Innovative Renewable Energy System Boosts Greenhouse Efficiency in Korea
Key Ideas
- Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) developed a Hydrogen-fueled Combined Heat and Power (CHP) System for greenhouses, reducing CO₂ emissions by over 50% and operating costs by one-third.
- The system integrates multiple renewable energy sources such as fuel cells, solar collectors, heat pumps, and adsorption chillers, ensuring energy independence and stability regardless of weather conditions.
- By combining PEM fuel cells, heat pumps, and solar collectors, the system efficiently generates electricity during the day using solar energy and utilizes waste heat for cooling and heating, contributing to a 36.5% reduction in operating costs and a 58.1% cut in CO₂ emissions.
- The system has successfully cultivated tomatoes for over six months in a demonstration greenhouse in Jeonju, highlighting its effectiveness in smart farming and achieving energy self-sufficiency in agriculture.
The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) has developed and successfully tested an innovative integrated energy platform aimed at achieving energy independence and reducing carbon emissions in agriculture. The newly developed Hydrogen-fueled Combined Heat and Power (CHP) System integrates hydrogen fuel cells, solar thermal collectors, heat pumps, and adsorption chillers in a 660-square-meter smart greenhouse. This system combines various renewable energy sources to generate electricity and reuse waste heat for cooling and heating, significantly reducing operating costs and CO₂ emissions. By utilizing PEM fuel cells, heat pumps, and solar collectors, the system efficiently produces and supplies energy based on seasonal and daily variations in sunlight and temperature. The integrated control system optimizes energy flows between heat sources, maximizing energy stability. Notably, the system demonstrated a 36.5% decrease in operating costs and a 58.1% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to traditional greenhouse systems. The successful cultivation of tomatoes for over six months in a demonstration greenhouse showcases the system's efficacy in smart farming and energy self-sufficiency. This innovative approach represents a significant step towards sustainable agriculture and showcases the potential of integrating hydrogen fuel cells into agricultural practices.