摘要 |
<p>A system for establishing and maintaining a favorable environment for cultivation of plants (12) comprises an enclosure, such as a greenhouse (10), defining a cultivation space for receiving plants (12) to be cultivated. An electrical consuming device (24, 26, 28) is associated with the enclosure for establishing or maintaining favorable conditions for photosynthesis in the enclosure. A furnace (40) receives a hydrocarbon fuel and burns the fuel to generate a hot combustion gas that contains water vapor and carbon dioxide. Thermal energy is recovered from the hot combustion gas and converted at least partially to mechanical energy. Cooled combustion gas is supplied to the cultivation space, and a generator (60) is coupled to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy. The generator (60) is coupled to the electrical consuming device (24, 26, 28) for supplying electrical energy thereto.</p> |