Controlled Environmental Agriculture (CEA) is transforming the food supply chain by using significantly less land and water than traditional farming. However, as greenhouses adopt Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems to achieve energy independence, managing the quality of engine exhaust becomes a critical technical challenge.
CHP systems allow a facility to generate its own electricity and heat from a single fuel source. For greenhouses, the byproduct of this process, Carbon Dioxide (CO2), is a vital nutrient for photosynthesis. While utilizing this CO2 can theoretically create a “zero-emission” loop, raw engine exhaust contains harmful pollutants that can devastate a harvest.
Protecting Crops with Metalcor® Catalysist
The presence of NOx and Ethylene in uncleaned exhaust gas can cause distorted growth and premature ripening. To prevent this, the DCL Metalcor® catalyst is utilized to purify the exhaust stream.
By converting unburned hydrocarbons into pure CO2 and eliminating NOx through Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), the system ensures that plants are fed only clean nutrients. This process is essential for maximizing crop yields and maintaining the high standards required by modern agricultural wholesalers.
Specifically designed for the rigors of industrial CHP applications, the Metalcor® catalyst offers several distinct advantages over traditional ceramic alternatives:
- Superior Performance: Achieves up to three times the efficiency of standard catalysts within the same volume.
- Operational Durability: The robust metallic substrate is engineered to withstand hostile exhaust conditions and thermal expansion without the need for gaskets.
- Environmental Sustainability: Unlike ceramic filters that end up in landfills, Metalcor® catalysts are designed to last the lifetime of the engine and are fully recyclable as scrap metal at the end of their service life.
Collaboration With Taylor Farms
A benchmark for this technology is the recent commissioning at Taylor Farms in Gonzales, California. DCL worked to implement an emissions clean-up solution for a microgrid system that combines wind, solar, and natural gas co-generation. This project has successfully:
- Achieved 90% energy independence for the facility.
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 175,000 metric tons annually, equivalent to removing 37,000 cars from the road.
Through the integration of advanced catalysis, DCL continues to enable the agricultural industry to embrace ESG initiatives while improving the efficiency and sustainability of the global food supply.
Read the full article: Energy Transition Insider
