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CHP Cogeneration
CHP (combined heat and power) or cogeneration is defined as
the simultaneous production of electricity and usable heat using a fuel
such as natural gas, although a variety of fuels can be used.
Before explaining more about cogeneration,
first it is necessary to
understand a little about traditional generation methods.
Most power generation is based on burning a
fuel, predominately coal,
although oil or gas are used, producing steam. It is the steam pressure
that spins the turbines that in turn drive the generators to create
electricity, unfortunately this is inherently an inefficient process.
No more than approximately one third (33%) of
the total energy
potential within original fuel can be converted into steam pressure
(although it must be said that the efficiency of gas turbines is nearer
fifty percent 50%). The balance, waste heat, without a local
application is dumped into the
atmosphere, using cooling towers or other convenient techniques.
How cogeneration systems work
Cogeneration systems produce both high grade hot water / steam
and electric power. Thermal performance is comparable to conventional
boilers, but in addition, 26% of the fuel's energy is converted into
high-grade electrical energy. The overall efficiency in the region of
eighty-five percent (85%) is achieved.
Often modified internal combustion engines can
be used, burning natural
gas as a fuel source to enable facilities to efficiently create their
own electricity and hot water (or steam) on site. The valuable heat
energy would be used to drive air conditioning or
other process heating needs.
Of course the cogeneration plant is self
contained (within the fence) mitigating the risk of external grid failures.
To learn more about CHP and cogeneration:
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