AgroaldeaMANUFACTURED BY THE US COMPANY GENERAL ELECTRIC.
The main task of this new creature is to increase the production of greenhouse crops in those countries where the sun is not a regular source. The first unit was installed last July in the greenhouses of the main tomato producer in the Netherlands.
The Jenbacher J624 GS was presented in society last September, after successfully passing all tests. It is located in the greenhouses that Royal Pride Holland has on the outskirts of Amsterdam, and Middenmeer.
The new creature is eleven and a half meters long, two wide and two and a half tall. Its weight exceeds 43 tons. It moves at a speed of 1.500 revolutions per minute thanks to its 24 cylinders and the output power is four megawatts.
According to its manufacturer, the American General Electric, the novelty of this engine is based on its compact design, a state-of-the-art anti-vibration system, low consumption as well as minimal maintenance and installation costs.
Representatives of GE in Europe have confirmed to Agroaldea that with this equipment the last factor of greenhouse production is controlled: the weather and announce that the J624 will begin to be marketed in more than fifteen countries. The next, Romania.
What distinguishes the J624 from other engines, apart from its extraordinary dimensions, is that this is a cogeneration equipment. Cogeneration means the system of joint production of electricity and thermal energy.
The J624's main power source is natural gas that transforms into heat, electricity and CO2. According to Royal Pride officials, The electricity generated by the Jenbacher is used as an additional source for tomato crops and with the rest electricity is provided at about 30.000 homes.
The heat and CO2 it produces are used in greenhouses, thereby obtaining a use of the total energy generated from the 95%. So much, GE and Royal Pride agree that the performance of this engine is superior to that of large power plants, where performance does not exceed 50%.
Royal Pride Holland estimates that with this extra heat and CO2 injection system crops grow between a 20% and a 25% more than they do under normal conditions, which affects the annual production considerably. To the income of the tomato they will now add those produced by the sale of electricity.
Regarding the development of viruses and pests and the effect of J624 on them, Royal Pride officials believe it is still too early to make an assessment, but they advance that, probably, will benefit crops by keeping all parameters stable.