Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
Combined Heat and Power (CHP)?
Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is the simultaneous generation of usable heat and power (usually electricity) in a single process.
Cogeneration systems can be employed over a wide range of sizes, applications, fuels and technologies. In its simplest form, it uses a gas turbine, an engine or a steam turbine to drive an alternator. The resulting electricity can be used either wholly or partially on-site. The produced heat is recovered, minimizing energy losses.
Combined Heat and Power is a form of a decentralized energy technology and CHP systems are typically installed onsite, supplying customers with heat and power directly at the point of use, therefore avoiding the significant losses that occur during transmission and distribution.
WHY COMBINED HEAT AND POWER?
The high efficiency of Combined Heat and Power engines leads to a reduction in the use of primary energy. Expensive fossil fuels are used much more efficiently so less is used.
CHP is traditionally divided into three categories:
- Micro: <5kW – domestic use
- Mini: 5kW-500kW – domestic and small industry
- Large: >500kW – industrial use
CHP COMBINATIONS
Combined Heat and Power engines can be combined with a number of other renewable energy technologies:
- Solar Energy
- Wind Energy
- Biomass combustion/ biomass digestion/ biomass gasification
- Geothermal Energy
- Hydro Energy
- etc.