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Cogeneration - CHP
Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is a well-proven and fuel-efficient energy technology that unlike traditional forms of power generation, utilises the by-product heat that is normally expelled to atmosphere for space heating, water heating (or cooling utilising the addition of an absorption chiller).
Typically this achieves a 35% reduction in energy use as well as ensuring a secure supply from having an independent source of power.
CHP ENERGY GENERATION TRADITIONAL ENERGY GENERATION
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Fuel Cell
The PEMFC (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell) operates at a low temperature (approx 80ºC) and is a market leader in efficiency for stationary power sources (42% electrical efficiency, 35% thermal efficiency). The lower operating temperature has the advantage of zero NOx production. The Fuel Cell creates electricity from hydrogen (from Natural Gas) and produces hot water, which is then utilised for heating (or cooling with the addition of an absorption chiller).
Gas Fired CHP
Conventional power plants emit the heat created as a byproduct of electricity generation into the environment through cooling towers, flue gas, or by other means. CHP captures the byproduct heat for heating purposes, and therefore increases the efficiency of the process.
Absorption Chillers
Absorptive refrigeration uses a source of heat to provide the energy needed to drive the cooling process. The most common use is in commercial climate control and cooling of machinery. Absorptive refrigeration is also used to air-condition buildings by using the waste heat from a gas turbine or water heater. The process is very efficient, since the gas turbine produces electricity, hot water and air-conditioning.
I assessed the viability of cogeneration a few years ago, and the economics didn’t stack up for my facility – why are things different now?
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