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Economic Feasibility Analysis of Greenhouse–Fuel Cell Convergence Systems

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  • Chul-sung Lee

    (Rural Research Institute, Korea Rural Community Corporation, 870, Haean-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan-si 15634, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea)

  • Hyungjin Shin

    (Rural Research Institute, Korea Rural Community Corporation, 870, Haean-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan-si 15634, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea)

  • Changi Park

    (Department of Rural Construction Engineering, Kongju National University, 56, Gongjudaehak-ro, Gongju-si 32588, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea)

  • Mi-Lan Park

    (Smart Farm & Architecture Project Department, Korea Rural Community Corporation, Naju-si 58327, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea)

  • Young Choi

    (Smart Farm & Architecture Project Department, Korea Rural Community Corporation, Naju-si 58327, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea)

Abstract

This study investigated the economic feasibility of introducing a new energy system, the greenhouse–fuel cell convergence system (GFCS), to a greenhouse that consumes a lot of energy. The GFCS is a concept that uses the heat generated during the power generation process to cool and heat the greenhouse, uses the emitted CO 2 as fertilizer inside the greenhouse, and sells the generated electricity. For economic evaluation, the annual energy consumption of the greenhouse was first calculated through simulation, and then the appropriate fuel cell capacity was determined. Next, a farmer-led business model and a utility-led business model were presented, and the economic feasibility of these models was evaluated for tomatoes and mangoes. The economic evaluation of the GFCS confirmed the economic feasibility by comparing it with a greenhouse equipped with a geothermal heat pump. The results of the economic evaluation revealed that the farmer-led model had a benefit–cost ratio (B/C) ranging from 0.62 to 0.65 even with government support for heat utilization facilities, which was lower than that of a typical greenhouse (1.03 to 1.06). On the other hand, the utility-led model showed high B/C ranging from 1.19 to 1.86. If the initial investment cost of the fuel cells is reduced and a government policy is appropriately supported, the GFCS can be economically applied to greenhouses.

Suggested Citation

  • Chul-sung Lee & Hyungjin Shin & Changi Park & Mi-Lan Park & Young Choi, 2023. "Economic Feasibility Analysis of Greenhouse–Fuel Cell Convergence Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2023:i:1:p:74-:d:1304338
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Costantino, Andrea & Comba, Lorenzo & Sicardi, Giacomo & Bariani, Mauro & Fabrizio, Enrico, 2021. "Energy performance and climate control in mechanically ventilated greenhouses: A dynamic modelling-based assessment and investigation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 288(C).
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