration of a power generation plant and greenhouses via electrical wiring and piping. In particular, the choice between a modular star configuration and a modular ring configuration.
Advantages
Oxygen is released to the atmosphere from the greenhouse. Plants may be grown aeroponically or hydroponically in a dome-shaped greenhouse. The fuel for the power generation plant may be a biomass fuel or a fossil fuel. Preferably, the power generation plant is a combined-cycle co-generation plant. Electricity, exhaust gases and steam are distributed from the power generation plant to a plurality of greenhouses in a concentric, modular star or modular ring configuration.
Resources needed
N/A
Existing/Pending patents
CA2289991 C
Competitors
N/A
Solution Maturity
Proof of concept
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