MINNEAPOLIS, April 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Given the demand for increased vegetable production, growing interest for locally grown and sustainably sourced produce, and the expanding supply of affordable natural gas, Cummins Power Generation Inc., a division of Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI), today announced the introduction of combined heat and power (CHP) generator systems targeted to commercial greenhouse growers in the United States and Canada.
CHP systems from Cummins provide the following benefits for greenhouse growers:
- Electricity for lights and other greenhouse operations
- Thermal energy provides on-site heating
- CO2 fertilization boosts crop production up to 30 percent
- Surplus energy may be sold back to the local utility
In addition to utilizing natural gas to generate electricity for on-site use, the Cummins CHP system simultaneously produces heat and beneficial carbon dioxide (CO2) fertilization to help accelerate plant growth.
"Our CHP systems give greenhouse growers a competitive advantage. By converting emissions and waste heat into CO2 fertilizer and thermal energy, growers can achieve bigger yields with a smaller carbon footprint, and a much improved utilization of resources," said Todd Skjervold, North America General Manager.
CHP offers greenhouse growers an on-site, independent power source using systems based on lean-burn, natural gas-powered generators. Through the capture and reuse of waste exhaust heat and CO2, CHP achieves up to a 90 percent energy efficiency and utilization. Compared to traditional utility- and boiler-powered greenhouses, this results in a 30 percent reduction in the grower's energy costs.
Cummins Power Generation has been providing comprehensive, turnkey CHP system management - from sizing and design to installation and ongoing operation and maintenance - for more than a decade in Europe and has installed more than 40 systems to date. More information about Cummins CHP generator systems targeted to the greenhouse market can be found at www.cumminsgreenhouse.com.
About Cummins Power Generation
Cummins Power Generation, a subsidiary of Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI), is a global leader dedicated to increasing the availability and reliability of electric power around the world. With more than 90 years of experience, its global network of distributors in more than 190 countries delivers innovative solutions for any power need - commercial, industrial, recreational, emergency and residential.
SOURCE Cummins Power Generation
